Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA Sequencing Identifies a Serum MicroRNA Panel, Which Combined With Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index Can Detect and Monitor Liver Disease in Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF)‐associated liver disease (CFLD) is a hepatobiliary complication of CF. Current diagnostic modalities rely on nonspecific assessments, whereas liver biopsy is the gold standard to assess severity of fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate liver disease pathogenesis and are proposed as diagnostic biomarkers. We investigated the combined use of serum miRNAs and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio (APRI) to diagnose and assess CFLD severity. This was a cross‐sectional cohort study of the circulatory miRNA signature of 124 children grouped by clinical, biochemical, and imaging assessments as follows: CFLD (n = 44), CF patients with no evidence of liver disease (CFnoLD; n = 40), and healthy controls (n = 40). Serum miRNAs were analyzed using miRNA sequencing (miRNA‐Seq). Selected differentially expressed serum miRNA candidates were further validated by qRT‐PCR and statistical analysis performed to evaluate utility to predict CFLD and fibrosis severity validated by liver biopsy, alone or in combination with APRI. Serum miR‐122‐5p, miR‐365a‐3p, and miR‐34a‐5p levels were elevated in CFLD compared to CFnoLD, whereas miR‐142‐3p and let‐7g‐5p were down‐regulated in CFLD compared to CFnoLD. Logistic regression analysis combining miR‐365a‐3p, miR‐142‐3p, and let‐7g‐5p with APRI showed 21 times greater odds of accurately predicting liver disease in CF with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) = 0.91 (sensitivity = 83%, specificity = 92%; P < 0.0001). Expression levels of serum miR‐18a‐5p were correlated with increasing hepatic fibrosis (HF) stage in CFLD (rs = 0.56; P < 0.0001), showing good diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing severe (F3‐F4) from mild/moderate fibrosis (F0‐F2). A unit increase of miR‐18a‐5p showed a 7‐fold increased odds of having severe fibrosis with an AUROC = 0.82 (sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 73%; P = 0.004), indicating its potential to predict fibrosis severity. Conclusion: We identified a distinct circulatory miRNA profile in pediatric CFLD with potential to accurately discriminate liver disease and fibrosis severity in children with CF.
An Optical Technique for Simultaneous Beamforming and Cross-Correlation

This paper presents a method of greatly simplifying the processing of received signals from antenna arrays through the use of a coherent optical system for signal processing. It is shown that a coherent optical system is ideally suited for carrying out beamforming operations. Several other advantages of coherent optics for this application are also discussed. A major result is a technique for forming several unambiguous beams simultaneously by correlating the signals from two linear arrays. The coherent optics technique permits this operation to be carried out with extreme simplicity.
EVIDENCE ON BOARD SIZE AND ITS IMPACT ON CEO PAY-PERFORMANCE SENSITIVITY

Recent literature asserts that board size is one of the crucial determinants in board monitoring. We conjecture optimal board size leads to effective and efficient decision-making. Using a U.S. firm sample from year 1996 to 2005, we examine whether board size has any impact on one of the main tasks of board monitoring – appropriate compensation for CEOs. Specifically, we investigate if board size is associated with CEOs’ pay-performance sensitivity. Agency theory suggests top managers’ compensation be structured in alignment with shareholder wealth. If a board is vigilant, managers who create (destroy) wealth should be rewarded (penalized). By using value added models, we construct a new sensitivity measure of CEO compensation to wealth added per share. Our findings indicate that there is a non-linear relationship between board size and CEO pay-performance sensitivity. As the board size becomes bigger, the pay-performance sensitivity follows a pattern that first increases and then decreases. JEL Classification: G39
The Usefulness of Chromogenic Media for Qualitative and Semi-Quantitative Diagnostic of Urinary Tract Infections

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of chromogenic media for isolation of bacteria from urine and direct identification of UTI pathogens. A total of 100 urine specimens were inoculated on blood agar and MacConkey agar as a reference method and on the following media to be tested: chromID® CPS® Elite (CPSE, bioMérieux), CHROMagarTM Orientation (BioMaxima), BD CHROMagar Orientation Medium (ORI, Becton Dickinson), CHROMagarTM Orientation (ORIE, Graso) and Brillance UTI Clarity Agar (UTI C, Oxoid). After a 24-hour incubation period, 47 Gram-positive cocci and 62 Gram-negative rods were observed. The specificity and sensitivity of all chromogenic media was 97.3% and 93.5% respectively for qualitative diagnostic; and 81.9% and 81.3% respectively for semi-quantitative diagnostic. The mean PPV and NPV of the chromogenic media were 98.7% and 87.7% for qualitative UTI diagnostic, and 90.9% and 71.9% respectively for semi-quantitative diagnostic.
A V-band, high gain, low noise, monolithic PHEMT amplifier mounted on a small hermetically sealed metal package

V-band, high gain, low noise, monolithic amplifiers based on 0.15-μm AlGaAs-InGaAs-GaAs pseudomorphic HEMT's have been developed. The four-stage amplifier has been assembled on a small hermetically sealed metal package and has achieved a noise figure of 3 dB with a small signal gain of 42.2 dB at 51 GHz. The overall amplifier measured 14.2×20.0×2.3 mm3. The two-stage amplifier has been mounted on a carrier-type fixture and has achieved a noise figure of 2.5 dB with a small signal gain of 20.4 dB at 51.5 GHz. These results represent the best noise figure and the highest gain ever achieved by a monolithic amplifier using GaAs- or InP-based HEMT devices at these frequencies.
The Electrical Transmission of Pictures and Images

The objective of this paper is a discussion of some of the important principles underlying the electrical transmission of pictures rather than a description of detailed methods by which such transmission may be effected. The subject, which includes both still pictures and television, is treated as a special form of electrical communication, differing from other forms primarily in the nature of the information conveyed. The necessity for reducing the information represented by a picture or scene to a form where it may be expressed as a single-valued function of time is considered. This function is used as a basis for comparing picture transmission systems with the more familiar telephone and telegraph systems, and for evaluating the amount of information carried by each. The dependence of the rate at which information is train mitted upon the frequency range occupied by the signal is shown to be of fundamental importance. The major portion of the paper is concerned with a study of the relations between the original picture and the transmitted signal as it appears in the several parts of the system. Since the excellence of any system for the transmission of intelligence is measured by the fidelity with which it reproduces the original information, the effect upon the final picture of deviations from ideal performance on the part of each element is examined. Attention is given to the conditions governing the use of modulated waves for the particular forms of signal encountered in picture transmission.
Preparation and Characterization of AgNPs In Situ Synthesis on Polyelectrolyte Membrane Coated Sericin/Agar Film for Antimicrobial Applications

Antibacterial materials are of great importance in preventing bacterial adhesion and reproduction in daily life. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial nanomaterial that has attracted significant attentions for its ability to endow natural materials with antibacterial ability. Silk sericin (SS) has a great advantage for biomaterial application, as it is a natural protein with excellent hydrophilicity and biodegradability. In this study, we prepared AgNPs and polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM) modified SS/Agar films through the layer-by-layer adsorption technique and ultraviolet-assisted AgNPs synthesis method. The film was well characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Other properties such as water contact angle, wettability and tensile strength, the release of silver were also studied. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs-PEM-SS/Agar film was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as the model microorganisms by the inhibition zone and bacterial growth curve assays. The results suggested that the AgNPs-PEM-SS/Agar film had excellent mechanical performance, high hydrophilicity, prominent water absorption ability, as well as outstanding and durable antibacterial activity. Therefore, the prepared novel AgNPs-PEM-SS/Agar composite film is proposed as a potentially favorable antibacterial biomaterial for biomedical applications.
Multicrossover Randomized Controlled Trial Designs in Alzheimer Disease

Conventional parallel group randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are too large, long, expensive and insensitive to clinical change to meet the urgent need for an effective treatment. While providing good evidence for a treatment's benefit, parallel group RCTs in AD must have very large samples and broad measures of change to accommodate the marked heterogeneity of demographics, genetics, symptoms, pathophysiologies, comorbidities and rates of progression. Multi-crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind RCTs, including those with sample sizes as small as a single subject ("N-of-1"), are robust designs wherein subjects serve as their own controls in repeated blocks of randomly sequenced crossover treatments. Heterogeneities are inherently controlled and the sensitivity, specificity and clinical relevance of outcomes can be enhanced further by including personalized outcome measures for each individual. Multi-crossover N-of-1 RCTs enable unbiased estimation of efficacy for single subjects, and joint analysis of multiple N-of-1 trials enables estimation of efficacy for populations with much smaller sample sizes than those needed in conventional parallel group studies. It is important to identify carryover effects and natural history time trends to achieve unbiased estimation and testing of the treatment effect. We assert that in AD, multi-crossover RCTs offer many advantages over standard parallel group trials for drugs or other treatments with suitable mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; despite the fact that they are almost never conducted. They may be especially useful for therapies directed at symptomatic improvement of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, but also can be used in early phase studies of disease modifying treatments with biomarker outcome measures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Comparative effectiveness of telemonitoring versus usual care for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims This study evaluated clinical effectiveness of telemonitoring on the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods We searched Ovid-Medline, Ovid-EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials that compared telemonitoring and usual care in patients with type 2 diabetes. Results Thirty-eight studies (6855 patients) were included. Telemonitoring was associated with a significant decrease in glycated haemoglobin levels compared to usual care (weighted mean difference –0.42%, 95% confidence interval –0.56 to –0.27) but there was evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 96.9%). Telemonitoring was associated with a significant glycated haemoglobin reduction when biological data were transmitted through a web-based device weekly, when voice feedback was performed daily or immediately and when patients were provided with counselling. Telemonitoring also reduced glycated haemoglobin level in studies that monitored patients’ medication adherence, provided counselling, education and alarm message. The rate of achieving glycated haemoglobin levels of < 7% was 1.8 times higher in the telemonitoring group compared to the usual care group (risk ratio 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.35 to 2.47, I2 = 0%). There was also significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference –1.33 mm Hg) and body mass index (weighted mean difference –0.25 kg/m2), but the clinical relevance of these results can be questioned. The data available on patient satisfaction, quality of life, medication adherence, prescription changes, stress and depression were limited. Conclusions Telemonitoring interventions may be a better option than usual care in improving glycated haemoglobin control of patients with type 2 diabetes. Further studies should assess clinical benefit according to specific delivery modes of the intervention and patient-reported outcomes.
A High-Efficiency Grid-Modulated Amplifier

A method of applying impedance inversion to the grid-modulated amplifier is described. Two tubes are employed in the modulated stage with their plate circuits connected through the electrical equivalent of a quarter-wave transmission line, and the modulating voltage is applied to the grids in series with the grid bias. By this means, high efficiency and large power output per tube are obtained. Efficiences of 65 to 80 per cent are readily secured during both modulated and unmodulated intervals as compared with 60 to 65 per cent for the high-efficiency linear amplifier. The output per tube is also greater than that of the high-efficiency linear amplifier. Only a small amount of modulating power is required, and this system is particularly adaptable to negative feedback. The effect of the impedance-inverting network on modulated waves is discussed. A simplified method of adjusting the tuned circuits of the impedance inverter is described. Formulas are derived for output and efficiency for both the high-efficiency grid modulator and the high-efficiency linear amplifier.
Variation Trends of Fine Particulate Matter Concentration in Wuhan City from 2013 to 2017

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is directly associated with smog and has become the primary factor that threatens air quality in China. In order to investigate the variation patterns of PM2.5 concentrations in various regions of Wuhan city across different time spans, we analyzed continuous monitoring data from six monitoring sites in Wuhan city from 2013 to 2017. The results showed that the PM2.5 concentration from the various monitoring sites in the five-year period showed a decreasing trend. January, October, and December are the three months with relatively high mean monthly PM2.5 concentrations in the year, while June, July, and August are the three months with relatively low mean monthly PM2.5 concentrations in the year. The number of days with a daily mean concentration of 35–75 μg/m3 was the highest, while the number of days with a daily mean concentration of more than 250 μg/m3 was the lowest. PM2.5 accounted for a large proportion of the major pollutants and is the main source of air pollution in Wuhan city, with an average proportion of over 46%.
An Optimal Data Association Problem in Surveillance Theory

This paper contains a theoretical analysis of the data association problem of a common type of surveillance system. By a method of inverse probability, the optimal data processor is obtained which permits maximum likelihood estimates to be made of the true data-surveillance object association. The maximum likelihood estimator is given in a form that lends itself to sequential computations performed in real time as the data arrives. Examples of the use of this estimator make clear the precise mathematical meaning of such terms as tentative, confirmed, and established data tracks, and the concept of search areas. The analytical technique is of general use in a variety of surveillance situations. Computer implementations are possible.
On the Oscillations of a Circuit Having a Periodically Varying Capacitance

A previous theoretical study of a dissipationless oscillatory circuit having a periodically varying capacity predicted the existence of several interesting types of oscillations. An experimental investigation of such a circuit was therefore made. The results of this investigation are presented in this paper. The dissipation was reduced to a minimum by means of an associated vacuum tube in a regenerative connection. An auxiliary condenser and rotating commutator produced the periodic capacity variation. The nature of the oscillations was studied by means of oscillograph and meter measurements of the currents in the several parts of the circuit and by the use of headphones. A quite good agreement with theory was found, consistent with the deviations of the experimental conditions from the theoretically postulated ones. The oscillations were generally of a complicated nonsinusoidal character, but assumed a substantially sinusoidal form for certain adjustments of the circuit. The frequency of these sinusoidal oscillations was twice that of the capacity variation. Periodic oscillations were found to occur when, approximately, α = 2ω0/n, n = 1, 2, 3, . , where ω0is the natural angular velocity of the circuit for the mean capacity value and α is the angular velocity of the capacity variation. Failure of all oscillations for certain circuit adjustments was related to the inherent loss of energy in the switching method employed for varying the capacity. The theory had predicted certain unstable conditions for which the amplitude should increase without limit.
Finding a marked node on any graph by continuous time quantum walk

Spatial search by a discrete-time quantum walk can find a marked node on any ergodic, reversible Markov chain $P$ quadratically faster than its classical counterpart, i.e., in a time that is in the square root of the hitting time of $P$. However, in the framework of continuous-time quantum walks, it was previously unknown whether such general speedup is possible. In fact, in this framework, the widely used quantum algorithm by Childs and Goldstone fails to achieve such a speedup. Furthermore, it is not clear how to apply this algorithm for searching any Markov chain $P$. In this article we aim to reconcile the apparent differences between the running times of spatial search algorithms in these two frameworks. We first present a modified version of the Childs and Goldstone algorithm which can search for a marked element for any ergodic, reversible $P$ by performing a quantum walk on its edges. Although this approach improves the algorithmic running time for several instances, it cannot provide a generic quadratic speedup for any $P$. Second, using the framework of interpolated Markov chains, we provide a spatial search algorithm by a continuous-time quantum walk which can find a marked node on any $P$ in the square root of the classical hitting time. In the scenario where multiple nodes are marked, the algorithmic running time scales as the square root of a quantity known as the extended hitting time. Our results establish a connection between discrete-time and continuous-time quantum walks and can be used to develop a number of Markov chain-based quantum algorithms.
Role of exosomal competing endogenous RNA in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Recent research has tried to use exosomal RNAs (coding and noncoding) as potential diagnostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Initially, by using bioinformatics, we selected an HCC‐exosomal RNA‐based biomarker panel. The choice of this panel depends on the integration of Ras‐related in brain (RAB11A) gene expression and its competing endogenous network. This network includes long noncoding RNA RP11‐513I15.6 (lncRNA‐RP11‐513I15.6) and microRNA‐1262 (miR‐1262). Secondly, we tried to validate the expression of this network in the sera of 60 patients with HCC in comparison with 42 chronic hepatitis C virus‐infected patients and 18 healthy controls. Then we assessed the diagnostic efficiency of this panel using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The panel of 3 exosomal RNA‐based biomarkers (lncRNA‐RP11‐513I15.6, miR‐1262, and RAB11A) showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in discriminating patients with HCC from patients with chronic hepatitis C virus and healthy controls. Among these 3 RNAs, serum RAB11A mRNA was the most independent prognostic factor. The selected circulatory exosomal RNA‐based biomarker panel showed its ability to be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker tool for HCC. Moreover, these biomarkers could be therapeutic targets.
Modelling Alzheimer's disease: Insights from in vivo to in vitro three‐dimensional culture platforms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by progressive memory loss, impairment of other cognitive functions, and inability to perform activities of daily life. The key to understanding AD aetiology lies in the development of effective disease models, which should ideally recapitulate all aspects pertaining to the disease. A plethora of techniques including in vivo, in vitro, and in silico platforms have been utilized in developing disease models of AD over the years. Each of these approaches has revealed certain essential characteristics of AD; however, none have managed to fully mimic the pathological hallmarks observed in the AD human brain. In this review, we will provide details into the genesis, evolution, and significance of the principal methods currently employed in modelling AD, the advantages and limitations faced in their application, including the headways made by each approach. This review will focus primarily on two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional in vitro modelling of AD, which during the last few years has made significant breakthroughs in the areas of AD pathology and therapeutic screening. In addition, a glimpse into state‐of‐the‐art neural tissue engineering techniques incorporating biomaterials and microfluidics technologies is provided, which could pave the way for the development of more accurate and comprehensive AD models in the future.
An exploration into the motivation for gluten avoidance in the absence of coeliac disease

Aim: To explore the motivation for gluten avoidance in the absence of coeliac disease (CD) and ascertain what symptoms are triggered by gluten and what beliefs/reasons influence this decision. Background: Links between physical/psychological symptoms and gluten in CD are well known but less is known about those who self-select a gluten-free diet (GFD) in the absence of CD. Methods: An empirical study using responses to an anonymous on-line questionnaire. Closed questions were used as a screening tool to exclude participants who had CD, wheat allergy or were following a low FODMAP diet. Data from participants using a GFD in the absence of a medical diagnosis was then analysed using thematic analysis. Results: 120 initial responses, 87 were completed in full. 23 respondents fulfilled the inclusion criteria for thematic analysis. 7 different themes emerged, including one for signs/symptoms. Other themes identified included difficulties of a GFD, health beliefs, feelings and influence on decision to follow a GFD. Responses indicate that the reasons for gluten avoidance are in the most part reasoned and logical and were based around participants’ self-management of symptoms. Conclusion: Symptoms included those typical of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but also infertility, low mood/energy, immune function and weight management and visual and auditory hallucinations. It appears the majority of responses analysed thematically could fit into the spectrum of non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Findings also suggest more support at all levels of medical care may help patients establish if it is gluten, rather than wheat or FODMAPs particularly fructans that are contributing to signs/symptoms.