Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of ARID1A mutation and expression on prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma: a meta-analysis

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma are the most common liver malignant tumors worldwide. Investigating the molecular basis of these malignancies is vital to the development of new treatments. Recent studies have found that mutation and abnormal expression of ARID1A, are frequently shown in HCC and cholangiocarcinoma. Herein, we aimed to estimate the effects of ARID1A mutation and expression on prognosis of HCC and cholangiocarcinoma.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library for studies evaluating the relationship between ARID1A mutations or expression and the survival of HCC or cholangiocarcinoma patients. Meta-analysis was performed to generate a combined HR with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival (OS). Results: We identified 12 articles that evaluated the impact of ARID1A mutation or expression on the prognosis of patients with HCC or cholangiocarcinoma. Six studies provided data on HCC survival and 6 studies examined cholangiocarcinoma survival. For HCC, ARID1A mutation carriers or patients with low ARID1A expression had worse OS (HR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.22–2.51) than non-carriers or patients with high ARID1A expression. For cholangiocarcinoma, ARID1A mutation carriers or patients with low ARID1A expression also had significantly shorter OS (HR = 3.70, 95% CI = 2.88–4.76). Conclusions: Our study suggests that ARIDIA mutation or low expression is strongly associated with poor prognosis of patients with HCC or cholangiocarcinoma, and may be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker for these patients.
Broadband and statistical characterization of echoes from random scatterers : application to acoustic scattering by marine organisms

The interpretation of echoes collected by active remote-sensing systems, such as sonar and radar, is often ambiguous due to the complexities in the scattering processes involving the scatterers, the environment, and the sensing system. This thesis addresses this challenge using a combination of laboratory and field experiments, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulations in the context of acoustic scattering by marine organisms. The unifying themes of the thesis are 1) quantitative characterization of the spectral, temporal, and statistical features derived from echoes collected using both broadband and narrowband signals, and 2) the interpretation of echoes by establishing explicit links between echo features and the sources of scattering through physics principles. This physics-based approach is distinct from the subjective descriptions and empirical methods employed in most conventional fisheries acoustic studies. The first part focuses on understanding the dominant backscattering mechanisms of live squid as a function of orientation. The study provides the first broadband backscattering laboratory data set from live squid at all angles of orientation, and conclusively confirms the fluidlike, weakly-scattering material properties of squid through a series of detailed comparisons between data and predictions given by models derived based on the distorted-wave Born approximation. In the second part, an exact analytical narrowband model and a numerical broadband model are developed based on physics principles to describe the probability density function of the amplitudes of echo envelopes (echo pdf) of arbitrary aggregations of scatterers. The narrowband
An Experimental Study of Labyrinth Seal Flow

The leakage flow in a 2-D stationary stepped labyrinth seal is investigated by means of flow visualization, pressure field measurements, and Particle Image Velocimetry. The basis of investigation is a generic stepped labyrinth seal currently used by the industry in steam turbine generators. Geometric and flow parameters were varied in order to examine their influence on leakage through seals. Flow visualization results revealed inter-related mechanisms of energy loss in labyrinth seals to include turbulence induced viscous losses, chamber vortex generation, flow stagnation, and increased flow streamline curvature. A five times scale model was constructed and tested over a range of seal pressure ratios from 1:1 to 10:1. Model configurations included a baseline and six variants of the basic design that were conceptually devised to be superior and by varying step height and knife angle. Detail pressure and velocity measurements were carried out. Results show that with relatively minor changes in geometry, determined based on our understanding of the physics of the flow, leakage reductions of up to 17% were accomplished.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Effects of Pilot Injection Parameters on Combustion for Common Rail Diesel Engines

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the influence of the pilot injection on combustion of a TDI Diesel engine for different engine torque and speed conditions. For this investigation, pilot injection timing and duration were varied on a wide range of values, and their effects on combustion pressure, rate of heat release, pilot and main combustion delay, combustion process and exhaust emissions in terms of NO x and smoke were analyzed. An in-line, four-cylinder, turbocharged FIAT 1930 cm 3 TDI Diesel engine, equipped with Common Rail injection system, was tested. A piezoelectric sensor was located in the combustion chamber in order to acquire combustion pressure; from these signals, gross heat release rate was,derived in order to analyze the combustion behavior. Pollutant emission levels have been measured by means of a gas analyzer, while for smoke an opacimeter was used. It was found that both timing and duration of pilot injection strongly influence its autoignition tendency; in particular, pilot injection autoignition mainly occurs with low values of timing and high durations. Moreover, pilot injection timing effect is more evident on pilot ignition delay than pilot duration, whereas the effect of both variables on the main ignition delay depends on the engine operating conditions. The effect of pilot injection parameters is evident on engine emission behavior too; in particular, NO x emissions levels are mainly influenced by the pilot duration, whereas pilot timing effect is more evident at lower engine load and speed. Smoke emission seems to be influenced by both variables, but their effect is stronger especially at medium and high load.
The mRNA expression levels of calpains and their activity in malignant and dysplastic epithelium of the upper respiratory tract

Background. The calpain proteolytic system plays an important role in the development of cancer. Detection of early cancer in the upper respiratory tract is often challenging, as symptoms are largely non-specific, and most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Aim. To identify candidate markers of transition from premalignant lesions to invasive carcinoma, we studied mRNA expression levels of CAPN1 and CAPN2 and the total activity of calpains in the tumor tissues of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and in the epithelial dysplasia-affected tissues of patients with chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Materials and methods. The study included 32 patients with HNSCC (Т1-3N0-1М0) and 12 patients with chronic diseases of the upper respiratory system associated with epithelial dysplasia. The expression levels of CAPN1 and CAPN2 were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The calpain activity was determined by hydrolysis of the fluorogenic Suc-LLVY-AMC oligopeptide. Results. The mRNA expression levels of CAPN1 and CAPN2 were, respectively, 3 and 4 times higher in the tumor tissue of patients with HNSCC than in the tissue of patients with endothelial dysplasia in the upper respiratory tract. The level of calpain activity was 4.4 times higher in patients with HNSCC than in patients with epithelial dysplasia of different severity. Conclusion. The elevated mRNA expression levels of CAPN1 and CAPN2 and their activity in the tumor tissues of patients with HNSCC compared to patients with chronic respiratory diseases associated with epithelial dysplasia are likely to characterize a high potential for transition from precancerous lesion to cancer. To clarify the role of calpains in the carcinogenesis of HNSCC, further studies of intact tissues using animal models are required.
Influence of manufacturing processes on iron losses

One of the important issues in the determination of induction motor efficiency is the prediction of iron losses in the magnetic circuit. This in essence requires a knowledge of the time variation of the flux density in the steel followed by the knowledge of the iron losses appropriate to that waveform and lamination material. Add to that the influences of manufacturing processes such as mechanical stress, punching, heating etc. and this very quickly produces an intractable problem. The introduction of numerical techniques such as the finite element method however has provided the designer with access to highly detailed flux density information at all points in the machine. The objective of this paper therefore is to describe a suitable analytical iron loss model for routine design office use and to examine the influence of certain manufacturing processes on the iron losses in lamination electrical steel.
The realization and performance of vibration energy harvesting MEMS devices based on an epitaxial piezoelectric thin film

This paper focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of vibration energy harvesting devices by utilizing an epitaxial Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 (PZT) thin film. The high quality of the c-axis oriented PZT layer results in a high piezoelectric coefficient and a low dielectric constant, which are key parameters for realizing high performance piezoelectric energy harvesters. Different cantilever structures, with and without a Si proof mass, are realized using micro-patterning techniques optimized for the epitaxial oxide layers, to maintain the piezoelectric properties throughout the process. The characteristics and the energy harvesting performances of the fabricated devices are experimentally investigated and compared against analytical calculations. The optimized device based on a 0.5 µm thick epitaxial PZT film, a cantilever beam of 1 mm × 2.5 mm × 0.015 mm, with a Si proof mass of 1 mm × 0.5 mm × 0.23 mm, generates an output power, current and voltage of, respectively, 13 µW g − 2, 48 µA g − 1 and 0.27 V g − 1 (g = 9.81 m s − 2) at the resonant frequency of 2.3 kHz for an optimal resistive load of 5.6 kΩ. The epitaxial PZT harvester exhibits higher power and current with usable voltage, while maintaining lower optimal resistive load as compared with other examples present in the literature. These results indicate the potential of epitaxial PZT thin films for the improvement of the performances of energy harvesting devices.
A low-cost circuit for fabricating anodic oxide films

An inexpensive electronic circuit is described for constant current-constant voltage anodic oxidation. The circuit consists of a constant current source, a constant voltage source and a comparator. The constant current source and constant voltage source are built around 723 voltage regulators. A 741 operational amplifier is used as a comparator. The constant current can be preset in the range 0.5-20.0 mA. The constant voltage and the switch-over voltage can be independently preset in the range 0-250 V DC.
Reliability Index for Structural Health Monitoring of Aging Bridges

This paper presents a reliability-based methodology for health monitoring of aging bridges. Initially, critical failure criteria are proposed depending on the type of bridge. Safety margins are then defined based on these criteria. It is assumed that quantities in the failure criteria are random variables that are normally distributed. Based on this assumption, elementary reliability indices and thereby elementary failure probabilities are estimated for each critical failure mode. Having found the elementary failure probability values, system failure probability of the bridge is calculated for the period under consideration. Finally, the system failure probability is used to obtain a system reliability index of the bridge. The system reliability index is a quantative way to express the condition of the bridge for the period under consideration. As a case study to illustrate the proposed reliability procedure, a wrought iron railway bridge was selected from the national railway bridge network of Sri Lanka. For this bridge, fatigue and corrosion were selected as the most critical forms of failure. Application of the proposed methodology showed that the present condition of bridge was satisfactory for current loading conditions. Predicting reliability, as opposed to damage, is a positive outlook approach to health monitoring that is useful for infrastructure management.
Adaptive Data Dissemination Algorithm Based on Storing-Discarding Equilibrium for OUSNs

Opportunistic underwater sensor networks (OUSNs) are deployed for various underwater applications, such as underwater creatures tracking and tactical surveillance. The data dissemination in OUSNs differs significantly from those in terrestrial wireless sensor networks or delay-tolerant networks, due to the signal irregularity in underwater communications and the limited storage capacity of the nodes in OUSNs. To alleviate the storage overflows on nodes and make room for the newly arriving data packets, some stored data packets ought to be actively discarded by nodes. This research begins with the construction of a differential equation set to describe the propagation process of data packets in OUSNs, and the storing-discarding equilibrium is investigated such that each data packet is expected to propagate and disappear during the allowable dissemination time slots. After that, the optimal storing probabilities and discarding probabilities are obtained for the nodes with different in-degrees to maximize the delivery ratio of data packets. Then, we propose an Adaptive Data Dissemination Algorithm (ADDA) for the storage-limited OUSNs with signal irregularity, where at each time slot the newly arriving data packets are stored and the stored data packets are discarded by nodes according to the obtained storing probabilities and discarding probabilities, respectively. Simulation results demonstrate the excellent performance of ADDA, showing that it can enhance the delivery ratio of data packets and reduce the number of storage overflows.
Using Optical Flow under Bird’s-Eye View Transform to Estimate the Height of Objects around a Vehicle

The paper proposed a new method that can real-time estimates the height of objects with a single camera from a bird’s–eye view. Generally, it is impossible to obtain 3-D information, like the depth of objects, with a single lens camera without the additional information, such as the height and the tilt angle of the camera, are known in advance [1]. The disparity map of binocular cameras is usually employed to estimate depth. It is not suitable for vehicles to estimate the height (similar to depth estimating from a planar view) of objects from a bird’s-eye view due to the difficulties of installing and corresponding. Therefore, the optical flow to estimate the height of the object with one camera is proposed. There are two features under a dynamic bird’s–eye view of image. First, the optical flow value is proportional to the height of the object. Second, there is no perspective effect in each layer height of an image plane. Several experimental results are included to show the proposed method is feasible.
Propagation models for HF radio service planning

Control of usage of the radio spectrum is vested in the International Telecommunication Union and the Radiocommunication Sector of that organisation (ITU-R) is responsible for developing and maintaining propagation models to be used in service planning. For many years the ITU-R, and the former CCIR from which it has evolved, have provided a forum for HF propagation modelling, both in the development of new models and in the testing of existing models against measurement databases. Procedures have now been produced which augment monthly median estimates with day-to-day ionosphere, signal and background noise variability statistics to yield defined reliability and compatibility probabilities. Modern HF radio systems require additional information. Over-the-horizon radars, HF target location complexes and other remote-sensing facilities need a means of relating measured arrival angles and group-path delays to specific signal source positions. Knowledge of multi-mode time spread and Doppler dispersion is important to the design and operation of communications modems. Besides the range of likely statistics, methods are needed of determining the conditions on individual days, so that available operational parameters may be optimised. So, near real-time estimates of ionospheric conditions must be derived. This paper provides an overview of the current state of HF propagation predictions, highlights the principal problem areas, and offers suggestions for the ways ahead.
Precise Photogrammetric Reconstruction Using Model-Based Image Fitting for 3D Beam Deformation Monitoring

Periodic structural health monitoring of infrastructure systems is important to avoid economic losses and human casualties. Traditionally, deformation monitoring has been done through surveying techniques. Recently, with the increased availability of inexpensive off-the-shelf cameras, photogrammetry has become a viable noncontact alternative for complete three-dimensional reconstruction of the object or surface of interest. This paper aims at combining two methodologies of photogrammetric reconstruction—image-matching-based reconstruction and model-based image fitting—to achieve submillimeter precision for the estimation of both vertical deflections and horizontal displacements. The proposed methodology was tested with data collected using a photogrammetric system at a structures laboratory where a concrete beam was subjected to different loading conditions by a hydraulic actuator. The experimental results showed that the photogrammetric system was capable of monitoring both static and dynamic deformations. The methodology used exhibited a high level of automation and the final results yielded a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of half a millimeter.
A Data-Fitted Rolling Bearing Life Prediction Model–-Part I: Mathematical Model

Paris I through III of this paper present the results of a project aimed at creating an improved rolling bearing spalling fatigue life prediction method. (a) A large experimental bearing life database is assembled. (b) A mathematical life prediction model is formulated that includes traction, EHD film and surface roughness effects and numerous bearing material, design, manufacturing and operating parameters. (c) The model is fitted to the database and its fit statistically evaluated. (d) The model is compared with major published models and parametrically explored. (e) Applicability of the model to rolling bearing design tasks is reviewed. The present paper is Part I, the mathematical model. Presented at the 50th Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois May 14–19, 1995
Electromagnetic mode analysis on photonic-band-gap resonant cavity in a gyrotron

The traditional cylinder resonant cavity in a gyrotron is replaced with a photonic-band-gap resonant cavity (PBGC) with a structure of triangular arrays of metal posts, and the cold character of the TE operating modes in the PBGC are analysed and calculated. Under the consideration of the cavity structure features, a research method for the mode theory on PBGC is provided, single-mode operation in the cavity is found, and the distribution characteristics of the azimuthally inhomogeneous electromagnetic modes are reported. The study provides a physical theory fundament which reveals possibilities for changing the essential operating status of a gyrotron.
A Comparison of Minimal Pharmacokinetic Models for an Anti-diabetic Agent

In diabetes studies, pharmacologists rely on statistical techniques tied with experimental results to describe the plasma concentration of an anti-diabetic agent. However, these sets of statistical information only provide minimal inference to the drug’s kinetics. To understand the effect of an anti-diabetic agent to a glucose-insulin system, it is necessary to predict its movement in the system over a specific time interval. In this study, a set of simple pharmacokinetic models was formulated to describe the dynamics of the plasma concentration of an anti-diabetic agent known as metformin. The models were fitted to empirical data via nonlinear regression analysis and were compared using Akaike information criterion to determine the most reasonable model and parameter estimates. The results reveal that models considering varying absorption rate have a promising fit. These models can be extended to multiple drug dosage cases and can be used to estimate rate constants associated to other anti-diabetic agents. Read full article here.
Power conditioning techniques

The technological developments required to reduce the electrical power system component weights from the state-of-the-art 2.0 kg/kW to the range of 0.1 to 0.2 kg/kW are discussed. Power level requirements and their trends in aerospace applications are identified and presented. The projected weight and launch costs for a 1MW power converter built using state-of-the-art technology are established to illustrate the need for reliable, ultralightweight advanced power components. The key factors affecting converter weight are given and some of the tradeoffs between component ratings and circuit topology are identified. The weight and launch costs for a 1MW converter using 0.1 kg/kW technology are presented. Finally, the objectives and goals of the Multi-Megawatt Program at the NASA Lewis Research Center, which is funded by the SDIO through the Air Force, are given.
What Are the Experiences and Training Needs of Home-Based Carers in Dealing With Diabetes in a Rural Village in South Africa? An Explorative Study

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a difficult chronic condition associated with morbidity, mortality and loss of quality of life. In Sub-Saharan African countries, HBC (Home-Based Carers) play an important role in the care of people diagnosed with chronic illnesses like diabetes. However, home-based carers seem to lack knowledge to care of people with diabetes because they have not been not formally trained. The aim of this study is to explore and describe the practices, knowledge and learning needs of Home-Based Carers (HBCs) of people with diabetes. A qualitative explorative approach was taken, holding interviews with 15 HBCs at the 4 clinics in the Ga-Dikgale village. The purposive sampling method was used to select participants for this study. Four themes are described: activities performed by HBCs during the care of diabetes patients, existing structures and sources of information for HBCs on the management of diabetic patients, challenges experienced by HBCs during the provision of care to diabetes patients and the learning needs of HBCs, based on how they want their training to be organised. HBCs execute various activities during the care of PWD (patients with diabetes) including providing nutritional advice, medication support, helping with household chores, accompanying patients to healthcare services and dressing their wounds. However, they lack knowledge of issues related to the care of PWD, which makes their role very difficult and challenging.