Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular treatment for acute mesenteric ischaemia

Introduction Acute mesenteric ischaemia is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Endovascular techniques have emerged as a viable alternative treatment option to conventional surgery. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and perform a meta-analysis of reported outcomes. Methods Our review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42016035667). We searched electronic information sources (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL) and bibliographic lists of relevant articles to identify studies reporting outcomes of endovascular treatment for acute mesenteric ischaemia of embolic or thrombotic aetiology. We defined 30-day or in-hospital mortality and bowel resection as the primary outcome measures. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa scale to assess the methodological quality of observational studies. We calculated combined overall effect sizes using random effects models; results are reported as the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results We identified 19 observational studies reporting on a total of 3362 patients undergoing endovascular treatment for acute mesenteric ischaemia. The pooled estimate of peri-interventional mortality was 0.245 (95% confidence interval 0.197–0.299), that of the requirement for bowel resection 0.326 (95% confidence interval 0.229–0.439), and the pooled estimate for acute kidney injury was 0.132 (95% confidence interval 0.082–0.204). Eight studies reported comparative outcomes of endovascular versus surgical treatment for acute mesenteric ischaemia (endovascular group, 3187 patients; surgical group, 4998 patients). Endovascular therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of 30-day mortality (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.30–0.67, P = 0.0001), bowel resection (odds ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.59, P < 0.00001) and acute renal failure (odds ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.49–0.68, P < 0.00001). No differences were identified in septic complications or the development of short bowel syndrome. Conclusion Endovascular treatment for acute mesenteric ischaemia is associated with a considerable mortality and requirement of bowel resection. However, endovascular therapy confers improved outcomes compared to conventional surgery, as indicated be reduced mortality, risk of bowel resection and acute renal failure. An endovascular-first approach should be considered in patients presenting with acute mesenteric ischaemia.
Taphonomic Interpretation of Enamel-Less Teeth in the Shotgun Local Fauna (Paleocene, Wyoming)

-A rare form of tooth preservation, in which most or all enamel has been removed from teeth, without loss of dentine or cementum, has been recognized in the Paleocene Shotgun local fauna. These teeth closely resemble teeth digested and defecated by extant crocodilians, suggesting that Shotgun enamel-less teeth may also be the remains of crocodilian prey. Since crocodilian digestion decalcifies tooth tissues, leaving only the organic matrix of dentine and cementum in the feces, preservation of such teeth as fossils requires a mechanism for remineralizing them. The proposed mechanism involves remineralization by amorphous hydroxyapatite within a reducing microenvironment. Analysis of the identity and conformation of tooth tissues preserved on enamelless teeth, modifications of the histologic structure of their dentine and cementum, pyrite present in their pulp cavities, and the crystallinity and composition of their dentine confirms the interpretation that Shotgun enamelless teeth were digested by crocodilians and then remineralized before complete decomposition could occur. Other mechanisms of enamel loss, such as digestion by non-crocodilian vertebrates, abrasion, enamel spalling, diagenetic dissolution, or dissolution by plant acids, do not satisfactorily account for the observed attributes of enamel-less teeth.
Breaking the PayPal HIP: A Comparison of classifiers

Human Interactive Proofs (HIPs) are a method used to differentiate between humans and machines on the internet. Providers of online services such as PayPal.com use HIPs to prevent automated signups and abuse of their services. In this experiment, a three step algorithm has been developed to break the PayPal.com HIP. The image is preprocessed to remove noise using thresholding and a simple cleaning technique, and then segmented using vertical projections and candidate split positions. Four classification methods have been implemented: pixel counting, vertical projections, horizontal projections and template correlations. The system was trained on a sample of twenty PayPal.com HIPs to create thirty-six training templates (one for each character: 0-9 and A-Z). A sample of 100 PayPal.com HIPs were used for testing. The following HIP success rates have been achieved using the different classifiers: 8% pixel counting, vertical projections 97%, horizontal projections 100%, template correlations 100%. Three of the classifiers out perform the 88% HIP success rate of [6].
Dublin Core Metadata for Resource Discovery

The Dublin Core Metadata Workshop Series began in 1995 with an invitational workshop which brought together librarians, digital library researchers, content experts, and text-markup experts to promote better discovery standards for electronic resources. The Dublin Core is a 15-element set of descriptors that has emerged from this effort in interdisciplinary and international consensus building. This is the first of a set of Informational RFCs describing the Dublin Core. Its purpose is to introduce the Dublin Core and to describe the consensus reached on the semantics of each of the 15 elements.
HDMI microscope camera based on Hi3518E chip

This paper presents a low-cost and portable microscope camera with high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) based on Hi3518E chip. Aiming at the high demand of the microscope camera for the color restoration, a fast white balance method based on R, G, B statistical information and color correction matrix is proposed in this paper. Result of experiment shows that the proposed algorithm gets good effect in more scenes than Hi3518E algorithm. In order to make up limitation for Gamma curve in image signal processing (ISP) of Hi3518E, a fast algorithm for generating Gamma table is introduced, which achieves wider adjustment range of Gamma curve than Hi3518E algorithm. This makes the camera can adapt to more HDMI display devices. With the built-in user-friendly software, the microscope camera can be controlled by a USB mouse to take pictures and videos, adjust parameters of ISP and do simple measurements. The designed camera can be used in industrial field testing, teaching research and other fields.
Low Dose Geldanamycin Inhibits Hepatocyte Growth Factor- and Hypoxia-Stimulated Invasion of Cancer Cells

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor Met and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathways are commonly activated in aggressive tumors and promote progression. Since both Met and HIF-1α proteins are heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 clients, Hsp90 inhibitors might be expected to positively impact tumor progression. Here, we systematically evaluated the inhibitory effects of the prototypical Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) on cellular processes involved in invasion and angiogenesis in T24 bladder cancer cells stimulated with HGF and chemical hypoxia. First, we demonstrated the positive feedback loop between Met and HIF-1 pathways, which serves to sustain and amplifies their signaling in T24 cells. GA down-regulated Met by inhibiting new protein maturation, thereby dampening HGF signaling. HGF and chemical hypoxia with CoCl2 cooperatively promoted in vitro invasion and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion, while CoCl2 but not HGF activated urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase 2, both of which promote invasion and angiogenesis. Low dose GA (100 nmol/L) inhibited these processes by suppressing both HGF and HIF-1 pathways. Notably, brief GA pretreatment inhibited in vitro invasion and VEGF secretion induced by HGF as effectively as did continuous treatment. Moreover, we found that GA inhibited activation of focal adhesion kinase, focal adhesion assembly, and actin reorganization induced by HGF and integrin engagement by extracellular matrix. Thus, GA widely suppresses extrinsic stimuli-induced signaling that contribute to tumor invasion and angiogenesis in this bladder carcinoma model, suggesting the utility of Hsp90 inhibitors in preventing tumor progression and metastasis.
Structure of the Ultrathin Aluminum Oxide Film on NiAl(110)

The well-ordered aluminum oxide film formed by oxidation of the NiAl(110) surface is the most intensely studied metal surface oxide, but its structure was previously unknown. We determined the structure by extensive ab initio modeling and scanning tunneling microscopy experiments. Because the topmost aluminum atoms are pyramidally and tetrahedrally coordinated, the surface is different from all Al2O3 bulk phases. The film is a wide-gap insulator, although the overall stoichiometry of the film is not Al2O3 but Al10O13. We propose that the same building blocks can be found on the surfaces of bulk oxides, such as the reduced corundum (0001) surface.
Visual perception modelling for intelligent virtual driver agents in synthetic driving simulation

This paper introduces a vision model used within a synthetic (or purely software-based) driving simulation framework. This framework represents driver decision-making, individual vehicle movement and emergent traffic flow, and is intended to aid the integration of driver psychology, traffic management and vehicle engineering. The aims of developing the vision model discussed here are twofold: Firstly, to remove the unrealistic availability of ‘perfect knowledge’ concerning the positions and velocities of vehicles in a simulation and secondly, to provide a means of introducing deeper cognitive models of driver reasoning and behaviour. The paper presents the essential mechanisms of the vision model, along with the results of initial validation experiments conducted with Leicestershire Constabulary, Traffic Division in the UK. In these experiments, subjects' visual perception of positions and speeds of moving vehicles were measured and compared with estimations of the agent based driving simulator. The results have demonstrated the feasibility of modelling driver vision within an agent based traffic simulation using concepts derived from AI and ALife systems. The paper is completed by a short discussion on the future development of cognitive models enabled through more detailed vision modelling.
Atorvastatin calcium plus amlodipine for the treatment of hypertension

Introduction: Hypertension (HTN) and dyslipemia (DYL) are two of the major modifiable cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, determinants in the development of cerebrovascular and coronary heart disease (CHD). Many patients have both risk factors which increase their total CV risk compared with patients with only one risk factor. Treatment guideline recommendations are poorly implemented in real practice, in part due to numerous and complicated drug regimes which hamper patient´s adherence. Areas covered: In this article the authors describe the first combined fixed-dose pill of an antihypertensive and a lipid-lowering agent, the single-pill combination of amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium (SPAA). They summarize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of both compounds and the main randomized clinical studies, as well as real-world observational studies, made with the new combined formulation. Expert opinion: The use of the single-pill amlodipine and atorvastatin is an adequate option for the clinician to treat hypertensive patients with DYL or high CV risk burden, with proven efficacy, tolerability, cost-effectiveness, and the advantage of improving patient treatment compliance.
Tomographic imaging via non-linear estimation: a bilinear approach

A non-linear estimation approach to reconstructing the space-varying permittivity profile of unknown objects is considered. It is shown that the equations governing the scattering are described by a bilinear model, and can be approximated into finite dimensional spaces on the basis of the finite degrees of freedom of data, and that one can not expect to reconstruct an arbitrary function from a finite number of independent equations. As a consequence, a discrete model, well suited to numerical inversion, can be developed. The bilinear nature of the equations, and the suitable choice of the unknowns allow for the functional adopted in the estimation to be minimized in an accurate manner. Numerical experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
[The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale].

0 = None. 1 = Mild. Consistent forgetfulness with partial recollection of events and no other difficulties. 2 = Moderate memory loss, with disorientation and moderate difficulty handling complex problems. Mild but definite impairment of function at home with need of occasional prompting. 3 = Severe memory loss with disorientation for time and often to place. Severe impairment in handling problems. 4 = Severe memory loss with orientation preserved to person only. Unable to make judgements or solve problems. Requires much help with personal care. Cannot be left alone at all. 1. Intellectual Impairment
Nodulation inhibition by Rhizobium leguminosarum multicopy nodABC genes and analysis of early stages of plant infection

During analysis of early events in the infection and nodulation of Vicia hirsuta roots inoculated with normal and mutant strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum and strains containing cloned nodulation (nod) genes, a number of novel observations were made. (i) Alternating zones of curled and straight root hairs were seen on roots of V. hirsuta inoculated with the wild-type strain of R. leguminosarum. This phasing of root hair curling was not seen if plants were grown under continuous light or continuous dark conditions. (ii) Reduced nodulation and delayed nodule initiation was observed with a strain carrying a Tn5 mutation in the nodE gene. In addition the phased root hair curling was absent, and root hair curling was observed along the length of the root. (iii) The nodABC genes cloned on a multicopy plasmid in a wild-type strain inhibited nodulation but induced a continuous root hair curling response. Those few nodules that eventually formed were found to contain bacteria which had lost the plasmid carrying the nodABC genes. (iv) With a strain of Rhizobium cured of its indigenous symbiotic plasmid, but containing the cloned nodABCDEF genes, continuous root hair curling on V. hirsuta was observed. However, no infection threads were observed, and surprisingly, it did appear that initial stages of nodule development occurred. Observations of thin sections of these early developing nodules indicated that early nodule meristematic divisions may have occurred but that no bacteria were found within the nodules and no infection threads were observed either within the nodule bumps or within any of the root hairs. It was concluded that for normal infections to occur, precise regulation of the nod genes is required and that overexpression of the root hair curling genes inhibits the normal infection process.
Haemato-biochemical and antioxidant profiling of indigenous cattle of Kashmir

Kashmir falls in the great north-western complex of the Himalayan ranges, at 34o North and 76o East with an average altitude of 1850 metres amsl. Indigenous cattle constitute 51% of total cattle population of the State. The evaluation of some important blood parameters in indigenous cattle for assessment of animal health status as well as course of variation in blood parameters in these animals was undertaken during summer to autumn, 2014. Twenty two indigenous cattle from different pockets of Kashmir valley were studied for haematobiochemical and anti-oxidative parameters. The values recorded for Hb, PCV and MCV (10.97 ±0.22 g dl -1 , 36.45±0.55 %, and 67.71±1.76 fl) respectively were on the higher side when compared to crossbreds or exotic cattle. TBARS and FRAP, measures of oxidant-antioxidant balance were 5.90 ±0.39 n ML -1 and 548.16±23.78 μ ML -1 respectively, the values were on higher side when compared to exotic breeds. Similarly total protein, albumin and globulin levels reported were - 8.27±0.22 g dl -1 , 3.31±0.07 g dl -1 and 4.95±0.20 gdl -1 respectively that stands higher when compared to the reference values for cattle.Plasma biochemical analytes urea, creatinine, triglycerides, AST and ALT recorded in present study were comparable to the reference values for cattle. All these parameters provide complementary information about the homeostasis of indigenous cattle and indicate its good health status, higher disease resistance and good metabolic defence as compared to exotic or crossbred cattle in its temperate climate. SAARC J. Agri. , 13(2): 26-33 (2015)
Extraction of DNA from human embryos after long‐term preservation in formalin and Bouin's solutions

The “Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos” at Kyoto University was begun in 1961. Although morphological analyses of samples in the Kyoto Collection have been performed, these embryos have been considered difficult to genetically analyze because they have been preserved in formalin or Bouin's solution for 20–50 years. Owing to the recent advances in molecular biology, it has become possible to extract DNA from long‐term fixed tissues. The purpose of this study was to extract DNA from wet preparations of human embryo samples after long‐term preservation in fixing solution. We optimized the DNA extraction protocol to be suitable for tissues that have been damaged by long‐term fixation, including DNA‐protein crosslinking damage. Diluting Li2CO3 with 70% ethanol effectively removed picric acid from samples fixed in Bouin's solution. Additionally, 20.0 mg/mL proteinase was valuable to lyse the long‐term fixed samples. The extracted DNA was checked with PCR amplification using several sets of primers and sequence analysis. The PCR products included at least 295‐ and 838‐bp amplicons. These results show that the extracted DNA is applicable for genetic analyses, and indicate that old embryos in the Kyoto Collection should be made available for future studies. The protocol described in this study can successfully extract DNA from old specimens and, with improvements, should be applicable in research aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms of human congenital anomalies.
Theory versus practical in a curriculum for engineering students — A case study

fusing theory and practical in a curriculum for engineering students is a core academic function of a University of Technology. The department of Electronic Engineering at the Vaal University of Technology places particular emphasis on this fusion by means of interactive classroom sessions combined with methodical laboratory work. A previous paper, presented at AFRICON 2007, highlighted several key reasons as to why this fusion must transpire in a curriculum for engineering students. However, comments received from the delegates at that conference highlighted one notable deficiency in the results. The theory before practical approach was only applied to a single experiment on phase lock loops, while the practical before theory approach was solely used with a transmission line experiment. It was therefore suggested that these two approaches be reversed with regard to the relevant practical assignments. The theory before practical approach revealed a much higher average pass rate over the three year study period, proving it to be the preferred method for fusing theory and practical in a curriculum for engineering students. Nevertheless, this study did reveal that a mixed-method approach is still viable for senior engineering students.
OPTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR FRONTHAUL NETWORKS

This paper introduces various techniques for a new fronthaul network segment applied in centralized radio access networks (C-RAN) architecture. The promising fronthaul interfaces are described which are considered to meet physical requirements for the fronthaul network segment and to build a new radio access network solution. Various optical solutions including CPRI (Common Public Radio Interface) over optical transport networks (OTN), CPRI over WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) rings /WDM-PON (passive optical networks), radio over Ethernet (RoE) and radio over fiber (RoF) are analysed and regarding parameters are presented.
After-effects of goal shifting and response inhibition: A comparison of the stop-change and dual-task paradigms

In the present study, we tested three hypotheses that account for after-effects of response inhibition and goal shifting: the goal-shifting hypothesis, the reaction time (RT) adjustment hypothesis, and the stimulus–goal association hypothesis. To distinguish between the hypotheses, we examined performance in the stop-change paradigm and the dual-task paradigm. In the stop-change paradigm, we found that responding on no-signal trials slowed down when a stop-change signal was presented on the previous trial. Similarly, in the dual-task paradigm, we found that responding on no-signal trials slowed down when a dual-task signal was presented on the previous trial. However, after-effects of unsuccessful inhibition or dual-task performance were observed only when the stimulus of the previous trial was repeated. These results are consistent with stimulus–goal association hypothesis, which assumes that the stimulus is associated with the different task goals on signal trials; when the stimulus is repeated, the tasks goal are retrieved, and interference occurs.
Efficient Immunization and Cross-Priming by Vaccine Adjuvants Containing TLR3 or TLR9 Agonists Complexed to Cationic Liposomes1

Complexing TLR9 agonists such as plasmid DNA to cationic liposomes markedly potentiates their ability to activate innate immunity. We therefore reasoned that liposomes complexed with DNA or other TLR agonists could be used as effective vaccine adjuvants. To test this hypothesis, the vaccine adjuvant effects of liposomes complexed to TLR agonists were assessed in mice. We found that liposomes complexed to nucleic acids (liposome-Ag-nucleic acid complexes; LANAC) were particularly effective adjuvants for eliciting CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against peptide and protein Ags. Notably, LANAC containing TLR3 or TLR9 agonists effectively cross-primed CD8+ T cell responses against even low doses of protein Ags, and this effect was independent of CD4+ T cell help. Ag-specific CD8+ T cells elicited by LANAC adjuvants were functionally active and persisted for long periods of time in tissues. In a therapeutic tumor vaccine model, immunization with the melanoma peptide trp2 and LANAC adjuvant controlled the growth of established B16 melanoma tumors. In a prophylactic vaccine model, immunization with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein ESAT-6 with LANAC adjuvant elicited significant protective immunity against aerosol challenge with virulent M. tuberculosis. These results suggest that certain TLR agonists can be combined with cationic liposomes to produce uniquely effective vaccine adjuvants capable of eliciting strong T cell responses against protein and peptide Ags.