Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: A Novel Drug Self-Delivery System from Fatty Alcohol Esters of Tranexamic Acid for Venous Malformation Sclerotherapy

Venous malformation (VM), which causes severe damage to patients’ appearance and organ function, is one of the most common vascular malformations. At present, many drugs in clinical treatment cause various adverse reactions. Herein, we synthesized cationic amphiphilic gelators (TA6, TA8, and TA9) by introducing saturated carbon chains of different lengths to tranexamic acid (TA), which could self-assemble into low-molecular-weight gels (LMWGs) as drug delivery carriers by hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions. The rheological properties, gelation driving force and drug release profiles of TA6, TA8, and TA9 hydrogels were characterized, and the results indicated that the hydrogels prepared in this study possessed the typical characteristics of a gel and could release drugs slowly. More importantly, the TA9 gelator showed significant pharmacological activity, in that it served as both an active drug compound and a drug carrier. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that TA9 induced HUVECs death and hemolysis by destroying cell membranes in a dose-dependent manner, and caused cell death and hemolysis at a concentration of 0.09 µM/mL. Meanwhile, we found TA9 could interact not only with fibrinogen, but also with other endogenous molecules in the blood. After the administration of TA9 hydrogel for 15 days, macroscopic imaging and histological evaluation in mice and rabbits displayed obvious thrombi, inflammatory reactions, and venous embolization, indicating that the mechanism of the TA9 hydrogel in treating VM was involved in two processes. Firstly, the TA9 hydrogel relied on its mechanical strength to physically block veins and continuously release TA9, in situ, for targeted therapy. Then, TA9 destroyed endothelial cells and damaged venous walls critically, causing thrombi. Most excitingly, TA9 was hydrolyzed to TA by enzymes that inhibited the degradation of thrombi by plasmin to prolong the embolization time and to promote venous fibrosis. Compared with other clinically available sclerosants, the degradation of TA9 also empowered a better biocompatibility and biodegradability for the TA9 hydrogel. In conclusion, we synthesized a potentially safe and effective derivative of TA and developed a low-molecular-weight gel as a self-delivery system for TA in treating VM.
A new precipitation forecast method based on CEEMD-WTD-GRU

The simulation of precipitation changes can provide references for the prediction and prevention of flood disasters, and has guiding significance for the comprehensive utilization of regional water resources. Precipitation forecasting is difficult due to the randomness and uncertainty of precipitation events. CEEMD can effectively overcome modal aliasing and white noise interference. The WTD process has obvious denoising effects on the original signal. GRU can effectively solve long-term memory and reflection. Based on the advantages of problems such as gradients in propagation, a CEEMD-WTD-GRU precipitation prediction coupling model is constructed. The second decomposition of CEEMD-WTD-GRU can more effectively extract complex time series information. The time series forecasting provided a new method, which effectively improved the accuracy of the forecast and applied it to the forecast of monthly precipitation in Shanghai. The research results show that the average absolute error of the CEEMD-WTD-GRU model is 3.86, the average relative error is 3.30%, and the Nash efficiency coefficient is 0.99. The prediction accuracy is better than the CEEMD-WTD-GRU model without noise reduction, the CEEMD-LSTM model and GRU model, which shows that it has strong nonlinear and complex process learning ability in hydrological factor simulation, and can be used for regional precipitation prediction.
FOOD WASTE AND FOOD LOSS IN THE RETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN

The food supply chain consists of five phases: production, storage and handling, processing and packaging, distribution on the market, and final consumption. Appropriate conditions need to be provided at each stage of the supply chain to reduce food losses and food waste. A fundamental transformation of the global food system is needed in order to tackle food waste and food loss. The growing attention to food loss and waste is reflected in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (UN SDG, 2015,) and food loss and food waste are highlighted in the European Green Deal (2019) and Farm to Fork Strategy. This paper aims to determine the reasons for the generation of food waste in the retail supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to identify and provide the current status of the food waste and food loss research in the retail supply chain, based on the analysis of the available secondary literature.
Improvement of subsonic wall corrections in an industrial wind tunnel

The National Research Council 5ft Trisonic Wind Tunnel enables testing of half-span models at a high Reynolds number cost effectively, however there is the possibility of experiencing relatively larger wall-interference effects compared to full span tests. Subsonic wall-interference effects due to the partially open boundaries at the NRC 5ft wind tunnel are corrected by the “one-variable” method, resulting in corrections in Mach number and angle of attack for the measured quantities. This dissertation introduces the need for adequately correcting for wall interference in subsonic half-model wind-tunnel testing in both pre-stall and post-stall conditions. The one-variable method is described and several aspects that require validation and improvement in this method are pointed out based on specific experimental and numerical results obtained for different test articles. An initial assessment of the influence of the different possible tunnel configurations and computational parameters is defined based on experimental data from a test performed on a scaled model of the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet. This initial study unveils some of the weaknesses of the one-variable method. While this method provides accurate wall corrections during tests in pre-stall conditions; it is unable to generate reliable corrections in stall. Partially, this is due to the development of flow separation on a model tested at subsonic flow conditions reaching stall, not currently accounted for by the potential theory model representation used by the wall-correction methodology at the NRC 5ft TWT. Possible improvements to this singularity representation, paramount to the one-variable method, are then investigated. This revision of the model representation is based on high fidelity free-air CFD solutions for the NASA Common Research Model, validated by experimental data sets obtained from a semispan version of the CRM tested at the NRC 5ft Trisonic Wind Tunnel. The improved potential representation is tested on solid-wall experimental wind-tunnel data to present more reliable behavior of the wall-interference correction estimates when substantial wing stalling is encountered.
Long-Term Changes in Macrophyte Distribution and Abundance in a Lowland River

The aim of this study was to reveal the changes of macrophyte community over time and along the course of the Ižica River. In 1996, 2000, and 2016, we surveyed the distribution and abundance of macrophyte species in the lowland Ižica River, which originates in the town of Ig and then flows through an agricultural landscape. We calculated the River Macrophyte Index (RMI), which reflects the ecological status of the river. In 2016, ecomorphological conditions of the river, using the Riparian, Channel and Environmental inventory, were also assessed. In just 10.5 km of the river, we identified 27 taxa of macrophytes, among which Potamogeton natans, Sagittaria sagittifolia, and P. perfoliatus were the most abundant. Detrended correspondence analysis showed that, in 1996, the surveyed stretches differed more according to macrophyte composition than in the following years. The assessed environmental parameters explained 43% of the variability of the macrophyte species; riverbank stability explained 20%, riverbed structure 10%, while vegetation type of the riparian zone and bottom type explained 7 and 5%, respectively. The species composition of the macrophyte community revealed significant changes over the years of the riverine ecosystem. Comparison of RMIs in 1996 revealed better conditions in the upper and middle part of the river, while in 2016, the situation was the opposite, since the conditions in the upper part deteriorated significantly over time, while the lower part of the river had the best ecological status. These changes may be due to a considerable increase in the population of the settlement Ig, while better status in the lower course of the river may be a consequence of improvements in the infrastructure and the use of sustainable agricultural practices in the catchment due to the establishment of a formal area of protection.
Key Technology Analysis of Big Dog Quadruped Robot

The core technology of the Big Dog quadruped robot is analyzed. Adapting to the rough terrain is the main design clues of the Big Dog. Improving horizontal and vertical degrees of freedom linkage ability is the main innovation of structure design. Not good motion characteristics, such as robot's center of gravity ups and downs and self disturbance are the main reasons for being difficult to control. The components and advantage of the hydraulic power system are analyzed. Solving the driver problem of legged vehicles is the fundamental goal of the hydraulic system development. Supporting leg slipping or not, pitch and roll angle of the body too large or not are the main parameters as monitoring robot's movement condition. IMU and joint encoder can detect the state parameters of the body and limbs. Terrain of foot placement can be restored by pressure sensor. Three-in-one can build a virtual model. By the virtual model, robot's center of gravity and other key control process parameters can be calculated. At the same time, locomotion control system can do action drill roughly and accurate planning of kinematics or dynamics. The deviation of planning and prototype model is taken as the feedback for closed-loop control. LS3 constructs the navigation system of three-dimensional laser scanner and binocular vision as the main. LS3 can stride across rocky terrain by visual terrain reconstruction. Software system can integrate all the basic functions as an organic whole. Autonomy and intelligence of robot are discussed. Big Dog/LS3 and Curiosity Mars Rover are compared and analyzed. Big Dog has three big problems currently: instantaneously unable to increase hydraulic value significantly, all kinds of damage in mechanical transmission, bionic design not thoroughness. For the inadequacies of Big Dog, several improvements are analyzed on the LS3. Petman, Cheetah and Wildcat robot are briefly analyzed. Atlas biped robot has crash protection function and can recovery equilibrium status quickly after external force hitting by virtual model.
Synthesis of the Circular Antenna Array by the Nonlinear Least Square Method

Circular array is a common used structure that yields the symmetry radiation pattern. The optimal design of the circular array antenna is addressed in this paper. The nonlinear least-square method is used to optimize the parameters affecting antenna pattern such as the amplitude and phase of the elements, the space between the elements as well as the positions of the elements in array so that the pattern of array antenna approaches the desired pattern in the least square sense. Simulation results show the proposed method is feasible and efficient.
Exploring the Experience of a Strengths-Based Approach within a Forensic Service

ABSTRACT As part of an NHS England pilot scheme, Specialist Community Forensic Teams were developed aiming to support service users’ transition of care from secure forensic inpatient settings to living in the community. This study explored the experiences of service users, carers, health professionals and specialist residential accommodation providers in relation to one of these teams. The Good Lives Model was adapted by the team to inform formulation and intervention. Nineteen participants completed a mixed-methods survey. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the use of a strengths-based model within a forensic setting was perceived by stakeholders as providing an experience of relational security and hopefulness. Most stakeholders surveyed endorsed survey items indicative of a positive experience of the service. The findings from this study suggest that GLM is an acceptable model to stakeholders for formulating the needs and strengths of service users in planning their transition from residing in secure settings to living in the community.
Research on the Application of Ant Colony Algorithm in Underwater Path Planning

Keywords: Underwater terrain-aided navigation;Path planning;Ant colony algorithm;Particle filter Abstract. In order to ensure sufficient terrain information for the underwater terrain-aided navigation, a global path planning method based on Ant Colony Algorithm (ACA) is proposed. The concept of feasible region is firstly defined, and then pheromone representation, heuristic functions and pheromone updating rules are discussed in detail. Thirdly, ACA considering comprehensively navigation tasks and terrain information is studied on the basis of real terrain data. Finally, Simulative verification with Particle Filter (PF) navigational algorithm on the given path is conducted. The results show that the proposed path planning method can achieve good performance in underwater terrain-aided navigation.
Similar species, different fates: Abundance dynamics in spatially structured populations of common and threatened frogs

Understanding which factors determine the variation in population size across space and time is crucial to plan sound conservation interventions. Amphibians are often characterized by large demographic changes, therefore a better understanding of factors driving these changes could help mitigate their global crisis. We investigated drivers of abundance dynamics of two similar frog species to understand why they met different fates in the same study area.
Origin and Early Evolution of Photosynthesis: A Brief Historical Account

What if oxygenic photosynthesis is a primordial process with roots at the origin of life? What would the impact of this change in perspective be on our understanding of the early Earth and of the emergence and diversification of life? In here, I will examine some of the historical context of the study of the evolution of photosynthesis, which led to the consolidation of the current notion that the origin of anoxygenic photosynthesis occurred before the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis. I will show with a few examples how the mainstream view on the evolution of photosynthesis traces back to Oparin’s ‘primordial soup’ scenario for the origin of life, fuelled by the century-old perception that oxygenic photosynthesis is a plant rather than a bacterial trait. However, it has become more evident than ever before that the mainstream view is not supported by the evolution of the photosystems. In other words, the origin of biological water oxidation appears to be the seed from where photosynthesis sprout. Somewhat troubling and contrary to all predictions that derive from the mainstream view, photosystem II—the water-splitting and oxygen-evolving enzyme—shows features that are better explained if photochemical reaction centres originated during the establishment of oxygenic photosynthesis. An urgent revision of the evolution of photosynthesis procured to be free from biases of interpretations and presuppositions is strongly encouraged from all angles of the Life and Earth Sciences.
Gradient Detection Starting Controlled Photovoltaic Sourced BLDCM Drive Without Position Sensors

An accurate commutation for position estimation is the main challenge in brushless (BL) permanent magnet (PM) type direct current (DC) motor drive in motion sensorless mode. A rugged position sensorless control with an accurate rotational direction control-based algorithm is presented here for solar photovoltaic (PV) array fed submersible and surface mounted centrifugal and helical water pumping. In this method, an initial accurate rotational direction control along with starting current control is implemented. No current sensor is used for mechanical rotor position estimation to make the system cost effective as it is mainly designed for agricultural applications. The reliability and dynamic performance of the system are validated through both simulation and experimental results on a laboratory prototype and in industrial test facility using commercial prototype with low cost Delfino DSP processor. The economical solution proves best fit for agricultural as well as household purpose water pumping.
Short-Term Pain Evolution and Treatment Success of Pulpotomy as Irreversible Pulpitis Permanent Treatment: A Non-Randomized Clinical Study

The objective of this work was to evaluate (1) the short-term evolution of pain and (2) the treatment success of full pulpotomy as permanent treatment of irreversible pulpitis in mature molars. The study consisted of a non-randomized comparison between a test group (n = 44)—full pulpotomy performed by non-specialist junior practitioners, and a control group (n = 40)—root canal treatments performed by specialized endodontists. Short-term pain score (Heft–Parker scale) was recorded pre-operatively, then at 24 h and 7 days post-operatively. Three outcomes were considered for treatment success: radiographic, clinical and global success. For short-term evolution of pain, a non-parametric Wilcoxon test was performed (significance level = 0.05). For treatment success, a Pearson Chi square or Fisher test were performed (significance level = 0.017–Bonferroni correction). There was no significant difference between test and control groups neither regarding short term evolution of pain at each time point, nor regarding clinical (80% and 90%, respectively) or global success (77% and 67%, respectively). However, a significant difference in radiographic success was observed (94% and 69%, respectively). The present work adds to the existing literature to support that pulpotomy as permanent treatment could be considered as an acceptable and conservative treatment option, potentially applied by a larger population of dentists.
Oral Tegafur-Uracil Combination plus Leucovorin versus Other Fluoropyrimidine Agents in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Shikha Verma Background Systemic fluoropyrimidines, both oral and intravenous, are an integral part of colorectal cancer (CRC) management. They can be administered either with curative or palliative intent. Objectives This article examines the literature to analyze the efficacy and safety of the oral fixed-dose combination of uracil and tegafur (UFT)/leucovorin (LV) compared with other fluoropyrimidine agents, with an intention to implement the findings into the current treatment algorithms for CRC. Methods An exhaustive systematic literature search was performed for prospective studies using PUBMED, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE database. Studies which met eligibility criteria were shortlisted and grouped into chemotherapy given for curative or palliative intent. Results Eight trials were shortlisted involving 4,486 patients for the analysis. There was no difference between UFT/LV and other fluoropyrimidines in the primary endpoints—disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90–.15; p = 0.81) and progression-free survival (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.66–.66; p = 0.35) for curative and palliative intent CRC patients, respectively. In secondary analyses, there was no significant difference observed between UFT and other fluoropyrimidines in overall survival in CRC patients with curative intent (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.88–1.23; p = 0.63) and palliative intent (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.97–1.06; p = 0.42) . In the safety analysis, we found significantly lesser patients on UFT/LV had stomatitis/mucositis (odds ratio [OR] 0.20; 95% CI 0.05–0.85; p = 0.03), fever (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.29–0.71; p < 0.001), infection (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.24–0.74; p < 0.01), leukopenia (OR 0.04; 95% CI 0.00–0.95; p = 0.05), febrile neutropenia (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.00–0.24; p = 0.001), and thrombocytopenia (OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.02–0.79; p = 0.03) compared with other fluoropyrimidines. Conclusion Oral UFT/LV is equally efficacious to other fluoropyrimidines, especially intravenous 5-fluorouracil, in the management of early as well as advanced CRC patients. Importantly, UFT/LV has a superior safety profile compared with other fluoropyrimidines in terms of both hematological and nonhematological adverse events.
Different Jobs Need Different Cultures

Team performance is affected by cultural values; in this paper we propose that cultural differences have different influences in distinct job-fields. The implications are based upon a survey of software development teams in the game software industry. We focus on the game software industry as it represents an under-researched field, and the game software development teams are truly international work teams and are predestinated for cross-cultural research. Based upon cross-cultural information systems and teamwork literature, we develop a conceptual model with the constructs of cultural values, cultural intelligence, mindfulness, teamwork quality, and team performance and tested it on a sample of 179 game developers. The results show that cultural values have an influence on team performance and more important these values differ in the job- fields.
Transient Influence of the Reduction of Deepwater Formation on Ocean Heat Uptake and Heat Budgets in the Global Climate System

The formation and spreading of dense deepwater in the polar regions play a key role in one of the most important climate systems, namely ocean meridional overturning circulation, and the deepwater formation is projected to decrease under the global warming. However, the impact of the reduced deepwater formation on the climate system has not been explored in detail. Here, we performed a series of numerical experiments with a climate model where the downward water mass transport through the bottom boundary layer is artificially reduced to quantitatively evaluate its impacts on the transient ocean and climate responses. It is demonstrated that changes in deepwater formation have non‐negligible impacts on not only ocean heat content but also the Earth's radiation budget at the top of the atmosphere: reduction in deepwater formation in high‐latitude oceans causes warming of bottom water, cooling of the ocean surface, and a subsequent decrease in outgoing longwave radiation.