Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation filtering for noise detection in heart sound signals

Cardiac auscultation has proven to be an excellent diagnostic tool. Heart sound processing algorithms are not completely robust in the presence of noise, requiring clean segments of heart sounds to extract reliable diagnostic features. This paper presents a new approach to detect transient noises mixed with heart sound. The algorithm explores a single channel source separation algorithm and evaluates the non-stationary separated signals. It has the potential to be applied in real-time. Using a database of heart sounds acquired in real-life scenario, the method showed a sensitivity and a specificity of 93.6% and 92.3%, respectively.
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Reappraisal of Its Pathophysiology and Treatment

This article represents a synthesis of an extensive literature review and the authors' decades-long personal experience with both scleral buckling (SB) and vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). Presenting a coherent understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of RD, the authors confirm numerous findings described in earlier publications but also challenge certain long-standing dogmas. The key argument made here is that it is extremely rare for the chain of events leading to an RD to start with a retinal pathology. Rather, the initial pathology is syneresis of the vitreous, which then allows gel movement (intraocular currents). At the point of vitreoretinal adhesion, dynamic traction is exerted on the retina, which may be sufficient to tear it. If the tear is operculated and the dynamic traction overcomes the forces keeping the neuroretina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) together, the heretofore virtual subretinal space becomes accessible through the retinal tear. The intraocular currents allow the free (nonbound) intravitreal fluid to enter the subretinal space, and once the amount of the incoming fluid overwhelms the draining capacity of the RPE, an RD ensues. Detachment of the posterior cortical vitreous (PVD) is not a necessary prerequisite to RD development; furthermore, PVD cannot be diagnosed preoperatively with adequate certainty with current technology such as biomicroscopy, ultrasonography or optical coherence tomography. The surgeon should expect no or only partial (anomalous) PVD at the time of surgical repair in over half of eyes. The treatment's primary goal must thus be weakening (pneumatic retinopexy, SB) or eliminating (vitrectomy) this dynamic traction. If vitrectomy is employed, it must be a truly complete vitreous removal. This includes a surgically induced PVD if one is not present, close shaving at the periphery, and removing the vitreous immediately behind the lens. The vitrectomy is followed by the creation of a chorioretinal scar around the tear and aided by some form of intraocular tamponade. The main function of the tamponade is not to temporarily cover the break but to significantly reduce the intraocular currents and thus prevent fluid entry through the break until the chorioretinal adhesion will have become sufficiently strong to seal the retinal edge around the tear; postoperative positioning is therefore not as important as currently assumed.
Population Structure, Movement Patterns, and Frequency of Multiple Matings in Tenodera sinensis (Mantodea: Mantidae)

Abstract Models of the evolution of sexual cannibalism show that the frequency of male mating opportunities has significant impact on male choice and male risk aversion. In this study, we examined ecological components that should affect opportunities for multiple mating in wild populations of the Chinese mantid (Tenodera sinensis Saussure). While conducting mark-recapture studies of two field populations over the course of two seasons, along with Global Positioning System data on locations of individuals, we collected data on population densities, movement patterns, and individual ranges to estimate the overlap of adult males and female mantids. Our results show that local populations of mantids range from 89 to 161 individuals and occur at densities ranging from 10 to 39 mantids per 1,000 m2. Males move greater distances daily compared with females, giving males larger home range sizes. The ranges of male mantids overlapped with multiple females, thus offering the potential for multiple mating by males. We directly observed 11 encounters between male and female T. sinensis, including one multiple mating by an individual male. The overall mate encounter rate for males was 12.5%. We also provide additional observations of interspecific sexual attraction between T. sinensis and Mantis religiosa Linne (Mantodea: Mantidae). Mantids were most commonly found within the top 20% of two flowering plants, goldenrod (Solidago Linnaeus spp. (Asterales: Asteraceae)) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris Linnaeus (Asterales: Asteraceae)), which should place them in prime locations for capturing flying pollinators.
Dynamic brain-machine interface: A novel paradigm for bidirectional interaction between brains and dynamical systems

Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) are systems which mediate communication between brains and artificial devices. Their long term goal is to restore motor functions, and this ultimately demands the development of a new generation of bidirectional brain-machine interfaces establishing a two-way brain-world communication channel, by both decoding motor commands from neural activity and providing feedback to the brain by electrical stimulation. Taking inspiration from how the spinal cord of vertebrates mediates communication between the brain and the limbs, here we present a model of a bidirectional brain-machine interface that interacts with a dynamical system by generating a control policy in the form of a force field. In our model, bidirectional communication takes place via two elements: (a) a motor interface decoding activities recorded from a motor cortical area, and (b) a sensory interface encoding the state of the controlled device into electrical stimuli delivered to a somatosensory area. We propose a specific mathematical model of the sensory and motor interfaces guiding a point mass moving in a viscous medium, and we demonstrate its performance by testing it on realistically simulated neural responses.
A unified framework for data association aware robust belief space planning and perception

We develop a belief space planning approach that advances the state of the art by incorporating reasoning about data association within planning, while considering additional sources of uncertainty. Existing belief space planning approaches typically assume that data association is given and perfect, an assumption that can be harder to justify during operation in the presence of localization uncertainty, or in ambiguous and perceptually aliased environments. By contrast, our data association aware belief space planning (DA-BSP) approach explicitly reasons about data association within belief evolution owing to candidate actions, and as such can better accommodate these challenging real-world scenarios. In particular, we show that, owing to perceptual aliasing, a posterior belief can become a mixture of probability distribution functions and design cost functions, which measure the expected level of ambiguity and posterior uncertainty given candidate action. Furthermore, we also investigate more challenging situations, such as when prior belief is multimodal and when data association aware planning is performed over several look-ahead steps. Our framework models the belief as a Gaussian mixture model. Another unique aspect of this approach is that the number of components of this Gaussian mixture model can increase as well as decrease, thereby reflecting reality more accurately. Using these and standard costs (e.g. control penalty, distance to goal) within the objective function yields a general framework that reliably represents action impact and, in particular, is capable of active disambiguation. Our approach is thus applicable to both robust perception in a passive setting with data given a priori and in an active setting, such as in autonomous navigation in perceptually aliased environments. We demonstrate key aspects of DA-BSP in a theoretical example, in a Gazebo-based realistic simulation, and also on the real robotic platform using a Pioneer robot in an office environment.
A mechanism for differential sorting of the planar cell polarity proteins Frizzled6 and Vangl2 at the trans-Golgi network

In planar cell polarity (PCP), the epithelial cells are polarized along the plane of the cell surface perpendicular to the classical apical–basal axis, a process mediated by several conserved signaling receptors. Two PCP-signaling proteins, VANGL planar cell polarity protein 2 (Vangl2) and Frizzled6 (Fzd6), are located asymmetrically on opposite boundaries of the cell. Examining sorting of these two proteins at the trans-Golgi network (TGN), we demonstrated previously that the GTP-binding protein ADP-ribosylation factor–related protein 1 (Arfrp1) and the clathrin-associated adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) are required for Vangl2 transport from the TGN. In contrast, TGN export of Frizzled6 does not depend on Arfrp1 or AP-1. Here, to further investigate the TGN sorting process in mammalian cells, we reconstituted release of Vangl2 and Frizzled6 from the TGN into vesicles in vitro. Immunoblotting of released vesicles indicated that Vangl2 and Frizzled6 exit the TGN in separate compartments. Knockdown analysis revealed that a clathrin adaptor, epsinR, regulates TGN export of Frizzled6 but not of Vangl2. Protein interaction analysis suggested that epsinR forms a stable complex with clathrin and that this complex interacts with a conserved polybasic motif in the Frizzled6 cytosolic domain to package Frizzled6 into transport vesicles. Moreover, we found that Frizzled6–epsinR binding dissociates epsinR from AP-1, which may separate these two cargo adaptors from each other to perform distinct cargo-sorting functions. Our results suggest that Vangl2 and Frizzled6 are packaged into separate vesicles that are regulated by different clathrin adaptors at the TGN, which may contribute to their asymmetric localizations.
Effect Of High Lithium Carbonate Doses On Rat Brain Content Of Some Neurotransmitters

We pursued the effect of high doses of lithium carbonate on rat brain neurotransmitters and their precursors, with spot on needed minerals for their synthesis at different periods. The use of high doses of anti depressants, was reported without reference advice, we tried toxic doses (150 mg/kg/d) on four groups of rats, 6/each. They were randomly recruited into, a control group, given only saline by same volume and duration (group 1), acute study, given a single dose, for 2 hours (group 2), sub-acute study group, given a dose each 3 days for 2 weeks (group 3) and a chronic study group, given dose each 3 days for a month (group 4). Brain content of ɣaminobutyrate (GABA), glycine, histamine precursor (histidine), dopamine precursors (tyrosine and phenyl alanine), were significantly decreased after 2 hours, 2 weeks and one month of administration, possibly assuming a role of lithium in depression management, with dual role in conversion of these amino acids into protein to maintain tissue integrity. These pathways, may explore better understanding for lithium actions with a non-harmful action of large doses at brain tissue level, apart from extra cranial tissues.
High Efficiency Graphene Coated Copper Based Thermocells Connected in Series

Conversion of low-grade waste heat into electricity had been studied employing single thermocell or flowcells so far. Graphene coated copper electrodes based thermocells connected in series displayed relatively high efficiency of thermal energy harvesting. The maximum power output of 49.2W/m2 for normalized cross sectional electrode area is obtained at 60oC of inter electrode temperature difference. The relative carnot efficiency of 20.2% is obtained from the device. The importance of reducing the mass transfer and ion transfer resistance to improve the efficiency of the device is demonstrated. Degradation studies confirmed mild oxidation of copper foil due to corrosion caused by the electrolyte.
Considering Sustainability in the Selection of Structural Systems

A structural design engineer knowledgeable in the life cycle characteristics of materials can significantly reduce the ecological damage resulting from the construction of a building. Athena, a life cycle analyses tool developed in Canada, was used to compare the environmental impact of a cast-in-place concrete system with a structural steel system for the Queen's University Integrated Learning Centre in Kingston, Canada. The case study showed that the concrete system had less impact on global warming, toxicity, solid emissions, and energy consumption, but required greater resource use than the structural steel system. Overall, the concrete system had less environmental impact than the structural steel system.
Pre‐diagnostic blood immune markers, incidence and progression of B‐cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma: Univariate and functionally informed multivariate analyses

Recent prospective studies have shown that dysregulation of the immune system may precede the development of B‐cell lymphomas (BCL) in immunocompetent individuals. However, to date, the studies were restricted to a few immune markers, which were considered separately. Using a nested case–control study within two European prospective cohorts, we measured plasma levels of 28 immune markers in samples collected a median of 6 years before diagnosis (range 2.01–15.97) in 268 incident cases of BCL (including multiple myeloma [MM]) and matched controls. Linear mixed models and partial least square analyses were used to analyze the association between levels of immune marker and the incidence of BCL and its main histological subtypes and to investigate potential biomarkers predictive of the time to diagnosis. Linear mixed model analyses identified associations linking lower levels of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2 p = 7.2 × 10−4) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF‐α, p = 6.5 × 10−5) and BCL incidence. Analyses stratified by histological subtypes identified inverse associations for MM subtype including FGF‐2 (p = 7.8 × 10−7), TGF‐α (p = 4.08 × 10−5), fractalkine (p = 1.12 × 10−3), monocyte chemotactic protein‐3 (p = 1.36 × 10−4), macrophage inflammatory protein 1‐alpha (p = 4.6 × 10−4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 4.23 × 10−5). Our results also provided marginal support for already reported associations between chemokines and diffuse large BCL (DLBCL) and cytokines and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Case‐only analyses showed that Granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor levels were consistently higher closer to diagnosis, which provides further evidence of its role in tumor progression. In conclusion, our study suggests a role of growth‐factors in the incidence of MM and of chemokine and cytokine regulation in DLBCL and CLL.
Construction of Polysemy table and search engine based on inverted index

This paper adopted the inverted index to construct the polysemy index table which is based on the annotated corpus, and achieve a small search engine based on the Lucene technology. After studying the frequency and distribution of the Polysemy in the labeled corpus, we constructed the index table to improve the speed of searching polysemy in corpus. The small search engine realized the function of web resources crawlling and extracting, indexing, search word processing, resources quering and sorting. It extended the application of inverted index technique in the network information retrieval.
Spinal Stenosis C1-2 Following Redo Surgery For Failed Odontoid Screw Fixation - Scrutinizing The Odontoid Fracture Classification

There are sparse data concerning redo surgery for failed odontoid screw fixation and posttraumatic spinal stenosis C1-2. Also, a comprehensive classification of odontoid and C2-vertebral body fractures does not exist. We report on a referred patient with spinal stenosis C1-2 following anterior screw fixation for an alleged unstable odontoid type III fracture, secondary cut-out of the odontoid screw, malunion at the fracture site, and uncommon redo anterior fusion C2-3. Utilizing static and dynamic X-rays, MRI, dynamic CT and MRI, and neurophysiological tests, the indications for revision surgery were worked up. Finally, surgical intervention in our patient was not performed. The patient remained free of symptoms in one-year follow-up. Spinal stenosis C1-2 following an odontoid type III fracture is discussed on a selected review of literature. The strictly applied classification in our case, as well as its definition of osseous instability is scrutinized. Full diagnostic work up and a review of literature supports approaching treatment solutions in failed odontoid surgery with spinal stenosis C1-2, but an individual biomechanically based approach to odontoid and vertebral body fractures of C2, and their failed surgery is still demanded.
The effectiveness of magnesium sulfate for status asthmaticus outside the intensive care setting

Magnesium is an adjunctive therapy used in patients with status asthmaticus who do not respond to conventional therapy. The optimal time from initiation of therapy, to determination of response and administration of magnesium has not yet been resolved. Our objective was to determine if magnesium administered in the non‐intensive care setting can decrease duration of continuous albuterol and hospital length of stay.
HDL-AuNPs-BMS nanoparticle conjugates as molecularly targeted therapy for leukemia

In previous work, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with adsorbed high-density lipoprotein (HDL) nanoparticles have been utilized to deliver oligonucleotides, yet HDL-AuNPs functionalized with small molecule inhibitors have not been systematically explored. Here, we report an AuNP-based therapeutic system (HDL-AuNPs-BMS) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by delivering BMS309403 (BMS), a small molecule that selectively inhibits AML-promoting factor fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). HDL-AuNPs-BMS are synthesized using a gold nanoparticle as template to control conjugate size and ensure a spherical shape to engineer HDL-like nanoparticle containing BMS. The zeta potential and size of the HDL-AuNPs obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that the nanoparticles are electrostatically stable and 25 nm in diameter. Functionally, compared to free drug, HDL-AuNPs-BMS conjugates are more readily internalized by AML cells and have more pronounced effect on downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), reduction of global DNA methylation, and restoration of epigenetically-silenced tumor suppressor p15INK4b coupled with AML growth arrest. Importantly, systemic administration of HDL-AuNPs-BMS conjugates into AML-bearing mice inhibits DNMT1-dependent DNA methylation, induces AML cell differentiation and diminishes AML disease progression without obvious side effects. In summary, these data, for the first time, demonstrate HDL-AuNPs as an effective delivery platform with great potential to attach distinct inhibitors, and HDL-AuNPs-BMS conjugates as a promising therapeutic platform to treat leukemia.
Determinants of the performance of cooperative societies in Bomet central, Bomet county Kenya

: Co-operatives have long been recognized to play an important role in societies that translate into the improvement of living conditions of their members. Being voluntary, democratic and self –controlled business associations, cooperatives offer institutional framework through which local communities gain control over the productive activities from which they derive their livelihoods. The goal of this study was to find out the determining factors that jinfluence the performance of cooperative societies in Bomet Central Sub County in Bomet County. The following were the guiding objectives; to investigate the influence of management competencies on the performance of cooperative societies, to examine the extent to which organizational structure affect the performance of cooperative societies, to establish how Monitoring and Evaluation influence the performance of cooperative societies and to determine how corporate governance affect the performance of cooperative societies in Bomet Central. Descriptive research methodology was adopted in the research while stratified sampling was used to draw samples from selected active cooperative societies within the county. The target population was 1,356 members of active cooperative societies and a group 135 was sampled to represent the entire target population. The response rate was 88%. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 in order to present it in descriptive form while qualitative data was analyzed by use of the content analysis. The study found out that 76.4% of the respondents agreed that Management Competencies influenced performance of cooperative societies whereas 23.6% were for the contrary opinion 70% of the respondents were in agreement that Organizational Structure influence the performance of cooperative societies while 30% were of the contrary opinion. 72% of the respondents were of the agreement that Monitoring and Evaluation influenced the performance of cooperative societies while 28% went contrary to the opinion. A majority of 66% of the respondents agreed that Corporate Governance affected the performance of cooperative societies while 44% went contrary to the statement. The study recommends that cooperative societies should have well trained personnel who understand their roles effectively so as to facilitate and enhance the growth and sustainability of cooperative societies. It also recommends that cooperative societies should organize their operations in a manner that it can easily cope with the prevailing business environmental conditions and seize any opportunities that come forth with. Recommendations are also made to cooperative societies to establish strong Monitoring and Evaluation units where they do not exist
A Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies IL23R as an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gene

The inflammatory bowel diseases Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are common, chronic disorders that cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal bleeding. To identify genetic factors that might contribute to these disorders, we performed a genome-wide association study. We found a highly significant association between Crohn's disease and the IL23R gene on chromosome 1p31, which encodes a subunit of the receptor for the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-23. An uncommon coding variant (rs11209026, c.1142G>A, p.Arg381Gln) confers strong protection against Crohn's disease, and additional noncoding IL23R variants are independently associated. Replication studies confirmed IL23R associations in independent cohorts of patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. These results and previous studies on the proinflammatory role of IL-23 prioritize this signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in inflammatory bowel disease.