Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for differential regulation of the adipokine visfatin in the maternal and fetal compartments in normal spontaneous labor at term

Abstract Objective: Visfatin, a novel adipokine with metabolic and immunoregulatory properties, has been implicated in the regulation of fetal growth, as well as in preterm labor. A gap in knowledge is whether spontaneous labor at term is associated with changes in the maternal and fetal concentrations of visfatin. The aim of this study was to determine if the presence of labor at term is associated with alterations in maternal and neonatal plasma visfatin concentrations. Study design: This cross-sectional study included 50 normal pregnant women at term and their appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) neonates in the following groups: 1) 25 mother-neonate pairs delivered by elective cesarean section without spontaneous labor, and 2) 25 mother-neonate pairs who delivered vaginally following spontaneous labor. Maternal plasma and cord blood visfatin concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics were used for analyses. Results: 1) The median visfatin concentration was higher in umbilical cord plasma of neonates born following a spontaneous labor at term than that of those who were born by an elective cesarean section (P=0.02); 2) in contrast, the median maternal plasma visfatin concentration did not differ significantly between patients with and without labor (P=0.44); and 3) there was a significant correlation between umbilical cord plasma concentration of visfatin and both maternal visfatin concentration (r=0.54, P=0.005) and gestational age (GA) at delivery (r=0.58; P=0.002) only in the absence of labor. Conclusion: Term labor is associated with increased fetal, but not maternal, circulating visfatin concentrations. Previous reports indicate that preterm labor leading to preterm delivery is characterized by an increase in maternal plasma concentrations of visfatin. The observations reported herein support the view that there are fundamental differences in the endocrine and metabolic adaptations in normal labor at term and preterm labor.
Interplay between long non-coding RNAs and epigenetic machinery: emerging targets in cancer?

Of the diverse array of putative molecular and biological functions assigned to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), one attractive perspective in epigenetic research has been the hypothesis that lncRNAs directly interact with the proteins involved in the modulation of chromatin conformation. Indeed, epigenetic modifiers are among the most frequent protein partners of lncRNAs that have been identified to date, of which histone methyltransferases and protein members of the Polycomb Repressive Complex PRC2 have received considerable attention. This review is focused on how lncRNAs interface with epigenetic factors to shape the outcomes of crucial biological processes such as regulation of gene transcription, modulation of nuclear architecture, X inactivation in females and pre-mRNA splicing. Because of our increasing knowledge of their role in development and cellular differentiation, more research is beginning to be done into the deregulation of lncRNAs in human disorders. Focusing on cancer, we describe some key examples of disease-focused lncRNA studies. This knowledge has significantly contributed to our ever-improving understanding of how lncRNAs interact with epigenetic factors of human disease, and has also provided a plethora of much-needed novel prognostic biomarker candidates or potential therapeutic targets. Finally, current limitations and perspectives on lncRNA research are discussed here. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Frontiers in epigenetic chemical biology’.
Experimental fractal-like instability bands in a resonant silicon-silicon contact pull-in vibration detector

We present theoretical and experimental data on instability bands in a low-power resonant pull-in based MEMS vibration detector. The ohmic Silicon-to-Silicon switch was fabricated in a near-vacuum encapsulation epitaxially sealed process. The device requires a static bias (<6 V) for operation and responds to vibration in the kilohertz range. Both simulation and experiment show a complex stability region with a fractal-like boundary close to the effective resonance of the device due to the nonlinear dynamics of the system. Our experimental investigations can be used to determine the transfer characteristics for low-power quasi-passive vibration detection.
Recurrent glomerulonephritis following renal transplantation: an update.

Based on the literature, recurrent disease is observed in 4–20% of the patients receiving a kidney transplant and will lead to graft failure in 2–5% [1–6]. In a large study of the University of WisconsinuUSA that evaluated 1557 patients, followed for a mean of 7.3 years after transplantation, recurrence of the underlying disease was observed in 98 cases, i.e. 8% [7]. More than 75% of these cases were recurrent glomerulonephritides (GN) and the present discussion will therefore be limited to these disease entities. However, before going into detail, it should be realized that the above data need to be treated with great caution for a number of reasons.
Undersea wireless sensor network for ocean pollution prevention

The ability to effectively communicate underwater has numerous applications, such as oceanographic data collection, pollution monitoring, disaster prevention, assisted navigation, tactical surveillance applications, and exploration of natural underwater sea resources. In this paper, we have developed a completely decentralized ad-hoc wireless sensor network for the ocean pollution detection. We mainly emphasize on the deployment of sensors, protocol stack, the synchronization algorithm and the routing algorithm in order to maximize the lifetime of the network and also to improve its Quality of Service (QoS).
Mining Frequent Itemsets with Weights over Data Stream Using Inverted Matrix

In recent years, the mining research over data stream has been prominent as they can be applied in many alternative areas in the real worlds. In this paper, we have proposed an algorithm called MFIWDSIM for mining frequent itemsets with weights over a data stream using Inverted Matrix [10]. The main idea is moving data stream to an inverted matrix saved in the computer disks so that the algorithms can mine on it many times with different support thresholds as well as alternative minimum weights. Moreover, this inverted matrix can be accessed to mine in different times for user’s requirements without recalculation. By analyzing and evaluating, the MFIWDSIM can be seen as the better algorithm compared to WSWFP-stream [9] for min ing frequent itemsets with weights over data stream.
Photonic Crystal Fiber–Based Interferometric Sensors

Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs), also known as microstructured optical fibers, are a highlighted invention of optical fiber technology which have unveiled a new domain of manipulating light in engineered fiber waveguides with unparalleled flexibility and controllability. Since the report of the first fabricated PCF in 1996, research in PCFs has resulted in numerous explorations, development and commercialization of PCF-based technologies and applications. PCFs contain axially aligned air channels which provide a large degree of freedom in design to achieve a variety of peculiar properties; numerous PCF-based sensors have been proposed, developed and demonstrated for a broad range of sensing applications. In this chapter, we will review the field of research on design, development and experimental achievement of PCF-based interferometric sensors for physical and biomedical sensing applications.
Full dimension MIMO antenna configuration for optimal performance

Full dimension multiple input multiple output (FD-MIMO) employs 2-dimensional (2D) active antenna array configurations at the transmitter along with advanced digital processing to improve capacity for next generation wireless networks and services. This technology can achieve multi user MIMO (MU-MIMO) of high magnitude via the provision of simultaneous data transmission to large number of user equipments (UEs) in the network. It is quite clear that shifting from the conventional MIMO to FD-MIMO would require a change in base station designs, but the question remains; which designs provide the optimal performance? In this paper, we present results from a study of the impact of angular spread on throughput for a planar array system. By means of simulations, evaluations are performed to aid the understanding of antenna configuration for optimal performance. In order to demonstrate the potential performance benefits of FD-MIMO, simulations were performed with a detailed dynamic simulator which includes a 3-Dimensional Spatial Channel Model (3D SCM). Our results show that a square grid planar array with higher elevation angular spread can provide vast improvements in terms of throughput gain over conventional horizontal linear configuration.
Diatoms Si uptake capacity drives carbon export in coastal upwelling systems

Abstract. Coastal upwelling systems account for approximately half of global ocean primary production and contribute disproportionately to biologically driven carbon sequestration. Diatoms, silica-precipitating microalgae, constitute the dominant phytoplankton in these productive regions, and their abundance and assemblage composition in the sedimentary record is considered one of the best proxies for primary production. The study of the sedimentary diatom abundance (SDA) and total organic carbon content (TOC) in the five most important coastal upwelling systems of the modern ocean (Iberia–Canary, Benguela, Peru–Humboldt, California, and Somalia–Oman) reveals a global-scale positive relationship between diatom production and organic carbon burial. The analysis of SDA in conjunction with environmental variables of coastal upwelling systems such as upwelling strength, satellite-derived net primary production, and surface water nutrient concentrations shows different relations between SDA and primary production on the regional scale. On the global scale, SDA appears modulated by the capacity of diatoms to take up silicic acid, which ultimately sets an upper limit to global export production in these ocean regions.
Performance evaluation of content-centric LTE networks

As the network is being evolved towards the content-centric network and the content itself is more focused rather than the host, a new paradigm called content-centric networking (CCN) is being considered for the Future Internet. Because the traffic in the Internet and wireless network has been increasing rapidly due to the continued proliferation of mobile devices, it is important to minimize the content delivery time and avoid congestion in the network. Seamless mobility should also be provided to support service continuity when mobile users are moving from one domain to another domain in the wireless environment. In this paper, we present that CCN can support faster content delivery services as well as seamless services in wireless networks such as LTE. We also evaluate the performance of the content-centric LTE network via simulations.
NOVEL, LOW POWER, NONLINEAR DILATATION AND EROSION FILTERS REALIZED IN THE CMOS TECHNOLOGY

In this paper we propose novel, binary-tree, asynchronous, nonlinear filters suitable for signal processing realized at the transistor level. Two versions of the filter have been proposed, namely the dilatation (Max) and the erosion (Min) one. In the proposed circuits an input signal (current) is sampled in a delay line, controlled by a multiphase clock. In the subsequent stage particular samples are converted to 1-bit digital signals with delays proportional to the values of these samples. In the last step the delays are compared in digital binary-tree structure in order to find either the Min or the Max value, depending on which filter is used. Both circuits have been simulated in the TSMC CMOS 0. 18µm technology. To make the results reliable we applied the corner analysis procedure. The circuits were tested for temperatures ranging from -40 to 120oC, for different transistor models and supply voltages. The circuits offer a precision of about 99% at a typical detection time of 20 ns (for the Max filter) and 100 ns for the Min filter (the worst case scenario). The energy consumed per one input during a single calculation cycle equals 0.32 and 1.57 pJ, for the Max and Min filters, respectively.
Pressure Distribution in the Ankle and Subtalar Joint With Routine and Oversized Foot Orthoses

Background: Foot orthoses are used to treat many disorders that affect the lower limb. These assistive devices have the potential to alter the forces, load distribution, and orientation within various joints in the foot and ankle. This study attempts to quantify the effects of orthoses on the intra-articular force distribution of the ankle and subtalar joint using a cadaveric testing jig to simulate weight bearing. Methods: Five lower-limb cadaveric specimens were placed on a custom jig, where a 334-N (75-lb) load was applied at the femoral head, and the foot was supported against a plate to simulate double-leg stance. Pressure-mapping sensors were inserted into the ankle and subtalar joint. Mean pressure, peak pressure, contact area, and center of force were measured in both the ankle and subtalar joints for barefoot and 2 medial foot orthosis conditions. The 2 orthosis conditions were performed using (1) a 1.5-cm-height wedge to simulate normal orthoses and (2) a 3-cm-height wedge to simulate oversized orthoses. Results: The contact area experienced in the subtalar joint significantly decreased during 3-cm orthotic posting of the medial arch, but neither orthosis had a significant effect on the spatial mean pressure or peak pressure experienced in either joint. Conclusion: The use of an oversized orthosis could lead to a decrease in the contact area and alterations in the distribution of pressure within the subtalar joint. Clinical Relevance: The use of inappropriate orthoses could negatively impact the force distribution in the lower limb.
Comparing latitudinal and upstream–downstream gradients: life history traits of invasive mosquitofish

Aim Variation of life history traits along spatial gradients is poorly understood in invasive species and particularly in freshwater fish. We aimed to examine life history variation in a highly invasive fish (Gambusia holbrooki) along latitudinal and upstream–downstream river gradients and to assess the effects of age on this variation. We hypothesized similar responses in populations inhabiting environments more favourable to this species (lower latitudes and lower reaches of rivers).
Having a Co-Twin With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder which occurs more often in twins than singletons. This article focuses on the psychosocial consequences of having a co-twin with ADHD. Specifically, the level of anxiety (generalized and separation) in non-ADHD children who have a co-twin with ADHD is examined using data from the Australian Twin ADHD Project (ATAP). Parental report data on 501 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs aged 6 to 15 and their siblings were used to examine (i) anxiety symptoms in twin pairs discordant for ADHD, (ii) how the effects of an ADHD twin on their co-twin and siblings are related to the type of ADHD, and (iii) whether the effects are greater for the nonaffected twin than nontwin siblings. Results show that anxiety was high in co-twins of children with the combined subtype of ADHD, with increased symptoms of both generalized and separation anxiety. Inattentive ADHD had smaller effects, which were confined to generalized anxiety and were specific to the co-twin rather than other siblings. These results have clinical implications in managing the entire multiple birth family where one twin has ADHD, and also has implications for genetic analysis in modeling the relationship of ADHD to internalizing disorders.
PARAMETRIC BOREL SUMMABILITY FOR SOME SEMILINEAR SYSTEM OF PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In this paper we study the Borel summability of formal solutions with a parameter of first order semilinear system of partial differential equations with n independent variables. In [Singular perturbation of linear systems with a regular singularity, J. Dynam. Control. Syst. 8 (2002), 313–322], Balser and Kostov proved the Borel summability of formal solutions with respect to a singular perturbation parameter for a linear equation with one independent variable. We shall extend their results to a semilinear system of equations with general independent variables.
SIRT1 attenuates murine allergic rhinitis by downregulated HMGB 1/TLR4 pathway

Conventional allergic rhinitis (AR) treatments have limitations due to the lack of safety and complete cure strategy. We evaluated the effects of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a multifunctional molecule involved in a variety of inflammatory pathways, on murine AR model. Ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced murine model was constructed, and recombinant SIRT1 was administered into the nostril continuously. The expression of SIRT1 was measured at mRNA and protein levels, and the allergic symptoms were evaluated. Protein levels of OVA‐specific IgE, leukotriene C4 (LTC4), eosinophil cation protein (ECP), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), as well as different inflammatory cytokine mediators in the serum and nasal lavage fluid (NLF), were assessed by ELISA. The effects of SIRT1 on human primary nasal epithelial cells challenged with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were also evaluated by investigating the HMGB1/TLR4 signalling pathway. Administration of SIRT1 significantly alleviated OVA‐induced AR symptoms with lower numbers of sneezing and nasal rubbing events, decreased levels of OVA‐specific IgE, LTC4, ECP, PGD2, less inflammatory cells and downregulated levels of Th2 type cytokines. SIRT1 also reduced the genes of HMGB1/TLR4 signalling pathway in the murine model and cultured human nasal epithelial cells. Expression of SIRT1 is impaired in OVA‐induced AR model. The administration of SIRT1 alleviates the allergic symptoms of mice, regulates the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators predominantly produced by Th2 cells in AR and attenuates expressions of proteins relevant to HMGB1/TLR4 signalling pathway. All the results showed that SIRT1 is promising as a therapeutic agent of AR.
PHOTONIC CRYSTAL FIBRES DESIGN USING A MULTICRITERIA BASED SOFTWARE

The single-mode optical fiber used currently in communication systems starts showing many limitations especially for the high rates. Several physical phenomena related to the optical propagation are the cause of these limitations. The use of photonic crystal fibers (PCF) makes it possible to control most of these phenomena. In this paper, a multicriteria method is used for the design of the photonic crystal fiber with the user-defined optical proprieties. This method combines the deductive and the inductive learning and it is introduced for the first time in the field of optical fibers. This multicriteria method proves to be a powerful tool for the PCF fibers design.
Effects of systematic prone positioning in hypoxemic acute respiratory failure: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT A recent trial showed that placing patients with acute lung injury in the prone position did not increase survival; however, whether those results hold true for patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) is unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether prone positioning improves mortality in ARF patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Prospective, unblinded, multicenter controlled trial of 791 ARF patients in 21 general intensive care units in France using concealed randomization conducted from December 14, 1998, through December 31, 2002. To be included, patients had to be at least 18 years, hemodynamically stable, receiving mechanical ventilation, and intubated and had to have a partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) to fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) ratio of 300 or less and no contraindications to lying prone. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to prone position placement (n = 413), applied as early as possible for at least 8 hours per day on standard beds, or to supine position placement (n = 378). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary end point was 28-day mortality; secondary end points were 90-day mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and oxygenation. RESULTS The 2 groups were comparable at randomization. The 28-day mortality rate was 32.4% for the prone group and 31.5% for the supine group (relative risk [RR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.19; P = .77). Ninety-day mortality for the prone group was 43.3% vs 42.2% for the supine group (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.84-1.13; P = .74). The mean (SD) duration of mechanical ventilation was 13.7 (7.8) days for the prone group vs 14.1 (8.6) days for the supine group (P = .93) and the VAP incidence was 1.66 vs 2.14 episodes per 100-patients days of intubation, respectively (P = .045). The PaO2/FIO2 ratio was significantly higher in the prone group during the 28-day follow-up. However, pressure sores, selective intubation, and endotracheal tube obstruction incidences were higher in the prone group. CONCLUSIONS This trial demonstrated no beneficial outcomes and some safety concerns associated with prone positioning. For patients with hypoxemic ARF, prone position placement may lower the incidence of VAP.
Theoretical analysis of microring resonator filters made of plasmonic waveguides

Microring resonator filters which are made of dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguides and operate in the telecommunication range are thoroughly analyzed by means of 3D-FEM simulations. The filters' functional characteristics, such as the resonant frequencies, the free spectral range, the transmission bandwidth and the extinction ratio, are investigated for different values of the key structural parameters, namely the ring radius and the gap separating the bus waveguide from the ring. In addition, the shift in the operating wavelength is quantified when the ring's refractive index is controlled as a result of thermal tuning.
Wideband tunable reflection-type phase shifter using high-directivity directional coupler

A wideband tunable phase shifter that uses the concept of reflection-type phase shifter is proposed. The device is based on a tunable high-directivity directional coupler. The coupler uses two pairs of interconnected coupled-lines with suitable coplanar-waveguide transmission lines embedded within the ground plane. The tuning is realized by using two varactors and two inductors connected to two terminals of the coupler. Full-wave simulation is performed using co-simulation within ADS momentum using accurate SPICE model of the tuning elements. Moreover, a prototype is fabricated and tested. The tested results reveal that the proposed design can achieve wide operating bandwidth (105% fractional bandwidth) with 40° tuning phase.
Extracting meaningful semantic information with EMATISE: an HPSG-based Internet search engine parser

We describe EMATISE, our prototype natural language interface that serves as a front-end to Internet search engines; this prototype is based on the HPSG (Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar) formalism. Our current work concentrates on parsing natural language phrases and extracting meaningful semantic information. We present the architecture of our system for Internet access and the reasons for our choice of parser. The implementation of some modules of the system is discussed and some experimental results with sample sessions are presented.