Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Meaningful and Accurate Disclosure of Conflict of Interest at the ASTRO National Meeting: A Need for Reassessment of Current Policies.

PURPOSE: Conflict of interest (COI) disclosure is essential to research integrity. The average reading comprehension in English is 3.8 words per second (wps). This study examines presenters at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) national meeting over a recent 3-year period to determine whether disclosure is presented accurately and in a manner that allows the audience to comprehend the content. METHODS: We examined videos of presentations as well as slides from 2014 to 2016 from the ASTRO virtual meeting, noting whether a COI slide was presented, the duration the slide was visible, and the number of disclosures. Disclosures were cross-referenced for discrepancies with the publicly reported Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments database. Using a cutoff of 4 wps, we noted how many presentations were presented at speeds of ≤ 4 wps and > 4 wps. RESULTS: The final data set consisted of 401 presentations delivered by 364 presenters. Using a threshold of 4 wps, 34.0% of presenters had COI slides shown too fast for the average audience to comprehend. Moreover, 16.3% of US physicians incorrectly underreported industry funding received. Of these presentations with discrepancies, 32.6% did not have a COI slide, 39.5% failed to disclose any COI, 27.9% partially disclosed COIs, and 11.6% contained multiple discrepancies. The number of wps were correlated with having a discrepancy on multivariable regression ( P = .046; odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.19). CONCLUSION: A substantial minority of presentations at ASTRO lack meaningful disclosure, and a surprising number incorrectly reported COIs. Additional guidance may be needed to promote more meaningful and accurate disclosure of COIs at major national meetings in oncology.
The DEAD-box protein Dbp2p is linked to noncoding RNAs, the helicase Sen1p, and R-loops

The DEAD-box RNA helicase Dbp2p is highly conserved in eukaryotes and has been implicated in transcription, ribosome biogenesis, mRNP assembly, nuclear export, and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) function. It is not understood how Dbp2p performs these seemingly unrelated biological roles. An important step toward addressing this question is the determination of cellular RNA binding sites of Dbp2p. Here, we identify transcriptome-wide RNA binding sites of Dbp2p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae using UV-crosslinking, denaturing tandem affinity purification, and next generation sequencing. We find that Dbp2p crosslinks to mRNAs and ribosomal RNAs, and markedly to noncoding RNAs, including snoRNA, snRNAs, and tRNAs. In snoRNAs, Dbp2p preferentially crosslinks at sites near the 3′ ends. These sites coincide with regions where RNA–DNA hybrids (R-loops) form and with binding sites of Sen1p, another RNA helicase that functions in transcription termination and 3′ processing of noncoding RNAs. We show that Dbp2p interacts in an RNA-independent manner with Sen1p in vivo. Dbp2p crosslinks to tRNAs and other RNAs also at sites where R-loops form. Collectively, our data link Dbp2p to noncoding RNAs, Sen1p, and R-loops. The transcriptome-wide connection to R-loops provides a unifying theme for diverse cellular roles of Dbp2p.
Assessment of the Multi-Objective Reservoir Operation for Maintaining the Turbidity Maximum Zone in the Yangtze River Estuary

The construction of multifunction reservoirs is important for flood control, agriculture irrigation, navigation, and hydropower generation, but dam construction will inevitably affect the downstream flow and sediment regimes, which can cause some environmental and ecological consequences. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a framework for assessing the multiobjective reservoir operation model based on environmental flows for sustaining the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) requirements in the turbidity maximum zone (TMZ). The Yangtze River Estuary was used as a case study. Through using an analytical model, a quantitative correlation between SSC and water flow rate was established. Then, the quantitative correlation and the SSC requirements were applied to determine the environmental flows for the estuarine TMZ. Subsequently, a multiobjective reservoir operation model was developed for the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), and an improved nondominated sorting genetic algorithm III based on elimination operator was applied to the model. An uncertainty analysis and a comparative analysis were used to assess the model’s performance. The results showed that the proposed multiobjective reservoir operation model can reduce ecological deficiency under wet, normal, and dry years by 33.65%, 35.95%, and 20.98%, with the corresponding hydropower generation output lost by 3.37%, 3.88%, and 2.95%, respectively. Finally, we discussed ecological satiety rates under optimized and practical operation of the TGR in wet, normal, and dry years. It indicated that the multiobjective-optimized runoff performs better at maintaining the TMZ in the Yangtze River Estuary than practical runoff. More importantly, the results can offer guidance for the management of the TGR to improve the comprehensive development and protection of the estuarine ecological environment.
Interplay of Thermo-Optic and Reorientational Responses in Nematicon Generation

Employing several nematic liquid crystal mixtures, we investigate how the thermo-optic response of nonlinear birefringent soft-matter affects the propagation of light beams and the features of self-induced waveguides. We address the formation of optical spatial solitons and the control of their trajectories versus temperature, comparing the measurements with the expectations based on a simplified model, showing an excellent agreement. Moreover, in a guest–host mixture with an absorbing dye dopant, we study the competition between reorientational and thermal nonlinearities, demonstrating that the two processes can be adjusted independently in order to tune the soliton properties, i.e., trajectory and confinement strength. Our results are an important contribution to better comprehend the role played by material properties on linear and nonlinear beam propagation, as well as their exploitation for signal processing and addressing.
Thoracic Lordosis, Especially in Males, Increases Blood Loss in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: Intraoperative blood loss during posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been reportedly associated with multiple factors. This study aims to investigate the effect of thoracic kyphosis on blood loss in AIS spinal fusion. Methods: Patients with AIS who underwent posterior-only procedures for Lenke I and II type curves were identified. All included patients had intraoperative tranexamic acid. Difference in estimated blood loss per blood volume (EBL/BV) was identified between hypokyphotic curves (−), normal curves (N), and hyperkyphotic curves (+) classified based on Lenke sagittal modifier. Regression analysis was then performed with EBL/BV as dependent variable. Independent variables included radiographically measured T5-T12 kyphosis and calculated 3D T5-T12 kyphosis in addition to sex, body mass index (BMI), operative time, number of fused vertebrae, number of Ponte osteotomy levels, and main thoracic coronal curve. Results: In total, 837 patients were included. For female patients: EBL/BV was significantly higher for (−) (18%) compared with (N) (16%) and (+) (14%). A total of 29 female patients had T5-T12⩽0 (−15 to 0 degree). EBL/BV was not significantly higher than patients with T5-T12>0 degree (18%±9% vs. 16%±11%; P=0.212). For male patients: EBL/BV was significantly higher in (−) (23%) compared with (+) (16%). In total, 14 male patients had T5-T12⩽0 (−13 to 0) degree. EBL/BV was significantly higher than patients with T5-T12>0 degree (32%±18% vs. 18%±13%; P=0.015). Significant factors in predicting EBL/BV were sex, BMI, number of fused levels, and both 2D and 3D T5-T12 kyphosis. Male sex as well as every fused-level predicted an increase in EBL/BV~2%. Every 10-unit decrease in BMI predicted an increase in EBL/BV of 7%. Every 10-degree decrease in 2D or 3D T5-T12 kyphosis predicted an increase in EBL/BV~1%. The impact of the number of Ponte osteotomy levels was not significant. Conclusions: This study supports the role of sagittal thoracic alignment in affecting EBL/BV in AIS surgery. Male patients with severe thoracic lordosis (T5-T12⩽0 degree) are the highest risk group for intraoperative bleeding. These findings are helpful in predicting the intraoperative blood loss for patients with AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion. In addition to sex and number of fused levels, decreased thoracic kyphosis is associated with increased blood loss. Level of Evidence: Level III—prognostic study.
The Impact of Age-Related Macular Degeneration on Quality of Life and Its Association With Demographic Data: Results From the NEI VFQ-25 Questionnaire in a Norwegian Population

Objective: To describe vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in a Norwegian population of patients with newly diagnosed neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and to evaluate the association with demographic data of age, gender, and civil status (married, cohabitants/unmarried, not cohabitants). Method: The Norwegian version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire–25 (NEI VFQ-25) questionnaire was administered to 145 patients recently diagnosed with nAMD. We used descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis to determine the distribution of demographic parameters and a possible association between demographic parameters and NEI VFQ-25 scores. Spearman correlation was employed to analyze the NEI VFQ-25 items and subscales scores. Results: Mean (SD) VFQ-25 total score was 78.5 (14.7). The scores per subscales varied from 64.7 to 89.7. No significant difference was revealed between demographic parameters and the NEI VFQ-25 items, except for one item (being with others) when comparing paired and nonpaired participants. Conclusion: In a Norwegian population with newly diagnosed nAMD, VRQoL is reported at a high baseline level. This is an important information for the health care personnel when discussing expectations during treatment with the patient. Age, gender, and civil status did not affect VRQoL.
Tribological Behavior of the 316L Stainless Steel with Heterogeneous Lamella Structure

In this paper, the tribological behavior of 316L stainless steel with heterogeneous lamella structure (HLS), prepared through 85% cold rolling technology and subsequent annealing treatment (750 °C, 10 min), were conducted on a ball-on-disc tribometer under different normal loads in dry ambient air conditions. The morphologies, structures, and compositions of the raw and worn surfaces were analyzed by 3D surface profilometer, XRD, SEM, EDS and TEM. Based on this, the results showed that the HLS 316L stainless steel samples exhibited lower and more steady friction coefficients than coarse-grained samples, especially under higher loads, which can be attributed to the existence of numerous oxidative particles across sliding interfaces. However, the wear resistance of HLS 316L stainless steel sample was a little weakened compared to that of the coarse-grained sample under a normal load of 5 N. When the load increases up to 15 N, an obviously decreased wear resistance was found for the HLS of the 316L stainless steel sample, which was 50% lower than that of coarse-grained sample. This can be ascribed to the more severe oxidative and abrasive wear performance of HLS 316L stainless steel sample under dry sliding conditions.
A unique role for DNA (hydroxy)methylation in epigenetic regulation of human inhibitory neurons

DNA hydroxymethylation is a distinctive epigenetic regulator of human inhibitory neurons, potentially affecting brain diseases. Brain function depends on interaction of diverse cell types whose gene expression and identity are defined, in part, by epigenetic mechanisms. Neuronal DNA contains two major epigenetic modifications, methylcytosine (mC) and hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC), yet their cell type–specific landscapes and relationship with gene expression are poorly understood. We report high-resolution (h)mC analyses, together with transcriptome and histone modification profiling, in three major cell types in human prefrontal cortex: glutamatergic excitatory neurons, medial ganglionic eminence–derived γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory neurons, and oligodendrocytes. We detected a unique association between hmC and gene expression in inhibitory neurons that differed significantly from the pattern in excitatory neurons and oligodendrocytes. We also found that risk loci associated with neuropsychiatric diseases were enriched near regions of reduced hmC in excitatory neurons and reduced mC in inhibitory neurons. Our findings indicate differential roles for mC and hmC in regulation of gene expression in different brain cell types, with implications for the etiology of human brain diseases.
Immediate Complications of Elective Newborn Circumcision.

OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence of immediate complications of elective newborn circumcision in 2 community teaching hospitals. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of all term neonates who had circumcision performed between August 2011 and December 2014 at 2 community hospitals in New York. Neonatal hospital records and subsequent inpatient and outpatient records were reviewed. We classified complications as minor, intermediate, and major. RESULTS Out of a total of 1115 circumcisions, 1064 met inclusion criteria. There were 41 complications (3.9%), all involving hemorrhage. Sutures were used to control hemorrhage in 3 patients (0.3%). Local pressure or application of hemostatic chemical agents controlled bleeding in the remainder of patients. Bleeding was more common with the use of the Gomco clamp than with the Mogen clamp. Circumcisions performed with Gomco clamp represented 73.2% of the total complications compared with 26.8% with the Mogen clamp. There were no injuries to structures outside the prepuce or problems requiring medical treatment after discharge from the neonatal hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS The most common immediate complication encountered during an elective neonatal circumcision was bleeding that required only pressure or topical thrombin to achieve hemostasis. Bleeding was more common with the use of the Gomco versus the Mogen clamp. To conclude, our data support the theory that elective infant circumcision can be performed safely in a hospital setting.
Traumatic brain injury results in altered physiologic, but not subjective responses to emotional stimuli

ABSTRACT Background: While the cognitive sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are well known, emotional impairments after TBI are suboptimally characterized. Lack of awareness of emotional difficulties can make self-report unreliable. However, individuals with TBI demonstrate involuntary changes in heart rate variability which may enable objective quantification of emotional dysfunction. Methods: Sixteen subjects with chronic TBI and 10 age-matched controls were tested on an emotional function battery during which they watched a series of film clips normed to elicit specific positively and negatively valenced emotions: amusement, sexual amusement, sadness, fear and disgust. Subjective responses to the emotional stimuli were also obtained. Additionally, surface electrodes measured cardiac and respiratory signals to compute heart rate variability (HRV), from which measures of parasympathetic activity, the respiratory frequency area (RFA) and sympathetic activity, the low frequency area (LFA), of the HRV frequency spectrum were derived. The Neurobehavioral Rating Scale-Revised (NRS-R) and the King-Devick (KD) test were administered to assess neurobehavioral dysfunction. Results: The two groups showed no differences in subjective ratings of emotional intensity. Subjects with TBI showed significantly decreased sympathetic activity when viewing amusing stimuli and significantly increased sympathetic activity when viewing sad stimuli compared to controls. Most of the subjects did not show agitation, anxiety, depression, blunted affect, emotional withdrawal, decreased motivation or mental fatiguability on the NRS-R. However, 13/16 subjects with TBI demonstrated attention difficulty on the NRS-R which was positively correlated with the increased sympathetic activity during sad stimuli. Both attention difficulty and abnormal autonomic responses to sad stimuli were correlated with the timing on the KD test, which reflected difficulty with visual attention shifting. Conclusions: The HRV spectrum may be useful to identify subclinical emotional dysfunction in individuals with TBI. Attention difficulites, specifically impairment in visual attention shifting, may contribute to abnormal reactivity to sad stimuli that may be detected and potentially treated to improve emotional function.
Noninvasive delivery of an α‐synuclein gene silencing vector with magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound

Background: The characteristic progression of Lewy pathology in Parkinson's disease likely involves intercellular exchange and the accumulation of misfolded α‐synuclein amplified by a prion‐like self‐templating mechanism. Silencing of the α‐synuclein gene could provide long‐lasting disease‐modifying benefits by reducing the requisite substrate for the spreading aggregation.
Peri-Operative Anaesthetic Documentation: A Report of Three Sequential Audits on the Quality of Outcomes, with an Insight Into Surrounding Legal Issues.

Objective The aim of the audits was to assess contemporary performance, with comparison of the same against previous outcomes, to gauge trends in clinical practice. This allowed for completion of the audit cycle, as well as the ability to analyse and consistently improve the quality of care delivered to our patients. Methods We undertook three prospective audits on the quality of peri-operative anaesthetic documentation in the years 2009, 2011 and 2014, respectively. Anaesthetic records for patients undergoing elective as well as emergency surgical procedures were assessed for 'adequacy of peri-operative documentation' based on a combination of select criteria outlined by the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. Results A total of 1000 anaesthetic records were analysed in 2009, followed by a review of 412 records and 376 documents in 2011 and 2014 respectively. In the year 2014, 43.8% of pre-operative anaesthetic records were 'appropriately' documented. This was in stark comparison to 16.3% and 25.9% in the years 2009 and 2011, respectively. The quantity of 'adequately' documented intra-operative records increased to 35.1% in 2014, in comparison to 25.5% and 22.7% in 2009 and 2011, respectively. There was an overall improvement in the standards of peri-operative documentation in consecutive audits. Conclusion We propose that regular audits on 'anaesthetic record keeping' can lead to an improvement in the standards of this often overlooked, but essential scope of our practice.
Core Electrons in the Electronic Stopping of Heavy Ions.

Electronic stopping power in the keV/Å range is accurately calculated from first principles for high atomic-number projectiles and the effect of core states is carefully assessed. The energy loss to electrons in self-irradiated nickel is studied using real-time time-dependent density functional theory. Different core states are explicitly included in the simulations to understand their involvement in the dissipation mechanism. The core electrons of the projectile are found to open additional dissipation channels as the projectile velocity increases. Almost all of the energy loss is accounted for, even for high projectile velocities, when core electrons as deep as 2s^{2}2p^{6} are explicitly treated. In addition to their expected excitation at high velocities, a flapping dynamical response of the projectile core electrons is observed at intermediate velocities. The empirical reference data are well reproduced in the projectile velocity range of 1.0-12.0 a.u. (1.5-210 MeV).
Excellence in non-small cell lung cancer staging by endobronchial-TBNA: Comparison with PET-CT and surgery

Abstract Objective: To determine the correlation and/or discrepancies between positron emission tomography (PET-CT) findings, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and surgery in the staging of non-small cell lung carcinoma. Material and methods: Data were evaluated retrospectively from a prospective interventional endoscopy database. Positive results with EBUS-TBNA was the first end point and all cytology negatives were confirmed with mediastinoscopy/surgery. Results: Four hundred and eighty three patients were included and 1017 lymph nodes (LNs) were sampled in the study. One hundred and twenty eight LNs were excluded (positive with EBUS-TBNA). Four hundred and sixty five LN (52.3%) were found benign with EBUS-TBNA; however, only 15 of these were confirmed to be malignant by surgery (1.7%). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA were 96.5, 100, 100, 96.7 and 98.3%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy of PET-CT for maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) 2.5 were 90.1, 29.2, 55.3, 75.4, 59.2%, respectively. A cut-off SUVmax of 5.2 was detected with 74.8% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 82.0% PPV, 77.5% NPV and 79.5% accuracy (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.818, 95% CI 0.791–0.843, p<. 001). Conclusion: EBUS is a reliable, repeatable and safe technique with a high diagnostic accuracy and should be performed quickly to avoid superfluous time loss in the staging of lung cancer. AbbreviationsPET-CT F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomographyNSCLC Non-small cell lung cancerEBUS-TBNA Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspirationSUVmax Maximum standardized uptake valueLNs Lymph nodesTTF-1 Thyroid transcription factor-1H&E Hematoxylin and eosin; Med: MediastinoscopyVATS Video associated thoracic surgeryAUC Area under curveOR Odds ratioCI Confidence intervals