Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FPGA-Based Hybrid-Type Implementation of Quantized Neural Networks for Remote Sensing Applications

Recently, extensive convolutional neural network (CNN)-based methods have been used in remote sensing applications, such as object detection and classification, and have achieved significant improvements in performance. Furthermore, there are a lot of hardware implementation demands for remote sensing real-time processing applications. However, the operation and storage processes in floating-point models hinder the deployment of networks in hardware implements with limited resource and power budgets, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). To solve this problem, this paper focuses on optimizing the hardware design of CNN with low bit-width integers by quantization. First, a symmetric quantization scheme-based hybrid-type inference method was proposed, which uses the low bit-width integer to replace floating-point precision. Then, a training approach for the quantized network is introduced to reduce accuracy degradation. Finally, a processing engine (PE) with a low bit-width is proposed to optimize the hardware design of FPGA for remote sensing image classification. Besides, a fused-layer PE is also presented for state-of-the-art CNNs equipped with Batch-Normalization and LeakyRelu. The experiments performed on the Moving and Stationary Target Acquisition and Recognition (MSTAR) dataset using a graphics processing unit (GPU) demonstrate that the accuracy of 8-bit quantized model drops by about 1%, which is an acceptable accuracy loss. The accuracy result tested on FPGA is consistent with that of GPU. As for the resource consumptions of FPGA, the Look Up Table (LUT), Flip-flop (FF), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and Block Random Access Memory (BRAM) are reduced by 46.21%, 43.84%, 45%, and 51%, respectively, compared with that of floating-point implementation.
Tissue Transglutaminase Mediated Tumor–Stroma Interaction Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression

Purpose: Aggressive pancreatic cancer is commonly associated with a dense desmoplastic stroma, which forms a protective niche for cancer cells. The objective of the study was to determine the functions of tissue transglutaminase (TG2), a Ca2+-dependent enzyme that cross-links proteins through transamidation and is abundantly expressed by pancreatic cancer cells in the pancreatic stroma. Experimental Design: Orthotopic pancreatic xenografts and coculture systems tested the mechanisms by which the enzyme modulates tumor–stroma interactions. Results: We show that TG2 secreted by cancer cells effectively molds the stroma by cross-linking collagen, which, in turn, activates fibroblasts and stimulates their proliferation. The stiff fibrotic stromal reaction conveys mechanical cues to cancer cells, leading to activation of the YAP/TAZ transcription factors, promoting cell proliferation and tumor growth. Stable knockdown of TG2 in pancreatic cancer cells leads to decreased size of pancreatic xenografts. Conclusions: Taken together, our results demonstrate that TG2 secreted in the tumor microenvironment orchestrates the cross-talk between cancer cells and stroma fundamentally affecting tumor growth. Our study supports TG2 inhibition in the pancreatic stroma as a novel strategy to block pancreatic cancer progression. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4482–93. ©2015 AACR.
Curcumin ameliorated myocardial infarction by inhibition of cardiotoxicity in the rat model

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death globally. Many attempts have been done to ameliorate the pathological changes after the occurrence of myocardial infarction. Curcumin is touted as a polyphenol phytocompound with appropriate cardioprotective properties. In this study, the therapeutic effect of curcumin was investigated on acute myocardial infarction in the model of rats. Rats were classified into four groups; control, isoproterenol hydrochloride (ISO) (100 mg/kbw), curcumin (50 mg/kbw), and curcumin plus ISO treatment groups. After 9‐day administration of curcumin, levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were determined. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were measured to investigate the oxidative status in infarct rats received curcumin. By using H & E staining, tissue inflammation was performed. Masson’s trichrome staining was conducted to show cardiac remodeling and collagen deposition. The number of apoptotic cells was determined by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Data showed the serum decrease of LDH, CK, and cTnI in infarct rats after curcumin intake compared to the rats given (ISO) ( P < 0.05). Curcumin was found to reduce oxidative status by reducing SOD and MDA contents ( P < 0.05). Gross and microscopic examinations revealed that the decrease of infarct area, inflammation response and collagen deposition in rats given ISO plus curcumin ( P < 0.05). We noted the superior effect of curcumin to reduce the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes after 9 days. Data point the cardioprotective effect of curcumin to diminish the complication of infarction by the reduction of cell necrosis and apoptosis in a rat model of experimental infarction.
Preparedness for caregiving: A phenomenological study of the experiences of rural Australian family palliative carers.

The care of people with life-limiting illnesses is increasingly moving away from an acute setting into the community. Thus, the caregiver role is growing in significance and complexity. The importance of preparing and supporting family caregivers is well established; however, less is known about the impact of rurality on preparedness and how preparedness shapes the caregiving continuum including bereavement. The aim of this study, conducted in 2017, was to explore how bereaved rural family palliative carers described their preparedness for caregiving. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed following semi-structured interviews with four women and six men (N = 10, aged 55-87 years). Participants were recruited voluntarily through past engagement with a Regional Specialist Palliative Care Consultancy Service in Australia. The experiences of caregivers illustrated a lack of preparedness for the role and were characterised by four major themes: Into the unknown, Into the battle, Into the void and Into the good. The unknown was associated with a lack of knowledge and skills, fear, prognostic communication, exclusion, emotional distress and grief experience. Battles were experienced in a number of ways: intrapsychically (existing within the mind), through role conflict and identity; interpersonally with the patient, clinician and family; and systematically (against health, financial and legal systems). The void was felt during isolation in caregiving, in relinquishing the role, in bereavement and in feeling abandoned by service providers. Positive experiences, such as being valued, included and connected to supports, and the fostering of closer relationships and deeper meaning, occurred less frequently but temporarily buffered against negative aspects. Implications from this study for policy and practice centre on the frequent, purposeful and genuine engagement of caregivers. Services and clinicians are encouraged to enhance communication practices, promote meaningful inclusion, address access issues and enhance support at role relinquishment.
Prophylactic pulmonary vein isolation during cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for atrial flutter: A meta‐analysis

Atrial arrhythmias (AA), including atrial fibrillation (AF), have been reported in patients after cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation for typical atrial flutter (AFL). Several studies have examined the effect of performing concomitant pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with CTI on recurrent AA. These studies were analyzed to determine the overall effect of this approach on recurrent AA.
Tunable Electronic Properties of Nitrogen and Sulfur Doped Graphene: Density Functional Theory Approach

We calculated the band structures of a variety of N- and S-doped graphenes in order to understand the effects of the N and S dopants on the graphene electronic structure using density functional theory (DFT). Band-structure analysis revealed energy band upshifting above the Fermi level compared to pristine graphene following doping with three nitrogen atoms around a mono-vacancy defect, which corresponds to p-type nature. On the other hand, the energy bands were increasingly shifted downward below the Fermi level with increasing numbers of S atoms in N/S-co-doped graphene, which results in n-type behavior. Hence, modulating the structure of graphene through N- and S-doping schemes results in the switching of “p-type” to “n-type” behavior with increasing S concentration. Mulliken population analysis indicates that the N atom doped near a mono-vacancy is negatively charged due to its higher electronegativity compared to C, whereas the S atom doped near a mono-vacancy is positively charged due to its similar electronegativity to C and its additional valence electrons. As a result, doping with N and S significantly influences the unique electronic properties of graphene. Due to their tunable band-structure properties, the resulting N- and S-doped graphenes can be used in energy and electronic-device applications. In conclusion, we expect that doping with N and S will lead to new pathways for tailoring and enhancing the electronic properties of graphene at the atomic level.
What Do We Teach Psychiatric Residents About Suicide? A National Survey of Chief Residents

ObjectiveBecause of the clinical significance of patient suicide for trainees and current limited information on this essential educational subject, the authors sought to determine what topics involving the care of suicidal patients were taught to residents in psychiatry training programs.MethodsChief residents of psychiatry training programs across the United States (response rate 59%) anonymously completed questions on what and how the care of suicidal patients was taught. Topics that required more attention and barriers to teaching were also identified.ResultsA vast majority of the national programs (91%) offered formal teaching on suicide care; grand rounds (85%) and case conferences (80%) were also popular methods for teaching. Even the topics most commonly taught, such as risk factors, recognizing early warning signs, and standards of clinical care, were judged to warrant more attention by many residents. Commonly identified barriers to teaching included the lack of audio or video teaching materials and relevant texts. Only 19% of chief residents reported that they felt prepared for the possibility of having to manage the aftermath of a patient suicide.ConclusionThe chief residents identified a need for programs to focus even more attention on teaching of the care of suicidal patients in training programs.
Occipitocervical Fusion and Posterior Fossa Decompression in Neglected Jefferson Fracture-Dislocation of Atlas Associated With Odontoid Peg Fracture: A Case Report

ABSTRACT Background: Only a few cases of traumatic atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation have been reported, and neglected cases are seldom found because of the fatal nature of this condition. Methods: We reported a neglected case of Jefferson fracture-dislocation associated with type II displaced odontoid peg fracture which was nonambulatory and myelopathic. A surgical plan involving posterior fossa decompression and laminectomy of the posterior arch of atlas following posterior spinal instrumentation was then conducted. Results: Patient experienced marked neurologic recovery and was able to stand and walk with assistance during the early postoperative period. Conclusions: This procedure may be an effective alternative treatment in neglected cases.
Physical Qualities Pertaining to Shorter and Longer Change-of-Direction Speed Test Performance in Men and Women

This study investigated relationships between shorter (505, change-of-direction (COD) deficit as a derived physical quality) and longer (Illinois agility test; IAT) COD tests with linear speed, lower-body power (multidirectional jumping), and strength in recreationally-trained individuals. Twenty-one males and 22 females (similar to collegiate club-sport and tactical athletes) were assessed in: 505 and COD deficit from each leg; IAT; 20 m sprint; vertical jump (VJ height, peak anaerobic power measured in watts (PAPw), power-to-body mass ratio); standing broad jump; lateral jump (LJ) from each leg; and absolute and relative isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) strength. Partial correlations calculated sex-determined relationships between the COD and performance tests, with regression equations calculated (p < 0.05). The 505 and IAT correlated with all tests except PAPw and absolute IMTP (r = ±0.43–0.71). COD deficit correlated with the LJ (r = −0.34–0.60). Left- and right-leg 505 was predicted by sex, 20 m sprint, and left-leg LJ (70–77% explained variance). Right-leg COD deficit was predicted by sex and left-leg LJ (27% explained variance). IAT was predicted by sex, 20 m sprint, right-leg LJ, and relative IMTP (84% explained variance). For individuals with limited training time, improving linear speed, and relative lower-body power and strength, could enhance shorter and longer COD performance.
IMI – Myopia Genetics Report

The knowledge on the genetic background of refractive error and myopia has expanded dramatically in the past few years. This white paper aims to provide a concise summary of current genetic findings and defines the direction where development is needed. We performed an extensive literature search and conducted informal discussions with key stakeholders. Specific topics reviewed included common refractive error, any and high myopia, and myopia related to syndromes. To date, almost 200 genetic loci have been identified for refractive error and myopia, and risk variants mostly carry low risk but are highly prevalent in the general population. Several genes for secondary syndromic myopia overlap with those for common myopia. Polygenic risk scores show overrepresentation of high myopia in the higher deciles of risk. Annotated genes have a wide variety of functions, and all retinal layers appear to be sites of expression. The current genetic findings offer a world of new molecules involved in myopiagenesis. As the missing heritability is still large, further genetic advances are needed. This Committee recommends expanding large-scale, in-depth genetic studies using complementary big data analytics, consideration of gene-environment effects by thorough measurement of environmental exposures, and focus on subgroups with extreme phenotypes and high familial occurrence. Functional characterization of associated variants is simultaneously needed to bridge the knowledge gap between sequence variance and consequence for eye growth.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of basic versus biofeedback-mediated intensive pelvic floor muscle training for female stress or mixed urinary incontinence: protocol for the OPAL randomised trial

Introduction Accidental urine leakage is a distressing problem that affects around one in three women. The main types of urinary incontinence (UI) are stress, urgency and mixed, with stress being most common. Current UK guidelines recommend that women with UI are offered at least 3 months of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). There is evidence that PFMT is effective in treating UI, however it is not clear how intensively women have to exercise to give the maximum sustained improvement in symptoms, and how we enable women to achieve this. Biofeedback is an adjunct to PFMT that may help women exercise more intensively for longer, and thus may improve continence outcomes when compared with PFMT alone. A Cochrane review was inconclusive about the benefit of biofeedback, indicating the need for further evidence. Methods and analysis This multicentre randomised controlled trial will compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of PFMT versus biofeedback-mediated PFMT for women with stress UI or mixed UI. The primary outcome is UI severity at 24 months after randomisation. The primary economic outcome measure is incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year at 24 months. Six hundred women from UK community, outpatient and primary care settings will be randomised and followed up via questionnaires, diaries and pelvic floor assessment. All participants are offered six PFMT appointments over 16 weeks. The use of clinic and home biofeedback is added to PFMT for participants in the biofeedback group. Group allocation could not be masked from participants and healthcare staff. An intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome will estimate the mean difference between the trial groups at 24 months using a general linear mixed model adjusting for minimisation covariates and other important prognostic covariates, including the baseline score. Ethics and dissemination Approval granted by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 4 (16/LO/0990). Written informed consent will be obtained from participants by the local research team. Serious adverse events will be reported to the data monitoring and ethics committee, the ethics committee and trial centres as required. A Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials checklist and figure are available for this protocol. The results will be published in international journals and included in the relevant Cochrane review. Trial registration number ISRCTN57746448; Pre-results.
Transmissibility of Field Isolates of Soybean Viruses by Aphis glycines.

During the 2001 growing season, 191 symptomatic soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ) plants were dug from production plots in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV), Peanut stunt virus (PSV), Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV), and Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) were identified. No mixed infections were observed. The ability of the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsamura) to transmit field isolates of these viruses was tested. Using naturally infected field- or greenhouse-grown soybean plants as sources, six isolates of SMV and two isolates of AMV were transmitted using a short feeding assay. One of two isolates of TRSV was transmitted by A. glycines in one of four experiments using an extended feeding transmission assay. BPMV was not transmitted by A. glycines in assays involving 11 field isolates and over 840 aphids. One field isolate each of BYMV and PSV were tested and no transmission by A. glycines was observed.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of Leptospira johnsonii sp. nov., Leptospira ellinghausenii sp. nov. and Leptospira ryugenii sp. nov. isolated from soil and water in Japan

In a previous study, 50 of 132 soil samples collected throughout Japan were found to be Leptospira‐positive. In the present study, three strains identified in the collected specimens, three, E8, E18 and YH101, were found to be divergent from previously described Leptospira species according to 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis. These three strains have a helical shape similar to that of typical Leptospira and were not re‐isolated from experimental mice inoculated with the cultured strains. Upon 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis, E8 was found to belong to the intermediate Leptospira species clade and E18 and YH101 to belong to the saprophytic Leptospira species clade. Based on analyses of genome‐to‐genome distances and average nucleotide identity in silico using whole genome sequences and DNA–DNA hybridization in vitro, these isolates were found to be distinct from previously described Leptospira species. Therefore, these three isolates represent novel species of the genus Leptospira for which the names Leptospira johnsonii sp. nov., (type strain E8 T, = JCM 32515 T = CIP111620 T), Leptospira ellinghausenii sp. nov., (type strain E18 T, = JCM 32516 T = CIP111618 T) and Leptospira ryugenii sp. nov., (type strain YH101 T, = JCM 32518 T = CIP111617 T) are proposed.
Effect of stent crimping on calcification of transcatheter aortic valves.

OBJECTIVES Although many challenges related to the acute implantation of transcatheter aortic valves have been resolved, durability and early degeneration are currently the main concerns. Recent reports indicate the potential for early valve degeneration and calcification. However, only little is known about the underlying mechanisms behind the early degeneration of these valves. The goal of this study was to test whether stent crimping increases the risk for early calcification. METHODS Stented valves that were crimped at 18-Fr and 14-Fr catheter and uncrimped controls were exposed to a standard calcifying solution for 50 million cycles in an accelerated wear test system. Subsequently, the leaflets of the valves were imaged by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) followed by histochemical staining and microscopic analyses to quantify calcification and other changes in the leaflets' characteristics. RESULTS Heavily calcified regions were found over the stent-crimped leaflets compared to uncrimped controls, particularly around the stent's struts. Micro-CT studies measured the total volume of calcification in the uncrimped valves as 77.31 ± 1.63 mm3 vs 95.32 ± 5.20 mm3 in 18-Fr and 110.01 ± 8.33 mm3 in 14-Fr stent-crimped valves, respectively. These results were congruent with the increase in leaflet thickness measured by CT scans (0.44 ± 0.07 mm in uncrimped valves vs 0.69 ± 0.15 mm and 0.75 ± 0.09 mm in 18-Fr and 14-Fr stent-crimped valves, respectively). Histological studies confirmed the micro-CT results, denoting that the percentage of calcification in uncrimped leaflets at the valve's posts was 5.34 ± 3.97 compared to 19.97 ± 6.18 and 27.64 ± 13.17 in the 18-Fr and 14-Fr stent-crimped leaflets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study concludes that stent-crimping damage is associated with a higher level of passive leaflet calcification, which may contribute to early valve degeneration.