Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Risk of Cardiac Device-Related Infection in Bacteremic Patients Is Species Specific: Results of a 12-Year Prospective Cohort

Abstract Background The species-specific risk of cardiac device-related infection (CDRI) among bacteremic patients is incompletely understood. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of hospitalized patients from October 2002 to December 2014 with a cardiac device (CD) and either Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) or Gram-negative bacteremia (GNB). Cardiac devices were defined as either prosthetic heart valves (PHVs), including valvular support rings, permanent pacemakers (PPMs)/automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs), or left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Results During the study period, a total of 284 patients with ≥1 CD developed either SAB (n = 152 patients) or GNB (n = 132 patients). Among the 284 patients, 150 (52.8%) had PPMs/AICDs, 72 (25.4%) had PHVs, 4 (1.4%) had LVADs, and 58 (20.4%) had >1 device present. Overall, 54.6% of patients with SAB and 16.7% of patients with GNB met criteria for definite CDRI (P < .0001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that 3 bacterial species were associated with an increased risk for CDRI: Staphylococcus aureus (odds ratio [OR] = 5.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.16–14.36), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR = 50.28; 95% CI, 4.16–606.93), and Serratia marcescens (OR = 7.75; 95% CI, 1.48–40.48). Conclusions Risk of CDRI among patients with bacteremia varies by species. Cardiac device-related infection risk is highest in patients with bacteremia due to S aureus, P aeruginosa, or S marcescens. By contrast, it is lower in patients with bacteremia due to other species of Gram-negative bacilli. Patients with a CD who develop bacteremia due to either P aeruginosa or S marcescens should be considered for diagnostic imaging to evaluate for the presence of CDRI.
RCAFE Based Numerical Model of Dynamic Recrystallization

The main goal of the paper is dedicated to proper arrangement of the Finite Element (FE) and Random Cellular Automata (RCA) methods in order to develop numerical model of dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and therefore to simulate microstructure morphology changes during plastic deformation at elevated temperatures. In the approach, Finite Element solver provides information on equivalent stress and strain fields after subsequent time steps. Then these data are transferred to RCA model, which is responsible for evaluation of corresponding microstructure morphology evolution and dislocation density changes. Finally, information from the CA part is send back to the FE solver as an input for the next time step. As a result, a fully coupled RCAFE model to simulate progress of DRX is established. The present paper is directly focused on development of algorithms and methods to transfer input/output data between both FE and RCA models. The developed communication protocol is based on the Abaqus VUMAT subroutine. Examples of obtained results from the developed model are also presented to highlight its potential.
GATA4 Is Essential for Bone Mineralization via ERα and TGFβ/BMP Pathways

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass, leading to an increased risk of fragility fractures. GATA4 is a zinc‐finger transcription factor that is important in several tissues, such as the heart and intestines, and has recently been shown to be a pioneer factor for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in osteoblast‐like cells. Herein, we demonstrate that GATA4 is necessary for estrogen‐mediated transcription and estrogen‐independent mineralization in vitro. In vivo deletion of GATA4, driven by Cre‐recombinase in osteoblasts, results in perinatal lethality, decreased trabecular bone properties, and abnormal bone development. Microarray analysis revealed GATA4 suppression of TGFβ signaling, necessary for osteoblast progenitor maintenance, and concomitant activation of BMP signaling, necessary for mineralization. Indeed, pSMAD1/5/8 signaling, downstream of BMP signaling, is decreased in the trabecular region of conditional knockout femurs, and pSMAD2/3, downstream of TGFβ signaling, is increased in the same region. Together, these experiments demonstrate the necessity of GATA4 in osteoblasts. Understanding the role of GATA4 to regulate the tissue specificity of estrogen‐mediated osteoblast gene regulation and estrogen‐independent bone differentiation may help to develop therapies for postmenopausal osteoporosis. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effects on bread and oil quality after functionalization with microencapsulated chia oil.

BACKGROUND Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids-rich oils suffer oxidation reactions that alter their chemical and organoleptic quality. Microencapsulation can be a powerful tool for protection against ambient conditions. In the present study, the addition of microencapsulated chia oil as an ingredient in bread preparations and its effect on the technological and chemical quality of breads was investigated. RESULTS Microencapsulation of chia oil was carried out by freeze-drying with soy proteins as wall material and oil release was determined under in vitro gastric and intestinal conditions. Encapsulated oil-containing bread showed no differences in specific volume, average cell area, firmness and chewiness with respect to control bread. Unencapsulated oil-containing bread showed a marked increase in hydroperoxide values respect to control, whereas encapsulated oil-containing bread values were not affected by baking and bread storage. The fatty acid profiles showed a decrease of 13% and 16%, respectively, in α-linolenic acid in the encapsulated and unencapsulated oils with respect to bulk chia oil. Sensory analysis showed no significant differences between bread samples. CONCLUSION The addition of encapsulated chia oil did not alter the technological quality of breads and prevented the formation of hydroperoxide radicals. A ration of encapsulated oil-containing bread contributes 60% of the recommended dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cell Based Drug Delivery System through Resealed Erythrocyte - A Review

Erythrocytes are biocompatible, biodegradable, possess long circulation half lives, and can be loaded with a variety of biologically active compounds using various chemical and physical methods. Erythrocytes are potential biocompatible vectors for different bioactive substances, including drugs. These can be used successfully as biological carriers of drugs, enzymes and peptides. There are currently diverse methods that permit drug encapsulation in erythrocytes with an appropriate yield. Erythrocytes loaded with drugs and other substances allow for different release rates to be obtained. Encapsulation in erythrocytes significantly changes the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs in both animals and humans, enhancing liver and spleen uptake and targeting the reticulo-endothelial system (RES). This review explains the different method of drug loading and their characterization parameters for resealed erythrocytes. This method of drug targeting is safe and effective for longer period of time and beneficial for the society.
Comparison of Transperianal Ultrasound With Colonoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Perianal Crohn Disease

Objective: Perianal fistulae and/or abscesses are common complications of Crohn disease (CD), especially in children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and gross examination under anesthesia are accurate diagnostic modalities for evaluating perianal lesions. Both methods, however, are expensive and have some limitations for use in children. This study aims to assess the accuracy of transperianal ultrasound (TPUS) and colonoscopic examination, compared with MRI, in pediatric patients with perianal CD (PACD). Methods: Thirty-eight children and adolescents with PACD who underwent MRI, TPUS, and gross colonoscopic examination under sedation were included. Fistulae were classified according to Parks’ and St. James's University Hospital classifications. Abscesses were identified by their presence and location on each modality. Results: Fifty-nine fistulae (26 superficial, 23 intersphincteric, 10 transsphincteric) and 16 abscesses were detected using MRI. Fifty-nine fistulae and 10 abscesses were detected using TPUS. Forty-five fistulae (sensitivity 76.3%, positive predictive value [PPV] 84.2%, and kappa value 0.296] and 9 abscesses (sensitivity 56.3%, PPV 90.0%, and kappa value 0.624) on TPUS corresponded with MRI findings. Forty-six fistulae and fifteen abscesses were detected using colonoscopy. Forty fistulae (sensitivity 67.8%, PPV 89.9%, and kappa value 0.369) and 7 abscesses (sensitivity 43.8%, PPV 48.8%, and kappa value 0.304) on colonoscopy corresponded with MRI findings. With respect to abscess, agreement between TPUS and MRI was superior to that between colonoscopy and MRI (Spearman rho 0.651 vs 0.304, P = 0.007). Conclusion: TPUS is an appropriate, simple, and real-time method for detecting perianal fistula and/or abscess, in children with PACD.
Characterization of CdTe Based Photodetectors, ZnO Nanowires and Nanostructures for Photonic Applications

With the constant drive for higher performance and new functionality in modern electrical and optical devices, the need for growth and characterization in a practical, economical and controlled manner has become increasingly important. The intent of my proposed research is to help provide a vertically-integrated basis of knowledge about such nanostructures, from basic materials science and physics to fabricate and characterize electronic and photonic devices. This work will have important technological applications ranging from detectors, sensors, solar cells, lasers, transistors and nanogenerators etc. The proposed research encompasses three distinct, but completely synergistic and overlapping categories. First part of my thesis involves analysis on the structural, vibrational and defect states of chlorine treated polycrystalline CdTe thin films. Cadmium telluride (CdTe) has been regarded as a promising semiconductor material for the detection of infrared (IR) radiations, hard X-rays, γ-rays and also in photovoltaics applications. An important limiting factor for device performance for these detectors are recombination and noise limitations. A method is proposed to study and optimize electrical and optical parameters of individual layers of CdTe/CdS based devices that can help tremendously improve the performance and thus enhance the overall efficiency of cells. Secondly successful fabrication of gold nano particles using properties of the block co polymer self-assembling into highly ordered and periodic nanodomain is achieved as compared to conventional lithography techniques. These materials can serve as templates for the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of semiconductor nanowires, whereas gold nanodots also possess attractive applications in optoelectronic devices, photonics and plasmonics applications. Lastly doping and band gap engineering of oxide based ZnO nanowires with indium (III) oxide is achieved using vapor liquid solid (VLS) technique and enhanced optical properties and detailed defect state analysis are reported. Complex ZnO nanostructures are fabricated and a detailed study of the optimized growth conditions of ZnO nanowires are presented. Further spontaneous polarization effects induced by these polar wurtzite nanowires are explored with applications including (but not limited to) solar cells, photodetectors, plasmonics, light emitters, nanogenerators, etc.
Successful Aging: A Psychosocial Resources Model for Very Old Adults

Objectives. Using data from the first two phases of the Georgia Centenarian Study, we proposed a latent factor structure for the Duke OARS domains: Economic Resources, Mental Health, Activities of Daily Living, Physical Health, and Social Resources. Methods. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on two waves of the Georgia Centenarian Study to test a latent variable measurement model of the five resources; nested model testing was employed to assess the final measurement model for equivalency of factor structure over time. Results. The specified measurement model fit the data well at Time 1. However, at Time 2, Social Resources only had one indicator load significantly and substantively. Supplemental analyses demonstrated that a model without Social Resources adequately fit the data. Factorial invariance over time was confirmed for the remaining four latent variables. Discussion. This study's findings allow researchers and clinicians to reduce the number of OARS questions asked of participants. This has practical implications because increased difficulties with hearing, vision, and fatigue in older adults may require extended time or multiple interviewer sessions to complete the battery of OARS questions.
Modeling and Control of Complex Dynamic Systems 2014

Nowadays, practical dynamic systems have become more and more complex, which may be characterized by a model subjected to environmental uncertainties, communication time delays, stochastic perturbations, hybrid dynamics, distributed dynamics, chaotic dynamics, collective behaviours, and so forth [1, 2]. As a result, modeling and control of a complex system either from the viewpoint of mathematical theoretical methods or the view of real-time application point have been an interesting but challenging research topic. This is the third-year special issue from which one may see some recent research progresses in this research field. The special issue received 63 submissions, and 6 papers are selected after a peer-review procedure, indicating an acceptance rate of less than 10%.
Axonemal dynein assembly requires the R2TP complex component Pontin

Pontin (Ruvbl1) and Reptin (Ruvbl2) are closely related AAA ATPases. They are components of the Ruvbl1-Ruvbl2-Tah1-Pih1 (R2TP) complexes that function as co-chaperones for the assembly of multiple macromolecular protein complexes. Here, we show that Pontin is essential for cilia motility in both zebrafish and mouse and that Pontin and Reptin function cooperatively in this process. Zebrafish pontin mutants display phenotypes tightly associated with cilia defects, and cilia motility is lost in a number of ciliated tissues along with a reduction in the number of outer and inner dynein arms. Pontin protein is enriched in cytosolic puncta in ciliated cells in zebrafish embryos. In mouse testis, Pontin is essential for the stabilization of axonemal dynein intermediate chain 1 (DNAI1) and DNAI2, the first appreciated step in axonemal dynein arm assembly. Strikingly, multiple dynein arm assembly factors show structural similarities to either Tah1 or Pih1, the other two components of the R2TP complex. Based on these results, we propose that Pontin and Reptin function to facilitate dynein arm assembly in cytosolic foci enriched with R2TP-like complexes. Summary: The ATPase Pontin is essential for cilia motility in multiple organs in zebrafish and for sperm motility in mice, where it functions with Reptin and Hsp90 in building axonemal dynein complexes.
Increased plasma prothrombin concentration in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis and prothrombin G20210A mutation

Summary It was the aim of the present study to investigate factor II levels in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) carrying the heterozygous G20210A prothrombin (PT) mutation. Plasma concentrations of factor II, VII, X, V, protein C (PC) total protein S (tPS) antithrombin (AT) and D-dimers (DD) were measured in 13 LC patients with PVT heterozygous for PT G20210A, in 13 LC patients with PVT without PT G20210A and in 13 LC controls matched by age, sex and Child-Pugh score. Crude factor II and factor II/DD ratio were highest in LC patients with PVT heterozygous for PT G20210A (p=0.03 and p=0.02 respectively). The factor II/PC ratio, expression of a procoagulant/anticoagulant imbalance was highest in the same group (p=0.0008). Plasma factor II levels are elevated in LC patients heterozygous for PT G20210A and may favour PVT.
A Review on Pioneering Technique - Liquisolid Compact and Applications.

Slow dissolution rate of poorly water soluble drugs faces major challenge in the drug development and delivery processes. Improving aqueous solubility and slow dissolution of BCS Class II drugs have been explored extensively. Of the available approaches, liquisolid compact technology is the most latest and novel approach for overcoming the trouble of inadequate solubility of the poorly soluble drugs. This technique is applied to prepare immediate release as well as sustained release formulations and based on the mathematical model proposed by Spireas et al. Concept of liquisolid compact based on altering the solutions or suspensions of water insoluble drugs into free flowing and compressible powders by using appropriate powder excipients to exhibit enhanced release profiles. Generally water miscible solvents, nonvolatile solvents were selected to improve the solubility of drugs, by enhancing the wetting and ensuring the molecular dispersion of drug in the formulations. Selecting hydrophobic carriers along with proper solvent modified the
Pan-cancer analysis of expressed somatic nucleotide variants in long intergenic non-coding RNA

Long intergenic non-coding RNAs have been shown to play important roles in cancer. However, because lincRNAs are a relatively new class of RNAs compared to protein-coding mRNAs, the mutational landscape of lincRNAs has not been as extensively studied. Here we characterize expressed somatic nucleotide variants within lincRNAs using 12 cancer RNA-Seq datasets in TCGA. We build machine-learning models to discriminate somatic variants from germline variants within lincRNA regions (AUC 0.987). We build another model to differentiate lincRNA somatic mutations from background regions (AUC 0.72) and find several molecular features that are strongly associated with lincRNA mutations, including copy number variation, conservation, substitution type and histone marker features.
Recent Progress in Technologies for Tactile Sensors

Over the last two decades, considerable scientific and technological efforts have been devoted to developing tactile sensing based on a variety of transducing mechanisms, with prospective applications in many fields such as human–machine interaction, intelligent robot tactile control and feedback, and tactile sensorized minimally invasive surgery. This paper starts with an introduction of human tactile systems, followed by a presentation of the basic demands of tactile sensors. State-of-the-art tactile sensors are reviewed in terms of their diverse sensing mechanisms, design consideration, and material selection. Subsequently, typical performances of the sensors, along with their advantages and disadvantages, are compared and analyzed. Two major potential applications of tactile sensing systems are discussed in detail. Lastly, we propose prospective research directions and market trends of tactile sensing systems.
Mucoadhesive wound healing film of Doxycycline Hydrochloride

Wound is an injury usually resticted to physical one with disruption of normal continuity of structure. Water vapour permeable films were formulated using sodium alginate, Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose 15 cps and Carbopol 934P by solvent casting method. This film forms in-situ hydrdogel by absorbing exudates and adheres to keep wound moist and delivers broad spectrum antibiotic Doxycycline hydrochloride for specified period of time. From the results of preliminary trials, propylene glycol was selected as plasticizer, water and/or isopropyl alcohol as solvent and teflon as casting surface. Films were evaluated for swelling index, % elongation, tensile strength, water vapour transmission rate etc. Optimized films were loaded with broad spectrum antibiotic Doxycycline hydrochloride and were evaluated for in vitro dissolution, wetting ratio, water evaporation, mucoadhesion and microbial penetration study. In vivo and histopathology study of optimized batch D-SC3 was also carried out to confirm its efficacy on 2×2 cm2 full thickness wound created on albino rats (n=6). Significant difference between test and standard formulation was confirmed by paired two sample t-test where test formulation showed 96% wound contraction in 22 days without scab formation whereas only 80% wound contraction was found in standard formulation.
Systematic Formal Verification for Fault-Tolerant Time-Triggered Algorithms

Many critical real-time applications are implemented as time-triggered systems. We present a systematic way to derive such time-triggered implementations from algorithms specified as functional programs (in which form their correctness and fault-tolerance properties can be formally and mechanically verified with relative ease). The functional program is first transformed into an untimed synchronous system and, then, to its time-triggered implementation. The first step is specific to the algorithm concerned, but the second is generic and we prove its correctness. This proof has been formalized and mechanically checked with the PVS verification system. The approach provides a methodology that can ease the formal specification and assurance of critical fault-tolerant systems.
A Review of Calibration Transfer Practices and Instrument Differences in Spectroscopy

Calibration transfer for use with spectroscopic instruments, particularly for near-infrared, infrared, and Raman analysis, has been the subject of multiple articles, research papers, book chapters, and technical reviews. There has been a myriad of approaches published and claims made for resolving the problems associated with transferring calibrations; however, the capability of attaining identical results over time from two or more instruments using an identical calibration still eludes technologists. Calibration transfer, in a precise definition, refers to a series of analytical approaches or chemometric techniques used to attempt to apply a single spectral database, and the calibration model developed using that database, for two or more instruments, with statistically retained accuracy and precision. Ideally, one would develop a single calibration for any particular application, and move it indiscriminately across instruments and achieve identical analysis or prediction results. There are many technical aspects involved in such precision calibration transfer, related to the measuring instrument reproducibility and repeatability, the reference chemical values used for the calibration, the multivariate mathematics used for calibration, and sample presentation repeatability and reproducibility. Ideally, a multivariate model developed on a single instrument would provide a statistically identical analysis when used on other instruments following transfer. This paper reviews common calibration transfer techniques, mostly related to instrument differences, and the mathematics of the uncertainty between instruments when making spectroscopic measurements of identical samples. It does not specifically address calibration maintenance or reference laboratory differences.