Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between Carotid Artery Plaque Score and SYNTAX Score in Coronary Artery Disease Patients

Background: Numerous studies have been published the correlation between plaque score (PS), mean carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), and the prevalence or complexity of coronary artery lesions in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. However, very few studies have reported the association between the complexity of coronary artery lesions and PS and the mean carotid artery IMT. We therefore aimed to examine the correlation between carotid artery ultrasound parameters and complexity of coronary artery lesions in CAD patients. Methods: From June 2010 to December 2011, a total of 170 patients (118 males (69.4%); mean age, 63.9 ± 12.1 years) admitted with suspected CAD, were examined. Coronary angiography and IMT and PS in the carotid arteries ultrasound were obtained for all patients. Results: The odds ratios related with the PS and the mean-CCA-IMT for the prediction of intermediate or high SYNTAX score were 1.13 (95% CI: 1.04–1.23; p=0.003) and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.02–22.29; p=NS), respectively. After adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors, genders, and age, PS only related to the presence of coronary arteries independently (odds ratio: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.06–1.24; p<0.001). To predict the intermediate or high SYNTAX score, the areas under the ROC curves for the PS and the mean-CCA-IMT were 0.698 (95% CI: 0.623-0.766; p<0.001) and 0.538 (95% CI: 0.460-0.614; p=0.207), respectively. The cut-off value for the PS of 3.9 presented a negative predictive value of 92.4% and a positive predictive value of 30.8%. Conclusion: Carotid ultrasound parameters are capable of predicting the SYNTAX score. Furthermore, PS provided excellent negative predictive value for the complexity of coronary artery lesions.
A closer look at Sporidiobolales: Ubiquitous microbial community members of plant and food biospheres

ABSTRACT Carotenoid-containing yeasts in Sporidiobolales (Microbotryomycetes, Pucciniomycotina, Basidiomycota) have been reported from contrasting ecosystems, including marine, soil, phylloplane, polar ice, and many others. Here, we present several analyses drawing on 583 new isolates collected from various substrates around the globe and publicly available sequences from numerous published environmental studies. We provide a multilocus phylogenetic reconstruction of the order, estimates for total species richness, a snapshot of global distribution patterns, and analysis of niche preferences in Sporidiobolales, emphasizing their occurrence in commercial crops and food products. We evaluated loci commonly used in fungal phylogenetics, finding that RNA polymerase II subunits 1 and 2 (RPB1, RPB2) are of little utility in this group. We have reconfirmed the monophyly of Sporidiobolales with three well-supported genera, which are, in descending order of number of species, Rhodotorula, Sporobolomyces, and Rhodosporidiobolus. From our data, we estimate ca. 260 species in Sporidiobolales, of which 42 are described, and ca. 52,000 species in Pucciniomycotina. The majority of data regarding Sporidiobolales are from North America and Europe, highlighting severe knowledge gaps for most of South and Central America and Africa.
Concordance of common data elements for assessment of subjective cognitive complaints after mild-traumatic brain injury: a TRACK-TBI Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine characteristics and concordance of subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) 6 months following mild-traumatic brain injury (mTBI) as assessed by two different TBI common data elements (CDEs). Research design: The Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) Pilot Study was a prospective observational study that utilized the NIH TBI CDEs, Version 1.0. We examined variables associated with SCC, performance on objective cognitive tests (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, California Verbal Learning Test, and Trail Making Tests A and B), and agreement on self-report of SCCs as assessed by the acute concussion evaluation (ACE) versus the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). Results: In total, 68% of 227 participants endorsed SCCs at 6 months. Factors associated with SCC included less education, psychiatric history, and being assaulted. Compared to participants without SCC, those with SCC defined by RPQ performed significantly worse on all cognitive tests. There was moderate agreement between the two measures of SCCs (kappa = 0.567 to 0.680). Conclusion: We show that the symptom questionnaires ACE and RPQ show good, but not excellent, agreement for SCCs in an mTBI study population. Our results support the retention of RPQ as a basic CDE for mTBI research. Abbreviations: BSI-18: Brief Symptom Inventory; 18CDEs: common data elements; CT: computed tomography; CVLT: California Verbal Learning Test; ED: emergency department; GCS: Glasgow coma scale; LOC: loss of consciousnessm; TBI: mild-traumatic brain injury; PTA: post-traumatic amnesia; SCC: subjective cognitive complaints; TBI: traumatic brain injury; TRACK-TBI: Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury; TMT: Trail Making Test; WAIS-PSI: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition, Processing Speed Index
Causal Inference with Noisy and Missing Covariates via Matrix Factorization

Valid causal inference in observational studies often requires controlling for confounders. However, in practice measurements of confounders may be noisy, and can lead to biased estimates of causal effects. We show that we can reduce the bias caused by measurement noise using a large number of noisy measurements of the underlying confounders. We propose the use of matrix factorization to infer the confounders from noisy covariates, a flexible and principled framework that adapts to missing values, accommodates a wide variety of data types, and can augment many causal inference methods. We bound the error for the induced average treatment effect estimator and show it is consistent in a linear regression setting, using Exponential Family Matrix Completion preprocessing. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure in numerical experiments with both synthetic data and real clinical data.
Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter Phase Unwrapping Method and Its Application on Gaofen-3 Interferometric SAR Data

Phase unwrapping (PU) is a key step in the reconstruction of digital elevation models (DEMs) and the monitoring of surface deformation from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAR, InSAR) data. In this paper, an improved PU method that combines an amended matrix pencil model, an adaptive unscented kalman filter (AUKF), an efficient quality-guided strategy based on heapsort, and a circular median filter is proposed. PU theory and the existing UKFPU method are covered. Then, the improved method is presented with emphasis on the AUKF and the circular median filter. AUKF has been well used in other fields, but it is for the first time applied to interferometric images PU, to the best of our knowledge. First, the amended matrix pencil model is used to estimate the phase gradient. Then, an AUKF model is used to unwrap the interferometric phase based on an efficient quality-guided strategy based on heapsort. Finally, the key results are obtained by filtering the results using a circular median. The proposed method is compared with the minimum cost network flow (MCF), statistical cost network flow (SNAPHU), regularized phase tracking technique (RPTPU), and UKFPU methods using two sets of simulated data and two sets of experimental GF-3 SAR data. The improved method is shown to yield the greatest accuracy in the interferometric phase maps compared to the methods considered in this paper. Furthermore, the improved method is shown to be the most robust to noise and is thus most suitable for PU of GF-3 SAR data in high-noise and low-coherence regions.
Sensorless Control of the Charging Process of a Dynamic Inductive Power Transfer System With an Interleaved Nine-Phase Boost Converter

This paper proposes a technique for the control of the charging process in a dynamic inductive power transfer system for automotive applications. This technique is based on an impedance control loop on the receiver side. The proposed control allows different phases of the charging process to be carried out in the absence of a communication link between the ground and the vehicle side. The charging process starts with a sensorless procedure for the identification of the actual presence of the vehicle over the receiver. The same control technique introduces several advantages of interoperability between systems having different requirements in terms of the power demand. A 11-kW prototype has been implemented based on a transmitter 1.5-m long as compromise solution between the long track coil and the lumped one. The power management of the receiver side is provided by a nine-phase interleaved boost converter. The experimental results prove the effectiveness of the proposed control together with a good matching with the developed theoretical equations set for the system description.
The small non-coding RNA response to virus infection in the Leishmania vector Lutzomyia longipalpis

Sandflies are well known vectors for Leishmania but also transmit a number of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). Few studies have addressed the interaction between sandflies and arboviruses. RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms utilize small non-coding RNAs to regulate different aspects of host-pathogen interactions. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway is a broad antiviral mechanism in insects. In addition, at least in mosquitoes, another RNAi mechanism mediated by PIWI interacting RNAs (piRNAs) is activated by viral infection. Finally, endogenous microRNAs (miRNA) may also regulate host immune responses. Here, we analyzed the small non-coding RNA response to Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection in the sandfly Lutzoymia longipalpis. We detected abundant production of virus-derived siRNAs after VSV infection in adult sandflies. However, there was no production of virus-derived piRNAs and only mild changes in the expression of vector miRNAs in response to infection. We also observed abundant production of virus-derived siRNAs against two other viruses in Lutzomyia Lulo cells. Together, our results suggest that the siRNA but not the piRNA pathway mediates an antiviral response in sandflies. In agreement with this hypothesis, pre-treatment of cells with dsRNA against VSV was able to inhibit viral replication while knock-down of the central siRNA component, Argonaute-2, led to increased virus levels. Our work begins to elucidate the role of RNAi mechanisms in the interaction between L. longipalpis and viruses and should also open the way for studies with other sandfly-borne pathogens.
Design and performance tradeoffs in MIMO disturbance feedforward control

Disturbance feedforward control (DFC) can be used to reject external disturbances that are a priori unknown. This paper addresses the design and performance tradeoffs due to the causal nature of DFC in Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) systems. Performance tradeoffs in optimization over both frequencies and the disturbance directions are expressed in terms of MIMO feedforward sensitivity functions. Design interpretations and disturbance decorrelation are presented to optimize the disturbance rejection properties for systems subject to these fundamental limitations. Simulation studies of a 2- DOF motion stage are included, showing significant performance benefits using disturbance decorrelation.
Comparison of UHF RFID loop matching antennas based on various substrate-metal material combinations

Inductive coupled loop (ICL) is a matching technique common in UHF RFID tags. In this paper ICL matching is implemented using two antennas one has copper as the radiating antenna and FR4 as a substrate, while the other design is built using silver nanoparticle ink printed on white PET paper. The two antennas are simulated and measured to highlight the effect of using flexible thin material on antennas for RFID tags.
Using Genetic Algorithms in Test Data Generation

Software testing activities account for a considerable portion of systems development cost and, for this reason, many studies have sought to automate these activities. Test data generation has a high cost reduction potential (especially for complex domain systems), since it can decrease human effort. Although several studies have been published about this subject, articles of reviews covering this topic usually focus only on specific domains. This article presents a systematic mapping aiming at providing a broad, albeit critical, overview of the literature in the topic of test data generation using genetic algorithms. The selected studies were categorized by software testing technique (structural, functional, or mutation testing) for which test data were generated and according to the most significantly adapted genetic algorithms aspects. The most used evaluation metrics and software testing techniques were identified. The results showed that genetic algorithms have been successfully applied to simple test data generation, but are rarely used to generate complex test data such as images, videos, sounds, and 3D (three-dimensional) models. From these results, we discuss some challenges and opportunities for research in this area.
Diagnostic yield and predictive factors of findings in small-bowel capsule endoscopy in the setting of iron-deficiency anemia

Abstract Introduction Despite the widespread use of small-bowel capsule endoscopy (CE), there is still limited data on its utility and effectiveness for the diagnosis and management of patients with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). Aim To assess the diagnostic yield of CE and the factors predicting positive findings in patients with IDA. Methods Patients with unexplained IDA and negative upper and lower endoscopy were included. A positive diagnostic yield was considered when CE diagnosed one or more lesions that could explain the IDA. Sex, age, NSAID consumption, blood transfusion requirement, and ferritin and hemoglobin levels were recorded. Results In total, 120 CE were included (mean age 58.5 years; F/M 82:38). Mean hemoglobin levels were 9 g/dL and mean ferritin levels were 15.7 ng/mL. Positive findings were present in 50 % of patients. The most frequent was angiodysplasia (45 %). Despite several baseline variables being significantly associated with positive findings, using a logistic regression model, it was verified that male sex (OR 3.93; 95 %CI 1.57 – 9.86), age (OR 1.03; 95 %CI 1.00 – 1.06), and hemoglobin levels (OR 0.73; 95 %CI 0.57 – 0.94) were the variables having an independent effect on the probability of obtaining positive findings. Age older than 50 years (OR 14.05; 95 %CI 1.69 – 116.23) and male sex (OR 3.63; 95 %CI 1.29 – 10.17) were the variables which increased the risk of diagnosing angiodysplasia. Conclusions CE is a useful technique in patients with IDA. To improve its yield, it is necessary to select patients carefully. Male sex, older age, and low hemoglobin levels were associated with a risk of positive finding in this group of patients. The risk of diagnosing angiodysplasia increased with male sex and older age.
Chemical abundances of globular clusters in NGC 5128 (Centaurus A)

We perform a detailed abundance analysis on integrated-light spectra of 20 globular clusters (GCs) in the early-type galaxy NGC 5128 (Centaurus A). The GCs were observed with X-Shooter on the Very Large Telescope (VLT). The cluster sample spans a metallicity range of -1.92 + 0.25 dex. We obtain the first abundance measurements of Cr, Mn, and Ni for a sample of the GC population in NGC 5128 and find consistency with the overall trends observed in theMW, with a slight enhancement (<0.1 dex) in the Fe-peak abundances measured in the NGC 5128.
The prognostic value of preoperative inflammatory indexes in gallbladder carcinoma with hepatic involvement.

BACKGROUND Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) have been considered as indicators for prognosis in various cancers. However, the prognostic values of NLR and PLR have never been tested in gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) with hepatic involvement. OBJECTIVE The aim of the current study was to assess the prognostic significance of NLR, PLR, and other candidate biomarkers in GBC with liver involvement. METHODS Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were utilized to pinpoint the cut-off values for NLR, PLR, and Monocyte-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR). Univariate analyses were employed to estimate the impact of NLR, PLR, MLR, and other inflammatory indexes on median survival. Multivariate analyses were used to verify the independent prognostic predictors. RESULTS Eighty four patients were enrolled from 2009 to 2017. The cut-off values for NLR, PLR, and MLR were 3.20, 117.75, and 0.25, respectively. Univariate analyses revealed that TNM stage, NLR, PLR, MLR, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and carcinoembryonic antigen were significantly associated with decreased survival in GBC with hepatic involvement. Advanced TNM stage (P< 0.001) and elevated preoperative NLR (P= 0.002) were significantly associated with lower median survival periods, as revealed by multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that preoperative NLR may be an independent prognostic factor in evaluating prognosis in GBC with liver involvement.
Integration of in vitro and in silico perspectives to explain chemical characterization, biological potential and anticancer effects of Hypericum salsugineum: A pharmacologically active source for functional drug formulations

The genus Hypericum is one of the most popular genera in both traditional medicine and scientific platform. This study is designed to provide conceptual insights on the biological potential and chemical characterization of H. salsugineum, which is endemic to Turkey. The qualitative and quantitative phenolic content of the extracts was characterized by HPLC-ESI-MSn. Biological efficiency was investigated by enzyme inhibitory assays (cholinesterases, tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase) and anti-cancer efficacy tests (anti-proliferative activities with the iCELLigence technology, colony formation and wound healing scratch assays). Phenolic acids (3-O-caffeoylquinic, 5-O-caffeoylquinic, and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acids) were the predominant group in the studied extracts, although several flavonoids were also detected and quantified. The extracts exhibited good inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and glucosidase, while they had weak ability against cholinesterases and amylase. Computational studies were also performed to explain the interactions between the major phenolics and these enzymes. The extracts displayed significant anti-cancer effects on breast carcinoma cell lines. Our findings suggest that Hypericum salsugineum could be valued as a potential source of biologically-active compounds for designing novel products.
Novel Compliant omnicrawler-wheel transforming module

This paper presents a novel design of a crawler robot which is capable of transforming its chassis from an Omni crawler mode to a large-sized wheel mode using a novel mechanism. The transformation occurs without any additional actuators. Interestingly the robot can transform into a large diameter and small width wheel which enhances its maneuverability like small turning radius and fast/efficient locomotion. This paper contributes on improving the locomotion mode of previously developed hybrid compliant omnicrawler robot CObRaSO. In addition to legged and tracked mechanism, CObRaSO can now display large wheel mode which contributes to its locomotion capabilities. Mechanical design of the robot has been explained in a detailed manner in this paper and also the transforming experiment and torque analysis has been shown clearly
Optimal synchronizing speed control of multiple DC motors

In this paper, optimal synchronization speed control of multiple DC motors is developed by using leader-follower based approach. One of the DC motor is considered as a leader motor and it tracks its desired speed trajectory. The other DC motor is controlled through a leader-follower based optimal formation controller developed in this work. If the leader DC motor slows down or speeds up for some reason, the follower DC motor synchronize its speed according to the leader without having any knowledge about the desired trajectory. By doing so, the multiple DC motors will be able to work together in a synchronized manner. The simulation results are given at the end of the paper to verify our theoretical claims.
Identification of Bacterial Genes Expressed During Diatom-Bacteria Interactions Using an in Vivo Expression Technology Approach

Diverse microalgae-bacteria interactions play important roles for nutrient exchange processes and marine aggregate formation leading to the cycling, mineralization, or sedimentation of organic carbon in the Oceans. The main goal of this study is to report an alternative way to assess a distinct diatom-bacteria interaction. To study this at the cellular scale, an in vitro interaction model system consisting of the diatom, Thalassiosira weissflogii, and the gamma-proteobacterium, Marinobacter adhaerens HP15, had previously been established. HP15 is able to attach to T. weissflogii cells, to induce transparent exopolymeric particle formation, and to increase marine aggregation formation. Several bacterial genes important during this interaction have been studied thus far, but genes specifically expressed in co-culture remained unknown. To identify such bacterial genes, an in vivo Expression Technology (IVET) screen was employed. For this, a promoter-trapping vector containing a fusion between a promoter-less selection marker gene and a promoterless reporter gene was constructed. Construction of a library of plasmids carrying genomic fragments upstream of the fusion and its subsequent transformation into a selection marker mutant allowed detection of 30 bacterial promoters specifically expressed during the interactions with T. weissflogii. Their sequence analyses revealed that the corresponding genes could be involved in many processes such as biochemical detection of diatom cells, bacterial attachment, metabolic exchange of nitrogen compounds, and resistance towards heavy metals. Identification of genes potentially involved in branched-chain amino acid uptake and utilization confirmed our previous results of a proteomics analysis. Since our current approach identified several additional genes to be induced in co-culture, use of IVET might be a valuable complementing strategy to proteomic or transcriptomic analysis of the diatom-bacteria crossplay. The current IVET approach demonstrated that the interaction between M. adhaerens HP15 and T. weissflogii is multifactorial and is likely to involve a complex network of physiological processes.