Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Continuous Particle Sorting Utilizing Cascade Squeeze-Jumping Effect Under Microfluidic Configuration

This paper presents a novel method for continuous particle sorting and collection by using of cascade squeeze-jumping effect under microfluidic configuration. Microparticles with different sizes can be successfully separated at different stages of squeezed sheath flows. Separated microparticles then flow into expansion channel blocks to enlarge the distance of the separated flow streams and are collected at different side channels. Only one high voltage is required for generating all the sheath flows for particle separation by applying a series of variable resister to create different electric field levels such that the system is simple and reliable. This study also adopts numerical simulation to analyze and predict the flow fields and stream lines within the microchannel. Experimental results show that the microchip is capable of continuously separating microparticles with the sizes of 5, 10 and 20 μm using the proposed squeeze-jumping effect. The method proposed in this study provides a simple way to continuously separate microparticles/cells with different sizes. More importantly, no delicate control system and fabrication process are required to achieve the sorting and collection.
Arranging Weekly Work Plans in Concrete Element Prefabrication Using Genetic Algorithms

Applying lean production concepts to precast fabrication have been proven promising. However, foreman encounters difficulties in arranging weekly work plans. The objective of this research is to overcome the difficulty when arranging weekly work plans in concrete element prefabrication. Current practices in arranging weekly work plans are fairly basic, and depending heavily on experience, thereby resulting in inefficient resource utilization and even late delivery. To enhance weekly work planning, this research develops a flowshop sequencing model. In the model, production constraints and buffer sizes between stations are considered. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is then used to search for optimum solutions with minimum makespan and tardiness penalties. The performance of the proposed method is validated by using two case studies. The experimental results show that the research work can be used to enhance weekly work planning especially for numerous combinations of sequences.
Identification of one novel pathogenic ITGB3 mutation and two known mutations in two Chinese pedigrees with hereditary Glanzmann thrombasthenia

Abstract Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is an inherited disorder of platelet aggregation resulting from quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. We analyzed the expression of GPIIb/IIIa and the gene sequencing in two pedigrees with GT, so as to determine the type and the relationship between genotype and clinical phenotype. Platelet aggregation tests and flow cytometric studies were performed, along with gene sequencing. Both probands were classified as grade III of bleeding. Platelet aggregation was absent or defective upon stimulation with physiological stimuli like AA and ADP, but platelets agglutinated normally in response to ristocetin. MFI values were considerably reduced. Gene sequencing showed ITGB3 mutations p.Cys549Ser/p.Leu705CysfsTer4 in proband 1 and p.Cys549Ser/p.Gln254Lys in proband 2 and her sister. This study reports one novel ITGB3 mutant gene, p.Gln254Lys, of which we will explore the potential pathogenicity.
Catalytic Hydrogel Membrane Reactor for Treatment of Aqueous Contaminants.

Heterogeneous hydrogenation catalysis is a promising approach for treating oxidized contaminants in drinking water, but scale-up has been limited by the challenge of immobilization of the catalyst while maintaining efficient mass transport and reaction kinetics. We describe a new process that addresses this issue: the catalytic hydrogel membrane (CHM) reactor. The CHM consists of a gas-permeable hollow-fiber membrane coated with an alginate-based hydrogel containing catalyst nanoparticles. The CHM benefits from counter-diffusional transport within the hydrogel, where H2 diffuses from the interior of the membrane and contaminant species (e.g., NO2-, O2) diffuse from the bulk aqueous solution. The reduction of O2 and NO2- were investigated using CHMs with varying palladium catalyst densities, and mass transport of reactive species in the catalytic hydrogel was characterized using microsensors. The thickness of the "reactive zone" within the hydrogel affected the reaction rate and byproduct selectivity, and it was dependent on catalyst density. In a continuously mixed flow reactor test using groundwater, the CHM activity was stable for a 3 day period. Outcomes of this study illustrate the potential of the CHM as a scalable process in the treatment of aqueous contaminants.
Maternal stress and adolescent brain structure and function

Adolescence is a time of heightened sensitivity in biological stress systems and the emergence of stress‐related psychopathology. Thus, understanding environmental factors in adolescence that might be associated with adolescents'’ stress systems is important. Maternal stress levels may be involved. However, the relationship between maternal stress and the adolescent brain is unknown.
Reduced pre-hospital and in-hospital survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: an observational prospective community-based study.

AIMS Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a major cause of death. We aimed to determine whether type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced pre-hospital and in-hospital survival rates after OHCA. METHODS AND RESULTS An observational community-based cohort study was performed among 1549 OHCA patients with ECG-documented ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF). We compared pre-hospital and in-hospital survival rates between T2DM patients and non-diabetic patients. Analyses among T2DM patients were stratified according to current T2DM treatment, used as proxy for T2DM severity. Proportions of neurologically intact survival were analysed. Pre-hospital survival rates were lower in T2DM patients (n = 275) than in non-diabetic patients (n = 1274); 48.7 vs. 55.8% (univariate P = 0.032). Type-2 diabetes mellitus was associated with lower pre-hospital survival [OR 0.75 (0.58-0.98); after evaluation of the risk factors, we found no relevant confounding]. Patients treated with insulin only had lower pre-hospital survival rates than patients treated with oral glucose-lowering drugs only (37.3 vs. 53.3%, univariate P = 0.034), partially explained by location of OHCA and EMS response time [ORadj 0.62 (0.33-1.17)]. In-hospital survival rates were also lower in T2DM patients (n = 134) than in non-diabetic patients (n = 711); 40.3 vs. 57.7%, univariate P < 0.001. In those patients whose cause of OHCA was retrieved (n = 771), T2DM was significantly associated with lower in-hospital survival [ORadj 0.57 (0.37-0.87)]. Neurologically intact status at discharge was similarly high among T2DM and non-diabetic patients (94.4 vs. 94.6%, P = 0.954). CONCLUSION T2DM is associated with lower pre-hospital and in-hospital survival rates after OHCA. Neurologically intact status at hospital discharge is high both among T2DM and non-diabetic patients.
OsbZIP81, A Homologue of Arabidopsis VIP1, May Positively Regulate JA Levels by Directly Targetting the Genes in JA Signaling and Metabolism Pathway in Rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. In plants, jasmonic acid (JA) plays essential roles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. As one of the largest transcription factors (TFs), basic region/leucine zipper motif (bZIP) TFs play pivotal roles through the whole life of plant growth. However, the relationship between JA and bZIP TFs were rarely reported, especially in rice. In this study, we found two rice homologues of Arabidopsis VIP1 (VirE2-interacting protein 1), OsbZIP81, and OsbZIP84. OsbZIP81 has at least two alternative transcripts, OsbZIP81.1 and OsbZIP81.2. OsbZIP81.1 and OsbZIP84 are typical bZIP TFs, while OsbZIP81.2 is not. OsbZIP81.1 can directly bind OsPIOX and activate its expression. In OsbZIP81.1 overexpression transgenic rice plant, JA (Jasmonic Acid) and SA (Salicylic acid) were up-regulated, while ABA (Abscisic acid) was down-regulated. Moreover, Agrobacterium, Methyl Jasmonic Acid (MeJA), and PEG6000 can largely induce OsbZIP81. Based on ChIP-Seq and Random DNA Binding Selection Assay (RDSA), we identified a novel cis-element OVRE (Oryza VIP1 response element). Combining ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq, we obtained 1332 targeted genes that were categorized in biotic and abiotic responses, including α-linolenic acid metabolism and fatty acid degradation. Together, these results suggest that OsbZIP81 may positively regulate JA levels by directly targeting the genes in JA signaling and metabolism pathway in rice.
Leadless pacemaker or loop recorder?

Dear Editor, This is a brief letter to highlight the distinguishing features of two of the latest cardiac devices which may have a similar appearance on a frontal chest radiograph but have different functions. A leadless pacemaker (Micra Pacemaker by Medtronic, MN, USA) is a new cardiac device that has been recently introduced into clinical practice since 2016. It has a similar function to a conventional pacemaker except that it does not require a surgical pocket or pacing leads. It is the size of a capsule that measures 25.99 mm 9 6.7 mm in length and diameter. The capsule is implanted directly onto the wall of the right ventricle via a percutaneous approach. The complications that can occur with this procedure are cardiac perforation and pericardial effusion. Another similar looking device is an implantable loop recorder (Reveal LINQ by Medtronic, MN, USA, and SJM Confirm by Abbott, IL, USA). It is used to continuously monitor for the presence of an irregular heart rhythm in patients with a suspected underlying arrhythmia. This device is also of the size of a capsule that measures 44.8 mm 9 7.2 mm and 56.5 mm 9 18.5 mm in length and diameter respectively. However, it is not implanted directly into the myocardium but rather subcutaneously into the left parasternal region of the chest, which is the optimal site for acquiring sufficient electrical potentials from the heart. A complication that can occur with this procedure is a local pocket infection around the device. Both devices appear similar on a frontal chest radiograph as a radiopaque capsule with electronic hardware overlying the cardiac silhouette. A key distinguishing feature of the leadless pacemaker on the frontal chest radiograph is its radiopaque cathode electrode at its distal tip which is affixed on to the wall of the right ventricle by four metal (nitinol) legs (Fig. 1a,b). This radiopaque cathode tip and four metallic legs are not present in both loop recorders (Fig. 1c,d).
Force Control of Ankle Dorsiflexors in Young Adults: Effects of Bilateral Control and Leg Dominance

Abstract We investigated whether bilateral lower-limb control and leg dominance affect force control ability in 15 healthy young adults (9 males and 6 females, age =26.8 ± 4.1 years). Participants performed isometric ankle dorsiflexion force control tasks, matching a visual target (10% of maximal effort) as quickly and precisely as possible in ballistic and tonic tasks. Performance was evaluated using force error, force steadiness, amount of muscle activity of the tibialis anterior, and response time characteristics. Results showed no significant effects of leg dominance during both ballistic and tonic tasks, while bilateral condition resulted in significantly larger error, less force steadiness, compared to unilateral condition, and only during the tonic task. Consequently, bilateral control, specifically in tasks utilizing feedback control (i.e., tonic task) might affect force control ability, possibly because of the interhemispheric inhibition to meet bilateral task complexity and integrate afferent bilateral sensory information from both right and left legs.
Design and Pilot Results of a Mobile Phone Weight-Loss Application for Women Starting a Meal Replacement Programme

We developed and tested a mobile phone application (app) to support individuals embarking on a partial meal replacement programme (MRP). Overweight or obese women were randomly allocated to one of two study groups. The intervention group received an MRP Support app. The control group received a static app based on the information available with the MRP. A total of 58 adult women (Support n = 28; Control n = 30) participated in the 8-week trial. Their BMI was 26-43 kg/m2. Usage data suggested that the intervention group were more engaged with using the app throughout the study period. Mixed modelling revealed that the difference in weight loss between the intervention and control groups (estimated mean, EM = 3.2% and 2.2% respectively) was not significant (P = 0.08). Objective data suggested that users of the Support app were more engaged than those using the control app. A total of 1098 prompts (54%) asking people in the intervention group to enter their meals were completed prior to the evening prompt. Women in the intervention group reported a greater increase in positive affect (i.e. mood) than those in the control group (EM = 0.48 and −0.01, respectively) (P = 0.012). At Week 8, those in the control group reported a greater decrease in the effort they were willing to put into staying on the diet than those who received the Support app (EM = −2.8 and −1.4, respectively) (P = 0.024). The Support app could be a useful adjunct to existing MRPs for psychological outcomes.
Fostering Social Interaction in AAL: Methodological reflections on the coupling of real household Living Lab and SmartHome approaches

Abstract For user-centred design of ICT solutions in the AAL field, an approach combining real household living lab and SmartHome lab seems promising. Based on our experiences within the AAL project FoSIBLE, we propose a mixed-method approach to develop and evaluate a Social TV system from both a bird′s eye and worm′s-eye perspective in regards to user acceptance and rejection. We provide insights into the methodological strategies and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of our proposition to demonstrate how the different methodological approaches can augment each other in the different phases of AAL projects. Zusammenfassung Um neue IKT-Lösungen innerhalb von AAL-Projekten nutzerorientiert zu entwickeln und zu evaluieren, erscheint die Verbindung des Living Lab Konzeptes in realen Haushalten mit der Verwendung eines SmartHomes als Testumgebung vielversprechend. Basierend auf unseren Erfahrungen innerhalb des AAL-Projekts FoSIBLE stellen wir eine Verknüpfung beider Ansätze vor, um Social TV Systeme hinsichtlich der Nutzer-Akzeptanz bzw. Ablehnung sowohl aus einer Vogel- als auch Froschperspektive untersuchen zu können. Hierfür beschreiben wir die methodischen Strategien beider Ansätze und analysieren die jeweiligen Vor- und Nachteile, um aufzuzeigen wie sich die Ansätze in unterschiedlichen Projektphasen ergänzen können.
Global citizenship: Defining capabilities for speech-language pathology

Abstract Purpose: This paper outlines the findings of a scoping review of the literature relating to global citizenship. The purpose of the review was to develop a working definition and associated capabilities for assessing global citizenship among speech-language pathologists (SLPs), which may also prove helpful to other health professionals and for educating tertiary students. Method: Using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, key databases were searched, namely Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Subsequently the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms were applied for coding and categorising initial research findings. Articles were individually appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool (CASP). Result: Of the 2126 articles identified, 21 articles were determined to satisfy the search criteria. The literature revealed nine capabilities associated with global citizenship appropriate for health professionals including SLPs. Conclusion: Based on the findings, a working definition is determined for assessing professional global citizenship capabilities, which will prove useful for improving occupational standards, for charting competencies, and ultimately enhancing professional capability.
The process of determining driving safety in people with dementia: A review of the literature and guidelines from 5 English speaking countries

Objectives: To review literature and guidelines related to the process of determining driving safety in people with dementia. Method: Four electronic databases were searched in December 2016/January 2017. We limited our search to literature and guidelines published in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Results: General practitioners are primarily responsible for driver licensing; however, they often feel ill-equipped and it can compromise the therapeutic relationship. Occupational therapist driving assessment is considered as the ‘gold-standard’ but is costly and often not available. Medical advisory boards assist the assessment process by providing independent licencing decisions. Conclusions: General practitioner training, funding for occupational therapist driving assessment and the establishment of a medical advisory board could be considered to improve the current practice of driving assessment in dementia.
The clock-drawing test as a possible indicator of acute psychosis

The clock-drawing test (CDT) is used widely to evaluate cognitive disorders, but its role in the assessment of psychotic disorders has not been studied. We sought to examine whether the CDT plays a role as an indicator of psychosis and to establish its sensitivity to clinical improvement of psychosis. The CDT was administered twice to 53 hospitalized patients without dementia but with psychosis: once at admission and again before discharge. The CDT scores were calculated in a random order by two independent senior psychiatrists who were blinded to the patients’ status (admission or discharge). The inter-rater reliability was high (0.89 at admission, 0.85 at discharge, P<0.01 for both). The severity of psychosis was assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Patients had significantly lower CDT scores at admission than at discharge (2.87±1.39 vs. 3.91±1.08, respectively, P<0.01). The PANSS-total score of the patients showed a significant improvement (84.90±17.77 vs. 69.18±16.23, P<0.01). An inverse correlation was found between CDT performance and psychosis severity, as reflected by the PANSS-positive symptom subscale at admission (R=−0.279, P<0.05). Our findings suggest that the CDT may aid in the assessment of psychotic states and in their clinical monitoring.
Identification, Molecular Cloning, and Characterization of the Sixth Subunit of Human Transcription Factor TFIIIC*

TFIIIC in yeast and humans is required for transcription of tRNA and 5 S RNA genes by RNA polymerase III. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, TFIIIC is composed of six subunits, five of which are conserved in humans. We report the identification, molecular cloning, and characterization of the sixth subunit of human TFIIIC, TFIIIC35, which is related to the smallest subunit of yeast TFIIIC. Human TFIIIC35 does not contain the phosphoglycerate mutase domain of its yeast counterpart, and these two proteins display only limited homology within a 34-amino acid domain. Homologs of the sixth TFIIIC subunit are also identified in other eukaryotes, and their phylogenic evolution is analyzed. Affinity-purified human TFIIIC from an epitope-tagged TFIIIC35 cell line is active in binding to and in transcription of the VA1 gene in vitro. Furthermore, TFIIIC35 specifically interacts with the human TFIIIC subunits TFIIIC63 and, to a lesser extent, TFIIIC90 in vitro. Finally, we determined a limited region in the smallest subunit of yeast TFIIIC that is sufficient for interacting with the yeast TFIIIC subunit ScTfc1 (orthologous to TFIIIC63) and found it to be adjacent to and overlap the 34-amino acid domain that is conserved from yeast to humans.
A Direct Torque Controlled Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive without a Speed Sensor

This paper reports results of further investigation of the so-called direct torque control (DTC) technique to an interior permanent magnet (1PM) synchronous motor drive. This torque control technique for IPM motors requires no dq-axes current controllers and coordinate transformnation networks. A completely sensorless 1PM motor drive with DTC, which uses a new speed estimator from the stator flux linkage vector and the torque angle, is presented. It is shown that including the torque angle in the estimation process results in a far more accurate transient speed estimator than what is reported in the existing literature.
Combination of data mining techniques for intrusion detection system

As Internet continues to influence our day to day activities like eCommerce, eGoverence, eEducation etc. the threat from hackers has also increased. Due to which many researcher thinking intrusion detection systems as fundamental line of defense. However, many commercially available intrusion detection systems are predominantly signature-based that are designed to detect known attacks. These systems require frequent updates of signature or rules and they are not capable of detecting unknown attacks. One of the solution is use of anomaly base intrusion detection systems which are extremely effective in detecting known as well as unknown attacks. One of the major problem with anomaly base intrusion detection systems is detection of high false alarm rate. In this paper, we provide solution to increase attack detection rate while minimizing high false alarm rate by combining various data mining techniques.
Association Between Dairy Product Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies.

Dairy product consumption may decrease colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but very few studies have evaluated the association between different types of dairy products and CRC location. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the associations between dairy product consumption and CRC incidence. Summary RRs and ORs with 95% CIs were estimated. A total of 15 cohort studies and 14 case-control studies comprising a total of >22,000 cases were included in the quantitative synthesis. The cohort studies showed a consistent significant decrease in CRC risk associated with higher consumption of total dairy products (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.91) and total milk (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.88) compared with the CRC risk associated with lower consumption. These studies also showed a significant protective association between low-fat milk consumption and CRC (RR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.88), but only for colon cancer (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.87). Cheese consumption was inversely associated with the risk of CRC (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.96) and proximal colon cancer (RR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.91). No significant associations with CRC were found for the consumption of low-fat dairy products, whole milk, fermented dairy products, or cultured milk. Most of these associations were not supported by the case-control studies. In conclusion, high consumption of total dairy products and total milk was associated with a lower risk of developing CRC at any anatomic location, including the proximal and distal colon and the rectum. Low-fat milk consumption was associated with a lower risk of CRC, but this association was restricted to colon cancer. Cheese consumption was associated with the prevention of CRC, specifically proximal colon cancer. Further studies on larger samples and with longer follow-up periods, along with appropriately designed and executed clinical trials, are warranted to determine whether dairy product consumption affects CRC development.