Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Podocyte Biology and the Emerging Understanding of Podocyte Diseases

The understanding of the unique molecular apparatus of the podocyte has increased dramatically in recent years. This new knowledge has improved the diagnosis and classification of the diseases that have been termed podocytopathies. Podocyte injury frequently leads to reorganization of the slit diaphragm and reorganization of the foot process structure. Four major causes of foot process effacement can be identified, with some due to genetic mutations and others due to acquired conditions: (1) impaired formation of the slit diaphragm complex; (2) abnormalities of the glomerular basement membrane or the adhesion of podocytes to the glomerular basement membrane; (3) abnormalities of the actin cytoskeleton and associated proteins, and (4) alterations in the apical membrane domain of the podocyte. The major podocytopathies can also be organized into four categories, including those with a normal glomerular histology, diffuse mesangial sclerosis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and collapsing glomerulopathy.
Single‐Pass Continuous Flow Peritoneal Dialysis Using Two Catheters

With a renewed interest in continuous flow peritoneal dialysis (CFPD), our standard practice of implanting a second catheter in those patients facing access failure provided us the opportunity to perform acute studies on CFPD in these patients, since it temporarily provided us with two catheters. Four patients were studied, with a total of five studies performed. A standard protocol was followed utilizing 1.5% dextrose solution, a 2 L fill, an inflow rate of 200 ml/min with a proportionate outflow for a 4‐hour session. A full drain was performed at the end of the study. Our results provided us with a mean effective peritoneal clearance for urea (KpeU) and creatinine (KpeCr) of 40 ml/min and 28 ml/min, respectively, and a mean ultrafiltration rate (Qf) of 13.4 ml/min. Our average mass transfer coefficient (MTC) for urea was 40 ml/min, consistent with kinetic modeling and historical data. The Kpe, MTC, and Qf achieved are significantly higher than other investigators, which could possibly be explained by those obtained by two separate catheters resulting in adequate mixing of the dialysate. These clinical results provide a solid foundation for the future development of this PD modality.
Role for nectin‐1 in herpes simplex virus 1 entry and spread in human retinal pigment epithelial cells

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) demonstrates a unique ability to infect a variety of host cell types. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells form the outermost layer of the retina and provide a potential target for viral invasion and permanent vision impairment. Here we examine the initial cellular and molecular mechanisms that facilitate HSV‐1 invasion of human RPE cells. High‐resolution confocal microscopy demonstrated initial interaction of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged virions with filopodia‐like structures present on cell surfaces. Unidirectional movement of the virions on filopodia to the cell body was detected by live cell imaging of RPE cells, which demonstrated susceptibility to pH‐dependent HSV‐1 entry and replication. Use of RT‐PCR indicated expression of nectin‐1, herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) and 3‐O‐sulfotransferase‐3 (as a surrogate marker for 3‐O‐sulfated heparan sulfate). HVEM and nectin‐1 expression was subsequently verified by flow cytometry. Nectin‐1 expression in murine retinal tissue was also demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Antibodies against nectin‐1, but not HVEM, were able to block HSV‐1 infection. Similar blocking effects were seen with a small interfering RNA construct specifically directed against nectin‐1, which also blocked RPE cell fusion with HSV‐1 glycoprotein‐expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO‐K1) cells. Anti‐nectin‐1 antibodies and F‐actin depolymerizers were also successful in blocking the cytoskeletal changes that occur upon HSV‐1 entry into cells. Our findings shed new light on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that help the virus to enter the cells of the inner eye.
Comparison of Application of Mitomycin C Vs Silicon Stenting Vs Conventional Method in Endonasal Dacrocystorhinostomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial of 150 Patients

Introduction: Since the days of Hippocrates, many modifications have been proposed in endonasal dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR), with the use of new drugs and implants showing variable results. The objective of this study was to analyze whether the use of silicon tubing or mitomycin C administration has an added advantage over conventional endonasal DCR. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial of 150 patients between the ages of 6 and 70 years presenting with epiphora was performed. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: endonasal DCR with mitomycin C administration, endonasal DCR with silicon stenting, or conventional endonasal DCR. Patients were followed up on Days 15, 30, 60 and 90 postoperatively for sac syringing to confirm patency. Results: The majority of patients (28.7%) were in the fourth decade of life, with a female predominance (65.3%). Dacrocystitis was most commonly seen in the left eye (58.7%). An intergroup comparison was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test at the end of 3 and 5 months. The results suggest that the success rate was significantly higher in patients with a silicone stent (P=0.04) as compared with the other two groups, although no significant difference in failure rate was seen between patients on mitomycin C and conventional therapy (P=0.132 at Month 3 and P=0.481 at Month 5, Mann-Whitney U-test). Conclusion: Our study shows that silicone tube stenting had a better success rate compared with the other two groups, with no significant statistical difference between the use of mitomycin C and the conventional technique.
Disturbance Observer for Estimating Higher Order Disturbances in Time Series Expansion

In the note, a generalized disturbance observer capable of estimating higher order disturbances in the time series expansion is newly proposed. Initiated from a constant disturbance observer, we extend it systematically to cope with ramp disturbance and general order disturbances. The generalized form for disturbance observer exhibits the novel structure incorporating the system model and integrals. To be practical, the noisy measurement and the performance in the frequency domain are addressed. In addition, for a class of linear systems, an output-based disturbance observer of reduce order is newly derived from the proposed full state disturbance observer, and its potential applicability will be demonstrated by an example.
Large increase in opportunistic testing for chlamydia during a pilot project in a primary health organisation.

INTRODUCTION The Auckland chlamydia pilot project was one of three funded by the Ministry of Health to trial implementation of the 2008 Chlamydia Management Guidelines. Chlamydia is the most commonly notified sexually transmitted infection in New Zealand. AIM To increase opportunistic testing in under-25-year-olds and to improve documentation of partner notification in primary care. METHODS A four-month pilot was initiated in Total Healthcare Otara using a nurse-led approach. Laboratory testing data was analysed to assess whether the pilot had any impact on chlamydia testing volumes in the target age-group. Data entered in the practice management system was used to assess follow-up and management of chlamydia cases. RESULTS During the pilot there was a 300% increase in the number of chlamydia tests in the target age group from 812 to 2410 and the number of male tests increased by nearly 500%. Twenty-four percent of people tested were positive for chlamydia, with no significant difference in prevalence by ethnicity. The pilot resulted in better documentation of patient follow-up in the patient management system. DISCUSSION There was a large increase in chlamydia testing during the pilot with a high prevalence found in the population tested. Chlamydia remains an important health problem in New Zealand. The cost benefit of increased chlamydia screening at a population level has yet to be established.
Corneal Asphericity and Visual Function After Wavefront-Guided LASIK

Purpose. In recent years, a theory has been advanced that corneal asphericity in and of itself determines visual function; that the natural, optimal shape of the cornea is prolate; and that changing the cornea from prolate to oblate negatively impacts visual results. This article presents an analysis of the impact of corneal asphericity on wavefront-guided LASIK. Method. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 160 myopic eyes that had undergone wavefront-guided LASIK. Surgical procedures and data collection were conducted at six clinical sites. Corneal topography, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity data were collected before and 6 months after surgery. The topographically measured corneal surface of each eye was fitted to a conic, and a Q-value was computed for a 5.5-mm pupil. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between Q-value and visual function. The relationship of changes in the corneal surfaces to visual performance was also investigated. Results. Preoperative corneas exhibited negative (prolate) conic shape constants. Postoperative corneas were about equally divided between positive (oblate) and negative conics. There was no statistically significant correlation between corneal shape and visual acuity or contrast sensitivity function. Changes in corneal asphericity after surgery had no significant correlation with changes in visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. Conclusion. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity after wavefront-guided LASIK are not dependent on corneal asphericity. Neither preserving nor inducing asphericity ensures better visual outcome. Better visual outcomes are more likely to result from the application of a customized shape than a standard conic shape.
Differential subcellular localization of the 5‐HT3‐As receptor subunit in the rat central nervous system

Following the cloning and sequencing of the A subunit of the 5‐HT3 receptor, two alternatively spliced isoforms, 5‐HT3‐AS and 5‐HT3‐AL, have been identified. In order to analyse the distribution of the receptor, a polyclonal antibody has been produced against the short form which is the most abundant in the central nervous system [Doucet et al. (2000) Neuroscience 95, 881–892]. As expected from the recognition of functional 5‐HT3 receptors, immunostaining by this anti‐5‐HT3‐R‐AS antibody matched the distribution of the high‐affinity 5‐HT3 binding sites in the rat brain and spinal cord. 5‐HT3‐AS‐like immunoreactivity was detected at low levels in the limbic system, particularly in the amygdala and the hippocampus, and in the frontal, piriform and entorhinal cortices. High levels of immunoreactivity were found in the brainstem, mainly in the nucleus tractus solitarius and the nucleus of the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve, and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. At the ultrastructural level, immunostaining was generally found associated with axons and nerve terminals (70–80%) except in the hippocampus, where labelled dendrites were more abundant (56%). This preferential localization on nerve endings is consistent with the well‐documented physiological role of 5‐HT3 receptors in the control of neurotransmitter release. However, the different distribution in the hippocampus raises the question of whether differential addressing mechanisms exist for preferentially targeting 5‐HT3 receptors to postsynaptic dendritic sites as compared to presynaptic nerve endings, depending on the nature of the neurons bearing these receptors.
Alvarado scores and pain onset in relation to multislice CT findings in acute appendicitis.

PURPOSE To determine the correlation between clinical and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) findings of early- and late-stage acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted between June 2003 and February 2006 with 143 patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to Alvarado scores: group 1 (n = 18; 13%; score: 1-4), group 2 (n = 70; 49%; score: 5-7), and group 3 (n = 55; 38%; score: 8-10). Abdominal MSCT results were compared to histopathological diagnoses. Patients were then divided into 2 other groups according to pain onset (MSCT performed within the first 12 h of pain onset and MSCT performed thereafter). RESULTS Histopathological findings were normal in 13 of the 143 patients (9%). The positive predictive value of MSCT did not significantly differ between the 3 Alvarado groups (92.8% in group 1, 95.1% in group 2, and 98.0% in group 3). Additionally, the positive predictive value of MSCT did not differ whether the scans were performed within the first 12 h of pain onset or thereafter (88% and 89%, respectively; P = 0.89). CONCLUSION MSCT should be performed even in patients in whom the clinical suspicion of appendicitis is low. MSCT is effective in patients with early-stage appendicitis.
Bionic Autonomic Nervous Systems for Self-Defense against DoS, Spyware, Malware, Virus, and Fishing

Computing systems and networks become increasingly large and complex with a variety of compromises and vulnerabilities. The network security and privacy are of great concern today, where self-defense against different kinds of attacks in an autonomous and holistic manner is a challenging topic. To address this problem, we developed an innovative technology called Bionic Autonomic Nervous System (BANS). The BANS is analogous to biological nervous system, which consists of basic modules like cyber axon, cyber neuron, peripheral nerve and central nerve. We also presented an innovative self-defense mechanism which utilizes the Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks, and Entropy Awareness, etc. Equipped with the BANS, computer and network systems can intelligently self-defend against both known and unknown compromises/attacks including denial of services (DoS), spyware, malware, and virus. BANS also enabled multiple computers to collaboratively fight against some distributed intelligent attacks like DDoS. We have implemented the BANS in practice. Some case studies and experimental results exhibited the effectiveness and efficiency of the BANS and the self-defense mechanism.
14.3 A 28nm SoC with a 1.2GHz 568nJ/prediction sparse deep-neural-network engine with >0.1 timing error rate tolerance for IoT applications

Machine Learning (ML) techniques empower Internet of Things (IoT) devices with the capability to interpret the complex, noisy real-world data arising from sensor-rich systems. Achieving sufficient energy efficiency to execute ML workloads on an edge-device necessitates specialized hardware with efficient digital circuits. Razor systems allow excessive worst-case VDD guardbands to be minimized down to the point where timing violations start to occur. By tracking the non-zero timing violation rate, process/voltage/temperature/aging (PVTA) variations are dynamically compensated as they change over time. Resilience to timing violations is achieved using either explicit correction (e.g., replay [1]), or algorithmic tolerance [2]. ML algorithms offer remarkable inherent error tolerance and are a natural fit for Razor timing violation detection without the burden of explicit and guaranteed error correction. Prior ML accelerators have focused either on computer vision CNNs with high-power (e.g., [3] consumes 278mW) or spiking neural networks with low-accuracy (e.g. 84% on MNIST [4]). Programmable fully-connected (FC) deep-neural-network (DNN) accelerators offer flexible support for a range of general classification tasks with high accuracy [5]. However, because there is no parameter reuse in FC layers, both compute and memory resources must be optimized.
Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays Using NM-PSO Technique

Coordination optimization of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) is an important part of an efficient distribution system. This optimization problem involves obtaining the time dial setting (TDS) and pickup current (Ip) values of each DOCR. The optimal results should have the shortest primary relay operating time for all fault lines. Recently, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm has been considered an effective tool for linear/nonlinear optimization problems with application in the protection and coordination of power systems. Therefore, this study proposes a hybrid Nelder-Mead simplex search method and particle swarm optimization (NM-PSO) algorithm to solve the DOCR coordination optimization problem. PSO is the main optimizer and the Nelder-Mead simplex search method is used to improve the efficiency of PSO due to its potential for rapid convergence. To validate the proposal, this study compared the performance of the proposed algorithm with that of the original PSO. The findings demonstrate the outstanding performance of the proposed NM-PSO in terms of computation speed, rate of convergence, and feasibility.
Annular shape microstrip feeding technique for cylindrical and half-split cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna for broadband applications

In this paper, an annular shape microstrip feeding technique is proposed to excite a cylindrical and a half-split cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). The 10 dB impedance bandwidth offered by cylindrical and half-split cylindrical DRA are 62.90% and 66.17% respectively at their center frequencies. The operating frequency ranges for cylindrical and half-split cylindrical dielectric resonator are 3.46 GHz - 6.64 GHz and 3.58 GHz - 7.12 GHz respectively. The radiation patterns are broadside and consistent throughout the operating bandwidth. The average gain of the cylindrical and half-split antennas is 3.82 dB and 3.42 dB respectively.
Abnormal sleep-cardiovascular system interaction in narcolepsy with cataplexy: effects of hypocretin deficiency in humans.

STUDY OBJECTIVE Narcolepsy with cataplexy (NC) is associated with loss of hypocretin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus involved in the circadian timing of sleep and wakefulness, and many biologic functions including autonomic control. The authors investigated whether chronic lack of hypocretin signaling alters cardiovascular control during sleep in humans. DESIGN Comparison of 24-hr circadian rhythms, day-night, time- and state-dependent changes of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in drug-free patients with NC and control subjects. SETTING University hospital. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS Ten drug-free patients with NC (9 men, 1 woman) and 12 control subjects (9 men, 3 women). INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Daytime BP was comparable in patients with NC and controls, but patients with NC displayed a nighttime nondipping BP pattern. The 24-hr circadian rhythmicity of BP and HR was normal in both groups. Systolic BP during nighttime rapid eye movement sleep was significantly increased in the NC group. The 24-hr HR was significantly higher in the NC group but the day-night and state-dependent HR modulations were intact. The nighttime BP pattern coupled in the NC group with increased sleep fragmentation and a higher prevalence of arousals, periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), and PLMS arousals. In an analysis of the sleep/cardiovascular interaction in the periods after sleep onset and preceding morning awakening, only PLMS were consistently associated with the blunted nighttime decrease in BP in the NC group. CONCLUSIONS Hypocretin deficiency in humans may couple with an altered nighttime BP regulation that can be associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. This finding may be the result not only of the hypocretinergic deficiency per se but also of the altered sleep/wake regulation characterizing NC.
Removal of COD from a stabilized landfill leachate by physicochemical and advanced oxidative process

This work investigated the effectiveness of a physicochemical and oxidative process for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from stabilized landfill leachates. The application of these technologies for landfill leachate treatment greatly depends on the optimal operating conditions for a specific leachate. Coagulation-flocculation followed by H2O2, Fenton and photo-Fenton processes was evaluated. Advanced oxidation processes were evaluated in the raw leachate and the leachate pretreated by coagulation-flocculation. Via the coagulation process, at 30 sec and a stirring speed of 150 rpm followed by flocculation and settling steps, 53% COD was removed at an optimal dose of 1400 mg L−1 and pH 4.0. Moreover, from the POA evaluated, the Fenton process was determined to be the most effective process for removing COD from the leachate pretreated by coagulation-flocculation, reaching 83.3% COD removal with 1330 mg L−1 of H2O2 and 266 mg L−1 of Fe2+. The photo-Fenton process applied directly to the raw effluent was effective for the removal of COD; a 75% reduction in COD was observed in tests using 2720 mg L−1 of H2O2 and 544 mg L−1 of Fe2+. Due to the variability in the composition of the Gramacho landfill leachate, the combination of coagulation-flocculation and the Fenton process is an effective technology for reducing the COD in samples of this leachate.
Augmenter of liver regeneration ameliorates renal fibrosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy

Renal fibrosis is a hallmark in CKD (chronic kidney disease) and is strongly correlated to the deterioration of renal function that is characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis and disruption of the normal architecture of the kidney. ALR (augmenter of liver regeneration) is a growth factor with biological functions similar to those of HGF (hepatocyte growth factor). In this study, our results indicate that endogenous ALR is involved in the pathological progression of renal fibrosis in UUO (unilateral ureteral obstruction) rat model. Moreover, we find that administration of rhALR (recombinant human ALR) significantly alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis and reduces renal-fibrosis-related proteins in UUO rats. Further investigation reveals that rhALR suppresses the up-regulated expression of TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1) induced by UUO operation in the obstructed kidney, and inhibits Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation activated by the UUO-induced injury in the animal model. Therefore we suggest that ALR is involved in the progression of renal fibrosis and administration of rhALR protects the kidney against renal fibrosis by inhibition of TGF-β/Smad activity.
MIMO Configurations for Relay Channels: Theory and Practice

In this paper we discuss and compare different signalling and routing methods for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay networks in terms of the network capacity, where every terminal is equipped with multiple antennas. Our study for signalling includes the two well known digital (decode and forward) relaying, analogue (amplify and forward) relaying, and a novel hybrid (filter, amplify and forward) relaying. We propose both optimal and suboptimal hybrid relaying schemes which avoid full decoding of the message at the relay. We show that they outperform analogue relaying and give similar performance to digital relaying, particularly when the relay has forward channel state information (CSI) or larger number of antennas than the source and destination. For the routing schemes designed for multiple relay channels, we use relay selection schemes to exploit the spatial diversity, which we call selection diversity of the networks. We propose both optimal and suboptimal relay selection schemes and show that their performance converges when a large number of antennas is deployed at each node in the network. We also compare relay selection routing with a space-time coded relay cooperation protocol and show the performance advantage of selection diversity over cooperative diversity in certain scenarios. Finally, we give a brief discussion on the application of another MIMO structure called single signal beamforming in the relay scenario. Its performance will be compared with that of spatial multiplexing