Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting length of stay after percutaneous biliary interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors affecting the length of hospital stay (LOS) after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who had undergone PTBD with or without stenting at a UK specialist centre between 2005 and 2016 was conducted. RESULTS: 692 patients underwent 1976 procedures over 731 clinical episodes for which, the median age was 65 (range 18-100) years, and the median Charlson Index was 3. PTBD was performed for malignant (n = 563) and benign strictures (n = 60), stones (n = 62), and bile leaks (n = 46). The median LOS was 13 (range 0-157) days, and the median interprocedure duration was 9 (range 0-304) days. The median number of procedures per patient was 2 and the median number of days required to complete a set of procedures for a patient (TBID) ranged from 0 to 557 days, with a median of 16 (interquartile range: 8-32) days. Patients with biliary leak had the highest LOS. Biliary stents were mostly placed at the second stage at a median of 6 (range 0-120) days from the first procedure day. Placement of a biliary stent in the first stage of the procedure was associated with shorter LOS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Biliary stenting at index procedure reduces LOS, although it is not always technically possible. Patients with bile leak managed with PTBD have longer LOS. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study provides data which can help in appropriate consenting, better planning, and efficient resource utilization for patients undergoing PTBD.
Assessment of Dural Ectasia Using Computed Tomodensitometry as a Criterion in Marfan Syndrome

Objective The aim of this study was to reevaluate dural ectasia criteria in Marfan syndrome patients fulfilling the revised Ghent criteria. Methods Lumbar computed tomography scans of 19 Marfan patients and 30 matched control subjects were retrospectively assessed. Dural sac ratio (DSR), nerve root sleeve diameter, pedicle width, and a scalloping or meningocele presence were each assessed by 2 readers blinded from the diagnosis. Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests compared the patient and control groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and multivariate models determined the optimal cutoff value. Results A DSR value greater than 0.69 at L5 (DSR-L5) such as L4 scalloping of more than 2.65 mm (scall-L4) and 6 or more vertebrae showing a scalloping of more than 3 mm (6-scall) were found very specific but with limited sensitivity. Multivariate model combining DSR-L5 + scall-L4 showed good positive predictive value, whereas model combining DSR-L5 + 6-scall showed good negative predictive value. Conclusions Assessment of DSR and vertebral scalloping allows valuable depiction of dural ectasia in Marfan syndrome patients.
A Novel Deep Learning based Neural Network for Heartbeat Detection in Ballistocardiograph

Ballistocardiography (BCG) is a revamped technology for cardiac function monitoring. Detecting individual heart beats in BCG remains a challenging task due to various artifacts and low signal-to-noise ratio, which are not well addressed by conventional approaches based on intuitive observations of BCG waveforms. In this paper, we propose to employ deep learning networks to capture the characteristics of the variations of BCG waveforms within and across individual subjects. Particularly, we design a neural network that combines Convolutional-Neural-Network (CNN) and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). We test the new learning method on a real BCG data set and show better detection result compared with a state-of-the-art method. We demonstrate how the advanced machine learning technology can learn and detect BCG waveforms robustly.
The Effect of Kyphoplasty on Mortality in Symptomatic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Review

ABSTRACT Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common comorbidities encountered in the elderly, and they are on the rise. Kyphoplasty may be superior in VCF management compared with conservative management. A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on the effect of kyphoplasty on mortality and overall survivorship in patients with a diagnosis of symptomatic VCFs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to find recently published literature on kyphoplasty effects on mortality using the following keywords: “kyphoplasty,” “mortality,” “morbidity,” “vertebral compression fractures,” and “survivorship. ” We only included articles that listed one of their primary or secondary outcomes as morbidity and mortality after a kyphoplasty procedure in VCF patients. Results: Of 27 articles, only 6 articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies have reported that surgical procedures have decreased the mortality rate in symptomatic VCF patients. Four studies concluded that the mortality rate was lower after kyphoplasty compared with vertebroplasty and nonoperative treatments. One study reported there was no significant difference between kyphoplasty and nonoperative management. One study summarized that the mortality rate was not significantly different between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. Conclusions: Multicenter prospective and randomized control studies are required to fully evaluate the decreasing trend of mortality rates after a kyphoplasty procedure.
Anatomic Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Vitrectomy in Patients with Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Associated with Choroidal Detachment

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the associations between the anatomic outcomes of patients who underwent vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment associated with choroidal detachment (RRDCD) and their preoperative variables. Methods: A total of 175 patients with RRDCD who underwent vitrectomy in one eye were included in the analysis. The primary outcome measured was the retinal status after primary vitrectomy and at the end of follow-up. Results: The retinal reattachment rate was 72.57% after primary surgery, and the final total reattachment rate was 89.14% after follow-up. Binary logistic regression analysis identified that the retinal reattachment rate after primary vitrectomy was significantly associated with older age (odds ratio = 1.03, p = 0.02), mild proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (PVR grade C vs. PVR grades A–B: odds ratio = 0.31, p = 0.04; PVR grade D vs. PVR grades A–B: odds ratio = 0.03, p < 0.01), and intravitreal steroid treatment (odds ratio = 4.60, p = 0.02), and that the final retinal reattachment rate was independently associated with older age (odds ratio = 1.05; p = 0.01). Conclusions: Vitrectomy is a good surgical option for RRDCD. Older age, mild preoperative PVR, and perioperative intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injections increase the primary reattachment rates after one operation. Older age was the only independent prognostic factor for the final retinal reattachment in patients with RRDCD.
The Impact Of Cultural Familiarity On Choosing Images For Recognition-Based Graphical Passwords

The current movement to graphical passwords for securing users’ personal information has led to the needs for more efforts to advance the security characteristics of such passwords. In this paper, we described the process for constructing graphical password based on the users’ cultural familiarity with images within the Malaysian context. A control-laboratory experiment was conducted involving 30 participants whom were requested to identify the familiarity aspect with regards to cultural-background. The obtained results showed that slightly more than half of the participants include at least one familiar images in their graphical password choices. The results could suggest that cultural background is highly considered as one of the factor that influences password choices among users.
On Requirements and Design Criteria for Explainability in Legal AI

In this position paper we brieﬂy describe two approaches to explainable artiﬁcial intelligence for legal, and other, domains. One aims at designing explain-able AI using legal requirements and the other deals with design criteria for computational, ethical reasoning systems in which explainability is a core element.
A Simple Preprocessing Technique for ESPRIT Suitable for Non-Contact Vital Sensing Using a Doppler Sensor

Non-contact vital sensing using a Doppler sensor enables us to remotely measure vital signs such as respirations and heartbeats. In addition to such vital signs, the direction of arrival (DOA) of the multiple persons or animals is of our interest. For example, if a robot can detect DOAs of multiple living bodies, the robot is capable of tracing the living bodies, or discover them under disaster fields. ESPRIT is a well-known super-resolution DOA estimation method. However, it is also well-known that its performance is limited by the number of antennas and the coherence of the multiple incoming signals. This paper proposes to use a parameter estimation method so-called ARS, as a preprocessing of ESPRIT to overcome the above-mentioned impairments. The performance of the proposed method is verified through computer simulations.
Development of a Power Flow Error Scanning Algorithm in a Platform for Active Distribution Management System

This article highlights the creation of an algorithm that belongs to an automated Active Distribution Management System (ADMS) platform of an electric power system. This developed program is focused on the prevention and verification of errors that can be found in the execution of the power flow algorithm. The creation of test algorithms, applied to ADMS, is justified in the need to automate and optimize the development of the platform, to streamline the testing process and not require human resources to do so. The ADMS platform has the characteristic and similarity of a Supervision Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and allows simulations of operation, planning and prevention of contingency situations, from data obtained in the entire electrical system. The ADMS platform is being developed by a Research and Development (R&D) project. The Power Flow Test (PFT) algorithm presented here is the first developed code for testing on the ADMS platform. The entire platform is developed on the web, and the algorithms use JAVA programming.
A Splitting Frequencies-Based Wireless Power and Information Simultaneous Transfer Method

A splitting frequencies-based wireless power and information simultaneous transfer (SF-WPIT) method is proposed, and its power and information transfer performances are investigated theoretically and experimentally. First, the power and information transfer characteristics, including transmitting power, power efficiency, frequency bandwidth, and effective operating range, are investigated theoretically on the splitting frequencies of strongly coupled region in symmetric series–series resonant inductive link. The investigation result shows that the splitting frequencies have a good potential of realizing a high-performance power and information transfer. Second, the SF-WPIT system is configured and the factors that influence on the performance of this system are investigated theoretically. A method of tracing two splitting frequencies is presented. A response time calculation method of splitting frequencies is presented, and the influence of response times on the performance of the SF-WPIT system is clarified. Finally, an experimental prototype is constructed with a pair of planar coils of 75-mm mean radius, and the proposed theory and system performance are verified by experimental results. This prototype exhibits a 15 kb/s of data rate and a stable power transfer irrespective of distance change in its operating range of 0–120 mm.
Matrine is a novel inhibitor of the TMEM16A chloride channel with antilung adenocarcinoma effects

Calcium‐activated chloride channels (CaCCs) are ion channels with key roles in physiological processes. They are abnormally expressed in various cancers, including esophageal squamous cell cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The CaCC component TMEM16A/ANO1 was recently shown to be overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma cells and may serve as a tumorigenic protein. In this study, we determined that matrine is a potent TMEM16A inhibitor that exerts anti‐lung adenocarcinoma effects. Patch clamp experiments showed that matrine inhibited TMEM16A current in a concentration‐dependent manner with an IC 50 of 27.94 ± 4.78 μM. Molecular simulation and site‐directed mutation experiments demonstrated that the matrine‐sensitive sites of the TMEM16A channel involve the amino acids Y355, F411, and F415. Results of cell viability and wound healing assays showed that matrine significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of LA795 cells, which exhibit high TMEM16A expression. In contrast, matrine has only weak inhibitory effect on CCD‐19Lu and HeLa cells lacking TMEM16A expression. Matrine‐induced effects on the proliferation and migration of LA795 cells were abrogated upon shRNA‐mediated TMEM16A knockdown in LA795 cells. Finally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that matrine dramatically inhibited the growth of lung adenocarcinoma xenograft tumors in mice but did not affect mouse body weight. Collectively, these data indicate that matrine is an effective and safe TMEM16A inhibitor and that TMEM16A is the target of matrine anti‐lung adenocarcinoma activity. These findings provide new insight for the development of novel treatments for lung adenocarcinoma.
Impact of Lymphangiogenesis on Cardiac Remodeling After Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury

Background Lymphatic vessels interconnect with blood vessels to form an elaborate system that aids in the control of tissue pressure and edema formation. Although the lymphatic system has been known to exist in a heart, little is known about the role the cardiac lymphatic system plays in the development of heart failure. Methods and Results Mice (C57BL/6J, male, 8 to 12 weeks of age) were subjected to either myocardial ischemia or myocardial ischemia and reperfusion for up to 28 days. Analysis revealed that both models increased the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C and VEGF receptor 3 starting at 1 day after the onset of injury, whereas a significant increase in lymphatic vessel density was observed starting at 3 days. Further studies aimed to determine the consequences of inhibiting the endogenous lymphangiogenesis response on the development of heart failure. Using 2 different pharmacological approaches, we found that inhibiting VEGF receptor 3 with MAZ‐51 and blocking endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor C with a neutralizing antibody blunted the increase in lymphatic vessel density, blunted lymphatic transport, increased inflammation, increased edema, and increased cardiac dysfunction. Subsequent studies revealed that augmentation of the endogenous lymphangiogenesis response with vascular endothelial growth factor C treatment reduced inflammation, reduced edema, and improved cardiac dysfunction. Conclusions These results suggest that the endogenous lymphangiogenesis response plays an adaptive role in the development of ischemic‐induced heart failure and supports the emerging concept that therapeutic lymphangiogenesis is a promising new approach for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Microbial communities associated with phosphogenic sediments and phosphoclast‐associated DNA of the Benguela upwelling system

The processes that lead to the precipitation of authigenic calcium phosphate minerals in certain marine pore waters remain poorly understood. Phosphogenesis occurs in sediments beneath some oceanic upwelling zones that harbor polyphosphate‐accumulating bacteria. These bacteria are believed to concentrate phosphate in sediment pore waters, creating supersaturated conditions with respect to apatite precursors. However, the relationship between microbes and phosphorite formation is not fully resolved. To further study this association, we examined microbial community data generated from two sources: sediment cores recovered from the shelf of the Benguela upwelling region where phosphorites are currently forming, and DNA preserved within phosphoclasts recovered from a phosphorite deposit along the Benguela shelf. iTag and clone library sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that many of our sediment‐hosted communities shared large numbers of phylotypes with one another, and that the same metabolic guilds were represented at localities across the shelf. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria and sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria were particularly abundant in our datasets, as were phylotypes that are known to carry out nitrification and the anaerobic oxidation of ammonium. The DNA extracted from phosphoclasts contained the signature of a distinct microbial community from those observed in the modern sediments. While some aspects of the modern and phosphoclast communities were similar, we observed both an enrichment of certain common microbial classes found in the modern phosphogenic sediments and a relative depletion of others. The phosphoclast‐associated DNA could represent a relict signature of one or more microbial assemblages that were present when the apatite or its precursors precipitated. While these taxa may or may not have contributed to the precipitation of the apatite that now hosts their genetic remains, several groups represented in the phosphoclast extract dataset have the genetic potential to metabolize polyphosphate, and perhaps modulate phosphate concentrations in pore waters where carbonate fluorapatite (or its precursors) are known to be precipitating.
Serine-rich repeat protein adhesins from Lactobacillus reuteri display strain specific glycosylation profiles

Abstract Lactobacillus reuteri is a gut symbiont inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract of numerous vertebrates. The surface-exposed serine-rich repeat protein (SRRP) is a major adhesin in Gram-positive bacteria. Using lectin and sugar nucleotide profiling of wild-type or L. reuteri isogenic mutants, MALDI-ToF-MS, LC–MS and GC–MS analyses of SRRPs, we showed that L. reuteri strains 100-23C (from rodent) and ATCC 53608 (from pig) can perform protein O-glycosylation and modify SRRP100-23 and SRRP53608 with Hex-Glc-GlcNAc and di-GlcNAc moieties, respectively. Furthermore, in vivo glycoengineering in E. coli led to glycosylation of SRRP53608 variants with α-GlcNAc and GlcNAcβ(1→6)GlcNAcα moieties. The glycosyltransferases involved in the modification of these adhesins were identified within the SecA2/Y2 accessory secretion system and their sugar nucleotide preference determined by saturation transfer difference NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning fluorimetry. Together, these findings provide novel insights into the cellular O-protein glycosylation pathways of gut commensal bacteria and potential routes for glycoengineering applications.
AIF-1 and RNASET2 Play Complementary Roles in the Innate Immune Response of Medicinal Leech

Recent studies demonstrated that allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) and RNASET2 act as chemoattractants for macrophages and modulate the inflammatory processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The expression of these proteins significantly increases after bacterial infection; however, the mechanisms by which they regulate the innate immune response are still poorly defined. Here, we evaluate the effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide injection on the expression pattern of these genes and the interrelation between them during innate immune response in the medicinal leech, an invertebrate model with a simple anatomy and a marked similarity with vertebrates in inflammatory processes. Collectively, prokaryotic-eukaryotic co-cultures and in vivo infection assays suggest that RNASET2 and AIF-1 play a crucial role in orchestrating a functional cross-talk between granulocytes and macrophages in leeches, resulting in the activation of an effective response against pathogen infection. RNASET2, firstly released by granulocytes, likely plays an early antibacterial role. Subsequently, AIF-1+ RNASET2-recruited macrophages further recruit other macrophages to potentiate the antibacterial inflammatory response. These experimental data are in keeping with the notion of RNASET2 acting as an alarmin-like molecule whose role is to locally transmit a “danger” signal (such as a bacterial infection) to the innate immune system in order to trigger an appropriate host response.
Prion-like protein gene (PRND) polymorphisms associated with scrapie susceptibility in Korean native black goats

The polymorphisms of the prion protein (PRNP) gene, which encodes normal prion proteins (PrP), are known to be involved in the susceptibility of prion diseases. The prion-like protein (Doppel) gene (PRND) is the paralog of the PRNP gene and is closely located downstream of the PRNP gene. In addition, the polymorphisms of PRND correlate with disease susceptibility in several animals. We analyzed the genotype and allele frequencies of PRND polymorphisms in 246 Korean native black goats and found a total of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with one novel SNP, c.99C>T. We observed linkage disequilibrium (LD) within and between loci. PRND c.28T>C, c.151A>G, and c.385G>C and PRND c.65C>T and c.286G>A were in perfect LD and we have reported for the first time strong LD between PRND and PRNP or prion-related protein gene (PRNT) loci. Specifically, between the PRND c.28T>C, c.151A>G and c.385G>C and the PRNP codon 143, PRND c.99C>T and the PRNP codon 102 or PRND SNPs (c.28T>C, c.151A>G and c.385G>C) and PRNT SNP (c.321T>C). Furthermore, we confirmed that the genotype distribution of the PRNP p.His143Arg was significantly different according to that of the PRND c.28T>C (P < 0.0001). Finally, using PolyPhen-2 and PROVEAN, we predicted that two non-synonymous SNPs, c.65C>T and c.286G>A, in the PRND gene can have a detrimental effect on Doppel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of genetic characteristics of the PRND gene in Korean native black goats.
REDUX: Managing Renewable Energy in Data Centers Using Distributed UPS Systems

To environmental friendly and energy-efficient data centers, it is prudent to leverage on-site renewable sources like solar and wind. Data centers deploy distributed UPS systems to handle the intermittent nature of renewable energy. We propose a renewable-energy manager called REDUX, which offers a smart way of managing server energy consumption powered by a distributed UPS system and renewable energy. REDUX maintains a desirable balance between renewable-energy utilization and data center performance. REDUX makes judicious use of UPS devices to allocate energy resources when renewable energy generation is low or fluctuate condition. REDUX not only guarantees the stable operation of daily workload, but also reduces the energy cost of data centers by improving power resource utilization. Compared with existing strategies, REDUX demonstrates a prominent capability of mitigating average peak workload and boosting renewable-energy utilization.
Unsupervised Fault Detection of Reefer Containers: A Moments-Based SDP Approach

Refrigeration containers are being used like never before. The growing desire for exotic goods in much of the western world, puts an ever growing strain on the refrigeration systems that are used for transport. During one trip, a refrigeration container might experience temperatures ranging from −25 to 40 degrees celcius, whilst being tossed around on the deck of the freighter. This work, develops a method to detect errors aboard these refrigeration containers, that can be used to lower the maintenance costs. Furthermore, a prediction of the “time-to-failure” is presented, which enables the refrigeration container owners to decide whether or not a refrigeration container can endure a trip.