Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A near-threshold RISC-V core with DSP extensions for scalable IoT Endpoint Devices

Endpoint devices for Internet-of-Things not only need to work under extremely tight power envelope of a few milliwatts, but also need to be flexible in their computing capabilities, from a few kOPS to GOPS. Near-threshold(NT) operation can achieve higher energy efficiency, and the performance scalability can be gained through parallelism. In this paper we describe the design of an open-source RISC-V processor core specifically designed for NT operation in tightly coupled multi-core clusters. We introduce instruction-extensions and microarchitectural optimizations to increase the computational density and to minimize the pressure towards the shared memory hierarchy. For typical data-intensive sensor processing workloads the proposed core is on average 3.5x faster and 3.2x more energy-efficient, thanks to a smart L0 buffer to reduce cache access contentions and support for compressed instructions. SIMD extensions, such as dot-products, and a built-in L0 storage further reduce the shared memory accesses by 8x reducing contentions by 3.2x. With four NT-optimized cores, the cluster is operational from 0.6V to 1.2V achieving a peak efficiency of 67MOPS/mW in a low-cost 65nm bulk CMOS technology. In a low power 28nm FDSOI process a peak efficiency of 193MOPS/mW(40MHz, 1mW) can be achieved.
Fabrication and characterization of dual drug-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) fiber-microsphere composite scaffolds

ABSTRACT The purpose of this work is to develop dual drug-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) fiber-microsphere composite scaffolds with desired morphologies and dual drug loading properties, and to investigate the release kinetics of the dual drugs, both hydrophobic and hydrophilic, from the composite scaffolds. In this study, simvastatin (SIM) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were used as model drugs, which were incorporated into the composite scaffolds by performing electrospinning and emulsion electrospraying simultaneously. The optimum condition for electrospraying (solution concentration: 0.06 g/mL; applied voltage: 15 kV; and flow rate: 0.6 mL/h) has been obtained to prepare PLGA microspheres. The release rate of SIM and BSA from the composite scaffolds fit the first order kinetics and the Higuchi model, respectively. The results indicated that fiber-microsphere composite scaffolds had the ability to load two types of drug, suggesting the scaffolds have great potential in the field of tissue engineering and combined therapies. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Role of Elsholtzia communis in counteracting stress by modulating expression of hspa14, C/EBP homologous protein, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor, Caspase-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat hippocampus

OBJECTIVE: Elsholtzia communis (Collett and Hemsl.) Diels has been widely distributed and is reported for many therapeutic effects. The present study aims to investigate the antistress activity of the leaf extract and its possible molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydroethanolic extract of leaves of E. communis (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered for 7 days to stress-induced male Wistar rats. The experimental animals were divided into five groups (n = 6). The mRNA/protein profile of few stress responsive chaperones (hspa14), endoplasmic reticulum stress markers (C/EBP homologous protein [CHOP]), antioxidant regulating genes (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor [Nrf2]), apoptotic factors (Caspase-3) in rat hippocampus were studied by polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. RESULTS: The stress-related genes such as hspa14, CHOP, antioxidant gene Nrf2, apoptotic gene Caspase-3 which were overexpressed in the stress control group were significantly suppressed following administration of the extract at both the doses and the standard drug Ginseng. Likewise, brain-derived neurotrophic factor which is closely related with stress, was downregulated in the stress control group, was found to be upregulated following treatment with the extract and the standard drug Ginseng. CONCLUSION: Our findings clearly indicate that E. communis was able to counteract stress. Hence, it has the potential to develop as adaptogen and also as a replacement/substitute of the popularly used drug, Ginseng or Ashwagandha, which is on the verge of extinction or becoming endemic due to overuse.
Biofluid spectroscopic disease diagnostics: A review on the processes and spectral impact of drying

The complex patterns observed from evaporated liquid drops have been examined extensively over the last 20 years. Complete understanding of drop deposition is vital in many medical processes, and one which is essential to the translation of biofluid spectroscopic disease diagnostics. The promising use of spectroscopy in disease diagnosis has been hindered by the complicated patterns left by dried biological fluids which may inhibit the clinical translation of this technology. Coffee‐ring formation, cracking and gelation patterns have all been observed in biofluid drops, and with surface homogeneity being a key element to many spectroscopic techniques, experimental issues have been found to arise. A better understanding of the fundamental processes involved in a drying droplet could allow efficient progression in this research field, and ultimately benefit the population with the development of a reliable cancer diagnostic.
Percutaneous Balloon Kyphoplasty Vertebral Augmentation for Compression Fracture Due to Vertebral Metastasis: A 12-Month Retrospective Clinical Study in 72 Patients

Background Vertebral compression fracture is common in osteoporosis, but can also occur due to bone metastases, for which current treatment options are limited and include bone-strengthening with cement and supportive care. Kyphoplasty is a surgical method of bone augmentation that can reduce pain, stabilize vertebral bone, and restore some or all of the vertebral body height. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical results of balloon kyphoplasty in the correction of vertebral deformity due to metastatic vertebral compression fracture. Material/Methods A retrospective clinical study included 72 patients (82 vertebral bodies) with metastases resulting in vertebral compression fracture, treated by percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty; 9 patients were found incidentally to have vertebral metastases. Bone mineral density (BMD) levels were measured. Patient responses from questionnaires, including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability, were scored. The local kyphosis angle (KA) and the vertebral height ratio (VHR) were measured. All patients were followed up for 12 months. The initial postoperative and 12-month postoperative values, and the preoperative and postoperative values were compared. Results Following balloon kyphoplasty, the KA, VHR, VAS, and ODI scores significantly improved at the final 12-month follow-up compared with preoperative levels (p<0.05, and p<0.001). There was cement leakage in 6 procedures (8.3%) and adjacent segment fracture in 11 procedures (15.2%). Conclusions Balloon kyphoplasty was an effective method to reduce pain, reduce disability, and improve quality of life by eliminating kyphotic deformity in pathological vertebral compression fractures due to vertebral metastases.
Protective Effect of Casperome®, an Orally Bioavailable Frankincense Extract, on Lipopolysaccharide- Induced Systemic Inflammation in Mice

Introduction: Despite recent advances in critical care, sepsis remains a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic strategies is of great importance. Since ancient times, frankincense is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the present study intends to evaluate if Casperome® (Casp), an orally bioavailable soy lecithin-based formulation of standardized frankincense extract, is able to ameliorate systemic effects and organ damages induced by severe systemic inflammation using a murine model of sepsis, i.e., intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Methods: Male 60-day-old mice were assigned to six treatment groups: (1) control, (2) LPS, (3) soy lecithin (blank lecithin without frankincense extract), (4) Casp, (5) soy lecithin plus LPS, or (6) Casp plus LPS. Soy lecithin and Casp were given 3 h prior to LPS treatment; 24 h after LPS administration, animals were sacrificed and health status and serum cytokine levels were evaluated. Additionally, parameters representing liver damage or liver function and indicating oxidative stress in different organs were determined. Furthermore, markers for apoptosis and immune cell redistribution were assessed by immunohistochemistry in liver and spleen. Results: LPS treatment caused a decrease in body temperature, blood glucose levels, liver glycogen content, and biotransformation capacity along with an increase in serum cytokine levels and oxidative stress in various organs. Additionally, apoptotic processes were increased in spleen besides a pronounced immune cell infiltration in both liver and spleen. Pretreatment with Casp significantly improved health status, blood glucose values, and body temperature of the animals, while serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in all organs tested were significantly diminished. Finally, apoptotic processes in spleen, liver glycogen loss, and immune cell infiltration in liver and spleen were distinctly reduced. Casp also appears to induce various cytochromeP450 isoforms, thus causing re-establishment of liver biotransformation capacity in LPS-treated mice. Conclusion: Casp displayed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and hepatoprotective effects. Thus, orally bioavailable frankincense extracts may serve as a new supportive treatment option in acute systemic inflammation and accompanied liver dysfunction.
Improving the biological function of decellularized heart valves through integration of protein tethering and three‐dimensional cell seeding in a bioreactor

Decellularized xenogeneic heart valves (DHVs) are promising products for valve replacement. However, the widespread clinical application of such products is limited due to the risk of immune reaction, progressive degeneration, inflammation, and calcification. Here, we have developed an optimized decellularization protocol for a xenogeneic heart valve. We improved the biological function of DHVs by protein tethering onto DHV and three‐dimensional (3D) cell seeding in a bioreactor. Our results showed that heart valves treated with a Triton X‐100 and sodium deoxycholate‐based protocol were completely cell‐free, with preserved biochemical and biomechanical properties. The immobilization of stromal derived factor‐1α (SDF‐1α) and basic fibroblast growth factor on DHV significantly improved recellularization with endothelial progenitor cells under the 3D culture condition in the bioreactor compared to static culture conditions. Cell phenotype analysis showed higher fibroblast‐like cells and less myofibroblast‐like cells in both protein‐tethered DHVs. However, SDF‐DHV significantly enhanced recellularization both in vitro and in vivo compared to basic fibroblast growth factor DHV and demonstrated less inflammatory cell infiltration. SDF‐DHV had less calcification and platelet adhesion. Altogether, integration of SDF‐1α immobilization and 3D cell seeding in a bioreactor might provide a novel, promising approach for production of functional heart valves.
Various Mechanisms Involve the Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-Derived 2)-Like (NRF2) to Achieve Cytoprotection in Long-Term Cisplatin-Treated Urothelial Carcinoma Cell Lines

Therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced-stage urothelial carcinoma (UC) is limited by drug resistance. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) pathway is a major regulator of cytoprotective responses. We investigated its involvement in cisplatin resistance in long-term cisplatin treated UC cell lines (LTTs). Expression of NRF2 pathway components and targets was evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blotting in LTT sublines from four different parental cells. NRF2 transcriptional activity was determined by reporter assays and total glutathione (GSH) was quantified enzymatically. Effects of siRNA-mediated NRF2 knockdown on chemosensitivity were analysed by viability assays, γH2AX immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Increased expression of NRF2, its positive regulator p62/SQSTM1, and elevated NRF2 activity was observed in 3/4 LTTs, which correlated with KEAP1 expression. Expression of cytoprotective enzymes and GSH concentration were upregulated in some LTTs. NRF2 knockdown resulted in downregulation of cytoprotective enzymes and resensitised 3/4 LTTs towards cisplatin as demonstrated by reduced IC50 values, increased γH2AX foci formation, and elevated number of apoptotic cells. In conclusion, while LTT lines displayed diversity in NRF2 activation, NRF2 signalling contributed to cisplatin resistance in LTT lines, albeit in diverse ways. Accordingly, inhibition of NRF2 can be used to resensitise UC cells to cisplatin, but responses in patients may likewise be variable.
Energy Consumption of Clocks Synchronization on a Routing Algorithm for Sensor Networks

Cluditem is a routing algorithm for wireless sensor networks developed for applications of environmental monitoring with periodic measurement of variables. These applications tolerate a maximum phase shift of the clocks of nodes in the order of milliseconds. This paper proposes two centralized synchronization schemes that introduce a limited processing load. The objective of the work was to assess the impact on the energy consumption of the incorporation of synchronization techniques described. Simulations of the full communication protocol were conducted in the NS2 environment and a comparative study of results was performed. This study showed that the first proposed schema is more convenient with respect to energy consumption, when the area to monitor has reduced dimensions. On the other hand, the second scheme, although it permits to work in larger areas, introduces a decrease in the network lifetime in the order of 14%.
Microstructural and functional correlates of glutamate concentration in the posterior cingulate cortex

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain and has a central role in both intrinsic and stimulus‐induced activity. We conducted a study in a cohort of healthy, male volunteers in which glutamate levels were measured in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3T. The advantages of simultaneous electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐MRI) were exploited and the subjects were measured in the same session and under the same physiological conditions. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional MRI (fMRI) and EEG were measured in order to investigate the functional and microstructural correlates of glutamate. The concentration of glutamate (institute units) was calculated and those values were tested for correlation with the metrics of resting state fMRI, DTI, and EEG electrical sources. Our results showed that the concentration of glutamate in the PCC had a significant negative correlation with the tissue mean diffusivity in the same area. The analysis of resting state networks did not show any relationship between the concentration of glutamate and the intrinsic activity of the resting state networks. The concentration of glutamate showed a positive correlation with the electrical generators of α–1 frequency and a negative correlation with the generators of α–2 and β–1 electrical generators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Desynchronisation of auditory steady-state responses related to changes in interaural phase differences: an objective measure of binaural hearing

Abstract Objective: Binaural processing can be measured objectively as a desynchronisation of phase-locked neural activity to changes in interaural phase differences (IPDs). This was reported in a magnetoencephalography study for 40 Hz amplitude modulated tones. The goal of this study was to measure this desynchronisation using electroencephalography and explore the outcomes for different modulation frequencies. Design: Auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) were recorded to pure tones, amplitude modulated at 20, 40 or 80 Hz. IPDs switched between 0 and 180° at fixed time intervals. Study sample: Sixteen young listeners with bilateral normal hearing thresholds (≤25 dB HL at 125–8000 Hz) participated in this study. Results: Significant ASSR phase desynchronisations to IPD changes were detected in 14 out of 16 participants for 40 Hz and in 8, respectively 9, out of 13 participants for 20 and 80 Hz modulators. Desynchronisation and restoration of ASSR phase took place significantly faster for 80 Hz than for 40 and 20 Hz. Conclusions: ASSR desynchronisation to IPD changes was successfully recorded using electroencephalography. It was feasible for 20, 40 and 80 Hz modulators and could be an objective tool to assess processing of changes in binaural information.
Structural basis for the flexible recognition of α‐glucan substrates by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron SusG

Bacteria that reside in the mammalian intestinal tract efficiently hydrolyze dietary carbohydrates, including starch, that escape digestion in the small intestine. Starch is an abundant dietary carbohydrate comprised of α1,4 and α1,6 linked glucose, yet mammalian intestinal glucoamylases cannot effectively hydrolyze starch that has frequent α1,6 branching as these structures hinder recognition and processing by α1,4‐specific amylases. Here we present the structure of the cell surface amylase SusG from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron complexed with a mixed linkage amylosaccharide generated from transglycosylation during crystallization. Although SusG is specific for α1,4 glucosidic bonds, binding of this new oligosaccharide at the active site demonstrates that SusG can accommodate α1,6 branch points at subsite −3 to −2, and also at subsite+1 adjacent to the site of hydrolysis, explaining how this enzyme may be able to process a wide range of limit dextrins in the intestinal environment. These data suggest that B. thetaiotaomicron and related organisms may have a selective advantage for amylosaccharide scavenging in the gut.
A novel approach to sensing matrix optimization

This paper considers the problem of designing sensing matrix F for a compressive sensing (CS) system in which the dictionary ? is assumed to be given. A new measure is proposed for optimal sensing matrix design. Unlike the traditional design methods, the newly proposed measure takes the sparse representation error into account and hence is expected to lead to a more robust CS system. The optimal sensing matrix design problem is defined to identify those sensing matrices that minimize this measure and a closed-form solution is derived for solving such problem. Experiments are carried out and simulations show that the sensing matrix obtained by the proposed approach improves the signal recovery accuracy of the CS system greatly and outperforms those by existing algorithms when the sparse representation error is very high.
Neurostimulation for Postsurgical Analgesia: A Novel System Enabling Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

While neurostimulation—stimulation of the nervous system using electrical current—has been used to treat chronic pain, its use treating postsurgical pain has been limited. Here, we report on the clinical application of a novel investigational lead to provide analgesia following total knee arthroplasty. In 5 subjects, leads were inserted percutaneously using ultrasound guidance within 0.5 to 3.0 cm of the femoral and/or sciatic nerve(s). With the delivery of current, pain decreased an average of 63% at rest, with 4 of 5 subjects having relief of > 50%. During passive and active knee flexion, pain decreased an average of 14% and 50%, with 0/3 and 1/2 subjects attaining > 50% relief, respectively. Ultrasound‐guided percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation may be a practical modality for the treatment of postsurgical pain.
Identification of long-lived synaptic proteins by proteomic analysis of synaptosome protein turnover

Significance The majority of cellular proteins undergo rapid degradation and synthesis to minimize the toxic effect to cells and tissues and to guarantee normal cellular functions. It has been appreciated that proteins with longer half-lives exist in certain cells and tissues. Here we identify synaptic long-lived proteins by high-resolution mass spectrometry. In general, synaptic proteins exhibit slower turnover than cytosolic proteins, and synaptic protein turnover from mouse brain is enhanced by enriched environment exposure. Moreover, protein half-lives are dynamically regulated during changes in neuronal activity. These findings demonstrate the existence of long-lived proteins in synapses in the brain and support a potential role for them in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Memory formation is believed to result from changes in synapse strength and structure. While memories may persist for the lifetime of an organism, the proteins and lipids that make up synapses undergo constant turnover with lifetimes from minutes to days. The molecular basis for memory maintenance may rely on a subset of long-lived proteins (LLPs). While it is known that LLPs exist, whether such proteins are present at synapses is unknown. We performed an unbiased screen using metabolic pulse-chase labeling in vivo in mice and in vitro in cultured neurons combined with quantitative proteomics. We identified synaptic LLPs with half-lives of several months or longer. Proteins in synaptic fractions generally exhibited longer lifetimes than proteins in cytosolic fractions. Protein turnover was sensitive to pharmacological manipulations of activity in neuronal cultures or in mice exposed to an enriched environment. We show that synapses contain LLPs that may underlie stabile long-lasting changes in synaptic structure and function.
Dynamically distributed network control for message dissemination in ITS

We propose D2-ITS, a flexible and extensible framework to dynamically distribute network control to enable message dissemination in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). By decoupling the control-from the data plane, D2-ITS leverages network programmability to address ITS scalability, delay intolerance and decentralization. It uses a distributed control plane based on a hierarchy of controllers that can dynamically adjust to environment- and network conditions in order to satisfy ITS application requirements. We demonstrate the benefits of D2-ITS through a proof-of-concept prototype using the ns-3 simulation platform. Results indicate lower message delivery latency with minimal additional overhead.