Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Sorbitol Dehydrogenase as a Novel Prognostic Factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Surgical Resection

Simple Summary A large percentage of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who undergo surgical resection experience a recurrence of their disease. Therefore, predicting recurrence after resection for HCC is crucial to select appropriate surgical candidates. The aim of this study was to determine if serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD) levels, an enzyme that reflects liver damage, was associated with the length of recurrence-free survival. This study’s findings that serum SORD levels ≥15 ng/mL were associated with a shorter recurrence-free survival might help to determine which patients are better candidates for surgery in HCC. Moreover, baseline serum SORD and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels could better predict the outcome when used in combination, with patients having both elevated SORD (≥15 ng/mL) and AFP (≥400 ng/mL) levels having a particularly poor prognosis. Therefore, incorporating serum SORD along with AFP levels in clinical practice may raise predictability of prognosis in HCC patients. Abstract The majority of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing curative resection experience tumor recurrence. To examine the association between preoperative serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD), a liver-derived enzyme that reflects liver damage, and recurrence of HCC after curative resection, 92 patients were randomly selected who underwent curative resection for HCC between 2011 and 2012 from a prospective registry. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was compared based on serum SORD levels. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate prognostic factors for RFS. During a median follow-up duration of 57.1 months, 43 patients experienced HCC recurrence. Patients with serum SORD ≥15 ng/mL (HR, 3.46; 95% CI, 1.76–6.81; p < 0.001) had worse RFS compared with patients with serum SORD <15 ng/mL. Serum AFP and SORD levels were two independent prognostic factors for RFS. When patients were stratified by baseline serum SORD and AFP levels, patients with serum AFP levels ≥400 ng/mL and serum SORD levels ≥15 ng/mL had a distinctly poor prognosis with the lowest RFS rates (HR, 22.08; 95% CI, 6.91–70.50; p < 0.001). Baseline serum SORD is an effective prognostic factor for HCC after resection. It may help guide patient selection for surgery, especially when combined with serum AFP levels.
How Power Influences Decision-Makers’ Investment Behavior in the Domains of Loss and Gain

We present a study (N = 645) investigating how power alters people’s propensity to take investment risks in a changing decision context of gains and losses and the intensity of their reactions to this experience. The results indicate that people in a state of power made more risky investment decisions than the control group regardless of prior gain or loss outcome, whereas people lacking power took less investment risk than the control group, regardless of previous outcomes. Moreover, people with power and those lacking power differed in their reactions to gains and losses, with the former reacting more to gains and the latter to losses.
Substitution of Chemical Fertilizer with Organic Fertilizer Affects Soil Total Nitrogen and Its Fractions in Northern China

The impact of chemical to organic fertilizer substitution on soil labile organic and stabilized N pools under intensive farming systems is unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the distribution of soil total N (STN), particulate organic N (PON), microbial biomass N (MBN), dissolved organic N (DON), and mineral N (NO3− and NH4+) levels down to 100 cm profile under wheat–maize rotation system in northern China. The experiment was established with four 270 kg ha−1 N equivalent fertilizer treatments: Organic manure (OM); Organic manure with nitrogen fertilizer (OM + NF); Nitrogen fertilizer (NF); and Control (CK). Results found that the OM and OM + NF treatments had significantly higher STN, PON, MBN, DON, and NO3− contents in 0–20 cm topsoil depths. Conversely, the NF treatment resulted in the highest (p < 0.01) DON and NO3− depositions in 40–100 cm subsoil depths. The NH4+ contents in selected profile depths were significantly highest (p < 0.01) under OM treatment. The correlations between STN and its fractions were positively significant at 0–10 and 10–20 cm topsoil depths. Our results suggest that partial substitution of chemical fertilizer with organic manure could be a sustainable option for soil N management of intensive farming systems.
Buck converter-based power supply design for low power light emitting diode lamp lighting

This study deals with the analysis and implementation of an HPF (high power factor) single-stage, single switch buck converter-based power supply design for an LED (light emitting diode) lamp load of 13 W operated at the universal ac mains. In general purpose lighting applications, a buck converter is a good candidate for power factor correction with low component count and reduced cost. In low-power lighting, it is a tough task to control the THD i (total harmonic distortion) of ac mains current under the limits of strict international standards such as IEC-61000-3-2 with universal ac mains for class D equipments. In the proposed optocouplerless topology, HPF operation at input ac mains is achieved by operating the buck ac-dc converter in continuous conduction mode. The design, modelling and simulation of the proposed topology are executed using MATLAB-Simulink and sim-power system toolboxes. A prototype of the power supply for LED lamp is developed for multiple LEDs connected in series configuration. The efficiency of the proposed LED lamp driver is observed as 83.76% at rated voltage of 220 V and the THD of ac mains current less than 17.27% for a wide range of voltages of 90-270 V.
Decreased Physical Activity during Pregnancy Is Associated with Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

The majority of pregnant women in Taiwan are not considered physically active. During pregnancy, many women decrease their physical activity levels when compared to pre-pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between decreased physical activity from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). This study applied a prospective panel design. Recruitment was conducted at six medical facilities in Taiwan and lasted from August 2016 to April 2017. Physical activity levels were determined both before and during pregnancy using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form, with data subsequently being transformed into METs-min/week. Excessive GWG was determined based on the body mass index (BMI) specific GWG range. We recruited 747 pregnant women in their second trimester and followed them through to one-month postpartum. About 40% of participants (41.2%) exhibited excessive GWG. Physical activity decreased from an average of 2261 (SD = 3999) to 1252 (SD = 2258) METs-min/week from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy (p < 0.0001). Controlling for age and pre-pregnancy BMI, a logistic regression model revealed that a decline in physical activity of > 4000 METs-min/week from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy was associated with an increased risk for excessive GWG (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.27–4.43). A substantial decrease in physical activity from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy was a risk factor for excessive GWG. Although most women decreased their physical activity during pregnancy, only those pregnant women who were physically active pre-pregnancy could show the kind of large decrease that resulted in excessive GWG. Health professionals should continue to develop strategies for counteracting the problematic trend of decreasing PA during pregnancy among low-risk pregnant women.
A Novel Technique for Monitoring the W-Beam Guardrails

The paper addresses the problem of the measurement of guardrails’ deformations by means automatic analysis of optical images. The technique is founded on the analysis of high-resolution photos, obtained by means of 3D camera installed into a data vehicle. The novel methodology has been used to calculate the longitudinal safety barrier deformations for one W-beam guardrails installed along a rural road in Italy. The procedure has shown that digital image analysis can be used with the aim to monitoring guardrails and, therefore, for guarantee reasonable levels of protection against serious ran-off-road crashes.
Power transfer in a two-winding transformer: from 1-D propagation to an equivalent circuit

Electromagnetic propagation at normal incidence through a multilayer medium is a problem which has already been solved in optics. We use here the same approach to find the equivalent circuit of a transformer. Using complete Maxwell's equations, a fully equivalent electrical circuit is associated to any layer. Then, for three materials (conductor, insulator, ferrite), a lumped element circuit is designed as a low to medium frequency approximation. Finally, linking altogether these circuits, leads (for a two-winding transformer) to a recently proposed equivalent circuit.
The selection of mechanical actuators based on performance indices

A method is presented for selecting the type of actuator best suited to a given task, in the early stages of engineering design. The selection is based on matching performance characteristics of the actuator, such as force and displacement, to the requirements of the given task. The performance characteristics are estimated from manufacturers' data and from simple models of performance limitation such as heat generation and resonance. Characteristics are presented in a graphical form which allows for a direct and systematic comparison of widely different systems of actuation. The actuators considered include man-made actuators (such as hydraulic, solenoid and shape memory alloy) and naturally occurring actuators (such as the muscles of animals and plants).
Techniques for overhead-wire detection

The paper describes three wire detection techniques. A millimetre-wave pulsed radar system operating on the grating returns from wires with a regular mechanical structure is discussed. Experimental evidence at 35 GHz proves the operational philosophy of the system and suggests that higher frequencies would produce more successful results. A passive 50 Hz system operating on the magnetic flux produced by live overhead power cables is shown to be capable of indicating the presence and direction of such wires at ranges in excess of 500 m. Finally, a CO2 pulsed laser radar is discussed together with a processing algorithm to highlight wire presence. It is shown that identification of a 1/8 in diameter wire at 200 m range and in a visibility of 200 m is possible using only 4 W of laser power.
Leptin—A Potential Bridge between Fat Metabolism and the Brain’s Vulnerability to Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review

Background: Obesity and being overweight have been described as potential causes of neurological disorders. Leptin, a peptide expressed in fat tissue, importantly participates in energy homeostasis and storage and has recently been identified for its signaling receptors in neuronal circuits of the brain. Aim: To elucidate whether the endogenous modulation of leptin can be a protection against neuropsychiatric disorders. Method: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA-P method, and reports of studies containing data of leptin concentrations in healthy individuals with or without obesity were retrieved from the PubMed database, using the combinations of Mesh terms for “Leptin” and “Metabolism”. Results: Forty-seven randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, dating from 2000 to 2021, were included in the qualitative synthesis. Discussion and conclusions: Leptin secretion displays a stabilizing pattern that is more sensitive to a negative energy intake imbalance. Leptin levels influence body weight and fat mass as a pro-homeostasis factor. However, long-term exposure to elevated leptin levels may lead to mental/behavioral disorders related to the feeding and reward systems.
Localized Corrosion Resistance on Additively Manufactured Ti Alloys by Means of Electrochemical Critical Localized Corrosion Potential in Biomedical Solution Environments

This study proposes a new method, electrochemical critical localized corrosion potential (E-CLCP), in order to evaluate localized corrosion resistance of biomedical additive manufacturing (AM) titanium (Ti) alloys. The procedures for determining E-CLCP are completely different from that of the electrochemical critically localized corrosion temperature (E-CLCT) method (ISO 22910:2020). However, its application should be limited to pH and temperature of the human body because of the temperature scan. E-CLCP displays the localized corrosion resistance of AM Ti alloys based on the human body’s repassivation kinetics, whereas E-CLCT displays the localized corrosion resistance of the alloys based on passive film breakdown in much harsher corrosive environments.
Road and Transportation Lead to Better Health and Sustainable Destination Development in Host Community: A Case of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Road and transportation plays a vital role in the sustainable development and prosperity of the area. This study investigates the impact of road and transportation on the health of the host community and its sustainable destination development. Data were collected from the host community and were analyzed through factor analysis and structure equation modeling to evaluate the in-hand data of the structural relationship. It is revealed that road and transportation has a significant role in the improvement of health. Moreover, income mediates the effects of accessibility and employment on health. This study will help the authorities and policy maker to formulate policy regarding road and transportation that will improve health of the host community and its sustainable development. The study is limited to the seven districts of Hazara division and explores the societal aspect of CPEC on the host community, future researcher may investigate other regions and may select some other variables such as effect on GDP, per capita income, etc.
Simulation of inverter-fed induction motor drives with pulse-width modulation by a time-stepping coupled finite element-flux linkage-based state space model

In this paper, a detailed description of the simulation of inverter-fed induction motors in adjustable speed drives by a time-stepping flux linkage-based coupled finite element/state-space model for the computation of the drive performance is presented and verified experimentally. The flux linkage-based state-space model is iteratively coupled to a 2D time-stepping finite element model. The iterative nature of the coupling between these two models facilitates rigorous modeling of the comprehensive impact of inherent space harmonics due to geometries and motor magnetics and time harmonics resulting from the electronic switching of inverters, as well as effects of the synergistic interaction between these time and space harmonics. The state-space model includes no frame of reference transformation in so far as the flux linkages, currents or voltages. This implies that the state-space model directly couples the motor to its power electronic controller in one formulation and the natural variables (voltages and currents) are directly involved in the formulation and computation. Finally, results of motor drive performance simulations and corresponding test results for a six-switch inverter with 180/spl deg/ e duty cycle for each switch and a six-switch inverter with pulse-width modulation are given with excellent test result correlations, respectively.
Thin film SOI emerges

Everyone in a position to judge recognizes the advantages of silicon-on-insulator technology-higher circuit speed, lower power consumption, greater immunity to radiation-induced errors and compatibility with existing IC fabrication processes. In the past few years, these advantages have become critical for some commercial applications, particularly in the portable electronics arena, where the pressure for lower power and higher performance is unrelenting. As companies, universities, government agencies, and consortia throughout the world address silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, the supply of less expensive yet high-quality SOI materials is growing, and the grasp of the fabrication process strengthening-both encouraging signs. And, as applications for the technology increase, the focus today is shifting from issues oF feasibility to issues of circuit design and yield.
Basin-Scale Pollution Loads Analyzed Based on Coupled Empirical Models and Numerical Models

Pollutant source apportionment is of great significance for water environmental protection. However, it is still challenging to accurately quantify pollutant loads at basin-scale. Refined analytical methods combined the pollution discharge coefficient method (PDCM), field observation, and numerical model (Soil & Water Assessment Tool, SWAT) to make quantitative source appointment in the Tuojiang River, a key tributary of the upper Yangtze River. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and ammonia nitrogen (N-NH4+) were analyzed. Results showed that the urban sewage treatment plant point source has the largest contribution to COD, TN, and N-NH4+, while TP is mostly from the agricultural sources throughout the year. The total inflowing loads of pollution sources are significantly affected by rainfall. The overall pollution characteristics showed that pollutant loads present in different seasons are as follows: wet season > normal season > dry season. The month with the highest levels of pollutants is July in the wet season. Among the nine cities, the city that contributes the most COD, TN and N-NH4+, is Neijiang, accounting for about 25%, and the city that contributes the most TP is Deyang, accounting for 23%. Among the sub-basins, the Fuxi River subbasin and Qiuxihe River subbasin contribute the most pollutant loads. The technical framework adopted in this paper can be used to accurately identify the types, administrative regions and sub-basins of the main pollution sources in the watershed, which is conducive to management and governance of the environment.
Effects of Seven-Year Fertilization Reclamation on Bacterial Community in a Coal Mining Subsidence Area in Shanxi, China

The restoration of soil fertility and microbial communities is the key to the soil reclamation and ecological reconstruction in coal mine subsidence areas. However, the response of soil bacterial communities to reclamation is still not well understood. Here, we studied the bacterial communities in fertilizer-reclaimed soil (CK, without fertilizer; CF, chemical fertilizer; M, manure) in the Lu’an reclamation mining region and compared them with those in adjacent subsidence soil (SU) and farmland soil (FA). We found that the compositions of dominant phyla in the reclaimed soil differed greatly from those in the subsidence soil and farmland soil (p < 0.05). The related sequences of Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Nitrospirae were mainly from the subsided soil, whereas those of Alphaproteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Deltaproteobacteria were mainly derived from the farmland soil. Fertilization affected the bacterial community composition in the reclaimed soil, and bacteria richness and diversity increased significantly with the accumulation of soil nutrients after 7 years of reclamation (p < 0.05). Moreover, soil properties, especially SOM and pH, were found to play a key role in the restoration of the bacterial community in the reclaimed soil. The results are helpful to the study of soil fertility improvement and ecological restoration in mining areas.
Improvement in fuel economy for a parallel hybrid electric vehicle by continuously variable transmission ratio control

Abstract A continuously variable transmission (CVT) ratio control algorithm is proposed to achieve the improved fuel economy of the parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by considering the HEV powertrain response lag. In this algorithm, the target CVT ratio is modified by the vehicle velocity that is estimated after the powertrain response lag. To estimate the vehicle velocity after the response lag, an acceleration map is suggested. The CVT ratio control algorithm is validated by the HEV bench tester. From experimental results, it is found that the engine operation trajectory by the modified ratio control algorithm is shifted to a more efficient region compared with those by the conventional CVT ratio control for the mild acceleration mode, which gives better fuel economy. In addition, performance simulations for the federal urban driving schedule are carried out to evaluate the effect of the response lag on the HEV fuel economy using the HEV powertrain model. The simulation results show that a better fuel economy can be achieved as the response lag used in the modified CVT ratio increases. However, in actual applications, a compromise between the fuel economy and the acceleration performance would be required.
Oxidation of Various Kraft Lignins with a Bacterial Laccase Enzyme

Modification of kraft lignin (KL), traditionally uses harsh and energy-demanding physical and chemical processes. In this study, the potential of the bacterial laccase CotA (spore coating protein A) for oxidation of KL under mild conditions was assessed. Thereby, the efficiency of CotA to oxidize both softwood and hardwood KL of varying purity at alkaline conditions was examined. For the respective type of wood, the highest oxidation activity by CotA was determined for the medium ash content softwood KL (MA_S) and the medium ash content hardwood KL (MA_H), respectively. By an up to 95% decrease in fluorescence and up to 65% in phenol content coupling of the structural lignin units was indicated. These results correlated with an increase in viscosity and molecular weight, which increased nearly 2 and 20-fold for MA_H and about 1.3 and 6.0-fold for MA_S, respectively. Thus, this study confirms that the CotA laccase can oxidize a variety of KL at alkaline conditions, while the origin and purity of KL were found to have a major impact on the efficiency of oxidation. Under the herein tested conditions, it was observed that the MA_H KL showed the highest susceptibility to CotA oxidation when compared to the other hardwood KLs and the softwood KLs. Therefore, this could be a viable method to produce sustainable resins and adhesives.
Real-time volumetric ultrasound imaging system

A real time volumetric ultrasound imaging system has been developed for medical diagnosis. The scanner produces images analogous to an optical camera or the human eye and supplies more information than conventional sonograms. Potential medical applications include improved anatomic visualization, tumour localization and better assessment of cardiac function. The system uses pulse-echo phased array principles to steer a two-dimensional array transducer of 289 elements in a pyramidal scan format. Parallel processing in the receive mode produces 4992 scan lines at a rate of approximately 8 frames/second. Echo data for the scanned volume is presented as projection images with depth perspective, stereoscopic pairs, multiple tomographic images, or C scans.