Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Stratification of Type 2 Long-QT Syndrome Mutation Carriers With Normal QTc Interval: The Value of Sex, T-Wave Morphology, and Mutation Type

Background: Long-QT (LQT) syndrome mutation carriers have higher risk of cardiac events than unaffected family members even in the absence of QTc prolongation. Changes in T-wave morphology may reflect penetrance of LQT syndrome mutations. We aimed to assess whether T-wave morphology may improve risk stratification of LQT2 mutation carriers with normal QTc interval. Methods: LQT2 mutation carriers with QTc <460 ms in men and <470 ms in women (n=154) were compared with unaffected family members (n=1007). Baseline ECGs recorded at age ≥18 years underwent blinded assessment. Flat, notched, or negative T waves in leads II or V5 were considered abnormal. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the association between T-wave morphology, the presence of mutations in the pore region of KCNH2, and the risk of cardiac events defined as syncope, aborted cardiac arrest, defibrillator therapy, or sudden cardiac death. Sex-specific associations were estimated using interactions terms. Results: LQT2 female carriers with abnormal T-wave morphology had significantly higher risk of cardiac events compared with LQT2 female carriers with normal T waves (hazard ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.68–6.52; P=0.001), whereas this association was not significant in men. LQT2 men with pore location of mutations have significantly higher risk of cardiac events than those with nonpore mutations (hazard ratio, 6.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.50–24.08; P=0.011), whereas no such association was found in women. Conclusions: The risk of cardiac events in LQT2 carriers with normal QTc is associated with abnormal T-wave morphology in women and pore location of mutation in men. The findings further indicate sex-specific differences in phenotype and genotype relationship in LQT2 patients.
Enhanced Surveillance for Coccidioidomycosis, 14 US States, 2016

Although coccidioidomycosis in Arizona and California has been well-characterized, much remains unknown about its epidemiology in states where it is not highly endemic. We conducted enhanced surveillance in 14 such states in 2016 by identifying cases according to the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists case definition and interviewing patients about their demographic characteristics, clinical features, and exposures. Among 186 patients, median time from seeking healthcare to diagnosis was 38 days (range 1–1,654 days); 70% had another condition diagnosed before coccidioidomycosis testing occurred (of whom 83% were prescribed antibacterial medications); 43% were hospitalized; and 29% had culture-positive coccidioidomycosis. Most (83%) patients from nonendemic states had traveled to a coccidioidomycosis-endemic area. Coccidioidomycosis can cause severe disease in residents of non–highly endemic states, a finding consistent with previous studies in Arizona, and less severe cases likely go undiagnosed or unreported. Improved coccidioidomycosis awareness in non–highly endemic areas is needed.
Describing function method of servomechanism analysis applied to most commonly encountered nonlinearities

Most of the literature dealing with the analysis and synthesis of servomechanisms confines itself to treating only linear systems in which all relationships can be expressed mathematically in the form of ordinary differential equations. However, in actual practice many systems are encountered containing elements which exhibit marked nonlinearities. The principal reason for ignoring such nonlinearities in much of the analysis and design of feedback-control systems is mathematical expediency. There is no simple mathematical method available to cope with nonlinear systems. There are certain types of nonlinear differential equations which are solvable, and techniques such as step-by-step solutions exist for more general nonlinear differential equations. Even to use these, however, involves so much tedious labor that the effort is rarely justifiable.1
Estimating Optimal Tracking Filter Performance for Manned Maneuvering Targets

The majority of tactical weapons systems require that manned maneuverable vehicles, such as aircraft, ships, and submarines, be tracked accurately. An optimal Kalman filter has been derived for this purpose using a target model that is simple to implement and that represents closely the motions of maneuvering targets. Using this filter, parametric tracking accuracy data have been generated as a function of target maneuver characteristics, sensor observation noise, and data rate and that permits rapid a priori estimates of tracking performance to be made when maneuvering targets are to be tracked by sensors providing any combination of range, bearing, and elevation measurements.
Personality characteristics that are valued in teams: Not always “more is better”?

This study investigates the relationships between personality traits and contributions to teamwork that are often assumed to be linear. We use a theory‐driven approach to propose that extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness have inverted U‐shaped relationships with contributions to teamwork. In a sample of 220 participants asked to perform a creative task in teams, we found that extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness were curvilinearly associated with peer‐rated contributions to teamwork in such a way that the associations were positive, with a decreasing slope, up to a peak, and then they became negative as personality scores further increased. We replicated the results concerning the non‐linear association between extraversion, conscientiousness and peer‐rated contributions to teamwork in a sample of 314 participants engaged in a collaborative learning exercise. Our results support recent claims and empirical evidence that explorations of personality–work‐related behaviours relationships should move beyond the linearity assumptions. We conclude by discussing the implications of our research for personnel selection.
Cognitive impairments by alcohol and sleep deprivation indicate trait characteristics and a potential role for adenosine A1 receptors

Significance Modern work environments favor working around the clock, at the cost of insufficient sleep and increased risk for fatigue-related human error. Performance impairments caused by sleep loss show great variability among individuals and resemble the effects of ethanol intoxication. We found that there are individual trait characteristics that make individuals either vulnerable or resilient to both alcohol and to sleep deprivation. We also provide evidence by molecular brain imaging that ethanol induces an up-regulation of cerebral A1 adenosine receptors, reminiscent of the effects of sleep deprivation. Targeting the brain’s adenosine system might help to identify countermeasures for fatigue- and alcohol-related human error. Trait-like differences in cognitive performance after sleep loss put some individuals more at risk than others, the basis of such disparities remaining largely unknown. Similarly, interindividual differences in impairment in response to alcohol intake have been observed. We tested whether performance impairments due to either acute or chronic sleep loss can be predicted by an individual’s vulnerability to acute alcohol intake. Also, we used positron emission tomography (PET) to test whether acute alcohol infusion results in an up-regulation of cerebral A1 adenosine receptors (A1ARs), similar to the changes previously observed following sleep deprivation. Sustained attention in the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) was tested in 49 healthy volunteers (26 ± 5 SD years; 15 females) (i) under baseline conditions: (ii) after ethanol intake, and after either (iii) total sleep deprivation (TSD; 35 hours awake; n = 35) or (iv) partial sleep deprivation (PSD; four nights with 5 hours scheduled sleep; n = 14). Ethanol- versus placebo-induced changes in cerebral A1AR availability were measured in 10 healthy male volunteers (31 ± 9 years) with [18F]8-cyclopentyl-3-(3-fluoropropyl)-1-propylxanthine (CPFPX) PET. Highly significant correlations between the performance impairments induced by ethanol and sleep deprivation were found for various PVT parameters, including mean speed (TSD, r = 0.62; PSD, r = 0.84). A1AR availability increased up to 26% in several brain regions with ethanol infusion. Our studies revealed individual trait characteristics for being either vulnerable or resilient to both alcohol and to sleep deprivation. Both interventions induce gradual increases in cerebral A1AR availability, pointing to a potential common molecular response mechanism.
The posterior parietal cortex and subjectively perceived confidence during memory retrieval

Functional neuroimaging studies suggest a role for the left angular gyrus (AG) in processes related to memory recognition. However, results of neuropsychological and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have been inconclusive regarding the specific contribution of the AG in recollection, familiarity, and the subjective experience of memory. To obtain further insight into this issue, 20 healthy right-handed volunteers performed a memory task in a single-blind within-subject controlled TMS study. Neuronavigated inhibitory repetitive TMS (rTMS) was applied over the left AG and the vertex in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Prior to rTMS participants were presented with a list of words. After rTMS participants were shown a second list of words and instructed to indicate if the word was already shown prior to rTMS (“old”) or was presented for the first time (“new”). In addition, subjectively perceived memory confidence was assessed. Results showed that recollection was unaffected following inhibitory left AG rTMS. In contrast, rTMS over the left AG improved both familiarity and the subjectively perceived confidence of participants that demonstrated low baseline memory recognition. Our study highlights the importance of taking into account individual differences in experimental designs involving noninvasive brain stimulation.
Structural abnormalities detected by knee magnetic resonance imaging are common in middle-aged subjects with and without risk factors for osteoarthritis

Background and purpose — Few data are available regarding structural changes present in knees without radiographically evident osteoarthritis (OA). We evaluated the prevalence of findings suggestive of knee OA by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in middle-aged subjects without radiographic OA with or without OA risk factors. Patients and methods — 340 subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, aged 45–55 years (51% women) with Kellgren–Lawrence grade 0 in both knees, who had 3T knee MR images were eligible. 294 subjects had risk factors and 46 were without risk factors. MR images were assessed using the MOAKS scoring system. Results — At least 1 MR-detected feature was found in 96% (283/294) of subjects with risk factors and in 87% (40/46) of those without. Cartilage damage (82%), bone marrow lesions (60%), osteophytes (45%), meniscal body extrusion (32%), and synovitis–effusion (29%) were the most common findings in subjects with risk factors, while cartilage damage (67%), osteophytes (46%), meniscal body extrusion (37%), and bone marrow lesions (35%) were most common in subjects without. The prevalence of any abnormality was higher in subjects with OA risk factors than in subjects without (prevalence ratio adjusted for age and sex 1.3 [95% CI 1.1–1.6]), so was prevalence of subchondral cysts and bone marrow lesions. MR-detected structural changes were more frequent in patellofemoral joints. Interpretation — Our findings highlight the great challenge in distinguishing pathological features of early knee OA from what could be considered part of “normal ageing. ” Bone marrow lesions were more frequently found in subjects with multiple OA risk factors.
Biogenesis of a 22-nt microRNA in Phaseoleae species by precursor-programmed uridylation

Significance Plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRRs) are suppressed by phased, secondary siRNAs, triggered by 22-nt miRNAs; in soybean, the major trigger of Phased, secondary siRNAs (phasiRNAs) from NB-LRRs is miR1510. Unlike other miRNAs, 21-nt miR1510 is partially 2′-O-methylated at the 3′ terminus, enabling HESO1-mediated uridylation because of a terminal mispairing in the miR1510/miR1510* duplex. miR1510 is specific to Phaseoleae species, and uridylation to produce the 22-nt isoform is conserved across species that also contain the 3′-terminal mispairing. Among the Phaseoleae, mung bean has a miR1510 variant directly processed to 22 nt, suggesting that mung bean adapted a more direct route for the biogenesis of the 22-nt miR1510, demonstrating how selection optimizes the structural features of a recently emerged plant miRNA. Phased, secondary siRNAs (phasiRNAs) represent a class of small RNAs in plants generated via distinct biogenesis pathways, predominantly dependent on the activity of 22-nt miRNAs. Most 22-nt miRNAs are processed by DCL1 from miRNA precursors containing an asymmetric bulge, yielding a 22/21-nt miRNA/miRNA* duplex. Here we show that miR1510, a soybean miRNA capable of triggering phasiRNA production from numerous nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRRs), previously described as 21 nt in its mature form, primarily accumulates as a 22-nt isoform via monouridylation. We demonstrate that, in Arabidopsis, this uridylation is performed by HESO1. Biochemical experiments showed that the 3′ terminus of miR1510 is only partially 2′-O-methylated because of the terminal mispairing in the miR1510/miR1510* duplex that inhibits HEN1 activity in soybean. miR1510 emerged in the Phaseoleae ∼41–42 million years ago with a conserved precursor structure yielding a 22-nt monouridylated form, yet a variant in mung bean is processed directly in a 22-nt mature form. This analysis of miR1510 yields two observations: (i) plants can utilize postprocessing modification to generate abundant 22-nt miRNA isoforms to more efficiently regulate target mRNA abundances; and (ii) comparative analysis demonstrates an example of selective optimization of precursor processing of a young plant miRNA.
Voltage Induction in Parallel Transmission Circuits

General formulas are developed with calculation examples for determining the positive-, negative-, and zero-sequence voltage induced in transmission circuits paralleled either on the same tower or on adjacent towers. For nontransposed lines the induced voltages are a function of all three sequence currents. The positive-and negative-sequence mutual impedance is less than 10% of the self-impedance of the lines while the zero-sequence mutual impedance can be as high as 50 to 70% of the zero-sequence self-impedance of the lines. The conductor configuration should be symmetrical around a vertical axis to avoid differences in the induced voltages in the two circuits.
5-mW and 5% efficiency 216-GHz InP-based heterostructure barrier varactor tripler

We report on record performance in terms of efficiency and output power for an InP-based heterostructure barrier varactor (HBV) tripler. Owing to a step-like InGaAs/InAlAs/AlAs barrier scheme, the device exhibits excellent voltage handling with low leakage current (10 A/cm2) up to at least 5 V. A 4×12 μm2 finger-shaped device in a dual configuration yielded a delivered output power of 5 mW (5.4% conversion efficiency) at 216 GHz.
Limitations and Possibilities for Improvement of Photovoltaic Solar Energy Converters: Part I: Considerations for Earth's Surface Operation

Seven factors limiting the performance of photovoltaic solar energy converters are listed and explained. They can be classified into basic and technology determined limitations. Possibilities for improvement on technology determined limitations are investigated for the silicon solar cell. Such possibilities are: heavier p-layer doping; change of geometry, possibly by application of grid structures; improvement of the material constants; and utilization of drift fields for improved collection. Discussed are materials other than silicon in regard to their potential for better performance than that obtainable from the silicon solar cell; and finally, new methods of approach, such as the multilayer and the multiple transition solar cell. Both of these methods yield theoretically large improvements, but realization depends on further advances in compound semiconductor technology and in knowledge about localized centers in the forbidden gap. Limit conversion efficiencies of 38.2 per cent for a 3-layer cell and of 51 per cent for a 3-transition cell, compared to 23.6 per cent for a single p-n junction, single transition cell, are obtained. Also discussed are the possible merits of the application of the graded energy gap to photovoltaic energy converters, and potential improvement in collection efficiency is found for certain cases.
The levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 play a role in thyroid carcinoma malignancy in vivo

Background To investigate the relationship between the levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 and tumour characteristics in patients with thyroid carcinoma. Methods This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with thyroid carcinoma. Tumour samples were collected and the levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 protein and mRNA were measured using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). Results A total of 73 patients with thyroid carcinoma were included in the study (20 males; 53 females; mean ± SD age, 44.8 ± 12.7 years, range, 18–76 years). There were no significant differences in sex, age and pathological type between the NF-κB p50 positive group and the NF-κB p50 negative group, but tumour diameter and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher in the NF-κB p50 positive group compared with the NF-κB p50 negative group. Similar findings were observed for NF-κB p65. The levels of NF-κB p50 were positively correlated with NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma (rs = 0.653). Conclusion The levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma were positively associated with tumour diameter and the presence of lymph node metastasis.
Validation of Smart Nanoparticles as Controlled Drug Delivery Systems: Loading and pH-Dependent Release of Pilocarpine

Micelles are good devices for use as controlled drug delivery systems because they exhibit the ability to protect the encapsulated substance from the routes of degradation until they reach the site of action. The present work assesses loading kinetics of a hydrophobic drug, pilocarpine, in polymeric micellar nanoparticles (NPs) and its pH-dependent release in hydrophilic environments. The trigger pH stimulus, pH 5.5, was the value encountered in damaged tissues in solid tumors. The new nanoparticles were prepared from an amphiphilic block copolymer, [(HEMA19%-DMA31%)-(FMA5%-DEA45%)]. For the present research, three systems were validated, two of them with cross-linked cores and the other without chemical stabilization. A comparison of their loading kinetics and release profiles is discussed, with the support of additional data obtained by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The drug was loaded into the NPs within the first minutes; the load was dependent on the degree of cross-linking. All of the systems experienced a boost in drug release at acidic pH, ranging from 50 to 80% within the first 48 h. NPs with the highest degree (20%) of core cross-linking delivered the highest percentage of drug at fixed times. The studied systems exhibited fine-tuned sustained release features, which may provide a continuous delivery of the drug at specific acidic locations, thereby diminishing side effects and increasing therapeutic rates. Hence, the studied NPs proved to behave as smart controlled drug delivery systems capable of responding to changes in pH.
Three-year recurrence of Dupuytren’s contracture after needle fasciotomy and collagenase injection: a two-centre randomized controlled trial

Collagenase injection and needle fasciotomy have similar short-term outcomes in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. The purpose of this study was to compare the recurrence rate of these two procedures 3 years after index treatment of primary disease. We enrolled 93 patients (96 rays) from a previous two-centre randomized controlled trial. The rays that had been retreated or showed an increase in the total passive extension deficit of 30° or more compared with 3 months after treatment were regarded as recurrences. Seventeen of 40 needle fasciectomies and 12 of 36 of collagenase injections had recurred. This difference was not statistically significant. We conclude that collagenase injection and needle fasciotomy have similar 3-year recurrence rates in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture. Level of evidence: I
The Effects of Neutron Irradiation on Germanium and Silicon

The known effects of neutron irradiation upon majority and minority carrier properties of germanium and silicon are reviewed, and used as a basis to derive a theoretical expression for the dependence of grounded-emitter current gain of a transistor upon accumulated neutron dose. This theoretical expression assumes a Shockley-Read recombination mechanism in the base of the transistor; the crystal defects introduced by bombardment act as recombination sites. A number of germanium and silicon transistors were irradiated at different facilities; the observed changes in transistor parameters are explained in terms of the theory. This explanation enables determination for germanium of certain basic quantities in recombination theory, viz., the position in the forbidden band of the recombination site (Ec-Et=0.23 ev), and the capture cross section of the site for hole and electron capture (σp= 1.0×10-5 cm2, and σn≃4×10-15 cm2).
A Possible Mechanism for Propagation of Water Trees from Water Electrodes

In order to clarify the propagation mechanisms of water trees, an ac voltage was applied to the water electrodes and the propagation of water trees was studied. The length of the water trees generated from water electrodes is proportional to the time of voltage application. The propagation rate increases as the frequency of the. applied voltage is increased. The rate also increases when the conductivity of the water is increased. Light emission was observed from water trees. Oxygen production was observed by iodostarch color reaction in the water electrodes. It is concluded that water trees are generated by partial discharge which decomposes the water to generate high pressure which deteriorates polyethylene.
Resistivity Measurements on Germanium for Transistors

This paper discusses a laboratory method which has been found very useful for measuring the resistivity of the semiconductor germanium. The method consists of placing four probes that make contact along a line on the surface of the material. Current is passed through the outer pair of probes and the floating potential is measured across the inner pair. There are seven cases considered, the probes on a semi-infinite volume of semiconductor material and the probes near six different types of boundaries. Formulas and curves needed to compute resistivity are given for each case.