Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long‐term patient survival and kidney allograft survival in post‐transplant diabetes mellitus: a single‐center retrospective study

A decade ago, observations suggested that post‐transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) was linked to allograft loss and shorter patient survival. Increasing awareness, improvements in care, and changes in the immunosuppressive regimen may have modified this association. Single‐center analysis of 1990 (age>18; transplantation date 1996–2012) primary kidney recipients (KTR). Patients with <12 months follow‐up were excluded. Diabetes was diagnosed according to ADA criteria and characterized as follows: No diabetes, PTDM in the first post‐transplant year not treated with glucose‐lowering medications (GLM) at 12 months, PTDM in the first post‐transplant year treated with GLM at 12 months, and pretransplant diabetes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship of PTDM with allograft and patient survival. Mean follow‐up time was 6.8 years for allograft survival and 7.4 years for patient survival. PTDM treated with medication at year one was not associated with allograft survival (HR 1.28, 95% CI 0.97–1.69), but was significantly associated with overall mortality and death with functioning graft (DWFG) (HR overall: 1.81, 95% CI 1.36–2.39; HR DWFG: 1.59 95% CI 1.05–2.38). In this cohort, KTR with PTDM being treated with glucose‐lowering medication at 12 months experienced significantly shorter overall survival and survival with functioning graft.
Microbial rumen fermentation.

With the ruminant animal, we have essentially two ecosystems, namely, the microbial ecosystem within the rumen and the animal's external environment. In dealing with the microbial ecosystem, we have made significant strides in the last few decades toward accomplishing the overall goal of ecology, which is to understand the relationships of organisms to their environments. As pointed out by Hungate (47), a complete ecological analysis of any natural habitat requires an elaboration of: 1 ) kinds and numbers of organisms, 2) activities of the organisms, and 3) extent to which their activities are expressed. Within the last 25 yr, much information has been gained in the first two aspects of the ecological analysis. Currently we are just beginning to address the third aspect. The rumen is an ideal fermentation site. In most ruminant species, the rumen is approximately one-seventh of the mass of the animal, is maintained at a relatively constant temperature (39°C), is buffered well by salivary secretions, and compared to many other microbial ecosystems is well supplied with nutrients. End-products of the fermentation (e.g., volatile fatty acids), which can be toxic to microbial metabolism, are removed across the rumen wail. The microflora inhabiting the rumen is dense and contains approximately 10 l° to 1011 bacterial and 106 protozoal cells per milliliter. Diversity within this population is extensive, and approximately 200 species of bacteria and 20 species of protozoa have been isolated (13). Although a few of these bacteria may be "casual passengers brought in with the food" and thus not be "authentic rumen bacteria",
Integrated PID-Based Sliding Mode State Estimation and Control for Piezoelectric Actuators

Tracking control of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) has stimulated the development of various advanced control schemes that utilize the feedback of PEA system states for improved control performance. Among them, the one based on the concept of sliding mode has been shown promising due to its robustness to matched uncertainties, but leaving the required state estimation to be desired. Previous studies show that the PEA can be modeled as a linear dynamic system with matched uncertainties. On this basis, this paper presents the development of a novel observer based on the concept of proportional-integral-derivative-based (PID-based) sliding mode, in which the switching function is replaced by a PID regulator. The novel observer, referred to as the PID-based sliding mode observer (PIDSMO), relaxes the observer matching condition as required in the use of the unknown-input observers. The PIDSMO is then integrated with the PID-based sliding mode controller (PIDSMC) to form a novel integrated PID-based sliding mode observer-controller (PIDSMOC) for PEA tracking control. Experiments performed on a PEA showed that the PIDSMO can accurately estimate the PEA states and that the integrated PIDSMOC can achieve better tracking control performances as compared to the PIDSMC with α-β filter control scheme.
Septin localization in the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Septins are evolutionarily conserved proteins that contain a GTPase domain and are capable of forming filaments at the cell periphery. Septins are involved in many essential cellular processes, such as cytokinesis and cell polarization, and are used as markers of morphogenesis in several fungi. Dimorphism in fungi enables cells to switch between morphologies (yeast or filament forms), due to changes in the temperature of the environment. We analysed the localization of septin proteins in yeast and filamentous cells of the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a common cause of granulomatous mycosis. In order to determine septin localization, we first cloned Cdc12p, a septin homolog from P. brasiliensis, and expressed it in Escherichia coli. Following PbCdc12p purification, specific serum against PbCdc12p were raised for use in immunofluorescence assays. We observed the hourglass and ring forms of septin filaments during cell division in yeast. Septin filaments were also simultaneously localized in the necks of multiple budding cells. A distinctive pattern of punctuate and/or diffuse localization was also seen in the periphery of multinucleate yeast cells and at the tips and septa of filamentous cells. A more diffuse and punctuate pattern of localization observed in P. brasiliensis cells seems to be unique to filamentous and dimorphic fungi and may be related to their specialization in cell wall deposition, morphogenesis and cell cycle control. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile and intermediate volatility organic compounds in suburban Paris: Variability, origin and importance for SOA formation

Measurements of gaseous and particulate organic carbon were performed during the MEGAPOLI experiments, in July 2009 and January–February 2010, at the SIRTA observatory in suburban Paris. Measurements comprise primary and secondary volatile organic compounds (VOCs), of both anthropogenic and biogenic origins, including C 12 –C 16 n-alkanes of intermediate volatility (IVOCs), suspected to be efficient precursors of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). The time series of gaseous carbon are generally consistent with times series of particulate organic carbon at regional scale, and are clearly affected by meteorology and air mass origin. Concentration levels of anthropogenic VOCs in urban and suburban Paris were surprisingly low (2–963 ppt) compared to other megacities worldwide and to rural continental sites. Urban enhancement ratios of anthropogenic VOC pairs agree well between the urban and suburban Paris sites, showing the regional extent of anthropogenic sources of similar composition. Contrary to other primary anthropogenic VOCs (aromatics and alkanes), IVOCs showed lower concentrations in winter (< 5 ppt) compared to summer (13– 27 ppt), which cannot be explained by the gas-particle partitioning theory. Higher concentrations of most oxygenated VOCs in winter (18–5984 ppt) suggest their dominant primary anthropogenic origin. The respective role of primary anthropogenic gaseous compounds in regional SOA formation was investigated by estimating the SOA mass concentration expected from the anthropogenic VOCs and IVOCs (I / VOCs) measured at SIRTA. From an integrated approach based on emission ratios and SOA yields, 38 % of the SOA measured at SIRTA is explained by the measured concentrations of I / VOCs, with a 2 % contribution by C 12 –C 16 n-alkane IVOCs. From the results of an alternative time-resolved approach, the average IVOC contribution to SOA formation is estimated to be 7 %, which is half of the average contribution of the traditional aromatic compounds (15 %). Both approaches, which are based on in situ observations Published by Copernicus Publications on behalf of the European Geosciences Union. 10440 W. Ait-Helal et al.: Volatile and intermediate volatility organic compounds in suburban Paris of particular I / VOCs, emphasize the importance of the intermediate volatility compounds in the SOA formation, and support previous results from chamber experiments and mod-eling studies. They also support the need to make systematic the IVOCs' speciated measurement during field campaigns.
Maternal and Neonatal Zinc and Copper Levels and Birth Weight

Introduction Minerals and trace elements such as zinc and copper have significant influence on development and growth of the fetus and newborn. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between low birth weight and maternal and neonatal zinc, copper levels. Materials and Methods This case – control study was done from September 2006 to Sep 2007 consisted of 65 infants with birth weight < 2500 g and 65 infants weighing ≥ 2500g. Cord and maternal blood samples collected at delivery were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for zinc and copper levels. Results Mean serum zinc levels in maternal (P=0.001) and the cord blood (P=0.49) were 6.35 ± 2.09 µmol/l, 12.77±3.83 mol/l and 7.57±1.75 µmol/l , 13.18±2.69 µmol/l of cases and control groups ,respectively.The mean copper levels in maternal (P=0.62) and cord blood (P=0.005) were 21.82±4.45 µmol/l, 5.12±1.54 µmol/l and 21.19 ± 5.34 µmol/l and 3.65±2.04 µmol /l of control and case group, respectively. Conclusion This study indicated that there is a relationship between birth weight less than 2500 gr and maternal zinc levels (P<0.001). Mothers with zinc levels less than 6.4 mol/l were 3.8 time more at risk of having an infant with birth weight less than 2500 g. Lower maternal weight (less than 55kg), was associated with 4.2times increase risk of having low birth weight infants.
Molecular diagnostics of thyroid tumors.

CONTEXT Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine malignancy and its incidence is steadily increasing. Papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma are the most common types of thyroid cancer and represent those tumor types for which use of molecular markers for diagnosis and prognostication is of high clinical significance. OBJECTIVE To review the most common molecular alterations in thyroid cancer and their diagnostic and prognostic utility. DATA SOURCES PubMed (US National Library of Medicine)-available review articles, peer-reviewed original articles, and experience of the author. CONCLUSIONS The most common molecular alterations in thyroid cancer include BRAF and RAS point mutations and RET/PTC and PAX8/PPAR γ rearrangements. These nonoverlapping genetic alterations are found in more than 70% of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas. These molecular alterations can be detected in surgically resected samples and fine-needle aspiration samples from thyroid nodules and can be of significant diagnostic use. The diagnostic role of BRAF mutations has been studied most extensively, and recent studies also demonstrated a significant diagnostic utility of RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPAR γ mutations, particularly in thyroid fine-needle aspiration samples with indeterminate cytology. In addition to the diagnostic use, BRAF V600E mutation can also be used for tumor prognostication, as this mutation is associated with higher rate of tumor recurrence and tumor-related mortality. The use of these and other emerging molecular markers is expected to improve significantly the accuracy of cancer diagnosis in thyroid nodules and allow more individualized surgical and postsurgical management of patients with thyroid cancer.
Multichannel grid electrode interface for EMG mapping

A multichannel surface grid electrode interface has been developed to record multichannel EMG signals. Fine wire needle electrode and surface electrode are two ways to record EMG signals. The surface grid electrode EMG interface has been utilized to collect data from six normal young adults. Inverse distance interpolation technique has been utilized to map the EMG signals on the surface of the grid electrode array. This microcomputer based multichannel grid electrode interface was successfully demonstrated to record EMG data and its surface mapping.
Dual epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibition with vandetanib sensitizes bladder cancer cells to cisplatin in a dose‐ and sequence‐dependent manner

To investigate the activity of the combination of vandetanib and cytotoxic agents using in vitro models of bladder cancer, as modern chemotherapy regimens are built around cisplatin, with gemcitabine or a taxane such as docetaxel also commonly added in combination for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer.
3D registration on mobile platforms using an accelerometer

In the last several years 3D shape reconstruction and 3D registration using mobile platforms, i.e. smartphones and tablets, have been an increasingly active research avenue. Besides camera(s), nowadays mobile devices are equipped with a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, a magnetometer and a gyroscope which are, among other applications, extensively used for the task of 3D registration too. To this end usually more than two sensors are utilized. In this work we demonstrate the usage of a tablet as 3D structured light scanner, and we further propose 3D registration method using only single sensor data, supplied by an accelerometer. Briefly, using an accelerometer our method first estimates only few candidate rotations in the spatial domain. Next, for each rotation candidate, the optimal translation is computed using a correlation function, efficiently implemented in the frequency domain. The final 3D registration parameters are chosen based on ICP refinement. The experimental results show a very close agreement with ground truth data. The proposed method is not restricted to mobile platforms only, but it is applicable to any 3D device which can be upgraded with an ubiquitous accelerometer.
ZEB 1 promotes the progression and metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma via the promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Objective: The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) clearly contributes to cancer metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the EMT-related transcription repressor ZEB1 and the expression of EMT-associated markers (E-cadherin, β-catenin and N-cadherin) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, the role of ZEB1 and these EMT-associated markers in the progression and metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma was explored. Methods: The expression of ZEB1, E-cadherin, β-catenin and N-cadherin was evaluated in 81 specimens of cervical squamous cell carcinoma by immunohistochemistry; the clinicopathological significance of these markers was then analyzed. Results: 1) Of the 81 samples, 37 cases (45.7%) were positive for ZEB1, and nuclear expression of ZEB1 in tumor cells was positively associated with the differentiation status of the tumor tissue (P < 0.05), vascular invasion (P < 0.05) and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). 2) The loss of E-cadherin and β-catenin expression in tumor cells and the acquisition of N-cadherin expression were positively associated with the differentiation status of the tumor tissue (P < 0.05) and with the occurrence of vascular invasion (P < 0.05). 3) A significant negative correlation was observed between ZEB1 and E-cadherin expression (Spearman = -0.636, P < 0.05) and between ZEB1 and β-catenin expression (Spearman = -0.417, P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was observed between ZEB1 and N-cadherin expression (Spearman = 0.557, P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results emphasize the role of EMT in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. The upregulation of ZEB1 is associated with the abnormal expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin and N-cadherin, which might promote the progression and metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma.
G-actin regulates rapid induction of actin nucleation by mDia1 to restore cellular actin polymers

mDia1 belongs to the formin family of proteins that share FH1 and FH2 domains. Although formins play a critical role in the formation of many actin-based cellular structures, the physiological regulation of formin-mediated actin assembly within the cell is still unknown. Here we show that cells possess an acute actin polymer restoration mechanism involving mDia1. By using single-molecule live-cell imaging, we found that several treatments including low-dose G-actin-sequestering drugs and unpolymerizable actin mutants activate mDia1 to initiate fast directional movement. The FH2 region, the core domain for actin nucleation, is sufficient to respond to latrunculin B (LatB) to increase its actin nucleation frequency. Simulation analysis revealed an unexpected paradoxical effect of LatB that leads to a several fold increase in free G-actin along with an increase in total G-actin. These results indicate that in cells, the actin nucleation frequency of mDia1 is enhanced not only by Rho, but also strongly through increased catalytic efficiency of the FH2 domain. Consistently, frequent actin nucleation by mDia1 was found around sites of vigorous actin disassembly. Another major actin nucleator, the Arp2/3 complex, was not affected by the G-actin increase induced by LatB. Taken together, we propose that transient accumulation of G-actin works as a cue to promote mDia1-catalyzed actin nucleation to execute rapid reassembly of actin filaments.
Reducing the Incidence of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema

TO THE EDITOR: In their randomized trial, Maggiorini and colleagues (1) report their impressive outcome that both tadalafil and dexamethasone may reduce the incidence of high-altitude pulmonary edema. They used a dosage of 10 mg twice daily for tadalafil or 8 mg twice daily for dexamethasone from the morning of the day before ascent until the end of the study. We are concerned about the dose adjustments of both drugs for the trial. A previous study used the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil at a dosage of 40 mg 3 times daily at 6 to 8 hours after arrival at high altitude that was maintained for 6 days to inhibit altitude-induced hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension (2). Similarly, another study used a sildenafil dosage of 25 mg or 100 mg every 8 hours for 12 weeks to treat high-altitude pulmonary arterial hypertension (3). Both studies found the treatments to be effective. In the case of dexamethasone, an initial dose of 8 mg, followed by 4 mg every 6 hours, has been used to treat high-altitude cerebral edema (4). Could the authors explain how they chose the drug regimen for their prophylaxis trial?
Particle filter-based target tracking algorithm with adaptive multi-feature fusion

Particle filter is a nonlinear filtering algorithm based on Bayesian estimation, which can well deal with non-linear, non-Gaussian system parameter estimation and state filtering problem. In addition, as it allows integration of a variety of features, it is widely used in target tracking. This paper selects the best two features from color and shape-texture features according to their abilities of distinguishing the target from its background to describe the target. Taking the histograms of the two features as two target models, we can get two estimated results by using particle filter algorithm. If the two estimated results are similar, it means the selected features are effective and the result is reliable. On the contrary, it means that one or two of the selected features fail and target tracking fails. When tracking fails, the reliability of the estimated output of the previous frame is chosen to decide whether to return the previous frame to re-select features and estimate in current frame again. Only when the two estimated results are similar to update the target model, thus can ensure the target model does not have a big offset. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is better than other particle filter algorithms using a single feature or two fixed features.
Impact of Humans on the Design and Performance of Millimeter Wave Cellular Networks in Stadiums

We use 3-D ray tracing to evaluate the performance of millimeter wave (mmWave) cellular in a realistic model of MetLife stadium, NJ, USA. We model thousands of human blockages using the dielectric properties at 28GHz. Using this setup, we contrast the coverage and capacity performance with and without human blockages. Our study highlights that incorporating human models is essential for performance evaluation and also for deployment choice. We study the scaling in achievable data rates of three dense deployments in the stadium, and conclude that meeting the minimum 100 Mbps 5G requirement in stadiums can be challenging with a unicast mode of transmission. Broadcasting popular content in conjunction with a multiplexed unicast mode can provide minimum 100 Mbps rate for the broadcasted content.
Hyperhalophilic archaeal biofilms: growth kinetics, structure, and antagonistic interaction in continuous culture

Biofilms by the hyperhalophilic archaea Halorubrum sp. and Halobacterium sp. were analyzed, and for the first time the progression of structural features and the developmental parameters of these sessile populations are described. Optical slicing and digital analysis of sequential micrographs showed that their three dimensional structure was microorganism dependent. Biofilms of Halobacterium sp. developed in clusters that covered about 30% of the supporting surface at the interface level and expanded over about 86 ± 4 μm in thickness, while Halorubrum sp. biofilms covered less than 20% of the surface and reached a thickness of 41 ± 1 μm. The kinetics of growth was lower in biofilms, with generation times of 27 ± 1 and 36 ± 2 h for Halobacterium sp. and Halorubrum sp. , respectively, as compared to 8.4 ± 0.3 and 14 ± 1 h in planktonic cultures. Differences between microorganisms were also observed at the cell morphology level. The interaction between the two microorganisms was also evaluated, showing that Halobacterium sp. can outcompete already established Halorubrum sp. biofilms by a mechanism that might include the combined action of tunnelling swimmers and antimicrobial compounds.