Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography under moderate sedation for guiding transcatheter aortic valve replacement

The optimal periprocedural imaging strategy during transcathether aortic valve replacement (TAVR) performed under moderate sedation is debated. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) provides suboptimal views due to poorer resolution and patient positioning, whereas use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) under moderate sedation is not widely utilized. The aim of our study was to compare the value of TTE in comparison with TEE guidance under moderate sedation during TAVR. The study population included 144 consecutive patients (mean age 83 ± 11 years, 78 (54%) females) who had TAVR under moderate sedation using either a TTE (n = 96) or TEE (n = 48). We compared procedural outcomes using propensity score matching. There were no significant inter-group differences in age, sex, ejection fraction, aortic valve area, pressure gradients, creatinine or type of valve used. The procedural time was significantly shorter in the TEE group (P < 0.001) and associated with a lower need for periprocedural aortograms (7.7 ± 1.9 vs 8.2 ± 1.9, P = 0.022) and a lower occurrence of acute kidney injury (1 vs 11, P = 0.047). The 1:1 propensity score matching also showed a lower procedural time (P = 0.032), number of aortograms (P = 0.014) and a trend toward lower acute kidney injury in the TEE group (P = 0.077). TAVR guidance using TEE is associated with a lower fluoroscopic time, a lower need for additional aortograms and trend in lower occurrence of post-TAVR acute kidney injury.
Quantitative imaging features to predict cancer status in lung nodules

Background: We propose a systematic methodology to quantify incidentally identified lung nodules based on observed radiological traits on a point scale. These quantitative traits classification model was used to predict cancer status. Materials and Methods: We used 102 patients’ low dose computed tomography (LDCT) images for this study, 24 semantic traits were systematically scored from each image. We built a machine learning classifier in cross validation setting to find best predictive imaging features to differentiate malignant from benign lung nodules. Results: The best feature triplet to discriminate malignancy was based on long axis, concavity and lymphadenopathy with average AUC of 0.897 (Accuracy of 76.8%, Sensitivity of 64.3%, Specificity of 90%). A similar semantic triplet optimized on Sensitivity/Specificity (Youden’s J index) included long axis, vascular convergence and lymphadenopathy which had an average AUC of 0.875 (Accuracy of 81.7%, Sensitivity of 76.2%, Specificity of 95%). Conclusions: Quantitative radiological image traits can differentiate malignant from benign lung nodules. These semantic features along with size measurement enhance the prediction accuracy.
How Organizational Theory can Help Network Theorizing: Linking Structure and Dynamics via Cross-Level Analogies

Abstract Traditionally, organizational theory has been a receptacle of methods and mechanisms from network theory. In this paper, we argue that organizational theory can also be an active contributor to network theory’s conceptual development. To that end, we make explicit a theoretical strategy that has only been used informally by network theorists so far, which – following Vaughan (2002) – we refer to as analogical theorizing. Using the basic correspondence between dyadic relationships as the most minimal form of “organization,” we show that processes and mechanisms extracted from various theoretical strands of organizational theory can be mapped onto the dynamics of social relationships. This allows us to build novel theoretical insight as it pertains to issue of relationship emergence, maintenance, and decay in social networks.
Nordic Walking Performance Analysis with an Integrated Monitoring System

There is a growing interest in Nordic walking both from the fitness and medical point of views due to its possible therapeutic applications. The proper execution of the technique is an essential requirement to maximize the benefits of this practice. This is the reason why a monitoring system for outdoor Nordic walking activity was developed. Using data obtained from synchronized sensors, it is possible to have a complete overview of the users’ movements. The system described in this paper is able to measure: the pole angle during the pushing phase, the arms cycle frequency and synchronization and the pushing force applied to the ground. Furthermore, data from a GPS module give an image of the environment where the activity session takes place, in terms of the distance, slope, as well as the ground typology. A heart rate sensor is used to monitor the effort of the user through his/her Beats Per Minute (BPM). In this work, the developed monitoring system is presented, explaining how to use the gathered data to obtain the main feedback parameters for Nordic walking performance analysis. The comparison between left and right arm measurements allowed validating the system as a tool for technique evaluation. Finally, a procedure to estimate the peak pushing force from acceleration measurements is proposed.
Comparison of success criteria based on long-term symptoms and new-onset hypertension in mandibular advancement device treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea: observational cohort study

Objective To identify adequate criteria to determine the success or failure of mandibular advancement device (MAD) treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) based on long-term symptoms and new-onset hypertension. Design Observational cohort study. Setting A tertiary care hospital setting in South Korea. Participants Patients (age >18 years) who were diagnosed with OSA by a polysomnography (PSG) or Watch peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT), and who had been treated with MAD between January 2007 and December 2014 were enrolled. Primary and secondary outcome measures Patients underwent PSG or Watch PAT twice; before and 3 months after the application of MAD. The patients were categorised into success and failure groups using seven different criteria. MAD compliance, witnessed apnoea and snoring, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score and occurrence of new-onset hypertension were surveyed via telephonic interview to determine the criteria that could identify success and failure of MAD. Results A total of 97 patients were included. The mean follow-up duration was 60.5 months, and the mean apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) was 35.5/hour. Two of the seven criteria could significantly differentiate the success and failure groups based on long-term symptoms, including (1) AHI<10/hour with MAD and (2) AHI<10/hour and AHI reduction of >50% with MAD. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that one criterion of AHI<15/hour with MAD could differentiate the success and failure groups based on new-onset hypertension (p=0.035). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the cut-off AHI for new-onset hypertension was 16.8/hour (71.4% sensitivity and 75.0% specificity). Conclusion Our long-term follow-up survey for symptoms and new-onset hypertension suggested that some of the polysomnographic success criteria, that is, AHI<10/hour with MAD, AHI<10/hour and AHI reduction of >50% with MAD and AHI<15/hour with MAD may be useful in distinguishing the success group from failure one. Further prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these criteria.
Septins: Active GTPases or just GTP‐binding proteins?

Septins are conserved cytoskeletal proteins with unique filament forming capabilities and roles in cytokinesis and cell morphogenesis. Septins undergo hetero‐oligomerization and assemble into higher order structures including filaments, rings, and cages. Hetero‐ and homotypic interactions of septin isoforms involve alternating GTPase (G)‐domain interfaces and those mediated by N‐ and C‐terminal extensions. While most septins bind GTP, display weak GTP‐hydrolysis activity and incorporate guanine nucleotides in their interaction interfaces, studies using GTPase‐inactivating mutations have failed to conclusively establish a crucial role for GTPase activity in mediating septin functions. In this mini‐review, we will critically assess the role of GTP‐binding and ‐hydrolysis on septin assembly and function. The relevance of G‐domain activity will also be discussed in the context of human septin mutations as well as the development of specific small‐molecules targeting septin polymerization. As structural determinants of septin oligomer interfaces, G‐domains are attractive targets for ligand‐based inhibition of septin assembly. Whether such an intervention can predictably alter septin function is a major question for future research.
SeIns : Semantic Instability in Art

Many artworks defy determinacy of meaning by inducing a variety of potential meanings. We aim to describe different kinds of such semantic instability (which we call ‘ SeIns ’) by comparing related concepts as well as specific phenomena in order to arrive at concise definitions. These analyses will be positioned in the framework of Predictive Coding. Furthermore, this article fathoms the specifics of semantic instability in art and presents a psycho-aesthetic account on the appeal of semantic instability in art. We propose that one factor for the appeal of semantic instability might be that it offers the opportunity of rewarding insight. Furthermore, we suggest that positive affect can be gained not only by arriving at an insight but also by anticipating it — a crucial point with regard to those kinds of semantic instability that are not ‘resolvable’ into semantic stability. Current challenges within this field of research include the necessity of an empirical approach to classes of semantic instability, the lack of a specification of psycho-aesthetic theories on the appeal of each class, as well as the need for an integration of context- and person-related facets of the experience of art.
miR-23a suppresses pancreatic cancer cell progression by inhibiting PLK-1 expression

The present study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-23a on pancreatic cancer (PC) cells progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to detect the mRNA and protein miR-23a and PLK-1 level. Cell viability, cell cycle, migration and invasion assasy, and in vivo tumorigenicity assay were used to investigate the effects of miR-204. Further luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the mechanisms contributing to miR-204 effects. It was observed that miR-23a expression was upregulated and negatively associated with polo-like kinase-1 (PLK-1) expression in human PC tissues. PLK-1 was a direct target of miR-23a in PC cells. Functional analysis demonstrated that miR-23a overexpression suppressed cell proliferation, inhibited cell migration and invasion and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. When PC cells were transfected with has-miR-23a PLK-1 was downregulated and its downstream molecules were deregulated, including decreased expression of B-cell lymphoma-2, cyclin B1 and vimentin, and increased expression of Bax and E-cadherin. The inhibitory effect of miR-23a on PC cell progression was observed in vivo tumor xenografts. The results of the study suggest that miR-23a inhibits PC cell progression by directly targeting PLK-1-associated signaling and promoting miR-23a expression may be a potential method for treating patients with PC.
A streamlined method for transposon mutagenesis of Rickettsia parkeri yields numerous mutations that impact infection

The rickettsiae are obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria that exhibit a complex infectious life cycle in both arthropod and mammalian hosts. As obligate intracellular bacteria, Rickettsia are highly adapted to living inside a variety of host cells, including vascular endothelial cells during mammalian infection. Although it is assumed that the rickettsiae produce numerous virulence factors that usurp or disrupt various host cell pathways, they have been challenging to genetically manipulate to identify the key bacterial factors that contribute to infection. Motivated to overcome this challenge, we sought to expand the repertoire of available rickettsial loss-of-function mutants, using an improved mariner-based transposon mutagenesis scheme. Here, we present the isolation of over 100 transposon mutants in the spotted fever group species Rickettsia parkeri. These mutants targeted genes implicated in a variety of pathways, including bacterial replication and metabolism, hypothetical proteins, the type IV secretion system, as well as factors with previously established roles in host cell interactions and pathogenesis. Given the need to identify critical virulence factors, forward genetic screens such as this will provide an excellent platform to more directly investigate rickettsial biology and pathogenesis.
Consensus for active power sharing and frequency restoration in islanded microgrids subject to drifting clocks

The application of consensus theory in the control of islanded microgrids (MG) is gaining increased attention because it facilitates the development of distributed control solutions. In particular, its application to active power sharing and frequency regulation has lead to satisfactory results. This paper analyses the effect that local clock drifts have in the parallel operation of voltage source inverters (VSIs) in islanded microgrids (MG) when governed by a distributed consensus algorithm. Analytical expressions that relate the steady-state frequency and active power as a function of each VSI local drift are provided. These expressions allow extracting tuning rules for the consensus-based control algorithm. Simulation results permit corroborating the theoretical analysis.
Unmet Needs in Pediatric Functional Constipation

Pediatric functional constipation (PFC) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal complaints in pediatric patients, accounting for 3% of visits to a general pediatrician and up to 25% of visits to a pediatric gastroenterologist in the United States.1 Across epidemiologic studies, global prevalence of PFC has been reported as being between 0.3% and 29.6%, with similar rates for both genders.2-5 PFC has a significant impact on patient and family quality of life, and in the United States alone, the estimated economic burden of childhood constipation in 2011 was US$3.9 billion.6-8 Disease severity may vary from mild and short-lived to severe and chronic, with approximately 25% of patients continuing to have symptoms into adulthood.2 Despite currently available treatment options, quality of care in PFC is limited by lack of guidance for disease management, a poorly defined disease state, and insufficient data on drug therapies.9,10 PFC is defined in the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) as the patient (1) having 2 or more of the following symptoms at least once each week for 1 month prior to diagnosis: ≤2 defecations per week, at least 1 episode of fecal incontinence per week, history of retentive posturing or excessive volitional stool retention, history of painful or hard bowel movements, presence of a large fecal mass in the rectum, and history of large diameter stools that may obstruct defecation; and (2) having insufficient criteria for a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome.11,12 Although the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for childhood FGIDs provide a classification system, the criteria do not overlap well with physician diagnosis or daily symptoms reported in patient diaries.9 Similarly, issues also exist with treatment options used in PFC such as lack of data to support long-term use, lack of placebo-controlled trials, high levels of heterogeneity in eligibility criteria, lack of generally accepted endpoints for clinical data, and lack of established safety profiles in the pediatric population. Given the dearth of consistent guiding information, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify gaps and unmet medical and educational needs in PFC.
Development of novel monoclonal antibodies against CD109 overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal types of cancer, and more effective therapeutic agents are urgently needed. Overexpressed cell surface antigens are ideal targets for therapy with monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based drugs, but none have been approved for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Here, we report development of two novel mouse mAbs, KU42.33C and KU43.13A, against the human pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC-3. Using ELISA, flow cytometry, competitive assay and immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, we discovered that these two mAbs target two distinct epitopes on the external domain of CD109 that are overexpressed by varying amounts in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. Treatment with these two naked antibodies alone did not affect tumour cell growth or migration in vitro. Of the two mAbs, only KU42.33C was useful in determining the expression of CD109 in tumour cells by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, immunohistochemistry of human pancreatic carcinoma tissue arrays with mAb KU42.33C showed that 94% of the 65 human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases were CD109 positive, with no expression in normal pancreatic tissues. Our results suggest that these two novel mAbs are excellent tools for determining the expression level of CD109 in the tumour specimens and sera of patients with a wide range of cancers, in particular pancreatic cancer, and for investigating its diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value. Further research is warranted and should aim to unravel the therapeutic potential of the humanised forms or conjugated versions of such antibodies in patients whose tumours overexpress CD109 antigen.
Identification of Potential Therapeutic Targets in the Liver of Pioglitazone-Treated Type 2 Diabetes Sprague-Dawley Rats via Expression Profile Chip and iTRAQ Assay

The aim of the present study was to identify key antidiabetic nodes in the livers of pioglitazone-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus Sprague-Dawley rats by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Rats were randomly divided into the control, the diabetes model, and the pioglitazone-treated groups. After treatment with pioglitazone for 11 weeks, the effects on fasting blood glucose, body weight, and blood biochemistry parameters were evaluated. Microarray and iTRAQ analysis were used to determine the differentially expressed genes/proteins in rat livers. 1.5-fold changes in gene expression and 1.2-fold changes in protein were set as the screening criteria. After treatment with pioglitazone for 11 weeks, fasting blood glucose in pioglitazone-treated rats was significantly lower than that in the model group. There was a tendency for pioglitazone to reduce TC, TG, TP, ALB, BUN, and HDL-c levels. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) were applied to analyze differentially expressed genes/proteins. Furthermore, Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to validate the results of microarray and iTRAQ. In conclusion, Cyp7a1, Cp, and RT1-EC2 are differentially expressed genes/proteins since they showed a similar trend in rats in the model group and the pioglitazone-treated group.
The Future of the Family Cap: Fertility Effects 18 Years Post-Implementation

Family caps are the one welfare reform explicitly designed to reduce birth rates among poor, unmarried women. These policies generate a great deal of controversy due to the groups of women they target, the mechanisms through which they operate, and the effects they purport to produce. This article presents results from a national study with 18 years of post–family cap data. We find that family caps reduce nonmarital births by about 2 per 1,000 and the nonmarital birth ratio by nearly 2 per 100 and that these effects are confined primarily to states where Medicaid is used to pay for abortion and where black women form a large proportion of the population. In contrast to a number of earlier studies, our analysis also shows that most of the decline in births is due to fewer pregnancies (about 3 per 1,000) and not to increases in abortions.
Sound Frequency Representation in the Auditory Cortex of the Common Marmoset Visualized Using Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging

Abstract Natural sound is composed of various frequencies. Although the core region of the primate auditory cortex has functionally defined sound frequency preference maps, how the map is organized in the auditory areas of the belt and parabelt regions is not well known. In this study, we investigated the functional organizations of the core, belt, and parabelt regions encompassed by the lateral sulcus and the superior temporal sulcus in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Using optical intrinsic signal imaging, we obtained evoked responses to band-pass noise stimuli in a range of sound frequencies (0.5–16 kHz) in anesthetized adult animals and visualized the preferred sound frequency map on the cortical surface. We characterized the functionally defined organization using histologically defined brain areas in the same animals. We found tonotopic representation of a set of sound frequencies (low to high) within the primary (A1), rostral (R), and rostrotemporal (RT) areas of the core region. In the belt region, the tonotopic representation existed only in the mediolateral (ML) area. This representation was symmetric with that found in A1 along the border between areas A1 and ML. The functional structure was not very clear in the anterolateral (AL) area. Low frequencies were mainly preferred in the rostrotemplatal (RTL) area, while high frequencies were preferred in the caudolateral (CL) area. There was a portion of the parabelt region that strongly responded to higher sound frequencies (>5.8 kHz) along the border between the rostral parabelt (RPB) and caudal parabelt (CPB) regions.
Sleep habits and strategies of ultramarathon runners

Among factors impacting performance during an ultramarathon, sleep is an underappreciated factor that has received little attention. The aims of this study were to characterize habitual sleep behaviors in ultramarathon runners and to examine strategies they use to manage sleep before and during ultramarathons. Responses from 636 participants to a questionnaire were considered. This population was found to sleep more on weekends and holidays (7–8 h to 8–9 h) than during weekdays (6–7 h to 7–8 h; p < 0.001). Work was a mediator of napping habits since 19–25% reported napping on work days and 37–56% on non-work days. There were 24.5% of the participants reporting sleep disorders, with more women (38.9%) reporting sleep problems than men (22.0%; p < 0.005). Mean (±SD) sleepiness score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale was 8.9 ± 4.3 with 37.6% of respondents scoring higher than 10, reflecting excessive daytime sleepiness. Most of the study participants (73.9%) had a strategy to manage sleep preceding an ultramarathon, with 54.7% trying to increase their opportunities for sleep. Only 21% of participants reported that they had a strategy to manage sleep during ultramarathons, with micronaps being the most common strategy specified. Sub-analyses from 221 responses indicated that sleep duration during an ultramarathon was correlated with finish time for races lasting 36–60 h (r = 0.48; p < 0.01) or > 60 h (r = 0.44; p < 0.001). We conclude that sleep duration among ultramarathon runners was comparable to the general population and other athletic populations, yet they reported a lower prevalence of sleep disorders. Daytime sleepiness was among the lowest rates encountered in athletic populations, which may be related to the high percentage of nappers in our population. Sleep extension, by increasing sleep time at night and daytime napping, was the main sleep strategy to prepare for ultramarathons.