Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selective Targeting of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Cancer Patients Using DS-8273a, an Agonistic TRAIL-R2 Antibody

Purpose: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are one of the major contributors to immune suppression in cancer. We recently have demonstrated in preclinical study that MDSCs are sensitive to TRAIL receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2) agonist. The goal of this study was to clinically test the hypothesis that targeting TRAIL-R2 can selectively eliminate MDSCs. Experimental Design: The TRAIL-R2 agonistic antibody (DS-8273a) has been tested in 16 patients with advanced cancers enrolled in a phase I trial. The antibody (24 mg/kg) was administered intravenously once every 3 weeks till disease progression, unacceptable toxicities, or withdrawal of consent. The safety and the presence of various populations of myeloid and lymphoid cells in peripheral blood and tumor tissues were evaluated. Results: The treatment was well tolerated with only mild to moderate adverse events attributable to the study drug. Treatment with DS-8273a resulted in reduction of the elevated numbers of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of most patients to the levels observed in healthy volunteers. However, in several patients, MDSCs rebounded back to the pretreatment level by day 42. In contrast, DS-8273a did not affect the number of neutrophils, monocytes, and other populations of myeloid and lymphoid cells. Decrease in MDSCs inversely correlated with the length of progression-free survival. In tumors, DS-8273a treatment resulted in a decrease of MDSCs in 50% of the patients who were able to provide pre- and on-treatment biopsies. Conclusions: Targeting TRAIL-R2 resulted in elimination of different populations of MDSCs without affecting mature myeloid or lymphoid cells. These data support the use of this antibody in combination immmunotherapy of cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); 2942–50. ©2016 AACR.
Short-term complications for percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsy of renal masses in adult outpatients

Background Ultrasound-guided percutaneous kidney tumor biopsy (UGPKB) plays an important role in the diagnosis of renal tumor but there are no consensuses with respect to the length and the extend of the post-biopsy observation period. Purpose To assess the short-term complication rate after UGPKB and to evaluate whether the onset of complications allows for the procedure to be performed in an outpatient setting with same-day discharge. Material and Methods Between March 2012 and March 2014, a total of 287 UGPKB were performed in an outpatient setting at a Danish university referral center. All patient records were retrospectively reviewed and post-biopsy complications as well as biochemical parameters were registered. Results The overall complication rate was 3.8% (11 patients). Major complications occurred in 1.0% of all cases (three patients); one patient with ongoing bleeding that required intervention and two patients with septicemia. Minor complications occurred in 2.8% of cases (eight patients); six patients with self-limiting gross hematuria, one patient with small asymptomatic subcapsular hematoma, and one patient with vasovagal syncope. The timing of both minor and major complication onset ranged from the time of biopsy and up to four days after discharge. Conclusion UGPKB of indeterminate renal masses in adult patients in an outpatient setting appears to be a safe procedure with a very low rate of major complications. Same-day discharge after renal mass biopsy seems feasible.
Ejection of the Massive Hydrogen-rich Envelope Timed with the Collapse of the Stripped SN 2014C

We present multi-wavelength observations of SN 2014C during the first 500 days. These observations represent the first solid detection of a young extragalactic stripped-envelope SN out to high-energy X-rays ∼40 keV. SN 2014C shows ordinary explosion parameters (Ek ∼ 1.8 × 1051 erg and Mej ∼ 1.7 M⊙). However, over an ∼1 year timescale, SN 2014C evolved from an ordinary hydrogen-poor supernova into a strongly interacting, hydrogen-rich supernova, violating the traditional classification scheme of type-I versus type-II SNe. Signatures of the SN shock interaction with a dense medium are observed across the spectrum, from radio to hard X-rays, and revealed the presence of a massive shell of ∼1 M⊙ of hydrogen-rich material at ∼6 × 1016 cm. The shell was ejected by the progenitor star in the decades to centuries before collapse. This result challenges current theories of massive star evolution, as it requires a physical mechanism responsible for the ejection of the deepest hydrogen layer of H-poor SN progenitors synchronized with the onset of stellar collapse. Theoretical investigations point at binary interactions and/or instabilities during the last nuclear burning stages as potential triggers of the highly time-dependent mass loss. We constrain these scenarios utilizing the sample of 183 SNe Ib/c with public radio observations. Our analysis identifies SN 2014C-like signatures in ∼10% of SNe. This fraction is reasonably consistent with the expectation from the theory of recent envelope ejection due to binary evolution if the ejected material can survive in the close environment for 103–104 years. Alternatively, nuclear burning instabilities extending to core C-burning might play a critical role.
Numerical simulation of SFRC subjected to blasting load

Base on blasting experiments in the field,the behaviour of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) subjected blasting load were simulated by ANSYS/LS-DYNA,and the results showed that the maximal blasting pressure were run up to about 10 GPa,and the blasting pressure reduced about 60% and 80% after blasting wave propagated 5cm and 15cm away,respectively,and the reduction amplitude of blasting pressure in SFRC plates and normal concrete plates were almost same in the equidistance.In additional,when the TNT charge weights were same,the dimension of detonation craters in front face of SFRC plates and normal concrete plates had no significant difference,however,the diameters and depths of scabbing in back face of former were smaller than those of the latter to greater degree.As a consequence,the numerical simulations were closely to the actual experiments,and displayed the stress and failure pattern of SFRC plates subjected to blasting load.
Nonlinear Features in the Dynamic Response of a Cracked Beam Under Harmonic Forcing

Detection of damage in beam structures is usually pursued by means of methods based on the measured variations of modal quantities, like frequencies and eigenmodes. The drawback of these methods is the small sensitivity of modal quantities to concentrated damage. Since a crack introduces nonlinearities in the system, the use of nonlinear techniques of damage detection merits to be investigated. With this aim the present paper is devoted to analyze the peculiar features of the nonlinear response of a cracked beam. The problem of a cantilever beam with an asymmetric edge crack subjected to a harmonic forcing at the tip is considered as a plane problem and is solved by using two-dimensional finite element model; the behaviour of the breathing crack is simulated as a frictionless contact problem. The modification of the response with respect to the linear one is outlined: in particular, excitation of sub- and super-harmonics, period doubling, quasi-impulsive behaviour at crack interfaces are the main achievements. These response characteristics can be used in nonlinear techniques of damage identification. © 2005 ASME
One-Request Scheme for M2P Data Transmissions in Software-Defined IoT Networks

Software-defined networks (SDNs) have been utilized in applications of the Internet of Things (IoT), termed as software-defined IoT (SD-IoT) network, because of the popularity and capability of mobile devices being used for networking in relatively large areas. In an SD-IoT system, the sensing data are asynchronously harvested by the mobile sensing nodes and are also asynchronously uploaded to the gateways of an SDN. Thus, all the sensing data are asynchronously transmitted from the gateways to the data servers in the pattern of multipoints-to-point (M2P) data transmissions. Even if the sensing data are generated from the same sensing event, the controller of SDN has no knowledge about this relationship. Thus, such asynchronous M2P data transmissions from the same sensing event at the gateways will generate many redundant requests to their controller by OpenFlow protocol of SDN. In this paper, we investigate the redundant requests caused by the asynchronous M2P data transmissions in the SD-IoT network. We model the relationship between the sensing events and the uploading gateways by utilizing their spatial locations and the distribution of mobile sensor nodes. To reduce the loads on the controller for the asynchronous M2P data transmissions, we propose a one-request scheme for SD-IoT networks, to batch the forwarding rules of the multiple data transmissions from the same event by the first one request from a gateway. Furthermore, we discuss the conflict between the M2P data transmission and the potential sensing events and propose the routing scheme with multiple sensing events. Our extensional simulations verify the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
Facile preparation of EDTA‐functionalized chitosan magnetic adsorbent for removal of Pb(II)

A novel magnetic adsorbent (EDTA/chitosan/PMMS) was facilely prepared by reacting chitosan with EDTA anhydride in presence of PEI-coated magnetic microspheres. The as-synthesized EDTA/chitosan/PMMS was characterized by XRD, SEM, TGA, FT-IR, and VSM, and then employed in removal of heavy metals of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The results of the batch adsorption experiments revealed that the adsorbents had extremely high uptake capacities for Pb(II) in the pH range of 2 to 5.5, and the adsorption kinetics for EDTA/chitosan/PMMS was consistent with the pseudo–second-order kinetic model. Moreover, its equilibrium data were fitted with the Langmuir isothermal model well, which indicated that the adsorption mechanism was a homogeneous monolayer chemisorptions process. The maximum adsorption capacity of EDTA/chitosan/PMMS for Pb(II) was found to be 210 mg g−1 at pH 4 (30°C), and further reuse experiments results suggested that EDTA/chitosan/PMMS could be a potential recyclable magnetic adsorbent in the practical wastewater treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42384.
3D printing of tissue-simulating phantoms as a traceable standard for biomedical optical measurement

Optical phantoms are commonly used to validate and calibrate biomedical optical devices in order to ensure accurate measurement of optical properties in biological tissue. However, commonly used optical phantoms are based on homogenous materials that reflect neither optical properties nor multi-layer heterogeneities of biological tissue. Using these phantoms for optical calibration may result in significant bias in biological measurement. We propose to characterize and fabricate tissue simulating phantoms that simulate not only the multi-layer heterogeneities but also optical properties of biological tissue. The tissue characterization module detects tissue structural and functional properties in vivo. The phantom printing module generates 3D tissue structures at different scales by layer-by-layer deposition of phantom materials with different optical properties. The ultimate goal is to fabricate multi-layer tissue simulating phantoms as a traceable standard for optimal calibration of biomedical optical spectral devices.
Gut Reactions

Theory and research point to different ways moral conviction and religiosity connect to trust in political authorities to decide controversial issues of the day. Specifically, we predicted that stronger moral convictions would be associated with greater distrust in authorities such as the U.S. Supreme Court making the “right” decisions regarding controversial issues. Conversely, we predicted that stronger religiosity would be associated with greater trust in authorities. We tested these hypotheses using a survey of a nationally representative sample of Americans (N = 727) that assessed the degree to which people trusted the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the legal status of physician-assisted suicide. Results indicated that greater religiosity was associated with greater trust in the U.S. Supreme Court to decide this issue, and that stronger moral convictions about physician-assisted suicide were associated with greater distrust in the U.S. Supreme Court to decide this issue. Also, the processes underlying religious trust and distrust based on moral convictions were more quick and visceral than slow and carefully considered.
The Effect of Upper Trapezius Taping on Electromyographic Activity in the Upper and Middle Trapezius Region

A characteristic of scapulothoracic dysfunction is the tendency for the upper regions of the trapezius to hypertrophy in relation to its middle and lower portions. This creates a muscular imbalance that can alter scapular position and subsequently the length–tension relationship of the shoulder muscles. Tape was applied over the right upper trapezius to inhibit electrical activity in the muscles of 10 uninjured subjects. EMG activity was recorded in two locations of the upper trapezius and one location in the middle to lower trapezius region while each subject maintained an isometric contraction designed to activate both muscles. With the tape applied, there was a statistically significant reduction in EMG activity of the upper trapezius with a corresponding increase in the middle/lower trapezius. The ability of the tape to alter trapezius activity in this fashion may help correct muscular imbalances in the trapezius muscle.
Perfect Storm of Inpatient Communication Needs and an Innovative Solution Utilizing Smartphones and Secured Messaging

Summary Background In hospitals, effective and efficient communication among care providers is critical to the provision of high-quality patient care. Yet, major problems impede communications including the frequent use of interruptive and one-way communication paradigms. This is especially frustrating for frontline providers given the dynamic nature of hospital care teams in an environment that is in constant flux. Methods We conducted a pre-post evaluation of a commercially available secured messaging mobile application on 4 hospital units at a single institution for over one year. We included care providers on these units: residents, hospitalists, fellows, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists. Utilization metrics and survey responses on clinician perceptions were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U test where appropriate. Results Between May 2013 and June 2014, 1,021 providers sent a total of 708,456 messages. About 85.5% of total threads were between two providers and the remaining were group messages. Residents and social workers/clinical resource coordinators were the largest per person users of this communication system, sending 9 (IQR 2–20) and 9 (IQR 2–22) messages per person per day, and receiving 18 (IQR 5–36) and 14 (IQR 5–29) messages per person per day, respectively (p=0.0001). More than half of the messages received by hospitalists, residents, and nurses were read within a minute. Communicating using secured messaging was found to be statistically significantly less disruptive to workflow by both nursing and physician survey respondents (p<0.001 for each comparison). Conclusions Routine adoption of secured messaging improved perceived efficiency among providers on 4 hospital units. Our study suggests that a mobile application can improve communication and workflow efficiency among providers in a hospital. New technology has the potential to improve communication among care providers in hospitals. Citation: Patel N, Siegler JE, Stromberg N, Ravitz N, Hanson CW. Perfect storm of inpatient communication needs and an innovative solution utilizing smartphones and secured messaging.
FLOUDS: A Succinct File System Structure

To spot malicious manipulation, remote attestation and maintenance for devices that are under legal control is very important. One example are measuring instruments, where the manufacturer and the market surveillance want to check if system integrity is preserved. In Europe, legal requirements state that a software identifier needs to be supplied/output by the device, which is often just a checksum over the files that are considered to be legally relevant for the measuring purpose. As measuring instruments and also other legally monitored devices are often small embedded systems, the need for a fast algorithm arises that creates a small file system list containing as much information as possible. In this paper, a new file system structure called FLOUDS is explained that fulfills these requirements. The FLOUDS uses theoretical optimal space to represent the file system structure, while it, nevertheless, enables fast file searches by names and also properties. For example, all files of a specific file type, e.g., pictures, movies, executables, etc., can be listed in O(p lg n) time, where p is the number of files of the specific file type searched for, and, where n represents the total number of file types in the system.
Spatio-Temporal Trends and Risk Factors for Shigella from 2001 to 2011 in Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China

Objective This study aimed to describe the spatial and temporal trends of Shigella incidence rates in Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China. It also intended to explore complex risk modes facilitating Shigella transmission. Methods County-level incidence rates were obtained for analysis using geographic information system (GIS) tools. Trend surface and incidence maps were established to describe geographic distributions. Spatio-temporal cluster analysis and autocorrelation analysis were used for detecting clusters. Based on the number of monthly Shigella cases, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model successfully established a time series model. A spatial correlation analysis and a case-control study were conducted to identify risk factors contributing to Shigella transmissions. Results The far southwestern and northwestern areas of Jiangsu were the most infected. A cluster was detected in southwestern Jiangsu (LLR = 11674.74, P<0.001). The time series model was established as ARIMA (1, 12, 0), which predicted well for cases from August to December, 2011. Highways and water sources potentially caused spatial variation in Shigella development in Jiangsu. The case-control study confirmed not washing hands before dinner (OR = 3.64) and not having access to a safe water source (OR = 2.04) as the main causes of Shigella in Jiangsu Province. Conclusion Improvement of sanitation and hygiene should be strengthened in economically developed counties, while access to a safe water supply in impoverished areas should be increased at the same time.
The Investigation of Phosphorescent Dopants and Novel Blue Fluorescent Polymer Hosts for PLED Devices

This thesis has focused on using experimental and simulation based techniques in an attempt to understand the interactions between polymer hosts and phosphorescent dopants in Organic Light Emitting Devices (OLEDs). The viability of the SEmiconducting Thin Film Optics Simulation (SETFOS) software as a modelling tool has been established using the well documented material poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). Parameters including resistivity and work function were extracted using SETFOS and the trends observed compared favourably to the commercially provided values, despite some limitations. SETFOS was then used, along with steady state and transient electroluminescence characterisation, to investigate the effects of both phosphorescent dopant colour and concentration on device performance and extract important device parameters, such as the density of states and carrier mobilities. Different device behaviours were observed depending upon the dopant colour and concentration, highlighting the importance of both to device performance. SETFOS was again found to be able to produce quantitative values for a number of device parameters, but several more limitations within the models were identified, which makes further analysis and investigation necessary. Having gained an understanding of host and dopant interactions in OLED devices, the information gathered was used in the characterization of novel high triplet host polymers for OLED applications. Seven polyfluorene based copolymers were investigated in devices with a range of different coloured phosphorescent dopants and charge transport molecules. Unfortunately, they were found to be unsuitable for use as host materials in OLEDs, acting instead as charge traps. These polymers, along with four others, were alternatively assessed on their ability to perform as deep blue, or violet, fluorescent materials in undoped Polymer LED (PLED) devices. These devices were found to have some of the highest device characteristics currently detailed in the literature, and represent a variety of new ways of achieving efficient deep blue emission using PLED devices.
Robust Joint Expansion Planning of Electrical Distribution Systems and EV Charging Stations

Electrical distribution systems (EDSs) should be prepared to cope with demand growth in order to provide a quality service. The future increase in electric vehicles (EVs) represents a challenge for the planning of the EDS due to the corresponding increase in the load. Therefore, methods to support the planning of the EDS, considering the uncertainties of conventional loads and EV demand, should be developed. This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to solve the robust multistage joint expansion planning of EDSs and the allocation of EV charging stations (EVCSs). Chance constraints are used in the proposed robust formulation to deal with load uncertainties, guaranteeing the fulfillment of the substation capacity within a specified confidence level. The expansion planning method considers the construction/reinforcement of substations, EVCSs, and circuits, as well as the allocation of distributed generation units and capacitor banks along the different stages in which the planning horizon is divided. The proposed MILP model guarantees optimality by applying classical optimization techniques. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method is verified via two distribution systems with 18 and 54 nodes. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulations are carried out, aiming to verify the compliance of the proposed chance constraint.
Enhancing Power, Performance, and Energy Efficiency in Chip Multiprocessors Exploiting Inverse Thermal Dependence

Technology scaling of complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor has resulted in new thermal behavior where increase in operating temperature results in reduced circuit propagation delay. This paper exploits this inverse thermal dependence (ITD) for power, performance, and temperature optimization in single-core and multicore processor architectures for various thermally hot and cold applications. Since ITD increases the maximum achievable operating frequency of a processor at high temperatures, it is used to reduce the execution time of applications. Dynamic thermal management (DTM) techniques, such as activity migration (AM), dynamic voltage frequency scaling (DVFS), and throttling, are modified to leverage ITD to either enhance the performance or the energy efficiency. While recent work observed the ITD effect for 45- and 32-nm technologies, in this paper, we explore future technologies through predictive SPICE models for 20-, 14-, 10-, and 7-nm technologies. The results show that the ITD-aware techniques reduce the execution time, energy-delay product (EDP) and energy-delay-square product by up to 28%, 33%, and 48%, respectively. Moreover, the ITD-aware DVFS yields the lowest execution time while resulting in the most uniform thermal profile and thus enhanced reliability. Overall, the ITD-aware techniques reduce the execution time and EDP, both in combination with DTM techniques or stand-alone, especially at lower than nominal operating voltages.