Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myocardial performance index correlates with the BODE index and affects quality of life in COPD patients

Background and objective COPD, a systemic illness associated with the impairment of different organs, affects patient prognosis and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between right ventricle (RV) function, the BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index (a multifunctional scale for the assessment of mortality risk), and quality of life in patients with COPD. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in 107 outpatients presenting with stable COPD who underwent clinical assessment, spirometry, arterial blood gas analyses, a 6-minute walk test, electrocardiography, and echocardiogram and who responded to the Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results Among the study subjects, 53% (57/107) were males, and the mean age was 65.26±8.81 years. A positive correlation was observed between RV dysfunction measured by the myocardial performance index using tissue Doppler (MPIt) and the BODE index, even after adjustment for age and partial pressure of oxygen (r2=0.47; P<0.01). Patients with alterations in the MPIt had worse quality of life, and a statistically significant difference was found for different domains of the SGRQ. Patients with a normal MPIt had a mean total score of 46.2±18.6, whereas for those with MPIt alterations, the mean total score was 61.6±14.2 (P=0.005). These patients had a 1.49-fold increased risk of exhibiting SGRQ total score above the upper limit of the 95% CI (P=0.01). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that RV dysfunction as measured by the MPIt was associated with impairment in quality of life and a worse BODE index in COPD patients, irrespective of age and hypoxemia status.
Simulating Engineering Flows through Complex Porous Media via the Lattice Boltzmann Method

In this paper, recent achievements in the application of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to complex fluid flows are reported. More specifically, we focus on flows through reactive porous media, such as the flow through the substrate of a selective catalytic reactor (SCR) for the reduction of gaseous pollutants in the automotive field; pulsed-flow analysis through heterogeneous catalyst architectures; and transport and electro-chemical phenomena in microbial fuel cells (MFC) for novel waste-to-energy applications. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known application of LBM modeling to the study of MFCs, which represents by itself a highly innovative and challenging research area. The results discussed here essentially confirm the capabilities of the LBM approach as a flexible and accurate computational tool for the simulation of complex multi-physics phenomena of scientific and technological interest, across physical scales.
The ACCompanion v0.1: An Expressive Accompaniment System

In this paper we present a preliminary version of the ACCompanion, an expressive accompaniment system for MIDI input. The system uses a probabilistic monophonic score follower to track the position of the soloist in the score, and a linear Gaussian model to compute tempo updates. The expressiveness of the system is powered by the Basis-Mixer, a state-of-the-art computational model of expressive music performance. The system allows for expressive dynamics, timing and articulation.
Chemokine receptor CXCR3 ligands in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: associations with radiological pattern, clinical course, and prognosis in sarcoidosis.

INTRODUCTION Sustained inflammation in sarcoidosis may lead to lung fibrosis. The activity of numerous chemokines responsible for proliferation and activity of T lymphocytes may play a crucial role in this process and may have predictive value. These include cytokines induced by interferon γ, such as CXCL9, 10, and 11-ligands of chemokine receptor CXCR3. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to estimate the role of CXCR3 ligands in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis and the predictive value of their concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. PATIENTS AND METHODS CXCL9, 10, and 11 concentrations in BAL fluid were measured by an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay in patients with sarcoidosis (n = 59) and controls (n = 34). A total of 46 patients were followed up for 24 months to compare the results between the subgroups with complete remission and with chronic disease. RESULTS Protein-standardized CXCL11 concentrations in BAL fluid from patients with stage II sarcoidosis were higher than in those with stage I (median [interquarile range], 0.95 [0.26-2.39] vs. 0.32 [0.13-0.74] pg/μg protein, P = 0.02). CXCL10 levels in BAL fluid from patients without Löfgren syndrome were higher compared with those the syndrome (0.69 [0.51-1.05] vs. 0.40 [0.27-0.70] pg/μg protein, P = 0.05). None of these markers predicted the chronic course of the disease. CXCL10 levels in BAL fluid correlated with serum angiotensin‑converting enzyme, and CXCL11 levels with parenchymal lesions on high‑resolution computed tomography. Only nonstandardized CXC11 concentrations in BAL fluid were higher in sarcoidosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the hypothesis that cytokines CXCL9, 10, and 11 may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic sarcoidosis. However, the lack of notable differences between the sarcoidosis and control groups, as well as the lack of associations with the chronic course suggest that they should not be considered as potential prognostic markers.
BK Polyomavirus in Renal Transplantation

BK virus is a human polyomavirus that rarely causes disease, except in immune-compromised patients. Evidence of prior BK Virus (BKV) infection is highly prevalent in the general population, and although it rarely causes significant morbidity at primary infection, reactivation of BKV after kidney transplantation is recognized as a cause of BKV-associated Nephropathy (BKVAN), ureteric stenosis, and, rarely, haemorrhagic cystitis. The incidence of BKVAN appears to be increasing, most likely because of increased surveillance post-transplant, as well as the use of more potent immunosuppressive agents. Many patients with BKVAN experience progressive kidney dysfunction and the disease represents a significant threat to long-term kidney transplant success. This narrative review will discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical features, screening, diagnosis and management of BKV infection in the setting of kidney transplantation, as well as suggest future research directions.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates the spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury through blocking mast cell degranulation.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuro-protective effects of dexmedetomidine (dex) on I/R-induced spinal injury and potential mechanisms. METHODS sprague-Dawley rats in the treatment group received intraperitoneal injections of 25 mg/kg dexmedetomidine, MC stabilizer cromolyn (100 mg/kg), MCs stimuliser compound 48/80 (80 mg/kg), PBS at 24 h befor IR. Underwent 5 minutes of aortic occlusion via median sternotomy, functional scores were recorded at 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after reperfusion. Additionally, 3 mice underwent sham surgery with sternotomy and dissection of the aorta and subclavian artery with no occlusion. Spinal cords were examined for protein kinase B (AKT), CREB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) following treatment alone or ischemia-reperfusion surgery. Collected the serum to observe the expression of pro-inflammation cytokines (TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-1β) and anti-inflammation cytokines (TGF-β, IL-10 and IL-6). Then the MCs were harvested to test the expression surface molecular of FcεR and MCs' degranulation. RESULTS Pretreated the rats with dexmedetomidine has higher neurologic function at all time points after I/R injury. We collected the serum of rats then detected the pro-inflammation cytokines TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-1β levels and anti-inflammation cytokinses TGF-β, IL-10 and IL-6 levels, found that the pro-inflammation cytokines of dexmedetomidine group was decreased whereas the anti-inflammation cytokinses was increased. At the same time the protect protein of AKT, CREB and mRNA BDNF were increased. They had the same results with cromolyn group, and opposite with the compound 48/80 group. We pretreated MCs with dexmedetomidine in vitro, and found that the activity surface molecular of MCs was down-regulation, and MCs degranulation was decreased. CONCLUSION We thus demonstrate a possible mechanism by which dexmedetomidine alleviates spinal cord I/R injury through blocking the MCs degranulation.
Hepatocyte growth factor is a potent angiogenic factor which stimulates endothelial cell motility and growth

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF, also known as Scatter Factor) is a powerful mitogen or motility factor in different cells, acting through the tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the MET protooncogene. Endothelial cells express the MET gene and expose at the cell surface the mature protein (p190MET) made of a 50 kD (alpha) subunit disulfide linked to a 145-kD (beta) subunit. HGF binding to endothelial cells identifies two sites with different affinities. The higher affinity binding site (Kd = 0.35 nM) corresponds to the p190MET receptor. Sub- nanomolar concentrations of HGF, but not of a recombinant inactive precursor, stimulate the receptor kinase activity, cell proliferation and motility. HGF induces repairs of a wound in endothelial cell monolayer. HGF stimulates the scatter of endothelial cells grown on three-dimensional collagen gels, inducing an elongated phenotype. In the rabbit cornea, highly purified HGF promotes neovascularization at sub-nanomolar concentrations. HGF lacks activities related to hemostasis-thrombosis, inflammation and endothelial cells accessory functions. These data show that HGF is an in vivo potent angiogenic factor and in vitro induces endothelial cells to proliferate and migrate.
Distribution of visible luminescence centers in hydrogen-doped ZnO

ZnO crystals have been investigated by scanning cathodoluminescence microscopy and spectroscopy at 80 K following hydrogen incorporation by plasma exposure. The intensity of the ZnO near-band-edge (NBE) emission is greatly enhanced while the defect-related green emission is quenched following plasma treatment. These effects are attributed to the passivation of zinc vacancies by hydrogen. The green and yellow intensities and their intensity ratios to the NBE vary with excitation depth for both undoped and H-doped ZnO crystals. The intensities of the green and yellow emissions exhibit sublinear dependencies on electron beam excitation density while the NBE intensity increases linearly with the excitation density. These saturation effects with increasing excitation density must be taken into account when assessing defects in ZnO by luminescence characterization.
An ontologically-based evaluation of software design methods

Abstract This paper develops an ontological basis for evaluating software design methods, based on the situated function–behaviour–structure framework. This framework accounts for the situatedness of designing, viewing it as a dynamic activity driven by interactions between designers and the artefacts being designed. On the basis of this framework, we derive a general evaluation schema that we apply to five software design methods. The ideas presented in this work contribute to a better understanding of design methods, and uncover opportunities for method integration and development.
Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Is Stored in Human Platelets and Released by Agonist Stimulation

Summary Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, plays critical roles in the survival, growth, and maintenance of brain and peripheral neurons. We report the presence of BDNF protein in human platelets and its release upon agonist stimulation. The BDNF content of washed platelets varied widely, from 3.5 to 67 ng/ 4 X 108 platelets, averaging 25.2 ± 21.2 ng/4 X 108 platelets (mean ± SD). The BDNF concentration in platelet-poor plasma was low (1.7 ± 1.7 ng/ml, n = 11). Thrombin, collagen, the Ca++ ionophore A23187, and shear stress each induced a rapid release of BDNF from platelets. Up to only half of platelet BDNF was secreted upon agonist stimulation, suggesting that platelets may have a non-releasable pool of BDNF, or that the released BDNF binds to a recognition site on the platelet surface and is internalized, as occurs with serotonin. However, the cognate BDNF receptor, TrkB, was not detected in platelets. Nevertheless, the ability of BDNF to bind washed platelets was shown by FACS analysis confocal microscopy and by the binding and apparent internalization of [125I]-BDNF by platelets. A very high affinity site (Kd = 130 X 10−15 M, ∼80 sites/platelet) and a moderately high affinity site (Kd = 20 nM, ∼3750 sites/platelet) were identified. The BDNF content in two mega-karyocytic cell lines, DAMI and Meg-01, was only 0.1% of the content measured in platelets. No BDNF mRNA was detected by Northern blotting in these cell lines or in platelets. The pituitary gland was also ruled out as a source for platelet BDNF, since the BDNF content of rat platelets did not decrease 2 weeks after hypophysectomy. Thus, platelet BDNF is not acquired from the megakaryocyte or pituitary gland, but is probably acquired from other sources via the blood circulation. Platelets appear to bind, store and release BDNF upon activation at the site of traumatic injury to facilitate the repair of peripheral nerves or other tissues that contain TrkB.
Mobile Advertisement in Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks

Mobile Advertisement is a location-aware dissemination solution built on top of a vehicular ad-hoc network. We envision a network of WiFi access points that dynamically disseminate data to clients running on the car's smart device. The approach can be considered an alternative to the static advertisement billboards and can be useful to business companies wanting to dynamically advertise their products and offers to people driving their car. The clients can subscribe to information based on specific topics. We present design solutions that use access points as emitters for transmitting messages to wireless-enabled devices equipped on vehicles. We also present implementation details for the evaluation of the proposed solution using a simulator designed for VANET application. The results show that the application can be used for transferring a significant amount of data even under difficult conditions, such as when cars are moving at increased speeds, or the congested Wi-Fi network causes significant packet loss.
Mobile robot SLAM for line-based environment representation

This paper presents an algorithm for solving the simultaneous localization and map building (SLAM) problem, a key issue for autonomous navigation in unknown environments. The considered scenario is that of a mobile robot using range scans, provided by a 2D laser rangefinder, to update a map of the environment and simultaneously estimate its position and orientation within the map. The environment representation is based on linear features whose parameters are extracted from range scans, while the corresponding covariance matrices are computed from the statistical properties of the raw data. Simultaneous update of robot pose and linear feature estimates is performed via extended Kalman filtering. Experimental tests performed within a real-world indoor environment demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed SLAM technique.
Influence of treated sewage sludge applications on total and available heavy metal concentration of sandy clay soil

The objective of this study is to determine influence of treated sewage sludge (TSS) rates on total and available heavy metal concentrations in a sandy clay soil. The experiment was conducted in the experimental fields of Ege Agricultural Research Institute during 2011-2012 in Menemen-İzmir. Study area is in the Western Anatolia region of Turkey (38°56′29.02′′-38°56′37.59′′N; 27°05′23.08′′-27°05′30.74′′E). The field study was conducted in 20 parcels in a randomized-block design with four replications and five different applications including control, mineral fertilizer, treated sewage sludge 12.5 Mg.ha -1 ; 25.0 Mg.ha -1 ; 37.5 Mg.ha -1 as dry matter. The parcels dimensions were 3 m width and 3 m length. Corn (Zea mays L. var. ZP 737) was planted as the first crop. On the other hand, wheat (Triticum durum L. var. Ege 88) was planted as the second crop. During the experiment, soil samples were taken five times in two years. Increasing TSS applications to this soil resulted in significantly increased concentrations of total Cr and Zn in soil as average of 5 sampling periods . However, concentrations of total Cu, Cd, Ni and Pb in soil did not significantly change. Total heavy metal concentrations in soil were found under threshold values for all sampling periods. Increasing TSS aplications were significiantly increased available (diethylenetriaminepentaacetate-DTPA-extractable) Cu, Cr, Ni and Zn concentrations in soil as average of 5 sampling periods when compared with control. However, available Cd and Pb concentrations in soil did not change significantly. Therefore, we concluded that TSS could be used to improve for soil properties and especially Zn deficiencies in soils of Turkey
Citation Classics in Asthma Research: The 100 Top-Cited Articles During 1960–2014

To the Editor: Asthma poses a serious health problem globally. People of all ages can be affected by this chronic airway disorder that, when uncontrolled, may place severe limits on daily life and is sometimes fatal. The prevalence of asthma is increasing in most countries throughout the world, especially among children. [1] During the past decades, many scientific advances have been made to improve our understanding of asthma and our ability to manage and control it effectively. These advances are mainly reflected by related scientific articles, particularly by those most influential papers.
Virus Infection in Haemodialysis Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common nosocomial infections that cause higher rates of mortality and morbidity in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients than in the general population. Occult HBV (OHBV) infection is a clinical form of hepatitis B in which, despite the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum, HBV-DNA is present in both serum and hepatocytes Objective: To determine the prevalence of OHBV infection among HD patients with chronic HCV infection and to compare it with that of HCV-infected patients with normal renal function. Patient and Methods: A total of 32 chronic renal failure patients undergoing maintenance HD (Group1) in the dialysis unit of Nephrology Department at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) Giza, Egypt and 22 chronic HCV patients with normal renal function (Group 2) who were admitted to Gastroenterology Department at TBRI were included in the present study. Serological markers of HBV infection including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) and anti-HCV antibody were determined using enzyme linked immunoassays. HBV DNA and HCV RNA were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Results: OHBV was detected in 71.9% (23/32) of HD patients compared to 0% in group (2). HBV DNA seropositivity and anti-HBc were significantly higher in Group (1) than in Group (2) (P = 0.005, P = 0.03, respectively). HCV RNA positivity by PCR were significantly higher in patients with chronic HCV infection with normal renal function than in HD ones (P = 0.003). Among patients on maintenance HD, no statistically significant differences were detected regarding duration of HD, history of blood transfusion, biochemical parameters and serological markers between HBV DNA positive patients versus negative ones. Conclusions: The prevalence of occult HBV infection is high in HD patients with chronic HCV infection in our institute suggesting a possible risk of procedure –related infection in HD unit. Sensitive molecular diagnosis of HBV DNA is recommended for patients in addition to routine serological tests. [Samah Saad El Dine, Manal El Said, Ehab El-Dabaa , Emad Abdel Raoof, Manar Raafat, Malak Nabil, Moataz Hassanein, Mohamad Saber, Maisa Omer. Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Haemodialysis Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Life Sci J 2013; 10(3):237-245]. (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 38
A Typical Formation Mechanism of Heavy Haze-Fog Induced by Coal Combustion in an Inland City in North-Western China

ABSTRACTPM2.5, TSP, and the pollutant gases over Urumqi, an inland city near the Asian dust source region in north-western China, were measured for an entire year from March, 2008 to February, 2009. The chemical compositions of all these samples with daily visibilities were investigated for the sources and formation mechanisms of aerosol and the relationship of the optical property with various components in aerosols. The sources of the air pollutants that caused severe haze in Urumqi were clarified. It was found that the concentrations of SO42–, Cl–, NH4+, and Na+ in PM2.5 in the heating period were more than 9 times of those in the non-heating period. The concentrations of total water soluble inorganic ions (TWSII) in PM2.5 and TSP in the heating period were 7.5 and 5.5 times of those in the non-heating period. The enrichment factors of the pollution elements, e.g., S, Cd, As, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Na in PM2.5 in the heating period were 3–13 times of those in the non-heating period. The formation mechanism of the severe haze and the micro-mechanism of the visibility reduction in Urumqi in the heating period, especially in winter, were quantitatively revealed. SNA (the three secondary inorganic ions, SO42–, NO3–, and NH4+), organic matter (OM), and chloride (Cl–) in PM2.5 were the three main components to cause aerosol extinction in Urumqi. The contributions of SNA, OM, and Cl– to aerosol extinction, i.e., to visibility reduction, were 57%, 20%, and 12% during the heating period from October 15 to April 15, and 67%, 17%, and 12% in winter, respectively. It was evident that the major source of the air pollutants that caused severe haze in Urumqi was from coal combustion, for most of these ions and pollution elements in aerosols were emitted from coal burning. The control of the quality and quantity of coal burning is the key to improve the air quality and the atmospheric visibility in Urumqi.
Signal analyses of airbag sensor by side impact

Due to the nature of MEMS sensor, the signal characteristics of the impact sensor are strongly influenced by the module packaging type. In this paper, performances of MEMS airbag sensors were analyzed under side impact using two different module packaging types. The first type was a new sensor packaging on the flexible circuit board was introduced to attach directly on the frame surface using adhesive. The second sensor type was a conventional packaging structure, and composed of the accelerometer MEMS sensor mounted on a printed circuit board, which is assembled inside a plastic housing. And the entire module is mechanically installed by bolts on the automobile frame. For the signal characterizations, impact tests were performed on the center pillar, a.k. a. b-pillar, where the sensors were installed for the pendulum test. It was found that the housing module had great effects on the signal generation due to the vibration interaction with the automobileframe. Numerical analyses were also carried out for the detail investigation. The results indicated that the system of the airbag sensor packaging requires the comprehensive engineering consideration.