Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) Update

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial is an intergroup effort in the USA managed by the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) in collaboration with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) and the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB). This 10-year study began approximately 5 years ago and will achieve its primary endpoint in October 2004. At the start of the study, 18,882 men, aged over 55 years, and with normal digital rectal examination (DRE) and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of ≤3.0 ng/ml were randomized to take finasteride (5 mg/day) or placebo (1 tablet/day). DRE and PSA have been determined yearly (PSA in a central laboratory). When DRE is abnormal or PSA rises to >4.0 ng/ml, a biopsy is recommended. Because of the effect finasteride has on PSA, the PSA value has been indexed to equalize the number of biopsies in both arms. At 7 years all survivors will undergo a sextant biopsy to determine the period prevalence of prostate cancer. The critical assumptions are: (1) finasteride-induced PSA changes result in a simple downward shift; (2) the assessment of adherence is sensitive enough to detect nonadherence affecting PSA level interpretation: (3) factors affecting biopsy loss will be equal in both arms; (4) finasteride does not affect the sensitivity or specificity of DRE on transrectal ultrasound nor the sensitivity of biopsy; (5) bias resulting from transurethral resection of the prostate in benign prostate hyperplasia cases will be negligible.
Moving vehicle detection using deep neural network

In recent years, vehicle recognition has become one of the most important applications in the field of intelligent traffic monitoring and management. Vehicles detection on road is a necessary component in many intelligent applications, such as driver assistance systems, automatic toll collection, intelligent parking systems, self-guided vehicles and traffic statistics such as speed, flow and vehicle count. The main goal of our study is to detect the moving vehicles on road for driverless car assistance system. We address the vehicle detection and recognition problems using Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) approach. Our proposed approach outperforms state-of-the art method.
Automatic 2D to stereoscopic video conversion for 3D TVS

In this paper we present a novel technique for automatically converting 2D videos to stereoscopic. Uniquely, the proposed approach leverages the strengths of Deep Learning to address the complex problem of depth estimation from a single image. A Convolutional Neural Network is trained on input RGB images and their corresponding depths maps. We reformulate and simplify the process of generating the second camera's depth map and present how this can be used to render an anaglyph image. The anaglyph image was used for demonstration only because of the easy and wide availability of red/cyan glasses however, this does not limit the applicability of the proposed technique to other stereo forms. Finally, we present preliminary results and discuss the challenges.
Complete mitochondrial genome of Mugilogobius chulae (Perciformes: Gobiidae)

Abstract In this paper, the complete mitogenome sequence of Mugilogobius chulae is reported. The circular mitochondrial DNA of M. chulae is 16,489 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs and 2 non-coding regions (control region and origin of light-strand replication). The overall base composition of M. chulae is 27.8% A, 27.1% T, 16.8% G, 28.3% C. This genome reported here provides a resource for studies on taxonomy and genetics of M. chulae and closely related species.
MCEF, the Newest Member of the AF4 Family of Transcription Factors Involved in Leukemia, Is a Positive Transcription Elongation Factor-b-Associated Protein

Positive transcription elongation factor-b (P-TEFb) contains CDK9 and cyclin T1. P-TEFb was affinity purified from a stably transfected cell line that expresses epitope-tagged CDK9, and proteins that appeared to be specifically bound were sequenced. In addition to CDK9, previously identified isoforms of cyclin T (including T1, T2A and T2B), HSP90 and CDC37, this analysis identified a novel protein named MCEF. Cloning of its cognate cDNA revealed that MCEF is the newest member of the AF4 family of transcription factors involved in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. MCEF RNA was expressed in all human tissues examined, and antisera directed against recombinant MCEF specifically immunoprecipitated P-TEFb. Ectopic expression of MCEF did not activate HIV-1 replication, and tethering of MCEF to a promoter did not activate transcription.
A survey on fault detection, diagnosis and recovery in wireless mesh networks

Nowadays wireless technology is playing vital role in the communication system. Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) gives a less expensive alternative to backhauls that can be utilized to give minimal effort get to administrations. Contrasted with regular remote LANs, the advantages of a WMN incorporate more prominent range in light of bundle transferring and higher throughput as a result of shorter bounces. A WMN, be that as it may, might be liable to an assortment of shortcomings that are difficult to analyze physically. This paper presents a survey of the various algorithms used for fault detection, fault diagnosis and fault management in WMNs.
Validation of a Measure of Chinese Outpatients’ Satisfaction in the Taiwan Setting

The medical services market is rapidly expanding around the world, following the experience of the industrialized Western economies. Cultural differences make existing assumptions about health care quality risky to export, leading to an increasing interest in understanding patient satisfaction with care within non-Western contexts. Within the Greater China region, both Western and traditional Chinese medicine coexist, yet there is a lack of research instruments that include distinct values of Chinese patients. This article reports the development of a measure of Chinese patient satisfaction with outpatient care. We describe the foundation of the scale in a qualitative report that includes 8 dimensions of Chinese patient satisfaction. A sample of 400 Chinese patients completed the final instrument. A quantitative analytical procedure leads to a 6-dimension and 27-item instrument to measure Chinese patients’ satisfaction with outpatient care. Our proposed instrument has good internal consistency supporting the use of the instrument in contexts where Chinese patients are being treated.
H.264 video decoder implemented on FPGAs using 3×3 and 2×2 networks-on-chip

In this paper, we present the design and verification of the H.264 video decoder algorithm on FPGAs. The primary difference compared to previously reported designs is that the communication between the decoder modules is done via a network-on-chip in our case. The proposed design is a complete system level hardware design described in VHDL and Verilog. We report experimental results for two different implementations. The first implementation uses a 3×3 network-on-chip and is validated on the DE4 development board, which uses Altera's Stratix IV GX FPGA chip. The second implementation uses a 2×2 network-on-chip and is validated on the Cyclone V SoC FPGA, which is a smaller FPGA chip available on the DE1-SoC board. Both implementations will be released to the public domain with the hope that they will foster further research, in addition to facilitating replication and comparison to our results.
Ultrathin Cobalt-Based Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets with Both Metal and Ligand Redox Activities for Superior Lithium Storage.

The controllable synthesis and structural tailoring of nanostructured metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is of huge significance in boosting their potential for rechargeable batteries. We herein present the facile synthesis of cobalt-based ultrathin metal-organic framework nanosheets (referred to as "u-CoTDA") by using 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic (H2 TDA) as the organic building block through a one-pot ultrasonic method for the first time. The obtained u-CoTDA exhibits high reversible capacity (790 mAh g-1 after 400 cycles at 1 A g-1 ) and excellent rate capability (694 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 ), which outperforms its bulk counterpart. Moreover, the detailed lithiation/delithiation processes of u-CoTDA were studied by the combination of Co K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), O K-edge soft X-ray spectroscopy (sXAS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques, which demonstrate that both the CoII centers and organic ligands of u-CoTDA are involved in the reduction/oxidation processes.
An Index Structure for Fast Range Search in Hamming Space

This paper addresses the problem of indexing and querying very large databases of binary vectors. Such databases of binary vectors are a common occurrence in domains such as information retrieval and computer vision. We propose an indexing structure consisting of a compressed bitwise trie and a hash table for supporting range queries in Hamming space. The index structure, which can be updated incrementally, is able to solve the range queries for any radius. Our approach significantly outperforms state-of-the-art approaches.
Common Sparsity Based Channel Estimation for FDD Massive MIMO-OFDM Systems via Multitask Bayesian Compressive Sensing

In this paper, we propose a new channel estimation scheme for downlink channels in frequency division duplex (FDD) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems where orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is adopted. In this scenario, the channel sparsity level is assumed unknown to the base station (BS). To the best of our knowledge, multitask bayesian compressive sensing (MBCS) has not been used in channel estimation of FDD massive MIMO systems. By exploiting the spatially common sparsity within the system bandwidth, the MBCS can learn the common sparsity characteristics of the user channels, which guarantees the performance of sparse channel recovery. Based on MBCS, we propose a pilot adapted MBCS (PAMBCS) scheme to further exploit the sparsity feature, where the pilot sequences are designed by minimizing the differential entropy of estimated channel vectors to reduce the estimation uncertainties. Simulation results have shown that the MBCS has a good capability to reduce pilot overhead, even though when a few number of subcarriers can be used for pilot transmission. Moreover, the performance of PAMBCS is much better than random pilots based MBCS.
Generation of a KSHV K13 deletion mutant for vFLIP function study

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV)‐encoded viral Fas‐associated death domain‐like IL‐1‐converting enzyme inhibitory protein (vFLIP) is one of the latently expressed genes and plays a key role in cell survival and maintenance of latent infection by activating the NF‐κB pathway. To obtain a genetic system for studying KSHV vFLIP mutation in the context of the viral genome, we generated recombinant viruses lacking the coding sequence (CDS) of vFLIP gene (K13/ORF71) by bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) technology and the Escherichia coli Red recombination system. After a series of verification with PCR, restriction digestion and sequencing, the K13 deletion bacmids was transfected into a stable viral producer cell line based on iSLK cells to create vFLIP‐knockout mutant. Importantly, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) could be de novo infected by vFLIP mutant virus, which are now available for studying the roles of vFLIP in regulation of other KSHV genes and viral pathogenesis.
A hybrid particle swarm optimisation approach for energy-efficient single machine scheduling with cumulative deterioration and multiple maintenances

This paper addresses the problem of energy-efficient single-machine scheduling with cumulative deteriorating effect and multiple maintenance activities. The actual processing time of a job is defined by a general non-decreasing function dependent on the operational time of the machine between a recent maintenance activity and the job. The aim is to determine the sequence of jobs and the number of maintenance activities as well as their positions, in order to minimise energy consumption. The energy consumption here depends on both the machine's operation and maintenance time. To solve this problem, a mixed integer linear programming model is proposed. Since the problem is NP-hard, exact methods are not feasible in terms of time when the problem scale is large. We therefore present a genetic algorithm (GA), a particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm and a hybrid PSO (HPSO) approach that integrates genetic operators into PSO to optimise large-scale problem instances. Comprehensive computational experiments using 72 test instances coupled with statistical analysis confirm that HPSO performs significantly better than the GA and PSO.
Application of hot melt extrusion for improving bioavailability of artemisinin a thermolabile drug

Abstract Hot melt extrusion has been used to produce a solid dispersion of the thermolabile drug artemisinin. Formulation and process conditions were optimized prior to evaluation of dissolution and biopharmaceutical performance. Soluplus®, a low Tg amphiphilic polymer especially designed for solid dispersions enabled melt extrusion at 110 °C although some drug-polymer incompatibility was observed. Addition of 5% citric acid as a pH modifier was found to suppress the degradation. The area under plasma concentration time curve (AUC0–24h) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were four times higher for the modified solid dispersion compared to that of pure artemisinin.
Genomic differentiation and patterns of gene flow between two long‐tailed tit species (Aegithalos)

Patterns of heterogeneous genomic differentiation have been well documented between closely related species, with some highly differentiated genomic regions (“genomic differentiation islands”) spread throughout the genome. Differential levels of gene flow are proposed to account for this pattern, as genomic differentiation islands are suggested to be resistant to gene flow. Recent studies have also suggested that genomic differentiation islands could be explained by linked selection acting on genomic regions with low recombination rates. Here, we investigate genomic differentiation and gene‐flow patterns for autosomes using RAD‐seq data between two closely related species of long‐tailed tits (Aegithalos bonvaloti and A. fuliginosus) in both allopatric and contact zone populations. The results confirm recent or ongoing gene flow between these two species. However, there is little evidence that the genomic regions that were found to be highly differentiated between the contact zone populations are resistant to gene flow, suggesting that differential levels of gene flow is not the cause of the heterogeneous genomic differentiation. Linked selection may be the cause of genomic differentiation islands between the allopatric populations with no or very limited gene flow, but this could not account for the heterogeneous genomic differentiation between the contact zone populations, which show evidence of recent or ongoing gene flow.
Post-Modified Polypeptides with UCST-Type Behavior for Control of Cell Attachment in Physiological Conditions

Upper Critical Solution Temperature (UCST)-type thermally responsive polypeptides (TRPs) with phase transition temperatures around 37 °C in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) buffer (pH 7.4, 100 mM) were prepared from poly(l-ornithine) hydrobromide and coated on non-tissue culture-treated plastic plates (nTCP). Cell adhesion was observed at temperatures above the phase transition temperature of the coating polymer (39 °C), while cell release was triggered when the culture temperature was switched to 37 °C. Approximately 65% of the attached cells were released from the surface within 6 h after changing the temperature, and more than 96% of the released cells were viable. Water contact angle measurements performed at 39 and 37 °C demonstrated that the surface hydrophobicity of the new TRP coatings changed in response to applied temperature. The cell attachment varied with the presence of serum in the media, suggesting that the TRP coatings mediated cell attachment and release as the underlying polymer surface changed conformation and consequently the display of adsorbed protein. These new TRP coatings provide an additional means to mediate cell attachment for application in cell-based tissue regeneration and therapies.
Mirna biogenesis pathway is differentially regulated during adipose derived stromal/stem cell differentiation

ABSTRACT Stromal/stem cell differentiation is controlled by a vast array of regulatory mechanisms. Included within these are methods of mRNA gene regulation that occur at the level of epigenetic, transcriptional, and/or posttranscriptional modifications. Current studies that evaluate the posttranscriptional regulation of mRNA demonstrate microRNAs (miRNAs) as key mediators of stem cell differentiation through the inhibition of mRNA translation. miRNA expression is enhanced during both adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation; however, the mechanism by which miRNA expression is altered during stem cell differentiation is less understood. Here we demonstrate for the first time that adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) induced to an adipogenic or osteogenic lineage have differences in strand preference (-3p and -5p) for miRNAs originating from the same primary transcript. Furthermore, evaluation of miRNA expression in ASCs demonstrates alterations in both miRNA strand preference and 5'seed site heterogeneity. Additionally, we show that during stem cell differentiation there are alterations in expression of genes associated with the miRNA biogenesis pathway. Quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated changes in the Argonautes (AGO1-4), Drosha, and Dicer at intervals of ASC adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation compared to untreated ASCs. Specifically, we demonstrated altered expression of the AGOs occurring during both adipogenesis and osteogenesis, with osteogenesis increasing AGO1-4 expression and adipogenesis decreasing AGO1 gene and protein expression. These data demonstrate changes to components of the miRNA biogenesis pathway during stromal/stem cell differentiation. Identifying regulatory mechanisms for miRNA processing during ASC differentiation may lead to novel mechanisms for the manipulation of lineage differentiation of the ASC through the global regulation of miRNA as opposed to singular regulatory mechanisms.
Autonomic dysfunction is associated with cardiac remodelling in heart failure patients

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a cardinal sign of autonomic dysfunction and a common co‐morbidity in heart failure (HF). The role of autonomic dysfunction in the development of structural cardiac anomalies in HF patients has not been sufficiently explored. We aimed to assess relations between orthostatic blood pressure (BP) responses during active standing and echocardiographic changes in a series of patients admitted for HF.
DFIG's virtual resistance demagnetization for crowbar less LVRT

Due to the increased renewable power penetration level renewable power plants have to provide low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability with simultaneous dynamic voltage support, to ensure the grid stability during grid faults. Concerning doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) based wind energy conversion systems (WECS) large transient electromotive forces (EMF) and rotor currents, which may damage the rotor-side converter (RSC), or adversely affect the controllability of the DFIG are induced into the rotor circuit in case of voltage dips. To limit the rotor currents and to accelerate the transient flux component's or transient electromotive force's damping respectively, a virtual resistance demagnetization approach based on the standard dq-control in the synchronous reference frame is discussed. The theoretical results are compared with those of more demanding virtual inductance and virtual impedance approaches. Additionally, to increase the IGBT's current conductivity, a reduction of switching losses due to a simple pulse pattern optimization is provided. The LVRT-capability is verified with measurement results, recorded during a certification campaign at a 2.1 MW WECS in India, concerning the Indian grid code.
Detection of mood disorder using modulation spectrum of facial action unit profiles

In mood disorder diagnosis, bipolar disorder (BD) patients are often misdiagnosed as unipolar depression (UD) on initial presentation. It is crucial to establish an accurate distinction between BD and UD to make an accurate and early diagnosis, leading to improvements in treatment. In this work, facial expressions of the subjects are collected when they were watching the eliciting emotional video clips. In mood disorder detection, first, facial features extracted from the DISFA database are used to train a support vector machine (SVM) for generating facial action unit (AU) profiles. The modulation spectrum characterizing the fluctuation of AU profile sequence over a video segment are further extracted and then used for mood disorder detection using an ANN model. Comparative experiments clearly show the promising advantage of the modulation spectrum features for mood disorder detection.
Lysophosphatidic acid accelerates development of porcine embryos by activating formation of the blastocoel

Culture media modifications, including the addition of various factors, are important for the in vitro production of oocytes and embryos. In this study, we investigated the effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on porcine embryo development. Porcine parthenogenetic embryos were cultured with 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μM LPA for 7 days, or cultured in basic medium until Day 4 and then treated with LPA from Days 4 to 7. No difference in the in vitro development of embryos cultured with LPA for 7 days was observed. Conversely, rates of blastocyst and over‐expanded blastocyst formation were higher in the 0.1 and 1 µM LPA‐treated versus the other groups of embryos treated from Days 4 to 7. Moreover, formation of early blastocysts occurred earlier and embryo size was larger in LPA‐treated compared to control embryos. Expression of Connexin 43 and gap junction and cell adhesion‐related genes (GJC1 and CDH1, respectively) was also higher in LPA‐treated compared to control embryos. Despite no difference in the blastocyst total cell number between groups, the apoptotic index was lower in the LPA‐treated group than in the control group; indeed, BCL2L1 (B‐cell lymphoma 2‐like protein 1) expression increased while BAK (Bcl‐2 homologous antagonist killer) decreased in the LPA‐treated group. Thus, addition of LPA to the medium from Days 4 to 7 of culture improves blastocyst formation and aids the development of preimplantation embryos.
A state machine block for high-level synthesis

FPGAs are being deployed in datacenters to enable improved energy efficiency and application acceleration. This paper explores whether FPGA designs can be improved to make them more effective in this new role. We explore the properties of applications after high-level synthesis has been applied and note that for irregular applications, a large fraction of FPGA resources may be consumed implementing finite state machines. For many applications the resulting state machines have states with a single successor and limited fan-out degree. We propose a mixed-grained logic block architecture exploiting these properties that can be integrated into current FPGA architectures, which reduces the area of the next state calculation in FSMs by more than 3x in average without impacting performance.