Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Minimally Invasive Tubular Surgery with Conventional Surgery in the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Metastasis

Background This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative safety and efficacy of minimally invasive tubular surgery for patients with spinal metastasis. Methods A total of 161 consecutive patients with spinal metastasis between June 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 36 patients were included in this study, 14 patients underwent minimally invasive tubular surgery (M), and 22 patients underwent conventional surgery (C). T-test and chi-square tests were used to evaluate demographic and perioperative data differences between the two groups. Results Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between M and C groups except for the SINS (p=0.002) and preoperative Alb (p=0.026). There was no significant difference in operative time and complications between M and C groups (p<0.05). The M group had less mean blood loss than the C group (1275 vs 718mL, p=0.045). Blood transfusion was comparable between the two groups (p<0.05). The mean amount and drainage time were lower than the C group (141 vs 873mL, p<0.001; 3.1 vs 7.0 days, P<0.001). The mean postoperative hospitalization of the M group was 8.8 days, which was lower than the C group (11.3 days, p=0.045). Sub-analysis showed that for patients with hyper-vascular tumor, the M group had less mean amount and time of drainage compared with the C group (p<0.05); for patients with hypo-vascular tumor, the mean blood loss and amount of blood transfusion were also reduced in M group (p<0.05). The mean blood loss and drainage time of patients with hypo-vascular tumors were less than patients with hyper-vascular tumors in the M group (p<0.05). Conclusion In selected cases, minimally invasive tubular surgery is safe and effective for patients with spinal metastasis. Patients with hypo-vascular tumors were more suitable for this technique with less blood loss, fewer blood transfusions, minor drainage, and shorter postoperative hospitalization.
An MRI-compatible tactile display device based on IPN-CP pastille-shaped actuators

This paper discusses the design and the realization of a prototype magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible tactile display device based on interpenetrated networks of conductive polymer actuators shaped into a pastille form. The electro-active polymers are investigated as an alternative solution to conceive tactile displays dedicated to fMRI studies. The tactile display is a 3×3 matrix- arranged pin; each pin is actuated independently and linked with the pastille-shaped IPN-CP actuator through a unilateral contact without intermediary motion or force amplification mechanism. All the technical aspects are discussed and presented.
VLC-BASED MEDICAL HEALTHCARE INFORMATION SYSTEM

Nowadays, wireless communication technologies are employed in medical body area networks to enhance flexibility and convenience for caregivers and patients. However, there is always the risk of disturbance from electromagnetic waves toward precision medical equipment. This study demonstrates a novel design and implementation of a medical healthcare information system using the emerging wireless visible light communication (VLC) technology. VLC technology can be implemented using visible light emitting diodes (LED), which is expected to be the main lighting source in the near future due to its energy efficient characteristic compared to conventional incandescent and fluorescent lighting. By manipulating the fast switching characteristic of LEDs, these lighting devices can be used simultaneously for illumination and wireless data communication. The prototype design of the VLC-based medical healthcare system can be used to provide data service and monitoring in radio frequency restricted hospital areas. High brightness LED (HB-LED) is used in the transmitter module to transmit medical and healthcare information using optical modulation method. High speed photodetector is used to detect the optical signal, then the signal is demodulated and conditioned at the receiver module. Medical caregivers or patients can download the biomedical data and healthcare information using a portable device with attached optical sensor.
Multiple cooperative unmanned air vehicles engaging multiple targets time-optimally

This article presents a solution to the real-time control of cooperative unmanned air vehicles that engage multiple targets in a time-optimal manner. Techniques to allocate vehicles dynamically to targets and to find the time-optimal control actions of vehicles are proposed. The effectiveness of the time-optimal control technique is first demonstrated through numerical examples. The proposed control strategy is then applied to two practical problems: firstly ten vehicles engage four targets where each target must be engaged by three vehicles, and secondly, four vehicles engage ten targets where each target must be engaged by two vehicles. The numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy, and the applicability to the real-time control and the scalability of the proposed control strategy are further discussed.
Co-channel interference analysis for mobile radio suffering lognormal shadowed Nakagami fading

Determination of the outage performance of a cellular mobile system in lognormal shadowed Nakagami fading environments has been the focus of many researchers. However, general results are not available in the literature. The difficulty arises from the philosophy which attempts to determine first the outage probability for Nakagami fading and then average it over lognormal distributions. The consequence is outage expressions in the form of an intractable multi-fold integral. By formulating the problem in the framework of characteristic functions and naturally combining the two separated steps in a single one, the author obtains an expression for outage probability always in the form of a two-fold integral no matter how many co-channel users are in operation. The outage probability so obtained can be accurately and efficiently evaluated by using the Hermite and Gaussian quadrature. It thereby provides a general analysis tool for lognormal shadowed Nakagami channels with arbitrary parameters. Numerical results are also presented to illustrate the theory.
The new relational schemas of inter-firms cooperation: the case of the Coahuila automobile cluster in Mexico

This paper shows the first findings of a research project that tries to help local supply-base to integrate the global automotive supply chains. With a holistic framework it analyses the new organisational patterns in the Mexican automotive industry value chain. In particular the evolution towards greater relational interdependency between automotive actors. This research project, in partnership with assemblers, suppliers and local authorities, tries to organise a set of key performance indicators specific to the local cluster. In fact, the project seeks to improve the dynamic competitive advantages and to integrate strategies to provide greatest local value.
Lentinan Attenuates Damage of the Small Intestinal Mucosa, Liver, and Lung in Mice with Gut-Origin Sepsis

This study is aimed at exploring the effects of lentinan on small intestinal mucosa as well as lung and liver injury in mice with gut-origin sepsis. Cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) were used to construct a mouse model of gut-origin sepsis. The mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation group (sham), gut-origin sepsis model group (CLP), ulinastatin-positive drug control group (UTI), lentinan low concentration group (LTN-L, 5 mg/kg), lentinan medium concentration group (LTN-M, 10 mg/kg), and lentinan high concentration group (LTN-H, 20 mg/kg). H&E staining was used to detect the pathological damage of the small intestine, liver, and lung. The serum of mice in each group was collected to detect the expression changes of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and liver function indexes. In vitro assessment of bacterial translocation was achieved through inoculated culture media. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of molecules related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in the small intestine tissues of mice. The results showed that compared with the CLP group, the injury degree of the small intestine, liver, and lung in mice with gut-origin sepsis was improved with the increase of lentinan concentration. In addition, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and HMGB1 were decreased with the increase of lentinan concentration, but the expression of IL-10 was increased. Lentinan could also reduce the expression of oxidative stress injury indexes and liver function indexes and inhibit bacterial translocation to liver and lung tissues. Further mechanism investigation revealed that lentinan downregulated the expression of the NF-κB signaling pathway molecules (NF-κB, TLR4, and Bax) and upregulated the expression of occludin and Bcl-2. In conclusion, lentinan inhibits the activity of the NF-κB signaling pathway, thus attenuating injuries of small intestinal mucosa and liver and lung in mice with gut-origin sepsis and reducing the inflammatory response in the process of sepsis.
Overexpression of HER2/HER3 and clinical feature of ovarian cancer

Objectives Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) and 3 (HER3) belong to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases. In this study, we assessed HER2/HER3 expression levels in specimens of epithelial ovarian cancer and determined their correlation with clinical features of ovarian cancer. Methods Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were prepared from paraffin blocks of 105 ovarian tumour samples. HER2, HER3, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, S6, and p-S6 expression levels were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). HER2 and HER3 amplifications were determined using in situ hybridization (ISH). The correlation between HER2/3 expression and disease outcome of the patients including surgical outcome, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was analysed. Results HER2 positivity was 3.8% by IHC and 5.7% by ISH, whereas that of HER3 was 12.4% and 8.6%, respectively. HER2 status by either IHC or ISH was not related to PFS (p=0.128, 0.168, respectively) and OS (p=0.245, 0.164, respectively). However, the HER3 status determined using fluorescence ISH was associated with poor PFS (p=0.035 on log rank test), which was a significant risk factor even after adjusting other possible risk factors in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio=2.377 [1.18–7.49], p=0.021). Expressions of Akt, p-mTOR, and S6 were also related with poor progression (p=0.008, 0.049, 0.014, respectively). Conclusion HER3 is possibly an independent marker for poor prognosis in individuals with ovarian cancer, as the HER3 signalling pathway is distinct from that of HER2. The possibility of targeted therapy for patients with HER3 alteration in ovarian cancer should be evaluated.
Integrated SDM database: Enhancing the relevance and utility of species distribution models in conservation management

Species' ranges are changing at accelerating rates. Species distribution models (SDMs) are powerful tools that help rangers and decision‐makers prepare for reintroductions, range shifts, reductions and/or expansions by predicting habitat suitability across landscapes. Yet, range‐expanding or ‐shifting species in particular face other challenges that traditional SDM procedures cannot quantify, due to large differences between a species' currently occupied range and potential future range. The realism of SDMs is thus lost and not as useful for conservation management in practice. Here, we address these challenges with an extended assessment of habitat suitability through an integrated SDM database (iSDMdb). The iSDMdb is a spatial database of predicted sites in a species' prediction range, derived from SDM results, and is a single spatial feature that contains additional, user‐friendly data fields that synthesise and summarise SDM predictions and uncertainty, human impacts, restoration features, novel preferences in novel spaces and management priorities. To illustrate its utility, we used the endangered New Zealand sea lion Phocarctos hookeri. We consulted with wildlife rangers, decision‐makers and sea lion experts to supplement SDM predictions with additional, more realistic and applicable information for management. Almost half the data fields included in this database resulted from engaging with these end‐users during our study. The SDM found 395 predicted sites. However, the iSDMdb's additional assessments showed that the actual suitability of most sites (90%) was questionable due to human impacts. >50% of sites contained unnatural barriers (fences, grazing grasslands), and 75% of sites had roads located within the species' range of inland movement. Just 5% of the predicted sites were mostly (>80%) protected. Integrating SDM results with supplemental assessments provides a way to address SDM limitations, especially for range‐expanding or ‐shifting species. SDM products for conservation applications have been critiqued for lacking transparency and interpretation support, and ineffectively communicating uncertainty. The iSDMdb addresses these issues and enhances the practical relevance and utility of SDMs for stakeholders, rangers and decision‐makers. We exemplify how to build an iSDMdb using open‐source tools, and how to make diverse, complex assessments more accessible for end‐users.
A Novel Deoxynivalenol-Activated Wheat Arl6ip4 Gene Encodes an Antifungal Peptide with Deoxynivalenol Affinity and Protects Plants against Fusarium Pathogens and Mycotoxins

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most widespread trichothecene mycotoxins in contaminated cereal products. DON plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of Fusarium graminearum, but the molecular mechanisms of DON underlying Fusarium–wheat interactions are not yet well understood. In this study, a novel wheat ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 6-interacting protein 4 gene, TaArl6ip4, was identified from DON-treated wheat suspension cells by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). The qRT-PCR result suggested that TaArl6ip4 expression is specifically activated by DON in both the Fusarium intermediate susceptible wheat cultivar Zhengmai9023 and the Fusarium resistant cultivar Sumai3. The transient expression results of the TaARL6IP4::GFP fusion protein indicate that TaArl6ip4 encodes a plasma membrane and nucleus-localized protein. Multiple sequence alignment using microscale thermophoresis showed that TaARL6IP4 comprises a conserved DON binding motif, 67HXXXG71, and exhibits DON affinity with a dissociation constant (KD) of 91 ± 2.6 µM. Moreover, TaARL6IP4 exhibited antifungal activity with IC50 values of 22 ± 1.5 µM and 25 ± 2.6 µM against Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata, respectively. Furthermore, TaArl6ip4 interacted with the plasma membrane of Fusarium graminearum spores, resulting in membrane disruption and the leakage of cytoplasmic materials. The heterologous over-expression of TaArl6ip4 conferred greater DON tolerance and Fusarium resistance in Arabidopsis. Finally, we describe a novel DON-induced wheat gene, TaArl6ip4, exhibiting antifungal function and DON affinity that may play a key role in Fusarium–wheat interactions.
Evaluation of a Solid-Liquid Seperator

ABSTRACT SOLID-LIQUID separation systems were investigated for pre-processing dairy manure prior to anaerobic digestion. The objective was to produce a solids fraction dry enough for use as bedding (greater than 30%), and a Uquid fraction with a total solids content of 7 to 9%. The following systems were evaluated: (a) sloping screen-screwpress combination, (b) screen-screwpress with addition of spraying of recycled liquid on the screen, (c) a perforated pressure roller placed between the screen and the screwpress, and (d) a coarser screen in combination with a modified screwpress. The effect of screen angle was determined for all systems. The coarser screen (4 mm openings) in combination with the modified screwpress performed best. Inflow manure had a TS (Total Solids) content of 11 %. A liquid fraction of 8.4% and a soHd fraction of 31% were produced.
Five-year results of a slant-path propagation experiment at 20 GHz in Madrid

Satellite operators are starting to use the Ka-band (30/20 GHz) for communications systems requiring higher traffic capacity. The use of this band is expected to experience a significant growth in the next few years, as several operators have reported plans to launch new satellites with Ka-band capacity. It is worth mentioning the Ka-Sat satellite in Europe, launched in 2010, and ViaSat-1, of 2011, with coverage of USA1. Some other examples can be found in other parts of the World. Recent satellite communications standards, such as DVB-S22 or DVB-RCS3, which provide means to mitigate propagation impairments, have been developed with the objective of improving the use of the Ka-band, in comparison with previous technical standards. In the next years, the ALPHASAT satellite will bring about new opportunities4 for carrying out propagation and telecommunication experiments in the Ka- and Q/V-bands. Commercial uses are focused on the provision of high speed data communications, for Internet access and other applications. In the near future, it is expected that higher and higher data rates will also be needed to broadcast richer multimedia contents, including HD-TV, interactive content or 3D-TV. All of these services may be provided in the future by satellites of the current generation, whose life span can extend up to 2025 in some cases. Depending on local regulations, the available bandwidth for the satellite fixed and broadcasting services in the Ka-band is in excess of several hundred MHz, bidirectional, comprising more than 1 GHz for each sub-band in some cases. In this paper, the results of a propagation experiment that is being carried out at Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain, are presented5. The objective of the experiment is twofold: gathering experimental time series of attenuation and analyzing them in order to characterize the propagation channel at these frequencies6. The experiment and statistical results correspond to five complete years of measurements. The experiment is described in more detail in Section II. Yearly characteristics of rain attenuation are presented in Section III, whereas Section IV is dedicated to the monthly, seasonal, and hourly characteristics. Section V covers the dynamic characteristics of this propagation effect, just before the conclusions are described in Section VI.
Genetic Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus Strains from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Staphylococcus aureus is an important healthcare-associated bacterium that causes a multitude of infections in humans such as superficial skin and soft tissue infections, necrotizing pneumonia, foodborne illnesses and postsurgical infections. Treatment of S. aureus infections has become more complicated due to the emergence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), some of which are multidrug resistant. The present study aimed to characterize S. aureus isolates from a tertiary care hospital in the Rawalpindi district of Pakistan. Staphylococci were isolated from 300 clinical samples collected from January 2018 to January 2019 and S. aureus isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and analyzed using Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST), staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) and spa typing. Approximately 25.3% (76/300) of the clinical samples were positive for S. aureus; of those, 88.2% (67/76) were mecA+ (MRSA). In addition to the β-lactam antibiotics, high levels of resistance were also found to the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin and levofloxacin (73.7% each)). Of the 23 different spa types identified, the majority of isolates belonged to spa type t632 and t657 (9/66; 13.6% each spa type). ST772-t657 (Bengal Bay clone) was the most commonly identified clone in this study although other clones circulating around different regions of the world were also found indicating the diversity in MRSA isolates from this area of Pakistan. This study emphasizes the need to monitor MRSA in the clinical setting for improved infection control and treatment options.
Reply on RC1

The results are clear and it’s an interesting topic which indeed needs more attention. The main part of the analysis is only applied for the control catchment and not for the treated catchment; based on the assumptions that only the control catchment behaved non-stationary during drought. The primary objectives are based on the concept that a catchment may not show non-stationary rainfall-runoff relationships during changes in climate; this need to be introduced and discussed in depth in the manuscript.
A new broadband differential phase shifter fabricated using a novel CRLH structure

Broadband phase shifters are mostly proposed and fabricated based on the scheme proposed by Shiffman, which uses a coupled line with far ends connected together and a uniform transmission line to give a differential phase shift. Based on the unique dispersion property of the composite right/left-handed (CRLH) metamaterial structure, a new configuration is presented in this paper for fabricating the broadband differential phase shifter, which employs a novel CRLH metamaterial structure as one of the differential phase-shift arms, instead of the conventional coupled line. The new circuit can achieve a phase shift of 90° in an operational bandwidth as broad as one octave and its phase deviations are quite small. An original design of the novel broadband phase shifter is presented, in which the artificial CRLH structure was implemented by microstrip quasi-lumped elements. Both the simulated and measured results of the 90° broadband differential phase shifter are presented.
Real-Time Application Optimization Control Algorithm for Energy Management Strategy of the Hybrid Power System Based on Artificial Intelligence

In recent years, due to the strengthening of our country’s comprehensive strength, the rapid development of science and technology and artificial intelligence has also attracted people’s attention. Artificial intelligence is a highly applicable subject, which has very good applications in power systems. In the experiment, the open circuit voltage method and the ampere-hour integration method are used to estimate the SOC of the lithium battery and the particle swarm energy management algorithm is used to allocate the output power of the fuel cell and the lithium battery. The particle swarm algorithm module calls the dual source hybrid power system module through the sim function to convert the actual value input in the system into a fuzzy quantity suitable for fuzzy control. The energy management strategy based on particle swarm optimization and fuzzy control was tested based on working conditions under the comprehensive test bench. Finally, the matching of the hybrid system is analyzed from the structure, component parameters, control strategy, and driving cycle of the vehicle. The experimental data show that the total fuel consumption of the three sets of experiments is averaged to get a fuel consumption rate of 26.3 m3/100 km for the hybrid city bus under the optimized energy management strategy. The results show that the real-time energy management strategy based on particle swarm algorithm can significantly improve the real-time performance of traditional instantaneous energy management strategies while reducing fuel consumption.