Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of pre-eclampsia with metabolic syndrome and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women: A systemic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women globally. Preeclampsia has been linked to increased risk of developing heart disease later in life. The best approach for the prevention of CVD after preeclampsia is yet unclear. Studies assessing CVD risk post preeclampsia have included metabolic risk factors that define the metabolic syndrome (MS). This review quantifies the association between preeclampsia and CVD in the context of metabolic risk factors that define the MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed database was searched for relevant articles from 1999 to March 2015. The search phrase was "preeclampsia and MS." After two levels of screening by title and abstract, case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that included at least 50 subjects were selected. RESULTS Twenty-four articles that reported the prevalence or odds for MS and its components following a history of preeclampsia and the prevalence of preeclampsia in women with prepregnancy MS were selected. A total of 9 case-control, 11 cohort, and four cross-sectional studies were included. The prevalence of MS ranged from 10.9% to 27.3% after a preeclamptic pregnancy. About 88% of the case-control studies showed a statistically significant difference in prevalence of MS post preeclampsia whereas 75% of the cohort studies reported prevalence values >10% for the prevalence of MS post preeclampsia. The odds for developing MS post preeclampsia ranged from 1.23 to 3.60 and 83% of the studies reported an odds ratio >2. The prevalence of developing preeclampsia in women with prepregnancy MS ranged from 26.7% to 45% compared to 4.7% to 17% among controls. CONCLUSION The prevalence and odds for developing MS after a preeclamptic pregnancy are high suggesting that MS may be involved in the pathogenesis of CVD following preeclampsia. This will provide evidence on the potential health benefits of a modifiable CVD risk screening program for women with a history of preeclampsia.
The fluorination of single wall carbon nanotubes using microwave plasma

We have functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes using a CF4 microwave discharge and characterized the samples through in situ FTIR spectroscopy, UV–VIS–NIR spectroscopy, FT-Raman spectroscopy, SEM and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A high degree of functionalization is achieved in a very short time frame, demonstrating that a microwave plasma scheme is an efficient technique for surface modification of carbon nanotubes. The analysis indicates a fractional surface coverage of 2/3 with fluorination.
A Survey of Privacy Preserving Reputation Systems

Reputation systems make the users of a distributed application accountable for their behavior. The reputation of a user is computed as an aggregate of the feedback provided by other users in the system. Truthful feedback is clearly a prerequisite for computing a reputation score that accurately represents the behavior of a user. However, it has been observed that users often hesitate in providing truthful feedback, mainly due to the fear of retaliation. Privacy preserving reputation systems enable users to provide feedback in a private and thus uninhibited manner. In this paper, we describe analysis frameworks for reputation systems and privacy preserving reputation systems. We use these analysis frameworks to review and compare the existing privacy preserving reputation systems in the literature. We identify the strengths and weaknesses of the various systems. We also discuss some open challenges.
Performance analysis and experimental study on Flat Optical Comb Generation

The performance of the optical frequency comb generation based on the re-circulating frequency shifter has been analyzed and demonstrated in this paper. We have theoretically analyzed the condition for flatness of the optical frequency comb and the relative intensity noise influence. We find out the influence to the flatness of optical comb owing to amplifier relative intensity noise and modulator relative factors imperfect, such as input RF signals amplitude and phase deviation and modulator defect owing to manufacture for the first time. Moreover, to verify the theoretical analysis, a 16 comb lines and spacing 12.5 GHz RFS generation system have also been carried out, and the results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis results. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i1. 1867
Latent source mining in FMRI via restricted Boltzmann machine

Blind source separation (BSS) is commonly used in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data analysis. Recently, BSS models based on restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), one of the building blocks of deep learning models, have been shown to improve brain network identification compared to conventional single matrix factorization models such as independent component analysis (ICA). These models, however, trained RBM on fMRI volumes, and are hence challenged by model complexity and limited training set. In this article, we propose to apply RBM to fMRI time courses instead of volumes for BSS. The proposed method not only interprets fMRI time courses explicitly to take advantages of deep learning models in latent feature learning but also substantially reduces model complexity and increases the scale of training set to improve training efficiency. Our experimental results based on Human Connectome Project (HCP) datasets demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method over ICA and the one that applied RBM to fMRI volumes in identifying task‐related components, resulted in more accurate and specific representations of task‐related activations. Moreover, our method separated out components representing intermixed effects between task events, which could reflect inherent interactions among functionally connected brain regions. Our study demonstrates the value of RBM in mining complex structures embedded in large‐scale fMRI data and its potential as a building block for deeper models in fMRI data analysis.
Processing Methods for the Preparation of Porous Ceramics

Macroporous ceramics with tailored pore size and shape could be used for well-established and emerging applications, such as molten metal filtration, biomaterial, catalysis, thermal insulation, hot gas filtration and diesel particulate filters. In these applications, unique properties of porous materials were required which could be achieved through the incorporation of macro-pores into ceramics. In this article, we reviewed the main processing techniques which can be used for the fabrication of macroporous ceramics with tailored microstructure. Partial sintering, replica templates, sacrificial fugutives, and direct foaming techniques was described here and compared in terms of microstructures and mechanical properties that could be achieved. The main focus was given to the direct foaming technique which was simple and versatile approach that allowed the fabrication of macro-porous ceramics with tailored features and properties.
Adopting Systolic Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT)-like office blood pressure measurements in clinical practice.

I n this issue of the Journal of Hypertension Leenen et al. [1] report the percentage of high blood pressure (BP) control obtained, about 10 years ago, in a sample representative of the Ontario (Canada) population, in which BP was measured in a fashion similar to that employed in the hypertensive patients of the Systolic Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) [2]. That is, by averaging several values obtained via a semiautomatic measuring device in individuals left alone in a room for several minutes, a procedure shown to be unaffected by the alerting response and the rise that characterize BP when measured by or in the presence of healthcare responsible personnel [3–5]. The results show that this BP measuring approach is associated with a strikingly high number of treated patients in whom BP control is achieved. They further show that control is extremely common (>80% of the treated population) when, as recommended by guidelines [6–8], the target for treatment is set at less than 140/90 mmHg (SBP/DBP). It is also quite frequently achieved when a lower target (i.e. <130/80mmHg) is adopted, a goal supported by some guidelines [9] in few clinical conditions (diabetes and proteinuric nephropathy), but usually regarded as so hard to reach as to have a limited practical value [10]. Interestingly, the low unattended semiautomatic BP values obtained in SPRINT by intense treatment were frequently seen also in the elderly fraction of the hypertensive population, somewhat unexpectedly without requiring, unlike in SPRINT [2], the administration of two or, in most patients, three antihypertensive agents. In the population survey of Leenen et al. [1] treated and controlled hypertensive patients exhibited a BP far lower than 140/90 mmHg (about 120/70–75mmHg), although receiving only one antihypertensive drug in the majority
Neuroimaging of corpus callosum in central nervous system demyelinating disorders

Corpus callosum (CC) is the largest white matter structure in the brain, consisting of 200250 million contralateral axonal projections. It is the major commissural pathway connecting the hemispheres of human brain. The pathology of CC includes wide variety of entities that arise from different causes such as congenital, inflammatory, tumoral, degenerative, infectious, etc. This study reviews the most reliable neuroimaging data of human CC in central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases to facilitate the understanding of different pathological entities of the CC and their role in anticipation of probable prognostic findings. After a brief description of normal anatomy and functions of CC, this review examines the most valuable findings obtained using conventional and functional magnetic resonance imaging. It also demonstrates the most well organized findings of how CC features influence prognostic factors of demyelinating disorders, which could have a great value for choosing proper therapy methods. The authors also provided a brief review of other demyelinating disorders which are primarily caused by other pathological factors other than autoimmunity. As a conclusion, the authors showed the importance of CC as an critical part of the brain, which should be explored by different methods of imaging, correspondent to clinical evaluation of CNS demyelinating disorder to widen our knowledge on pathology and clinical patterns of such disorders.
Emerging corrosion inhibitors for interfacial coating

Corrosion is a deterioration of a metal due to reaction with environment. The use of corrosion inhibitors is one of the most effective ways of protecting metal surfaces against corrosion. Their effectiveness is related to the chemical composition, their molecular structures and affinities for adsorption on the metal surface. This review focuses on the potential of ionic liquid, polyionic liquid (PIL) and graphene as promising corrosion inhibitors in emerging coatings due to their remarkable properties and various embedment or fabrication strategies. The review begins with a precise description of the synthesis, characterization and structure-property-performance relationship of such inhibitors for anti-corrosion coatings. It establishes a platform for the formation of new generation of PIL based coatings and shows that PIL corrosion inhibitors with various heteroatoms in different form can be employed for corrosion protection with higher barrier properties and protection of metal surface. However, such study is still in its infancy and there is significant scope to further develop new structures of PIL based corrosion inhibitors and coatings and study their behaviour in protection of metals. Besides, it is identified that the combination of ionic liquid, PIL and graphene could possibly contribute to the development of the ultimate corrosion inhibitor based coating.
Structural Changes of RNA in Complex with Proteins in the SRP

The structural flexibility of RNA allows it to exist in several shapes and sizes. Thus, RNA is functionally diverse and is known to be involved in processes such as catalysis, ligand binding, and most importantly, protein recognition. RNA can adopt different structures, which can often dictate its functionality. When RNA binds onto protein to form a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP), multiple interactions and conformational changes occur with the RNA and protein. However, there is the question of whether there is a specific pattern for these changes to occur upon recognition. In particular when RNP complexity increases with the addition of multiple proteins/RNA, it becomes difficult to structurally characterize the overall changes using the current structural determination techniques. Hence, there is a need to use a combination of biochemical, structural and computational modeling to achieve a better understanding of the processes that RNPs are involved. Nevertheless, there are well-characterized systems that are evolutionarily conserved [such as the signal recognition particle (SRP)] that give us important information on the structural changes of RNA and protein upon complex formation.
Nhe5 deficiency enhances learning and memory via upregulating Bdnf/TrkB signaling in mice

Nhe5, a Na+/H+ exchanger, is predominantly expressed in brain tissue and is proposed to act as a negative regulator of dendritic spine growth. Up to now, its physiological function in vivo remains unclear. Here we show that Nhe5‐deficient mice exhibit markedly enhanced learning and memory in Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance task. Meanwhile, the pre‐ and post‐synaptic components, synaptophysin (Syn) and post‐synaptic density 95 (PSD95) expression levels were found increased in hippocampal regions lacking of Nhe5, suggesting a possible alterations in neuronal synaptic structure and function in Nhe5−/− mice. Further study reveals that Nhe5 deficiency leads to higher Bdnf expression levels, followed by increased phosphorylated TrkB and PLCγ levels, indicating that Bdnf/TrkB signaling is activated due to Nhe5 deficiency. Moreover, the corresponding brain regions of Nhe5−/− mice display elevated ERK/CaMKII/CREB phosphorylation levels. Taken together, these findings uncover a novel physiological function of Nhe5 in regulating learning and memory, further implying Nhe5 as a potential therapeutic target for improving cognition.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase modulates Toll‐like receptor 4–mediated IL‐6 production and permeability via nitric oxide‐independent signaling

Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by changes in eNOS, is a common finding in chronic inflammatory vascular diseases. These states are associated with increased infectious complications. We hypothesized that alterations in eNOS would enhance the response to LPS‐mediated TLR4 inflammation. Human microvascular endothelial cells were treated with sepiapterin or N‐nitro‐L‐arginine methylester (L‐NAME) to alter endogenous NO production, and small interfering RNA to knockdown eNOS. Alterations of endogenous NO by sepiapterin, and L‐NAME provided no significant changes to LPS inflammation. In contrast, eNOS knockdown greatly enhanced endothelial IL‐6 production and permeability in response to LPS. Knockdown of eNOS enhanced LPS‐induced p38. Inhibition of p38 with SB203580 prevented IL‐6 production, without altering permeability. Knockdown of p38 impaired NF‐κB activation. Physical interaction between p38 and eNOS was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation, suggesting a novel, NO‐independent mechanism for eNOS regulation of TLR4. In correlation, biopsy samples in patients with systemic lupus erythematous showed reduced eNOS expression with associated elevations in TLR4 and p38, suggesting an in vivo link. Thus, reduced expression of eNOS, as seen in chronic inflammatory disease, was associated with enhanced TLR4 signaling through p38. This may enhance the response to infection in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions. —Stark, R. J., Koch, S. R. , Choi, H. , Mace, E. H. , Dikalov, S. I. , Sherwood, E. R. , Lamb, F. S. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase modulates Toll‐like receptor 4–mediated IL‐6 production and permeability via nitric oxide‐independent signaling. FASEB J. 32, 945–956 (2018). www.fasebj. org
Families United/Familias Unidas

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the development and implementation of a new diabetes prevention intervention that combines the benefits of family support with the group office model. Intensive lifestyle modification can effectively delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, yet health providers are challenged in translating these results to their patients. The group outpatient visit model can provide a means to address prevention issues in a financially sustainable manner. Methods Materials from the Diabetes Prevention Program and a previously developed group office visit program were combined to create the Families United/Familias Unidas curriculum. The session content utilized a multiculturally tailored approach designed to help participants decrease portion size, decrease carbohydrate intake, increase physical activity, and increase resiliency. Adults aged 18 to 70 were recruited who had any diabetes risk factors but did not have diabetes. Eligible participants enlisted a support person, aged 14 to 70, to join them in the 6-month group office visit intervention. Results Twenty-nine pairs (n = 58) of primary participants plus support persons were recruited. Participants’ average age was 45; 74% were female; 56.9% identified themselves as white and 37.9% as Hispanic/Latino. Over one-third had 4 or more diabetes risk factors. Twelve family group office visits were delivered over 6 months. The attendance rate for those who attended at least one session was 72%. Conclusions Group office visits can provide a new sustainable model for diabetes prevention and are a natural fit for primary care physicians in collaboration with other health care professionals, such as dieticians or diabetes educators.
Functional outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation in very elderly patients with stroke: differences across three age groups

ABSTRACT Background As the population continues to age rapidly, clarifying the factors affecting the prognosis in very elderly stroke patients is essential to enhance the quality of their rehabilitation. Objectives To compare the functional recovery of elderly stroke patients classified into three age groups and to identify the predictors of functional recovery in the very elderly following acute inpatient rehabilitation. Methods Observational study: We collected data on 461 stroke patients in the neurology and neurosurgery ward and classified them into three age groups (65–74, 75–84, and ≥ 85 years). Functional recovery was compared among groups using the functional independence measure (FIM) at discharge and ADL recovery rate was compared using the Montebello rehabilitation factor score (MRFS). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify and compare the factors associated with functional recovery in each age group. Results Functional recovery in the ≥ 85 years group was lower than that in other age groups. Factors associated with activities of daily living (ADL) status (FIM at discharge) in the ≥ 85 years group were premorbid dependence (β = -0.183, p = 0.011), motor paralysis (β = -0.238, p = 0.001), and cognitive function (β = 0.586, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the impact of cognitive function grew as age increased. Factors associated with ADL recovery rates (MRFS) in the ≥ 85 years group were non-paretic limb function (β = -0.294, p = 0.004) and cognitive function (β = 0.201, p = 0.047). Conclusions This study identified the factors associated with functional recovery among very elderly stroke patients. Effective forms of rehabilitation for very elderly stroke patients that take these factors into consideration need to be investigated.
Neuronal oscillations on an ultra‐slow timescale: daily rhythms in electrical activity and gene expression in the mammalian master circadian clockwork

Neuronal oscillations of the brain, such as those observed in the cortices and hippocampi of behaving animals and humans, span across wide frequency bands, from slow delta waves (0.1 Hz) to ultra‐fast ripples (600 Hz). Here, we focus on ultra‐slow neuronal oscillators in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the master daily clock that operates on interlocking transcription‐translation feedback loops to produce circadian rhythms in clock gene expression with a period of near 24 h (< 0.001 Hz). This intracellular molecular clock interacts with the cell's membrane through poorly understood mechanisms to drive the daily pattern in the electrical excitability of SCN neurons, exhibiting an up‐state during the day and a down‐state at night. In turn, the membrane activity feeds back to regulate the oscillatory activity of clock gene programs. In this review, we emphasise the circadian processes that drive daily electrical oscillations in SCN neurons, and highlight how mathematical modelling contributes to our increasing understanding of circadian rhythm generation, synchronisation and communication within this hypothalamic region and across other brain circuits.
Area selective atomic layer deposition: use of lithographically defined polymer masking layers for the deposition of titanium dioxide

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising method for depositing high quality, conformal, ultra-thin films. The ability to perform area selective ALD would provide a number of benefits including a reduction in the cost and number of process steps required for patternwise deposition of materials, elimination of possible substrate and device damage induced by plasma etching of thin films, and ability to direct pattern materials that are difficult to etch. Previous attempts have been made to develop area selective ALD processes based on the use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). In these schemes, the SAM layers were used to selectively passivate specific regions of a substrate surface and thus prevent ALD. However, the process times required for SAM deposition and problems with SAM defectivity have limited the practical application of such methods. This paper presents a new approach to area selective atomic layer deposition techniques (ASALDT) based on the use of lithographically definable polymeric masking layers that allow deposition only in selected areas of a substrate. It is shown that there are a number of factors that must be considered in designing such patternable polymeric masking materials and processes including: reactivity of the polymer with the ALD precursor species, diffusion of ALD precursors through the polymer mask, and remnant precursor content in the masking film during ALD cycling. Finally, successful direct patterned deposition of TiO2 is demonstrated using a poly(methyl methacrylate) masking layer that has been patterned using deep-UV lithography.