Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breathlessness in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Rationale: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative multisystem disorder, presenting with limb or bulbar onset. To date, there is no cure for ALS. At some stage of the disease, patients may complain of breathlessness due to respiratory failure, thus needing a noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) support. However, breathlessness is a symptom that may be induced by different causes that must be taken into consideration in ALS management. Patients concerns: We report the case of an 81-year-old man, with a spinal onset ALS, who was admitted to our clinic to start NIMV because of respiratory involvement. After 3 weeks from NIMV performed at night time, with beneficial effects, he suddenly complained of breathlessness even at rest and in standing position. Diagnosis: Respiratory and cardiac assessments did not show new clinical events, indicating the worsening respiratory function. Due to a history of osteoporosis which was treated with biphosphonates and even though no previous bone trauma or falls were reported, we performed a spine computed tomography scan. The findings indicated multiple dorsal vertebral fractures which was a probable cause for breathlessness. Interventions and outcomes: Considering the neurodegenerative disease associated to respiratory failure, the cardiovascular risk factors and the age, the patient refused to undergo a surgery with kyphoplasty. A spine support was then prescribed, together with analgesic medications, with significant alleviation of pain and breathlessness. Lessons: The occurrence of breathlessness in a patient with ALS cannot always be related to the bulbar involvement. Other causes should be taken into account, especially when there is sudden worsening of symptoms in spite of good clinical response and compliance to NIMV treatment.
Dual-Band Perfect Metamaterial Absorber Based on an Asymmetric H-Shaped Structure for Terahertz Waves

We designed an ultra-thin dual-band metamaterial absorber by adjusting the side strips’ length of an H-shaped unit cell in the opposite direction to break the structural symmetry. The dual absorption peaks approximately 99.95% and 99.91% near the central resonance frequency of 4.72 THz and 5.0 THz were obtained, respectively. Meanwhile, a plasmon-induced transmission (PIT) like reflection window appears between the two absorption frequencies. In addition to theoretical explanations qualitatively, a multi-reflection interference theory is also investigated to prove the simulation results quantitatively. This work provides a way to obtain perfect dual-band absorption through an asymmetric metamaterial structure, and it may achieve potential applications in a variety of fields including filters, sensors, and some other functional metamaterial devices.
Human Disease Ontology 2018 update: classification, content and workflow expansion

Abstract The Human Disease Ontology (DO) (http://www.disease-ontology.org), database has undergone significant expansion in the past three years. The DO disease classification includes specific formal semantic rules to express meaningful disease models and has expanded from a single asserted classification to include multiple-inferred mechanistic disease classifications, thus providing novel perspectives on related diseases. Expansion of disease terms, alternative anatomy, cell type and genetic disease classifications and workflow automation highlight the updates for the DO since 2015. The enhanced breadth and depth of the DO’s knowledgebase has expanded the DO’s utility for exploring the multi-etiology of human disease, thus improving the capture and communication of health-related data across biomedical databases, bioinformatics tools, genomic and cancer resources and demonstrated by a 6.6× growth in DO’s user community since 2015. The DO’s continual integration of human disease knowledge, evidenced by the more than 200 SVN/GitHub releases/revisions, since previously reported in our DO 2015 NAR paper, includes the addition of 2650 new disease terms, a 30% increase of textual definitions, and an expanding suite of disease classification hierarchies constructed through defined logical axioms.
Deep Self-Paced Residual Network for Multispectral Images Classification Based on Feature-Level Fusion

The classification methods based on fusion techniques of multisource multispectral (MS) images have been studied for a long time. However, it may be difficult to classify these data based on a feature level while avoiding the inconsistency of data caused by multisource and multiple regions or cities. In this letter, we propose a deep learning structure called 2-branch SPL-ResNet which combines the self-paced learning with deep residual network to classify multisource MS data based on the feature-level fusion. First, a 2-D discrete wavelet is used to obtain the multiscale features and sparse representation of MS data. Then, a 2-branch SPL-ResNet is established to extract respective characteristics of the two satellites. Finally, we implement the feature-level fusion by cascading the two feature vectors and then classify the integrated feature vector. We conduct the experiments on Landsat_8 and Sentinel_2 MS images. Compared with the commonly used classification methods such as support vector machine and convolutional neural networks, our proposed 2-branch SPL-ResNet framework has higher accuracy and more robustness.
H19 long non-coding RNA contributes to sphere formation and invasion through regulation of CD24 and integrin expression in pancreatic cancer cells

The long non-coding RNA H19 is highly expressed in several cancers, and the functions of H19 vary among cancer cell types. Recently, we reported that H19 contributes to the metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and that inhibition of H19 reduces metastasis in vivo. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the metastasis-promoting role of H19 in PDAC cells remain poorly elucidated. In this study, we clarified the mechanisms by which H19 regulates PDAC metastasis, with a focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs), by using H19-overexpressing and knockdown PDAC cells. Whereas the sphere-formation and invasion abilities of PDAC cells depended on H19 expression levels, other CSC characteristics of the cells, including stemness-marker expression and anticancer-drug resistance, were unaffected by H19 levels. Furthermore, metalloproteinase activity, a key mediator of invasion, was also independent of H19 expression. By contrast, H19 promoted cell adhesion through regulation of integrin and CD24 expression. Notably, the increased adhesion of H19-overexpressing cells was blocked by an anti-β1-integrin antibody, and this resulted in the inhibition of sphere formation and invasion. Thus, H19 plays critical roles in the CSC self-renewal and cell adhesion of PDAC that lead to invasion and metastasis. Our findings suggest that H19 represents a novel therapeutic target for the metastasis of pancreatic cancer.
Non-Negative Half-Space Clustering with Sparseness Constraints

This paper describes a novel clustering approach by revealing the non-negative half-space clustering with sparseness constraints (NHCS). Sparseness can make only few components of whole samples to be ‘active’. Especially, this method is more part-based compared to other matrix factorization methods, which is sensitive to the scale of the data. After obtaining the part-based structure, the samples can be grouped by spectral cutting techniques. It shows that our method has more robust with the increasing of the number of clusters. Both theoretical and experimental results show that NHCS performs better than other competitive algorithms on the two database CBCL and Reuters-21578.
Fibronectin regulates growth factor signaling and cell differentiation in primary lens cells

ABSTRACT Lens epithelial cells are bound to the lens extracellular matrix capsule, of which laminin is a major component. After cataract surgery, surviving lens epithelial cells are exposed to increased levels of fibronectin, and so we addressed whether fibronectin influences lens cell fate, using DCDML cells as a serum-free primary lens epithelial cell culture system. We found that culturing DCDMLs with plasma-derived fibronectin upregulated canonical TGFβ signaling relative to cells plated on laminin. Fibronectin-exposed cultures also showed increased TGFβ signaling-dependent differentiation into the two cell types responsible for posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery, namely myofibroblasts and lens fiber cells. Increased TGFβ activity could be identified in the conditioned medium recovered from cells grown on fibronectin. Other experiments showed that plating DCDMLs on fibronectin overcomes the need for BMP in fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-induced lens fiber cell differentiation, a requirement that is restored when endogenous TGFβ signaling is inhibited. These results demonstrate how the TGFβ–fibronectin axis can profoundly affect lens cell fate. This axis represents a novel target for prevention of late-onset posterior capsule opacification, a common but currently intractable complication of cataract surgery. Highlighted Article: Wounding-related changes in the extracellular matrix induce abnormal TGFβ activation and differentiation of lens epithelial cells that could contribute to vision loss after cataract surgery.
Multi-Channel Speech Enhancement Based on Independent Vector Extraction

In this paper, a gradient-based algorithm for Independent Vector Extraction is introduced and is first used for blind audio source extraction. We also propose novel modifications of the gradient learning rule in the algorithm based on preconditioning of input data and by using the AdaGrad update. Experiments with six -channel CHiME-4 recordings are conducted where the modified algorithms show significant improvement in terms of convergence speed.
Theoretical Analysis of RF Pulse Termination in Nonlinear Transmission Lines

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) are passive networks with the capability of modulating baseband pulses. These networks are used for generating RF pulses at high-power levels. NLTLs have a unique performance in high-power RF pulse generation among all the generators based on the solid-state technology. A high-power rectangular pulse is injected to the line, gradually evolved into an oscillatory pulse while propagating through the network, and finally, in the form of a high-power RF pulse, is delivered to the load. Properly terminating an NLTL, in order to transfer the maximum available RF power to the load, is an important problem. In this paper, an accurate analysis is presented, which gives a closed-form formula for the output RF power in lossy NLTLs. Using this analysis, optimal resistive terminating load for RF applications of NLTLs is extracted. The output central frequency is also investigated in this paper. All the obtained theoretical results are verified by SPICE simulations and measurements in two implemented NLTLs.
A Traceable Concurrent Data Anonymous Transmission Scheme for Heterogeneous VANETs

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) are attractive scenarios that can improve the traffic situation and provide convenient services for drivers and passengers via vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. However, there are still many security challenges in the traffic information transmission, especially in the intense traffic case. For ensuring the privacy of users and traceability of vehicles, we propose a traceable concurrent data anonymous transmission scheme for heterogeneous VANETs. The scheme is based on certificateless aggregate signcryption, so it supports batch verification. Moreover, conditional anonymity is also achieved due to the involving of the pseudo-ID technique. Furthermore, it is a pairing-free scheme for the merit of multi-trapdoor hash functions. As a result, the total computation overhead is greatly reduced.
A computational study of the EN 1078 impact test for bicycle helmets using a realistic subject-specific finite element head model

Abstract In the present study, the free fall impact test in accordance with the EN1078 standard for certification of bicycle helmets is replicated using numerical simulations. The impact scenario is simulated using an experimentally validated, patient-specific head model equipped with and without a bicycle helmet. Head accelerations and intracranial biomechanical injury metrics during the impacts are recorded. It is demonstrated that wearing the bicycle helmet during the impact reduces biomechanical injury metrics, with the biggest reduction seen in the metric for skull fracture.
Plant-Derived Products for Treatment of Vascular Intima Hyperplasia Selectively Inhibit Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Functions

Natural products are used widely for preventing intimal hyperplasia (IH), a common cardiovascular disease. Four different cells initiate and progress IH, namely, vascular smooth muscle, adventitial and endothelial cells, and circulation or bone marrow-derived cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a critical role in initiation and development of intimal thickening and formation of neointimal hyperplasia. In this review, we describe the different originating cells involved in vascular IH and emphasize the effect of different natural products on inhibiting abnormal cellular functions, such as VSMC proliferation and migration. We further present a classification for the different natural products like phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids that suppress VSMC growth. Abnormal VSMC physiology involves disturbance in MAPKs, PI3K/AKT, JAK-STAT, FAK, and NF-κB signal pathways. Most of the natural isolate studies have revealed G1/S phase of cell cycle arrest, decreased ROS production, induced cell apoptosis, restrained migration, and downregulated collagen deposition. It is necessary to screen optimal drugs from natural sources that preferentially inhibit VSMC rather than vascular endothelial cell growth to prevent early IH, restenosis following graft implantation, and atherosclerotic diseases.
Electrifying Villages Using Microgrids

According to a recent survey by the Rural Electrification Corporation Limited, there are a total of 18,000 villages in India that have no access to electricity. These villages cannot be easily connected to the main grid as they are much far away from the centralized grids. This requires transmitting power through very large distances. The concepts of microgrids have been prevailing for a while in the energy industry. A microgrid is a localized group of energy resources that has the ability to support a set of defined loads and are connected with the centralized grid. But, the microgrids can also be operated with or without the support of the main centralized grid. In this work, the concept of microgrids was studied to electrify these villages which can work independently just like the main grid but by using distributed and cleaner energy resources such as the solar energy. It was found that the cost of constructing a microgrid was roughly three times cheaper than bringing power from the centralized main grid. Even though some of the villages are continually being electrified by the Indian Government, there are still many villages left that are impossible to be powered by connecting with the grid.
Tuberculin test conversion in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis receiving biological therapy

Objective The blockade of inflammatory mediators produced by biological therapies is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, as for example Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT). Given the endemic situation of tuberculosis (TB) in some countries and immunosuppression/anergy of patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis, we wonder whether it is necessary to monitor the MT infection after starting the biological treatment. To evaluate the frequency of the tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion and its association with an active TB infection and other disease variables. Methods Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and spondyloarthritis (SpA) receiving treatment with anti-TNF, tocilizumab, and/or abatacept agents were included into the study. Patients had to have a negative TST (<5 mm) at the baseline, and a second TST was performed 2–22 months after the initiation of biologic therapy. The TST conversion was considered as a variation ≥5 mm between the two TSTs performed within an interval between 2 months and 2 years. Results A total of 85 patients were included into the study, and 78.8% were women, with a median schooling duration of 12 years. A total of 74.1% of patients had RA, 16.5% psoriatic arthritis, and 4.7% AIJ and ankylosing spondylitis. Regarding treatment, 75.3% received anti-TNF therapy (31.8% etanercept, 21.2% adalimumab, 17.6% infliximab, 3.5% golimumab, and 1.2% certolizumab), 15.3% tocilizumab, and 9.4% abatacept. Eight patients (9.4%) developed a TST conversion. The shift was more frequent in men (62.5%) than in women (37.5%) (p=0.009), and in those with a prolonged disease duration (X 226±109 vs X130±105 [p=0.017]). This association remained after adjusting for other variables. All patients who developed a TST conversion received prophylactic isoniazid, and only one patient with other risk factors developed active TB. Conclusion The frequency of a TST conversion in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis was low and was associated with male gender and longer disease duration.
Energy Efficient Scheduling for Concurrent Transmission in Millimeter Wave WPANs

Directional antennas in millimeter wave (mmWave) communication networks enable spatial reuse by reducing interference during concurrent transmission. However, higher spatial multiplexing gain is realized at the cost of increased power consumption in antenna arrays. In this paper, we develop a multi-slot scheduling scheme based on mixed integer linear programming (MILP) for energy efficient scheduling in mmWave concurrent transmission. Energy efficiency (EE) is defined as the ratio of data rate achieved to the sum of circuit power consumption and transmit power. EE is achieved by the joint optimization of data rate and power consumption; while the optimum data rate request is calculated using a reinforced learning strategy, power consumption is minimized through antenna beamwidth control. We also prove that the energy efficient scheduling problem is NP-complete, and propose three novel low complexity energy efficient scheduling algorithms for mmWave networks - energy efficient directional medium access control (EEDMAC)-Naive, EEDMAC-Greedy, and EEDMAC-Double Greedy (DGreedy). The proposed multi-slot scheduling scheme is seen to outperform the existing protocol in terms of EE, and delay fairness. We further analyze the degradation in system performance due to antenna scanning range. The simulation results provide fresh insights into resource allocation and scheduling for mmWave directional communications.
Validation of Apolipoprotein A-1 and Fibronectin Fragments as Markers of Parasitological Cure for Congenital Chagas Disease in Children Treated With Benznidazole

Abstract Background No reliable tests or validated biomarkers exist to ensure parasitological cure following treatment of Chagas disease (CD) patients chronically infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. As seroreversion, the only marker of cure, happens more quickly in children, we investigated the correlation between previously identified biomarkers and seroreversion in children. Methods Thirty CD children (age 1 month to 10 years) diagnosed as T. cruzi positive (time point S0) were treated with benznidazole (BZ) 5–8 mg/kg/d for 60 days. At least 2 serological tests were used to evaluate treatment efficacy from the end of treatment (S1) until seroreversion (S2). Thirty children (age 1 month to 10 years) and 15 adults were used as healthy controls (HCs). Immunoblot and a proteomic-based assay were used to validate previously identified fragments of apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1) and fibronectin (FBN) as CD biomarkers. Results Correlation between seroreversion and absence of ApoA1 and FBN fragments by immunoblot was observed in 30/30 (100%) and 29/30 (96.6%) CD children, respectively. ApoA1 and FBN fragments were absent at the end of BZ treatment in 20/30 (66.6%) and 16/30 (53.3%) children, respectively. Absence of fragments in serum profiles was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Using intact protein analysis, a 28 109-Da protein identified as full-length ApoA1 by tandem mass spectrometry was detected in HC serum samples. Conclusions These data confirm that ApoA1 and FBN fragments can discriminate between healthy and T. cruzi–infected samples. Correlation with seroreversion was shown for the first time; results suggest predictive capacity potentially superior to serology, making them potentially useful as surrogate biomarkers.
A Reliable Health Indicator for Fault Prognosis of Bearings

Estimation of the remaining useful life (RUL) of bearings is important to avoid abrupt shutdowns in rotary machines. An important task in RUL estimation is the construction of a suitable health indicator (HI) to infer the bearing condition. Conventional health indicators rely on features of the vibration acceleration signal and are predominantly calculated without considering its non-stationary nature. This often results in an HI with a trend that is difficult to model, as well as random fluctuations and poor correlation with bearing degradation. Therefore, this paper presents a method for constructing a bearing’s HI by considering the non-stationarity of the vibration acceleration signals. The proposed method employs the discrete wavelet packet transform (DWPT) to decompose the raw signal into different sub-bands. The HI is extracted from each sub-band signal, smoothened using locally weighted regression, and evaluated using a gradient-based method. The HIs showing the best trends among all the sub-bands are iteratively accumulated to construct an HI with the best trend over the entire life of the bearing. The proposed method is tested on two benchmark bearing datasets. The results show that the proposed method yields an HI that correlates well with bearing degradation and is relatively easy to model.
Counting-loss correction for X-ray spectra using the pulse-repairing method.

Facing the technical problem of pulse distortion caused by frequent resetting in the latest high-performance silicon drift detectors, which work under high-counting-rate conditions, a method has been used to remove false peaks in order to obtain a precise X-ray spectrum, the essence of which eliminates distorted pulses. Aiming at solving the problem of counting-loss generated by eliminating distorted pulses, this paper proposes an improved method of pulse repairing. A 238Pu source with activity of 10 mCi was used as the measurement object, and the energy spectrum obtained by the pulse repairing method was compared with that obtained by the pulse elimination method. The ten-measurement results show that the pulse repairing method can correct the counting-loss caused by the pulse elimination method and increase peak area, which is of great significance for obtaining a precise X-ray energy spectrum.