Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Corpus of Drug Usage Guidelines Annotated with Type of Advice

Adherence to drug usage guidelines for prescription and over-the-counter drugs is critical for drug safety and effectiveness of treatment. Drug usage guideline documents contain advice on potential drug-drug interaction, drug-food interaction, and drug administration process. Current research on drug safety and public health indicates patients are often either unaware of such critical advice or overlook them. Categorizing advice statements from these documents according to their topics can enable the patients to ﬁnd safety critical information. However, automatically categorizing drug usage guidelines based on their topic is an open challenge and there is no annotated dataset on drug usage guidelines. To address the latter issue, this paper presents (i) an annotation scheme for annotating safety critical advice from drug usage guidelines, (ii) an annotation tool for such data, and (iii) an annotated dataset containing drug usage guidelines from 90 drugs. This work is expected to accelerate further release of annotated drug usage guideline datasets and research on automatically ﬁltering safety critical information from these textual documents.
Review of flash sintering: Materials, mechanisms and modelling

Flash sintering (FS) is an energy efficient sintering technique involving electrical Joule heating, which allows very rapid densification (<60 s) of particulate materials. Since the first publication on flash-sintered zirconia (3YSZ) in 2010, it has been intensively researched and applied to a wide range of materials. Going back more than a century ago, we have found a close similarity between FS of oxides and Nernst glowers developed in 1897. This review provides a comprehensive overview of FS and is based on a literature survey consisting of 88 papers and seven patents. It correlates processing parameters (i.e. electric field magnitude, current density, waveforms (AC, DC) and frequency, furnace temperature, electrode materials/configuration, externally applied pressure and sintering atmosphere) with microstructures and densification mechanisms. Theorised mechanisms driving the rapid densification are substantiated by modelling work, advanced in situ analysis techniques and by established theories applied to electric current assisted/activated sintering techniques. The possibility of applying FS to a wider range of materials and its implementation in industrial scale processes are discussed. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Abbreviations: ECAS: Electric Current Assisted/Assisted Sintering; FS: flash sintering; SPS: spark plasma sintering; FSPS: flash spark plasma sintering; HIP: hot isostatic press; HP: hot press; TF: furnace temperature; TOnset: onset temperature; E: electrical field; TS: sample temperature; TSoft: softening temperature for glasses; Tm: melting temperature; PTC or NTC: positive or negative temperature coefficient of electrical resistance; IS: impedance spectroscopy; OES: optical emission spectroscopy; AES: atomic emission spectroscopy; DBS: Dog-bone shape, L: length, W: width, T: thickness, D: diameter, H: height, R: rectangular, CS: cross-section; P: particle size; C: crystallite size; 3YSZ: 3 mol-% yttria-stabilised zirconia; I: ion, H: hole, V: vacancy, E: electron, P: proton
Local sampling paints a global picture: Local concentration measurements sense direction in complex chemical gradients

Detecting and interpreting extracellular spatial signals is essential for cellular orientation within complex environments, such as during directed cell migration or growth in multicellular development. Although the molecular understanding of how cells read spatial signals like chemical gradients is still lacking, recent work has revealed that stochastic processes at different temporal and spatial scales are at the core of this gradient sensing process in a wide range of eukaryotes. Fast biochemical reactions like those underlying GTPase activity dynamics form a functional module together with slower cell morphological changes driven by membrane remodelling. This biochemical‐morphological module explores the environment by stochastic local concentration sampling to determine the source of the gradient signal, enabling efficient signal detection and interpretation before polarised growth or migration towards the gradient source is initiated. Here we review recent data describing local sampling and propose a model of local fast and slow feedback counteracted by gradient‐dependent substrate limitation to be at the core of gradient sensing by local sampling.
Performance analysis of network attack based on continuous time Markov Chain in dynamic spectrum access networks

Dynamic Spectrum Access technology is implemented to help making use of the limited spectrum sources in wireless communication system due to its unique characteristics. However, some threats to this special network were noted with the same reasons. The Primary User Emulation Attack, for example, is a classic issue in Dynamic Spectrum Access networks. In this paper, a continuous Markov Chain Model is used to depict the behavior of dynamic spectrum access with network attack, analyze the characteristics of this network and discuss the performance changes under malicious user's influence with different parameters. The results verify that the modeling and analysis are valid.
Global Stabilization of Linearized Spacecraft Rendezvous System by Saturated Linear Feedback

The problem of global stabilization of the circular orbit spacecraft rendezvous system subject to actuator saturation is studied in this brief. Based on the linearized Clohessy–Wiltshire equations, a class of saturated linear state feedback controllers is designed by utilizing Lyapunov functions that are frequently used in the absolute stability theory. The global stability of the closed-loop system with the proposed saturated linear feedback is proved by providing explicit conditions on the parameters in the feedback gains. Optimal linear feedback gains are also discussed. The most significant advantages of the proposed controllers are that the controllers are linear and the global stability of the resulting closed-loop system can be guaranteed. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose mediated synthesis of highly porous composite scaffolds for trabecular bone repair applications

This article presents an (hydroxypropyl)methylcellulose (HPMC) mediated synthesis of highly porous scaffolds containing nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) and chitosan (CS) as major inorganic and organic phases, respectively. A mixture of n-HAp, CS, and HPMC is homogenized and freeze-dried to yield n-HAp/CS/HPMC composite scaffolds closely emulating trabecular bone in density (0.02 g cm-3) and porosity (89%). SEM images substantiate the porous structure of the scaffolds (pore size: 100-300 μm). The mechanical analysis reveal excellent compressive strength of the porous n-HAp/CS/HPMC scaffold (9.65 MPa) that is also comparable with human trabecular bone. The in vitro bioactivity and degradability of the porous scaffolds are investigated in tris-HCl-buffered synthetic body fluid (SBF) and phosphate buffer solution (PBS), respectively. The results indicate a rapid increase in scaffold mass due to apatite-like deposition and good resorbability. The SEM images of SBF soaked samples demonstrate apatite-like deposition on the surface of scaffolds with Ca/P ratio of 1.63 after 7 days of soaking in SBF. These results suggest that porous n-HAp/CS/HPMC scaffolds, due to their structural similarity, mechanical and in vitro biological properties, can become useful alternatives for trabecular bone regeneration and repair. © 2015 by American Scientific Publishers.
Baby FaceTime: can toddlers learn from online video chat?

There is abundant evidence for the 'video deficit': children under 2 years old learn better in person than from video. We evaluated whether these findings applied to video chat by testing whether children aged 12-25 months could form relationships with and learn from on-screen partners. We manipulated social contingency: children experienced either real-time FaceTime conversations or pre-recorded Videos as the partner taught novel words, actions and patterns. Children were attentive and responsive in both conditions, but only children in the FaceTime group responded to the partner in a temporally synced manner. After one week, children in the FaceTime condition (but not the Video condition) preferred and recognized their Partner, learned more novel patterns, and the oldest children learned more novel words. Results extend previous studies to demonstrate that children under 2 years show social and cognitive learning from video chat because it retains social contingency. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/rTXaAYd5adA.
FOXP1 haploinsufficiency: Phenotypes beyond behavior and intellectual disability?

The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors have roles in development, carcinogenesis, metabolism, and immunity. In humans FOXP1 mutations have been associated with language and speech defects, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, facial dysmorphisms, and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. In mice, Foxp1 plays critical roles in development of the spinal motor neurons, lymphocytes, cardiomyocytes, foregut, and skeleton. We hypothesized therefore that mutations of FOXP1 affect additional tissues in some humans. Supporting this hypothesis, we describe two individuals with novel variants of FOXP1 (NM_032682.5:c.975‐2A>C and NM_032682.5:c.1574G>A) and additional features. One had a lung disease resembling neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy (NEHI), and the second had a skeletal disorder with undertubulation of the long bones and relapsing‐remitting fevers associated with flushing and edema. Although attribution of these traits to mutation of FOXP1 requires ascertainment of additional patients, we hypothesize that the variable expression of these additional features might arise by means of stochastic developmental variation.
Best Practices for Generating and Using Alpha-Synuclein Pre-Formed Fibrils to Model Parkinson’s Disease in Rodents

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting approximately one-percent of the population over the age of sixty. Although many animal models have been developed to study this disease, each model presents its own advantages and caveats. A unique model has arisen to study the role of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) in the pathogenesis of PD. This model involves the conversion of recombinant monomeric aSyn protein to a fibrillar form—the aSyn pre-formed fibril (aSyn PFF)—which is then injected into the brain or introduced to the media in culture. Although many groups have successfully adopted and replicated the aSyn PFF model, issues with generating consistent pathology have been reported by investigators. To improve the replicability of this model and diminish these issues, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has enlisted the help of field leaders who performed key experiments to establish the aSyn PFF model to provide the research community with guidelines and practical tips for improving the robustness and success of this model. Specifically, we identify key pitfalls and suggestions for avoiding these mistakes as they relate to generating the aSyn PFFs from monomeric protein, validating the formation of pathogenic aSyn PFFs, and using the aSyn PFFs in vivo or in vitro to model PD. With this additional information, adoption and use of the aSyn PFF model should present fewer challenges, resulting in a robust and widely available model of PD.
Subspace-Based Takagi–Sugeno Modeling for Improved LMI Performance

Given a nonlinear system, the sector-nonlinearity methodology provides a systematic way of transforming it in an equivalent Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) model. However, such transformation is not unique: conservatism of shape-independent performance conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities results in some models yielding better results than others. This paper provides some guidelines on choosing a sector-nonlinearity T–S model, with provable optimality (in a particular sense) in the case of quadratic nonlinearities. The approach is based on Hessian and restrictions of a function onto a subspace.
Leveraging Sparsity to Speed Up Polynomial Feature Expansions of CSR Matrices Using K-Simplex Numbers

An algorithm is provided for performing polynomial feature expansions that both operates on and produces compressed sparse row (CSR) matrices. Previously, no such algorithm existed, and performing polynomial expansions on CSR matrices required an intermediate densification step. The algorithm performs a $K$-degree expansion by using a bijective function involving $K$-simplex numbers of column indices in the original matrix to column indices in the expanded matrix. Not only is space saved by operating in CSR format, but the bijective function allows for only the nonzero elements to be iterated over and multiplied together during the expansion, greatly improving average time complexity. For a vector of dimensionality $D$ and density $0 \le d \le 1$, the algorithm has average time complexity $\Theta(d^KD^K)$ where $K$ is the polynomial-feature order; this is an improvement by a factor $d^K$ over the standard method. This work derives the required function for the cases of $K=2$ and $K=3$ and shows its use in the $K=2$ algorithm.
Maximum Likelihood Detection With Ligand Receptors for Diffusion-Based Molecular Communications in Internet of Bio-Nano Things

Molecular Communication (MC) is a bio-inspired communication technique that uses molecules as a method of information transfer among nanoscale devices. MC receiver is an essential component having profound impact on the communication system performance. However, the interaction of the receiver with information bearing molecules has been usually oversimplified in modeling the reception process and developing signal detection techniques. In this paper, we focus on the signal detection problem of MC receivers employing receptor molecules to infer the transmitted messages encoded into the concentration of molecules, i.e., ligands. Exploiting the observable characteristics of ligand-receptor binding reaction, we first introduce a Maximum Likelihood (ML) detection method based on instantaneous receptor occupation ratio, as aligned with the current MC literature. Then, we propose a novel ML detection technique, which exploits the amount of time the receptors stay unbound in an observation time window. A comprehensive analysis is carried out to compare the performance of the detectors in terms of bit error probability. In evaluating the detection performance, emphasis is given to the receptor saturation problem resulting from the accumulation of messenger molecules at the receiver as a consequence of intersymbol interference. The results reveal that detection based on receptor unbound time is quite reliable even in saturation, whereas the reliability of detection based on receptor occupation ratio substantially decreases as the receiver gets saturated. Finally, we also discuss the potential methods of implementing the detectors.
IL18 and IL18R1 polymorphisms, lung CT and fibrosis: a longitudinal study in coal miners

It has been suggested that interleukin (IL)-18 plays a role in the development of inflammatory and fibrosing lung diseases. Associations of polymorphisms in the genes coding for IL-18 (IL18 /G-656T, C-607A, G-137C, T113G, C127T) and its receptor (IL18R1 /C-69T) with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) were studied in 200 miners who were examined in 1990, 1994 and 1999. Coal-dust exposure was assessed according to job history and ambient measures. The main health outcome was lung computed tomography (CT) score in 1990. Internal coherence was assessed by studying CT score in 1994, 4-yr change in CT score and CWP incidence and prevalence. CT score in 1990 was a good predictor of radiographic grade in 1999 and, therefore, an appropriate subclinical quantitative trait. The IL18 -137C allele was associated with lower CT score in 1990 and 1994 (1.24 versus 1.69 and 1.57 versus 2.46, respectively), slower progression of CT score between 1990 and 1994 and lower pneumoconiosis prevalence in 1999 relative to the G allele (0.33 versus 0.77 and 8.2 versus 19.6%, respectively). Smoking- or dust-adjustment, and stratification on IL18R1 genotype and adjustment for haplotype effects did not change the conclusions. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest a role for IL18 in reducing the development of this fibrosing lung disease.
Physiological and Perceived Responses in Different Levels of Exergames in Elite Athletes.

OBJECTIVE Exergames have been suggested to increase the public's physical activity and to benefit cardiovascular health, particularly among the youth. However, not many studies compared the physiological and perceived responses between exergames and the authentic sports especially for elite athletes. This study aimed to investigate the physiological and perceived responses in different levels of Nintendo® Wii Fit™ U rowing exergames in one group of elite rowing athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS All participants were asked to perform the authentic rowing on the indoor rowing machine on the first day and to play the rowing exergames on the second day, in three levels with 1 hour rest between levels. Oxygen consumption (VO2), lactate concentration, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and muscle soreness scale (MSS) of the elite athletes were measured in three levels of rowing exergames and were compared with those measured in indoor rowing. RESULTS Percentages of HR ranged from 57% to 64% and from 67% to 82% of peak HR in males and females, respectively. Percentages of RPE and MSS obtained from the three levels of rowing exergames ranged from 34% to 55% and from 2% to 33% of the peak RPE and the peak MSS, respectively, in authentic rowing. CONCLUSION Physiological and perceived responses of elite rowing athletes could not reach their highest response in authentic rowing even for the hard level of exergames. This study contributed direct data on the physiological benefits of exergames against authentic rowing.
Systematic analysis of Ca2+ homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on chemical-genetic interaction profiles

The global landscape of Ca2+ homeostasis in budding yeast is deciphered. Quantified morphological responses under high concentration of Ca2+ and obtained high-dimensional Ca2+-genetic interaction profiles show functional gene clusters, which are used to build a global network among the Ca2+ homeostasis units acting in various cellular compartments.
ATM Deficiency Results in Accumulation of DNA-Topoisomerase I Covalent Intermediates in Neural Cells

Accumulation of peptide-linked DNA breaks contributes to neurodegeration in humans. This is typified by defects in tyrosyl DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) and human hereditary ataxia. TDP1 primarily operates at single-strand breaks (SSBs) created by oxidative stress or by collision of transcription machinery with topoisomerase I intermediates (Top1-CCs). Cellular and cell-free studies have shown that Top1 at stalled Top1-CCs is first degraded to a small peptide resulting in Top1-SSBs, which are the primary substrates for TDP1. Here we established an assay to directly compare Top1-SSBs and Top1-CCs. We subsequently employed this assay to reveal an increased steady state level of Top1-CCs in neural cells lacking Atm; the protein mutated in ataxia telangiectasia. Our data suggest that the accumulation of endogenous Top1-CCs in Atm-/- neural cells is primarily due to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. Biochemical purification of Top1-CCs from neural cell extract and the use of Top1 poisons further confirmed a role for Atm during the formation/resolution of Top1-CCs. Finally, we report that global transcription is reduced in Atm-/- neural cells and fails to recover to normal levels following Top1-mediated DNA damage. Together, these data identify a distinct role for ATM during the formation/resolution of neural Top1-CCs and suggest that their accumulation contributes to the neuropathology of ataxia telangiectasia.
Partial volume correction using bimodal contrast agents in PET-MRI

Positron emission tomography (PET) images are characterized by a low spatial resolution mainly due to: (i) radioisotopes’ positron ranges; (ii) scatter; (iii) attenuation; (iv) parallax error or radial elongation and (v) motion. Due to these aspects, partial volume effects (PVEs) can occur which are characterized by loss of detail and/or apparent activity in small objects or regions at spatial and/or time levels. Partial Volume Correction (PVC) methodologies aim to minimize the impact of PVEs in PET images [4, 8, 73]. Also, dualor multi-modality imaging arise from the combination of two or more imaging techniques based on the use of multi-modal probes, ensuring a better visualization of biological processes and acquisition of more accurate data. In this context, this project aimed to evaluate the potential of combining PET/MRI nanoprobes and PVC procedures for improving the quality of PET images. More specifically, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles combined to F radioisotope and the PVC method named SFSRR (Structural and Functional Information for Resolution Recovery) were used as basis of the work developed in this project [32,67,68]. The simulation study performed showed that the SFSRR procedure led to an average improvement of 6.8% in maximum and 10.3% in mean values. Additionally, the tracer’s activity distribution was equivalent in all slices of each input data, however this uniformity was not observed in recovered data. Thus, this aspect will be clarified in future work. PVEs are more significant for smaller objects and greater smoothing values. Phantom data results demonstrated larger uptake differences in small tubes containing a higher concentration of SPIOS-F and for greater smoothing values. In contrast, higher quantification deviations in medium and big tubes were detected for lower isotopes’ concentrations and greater smoothing values, especially in medium tubes. The results obtained showed that the SFSRR procedure is efficient for minimizing the influence of PVEs in PET images. Nevertheless, further experiments are required for better understanding the initial results.