Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Traffic Sign Detection and Recognition for Intelligent Transportation Systems: A Survey

With the development of intelligent transportation systems (ITSs), traffic sign detection and recognition methods play a vital role in unmanned vehicle driving (UVD) and traffic flow forecasting. However, due to the real-time and reliability features in traffic systems, each traffic sign should be handled in a specified interval to ensure the accuracy of the detection and recognition results. To this point, images captured by the vehicle’s image sensors recognize traffic signs on the road to help drivers correctly operate their vehicles and even drive themselves. In this research area, the first step is to locate the area of traffic signs as the detection range, and the second step is to recognize the types of traffic signs detected. This paper presents a survey of the research results of scholars over the years, analyses the research results and presents the findings in summarized categories. Then, the prospects of future research regarding intelligent system implementations for traffic sign detection and recognition are elaborated. We hope this summary will lead to a boom in more original research on our smart city.
A unique exonuclease ExoG cleaves between RNA and DNA in mitochondrial DNA replication

Abstract Replication of sufficient mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is essential for maintaining mitochondrial functions in mammalian cells. During mtDNA replication, RNA primers must be removed before the nascent circular DNA strands rejoin. This process involves mitochondrial RNase H1, which removes most of the RNA primers but leaves two ribonucleotides attached to the 5′ end of nascent DNA. A subsequent 5′-exonuclease is required to remove the residual ribonucleotides, however, it remains unknown if any mitochondrial 5′-exonuclease could remove two RNA nucleotides from a hybrid duplex DNA. Here, we report that human mitochondrial Exonuclease G (ExoG) may participate in this particular process by efficiently cleaving at RNA–DNA junctions to remove the 5′-end RNA dinucleotide in an RNA/DNA hybrid duplex. Crystal structures of human ExoG bound respectively with DNA, RNA/DNA hybrid and RNA–DNA chimeric duplexes uncover the underlying structural mechanism of how ExoG specifically recognizes and cleaves at RNA–DNA junctions of a hybrid duplex with an A-form conformation. This study hence establishes the molecular basis of ExoG functioning as a unique 5′-exonuclease to mediate the flap-independent RNA primer removal process during mtDNA replication to maintain mitochondrial genome integrity.
Efficacy of trifocal intraocular lens: visual outcomes and patient satisfaction

Introduction: Phacoemulsification is gaining popularity for cataract removal and refractive lens exchange, and the continued evolution of equipment, techniques and intraocular lens. Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) design, has resulted in the evolution of postoperative goals to include not only visual restoration but to improve patient satisfaction as well as visual outcomes and quality of life. The aim is to evaluate visual and refractive results following implantation of a trifocal diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) and to determine patient satisfaction and glasses independence. This was a prospective study enrolling 74 eyes of 42 patients undergoing lens removal surgery with implantation of trifocal diffractive Medicontur IOL (Liberty). Visual and refractive outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and 6-month postoperatively. Patient satisfaction, spectacle use, photic phenomena presence, and ease of performance of vision-related activities were assessed via questionnaire. 74 patients included in this study entirely patients finished the 6-month after surgery. 77% were males and 23% females, 84% of them with age ≤ 30 years old and 16% > 30 years old mean range of age (45.04 ± 12.3) years (19–69 years). 99% of them with glare absent while 99% of patient with no eyes discomfort, (100%) did not require glasses for near or far vision postoperatively, This table show difference between visual acuity of patients after and before surgery (P-value< 0.05), so there is a difference between VA for near before and after surgery, there was difference between refraction after and before surgery (P-value< 0.05) and refraction in spherical is better after surgery. In conclusion, implantation of the Medicontur trifocal IOL (Liberty) after lens removal surgery restores visual acuity with a minimal level of photic phenomena, better to doing normal everyday actions with no glasses, and with good satisfaction of patients after operation.
Strategies for the improvement of HCV testing and diagnosis

ABSTRACT Introduction: The improvement of number of people diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is crucial to reach the WHO objectives for eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. Alternatives to classical HCV virological tests using serum or plasma taken from venous puncture including point-of-care (POC) tests and dried blood spot (DBS) are being considered for HCV screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Reflex nucleic acid testing and HCV core antigen test have the potential to simplify diagnostic algorithm, increase diagnosis and facilitate linkage to care. Areas covered: This review examines strategies for the improvement of HCV testing and diagnosis including alternatives to classical HCV virological tests and approaches for simplified diagnostic algorithms. Expert opinion: Serological and molecular POC tests are now available for HCV antibody and HCV RNA detections in less than 20 and 60, respectively. DBS offers the main advantage to store desiccated blood that can be easily transported to reference centers where state-of-the-art molecular and serological diagnostic tests are used. Simplifications of diagnostic algorithms are urgently needed to enhance HCV testing, linkage to care and treatment.
Advances in understanding of presbycusis

The pathophysiology of age‐related hearing loss (ARHL), or presbycusis, involves a complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors. The fundamental biomolecular mechanisms of ARHL have been well described, including the roles of membrane transport, reactive oxygen species, cochlear synaptopathy, vascular insults, hormones, and microRNA, to name a few. The genetic basis underlying these mechanisms remains under‐investigated and poorly understood. The emergence of genome‐wide association studies has allowed for the identification of specific groups of genes involved in ARHL. This review highlights recent advances in understanding of the pathogenesis of ARHL, the genetic basis underlying these processes and suggests future directions for research and potential therapeutic avenues.
Safety of Albumin and Hydroxyethyl Starch as Priming Fluid for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Cardiac Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) has been widely used for volume expansion, but its safety as priming fluid for cardiopulmonary bypass has been questioned recently. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the safety of albumin and hydroxyethyl starch as priming fluid for cardiopulmonary bypass.Methods: Pubmed, Embase database and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients who received HES or albumin as priming fluid for cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery published up to October 2019. Two reviewers independently extracted the valid data, including the length of ICU stay, ventilator time, the length of hospital stay, crystal volume, fresh frozen plasma, platelet input, blood loss, blood platelet count. hemoglobin value, fibrin, APTT, PT, urea, creatinine and urine volume. Meta-analysis was performed with revman version 5.3. Results: Total 9 RCTs involving 452 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with albumin, HES had similar effects on the length of ICU stay(MD = 0.70；95%CI：-0.14 to 1.55；P = 0.10；I2 = 89%);ventilation time(MD = 2.31 ;95%CI-3.93 to 8.55;P = 0.47,I2 = 60%); the length of hospital stay(MD = -0.31;95% CI:-2.00 to 1.37; P = 0.71 ;I2 = 0%); crystal volume(SMD = 0.26;95% CI:-0.09 to 0.61; P = 0.15;I2 = 0%); fresh frozen plasma(SMD = 0.25；95%CI：-0.08 to 0.59；P = 0.66；I2 =0%); platelet input(SMD =-0.17;95% Cl:-0.59 to 0.26;P =0.45;I2 = 0%);blood loss (SMD =0.31;95% Cl:-0.01 to 0.63;P = 0.06;I2 =29%);platelet count (SMD =-0.21;95% cl :-0.54 to 0.11; P = 0.20;I2 = 29% );hemoglobin value(SMD =0.1;95% CI: -0.15 to 0.36;P = 0.42; I2 = 0% ); fibrin (SMD =0.12;95% CI: -0.19 to 0.44 ; P = 0.45; I2 = 0% );APTT(MD =1.13;95% CI: -2.06 to 4.32 ; P = 0.49; I2 = 0%);PT(MD =0.10;95% CI: -0.21 to 0.40,P = 0.52; I2 = 0%);creatinine(SMD =0.09;95% CI: -0.32 to 0.50 ; P = 0.66; I2 = 51% );urine volume(SMD =0.11;95% CI: -0.26 to 0.48 ; P = 0.55; I2 = 43% ). but did not increase urea (SMD =-0.46;95% CI: -0.81 to -0.11; P = 0.01; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: HES was safe and effective compared to albumin as priming fluid for cardiopulmonary bypass because it did not affect renal function, coagulation function, liquid input, or the length of ICU stay and ventilation time of patients.
Sensory prediction errors in the human midbrain signal identity violations independent of perceptual distance

The firing of dopaminergic midbrain neurons is thought to reflect prediction errors (PE) that depend on the difference between the value of expected and received rewards. However, recent work has demonstrated that unexpected changes in value-neutral outcome features, such as identity, can evoke similar responses. It remains unclear whether the magnitude of these identity PEs scales with the perceptual dissimilarity of expected and received rewards, or whether they are independent of perceptual similarity. We used a Pavlovian transreinforcer reversal task to elicit identity PEs for value-matched food odor rewards, drawn from two perceptual categories (sweet, savory). Replicating previous findings, identity PEs were correlated with fMRI activity in midbrain, OFC, piriform cortex, and amygdala. However, the magnitude of identity PE responses was independent of the perceptual distance between expected and received outcomes, suggesting that identity comparisons underlying sensory PEs may occur in an abstract state space independent of straightforward sensory percepts.
Molecular Phylogeny of Dermacentor parumapertus (Acari: Ixodidae) from Two Locations Within Its Geographical Range

Abstract Dermacentor parumapertus Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae) is a rather obscure tick found on jackrabbits in the western United States and parts of Canada and Mexico. Specimens from the northern part of their range are consistently different morphologically from ones found in southern and eastern parts of their range (particularly west Texas), leading some researchers to declare the southern form a variety or subspecies. This study examined field-collected adult D. parumapertus from two main locations—Utah and Texas—within its geographic distribution to ascertain the degree of genetic divergence in the two populations based upon both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences. In total, 30 D. parumapertus were analyzed by PCR using both mtDNA and nDNA genes, and one D. nitens was included for comparison. Trees were constructed for all mtDNA genes individually, as well as after concatenating mtDNA (COI, COII, 12S) and nDNA (2 ITS2 primers), respectively. All constructed trees were exported to FigTree v1.4. 3 and TreeGraph v2.14. 1–771 beta for visualization. The majority of the Utah and Texas populations of D. parumapertus separated molecularly in both mtDNA and nDNA trees; however, analysis with mtDNA genes showed that 3/13 (23%) of Utah tick specimens were removed molecularly from other specimens collected at the same location. Thus, there was not enough evidence to declare these two disparate and morphologically different populations as distinct and separate species.
Effects of Resveratrol, Berberine, and Their Combinations on Reactive Oxygen Species, Survival, and Apoptosis in Human Squamous Carcinoma (SCC-25) Cells.

BACKGROUND Levels of cellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) influence the oxidized/reduced states of cellular proteins, and create redox-signaling pathways that can activate transcription factors, kinases, and phosphatases. ROS levels can be increased radically by external factors, including ionizing and UV radiation or exposure to chemical compounds. These increased ROS levels can in turn lead to oxidative damage of DNA. Natural plant treatments against cancer can modulate that processes by inducing or decreasing ROS production. METHODS Here we report new observations that squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cells, exposed to 24 hours of combined resveratrol and berberine treatment contained increased ROS levels. Using flow cytometry, for drug activity characteristic, an accumulation of ROS was observed. Combination of different dyes, CellROX Green (Life Technologies) and DCFH-DA (Sigma), allowed for flow cytometric estimation of levels of cellular ROS as well as cellular localization. RESULTS Live staining and microscopic observations confirmed the accumulation of ROS in SCC-25 cells following combination treatment at concentrations of 10 µg/ml. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of the compounds were significantly improved after their, combined application. Additive effects were observed for doses lower than the calculated IC50 of berberine [IC50=23 µg/ml] and resveratrol [IC50=9 µg/ml]. Viability (MTS) assays and analysis of isobolograms revealed a significant impact on cell viability upon combination treatment. CONCLUSION These results suggest that administration of berberine, in the presence of resveratrol, could be decreased even to 50% (half the IC50 for berberine) for cancer treatment.
A Systematic Review of the Association Between Bereavement and Biomarkers of Immune Function.

OBJECTIVE Bereavement is associated with increased risk for morbidity and all-cause mortality across epidemiological, meta-analytic, and case-control studies. The body of research examining the association between bereavement and immune function, beginning in 1977, has yet to be reviewed. The current systematic review clarifies these findings, identifies limitations of the diverse literature, and suggests a model and directions for future research. METHODS The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were used to synthesize 41 years of research. Compared with a meta-analysis, a systematic review is appropriate given the heterogeneous nature of the studies. We used the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tool to assess the quality of select studies. RESULTS Thirty-three publications met inclusion criteria. Most studies support the association between bereavement and maladaptive changes in immune parameters in adults, with mixed findings on bereavement-related changes in cellular immunity. A handful of recent, good-quality studies show bereaved people demonstrate higher levels of systemic inflammation, maladaptive immune cell gene expression, and lower antibody response to vaccination compared with nonbereaved controls. Individual differences in psychological response to bereavement (e.g., depression, grief) seem to influence the association between bereavement and immune function. CONCLUSIONS Research examining the association between bereavement and biomarkers of immune function is heterogeneous in methods and quality. Despite these limitations, there is evidence supporting maladaptive changes in immune function after bereavement. The research area would benefit from longitudinal research with larger sample sizes, advanced immunological methods, and incorporating measures of psychological responses to bereavement. The field is poised to refine and scale up its investigation of this common and important phenomenon.
Multistage continuous countercurrent diafiltration for formulation of monoclonal antibodies

There is growing interest in the development of fully integrated and continuous biomanufacturing processes for the production of monoclonal antibody products. A recent study has demonstrated the feasibility of using a two‐stage countercurrent diafiltration (DF) process for continuous product formulation, but this system did not provide sufficient levels of buffer exchange for most applications. The objective of this study was to design and test a three‐stage countercurrent DF system that could achieve at least 99.9% buffer exchange over 24 hr of continuous operation. Experimental data were obtained using concentrated solutions of human immunoglobulin G as a model protein, with the extent of vitamin B12 removal used to track the extent of DF. Pall Cadence™ inline concentrators with Delta 30 kD regenerated cellulose membranes were used in the three stages to achieve high conversion in a single pass. The three‐stage system showed stable operation with >99.9% vitamin B12 removal and a minimal increase in pressure over the full 24 hr. Modules were effectively cleaned using sodium hydroxide, with nearly complete recovery of water permeability. A simple economic analysis was presented that accounts for the trade‐offs between quantity of buffer used and membrane costs for this type of countercurrent staged DF process. The results provide important insights to the design and operation of a continuous process for antibody formulation.
Digital Marketing: Significance and Trending Strategies During COVID-19

Marketers are faced with new challenges and opportunities within this digital age. Digital marketing is the utilization of electronic media by the marketers to promote the products or services into the market. The main objective of digital marketing is attracting customers and allowing them to interact with the brand through digital media. The paper focuses on significance of digital marketing during COVID-19 and also discusses some trending digital marketing strategies.
A 60-heme reductase complex from an anammox bacterium shows an extended electron transfer pathway.

The hydroxylamine oxidoreductase/hydrazine dehydrogenase (HAO/HDH) protein family constitutes an important group of octaheme cytochromes c (OCCs). The majority of these proteins form homotrimers, with their subunits being covalently attached to each other via a rare cross-link between the catalytic heme moiety and a conserved tyrosine residue in an adjacent subunit. This covalent cross-link has been proposed to modulate the active-site heme towards oxidative catalysis by distorting the heme plane. In this study, the crystal structure of a stable complex of an HAO homologue (KsHAOr) with its diheme cytochrome c redox partner (KsDH) from the anammox bacterium Kuenenia stuttgartiensis was determined. KsHAOr lacks the tyrosine cross-link and is therefore tuned to reductive catalysis. The molecular model of the KsHAOr-KsDH complex at 2.6 Å resolution shows a heterododecameric (α6β6) assembly, which was also shown to be the oligomeric state in solution by analytical ultracentrifugation and multi-angle static light scattering. The 60-heme-containing protein complex reveals a unique extended electron transfer pathway and provides deeper insights into catalysis and electron transfer in reductive OCCs.
Preclinical imaging of epidermal growth factor receptor with ABY‐029 in soft‐tissue sarcoma for fluorescence‐guided surgery and tumor detection

Fluorescence‐guided surgery using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting has been performed successfully in clinical trials using a variety of fluorescent agents. We investigate ABY‐029 (anti‐EGFR Affibody® molecule labeled with IRDye 800CW) compared with a small‐molecule perfusion agent, IRDye 700DX carboxylate, in a panel of soft‐tissue sarcomas with varying levels of EGFR expression and vascularization.
Financing the Litigation Arms Race

Using a dynamic model of litigation, we show that the increasingly popular practice of third-party litigation financing has ambiguous welfare implications. A defendant and a plaintiff bargain over a settlement payment. The defendant takes costly actions to avoid deadweight losses associated with large transfers to the plaintiff. Litigation financing bolsters the plaintiff, leading to larger deadweight losses. However, by endogenously deterring the defendant from taking costly actions, litigation financing can nonetheless improve the joint surplus of the plaintiff and the defendant. In contrast to popular opinion, litigation financing does not necessarily encourage high-risk frivolous lawsuits.
Immunocyte Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy

Simple Summary Cancer immunotherapy is a breakthrough in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, despite the encouraging results in clinical treatment, cancer immunotherapy such as CAR-T, PD-1 still faces lots of challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new methods to improve the effectiveness and safety of tumor immunotherapy. In recent years, cell membrane-coated nanomaterial is one of the most promising drug delivery systems and is receiving a great deal of attention due to its naturally biocompatible characteristics. This review summarizes the latest research progress, the advantages, the disadvantages, and the application of immunocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Despite the advances in surface bioconjugation of synthetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, simple biological functionalization is still insufficient to replicate complex intercellular interactions naturally. Therefore, these foreign nanoparticles are inevitably exposed to the immune system, which results in phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system and thus, loss of their biological significance. Immunocyte membranes play a key role in intercellular interactions, and can protect foreign nanomaterials as a natural barrier. Therefore, biomimetic nanotechnology based on cell membranes has developed rapidly in recent years. This paper summarizes the development of immunocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles in the immunotherapy of tumors. We will introduce several immunocyte membrane-coated nanocarriers and review the challenges to their large-scale preparation and application.
Torsemide versus furosemide and intermediate-term outcomes in patients with heart failure: an updated meta-analysis

Aims Loop diuretics have become a mainstay of chronic heart failure management. Furosemide and torsemide are the two most common loop diuretics; nevertheless, there is inconsistent evidence regarding the optimal choice of loop diuretic with respect to clinical outcomes. Methods Medline and Cochrane Databases were systemically reviewed for randomized and observational studies comparing patients with chronic heart failure on oral torsemide versus oral furosemide and their association with intermediate-term outcomes (5–12 months) through May 2018. Odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for outcomes. A random effect model was used to account for heterogeneity among studies. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Higgins I-square statistic. Results A total of 8127 patients were included in the analysis from a total of 14 studies (10 randomized, four observational); 5729 patients were prescribed furosemide and 2398 were given torsemide. There was no significant difference in intermediate-term mortality among heart failure patients on furosemide compared with torsemide [odds ratio (OR) 1.01, CI 0.64–1.59, I2 = 65.8%]; however, furosemide was associated with an increased risk of heart failure readmissions (OR 2.16, CI 1.28–2.64, I2 = 0.0%). Heart failure patients taking torsemide were more likely to have an improvement in New York Heart Association class compared with those on furosemide (OR 0.73, CI 0.58–0.93, I2 = 19.6%). Conclusion Torsemide is associated with a reduction in intermediate-term heart failure readmissions and improvement in New York Heart Association class compared with furosemide but is not associated with a reduced mortality risk. Additional randomized trials are needed to examine the impact of loop diuretics on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure.