Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust stress classifier using adaptive neuro-fuzzy classifier-linguistic hedges

Recent studies show that chronic stress exposure can induce a long list of diseases that are prevalent in human body. In this paper, researchers work on measuring and analyzing stress level using human biosignal, electrocardiogram (ECG). First, a few preprocessing steps and different analysis domains is done onto the raw data signals to clean and extract any and every relevant features found in ECG signal. A Linguistic Hedges concept on fuzzy feature selection method is then proposed to select unique patterns from the listed heart rate variability features. From the extracted list of features, a neuro-fuzzy classifier (ANFC-LH) is used to classify the data points into 2 classes, high arousal and low arousal, high arousal indicating stress feature. Then a comparative study using different classification methods, including Multilayer Perceptron, k-Nearest Neighbor, and Linear Discriminant Analysis are used to determine the most relevant feature specifying high stress level. Comparing to MLP, kNN, and LDA, ANFC-LH achieved the highest recognition rate. This research paper also shows the effects of using dimension reduction methods on classification algorithms where the result of kNN and LDA improved about 20% when applied with dimension reduction method, however, MLP recognition rate deteriorates about 50% when classifying data point after dimension reduction.
GSTA1 Expression Is Correlated With Aldosterone Level in KCNJ5-Mutated Adrenal Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma

Context KCNJ5 mutation is a major cause of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). The development of APA apart from KCNJ5 mutation is less investigated. Objective To investigate other mechanisms affecting aldosterone secretion apart from KCNJ5. Patients and Methods Six pairs of KCNJ5-mutated, high and low aldosterone-secreting APAs, five non-KCNJ5-mutated APAs, and four normal adrenal glands were assayed by Affymetrix GeneChip Human Transcriptome Array 2.0. A total of 113 APA samples were investigated to explore the expression of glutathione-S-transferase A1 (GSTA1). H295R cells were used to verify the function of GSTA1. Results GSTA1 was the top gene downregulated in high-aldosterone KCNJ5-mutated APAs. GSTA1 was also downregulated in KCNJ5-mutated APAs compared with wild-type KCNJ5 APAs. Accordingly, mutant KCNJ5 decreased GSTA1 messenger RNA and protein expression levels. GSTA1 overexpression suppressed aldosterone secretion whether in wild-type or mutant KCNJ5 H295R cells. Adding ethacrynic acid or silencing of GSTA1 increased aldosterone secretion by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide, H2O2 levels, and Ca2+ influx. The expression of the transcription factors NR4A1, NR4A2, and CAMK1 and intracellular Ca2+ were significantly upregulated by GSTA1 inhibition. The reduced form of NAD phosphate oxidase inhibitor or H2O2 scavenger or blocking calmodulin or calcium channels could significantly reduce aldosterone secretion in GSTA1-inhibited cells. Conclusions (1) GSTA1 expression is reversely correlated with aldosterone level in KCNJ5-mutated APAs, (2) GSTA1 regulates aldosterone secretion by ROS and Ca2+ signaling, and (3) KCNJ5 mutation downregulates GSTA1 expression, and overexpression of GSTA1 reverses increased aldosterone in KCNJ5-mutated adrenal cells.
Surface Phonon Polariton Mediated Thermal Conduction of a Micrometric Glass Waveguide

Calculations of the dispersion relation and of the propagation length of surface phonon-polariton modes in a micrometric glass waveguide have been performed. The dispersion relation was solved in two ranges of frequency where SPP appear in glass. We succeeded in showing a maximal propagation length of 35 μm in a 10 μm radius waveguide with a 1 μm thick wall.
Switching and linear power stages evaluation for PEM fuel cell emulation

A fuel cell‐based power systems emulator designed to test devices and loads intended to interact with real prototypes is presented. The emulator uses a digital processing device and electrical power systems, evaluating the impact of using either switching or linear power stages in the emulator capabilities. A real fuel cell prototype is emulated using a parameterized physical fuel cell model, which is computed online by a digital device. Also, several power stages not previously used specifically for this application, with different efficiencies and performances, were developed and analysed. One of the power stages was based on a two‐inductor step‐down DC/DC converter for a switching power stage instead of the classical buck structure that is more prone to duty cycle saturation in transients at low output voltages. The other ones used high‐power operational amplifiers for a linear power stage and linear regulators for a scalable linear power stage. Finally, the emulation system and the power stages were evaluated and validated using experimental data of a real fuel cell prototype. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population Differentiation of the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma maculata (Erichson, 1848) from Colombia and Venezuela

ABSTRACT: The emerging vector of Chagas disease, Triatoma maculata (Hemiptera, Reduviidae), is one of the most widely distributed Triatoma species in northern South America. Despite its increasing relevance as a vector, no consistent picture of the magnitude of genetic and phenetic diversity has yet been developed. Here, several populations of T. maculata from eleven Colombia and Venezuela localities were analyzed based on the morphometry of wings and the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene sequences. Our results showed clear morphometric and genetic differences among Colombian and Venezuelan populations, indicating high intraspecific diversity. Inter-population divergence is suggested related to East Cordillera in Colombia. Analyses of other populations from Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil from distinct eco-geographic regions are still needed to understand its systematics and phylogeography as well as its actual role as a vector of Chagas disease.
Coupled modelling of moisture transport and damage in porous materials

The presence of water significantly influences the cyclic response of porous materials due to the activation of molecular forces and surface energy phenomena. Among other effects, moisture causes a decrease in stiffness and a reduction of the tensile strength of the material. Cyclic loading is characterized by stiffness degradation and the occurrence of permanent deformations after unloading. All these phenomena can be adequately described by a combined damage-plasticity model coupled to a moisture transport model. In the present paper we will first derive the governing equations for a discrete damage-plasticity model and discuss their implementation in a fully coupled multi-physics model. The capabilities of the coupled model and the effects of moisture on the cyclic response of porous materials will be illustrated with two numerical examples.
A Unified Form of EVENODD and RDP Codes and Their Efficient Decoding

Array codes are used widely in data storage systems such as redundant array of independent disks. The row-diagonal parity (RDP) codes and EVENODD codes are two popular double-parity array codes. The increasing capacity of hard disks demands better fault tolerance by using array codes with three or more parity disks. Although many extensions of RDP and EVENODD codes have been proposed, their main drawback is high decoding complexity. In this paper, we propose a unified form of RDP and EVENODD codes under which RDP codes can be treated as shortened EVENODD codes. Moreover, an efficient decoding algorithm based on an LU factorization of a Vandermonde matrix is proposed. The LU decoding method is applicable to all the erasure patterns of RDP and EVENODD codes with three parity columns. It is also applicable to the erasure decoding of RDP and EVENODD codes with more than three parity columns when the number of continuous surviving parity columns is no less than the number of erased information columns and the first parity column has not failed. The proposed efficient decoding algorithm is also applicable to other Vandermonde array codes, with less decoding complexity than that of the existing method.
Structural and thermal properties of tetrahedrites prepared by FAST method

In this investigation, a parent compound Cu 12Sb4S13 and doped compound Cu 11ZnSb 4S13 is prepared by solid state synthesis followed by the Field Assisted Sinte ring Technique. XRD reveals tetrahedrite as a main phase and trace amount of impurity phases. Effect of dopin g on thermal conductivity of tetrahedrite is discusse d.
A Brief Exposure-Based Treatment vs Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial

Importance Written exposure therapy (WET), a 5-session intervention, has been shown to efficaciously treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, this treatment has not yet been directly compared with a first-line PTSD treatment such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Objective To determine if WET is noninferior to CPT in patients with PTSD. Design, Setting, and Participants In this randomized clinical trial conducted at a Veterans Affairs medical facility between February 28, 2013, and November 6, 2016, 126 veteran and nonveteran adults were randomized to either WET or CPT. Inclusion criteria were a primary diagnosis of PTSD and stable medication therapy. Exclusion criteria included current psychotherapy for PTSD, high risk of suicide, diagnosis of psychosis, and unstable bipolar illness. Analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis. Interventions Participants assigned to CPT (n = 63) received 12 sessions and participants assigned to WET (n = 63) received 5 sessions. The CPT protocol that includes written accounts was delivered individually in 60-minute weekly sessions. The first WET session requires 60 minutes while the remaining 4 sessions require 40 minutes. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the total score on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5; noninferiority was defined by a score of 10 points. Blinded evaluations were conducted at baseline and 6, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after the first treatment session. Treatment dropout was also examined. Results For the 126 participants (66 men and 60 women; mean [SD] age, 43.9 [14.6] years), improvements in PTSD symptoms in the WET condition were noninferior to improvements in the CPT condition at each of the assessment periods. The largest difference between treatments was observed at the 24-week assessment (mean difference, 4.31 points; 95% CI, –1.37 to 9.99). There were significantly fewer dropouts in the WET vs CPT condition (4 [6.4%] vs 25 [39.7%]; &khgr;21 = 12.84, Cramer V = 0.40). Conclusions and Relevance Although WET involves fewer sessions, it was noninferior to CPT in reducing symptoms of PTSD. The findings suggest that WET is an efficacious and efficient PTSD treatment that may reduce attrition and transcend previously observed barriers to PTSD treatment for both patients and providers. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01800773
An ICA-EBM-Based sEMG Classifier for Recognizing Lower Limb Movements in Individuals With and Without Knee Pathology

Surface electromyography (sEMG) data acquired during lower limb movements has the potential for investigating knee pathology. Nevertheless, a major challenge encountered with sEMG signals generated by lower limb movements is the intersubject variability, because the signals recorded from the leg or thigh muscles are contingent on the characteristics of a subject such as gait activity and muscle structure. In order to cope with this difficulty, we have designed a three-step classification scheme. First, the multichannel sEMG is decomposed into activities of the underlying sources by means of independent component analysis via entropy bound minimization. Next, a set of time-domain features, which would best discriminate various movements, are extracted from the source estimates. Finally, the feature selection is performed with the help of the Fisher score and a scree-plot-based statistical technique, prior to feeding the dimension-reduced features to the linear discriminant analysis. The investigation involves 11 healthy subjects and 11 individuals with knee pathology performing three different lower limb movements, namely, walking, sitting, and standing, which yielded an average classification accuracy of 96.1% and 86.2%, respectively. While the outcome of this study per se is very encouraging, with suitable improvement, the clinical application of such an sEMG-based pattern recognition system that distinguishes healthy and knee pathological subjects would be an attractive consequence.
Reference Values for Spirometry Derived Using Lambda, Mu, Sigma (LMS) Method in Korean Adults: in Comparison with Previous References

Background The present study aimed to update the prediction equations for spirometry and their lower limits of normal (LLN) by using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method and to compare the outcomes with the values of previous spirometric reference equations. Methods Spirometric data of 10,249 healthy non-smokers (8,776 females) were extracted from the fourth and fifth versions of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV, 2007–2009; V, 2010–2012). Reference equations were derived using the LMS method which allows modeling skewness (lambda [L]), mean (mu [M]), and coefficient of variation (sigma [S]). The outcome equations were compared with previous reference values. Results Prediction equations were presented in the following form: predicted value = e{a + b × ln(height) + c × ln(age) + M − spline}. The new predicted values for spirometry and their LLN derived using the LMS method were shown to more accurately reflect transitions in pulmonary function in young adults than previous prediction equations derived using conventional regression analysis in 2013. There were partial discrepancies between the new reference values and the reference values from the Global Lung Function Initiative in 2012. Conclusion The results should be interpreted with caution for young adults and elderly males, particularly in terms of the LLN for forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity in elderly males. Serial spirometry follow-up, together with correlations with other clinical findings, should be emphasized in evaluating the pulmonary function of individuals. Future studies are needed to improve the accuracy of reference data and to develop continuous reference values for spirometry across all ages.
Mass Spectrometry Based Profiling and Imaging of Various Ginsenosides from Panax ginseng Roots at Different Ages

(1) Background: Panax ginseng root is one of the most important herbal products, and the profiling of ginsenosides is critical for the quality control of ginseng roots at different ages in the herbal markets. Furthermore, interest in assessing the contents as well as the localization of biological compounds has been growing. The objective of this study is to carry out the mass spectrometry (MS)-based profiling and imaging of ginsenosides to assess ginseng roots at different ages; (2) Methods: Optimal ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight/MS (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was used to profile various ginsenosides from P. ginseng roots. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-time of flight (TOF)/MS-based imaging was also optimized to visualize ginsenosides in ginseng roots; (3) Results: UPLC-QTOF/MS was used to profile 30 ginsenosides with high mass accuracy, with an in-house library constructed for the fast and exact identification of ginsenosides. Using this method, the levels of 14 ginsenosides were assessed in P. ginseng roots cultivated for 4, 5, and 6 years. The optimal MALDI-imaging MS (IMS) was also applied to visualize the 14 ginsenosides in ginseng roots. As a result, the MSI cross sections showed the localization of 4 ginsenoside ions ([M + K]+) in P. ginseng roots at different ages; (4) Conclusions: The contents and localization of various ginsenosides differ depending on the cultivation years of P. ginseng roots. Furthermore, this study demonstrated the utility of MS-based profiling and imaging of ginsenosides for the quality control of ginseng roots.
Multiscroll floating gate–based integrated chaotic oscillator

In this work, we proposed a voltage‐to‐current cell based on a Complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) inverter designed by using floating gate transistors. We demonstrate its usefulness for the design of stair‐type and sawtooth functions to be used in the implementation of a multiscroll chaotic oscillator. The main advantage of using floating gate transistors to design the nonlinear functions is the elimination of external reference DC sources, as is typically done in most of the nonlinear functions that generate multiscroll attractors. The key guidelines for the design of our proposed voltage‐to‐current cell are given to provide good performances in the design of an integrated multiscroll chaotic oscillator. HSPICE simulations are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed cell to generate multiscroll attractors. Finally, simulation results before and after layout are presented to show the good agreement with respect to theoretical results. HSPICE simulations of the post‐layout design are in accordance with the system behavior. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Contributions of Interlocking Loops and Extensive Nonlinearity to the Properties of Circadian Clock Models

Background Sensitivity and robustness are essential properties of circadian clock systems, enabling them to respond to the environment but resist noisy variations. These properties should be recapitulated in computational models of the circadian clock. Highly nonlinear kinetics and multiple loops are often incorporated into models to match experimental time-series data, but these also impact on model properties for clock models. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we study the consequences of complicated structure and nonlinearity using simple Goodwin-type oscillators and the complex Arabidopsis circadian clock models. Sensitivity analysis of the simple oscillators implies that an interlocked multi-loop structure reinforces sensitivity/robustness properties, enhancing the response to external and internal variations. Furthermore, we found that reducing the degree of nonlinearity could sometimes enhance the robustness of models, implying that ad hoc incorporation of nonlinearity could be detrimental to a model's perceived credibility. Conclusion The correct multi-loop structure and degree of nonlinearity are therefore critical in contributing to the desired properties of a model as well as its capacity to match experimental data.
Challenges with modelling anxiety disorders: a possible hindrance for drug discovery

The previous decade has witnessed a dramatic withdrawal of pharmaceutical companies from psychiatric-based drug discovery predominantly due to the lack of novel-acting therapies [1]. There are numerous reasons for this including a lack of understanding of the underlying etiology of the disorders, aswell as the necessity for novel and more translationally relevant animal models of anxiety disorders. It is important to state from the outset that animal models, particularly rodent models, can only model specific aspects of anxiety disorders and not their entirety. In this opinion piece, we discuss the limitations of current tests and avenues that shouldbeexploredwhenplanningnovel anxietymodels and tests.
Improving noise and linearity of CMOS wideband inductorless balun LNAs for 10-GHz software-defined radios in 28nm FDSOI

This paper presents the analysis and optimization of inductorless balun low-noise amplifiers (LNA) in a 28-nm fully-depleted SOI CMOS technology for wideband universal software-defined radio transceivers by means of an algorithm that optimizes the main figures of merit. An optimum combination of two techniques is provided leading to a new topology that overcomes the main tradeoffs of the previous circuits improving both linearity and noise with competitive bandwidth (BW), gain and power. Post-layout simulations show a BW of 10 GHz, a gain of 17 dB, an IIP3 of 7.4 dBm, and a NF of 3.4 dB with only 2.5 mW power consumption from a 1-V supply.
Chikungunya fever in the United States: a fifteen year review of cases.

BACKGROUND Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) represents a threat to the United States, because humans amplify CHIKV and vectors that transmit CHIKV are present. METHODS We described the epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed chikungunya fever (CHIK) cases in the United States in 1995-2009 and compared states with CHIKV vectors with states with returning viremic CHIK cases. For 2006-2009, we evaluated reporting of CHIK cases to ArboNET, the arboviral surveillance system. RESULTS In 1995-2009, 109 CHIK cases were identified in the United States; all adult travelers. Sixty-two subjects (57%) had recently visited India, and 13 (12%) had CHIKV viremia. Of the 26 jurisdictions with CHIK cases, 22 (85%) reported the presence of CHIKV vectors. Twelve viremic travelers returned to 6 states with CHIKV vectors. Of the 106 cases identified in 2006-2009, only 27 (25%) were reported to ArboNET, with a median of 122 days (range, 44-273 days) between illness onset and reporting. CONCLUSIONS No locally acquired CHIK cases were identified. However, several viremic travelers returned to states with CHIKV vectors and presented a risk for local transmission. Incomplete and delayed reporting made ArboNET less useful. To minimize the risk of CHIKV spread in the United States, healthcare providers and public health officials should be educated about recognition, diagnosis, and reporting of CHIK cases.
A MicroRNA Signature for Evaluation of Risk and Severity of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

Context Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as an interesting research area because of their potential role as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Their involvement in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) has not been fully explored. Objective To compare the expression profile of miRNAs in thyroid tissue from patients with AITD and controls, using next-generation sequencing, further validated our findings in thyroid and serum samples. Design Twenty fresh-frozen thyroid tissues (15 from patients with AITD and 5 from controls) were used for miRNA next-generation sequencing. Thirty-six thyroid samples were recruited for the qRT-PCR validation test and 58 serum samples for further validation in peripheral blood. Results Expression of several miRNAs that had been previously associated with relevant immunological functions was significantly dysregulated. Specifically, eight differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-338-5p, miR-342-5p, and miR-766-3p) were confirmed using qRT-PCR in thyroid samples, and three had the same behavior in tissue and serum samples (miR-21-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-146a-5p). Furthermore, when the expression of these miRNAs was assessed together with five additional ones previously related to AITD in peripheral blood, the expression of five (miR-Let7d-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-301a-3p) was significantly expressed in AITD and, in patients with Graves disease (GD), was correlated with a higher severity of disease, including active ophthalmopathy, goiter, higher antibody titers, and/or higher recurrence rates. Conclusions The present findings identify a serum five-signature miRNA that could be an independent risk factor for developing AITD and a predisposition of a worse clinical picture in patients with GD.