Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exosomes derived from calcium oxalate-treated macrophages promote apoptosis of HK-2 cells by promoting autophagy

ABSTRACT Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals are the main component of kidney stones. Macrophages have the function of eliminating these crystals, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we attempted to determine the role of macrophage-derived exosomes exposed to CaOx crystals in regulating apoptosis of human proximal tubular cells (HK-2). Exosomes (CaOx-Exo) were isolated from CaOx-treated macrophages and then incubated with HK-2 cells. CaOx-Exo treatment reduced cell viability and promoted apoptosis of HK-2 cells. The expression of Caspase-3 and Bax was increased, and Bcl-2 expression was decreased in HK-2 cells following CaOx-Exo treatment. Moreover, CaOx-Exo treatment caused an increase of LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and Beclin-1 expression and a downregulation of p62 in HK-2 cells. GFP-LC3 puncta were increased in HK-2 cells following CaOx-Exo treatment. Additionally, CaOx-Exo-treated HK-2 cells were treated with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) to inhibit autophagy activity. 3-MA treatment weakened the impact of CaOx-Exo on cell viability and apoptosis of HK-2 cells. 3-MA treatment also reduced the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and Beclin-1 expression and enhanced p62 expression in CaOx-Exo-treated HK-2 cells. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that exosomes derived from CaOx-treated macrophages promote apoptosis of HK-2 cells by promoting autophagy. Thus, this work suggests that macrophage-derived exosomes may play a vital role in CaOx-induced human proximal tubular cell damage.
Recomendación de productos a partir de perfiles de usuario interpretables

Los sistemas de recomendacion automatica de productos permiten que los usuarios tengan una vision personalizada de grandes conjuntos de productos, lo cual alivia el problema de la sobrecarga de opciones en los sitios de comercio electronico. Usualmente las recomendaciones se obtienen usando la tecnica denominada “filtrado colaborativo”. Esta tecnica permite filtrar los productos que el usuario desea de aquellos que no desea, infiriendo las afinidades entre productos, y usuarios, en un espacio de caracteristicas abstracto. Si bien estas tecnicas han mostrado ser de gran valor predictivo, su baja (o nula) interpretabilidad hace que el usuario, al no poder modificar su perfil, quede encerrado en una especie de burbuja, en la cual solo recibe recomendaciones colaborativas condicionadas por su comportamiento historico. En este trabajo proponemos construir perfiles de usuario definidos en espacios interpretables como el de las etiquetas colaborativas ( tags ) o bien palabras claves extractadas automaticamente de las descripciones de los productos, que al ser interpretables permitan al usuario modificar su propio perfil. Este modelo se basa en la obtencion de perfiles usando modelos lineales, cuyos coeficientes, positivos o negativos, reflejan la afinidad del usuario hacia la etiqueta o a la palabra clave. Para probar nuestra hipotesis, utilizamos el conjunto de datos de investigacion en sistemas de recomendacion de peliculas de la Universidad de Minnesota, MovieLens; los resultados obtenidos muestran que la capacidad predictiva del modelo es comparable a la de los metodos no interpretables, con el beneficio adicional de la interpretabilidad.
Engaging Marginalised and Disaffected Interviewees Using Graphic-Elicitation

For a research method that potentially has much to offer, graphic elicitation is underused; particularly so when working with marginalised and disaffected groups. It can be especially suited to presenting contentious ideas with unwelcome implications to sceptical interviewees; in this case farmers who were questioning aspects of climate change. The graphic-elicitation method highlighted how some participants sought to preserve or build their sense of optimism by viewing the graphic-elicitation images in particular ways – they saw in them what they wanted to see. Encouraged by the images some attempted to maintain optimism by blaming their low water availability on the policies and actions of the government and upstream irrigators; which allowed them to transfer their felt responsibility climate change responses to someone else.
Um modelo de paralelismo de grao fino para objetos distribuidos

Este artigo apresenta o andamento das atividades relativas a definicao de um modelo de paralelismo de grao fino para objetos distribuidos da linguagem DPC++. O modelo proposto introduz, como ponto principal, a capacidade de execucao concorrente dos metodos de um mesmo objeto, objetivando principalmente o eficiente aproveitamento dos recursos computacionais de arquiteturas multiprocessadas. O trabalho mostra que o novo modelo oferece um nivel de linguagem com maior poder de expressao e contribui para a otimizacao de diversos aspectos do nivel operacional do modelo original.
Revamping the system interface to storage-class memory

Emerging storage-class memory (SCM) devices, such as phase-change memory and memristors, provide the interface of memory but the persistence of disks. SCM promises low-latency storage, which can benefit modern applications ranging from desktop applications that frequently flush data to stable storage, to large-scale web applications that perform lots of dependent lookups such as social-network graphs. Existing operating-system interfaces, however, fail to expose the full capabilities of SCM. Under the current storage model, the OS mediates every access to storage for protection and to abstract details of the specific storage device through a driver. This causes unneeded complexity and lower performance for SCM, which can be accessed directly through the memory interface rather than peripherally via I/O requests. This dissertation revisits the system interface to storage in light of SCM. The central hypothesis is that direct access to SCM from user mode can form the basis for a flexible high-performance storage architecture. Direct access promises much higher performance by avoiding the cost of entering the kernel and removing layers of code. Direct access also enables flexibility by letting applications customize the storage system to their needs so as to avoid paying generic overheads and therefore further improve performance. The dissertation presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of an operating-system storage architecture based on direct access to SCM. The architecture comprises two parts. The first part, Mnemosyne, exposes persistent memory to user-mode programs. Persistent memory enables programs directly store and access common in-memory data structures, such as trees, logs, and hash tables, in regions of SCM (private to each program). While persistent memory enables low-latency flexible storage, it sacrifices the common file-system interface that enables application interoperability by organizing data under a global logical namespace for easy access and protecting data for secure sharing. The second part, Aerie, fills this gap. Aerie exposes a flexible file-system interface to SCM using user-mode libraries that access file data directly through memory. Aerie retains both the benefits of direct access and the sharing and protection features of file systems.
An X/Ku Dual-Band Switchless Frequency Reconfigurable GaAs Power Amplifier

This letter presents an <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$X$ </tex-math></inline-formula>/ <italic>Ku</italic> dual-band switchless power amplifier (PA) with frequency reconfigurable operation in a 0.25-<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> GaAs pHEMT process. The proposed reconfigurable PA consists of one dual-band drive amplifier and two single-band amplifiers in parallel. The first stage drive amplifier works in dual-band mode of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$X$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band and <italic>Ku</italic>-band, and the two single-band amplifiers work in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$X$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band and <italic>Ku</italic>-band, respectively. An interstage coupled line is used to split the dual-band frequencies into high-band (<italic>Ku</italic>-band) and low-band (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$X$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-band), and the output-stage coupled line acts as a combiner. The operating frequency band of the proposed PA can be changed by turning off drain voltages of unused single-band amplifiers. Measurements results show that the proposed reconfigurable PA features a maximum power-added efficiency (PAE) of 44.4% and a power gain of 19.6 dB while delivering an output power of 29.6 dBm at 8.5–9.5 GHz of the low-band mode. At 15.5–16.5 GHz of the high-band mode, the PA achieves a maximum PAE of 38.4%, a power gain of 18.1 dB with an output power of 30.1 dBm. The chip area of the proposed reconfigurable PA is 2 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\times $ </tex-math></inline-formula> 2 mm<sup>2</sup> including all RF and dc pads.
Fault Detection in the Blade and Pitch System of a Wind Turbine with H2 PI Observers

In this work, we present a fault detection strategy applicable to the blade and pitch system in offshore wind turbines. First, we model the system and possible faults and propose a PI observer to identify the faults. Then, the observer is designed accounting the sensors measurement noise, and addressing a trade off between the needs of false alarm rate, minimum detectable fault and detection time. By means of a well known benchmark, several simulations show the goodness of the approach and its flexibility to explicitly fix the fault detector performance.
Outcome of Surgical Management in Lumber Disc Prolapse: A Study in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Professor and Head, Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery,Addin womens medical college hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh Professor and Head, Department of Orthopedics, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh Junior consultant, DGHS, Mohakhali, Deputation in BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh Assistant professor, Department of Orthopedics, Holy Family Red Cresent Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, Mymensingh Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh Medical officer, Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, Addin Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh Medical officer, Department of Orthopedics and Spine Surgery, National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Is ovarian recovery after chemotherapy in young patients with early breast cancer influenced by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for fertility preservation or tumor characteristics? Results of a prospective study in 126 patients

Young individuals, aged <40 years, represent 7% of all patients with early breast cancer (EBC), most of whom receive chemotherapy. Preserving future fertility in these patients has become a major concern. This prospective study assessed ovarian function during and after chemotherapy according to patient and tumor characteristics and evaluated the outcome of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Ovarian reserve was evaluated in terms of amenorrhea duration and by longitudinal serum anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) level variations measured at study entry, during treatment and until 24 months thereafter. COH has been proposed for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. We studied the association between clinical factors and ovarian function using Cox models and logistic regression. In this young population (age < 38 years, median = 32), 85 of 90 evaluable patients (94%) experienced chemo‐induced amenorrhea, including six persistent amenorrhea and one chemotherapy‐induced definitive ovarian failure. Overall, 33% of patients still had undetectable AMH values 12 months after the end of chemotherapy, although most had recovered spontaneous and regular menstrual function. No specific factor was associated with clinical or biological late ovarian dysfunction, except for age and baseline AMH value. Overall, 58 patients underwent COH. The mean number of total retrieved oocytes and metaphase II oocytes were of 11.7 and 6.9, respectively. Thus, our study confirms the importance of fertility preservation in young patients with EBC. Our findings indicate that sequential chemotherapy is associated with a higher risk of persistent amenorrhea. There was no significant association between tumor characteristics, fertility preservation or recovery of ovarian reserve.
Interference Detection Algorithm of Aircraft Components Assembly based on Measured Data

Parts manufacture deviation may cause interference in aircraft components assembly, and the handling of interference is a complex work. In order to solve this problem, the paper proposes an interference detection method based on measured data. First, the assembly feature was obtained by fitting the point cloud (PC) data, then the feature was used to align PC model with theoretical assembly model, so that the PC model could be placed at theoretical position. Furthermore, individual parts were marked and paired in accordance with whether they form interfaces (only direct surface-to-surface contact between components), and the interfaces were regionally partitioned from the complete model. Finally, a series of parallel sections were used to perform intersection operation on the fitted surfaces, and the intersecting point set on each section needed curve fitting so as to calculate the interference and clearance values. This method can quickly calculate the interference distribution of actual assembly parts. Based on the interference, the handling of follow-up assembly could be guided quantitatively. The feasibility and validity of this method are demonstrated by an aircraft wing box case, proving that it can improve the efficiency of aircraft components assembly.
Resistive SFCL Integrated Ultra-fast DC Hybrid Circuit Breaker for Subsea HVDC Transmission Systems

HVDC power transmission systems do not encounter any natural zero crossing unlike the AC systems and hence the DC circuit breakers employed should be fast-acting and reliable to ensure safe operation. Circuit breakers (CB) that have fast response time with lower energy loss dissipation are required for subsea HVDC transmission systems. This paper investigates the performance of various CB topologies including ultra-fast coupled inductor hybrid circuit breaker (CIHCB) topology without and with the integration of resistive type superconducting fault current limiter (R-SFCL) for a 100 kV, 100 MW HVDC transmission systems. It is found that the addition of R-SFCL with 1.7 ms response time decreases the peak current through the breaker and hence the power dissipated in the CB during short circuit fault conditions. Thus, the rating of CB can be significantly decreased with the proposed topology. Further, a comparison of power loss in CIHCB with the existing topologies such as mechanical CB (MCB), resonant CB (RCB) and HVDC-hybrid CB (HVDC-HCB) are also presented in this paper.
Spectral Units Analysis of Quadrangle H05‐Hokusai on Mercury

MESSENGER mission data allowed the entire surface of Mercury to be mapped at various spatial scales, from both geological and compositional stand points. Here, we present a spectral analysis of the H05‐Hokusai quadrangle, using data acquired by the MESSENGER Mercury Dual Imaging System‐Wide Angle Camera. We defined a suitable set of parameters, such as reflectance and spectral slopes, to study the spectral variation though the definition of spectral units. The determination of spectral units permits to infer the physical and compositional properties of a surface by processing several parameters simultaneously, instead of the more traditional approach of interpreting each single parameter separately. We identified 11 spectral units within H05, six large scale and five localized units. The large scale units include the northern smooth plains of Borealis Planitia. South‐western H05 is characterized by two widespread spectral units, partially overlapping intercrater plains and intermediate plains. Furthermore, we found very localized spectral units corresponding to the low‐reflectance blue material of Rachmaninoff basin and the high‐reflectance red material of Nathair Facula. We investigated the link between spectral units and compositional maps obtained by GRS and XRS, to associate compositional information to the spectral units. We found some spectral units are correlated with Mg and Al variations displayed in the elemental maps. This implies that spectral variations associated to these units are mainly linked with composition rather than terrain maturity and/or grain size effects.
Review on the implication on the control of transboundary and trade barrier animal diseases in Ethiopia

Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) are highly contagious diseases of livestock within the world. they need importance within the international trade of animals and animal products. With rapidly increasing globalization, associated risk of transboundary disease is emerging. They reduce production and productivity, disrupt local and national economies, and also threaten human health (zoonosis). Transboundary diseases are a priority globally, cumulative effort is required at the international level to attenuate the spread of infectious diseases across the borders. except for sub-Saharan African countries more particularly, eradication of most Transboundary animal diseases is impossible thanks to various technical, financial and logistical reasons like increased outbreaks of transboundary animal diseases droughts and market issues. In Ethiopia Transboundary animal diseases are endemic livestock diseases that cause market limits. This imposes far-reaching challenges for agricultural scientists on the critically important have to improve technologies in animal production and health so as to confirm food security, poverty alleviation and to assist the economic process. The international approach to the management of TADs is predicated on the belief that the majority is often eradicated. However, in developing countries, eradication of most TADs is difficult for a range of technical, financial and logistical reasons. General TADs combating strategies include prevention, early warning, early detection and early control.
Experimental Study on the Interplay between Different Brine Types/Concentrations and CO2 Injectivity for Effective CO2 Storage in Deep Saline Aquifers

Salt precipitation during CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers can have severe consequences on injectivity during carbon storage. Extensive studies have been carried out on CO2 solubility with individual or mixed salt solutions; however, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no substantial study to consider pressure decay rate as a function of CO2 solubility in brine, and the range of brine concentration for effective CO2 storage. This study presents an experimental core flooding of the Bentheimer sandstone sample under simulated reservoir conditions to examine the effect of four different types of brine at a various ranges of salt concentration (5 to 25 wt.%) on CO2 storage. Results indicate that porosity and permeability reduction, as well as salt precipitation, is higher in divalent brines. It is also found that, at 10 to 20 wt. % brine concentrations in both monovalent and divalent brines, a substantial volume of CO2 is sequestered, which indicates the optimum concentration ranges for storage purposes. Hence, the magnitude of CO2 injectivity impairment depends on both the concentration and type of salt species. The findings from this study are directly relevant to CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers as well as screening criteria for carbon storage with enhanced gas and oil recovery processes.
Routing and Spectrum Allocation in Dynamic Optical Satellite Networks

Due to the advantages of global coverage and large capacity, satellite optical networks (OSNs) have been widely used in military and commercial applications. However, time-varying topology and coarse-grained resource partitioning pose a challenge on routing and spectrum allocation. This paper proposes a resource space-time evolving graph (RSTEG) to achieve fine-grained resource representation. Based on RSTEG, the problem of routing and spectrum allocation in dynamic OSN can be transformed into the problem of maximizing the amount of transferred data under limited resources, which is an integer programming problem. For reducing complexity, a two-stage path determination and resource allocation (TPDRA) algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. Results demonstrate that TPDRA can significantly improve transferred data compared with other alternative algorithms.
An image reconstruction framework for characterizing initial visual encoding

We developed an image-computable observer model of the initial visual encoding that operates on natural image input, based on the framework of Bayesian image reconstruction from the excitations of the retinal cone mosaic. Our model extends previous work on ideal observer analysis and evaluation of performance beyond psychophysical discrimination, takes into account the statistical regularities of the visual environment, and provides a unifying framework for answering a wide range of questions regarding the visual front end. Using the error in the reconstructions as a metric, we analyzed variations of the number of different photoreceptor types on human retina as an optimal design problem. In addition, the reconstructions allow both visualization and quantification of information loss due to physiological optics and cone mosaic sampling, and how these vary with eccentricity. Furthermore, in simulations of color deficiencies and interferometric experiments, we found that the reconstructed images provide a reasonable proxy for modeling subjects’ percepts. Lastly, we used the reconstruction-based observer for the analysis of psychophysical threshold, and found notable interactions between spatial frequency and chromatic direction in the resulting spatial contrast sensitivity function. Our method is widely applicable to experiments and applications in which the initial visual encoding plays an important role.
Estimating the Value of 'Going for it' (When No One Does)

This paper estimates success rates and the value of "going for it" on fourth down using three alternative approaches. First, the paper uses actual fourth down attempts from all regular season NFL games played in 1998, 1999 and 2000. It uses early quarter data and functional form assumptions to estimate success rates at various to go distances. It also uses all fourth down attempts and a Heckman selection model to account for the selection bias in the data. Second, the paper estimates success rates at various positions and to go distances from simulated data using Madden NFL 07. Third, the paper estimates a game theoretic structural model of fourth down attempts using actual third down data and estimated expected points. Romer (2006) claims to demonstrate that American football teams systematically err in their choice of whether to punt or "go for it" on fourth down, and uses those results to argue that firms do not maximize profits. The analysis below calls into question whether Romer indeed successfully demonstrated that football teams punt too often, which in turn casts doubt on the more general conclusions he drew from his results.