Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) perovskite quantum dot embedded glasses: nanocrystallization, improved stability and visible full-spectral tunable emissions

Currently, all inorganic perovskite quantum dots (QDs) of cesium lead halides (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, and I) have been mainly fabricated using wet chemical methods. Unfortunately, applications of perovskite QDs have been limited due to their poor stability. In the present work, the in situ growth of whole-family CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) perovskite QDs in Zn–P–B–Sb based oxide glass via a glass crystallization strategy is reported. The as-prepared CsPbX3 QDs@glass nanocomposites exhibit typical excitonic recombination emissions and superior chemical stability benefited from the protection of the robust inorganic glass matrix. Through modifying the molar ratio of halide sources in glass, multi-color tunable emissions in the entire visible spectral range of 400–750 nm are achieved. As a result, light-emitting diode devices can be constructed by coupling blue-emissive CsPbBrCl2, green-emissive CsPbBr3 and red-emissive CsPbBr0.5I2. 5 QDs@glass powders with a commercial ultraviolet chip, yielding bright white light luminescence with excellent optoelectronic performance.
CapacitiveMarker: novel interaction method using visual marker integrated with conductive pattern

The visual markers have spatial limitations to require certain distances between a camera and markers. Meanwhile, as capacitive multi-touch displays on mobile devices have become popular, many researchers proposed interaction techniques using conductive patterns and a capacitive display. In this study, we propose a novel visual marker, "CapacitiveMarker", which can be recognized both by a camera and capacitive display. The CapacitiveMarker consists of two layered markers: a visual marker printed on a seal and a conductive pattern on a plastic film. We also propose a new interaction method using CapacitiveMarker through applications.
Association of variants in IL2RA with progression of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Heritability studies have suggested an important role of genetic predisposition in the progression of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); the heritability is estimated at 45-58%. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified as being associated with RA susceptibility. Our objective was to study the association of several of these loci with progression of joint destruction. METHODS We studied 1,750 RA patients in 4 independent data sets with 4,732 radiographs scored using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde method. Thirteen susceptibility SNPs that were not previously associated with joint destruction were tested in 596 Dutch RA patients. Subsequently, significant SNPs were studied in data sets of RA patients from North America and Iceland. Data were summarized in inverse-weighted variance meta-analyses. Further, the association with circulating protein levels was studied and the associated region was fine-mapped. RESULTS In stage 1, 3 loci (AFF3, IL2RA, and BLK) were significantly associated with the rate of joint destruction and were further analyzed in the additional data sets. In the combined meta-analyses, the minor (C) allele of IL2RA (rs2104286) was associated with less progression of joint destruction (P = 7.2 × 10(-4) ). Furthermore, the IL2RA (rs2104286) protective genotype was associated with lower (0.85-fold [95% confidence interval 0.77-0.93], P = 1.4 × 10(-3) ) circulating levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor α (sIL-2Rα). Additionally, lower sIL-2Rα levels were associated with a lower rate of joint destruction (P = 3.4 × 10(-3) ). The association of IL2RA with the rate of joint destruction was further localized to a 40-kb region encompassing the IL2RA intron 1 and the 5' region of IL2RA and RBM17. CONCLUSION The present genetic and serologic data suggest that inherited altered genetic constitution at the IL2RA locus may predispose to a less destructive course of RA.
Long-term cognitive impairment and functional disability among survivors of severe sepsis.

CONTEXT Cognitive impairment and functional disability are major determinants of caregiving needs and societal health care costs. Although the incidence of severe sepsis is high and increasing, the magnitude of patients' long-term cognitive and functional limitations after sepsis is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine the change in cognitive impairment and physical functioning among patients who survive severe sepsis, controlling for their presepsis functioning. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS A prospective cohort involving 1194 patients with 1520 hospitalizations for severe sepsis drawn from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative survey of US residents (1998-2006). A total of 9223 respondents had a baseline cognitive and functional assessment and had linked Medicare claims; 516 survived severe sepsis and 4517 survived a nonsepsis hospitalization to at least 1 follow-up survey and are included in the analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Personal interviews were conducted with respondents or proxies using validated surveys to assess the presence of cognitive impairment and to determine the number of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) for which patients needed assistance. RESULTS Survivors' mean age at hospitalization was 76.9 years. The prevalence of moderate to severe cognitive impairment increased 10.6 percentage points among patients who survived severe sepsis, an odds ratio (OR) of 3.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-7.25) in multivariable regression. Likewise, a high rate of new functional limitations was seen following sepsis: in those with no limits before sepsis, a mean 1.57 new limitations (95% CI, 0.99-2.15); and for those with mild to moderate limitations before sepsis, a mean of 1.50 new limitations (95% CI, 0.87-2.12). In contrast, nonsepsis general hospitalizations were associated with no change in moderate to severe cognitive impairment (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.80-1.67; P for difference vs sepsis = .01) and with the development of fewer new limitations (mean among those with no limits before hospitalization, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.39-0.57; P for difference vs sepsis <.001 and mean among those with mild to moderate limits, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23-0.63; P for difference = .001). The declines in cognitive and physical function persisted for at least 8 years. CONCLUSIONS Severe sepsis in this older population was independently associated with substantial and persistent new cognitive impairment and functional disability among survivors. The magnitude of these new deficits was large, likely resulting in a pivotal downturn in patients' ability to live independently.
Multiple host shifts by the emerging honeybee parasite, Varroa jacobsoni

Host shifts are a key mechanism of parasite evolution and responsible for the emergence of many economically important pathogens. Varroa destructor has been a major factor in global honeybee (Apis mellifera) declines since shifting hosts from the Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) > 50 years ago. Until recently, only two haplotypes of V. destructor (Korea and Japan) had successfully host shifted to A. mellifera. In 2008, the sister species V. jacobsoni was found for the first time parasitizing A. mellifera in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This recent host shift presents a serious threat to world apiculture but also provides the opportunity to examine host shifting in this system. We used 12 microsatellites to compare genetic variation of V. jacobsoni on A. mellifera in PNG with mites on A. cerana in both PNG and surrounding regions. We identified two distinct lineages of V. jacobsoni reproducing on A. mellifera in PNG. Our analysis indicated independent host shift events have occurred through small numbers of mites shifting from local A. cerana populations. Additional lineages were found in the neighbouring Papua and Solomon Islands that had partially host shifted to A. mellifera, that is producing immature offspring on drone brood only. These mites were likely in transition to full colonization of A. mellifera. Significant population structure between mites on the different hosts suggested host shifted V. jacobsoni populations may not still reproduce on A. cerana, although limited gene flow may exist. Our studies provide further insight into parasite host shift evolution and help characterize this new Varroa mite threat to A. mellifera worldwide.
Programming the KDD Process using XQuery

XQuake is a language and system for programming data mining processes over native XML databases in the spirit of inductive databases. It extends XQuery to support KDD tasks. This paper focuses on the features required in the definition of the steps of the mining process. The main objective is to show the expressiveness of the language in handling mining operations as an extension of basic XQuery expressions. To this purpose, the paper offers an extended application in the field of analyzing web logs.
Influence of nuclear structure on the formation of radiation-induced lethal lesions

Abstract Purpose The rejoining of fragmented nuclear DNA caused by ionizing radiation may lead to lethal chromosome rearrangements, such as rings or dicentrics. The clinically useful linear quadratic relationship between dose and cell survival has been interpreted as the generation of lethal lesions secondary to damage occurring in two separate chromosomes simultaneously (α component), or as potentially repairable separate events (β component). Here, the generation of such lesions is discussed, synthesizing existing knowledge with new insights gleaned from spatial proximity data made possible by high-throughput sequencing of chromosome conformation capture experiments. Over a range of several Mbp, the linear DNA strand is organized as a fractal globule generating multiple sites of contact that may facilitate deletions or inversions if the points of contact are damaged. On a larger scale, transcriptionally active euchromatin occupies a physically identifiable space separate from inactive areas and is preferentially susceptible to free radical attack after irradiation. Specific transcriptional programs link genomic locations within that space, potentially enhancing their interaction if subject to simultaneous fragmentation by a single radiation event. Conclusions High throughput spatial analysis of the factors that control chromosome proximity has the potential to better describe the formation of the lethal chromosome aberrations that kill irradiated cells.
A multi-regions electrically tunable liquid crystal microlens array for extending the depth of field

Depth of field (DOF), which is also called the effective focusing range, is a basic parameter for imaging systems. Usually, after the focusing, a clear image acceptable within a certain range before and after the focus is expressed. The length of this range is called the DOF. According to the definition of DOF, for a lens with a fixed focal length, the image formed by an object outside the depth of field is blurred, which means that sufficient information will not be obtained. For conventional imaging systems, a relatively large DOF can be achieved by reducing the aperture, but this will reduce the amount of incident light, thereby reducing the system imaging quality. In this paper, we propose a multi-regions electrically tunable liquid crystal microlens array (LCMLA), which is fabricated according to traditional photolithography and standard microelectronic techniques and divided into three sub-regions with three independent electrodes. It can apply different voltages on different sub-regions to obtain different DOF corresponding to them. Based on this, it will be possible to clearly image objects in field of view (FOV) that are outside the depth of field of one or more sub-regions at the same time, which means an extension of the DOF.
Isolation and identification of compounds responsible for antioxidant capacity of Euryale ferox seeds.

Euryale ferox seed is consumed medicinally or for food in China. The present study revealed it to contain significant antioxidant activity, which may be associated with its medical applications as a proteinuria inhibitor of diabetic nephropathy. This study resulted in the identification of 3 new sesquineolignans, named euryalins A-C (1-3), and 16 known compounds, which were all first isolated from this plant apart from 5,7,4-trihydroxy-flavanone. The antioxidant potential of the partial isolates was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and mesangial cellular assay. Compounds 2, rel-(2α,3β)-7-O-methylcedrusin (4), syringylglycerol-8-O-4-(sinapyl alcohol) ether (5), and (+)-syringaresinol (7) were found to be most active on DPPH assay, whereas compounds 2, 4, 7, (1R,2R,5R,6S)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dioxabicyclo[3.3. 0]octane, and buddlenol E could significantly inhibit high glucose-stimulated reactive oxygen species production in mesangial cells. The results suggested that E. ferox seed could be considered as an excellent source of natural antioxidants and is useful in the prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
Mechanisms of Action of Nanoparticles in Living Systems

Nanoparticles are being formed continuously in processes like mineralization, natural calamities, and geological recycling of matter and present naturally in the environment. In the recent past, nanoparticles and their applications have become an extensive topic of research. Application of nanomaterials in different industries will surely enhance the chances of discharge of nanoparticles into the environment. So, a number of studies have been performed to explore the mode of action of nanoparticles on living organisms and their surroundings. The most reported modes of action of nanoparticles are antimicrobial activity, ROS-induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, plant growth promotion, etc. It has been successfully demonstrated that actions of nanoparticles are governed by their size, shape, dose, and concentration. However, a complete mechanism of action of nanoparticles has not been known. The present chapter focuses on the highlights of the mechanisms behind the mode of action of nanoparticles in plants and microorganisms.
Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in the Renal Vasoconstriction Response to Hemorrhage in the Rabbit

In normal unanesthetized rabbits with intact autonomic effectors, rapid removal of 26% of the blood volume resulted in prolonged renal vasoconstriction. This response was completely absent in rabbits without functioning autonomic effectors (after guanethidine treatment + adrenalectomy + atropine), despite the greater arterial hypotension in this group. The effects of removing 26% and 32% of the blood volume were compared in the normal innervated and chronically surgically denervated kidney of the same animal. After 26% hemorrhage, the vessels of both kidneys constricted, but the response was significantly greater on the innervated side; reduction in GFR was the same in both kidneys. After 32% hemorrhage the renal constrictor response was greater than after 26% hemorrhage, the difference largely resulting from additional humoral effects, as estimated by the greater vasoconstriction observed in the hypersensitive surgically denervated kidney at this level of hemorrhage; GFR also fell more on the denervated side. The results indicate that sympatho-adrenal activity is essential in the production of renal vasoconstriction after hemorrhage, and suggest that this response is normally produced by the synergistic action of increased sympathetic nerve activity and humoral effects, including those of the adrenal catecholamines.
Privacy protection, control of information, and privacy-enhancing technologies

The present study is organized into two main parts. In Part I, we respond to a recent criticism that the restricted access theoryofprivacydoes not adequately explain the role that control of personal information plays in protecting one's priva~ In defending a version of the restricted access theory, we put forth a tripartite model that differentiates the concq~tofprivacyfrom both the justification and the management of privacy. This-distinction is important, we argue, because it enables us to avoid conflafing the concept of privacy which we define in terms of protection from intrusion and information gathering [Moor 1990; 1997], from the concept of control, which (a) is used to justifi/ the flaming of polities that provide privacy prrotection and (b) is essential to the management ofptivac~ Separating privacy from control is necessa~ we further argue, to preserve the identityofboth notions. After showingwhy the notion of individual control, as expressed in three different ways-choice, consent, and correction--plays an important role in the management ofpriva~ we conclude Part I with an account of why individual controls alone are not sufficient to guarantee the protection nfpersonal privacy and why certain external controls, such as those provided by privacy polities, are also needed. To illustrate some of the key points made in the first part of this essay we consider examples ofptivacy-enhancing technologies (or PETs) in Part II. We argue that even if PETs provide individuals with a means of controlling their personal information, these tools do not necessarily ensure privacy protection. Became PETs do not provide online users with a zone of privacy protection that incorporates external controls, i.e., controls beyond those at the individual level, we condude that the use of PETs can actually blur the need for privacy protection, rather than provide it.
Sliding mode output feedback controller design using linear matrix inequalities with application to aircraft systems

The problem of designing a sliding mode controller for uncertain MIMO dynamical systems with matched and unmatched uncertainties using only measured output signals is addressed. A design methodology based on LMIpsilas under a polytopic formulation is presented for the existence and reachability problems. The proposed controller is static in nature. The reaching and sliding motion are guaranteed despite the presence of both matched and unmatched uncertainties. A design study involving the lateral control of an aircraft is employed in order to illustrate the efficacy of the approach developed.
Computer-aided disease diagnosis system in TCM based on facial image analysis

Diagnosing diseases through observing the personal face is the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is a unique diagnostic method. Clinical experiences in TCM have proved that facial complexion can tell whether the one is healthy. A novel Computer-Aided Disease Diagnosis System (CADDS), acquiring the facial complexion information based on analysing image captured by digital camera, is proposed in this paper. System architecture and image analysis method are carefully illustrated. CADDS was developed for assistant facial-complexion-based diagnosis, which standardised the method to acquire the facial complexion information and avoids depending on the physician's experience and illumination condition. This study is helpful in promoting quantitative-analysis-based diagnosis in TCM.
Discrepancy between clinical course and drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests in a case of saireito-induced liver injury accompanied by Sjögren syndrome.

BACKGROUND Saireito consists of components of shosaikoto and goreisan. There are several reports of liver injury caused by shosaikoto and saireito, whereas cases caused by goreisan are rarely seen. PATIENT A 70-year-old woman suffered from sicca of the eyes and oral cavity that arose in 2003. In June 2004, we diagnosed her as having Sjögren syndrome on the basis of Schirmer's test, salivary scintigraphy, presence of anti-SS-A/Ro antibody, and subjective symptoms. Although a muscarinic agonist was commenced, her sicca symptoms did not improve. INTERVENTIONS In February 2008, 7.5 g/day of shosaikoto extract granules (for ethical use, Tsumura & Co., Tokyo, Japan) was introduced. Her symptoms and laboratory data did not change. The next month, the treatment was replaced by 9.0 g/day of saireito extract granules (for ethical use, Tsumura & Co., Tokyo, Japan). RESULTS After 10 weeks, elevation of liver enzymes was observed. On suspicion of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), saireito was withdrawn, and the patient's liver enzymes returned to normal the next month. Drug-induced lymphocyte stimulation tests (DLSTs) for saireito, shosaikoto, and goreisan were all positive. CONCLUSIONS The clinical course suggested allergy to the goreisan component of saireito. It is important to be aware of the limitation of DLST as a diagnostic tool for DILI, especially for herbal medicines.
Wireless autonomic neural network in EEG signal extraction management

The use of autonomic neural network in the control of smart machines using bio-signals has created the need for advancements in autonomic neural network in EEG signal extraction management. The advancements made in using human cognition for robotic control have increased possibilities once imagined in the field of robotics. The focus of the study is on the application of wireless autonomic neural network in EEG signal extraction. The paper discusses the importance of autonomic neural network in brainwave extraction, transmission and management for robotic control. The prediction and extraction process is an important component of the EEG autonomic neural network.
Summarizing differences in cumulative incidence functions

The cumulative incidence function is widely reported in competing risks studies, with group differences assessed by an extension of the log‐rank test. However, simple, interpretable summaries of group differences are not available. An adaptation of the proportional hazards model to the cumulative incidence function is often employed, but the interpretation of the hazard ratio may be somewhat awkward, unlike the usual survival set‐up. We propose nonparametric inferences for general summary measures, which may be time‐varying, and for time‐averaged versions of the measures. Theoretical justification is provided using counting process techniques. A real data example illustrates the practical utility of the methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pienapple search: an integrated search interface to support finding, refinding and sharing

Pienapple is a search interface that aims to combine bookmarking and searching within a blended experience to facilitate improved access, serendipity, and sharing. While personal and social bookmarking platforms already exist, they are often separated from the search system, resulting in an increased effort and complexity because two or more systems need to be used. Instead, Pienapple attempts to lower the overall effort of bookmarking, (re)accessing and sharing by bringing these activities together to provide a more supportive search interface.
Successful treatment of aortic root rupture following transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a heavily calcified aorta: A novel approach to a serious complication

Aortic root rupture during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an uncommon but almost uniformly fatal complication. We describe a novel surgical management of this complication using a combination of pledgeted sutures and prolonged direct digital compression with biomatrix and lattice adjuncts. Furthermore, our patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with endothelial progenitor cell‐capturing stents, which facilitated TAVI to be performed off clopidogrel therapy. We believe the use of these stents reduced the severity of hemorrhage following aortic root rupture and helped maintain vessel patency following prolonged hypotension. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.