Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Combined Thrombomodulin and Antithrombin in Anticoagulant Therapy for Acute Cholangitis-induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Objective The efficacy and safety of concomitant use of antithrombin (AT) with recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) for acute cholangitis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (AC-induced DIC) remains unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of AT combined with rTM as anticoagulant therapy for AC-induced DIC. Methods One hundred patients with AC-induced DIC received anticoagulant therapy using rTM from April 2010 to December 2017. Of the 83 patients treated with rTM immediately after the diagnosis of DIC, excluding those who had not undergone biliary drainage or who had malignancies or a serum AT III level >70%, 56 patients were studied. Outcomes and adverse events (AEs) were retrospectively compared between the 16 patients treated with rTM alone (rTM group) and the 40 patients treated with rTM and AT (rTM+AT group). Results Patients' background characteristics did not differ markedly, except for a significantly higher serum D-dimer level in the rTM group than in the rTM+AT group (p=0.038). The DIC resolution rates on day 9 were 100% and 95.1% in the rTM and rTM+AT groups, respectively (p=0.909). The mean DIC scores were significantly lower in the rTM group than in the rTM+AT group on days 3 (p=0.012), 5 (p<0.001), 7 (p=0.033), and 9 (p=0.007). The incidence of AEs was 6.3% and 10.0% (p=0.941), and the in-hospital mortality rates was 0% and 5.0% (p=0.909) in the rTM and rTM+AT groups, respectively. Conclusion The concomitant use of AT with anticoagulant therapy using rTM for AC-induced DIC may not help improve the treatment outcome.
Management of recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair is one of the most common vitreoretinal surgeries a surgeon performs. In an ideal scenario, RRD can be repaired with a single surgical intervention; however, despite excellent skill, flawless technique, and the introduction of high-end technology, up to 10% of cases require additional interventions to ultimately repair recurrent detachments. It is thus important to study the outcomes of multiple interventions to understand whether performing repeat vitrectomy on patients with a history of failed surgeries is worthwhile. Thus, recurrent retinal detachment (re-RD) remains a significant challenge for vitreoretinal surgeons as well as the patients considering the economic and the emotional burden of undergoing multiple interventions. The advent of microincision vitrectomy system, perfluorocarbon liquids, and effective intraocular tamponades has opened new doors for managing re-RDs. In this article, we have reviewed and summarized the various causes and approaches for management for optimal anatomical and functional outcomes.
Industrial 0.15-μm AlGaN/GaN on SiC Technology for Applications up to Ka Band

This paper describes the main characteristics of the new GaN-on-SiC technology in development at UMS. This technology is based on a $0.15 - \mu \mathrm{m}$ gate-length and it is in the phase of industrial qualification for a target release by the end of the year. The results of two out of four demonstrators already successfully designed on the new technology are also reported: a 29.5–36 Ghz 9W HPA and a 15.5–18.5 GHz 20W HPA.
A Sneak Preview of Sentiment Analysis

Sentiment analysis is the process of identification and classification of an individual's opinion into binary positive and negative classes. It is popularly referred to as Opinion Mining. This survey paper emphasizes on the work done in the field of sentiment analysis and contributes towards complete information about emotions detected in various modalities, tasks, techniques, application domains and available built-in resources related to sentiment analysis.
High-Power Asymmetrical Three-Way GaN Doherty Power Amplifier at C-Band Frequencies

In this paper the design and realization of an asymmetrical three-way (1:1:1) GaN Doherty power amplifier (DPA) operating at a center frequency of 5.4 GHz is presented. The DPA is constructed from three packaged power bars, each consisting of four GaN HEMT cells (8 fingers, 300 μm unit gate width) in 0.25 μm gate length. Performance of the realized DPA prototype is analyzed under pulsed-RF excitation ($20\mu \mathrm{s}$ pulse width, 10 % duty cycle) at 40 V DC drain supply voltage. The measurement results yield 48.5 dBm maximum output power, with a maximum PAE of 46 %. At 6 dB output power back-off (OPBO) the DPA demonstrates 40 % PAE whereas 35 % PAE is achieved at 9 dB OPBO.
Metformin relieves neuropathic pain after spinal nerve ligation via autophagy flux stimulation

Neuropathic pain is a well‐known type of chronic pain caused by damage to the nervous system. Autophagy is involved in the development and/or progression of many diseases, including neuropathic pain. Emerging evidence suggests that metformin relieves neuropathic pain in several neuropathic pain models; however, metformin's cellular and molecular mechanism for pain relief remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of metformin on pain relief after spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and its underlying mechanism of autophagy regulation. Behavioural analysis, histological assessment, expression of c‐Fos and molecular biological changes, as well as ultrastructural features, were investigated. Our findings showed that the number of autophagosomes and expression of autophagy markers, such as LC3 and beclin1, were increased, while the autophagy substrate protein p62, as well as the ubiquitinated proteins, were accumulated in the ipsilateral spinal cord. However, metformin enhanced the expression of autophagy markers, while it abrogated the abundance of p62 and ubiquitinated proteins. Blockage of autophagy flux by chloroquine partially abolished the apoptosis inhibition and analgesic effects of metformin on SNL. Taken together, these results illustrated that metformin relieved neuropathic pain through autophagy flux stimulation and provided a new direction for metformin drug development to treat neuropathic pain.
Calibration of Multibeam Echo Sounder Transducer Array Based on Focused Beamforming

The detection accuracy of the multibeam echo sounder (MBES) can be damaged severely and inevitably due to the mismachining tolerance of the transducer array. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate the performance of the multi-element transducer array to guarantee the accuracy of the processing algorithms. In this paper, a kind of multi-element MBES receiving transducer array self-calibrating method is proposed to manage the serious defocusing problem of the conventional methods. We analyze the error source and their effect on the MBES detection. The near-field beamforming and the least residual error criterion methods are employed to calibrate the average element spacing. The integrated self-calibrating method is managed to calibrate the transducer array, considering the coupling between the circuits and the element with a channel uniformity problem. An experiment is carried in a small-size tank to evaluate the method proposed. The outfield experimental data are compensated by the average element spacing and the beam response error estimated in the tank experiment. The simulations and the field data processing results indicate that the novel method proposed can effectively demonstrate the performance of the receiving transducer array and guarantee the coverage of the MBES system.
A Conceptual Framework for Devising Adaptive User Interfaces to Improve the Usability of Mobile ERP

This research study aims to improve the usability of mobile ERP apps by addressing their potential usability challenges. Therefore, a set of research studies were conducted to construct a conceptualisation of the usability challenges of mobile ERP apps. In this research study, adaptive user interfaces (AUIs) have been exploited to address the identified usability challenges of mobile ERP apps. Consequently, a computational framework was developed for devising AUIs for mobile ERP apps by determining the following components regarding the context of this research study: 1.The adapted constituents in AUIs for mobile ERP apps. 2.The required information for realising the determined adaptation processes successfully. 3.The adaptation methods and techniques that can be exploited for mobile ERP apps. 4.The appropriate adaptive system architecture that can be used for realising the determined adaptation processes for mobile ERP apps.
Instrumental variable analyses for causal inference: Application to multilevel analyses of the alliance–outcome relation

Abstract Objective: To introduce readers to instrumental variable analyses for causal inferences using as an example a test of the hypothesis that the quality of the therapeutic alliance has a causal role in relation to the outcome of psychotherapy. Method: We used data from a recent non-inferiority trial of cognitive and dynamic therapies for major depressive disorder in a community mental health setting. The data (N = 161) were analyzed using standard approaches as well as a multilevel 2-stage instrumental variables approach that allows for causal interpretations by removing the influence of unmeasured confounds. Results: Instrumental variables were created at the patient and therapist level using baseline patient and therapist variables. These baseline variables predicted the alliance but were otherwise unrelated to treatment outcome other than through their effects on the alliance. Standard multilevel mixed effects analyses revealed statistically significant associations of the alliance with outcome at the therapist level of analysis. The therapist level effect remained statistically significant when using the instrumental variables approach. Conclusion: Our results support the hypothesis that, at least at the therapist level, the alliance plays a causal role in producing better outcomes. Instrumental variable analyses can be a useful tool to supplement standard analyses.
Convolutional Neural Network-based Finger Vein Recognition using Near Infrared Images

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is opening new horizons in biometrics-based authentication field and finger vein recognition is the prominent one which can provide the best possible security system depending on this aforementioned technology. In this paper, we used 5 convolutional layers and 4 fully-connected layers where our developed network has shown the capability to produce the result with almost 100% accuracy rate which became possible due to the fact that deep learning, an end-to-end system is used which performs better in a lot of aspects in comparison to conventional techniques.
Role of interleukin‐7 in fusion of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with cardiomyocytes in vitro and improvement of cardiac function in vivo

AIMS Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold significant promise as potential therapeutic candidates following cardiac injury. However, to ensure survival of transplanted cells in ischemic environment, it is beneficial to precondition them with growth factors that play important role in cell survival and proliferation. Aim of this study is to use interleukin-7 (IL-7), a cell survival growth factor, to enhance the potential of rat bone marrow MSCs in terms of cell fusion in vitro and cardiac function in vivo. METHODS Mesenchymal stem cells were transfected with IL-7 gene through retroviral vector. Normal and transfected MSCs were co-cultured with neonatal cardiomyocytes (CMs) and cell fusion was analyzed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. These MSCs were also transplanted in rat model of myocardial infarction (MI) and changes at tissue level and cardiac function were assessed by histological analysis and echocardiography, respectively. RESULTS Co-culture of IL-7 transfected MSCs and CMs showed significantly higher (P < 0.01) number of fused cells as compared to normal MSCs. Histological analysis of hearts transplanted with IL-7 transfected MSCs showed significant reduction (P < 0.001) in infarct size and better preservation (P < 0.001) of left ventricular wall thickness as compared to normal MSCs. Presence of cardiac-specific proteins, α-actinin, and troponin-T showed that the transplanted MSCs were differentiated into cardiomyocytes. Echocardiographic recordings of the experimental group transplanted with transfected MSCs showed significant increase in the ejection fraction and fractional shortening (P < 0.01), and decrease in diastolic and systolic left ventricular internal diameters (P < 0.001) and end systolic and diastolic volumes (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Interleukin-7 is able to enhance the fusogenic properties of MSCs and improve cardiac function. This improvement may be attributed to the supportive action of IL-7 on cell proliferation and cell survival contributing to the regeneration of damaged myocardium.
Statistical Memristor-Based Temperature Sensors without Analog-to-Digital Conversion

On-chip thermal sensors are essential devices to run modern complicated semiconductor devices safely. The on-chip temperature sensors should be accurate and efficient since we need a number of on-chip temperature sensors to cover the chip-level thermal management. Recently, there have been several attempts to utilize the temperature-dependent properties of memristor devices for temperature sensing. An approach tries to measure the change of resistance after the fixed duration of a write current pulse, and the other attempts to measure the write time variation to complete the memristor state change. In this paper, we propose a statistical method to estimate the temperature without voltage or period measurement. Instead of measuring the write time of the single cell, the proposed method counts the intermediate states of the multiple memristor cells after a certain period of the write accesses where the memristor cells preserve its states with the non-volatility. And then, it quantifies the impact of temperature on the state of the cell array considering a process variation. It provides a completely digital way for temperature estimation without any measurement circuit and analog-to-digital conversion. We investigate the feasibility of the proposed method and tackle some expected design issues. The analysis results show that the proposed statistical temperature sensing method may significantly reduce the power consumption with reasonable timing overhead.
Design of an S-Band Chireix Outphasing Power Amplifier Based on a Systematic Bandwidth Limitation Analysis

This work aims at assessing the factors that limit the bandwidth of a dual input Chireix outphasing PA based on a packaged commercial GaN device. To evaluate the effects of device parasitics, compensation elements and power combiner on the bandwidth we consider several output sections of increasing complexity. Their input impedances, at the back-off level of interest, are evaluated and referred to that of the ideal, frequency independent case. The comparison of the analyzed output sections reveals that the device parasitics limit the amplifier bandwidth more than output power combiner and compensation elements. Based on such conclusion, a dual input hybrid Chireix PA for LTE operation is designed and optimized for best efficiency at 7 dB back-off in the 3.1–3.7 GHz range. Measurements report back-off drain efficiency and PAE of 50% and 41% at center frequency, and performance within 10% of the maximum is maintained over more than 200 MHz.
Bovine Lactoferrin Enhances TLR7-Mediated Responses in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Elderly Women: Results From a Nutritional Intervention Study With Bovine Lactoferrin, GOS and Vitamin D

During aging the immune system is dysregulated. Especially plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and myeloid DCs (mDCs) have reduced Toll like receptor (TLR)-mediated responses resulting in increased susceptibility to infections. Consumption of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has been shown to reduce infections with viruses. Galacto-oligosacharides (GOS) and vitamin D are associated with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in serum, and increased TLR7/8 responses, respectively. A double-blind placebo-controlled nutritional intervention study in elderly women was performed, to investigate the potential of bLF, GOS, and vitamin D to restore TLR responsiveness of pDCs and mDCs and to reduce inflammatory markers in serum. The nutritional intervention group (n = 15) received bLF for 3 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of bLF + GOS, and subsequently 3 weeks of bLF + GOS + vitamin D. The placebo group (n = 15) received maltodextrin for 9 weeks. Every 3 weeks, blood was collected and TLR responses of pDCs and mDCs, and inflammation-related markers in serum were measured. After 3 weeks of bLF supplementation, increased TLR7/8 and TLR1/2 responses were observed in pDCs of the nutritional intervention group compared to the placebo group. When the effects of the entire nutritional intervention were investigated, increased TLR1/2 mediated responses in mDCs were observed, and in serum sVCAM tended to decrease. Finally, based on the RAND-36 questionnaire physical function tended to improve in the intervention group. Since especially TLR7-mediated responses in pDCs were enhanced after bLF supplementation compared to placebo, this suggests that bLF may contribute to antiviral responses mediated by pDC in elderly women.Clinical trial registry number: NCT03026244, clinicaltrials.gov:
Differential expression of Wilms’ tumour 1 gene in porcine urogenital organs during development

Wilms’ tumour 1 gene (WT1) is essential for the development of mammalian urogenital system. However, the expression pattern of WT1 in the development of porcine urogenital organs is still unclear. Here, we examined the expression of WT1 mRNA and protein in porcine kidneys, ovaries and testes from embryonic days 35 and 60 (E35d, E60d, n = 3) to the newborn (0d, n = 4) and adult (210d, n = 3) stages, using real‐time PCR and immunofluorescent staining. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that porcine kidneys, ovaries and testes all expressed high level of WT1 mRNAs, especially in adult testes (p < 0.05 or 0.01 vs. kidney and ovary, respectively). Morphologically, characteristic microstructures of the kidneys, ovaries and testes were observed and discerned at all four stages. Immunofluorescently, WT1 expression was detected in a dynamic and context‐specific pattern during the development of these organs. Taken together, porcine urogenital organs express relatively high levels of WT1 mRNA. Dynamical and context‐specific expression profile of WT1 in these organs occurs during their development, implying its close association with the development and function of porcine kidney, ovary and testis.
High proportion of transient neonatal zinc deficiency causing alleles in the general population

Loss of function (LoF) mutations in the zinc transporter SLC30A2/ZnT2 result in impaired zinc secretion into breast milk consequently causing transient neonatal zinc deficiency (TNZD) in exclusively breastfed infants. However, the frequency of TNZD causing alleles in the general population is yet unknown. Herein, we investigated 115 missense SLC30A2/ZnT2 mutations from the ExAC database, equally distributed in the entire coding region, harboured in 668 alleles in 60 706 healthy individuals of diverse ethnicity. To estimate the frequency of LoF SLC30A2/ZnT2 mutations in the general population, we used bioinformatics tools to predict the potential impact of these mutations on ZnT2 functionality, and corroborated these predictions by a zinc transport assay in human MCF‐7 cells. We found 14 missense mutations that were markedly deleterious to zinc transport. Together with two conspicuous LoF mutations in the ExAC database, 26 SLC30A2/ZnT2 alleles harboured deleterious mutations, suggesting that at least 1 in 2334 newborn infants are at risk to develop TNZD. This high frequency of TNZD mutations combined with the World Health Organization‐promoted increase in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding highlights the importance of genetic screening for inactivating SLC30A2/ZnT2 mutations in the general population for the early diagnosis and prevention of TNZD.
A Remote Sensing Image Key Target Recognition System Design Based on Faster R-CNN

Aiming at the problem of traditional low-level recognition of key targets in remote sensing images, a method for target detection and recognition based on Faster R-CNN is proposed. Firstly, the open source remote sensing image data set NWPU VHR-10 dataset is converted into VOC 2007 format as the training sets and test sets. Secondly, according to the training set category information, the hyper-parameters of the neural network are refined, and then the training set is trained using the Faster R-CNN neural network to generate a model. Finally, this model is used to detect unknown remote sensing images and identify important targets. The simulation results show that the method has high recognition accuracy and speed, and can provide reference for recognition of the key targets of remote sensing images.
Choroidal biomarkers

A structurally and functionally intact choroid tissue is vitally important for the retina function. Although central retinal artery is responsible to supply the inner retina, choroidal vein network is responsible for the remaining one-third of the external part. Abnormal choroidal blood flow leads to photoreceptor dysfunction and photoreceptor death in the retina, and the choroid has vital roles in the pathophysiology of many diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease. Biomarkers of choroidal diseases can be identified in various imaging modalities that visualize the choroid. Indocyanine green angiography enables the visualization of choroid veins under the retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal blood flow. New insights into a precise structural and functional analysis of the choroid have been possible, thanks to recent progress in retinal imaging based on enhanced depth imaging (EDI) and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) technologies. Long-wavelength SS-OCT enables the choroid and the choroid–sclera interface to be imaged at greater depth and to quantify choroidal thickness profiles throughout a volume scan, thus exposing the morphology of intermediate and large choroidal vessels. Finally, OCT angiography allows a dye-free evaluation of the blood flow in the choriocapillaris and in the choroid. We hereby review different imaging findings of choroidal diseases that can be used as biomarkers of activity and response to the treatment.