Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BEHAVIOR OF RECTANGULAR COLD-FORMED STEEL TUBULAR COLUMNS FILLED WITH CONCRETE

Tests on eight rectangular concrete-filled cold-formed steel tubular specimens were carried out. The stress-strain relations for steel and concrete are established. A theoretical model is developed in this paper for the composite stub columns, beams and beam-columns. A reasonable good agreement is observed between the predicted and tested curves. Based on parametric analysis, simplified calculation methods are derived to predict the load-carrying capacities of the composite members.
Local Treatment of Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: Results of a Randomized Phase II Trial

Background: Tumor ablation is often employed for unresectable colorectal liver metastases. However, no survival benefit has ever been demonstrated in prospective randomized studies. Here, we investigate the long-term benefits of such an aggressive approach. Methods: In this randomized phase II trial, 119 patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (n < 10 and no extrahepatic disease) received systemic treatment alone or systemic treatment plus aggressive local treatment by radiofrequency ablation ± resection. Previously, we reported that the primary end point (30-month overall survival [OS] > 38%) was met. We now report on long-term OS results. All statistical tests were two-sided. The analyses were according to intention to treat. Results: At a median follow up of 9.7 years, 92 of 119 (77.3%) patients had died: 39 of 60 (65.0%) in the combined modality arm and 53 of 59 (89.8%) in the systemic treatment arm. Almost all patients died of progressive disease (35 patients in the combined modality arm, 49 patients in the systemic treatment arm). There was a statistically significant difference in OS in favor of the combined modality arm (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.38 to 0.88, P = .01). Three-, five-, and eight-year OS were 56.9% (95% CI = 43.3% to 68.5%), 43.1% (95% CI = 30.3% to 55.3%), 35.9% (95% CI = 23.8% to 48.2%), respectively, in the combined modality arm and 55.2% (95% CI = 41.6% to 66.9%), 30.3% (95% CI = 19.0% to 42.4%), 8.9% (95% CI = 3.3% to 18.1%), respectively, in the systemic treatment arm. Median OS was 45.6 months (95% CI = 30.3 to 67.8 months) in the combined modality arm vs 40.5 months (95% CI = 27.5 to 47.7 months) in the systemic treatment arm. Conclusions: This phase II trial is the first randomized study demonstrating that aggressive local treatment can prolong OS in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases.
Ultrafast Charge Dynamics in an Amino Acid Induced by Attosecond Pulses

In the past few years, attosecond techniques have been implemented for the investigation of ultrafast dynamics in molecules. The generation of isolated attosecond pulses characterized by a relatively high photon flux has opened up new possibilities in the study of molecular dynamics. In this paper, we report on experimental and theoretical results of ultrafast charge dynamics in a biochemically relevant molecule, namely, the amino acid phenylalanine. The data represent the first experimental demonstration of the generation and observation of a charge migration process in a complex molecule, where electron dynamics precede nuclear motion. The application of attosecond technology to the investigation of electron dynamics in biologically relevant molecules represents a multidisciplinary work, which can open new research frontiers: those in which few-femtosecond and even subfemtosecond electron processes determine the fate of biomolecules. It can also open new perspectives for the development of new technologies, for example, in molecular electronics, where electron processes on an ultrafast temporal scale are essential to trigger and control the electron current on the scale of the molecule.
Noncongruence between Audiologist and Patient Preferences for Patient-Centeredness

Abstract Background: Trends in preferences of both healthcare providers and patients to patient-centeredness have been emphasized in research. However, an understanding of the nature of preferences to patient-centeredness within the context of the audiologist–patient relationship is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the congruence between audiologist and patient preferences for patient-centeredness. Research Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from audiologists and patients with hearing loss. Study Sample: Participants included 75 audiologists and 105 consecutive patients with hearing loss. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed the modified Patient–Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) and provided selected demographic information. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t test to evaluate the differences between audiologist and patient congruence. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors contributing to preferences for patient-centeredness. Results: Patients had significantly lower scores in PPOS full scale when compared to the audiologists [t (170) = 0.78; p ≤ 0.001] with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.43). Patients also had significantly lower scores when compared to the audiologists on both the sharing [t (170) = 1.01; p ≤ 0.001] and caring [t (170) = 0.56; p ≤ 0.001] subscales. Statistically significant lower scores were noted for patients when compared to audiologists on 12 items on the PPOS. No relationship between any demographic factors and preferences for patient-centeredness were found. Conclusions: The current study results indicated noncongruence in preferences for patient-centeredness among audiologists and patients with hearing loss. Results point toward the need for more research considering the nature and impact of patient-centered audiology practice.
Altered RNA processing and export lead to retention of mRNAs near transcription sites and nuclear pore complexes or within the nucleolus

In a screen of >1000 essential gene mutants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 26 mutants are found that directly or indirectly affect mRNA processing and/or mRNA export. Single-molecule FISH data show that the majority of these mutants retain mRNAs at discrete locations within the nucleus, which include the nucleolus.
Effect of Goggle Slippage on the Video Head Impulse Test Outcome and Its Mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to quantitatively measure the tightness of the goggle strap during the video head impulse test (vHIT) and to identify slippage-induced artifacts according to tightness. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism of faulty gain caused by goggle slippage and explain the typical artifacts associated with it. SUBJECTS AND METHODS An endotracheal tube cuff manometer was coupled to the EyeSeeCam vHIT system (Interacoustics, Assens, Denmark) to monitor strap tightness. The instantaneous gain (40, 60, and 80 ms) and regression gain were compared in eight healthy subjects under the following strap tightness conditions: loose (25 cm H2O), tight (35 cm H2O), and very tight (45 cm H2O). To elucidate the mechanism of faulty gain caused by goggle slippage, a fake fixed pupil with a vestibule ocular reflex (VOR) gain of 0 was attached to the subject's eyelid. The faulty gain recording pattern was analyzed as the tightness of the strap was decreased. RESULTS The most common slippage-induced artifacts were: 1) initial backward eye movement toward the head movement, 2) acceleration bumps, 3) high gain, and 4) deceleration bumps. At 40 ms, the gain was significantly lower in the 25 cm H2O condition (0.68 ± 0.32 cm H2O) compared with the 45 cm H2O condition (0.90 ± 0.26 cm H2O). At 80 ms, the gain was higher for the 25 cm H2O condition (1.24 ± 0.27 cm H2O) compared with the 45 cm H2O condition (1.16 ± 0.30 cm H2O). These findings were progressively more obvious as the tightness of the strap decreased in a dose-dependent manner. When the fake pupil was recorded, initial backward eye movement toward the head movement (negative VOR gain) and eye tracing mimicking a small VOR (positive VOR gain) were recorded, despite the fake pupil having absolutely no movement. These artifact recordings are presumed to be related to the faulty low (40 ms) and high (80 ms) gain calculation. CONCLUSIONS Slippage-induced artifacts are presumed to be because of the slingshot-like movement of the goggles during head movement in three different phases (lagging, overshooting, and bouncing of the goggles). Monitoring the pressure of the strap tightness may be a solution for minimizing this slippage. A strap tightness of at least 45 cm H2O is required for reliable vHIT recording and gain calculations.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of eNOS regulates myocardial survival after an ischaemic insult: role of PYK2

Aims Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) is known to play a cardioprotective protective. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating eNOS activity during ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are incompletely understood. eNOS is a substrate for several kinases that positively or negatively affect its enzymatic activity. Herein, we sought to correlate eNOS phosphorylation status with cardiomyocyte survival and we investigated the contribution of the proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2)/eNOS axis to the regulation of myocardial infarct size in vivo. Methods and results Exposure of H9c2 cardiomyocytes to H2O2 lead to PYK2 phosphorylation on its activator site (Y402) and eNOS phosphorylation on the inhibitor site Y656 and the activator site S1176. Both H2O2-induced eNOS phosphorylation events were abolished by PYK2 pharmacological inhibition or gene knockdown. Activity assays demonstrated that phosphorylation of the tyrosine inhibitory site exerts a dominant effect over S1176. In cardiomyocytes subjected to oxidative stress or oxygen-glucose deprivation, inhibition of PYK2 limited cell injury; this effect was prevented by inhibition of NO production. In vivo, ischaemia-reperfusion induced an early activation of PYK2, leading to eNOS phosphorylation on Y656, which, in turn, reduced NO output, as judged by the low tissue levels of its downstream effector cGMP. Moreover, pharmacological blockade of PYK2 alleviated eNOS inhibition and prevented cardiac damage following I/R injury in wild-type, but not in eNOS KO mice. Conclusion The current studies demonstrate that PYK2 is a pivotal regulator of eNOS function in myocardial infarction and identify PYK2 as a novel therapeutic target for cardioprotection.
Epicutaneous administration of the pattern recognition receptor agonist polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid activates the MDA5/MAVS pathway in Langerhans cells

Together with keratinocytes (KCs) and the dense network of Langerhans cells (LCs), the epidermis is an ideal portal for vaccine delivery. Pattern recognition receptor agonists, in particular polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid [p(I:C)], are promising adjuvant candidates for therapeutic vaccination to generate protective T‐cell immunity. Here we established an ex vivo skin explant model to study the expression and activation of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐sensing pattern recognition receptors in LCs and KCs in human skin. Whereas KCs expressed all known dsRNA sensing receptors at a constitutive and inducible level, LCs exclusively expressed melanoma differentiation‐associated protein 5 (MDA5) in untreated skin and freshly isolated cells. Comparative assessments of downstream signaling pathways induced by p(I:C) revealed distinct mitochondrial antiviral‐signaling protein, IFN‐regulatory factor 3, and NF‐κB activation in LCs and KCs. Consequently, p(I:C) treatment of LCs significantly induced IFN‐α and IFN‐β mRNA expression, while in KCs an up‐regulation of IFN‐β and TNF‐α mRNA was detectable. Stimulation of LCs with specific ligands revealed that not the TLR3‐ but only the MDA5‐specific ligand induced IFN‐α2, IFN‐β, and TNF‐α cytokines, but no IL‐6 and ‐8. In KCs, both ligands induced production of high IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels, and low IFN‐α2 and IFN‐β levels, indicating that different dsRNA‐sensing receptors and/or downstream signaling pathways are activated in both cell types. Our data suggest that MDA5 may be an attractive adjuvant target for epicutaneous delivery of therapeutic vaccines with the goal to target LCs. —Tajpara, P., Schuster, C. , Schön E. , Kienzl, P., Vierhapper, M. , Mildner, M. , Elbe‐Bürger A. Epicutaneous administration of the pattern recognition receptor agonist polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid activates the MDA5/MAVS pathway in Langerhans cells. FASEB J. 32, 4132–4144 (2018). www.fasebj. org
Emergency Medical Services Provider Experiences of Hospice Care

Abstract Background: Growing numbers of emergency medical services (EMS) providers respond to patients who receive hospice care. The objective of this investigation was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of EMS providers in the care of patients enrolled in hospice care. Methods: We conducted a survey study of EMS providers regarding hospice care. We collected quantitative and qualitative data on EMS provider's knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in responding to the care needs of patients in hospice care. We used Chi-squared tests to compare EMS provider's responses by credential (Emergency Medical Technician [EMT] vs. Paramedic) and years of experience (0–5 vs. 5+). We conducted a thematic analysis to examine open-ended responses to qualitative questions. Results: Of the 182 EMS providers who completed the survey (100% response rate), 84.1% had cared for a hospice patient one or more times. Respondents included 86 (47.3%) EMTs with Intermediate and Advanced training and 96 (52.7%) Paramedics. Respondent's years of experience ranged from 0–10+ years, with 99 (54.3%) providers having 0–5 years of experience and 83 (45.7%) providers having 5+ years of experience. There were no significant differences between EMTs and Paramedics in their knowledge of the care of these patients, nor were there significant differences (p < 0.05) between those with 0–5 and 5+ years of experience. Furthermore, 53 (29.1%) EMS providers reported receiving formal education on the care of hospice patients. A total of 36% respondents felt that patients in hospice care required a DNR order. In EMS providers' open-ended responses on challenges in responding to the care needs of hospice patients, common themes were family-related challenges, and the need for more education. Conclusion: While the majority of EMS providers have responded to patients enrolled in hospice care, few providers received formal training on how to care for this population. EMS providers have expressed a need for a formal curriculum on the care of the patient receiving hospice.
Patient-Specific Left Ventricular Flow Simulations From Transthoracic Echocardiography: Robustness Evaluation and Validation Against Ultrasound Doppler and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The combination of medical imaging with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has enabled the study of 3-D blood flow on a patient-specific level. However, with models based on gated high-resolution data, the study of transient flows, and any model implementation into routine cardiac care, is challenging. This paper presents a novel pathway for patient-specific CFD modelling of the left ventricle (LV), using 4-D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as input modality. To evaluate the clinical usability, two sub-studies were performed. First, a robustness evaluation was performed, where repeated models with alternating input variables were generated for six subjects and changes in simulated output quantified. Second, a validation study was carried out, where the pathway accuracy was evaluated against pulsed-wave Doppler (100 subjects), and 2-D through-plane phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging measurements over seven intraventricular planes (6 subjects). The robustness evaluation indicated a model deviation of <12%, with highest regional and temporal deviations at apical segments and at peak systole, respectively. The validation study showed an error of <11% (velocities <10 cm/s) for all subjects, with no significant regional or temporal differences observed. With the patient-specific pathway shown to provide robust output with high accuracy, and with the pathway dependent only on 4-D TTE, the method has a high potential to be used within future clinical studies on 3-D intraventricular flow patterns. To this, future model developments in the form of e.g., anatomically accurate LV valves may further enhance the clinical value of the simulations.
Recommendations from the British Committee for Standards in Haematology and National Patient Safety Agency

The British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) published its third edition of Guidelines on Oral Anticoagulation in 1998 (British Committee for Standards in Haematology, 1998) with an update in 2006 (Baglin et al, 2006). These recommendations on safety indicators compliment those guidelines. Risks and recommendations are accompanied by lists of safety indicators for patients starting oral anticoagulant therapy and for patients established on oral anticoagulant therapy. Not all indicators will necessarily be adopted by every service; rather a selection is provided from which to choose those considered most useful for local circumstances and needs. It is envisaged that indicators will be used to set standards for service development and for controls assurance, either by monitoring or audit (see section on Governance). As in the previous guidelines the term ‘oral anticoagulant’ refers to oral vitamin K antagonists (VKA), such as warfarin. Initial drafts of the guideline were produced by the writing group and modified in accordance with comments from a multidisciplinary sounding board, the BCSH and the British Society for Haematology (BSH ) and comments incorporated where appropriate. Criteria used to quote levels and grades of evidence are as in appendix 3 of the Procedure for Guidelines Commissioned by the BCSH (http://www.bcshguidelines.com). The target audience for this guideline is healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy.
Optimal-Tuned Weighted LASSO for Massive MIMO Channel Estimation with Limited RF Chains

Channel estimation (CE) in massive MIMO system with limited RF chains is known to be a challenging problem. In many cases, base station (BS) can obtain certain channel support side information (CSSI), which can be exploited to enhance the CE performance and reduce the pilot overhead. Due to imperfectness of prior information, it's very important to utilize the CSSI in an optimal way to improve the CE performance. We propose an optimal-tuned weighted LASSO algorithm which can fully exploit the imperfect CSSI to optimize the CE performance in massive MIMO system with limited RF chains. In the proposed algorithm, the weighted l_{1} norm is used as the regularization function and the weights on the known support part (as indicated by the CSSI) and the rest are different. Based on the accuracy of CSSI, we obtain closed-form solution for the optimal LASSO weights which minimize the asymptotic normalized squared error (aNSE). Moreover, we derive closed-form expression of the minimum aNSE and characterize the minimum number of required pilots to achieve stable channel recovery. The theoretical analysis and simulation both show the performance advantages of our proposed solution over various baselines.
Two-Dimensional Phononic Crystal Simulation and Analysis

This thesis presents the design of a two-dimensional phononic band gap crystal simulator, and phononic crystal analysis. Phononic crystals and their application to microwave acoustic filters are studied. Wave mechanics is introduced. A two-dimensional phononic crystal simulator is developed. Simulator operation is validated through comparison with published data. Design parameters for phononic crystal band gap engineering are outlined. Digital signal processing and wave mechanics are utilized to analyze fractal and circular inclusion based phononic crystals. Topics for further study are given. Phononic crystal band structure is found to be sensitive to inclusion boundary geometry. Fractal inclusion based crystals provide multiple pass band characteristics. The evolution of a fractal inclusion in a phononic crystal may cause band gap widening and the formation of new band gaps. Circular inclusion based phononic crystals have piecewise-linear phase characteristics and quality factors up to 600.
Treatment of Unexplained Chronic Cough: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report.

BACKGROUND Unexplained chronic cough (UCC) causes significant impairments in quality of life. Effective assessment and treatment approaches are needed for UCC. METHODS This systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) asked: What is the efficacy of treatment compared with usual care for cough severity, cough frequency, and cough-related quality of life in patients with UCC? Studies of adults and adolescents aged > 12 years with a chronic cough of > 8 weeks' duration that was unexplained after systematic investigation and treatment were included and assessed for relevance and quality. Based on the systematic review, guideline suggestions were developed and voted on by using the American College of Chest Physicians organization methodology. RESULTS Eleven RCTs and five systematic reviews were included. The 11 RCTs reported data on 570 participants with chronic cough who received a variety of interventions. Study quality was high in 10 RCTs. The studies used an assortment of descriptors and assessments to identify UCC. Although gabapentin and morphine exhibited positive effects on cough-related quality of life, only gabapentin was supported as a treatment recommendation. Studies of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were affected by intervention fidelity bias; when this factor was addressed, ICS were found to be ineffective for UCC. Esomeprazole was ineffective for UCC without features of gastroesophageal acid reflux. Studies addressing nonacid gastroesophageal reflux disease were not identified. A multimodality speech pathology intervention improved cough severity. CONCLUSIONS The evidence supporting the diagnosis and management of UCC is limited. UCC requires further study to establish agreed terminology and the optimal methods of investigation using established criteria for intervention fidelity. Speech pathology-based cough suppression is suggested as a treatment option for UCC. This guideline presents suggestions for diagnosis and treatment based on the best available evidence and identifies gaps in our knowledge as well as areas for future research.