Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microstructural White Matter Changes in the Corpus Callosum of Young People with Bipolar Disorder: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

To date, most studies of white matter changes in Bipolar Disorder (BD) have been conducted in older subjects and with well-established disorders. Studies of young people who are closer to their illness onset may help to identify core neurobiological characteristics and separate these from consequences of repeated illness episodes or prolonged treatment. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to examine white matter microstructural changes in 58 young patients with BD (mean age 23 years; range 16–30 years) and 40 controls. Whole brain voxelwise measures of fractional anisotropy (FA), parallel diffusivity (λ//) and radial diffusivity (λ⊥) were calculated for all subjects. White matter microstructure differences (decreased FA corrected p<.05) were found between the patients with BD and controls in the genu, body and splenium of the corpus callosum as well as the superior and anterior corona radiata. In addition, significantly increased radial diffusivity (p<.01) was found in the BD group. Neuroimaging studies of young patients with BD may help to clarify neurodevelopmental aspects of the illness and for identifying biomarkers of disease onset and progression. Our findings provide evidence of microstructural white matter changes early in the course of illness within the corpus callosum and the nature of these changes suggest they are associated with abnormalities in the myelination of axons.
Structure‐Morphology‐Property Behavior of Segmented Thermoplastic Polyurethanes and Polyureas Prepared without Chain Extenders

A comprehensive review of the structure‐morphology‐property relations in segmented thermoplastic elastomers (STPE) prepared by the stoichiometric reactions of soft segment oligomers and hard segment precursors is provided. Although the main focus of this study is on linear, segmented, thermoplastic polyurethanes and polyureas, other systems such as linear segmented polyamides and polyesters are also discussed for comparison. Special emphasis is made on the influence of soft segment structure and molecular weight, hard segment symmetry and crystallinity, and the strength of the hydrogen bonding on the morphology and properties of segmented, non‐chain extended thermoplastic elastomers.
Quick building of fuzzy equivalence matrix in granular computing

The fuzzy quotient space model is a hybrid model between quotient space theory and fuzzy set theory, which are two important methods in granular computing models, and it is based on fuzzy equivalence relation. There are many algorithms with high complexity for computing the fuzzy equivalence matrices. A new algorithm is proposed to compute the fuzzy equivalence matrices in this paper, and its time and space complexity is o(n2). An example also illustrates this algorithm. This result would be very helpful for designing efficient algorithms for huge data processing.
Palladium Nanoparticles: Toxicological Effects and Potential Implications for Occupational Risk Assessment

The increasing technological applications of palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) and their consequent enhancing release into the community and occupational environments, have raised public health concerns regarding possible adverse effects for exposed subjects, and particularly for workers chronically and highly exposed to these materials, whose toxico-kinetic and dynamic behavior remains to be fully understood. Therefore, this review aimed to critically analyze literature data to achieve a more comprehensive knowledge on the toxicological profile of Pd-NPs. Results from available studies demonstrated the potential for these chemicals to affect the ecosystem function, to exert cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects in vitro as well as to induce early alterations in different target organs in in vivo models. However, our revision pointed out the need for future studies aimed to clarify the role of the NP physico-chemical properties in determining their toxicological behavior, as well as the importance to carry out investigations focused on environmental and biological monitoring to verify and validate experimental biomarkers of exposure and early effect in real exposure contexts. Overall, this may be helpful to support the definition of suitable strategies for the assessment, communication and management of Pd-NP occupational risks to protect the health and safety of workers.
SafeDrive

Distracted driving causes a large number of fatalities every year and is now becoming an important issue in the traffic safety study. In this paper, we present SafeDrive, a driving safety system that leverages wearable wrist sensing techniques to detect and analyze driver distracted behaviors. Existing wrist-worn sensing approaches, however, do not address challenges under real driving environments, such as less distinguishable gesture patterns due to in-vehicle physical constraints, various gesture hallmarks produced by different drivers and significant noise introduced by various driving conditions. In response, SafeDrive adopts a semi-supervised machine learning model for in-vehicle distracting activity detection. To improve the detection accuracy, we provide online updated classifiers by collecting real-time gesture data, while at the same time utilize smartphone sensing to generate soft hints filtering out anomalies and non-distracted hand movements. In the evaluation, we conduct extensive real-road experiments involving 20 participants (10 males and 10 females) and 5 vehicles (a sedan, a minivan and three SUVs). Our approach can achieve an average classification accuracy of over 90% with a error rate of a few percent, which demonstrate that SafeDrive is robust to real driving environments, and has great potential to help drivers shape safe driving habits.
A Clustering k-Anonymity Privacy-Preserving Method for Wearable IoT Devices

Wearable technology is one of the greatest applications of the Internet of Things. The popularity of wearable devices has led to a massive scale of personal (user-specific) data. Generally, data holders (manufacturers) of wearable devices are willing to share these data with others to get benefits. However, significant privacy concerns would arise when sharing the data with the third party in an improper manner. In this paper, we first propose a specific threat model about the data sharing process of wearable devices’ data. Then we propose a -anonymity method based on clustering to preserve privacy of wearable IoT devices’ data and guarantee the usability of the collected data. Experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Preclinical Profile of AB-423, an Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA Encapsidation

ABSTRACT AB-423 is a member of the sulfamoylbenzamide (SBA) class of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid inhibitors in phase 1 clinical trials. In cell culture models, AB-423 showed potent inhibition of HBV replication (50% effective concentration [EC50] = 0.08 to 0.27 μM; EC90 = 0.33 to 1.32 μM) with no significant cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration > 10 μM). Addition of 40% human serum resulted in a 5-fold increase in the EC50s. AB-423 inhibited HBV genotypes A through D and nucleos(t)ide-resistant variants in vitro. Treatment of HepDES19 cells with AB-423 resulted in capsid particles devoid of encapsidated pregenomic RNA and relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), indicating that it is a class II capsid inhibitor. In a de novo infection model, AB-423 prevented the conversion of encapsidated rcDNA to covalently closed circular DNA, presumably by interfering with the capsid uncoating process. Molecular docking of AB-423 into crystal structures of heteroaryldihydropyrimidines and an SBA and biochemical studies suggest that AB-423 likely also binds to the dimer-dimer interface of core protein. In vitro dual combination studies with AB-423 and anti-HBV agents, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs, RNA interference agents, or interferon alpha, resulted in additive to synergistic antiviral activity. Pharmacokinetic studies with AB-423 in CD-1 mice showed significant systemic exposures and higher levels of accumulation in the liver. A 7-day twice-daily administration of AB-423 in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model of HBV infection resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in serum HBV DNA levels, and combination with entecavir or ARB-1467 resulted in a trend toward antiviral activity greater than that of either agent alone, consistent with the results of the in vitro combination studies. The overall preclinical profile of AB-423 supports its further evaluation for safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Microbiological, chemical-physical and sensory characteristics of Fabriano salami from pigs fed Oregano vulgaris extract

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of Oregano vulgaris extract supplementation of heavy pig diet on the microbiological, chemical-physical and sensory characteristics of Fabriano salami. Fabriano salamis were produced processing meat derived from pigs belonging to two dietary groups of 16 pigs each: CTRL group fed a commercial pelleted feed, and OR group fed the CTRL diet integrated with 0.2% of oregano extract. Ten salamis per group were collected at 0, 7, 20 and 45 days of ripening and analysed for total viable count, enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus spp, coagulase negative and positive staphylococci, Lactobacillus spp. , Lactococcus spp. , presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogens, pH, water activity (aw) and colour (CIE L*a*b* colour system). At the end of the ripening (day 45) chemical composition (AOAC, 1990), total antioxidant capacity (ORACFL), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), total phenolic content (TPC) (Folin-Ciocalteu method) and consumer tests were performed. The integration of oregano extract in pig diets did not interfere with the microbial evolution, chemical composition, pH and aw. After 20 days of ripening the OR salami were redder then CTRL samples, which were also yellower at the end of ripening. Furthermore, the diet has significantly improved the oxidative status, the polyphenolic content and antioxidant power in OR salami. The consumers gave a higher score to OR salami in informed condition.
Preparation and Thermoelectric Characteristics of SiO2/Mg2Si0.8Sn0.2 Bulk Nanocomposite

In the present study, Mg2Si nanoparticles of high purity were successfully synthesized through low-temperature reaction by using MgH2 and Si powders as rawmaterials. The size of Mg2Si particles is about 50nm. The bulk nanocomposites xSiO2/Mg2Si0.8Sn0. 2(x = 0, 0.1, 1 and 2wt. %) were followed by field-Activated and pressure-assisted synthesis (FAPAS). The effects of SiO2 addition on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.8Sn0. 2 were studied. The field emission scanning electron microscopy shows that the nanometer-sized SiO2 particles disperse homogeneously in Mg2Si0.8Sn0. 2 matrix. Among all of the samples, 1wt. % SiO2/Mg2Si0.8Sn0. 2 exhibits the best figure of merit (ZT = 0.25 at 573 K), which is 24% higher than that of the sample without SiO2, indicating that the thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.8Sn0. 2 can be enhanced effectively by the dispersion of nanometer-sized SiO2.
Disguised as a Sulfate Reducer: Growth of the Deltaproteobacterium Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus by Sulfide Oxidation with Nitrate

ABSTRACT This study demonstrates that the deltaproteobacterium Desulfurivibrio alkaliphilus can grow chemolithotrophically by coupling sulfide oxidation to the dissimilatory reduction of nitrate and nitrite to ammonium. Key genes of known sulfide oxidation pathways are absent from the genome of D. alkaliphilus. Instead, the genome contains all of the genes necessary for sulfate reduction, including a gene for a reductive-type dissimilatory bisulfite reductase (DSR). Despite this, growth by sulfate reduction was not observed. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a very high expression level of sulfate-reduction genes during growth by sulfide oxidation, while inhibition experiments with molybdate pointed to elemental sulfur/polysulfides as intermediates. Consequently, we propose that D. alkaliphilus initially oxidizes sulfide to elemental sulfur, which is then either disproportionated, or oxidized by a reversal of the sulfate reduction pathway. This is the first study providing evidence that a reductive-type DSR is involved in a sulfide oxidation pathway. Transcriptome sequencing further suggests that nitrate reduction to ammonium is performed by a novel type of periplasmic nitrate reductase and an unusual membrane-anchored nitrite reductase. IMPORTANCE Sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction, the two major branches of the sulfur cycle, are usually ascribed to distinct sets of microbes with distinct diagnostic genes. Here we show a more complex picture, as D. alkaliphilus, with the genomic setup of a sulfate reducer, grows by sulfide oxidation. The high expression of genes typically involved in the sulfate reduction pathway suggests that these genes, including the reductive-type dissimilatory bisulfite reductases, are also involved in as-yet-unresolved sulfide oxidation pathways. Finally, D. alkaliphilus is closely related to cable bacteria, which grow by electrogenic sulfide oxidation. Since there are no pure cultures of cable bacteria, D. alkaliphilus may represent an exciting model organism in which to study the physiology of this process. IMPORTANCE Sulfide oxidation and sulfate reduction, the two major branches of the sulfur cycle, are usually ascribed to distinct sets of microbes with distinct diagnostic genes. Here we show a more complex picture, as D. alkaliphilus, with the genomic setup of a sulfate reducer, grows by sulfide oxidation. The high expression of genes typically involved in the sulfate reduction pathway suggests that these genes, including the reductive-type dissimilatory bisulfite reductases, are also involved in as-yet-unresolved sulfide oxidation pathways. Finally, D. alkaliphilus is closely related to cable bacteria, which grow by electrogenic sulfide oxidation. Since there are no pure cultures of cable bacteria, D. alkaliphilus may represent an exciting model organism in which to study the physiology of this process.
Phosphorylation of androgen receptors at serine 515 is a potential prognostic marker for triple negative breast cancer

1.7 million cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year with 522,000 deaths. Molecular classifications of breast cancer have resulted in improved treatments. However, treatments for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are lacking. Analysis of molecular targets for TNBC is a priority. One potential candidate is androgen receptor (AR) phosphorylation. This study assessed the role of AR phosphorylation at ser81/ser515 and their two upstream effectors, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (pCDK1) and extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) in 332 ductal breast cancer patients by immunohistochemistry. pERK1/2 combined with AR-515 associated with improved cancer-specific survival (CSS, p = 0.038), decreased size (p = 0.001), invasive grade (p < 0.001), necrosis (p = 0.003), b-lymphocytes (p = 0.020), molecular subtype (p < 0.001) and estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)-status (p < 0.001). The cohort was therefore stratified into ER+ve and ER-ve patients. In ER+ve tumours, pERK1/2 combined with AR-515 associated with improved CSS (p = 0.038), smaller size (p = 0.004), invasive grade (p = 0.001), decreased b-lymphocytes (p = 0.013) and increased plasma cells (p = 0.048). In contrast, in TNBC patients, phosphorylation of AR-515 associated with poorer CSS (p = 0.007). pERK1/2 combined with AR-515 associated with decreased inflammation (p = 0.003), increased tumour stroma (p = 0.003) and tumour budding (p = 0.011), with trends towards decrease CSS (p = 0.065) and macrophage levels (p = 0.093). In Conclusions, AR-515 may be an important regulator of inflammation in breast cancer potential via ERK1/2 phosphorylation. AR-515 is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for TNBC.
Probabilistic Matching of Deidentified Data From a Trauma Registry and a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System Center: A Follow-up Validation Study

Abstract In a previous study, individuals from a single Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems and trauma center were matched using a novel probabilistic matching algorithm. The Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems is a multicenter prospective cohort study containing more than 14,000 participants with traumatic brain injury, following them from inpatient rehabilitation to the community over the remainder of their lifetime. The National Trauma Databank is the largest aggregation of trauma data in the United States, including more than 6 million records. Linking these two databases offers a broad range of opportunities to explore research questions not otherwise possible. Our objective was to refine and validate the previous protocol at another independent center. An algorithm generation and validation data set were created, and potential matches were blocked by age, sex, and year of injury; total probabilistic weight was calculated based on of 12 common data fields. Validity metrics were calculated using a minimum probabilistic weight of 3. The positive predictive value was 98.2% and 97.4% and sensitivity was 74.1% and 76.3%, in the algorithm generation and validation set, respectively. These metrics were similar to the previous study. Future work will apply the refined probabilistic matching algorithm to the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems and the National Trauma Databank to generate a merged data set for clinical traumatic brain injury research use.
Patient confidence regarding secondary lifestyle modification and knowledge of ‘heart attack’ symptoms following percutaneous revascularisation in Japan: a cross-sectional study

Objective To assess patient perspectives on secondary lifestyle modification and knowledge of ‘heart attack’ after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery disease (CAD). Design Observational cross-sectional study. Setting A single university-based hospital centre in Japan. Participants In total, 236 consecutive patients with CAD who underwent PCI completed a questionnaire (age, 67.4±10.1 years; women, 14.8%; elective PCI, 75.4%). The survey questionnaire included questions related to confidence levels about (1) lifestyle modification at the time of discharge and (2) appropriate recognition of heart attack symptoms and reactions to these symptoms on a four-point Likert scale (1=not confident to 4=completely confident). Primary outcome measure The primary outcome assessed was the patients’ confidence level regarding lifestyle modification and the recognition of heart attack symptoms. Results Overall, patients had a high level of confidence (confident or completely confident,>75%) about smoking cessation, alcohol restriction and medication adherence. However, they had a relatively low level of confidence (<50%) about the maintenance of blood pressure control, healthy diet, body weight and routine exercise (≥3 times/week). After adjustment, male sex (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.11 to 11.8) and lower educational level (OR 3.25; 95% CI 1.70 to 6.23) were identified as factors associated with lower confidence levels. In terms of confidence in the recognition of heart attack, almost all respondents answered ‘yes’ to the item ‘I should go to the hospital as soon as possible when I have a heart attack’; however, only 28% of the responders were confident in their ability to distinguish between heart attack symptoms and other conditions. Conclusions There were substantial disparities in the confidence levels associated with lifestyle modification and recognition/response to heart attack. These gaps need to be studied further and disseminated to improve cardiovascular care.
The predictive value of baseline LDL-TG level on major adverse cardiovascular events in a followed up cohort population.

OBJECTIVE We aimed at identifying the predictive roles of Low-Density Lipoprotein Triglycerides (LDL-TG) for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). PATIENTS AND METHODS A longitudinal study in a routine health check-up population was performed with an average follow-up of 4.8 years. The participants involved in this study were 1680, from 2007 to 2009, and all had followed-up for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, and the development of MACEs. The demographic information and anthropometric parameters at baseline were recorded. The baseline and follow-up conventional lipid parameters were measured. We also examined the level LDL-TG, as well as the relationship between its level and MACEs. RESULTS MACEs individuals were characterized by statistically higher baseline LDL-TG (17.22 ± 8.05 vs. 16.39 ±7.35 nmol/l, p = 0.017). The univariate regression for MACEs group indicated that the LDL-TG (b = 0.813, HR = 2.254, 95% CI: 1.454-3.494, p < 0.001), older age, sex and other factors were a significant risk for MACEs. Furthermore, in the adjusted Cox model showed that only higher baseline LDL-TG (b =0.512, HR = 1.669, 95% CI: 1.013-2.748, p = 0.044) and older age (b = 0.062, HR = 1.064, 95% CI: 1.034-1.094, p < 0.001, Table IV) were still predictors for MACEs. CONCLUSIONS Higher baseline LDL-TG closely associated with MACEs and it is a moderate and independent predictive factor for MACEs.
Influence of copper addition on adhesive strength of Sn–3Ag–1·5Sb solder joints

Abstract The present work investigates the effects of adding a small amount of Cu to Sn–3Ag–1·5Sb solders. The present results indicate that adding 0·5 and 1·0 wt-%Cu to Sn–3Ag–1·5Sb solders causes the liquidus temperature to decrease from its original value of 233·4°C to 231·6°C and to 231·4°C, respectively. Furthermore, it is noted that the addition of 1·0 wt-%Cu reduces the difference between the liquidus and solidus temperatures. It is shown that the added Cu reacts with the Sn content of the solder to form Cu6Sn5 particles in the β-Sn matrix, which are distributed non-uniformly since the Cu content is low. The experimental results also reveal that the growth rate of the solder joint interfacial intermetallic compound layers increases at higher levels of Cu addition. Finally, it is established that adding Cu to the Sn–3Ag–1·5Sb solder not only improves the adhesive strength of the solder joints, but also reduces the rate of degradation of the adhesive strength of the joints during thermal storage.