Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial-Index Modulation Based Orthogonal Time Frequency Space System in Vehicular Networks

In this paper, a spatial-index modulation (SIM) based orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) system, named SIM-OTFS, is proposed to enhance the effectiveness and the reliability of high mobility vehicular networks in intelligent transportation systems. The SIM-OTFS system adopts a three dimensional index modulation (IM) technique which utilizes the transmit antenna, delay, and Doppler indexes in the space and delay-Doppler domains, respectively, to achieve a higher transmission rate. Considering the characteristics of vehicular networks, we first present the SIM-OTFS system design and the corresponding signal processing. Then, we derive the average bit error rate (ABER) upper bound of the SIM-OTFS system by the union bound theory. Moreover, the diversity, the coding gain, and the complexity of the SIM-OTFS system are further investigated. Numerical results verify the theoretical analysis of the ABER and the diversity of the SIM-OTFS system, which shows the superiority of the SIM-OTFS system in the ABER performance over the multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) based OTFS (MIMO-OTFS) system. Meanwhile, the SIM-OTFS system realizes better performance than the spatial modulation (SM) and IM based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (SM-OFDM-IM) system in high mobility vehicular communication with reasonable complexity sacrifice. Furthermore, the influence of the resolvable multipaths of the channel in vehicular networks on the ABER performance of the SIM-OTFS system is also illustrated.
Expanding the application of tryptophan: Industrial biomanufacturing of tryptophan derivatives

Tryptophan derivatives are various aromatic compounds produced in the tryptophan metabolic pathway, such as 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine, melatonin, 7-chloro-tryptophan, 7-bromo-tryptophan, indigo, indirubin, indole-3-acetic acid, violamycin, and dexoyviolacein. They have high added value, widely used in chemical, food, polymer and pharmaceutical industry and play an important role in treating diseases and improving life. At present, most tryptophan derivatives are synthesized by biosynthesis. The biosynthesis method is to combine metabolic engineering with synthetic biology and system biology, and use the tryptophan biosynthesis pathway of Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum and other related microorganisms to reconstruct the artificial biosynthesis pathway, and then produce various tryptophan derivatives. In this paper, the characteristics, applications and specific biosynthetic pathways and methods of these derivatives were reviewed, and some strategies to increase the yield of derivatives and reduce the production cost on the basis of biosynthesis were introduced in order to make some contributions to the development of tryptophan derivatives biosynthesis industry.
Solving Multi-Objective Economic Dispatch Problem

Thispaperpresentsasolutionfor multi-objectiveeco- nomic dispatch problem with transmission losses semidefinite pro- gramming (SDP) formulation. The vector objective is reduced to an equivalent scalar objective through the weighted sum method. The resulting optimization problem is formulated as a convex op- timization via SDP relaxation. The convex optimization problem was solved to obtain Pareto-optimal solutions. The diversity of the solution set was improved by a nonlinear selection of the weight factor. Simulations were performed on IEEE 30-bus, 57-bus, and 118-bus test systems to investigate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Solutions were compared to those from one of the well- known evolutionary methods. Results show that SDP has an in- herently good convergence property and a lower but comparable diversity property.
GLOBAL SIGNATURES OF THE MICROBIOME AND METABOLOME DURING HOSPITALIZATION OF SEPTIC PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Background: The gut plays an important role in the development of sepsis and acts as one of the possible drivers of multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome. This study aimed to explore the dynamic alterations in the gut microbiota and its metabolites in septic patients at different stages of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Methods: In this prospective observational study, a total of 109 fecal samples from 23 septic patients, 16 nonseptic ICU patients and 10 healthy controls were analyzed. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry targeted metabolomics were used for microbiota and metabolome analysis. A prediction model combining the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Klebsiella, taurocholic acid, and butyric acid was used to predict the prognosis of sepsis. Results: The diversity and dominant species of the gut microbiota of septic patients were significantly disturbed. The proportions of normal gut microbiota, such as Firmicutes on the phylum level, as well as Faecalibacterium, Subdoligranulum, Ruminococcus, Agathobacter, and Blautia on the genus level, were decreased at different stages of ICU admission, while the proportions of potential pathogenic bacteria, such as Proteobacteria on the phylum level, and Enterococcus and Stenotrophomonas on the genus level were significantly increased. In addition, the amount of short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids decreased in septic patients, while that of the primary bile acids increased markedly. Bacterial richness and diversity were lower in the nonsurviving patients than those in the surviving patients in the later stage of ICU admission. In the nomogram model, the higher abundance of Klebsiella, concentration of taurocholic acid, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, combined with a lower butyric acid concentration, could predict a higher probability of death from sepsis. Conclusions: Our study indicated that the dynamical alterations of gut microbiota and its metabolites were associated with the prognosis of the sepsis. Based on these alterations and clinical indicators, a nomogram model to predict the prognosis of septic patients was performed.
Initial Thrombocyte Concentrate Transfusion in Woman with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) Who Underwent Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery: A Case Report

Patient: Female, 42-year-old Final Diagnosis: Post mitral valve replacement Symptoms: Shortness of breath Clinical Procedure: Mitral valve replacement Specialty: Cardiac surgery Objective: Rare coexistence of disease or pathology Background: Chronic immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) is associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality rates, and higher health care costs, especially in open-heart surgery. The information regarding managing chronic ITP in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery is scarce, and reported cases are limited. Case Report: A 42-year-old woman with more than 20 years of history of immune thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) had episodes of breathing difficulties in the last 4 years. The patient was diagnosed with severe mitral stenosis (MS) and moderate mitral regurgitation (MR). Laboratory examination before surgery showed thrombocytopenia (49 000/µL). Therefore, the surgery was postponed until the platelet count exceeded 100 000/µL. The patient was given 10 units of thrombocyte concentrate 1 day before surgery and 500 mg of methylprednisolone 3 times a day orally for 5 days as preoperative management. Under a total cardiopulmonary bypass, MVR was performed using a bioprosthetic valve. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed no valvular leakage in the surrounding of the prosthetic valve and that the valve was functioning normally. Platelet monitoring was conducted, and the platelet count increased to 147 000/µL on the third day. Conclusions: Our case report shows that aggressive preoperative platelet count correction and treatment may lower the risk associated with a low and unstable platelet count and reduce the risk of mortality and morbidity in patients with ITP who undergo MVR procedures.
Hydrogels improved parsley (Petroselinium crispum(Mill.) Nyman) growth and development under water deficit stress

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing problems facing countries in the semi-arid and arid regions of the world. Data predicts that by 2030, global water consumption will increase by 50%, leading to severe water shortages. Today, agricultural production consumes more than 70% of fresh water in many parts of the world, increasing the pressure on water scarcity. For these reasons, agricultural production models and approaches should be developed to reduce water consumption. One developed approach is the use of hydrogel to reduce water consumption and have a positive effect on plant growth. This study investigated the use of hydrogels as chemical components that can be used in water shortage conditions and against the expected water scarcity. Parsley was used as the model organism. The method used was as follows: two different water treatments (50% and 100%) and four different hydrogel concentrations (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were applied, and root width and length, leaf width and length, main stem length, and the number of tillers were measured. According to the results, while no improvement was observed in the plants with 100% hydrogel concentration, the best results were obtained from 50% hydrogel application. The results obtained from 75% hydrogel application were found to be higher than those of 100% hydrogel but lower than 0% hydrogel application. With 50% hydrogel (water-restricted), all plant growth parameters were higher compared to the plants with 100% (full irrigation) water application. It was determined that the average value of the I1 (50%) irrigation was the highest (3.6), and the average value of the I2 (100%) irrigation (2.4) was the lowest. It was determined that the highest average value (6.2) in all measured traits was the average value of the H1 (50%) application, and the lowest average value (0.0) was in the H3 hydrogel applications (100%). In conclusion, this study suggested that hydrogel application is beneficial on a large scale, can optimize water resource management for higher yields in agriculture, and has a positive effect on agricultural yield under water deficit stress.
IMPACTS OF CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL FACTORS ON METABOLIC PARAMETERS OF 18F FLUORODEOXYGLUCOSE PET/CT IN THE STAGING OF BREAST CANCER

This study aims to evaluate the impact of clinicopathological factors on metabolic parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the different staging of breast cancer. 15 histopathologically confirmed breast cancer lesions on patients who underwent whole- body FDG-PET/CT for staging were retrospectively reviewed. Three PET/CT metabolic parameters including semiquantitative maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were quantified over the primary lesions of the breast. The parameters were statistically correlated with clinicopathological factors including patients’ age, body mass index (BMI) and tumour size. Multivariate regression was performed to determine the significant factors that best predicted those metabolic parameters. Tumour size was significantly correlated to all metabolic parameters (p < 0.001) and was a significant predictor of those parameters (p < 0.001). Tumour size accounted for 77.5%, 94.3% and 96.2% of the SUVmax, MTV and TLG variances, respectively. Tumour size significantly affects the metabolic parameters of 18F-FDG PET/CT (SUVmax, MTV and TLG) in the staging of breast cancer. Therefore, tumour size has a prognostic value for the staging of breast cancer in a 18F-FDG PET/CT study for improved clinical management.
Deciphering the origin of total estrogenic activity of complex mixtures

Introduction Identifying compounds with endocrine properties in food is getting increasingly important. Current chemical analysis methodology is mainly focused on the identification of known substances without bringing insight for biological activity. Recently, the application of bioassays has been promoted for their potential to detect unknown bioactive substances and to provide information on possible interactions between molecules. From the toxicological perspective, measuring endocrine activity cannot inform on endocrine disruption and/or health risks without sufficient knowledge on the nature of the responsible factors. Methods The present study addresses a promising approach using High Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) coupled to bioassays were analyzed using the Liquid Chromatography Mass-Spectrometry (LC-MS). The estrogen receptor activation was assessed using the transcription activation Estrogen Receptor Alpha Chemical Activated LUciferase gene eXpression assay (ERα- CALUX) and the HPTLC coupled to the Estrogen Screen Yeast assay (p-YES). Results Seven isoflavones were identified in the soy isolates. Estrogen receptor activation was assessed for both, the identified isoflavones and the soy isolates with ERα-CALUX test. Correlation between the soy isolates extracts and the identified isoflavones was shown. Moreover, p-YES revealed the presence of an estrogenic bioactive zone. Analysis of the bioactive zone through LCHRMS highlighted signals corresponding to several isoflavones already detected in the isolates as well as two additional ones. For all detected isoflavones, an estrogenic activity dose-response was established in both bioassays. Conclusion Finally, genistein, daidzein, and naringenin were found as the most active substances. A concordance analysis integrating the analytical and bioassay data indicated that genistein and daidzein were the drivers of the estrogenic activity of these soy protein isolates. Altogether, these data suggest that the integration of HPTLC-bioassay together with chemical analysis is a powerful approach to characterize the endocrine activity of complex mixtures.
Improvements on Time-Frequency Analysis using Time-Warping and Timbre Techniques

Spectral analysis of non-stationary signals is known to be a challenging task. Classical methods like the discrete Fourier transform are often inadequate to capture and track periodic content with rapidly changing frequencies. This is basically for two reasons. On one hand, the Fourier transform is intended for expressing frequency content in terms of constant-frequency contributions. On the other hand, the simultaneous accuracy of temporal and spectral localisation is limited by the timefrequency uncertainty principle. This thesis lays out the findings of an explorative study towards potential improvements on time-frequency analysis. Anticipating on the first issue, the concept of time-warping has been explored. By stretching and contraction of pieces of the signal, frequency changes may be "flattened out", resulting in improved detection of non-stationary frequencies and much sharper spectra than possible with traditional Fourier analysis. Both linear and non-linear time warping approaches were investigated, together with the required non-uniform interpolation techniques. Application of linear time-warping prior to a Fourier transformation leads to the definition of the Fan chirp transform. This transformation is in essence closely related to the popular short-time Fourier transform, but provides time-frequency basis functions in a fan-geometry rather than a rectangularlytiled grid. The skewed basis functions match the harmonic structure of an instationary component with linearly increasing frequency. The second issue is addressed by considering periodic signals in their entirety rather than by their individual partials (or harmonics, overtones). A novel concept is proposed: timbre analysis. The timbre representation provides means to classify a tonal signal, similar to the way the human ear (which is in fact a remarkably sophisticated Fourier analyser) perceives and identifies sound. It is shown that the instantaneous timbre, obtained by normalisation of the harmonic phases, tends to remain stationary throughout a non-stationary signal. The timbre representation is used to identify components in polyphonic problems, where the signal is a mixture of multiple crossing tonal components. In addition, a pitch tracking technique is proposed that tracks a periodic component based on its timbre. The component can then be isolated and extracted using Vold-Kalman filtering.
Degradation of the tracking performance of adaptive filtering algorithms with data correlation

Degradation of the tracking performance of adaptive filtering algorithms with data correlation is analyzed. The analysis is done in the context of the identification of a randomly time varying plant. Five algorithms are considered. They are least mean square, recursive least squares, sign, signed regressor, and sign-sign algorithms. The analysis is done in terms of the steady-state excess mean-square error and the steady-state mean-square weight misalignment. The degradation measure adopted is the ratio of the performance index for correlated data to that for white data.
Anthracycline Therapy Modifies Immune Checkpoint Signaling in the Heart

Cancer survival rates have increased significantly because of improvements in therapy regimes and novel immunomodulatory drugs. Recently, combination therapies of anthracyclines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been proposed to maximize neoplastic cell removal. However, it has been speculated that a priori anthracycline exposure may prone the heart vulnerable to increased toxicity from subsequent ICI therapy, such as an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) inhibitor. Here, we used a high-dose anthracycline mouse model to characterize the role of the PD1 immune checkpoint signaling pathway in cardiac tissue using flow cytometry and immunostaining. Anthracycline treatment led to decreased heart function, increased concentration of markers of cell death after six days and a change in heart cell population composition with fewer cardiomyocytes. At the same time point, the number of PD1 ligand (PDL1)-positive immune cells and endothelial cells in the heart decreased significantly. The results suggest that PD1/PDL1 signaling is affected after anthracycline treatment, which may contribute to an increased susceptibility to immune-related adverse events of subsequent anti-PD1/PDL1 cancer therapy.
Effectiveness of myopia control interventions: A systematic review of 12 randomized control trials published between 2019 and 2021

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of interventions to control myopia progression. In this systematic review, the primary outcomes were mean differences (MD) between treatment and control groups in myopia progression (D) and axial length (AL) elongation (mm). Results The following interventions were found to be effective (p < 0.001): highly aspherical lenslets (HAL, 0.80 D, 95% CI, 0.77–0.83; −0.35 mm, 95% CI −0.36 to −0.34), MiSight contact lenses (0.66 D, 95% CI, 0.63–0.69; −0.28 mm, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.27), low dose atropine 0.05% (0.54 D, 95% CI, 0.38–0.70; −0.21 mm, 95% CI-0.28 to −0.14), Biofinity +2.50 D (0.45 D, 95% CI, 0.29, 0.61; −0.24 mm, 95% CI −0.33 to −0.15), defocus incorporated multiple segments [DIMS] (0.44 D, 95% CI, 0.42–0.46; −0.34 mm, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.33) and ortho-k lenses (−0.24 mm, 95% CI −0.33 to −01.5). Conclusion Low-dose atropine 0.01% was not effective in reducing AL progression in two studies. Treatment efficacy with low-dose atropine of 0.05% showed good efficacy. Spectacles (HAL and DIMS) and contact lenses (MiSight and Biofinity) may confer a comparable treatment benefit compared to atropine, to slow myopia progression.
Robust and compact infrared video motion stabilization for long-range surveillance

Long-range surveillance systems are typically used in rural areas for detecting and tracking illegal border crossings, trafficking and drug activity. These systems commonly deploy mast or tower-based surveillance systems equipped with thermal infrared cameras, which have the advantage of providing early warnings and increasing the range of observation. However, these systems are subject to high frequency vibration due to slight wind or wind gusts, which is difficult to correct mechanically. In order to identify the border activity, it is critical for the vision system to robustly detect the objects in the scene, classify the objects and track the detected targets. The performance of these post-processing algorithms is known to suffer if the video is not properly stabilized. Surveillance systems in rural areas, particularly in thermal band, pose several unique challenges to video stabilization algorithms. First, the scene rarely contains man-made objects. Water surface, trees and forests present very low contrast and ambiguous textures such that stabilization algorithms struggle to consistently and repeatedly extract distinctive corners and features. Second, even if the system captures certain human activities or structural objects in the scene, the video typically lacks sharpness in the background due to the motion blur at the long range. In this research paper, we propose a biologically-inspired, robust and compact video motion stabilization algorithm, which is ideal for rural areas. Our novel algorithm is compared quantitatively with other competing algorithm (SURF) in terms of robustness and performance. Finally, we evaluate the resource usage on FPGA platforms.
Glucocorticoids and physical performance: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction This systematic review with meta-analysis investigates the effect of glucocorticoids on maximal and submaximal performance in healthy subjects. Methods We searched for randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of glucocorticoids on physical performance in Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Embase and SportDiscus in March 2021. Risk of bias was assessed with the revised Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB2). Data from random effect models are presented as standardized difference in mean (SDM) with 95% confidence interval. We included 15 studies comprising 175 subjects. Results Two studies had high risk of bias. Glucocorticoids had a small positive effect on maximal physical performance compared to placebo (SDM 0.300, 95% CI 0.080 to 0.520) and the SDM for the 13 included comparisons was not heterogeneous (I2 = 35%, p = 0.099). Meta regression found no difference in the effect of acute treatment vs. prolonged treatment or oral ingestion vs. inhalation (p > 0.124). In stratified analysis prolonged treatment (SDM 0.428, 95% CI 0.148 to 0.709) and oral ingestion (SDM 0.361, 95% CI 0.124 to 0.598) improved physical performance. Glucocorticoids improved aerobic performance (SDM 0.371, 95% CI 0.173 to 0.569) but not anaerobic performance (p = 0.135). Glucocorticoids did not change energy expenditure during submaximal performance (SDM 0.0.225 95% CI −0.771 to 0.112). Discussion This study indicates that glucocorticoids improves maximal performance and aerobic performance. Glucocorticoids did not affect the energy expenditure during submaximal performance. The conclusions are based on relatively few subjects leading to limited statistical power and uncertain estimates. Still, these results are consistent and should be of interest to WADA and anyone concerned about fair play. Systematic Review Registration Open Science Framework 2021-04-29 (https://osf.io/fc29t/).