Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Aspartate Transaminase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) for the Prediction of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Severely Obese Children and Adolescents

The aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) has been proposed as an easy-to-use biochemical marker in obese adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatotic hepatitis (NASH). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and predictive value of APRI in a paediatric obese population. Seven hundred fifty-seven obese children and adolescents (BMI standard deviation score, SDS: >2.0; age range: 10–18.5 years), not consuming alcohol and without hepatitis B or C, were recruited after having been screened for NAFLD by ultrasonography. A series of demographic, biochemical and clinical parameters was compared between the two subgroups (with or without NAFLD); the same parameters were correlated with APRI; and finally, univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictors of NAFLD. NAFLD was diagnosed in about 39% of the entire paediatric population, predominantly in males and in subjects suffering from metabolic syndrome. APRI was correlated with the waist circumference (WC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), uric acid, total bilirubin, C reactive protein (CRP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Furthermore, APRI was higher in males than females, but independent from steatosis severity and metabolic syndrome. With the univariable analysis, the BMI SDS, triglycerides (TG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), APRI, uric acid and metabolic syndrome were positive predictors of NAFLD, with female sex being negative predictor. At multivariable analysis; however, only BMI SDS, TG, HOMA-IR and APRI were positive predictors of NAFLD, with female sex being a negative predictor. The accuracy of APRI as a biochemical marker of NAFLD was about 60%. In conclusion, in a large (Italian) paediatric obese population, parameters, such as BMI SDS, TG, HOMA-IR and APRI, were positive predictors of NAFLD, with female sex being a negative predictor and most of the prediction explained by APRI. Nevertheless, APRI appears to be a simple biochemical marker of liver injury rather than of NAFLD/NASH and, moreover, is endowed with a limited accuracy for the prediction/diagnosis of NAFLD.
Cosmogenic 3He paleothermometry on post-LGM glacial bedrock within the central European Alps

Abstract. Diffusion properties of cosmogenic 3He in quartz at Earth’s surface temperatures offer the potential to reconstruct the evolution of past in-situ temperatures directly from formerly glaciated areas, information important for improving our understanding of glacier-climate interactions. In this study, we apply cosmogenic 3He paleothermometry on rock surfaces gradually exposed since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the Holocene period along two deglaciation profiles in the European Alps (Mont Blanc and Aar massifs). Laboratory experiments conducted on one representative sample per site indicate significant variability in 3He diffusion kinetics between the two sites, with quasi linear Arrhenius behavior observed in quartz from the Mont Blanc site and complex Arrhenius behavior observed from the Aar site, which we interpret to indicate the presence of multiple diffusion domains (MDD). Assuming that same diffusion kinetics apply to all quartz samples along each profile, predictive simulations indicate that 3He abundance in all the investigated samples should be at equilibrium with present-day temperature conditions. However, measured natural 3He concentrations in samples exposed since before the Holocene indicate an apparent 3He thermal signal significantly colder than today. This observed 3He thermal signal cannot be explained with a realistic post-LGM mean annual temperature evolution in the European Alps at the study sites. One hypothesis is that the diffusion kinetics and MDD model applied may not provide sufficiently accurate, quantitative paleo-temperature estimates in these samples; thus, whereas pre-Holocene 3He thermal signal is indeed preserved in the quartz, the helium diffusivity would be lower at Alpine surface temperatures than our diffusion models predict. Alternatively, if the modeled helium diffusion kinetics is accurate, the observed 3He abundances may reflect complex geomorphic/paleoclimatic evolution with much more recent ground temperature changes associated with the degradation of alpine permafrost.
‘It's overwhelming at the start’: transitioning to public transit use as an older adult

Independent mobility is an important component of healthy ageing. Public transit may be an affordable way to achieve independent mobility, and yet little is known about older adults’ transition to public transit. This paper addresses this research gap by providing an exploration of older adults’ experiences transitioning to public transit use, and by comparing these experiences to those of older people who have always travelled using transit. Twenty-four older adults (65+) living in Hamilton, Canada, who use public transit completed semi-structured interviews during which they discussed their experiences when they first began to use transit. These experiences are framed herein with the concept self-efficacy, i.e. how one's belief in their ability to complete a task shapes their ability to complete said task. Results indicate that most older adults acquire skills to transition to public transit, such as trip planning, boarding, knowing where to sit and exiting the bus. These skills are developed through practice. As one gains experience, one becomes more confident in their ability to meet their daily travel needs using transit. Therefore, the transition to public transit as an older adult can be more challenging for those with little experience using public transit. This paper highlights the danger of assuming all older adults will effortlessly take up transit and stresses the importance of older adults gaining experience using public transit.
Study of A Flexible Blade for Optimized Proprotor

In the present study, a passive twist control is considered as a potential way to improve the overall flight efficiency for proprotor of Micro Air Vehicle (MAV). This paper will focus on the aerodynamic performance and deformation behaviour of a flexible laminate blade. Incorporated with a database of airfoil characteristics, Blade Element Momentum Theory (BEMT) is implemented for performance prediction of proprotor at low Reynolds numbers. The preliminary procedure is based on finding optimum twist distributions for hover and forward flight, but keeping a given chord distribution. A numerical model is developed using a combination of aerodynamic model based on BEMT, and structural model based on anisotropic beam finite element, in order to evaluate the coupled structural and the aerodynamic characteristics of the deformable proprotor blade. The numerical model - Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) was then validated by means of shape reconstruction from LDS (Laser Displacement Sensor) outputs. It can be concluded that the proposed experiment technique is capable of providing a predictive and reliable data in blade geometry and performance for rotor mode. The FSI approach is also valid as a reliable tool for designing and analyzing the MAV proprotor made of composite material.
Examining First Night Effect on Sleep Parameters with hd-EEG in Healthy Individuals

Difficulty sleeping in a novel environment is a common phenomenon that is often described as the first night effect (FNE). Previous works have found FNE on sleep architecture and sleep power spectra parameters, especially during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. However, the impact of FNE on sleep parameters, including local differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity across nights, has not been systematically assessed. Here, we performed high-density EEG sleep recordings on 27 healthy individuals on two nights and examined differences in sleep architecture, NREM (stages 2 and 3) EEG power spectra, and NREM power topography across nights. We found higher wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), reduced sleep efficiency, and less deep NREM sleep (stage 3), along with increased high-frequency NREM EEG power during the first night of sleep, corresponding to small to medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d ≤ 0.5). Furthermore, study individuals showed significantly lower slow-wave activity in right frontal/prefrontal regions as well as higher sigma and beta activities in medial and left frontal/prefrontal areas, yielding medium to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.5). Altogether, these findings suggest the FNE is characterized by less efficient, more fragmented, shallower sleep that tends to affect especially certain brain regions. The magnitude and specificity of these effects should be considered when designing sleep studies aiming to compare across night effects.
On the history of computational modelling and simulations in the phonetic sciences

: This paper presents a study on the history of simulation studies in pho-netics. Precursors to modern computational models are identiﬁed in early mechanical speaking machines. By way of illustration, the historical development is analysed as documented in the proceedings of the International Congress of Phonetic Sciences from 1932 to 2015.
Politeness Strategies Used by Mario Teguh in Handling Questions in MTGW Program

Mario Teguh was one of the motivators in Indonesia whose fans are considered the most. He was also issued as the most expensive motivator in Indonesia at this time being. As a great motivator, he must have some strategies to be close and motivate his Audience. This research aimed to figure out the strategies he used, focusing on handling questions. The data was collected by observation method and documentation technique. The data was analyzed based on the politeness strategy of Brown and Levinson. From the analysis, The researcher found that at least there were ten strategies used by Mario to share the motivation. These made the audience did not feel to be lectured when he shared it. They feel like a friend to him.
The Accuracy of Serum Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Steatosis, Fibrosis, and Inflammation in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Comparison to a Liver Biopsy

Background and Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of various biomarkers for steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation in comparison to a liver biopsy (LB) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included 135 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), cell death markers (CK-18 M30 and CK-18 M65), FIB-4 index, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), BARD, and AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) were calculated and analysed. Results: FLI, HSI scores, and the cell death biomarkers showed poor diagnostic accuracy for steatosis detection and quantification, with an area under the curve (AUC) of <0.70. The cell death biomarkers likewise did not perform well for the detection of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (AUC < 0.7). As for the fibrosis staging, only APRI and the cell death biomarkers had moderate accuracy (AUC > 0.7) for advanced fibrosis, whereas FIB-4, BARD, and NFS scores demonstrated poor performance (AUC < 0.70). However, a combination of FIB-4 and NFS with the cell death biomarkers had moderate accuracy for advanced (≥F3) fibrosis detection, with an AUC of >0.70. Conclusions: In this first study on Croatian patients with NAFLD, serum biomarkers demonstrated poor diagnostic performance for the noninvasive diagnosis of liver steatosis and NASH. APRI and the cell death biomarkers had only moderate accuracy for diagnosing advanced fibrosis, as did the combination of FIB-4 and NFS with the cell death biomarkers. Further studies regarding serum biomarkers for all NAFLD stages are needed.
Impact of cell culture on the transcriptomic programs of primary and iPSC-derived human alveolar type 2 cells

The alveolar epithelial type 2 cell (AEC2) is the facultative progenitor of lung alveoli tasked to maintain distal lung homeostasis. AEC2 dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of pulmonary diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), highlighting the importance of human in vitro models of the alveolar epithelium. However, AEC2-like cells captured in cell culture have yet to be directly compared to their in vivo counterparts at single cell resolution. Here, we apply single cell RNA sequencing to perform head-to-head comparisons between the global transcriptomes of freshly isolated primary (1°) adult human AEC2s, their isogenic cultured progeny, and human iPSC-derived AEC2s (iAEC2s) cultured in identical conditions. We find each population occupies a distinct transcriptomic space with both types of cultured AEC2s (1° and iAEC2s) exhibiting similarities to and differences from freshly purified 1° cells. Across each cell type, we find an inverse relationship between proliferative states and AEC2 maturation states, with uncultured 1° AEC2s being most quiescent and mature, their cultured progeny being more proliferative/less mature, and cultured iAEC2s being most proliferative/least mature. iAEC2s also express significantly lower levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes compared to 1° cells, suggesting immunological immaturity. Cultures of either type of human AEC2 (1° or iAEC2) do not generate detectable type 1 alveolar cells in these defined conditions; however, iAEC2s after co-culture with fibroblasts can give rise to a subset of cells expressing “transitional cell markers” recently described in fibrotic lung tissue of patients with pulmonary fibrosis or in mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis. Hence, we provide direct comparisons of the transcriptomic programs of 1° and engineered AEC2s, two in vitro model systems that can be harnessed for studies of human lung health and disease.
Investigation on the oxidation thermal effects and kinetics of multivariate mixtures of heavy oil SARA fractions

Abstract This work aims to investigate the oxidative exothermic effects and kinetics of multivariate mixtures of SARA fractions. The results showed that compared to other mixtures, the high temperature combustion (HTC) mass loss of the ternary mixture (S + R + A2) was the highest (22.46%), and it has the most considerable HTC heat release of 2.044 kJ/g. Aromatics could reduce the heat enthalpy and change the activation energy of ternary mixtures (S + A1 + R, S + A1 + A2) in the low temperature oxidation (LTO) and HTC stages. The oxidation reactivity of multivariate mixture formulated based on the ratio of heavy oil SARA fractions was improved by the interactions between SARA fractions.
New Combined OBC and LDC System for Electric Vehicles With 800 V Battery

This article proposes a new vehicle charging system (VCS) that combines an on-board charger (OBC) and a low-voltage dc–dc converter (LDC) for electric vehicles with an 800 V battery system. The proposed VCS improves the power density by integrating the LDC and OBC transformers and the LDC primary and OBC secondary components. Moreover, a new method is proposed for reducing the voltage to limit the high voltage generated in the link capacitor due to the multiwinding transformer. Furthermore, the proposed converter can simultaneously charge an auxiliary battery and a main battery. To confirm the validity of the proposed converter, a prototype rated with 3.3 kW OBC and 1.8 kW LDC is analyzed and the operating characteristics are described.
Modelling and performance analysis of electric rice cooker

In modern age, technology is being used for saving time, energy and power in all cases. Undoubtedly rice cooker is an example of all these. It is a combination of cocking and warming mode by which rice is cooked and kept warm. The purpose of this paper is to model an electric rice cooker with improved warming mode. Generally bacteria can grow upto55˚ temperature and the condensation of moisture occurs below 65 temperature which causes rice spoiling. So it can easily be prevented by keeping cooked rice above 65 temperature. By following this principle two warming coil of nicrom wire are added, where one is at upper parts and another is at side wall around the fiber paper. By this process a locally available rice cooker is designed which is capable of keeping rice fresh and warm for 5-7 days and saves energy from12 to 15 units per month.
The Influence of Stent Implantation on Wrist Pulse Signal Using HHT Analysis

The HHT(Hilbert-Huang Transformation)method was adopted to explore the influence of implanting a stent into the coronary artery on the wrist pulse signals.A nonlinear and nonstationary digital signal sequence can be decomposed by using the empirical mode decomposition method(EMD) into a set of intrinsicmode-function(IMF) components,which correspond to disparate excitation mechanisms.A series of wrist pulse signals of healthy people in different age groups are decomposed in order to obtain general criteria of different modes in relation to corresponding physiological mechanisms.A few of wrist pulse signals are clinically collected from those patients suffered from coronary artery disease before and after stent implantations and decomposed respectively to obtain the particular pathological mode information.The special pathologic mode is compared with that of healthy people.It is found that mode C_3 is correlative in statistical dependence with whether the coronary artery of a patient is narrow.
Genetic improvement of carcass and maternal traits in Scottish Blackface sheep

This thesis addresses the issues of genetic improvement of carcass and maternal traits in hill sheep. It i) compares the performance of two genetic lines of Scottish Blackface lambs divergent for subcutaneous fat, ii) quantifies the genetic components of carcass traits in extensive hill environments, iii) explores the implications of selecting for reduced fatness in hill lambs, iv) develops and describes methods to include carcass traits in the breeding goals for hill sheep, and v) gives predicted results from index selection for maternal and carcass traits, using indexes of overall economic merit. For points i) to iii), approximately 2000 Scottish Blackface lambs were measured, sired by 32 rams divergent for subcutaneous fat depth, and born to 1660 unselected ewes in 1991 and 1992. They were reared under extensive conditions on two contrasting hill farms. Results showed that genetic differences in subcutaneous fatness arising from selection in an intensive environment are still expressed despite harsh rearing environments. Heritabilities (and standeard errors) for birth weight, marking weight (at approximately 6 weeks of age) and weaning weight (at 17 weeks) were 0.07±0.04, 0.02±0.03, and 0.14±0.05, respectively. Heritabilities for ultrasonic muscle and fat depth were 0.27±0.09 and 0.16±0.06, respectively. Heritability estimates for carcass traits were: pre-slaughter liveweight 0.36±0.13, cold carcass weight 0.39±0.14, fat class 0.13±0.08, conformation score 0.09±0.07, dissected lean weight 0.27±0.27, dissected bone weight 0.36±0.13 (constant subcutaneous fatness), dissected intermuscular fat weight 0.10±0.07, subcutaneous fat weight 0.20±0.09 (constant cold carcass weight). There was a strong maternal effect on live weight which declined with age from birth onwards. The rearing environment of the lambs was an important environmental effect on the heritability estimate for backfat thickness, being twice as large for animals reared on the improved pasture compared to those reared on hill pasture. Results indicate that selection for improved carcass traits is feasible,
Laser Capture Microdissection in the Spatial Analysis of Epigenetic Modifications in Skin: A Comprehensive Review

Each cell in the body contains an intricate regulation for the expression of its relevant DNA. While every cell in a multicellular organism contains identical DNA, each tissue-specific cell expresses a different set of active genes. This organizational property exists in a paradigm that is largely controlled by forces external to the DNA sequence via epigenetic regulation. DNA methylation and chromatin modifications represent some of the classical epigenetic modifications that control gene expression. Complex tissues like skin consist of heterogeneous cell types that are spatially distributed and mixed. Furthermore, each individual skin cell has a unique response to physiological and pathological cues. As such, it is difficult to classify skin tissue as homogenous across all cell types and across different environmental exposures. Therefore, it would be prudent to isolate targeted tissue elements prior to any molecular analysis to avoid a possibility of confounding the sample with unwanted cell types. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a powerful technique used to isolate a targeted cell group with extreme microscopic precision. LCM presents itself as a solution to tackling the problem of tissue heterogeneity in molecular analysis. This review will cover an overview of LCM technology, the principals surrounding its application, and benefits of its application to the newly defined field of epigenomics, in particular of cutaneous pathology. This presents a comprehensive review about LCM and its use in the spatial analysis of skin epigenetics. Within the realm of skin pathology, this ability to isolate tissues under specific environmental stresses, such as oxidative stress, allows a far more focused investigation.
Modulation and Circulating Current Suppression for Parallel Interleaved Voltage Source Converters

The two-level Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) are often connected in parallel to increase the current handling capability. In such systems, the multi-level voltage waveforms can be obtained by interleaving the carrier signals of the parallel connected two-level VSCs. The multi-level voltage waveform facilitates reduction in both the switching frequency and the size of the harmonic filter components. This leads to the improvement in both the system efficiency and power density. However, when VSCs are connected in parallel and share the same dc-link, the circulating current flows through the closed path due to the control asymmetry and the impedance mismatch. When the carriers are interleaved, the pole voltages (switched output voltage of the VSC leg) of the interleaved parallel legs are phase shifted and it creates instantaneous potential difference across the closed path, formed due to the parallel connection. This instantaneous potential difference further aggravates the circulating current, which results in increased losses and unnecessary oversizing of the components present in the circulating current path. Therefore, the circulating current should be suppressed to realize the full potential of the carrier interleaving. The formation of the circulating current path can be avoided by using the line frequency isolation transformer. However, it increases the overall size of the system and should be avoided. The use of the Common-Mode (CM) inductor in series with the line filter inductor for each of the VSCs is proposed in literature. Another approach proposes the use of the Coupled Inductor (CI) to suppress the circulating current by providing magnetic coupling between the parallel interleaved legs of the corresponding phases. Although the interleaved carrier signals lead to the reduction in the value of the harmonic filter components, additional filter components (CIs) are often required to suppress the circulating current. The volume of these inductive components can be reduced by integrating both of these functionalities into a single magnetic component. Different integrated inductor solutions are presented in this thesis with an objective to reduce the overall size of the magnetic component, so that the power density can be further improved or for the given filter size, the switching frequency can be further reduced. The advantages achieved by