Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE MEASUREMENT OF IgA AND IgG TRANSGLUTAMINASE ANTIBODIES IN CELIAC DISEASE: A COMPARISON WITH CURRENT DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

Summary Celiac disease (CD) is an inflammatory disorder of the small intestine induced by cereal prolamins. The demonstration of IgA endomysial antibodies (EMA) is currently the most reliable serological screen for CD. The antigenic target is transglutaminase. The aim of this study was to develop an ELISA assay for the detection of antibodies to transglutaminase (TGA), and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of TGA for the detection of celiac disease against the benchmarks of jejunal biopsy, antigliadin antibodies (AGA) and EMA. Sera from 57 patients with celiac disease were tested for IgA and IgG TGA, IgA EMA, IgA and IgG AGA, and the total IgA level. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and concordance of AGA, EMA and TGA were assessed against the gold‐standard biopsy result. IgG plus IgA TGA offered 100% sensitivity in CD patients for whom no dietary intervention had been commenced, with a specificity of 61%. The sensitivity of TGA dropped from 100 to 79% after dietary restriction. In patients on no gluten restriction, there was 100% agreement between TGA and EMA, and 100% agreement between TGA and AGA for the IgA isotype. The false‐positive rate for TGA was 53% in Down's syndrome patients and 25% in patients with systemic autoimmune disorders. We conclude that testing for TGA is a reliable diagnostic serology for celiac disease, with improved sensitivity compared with established methods. The results suggest that serial TGA measurements may be a more accurate marker for dietary compliance than AGA, but prospective studies are required.Abbreviations: ARA, anti‐reticulin antibodies; AGA, anti‐gliadin antibodies; CD, celiac disease; EMA, endomysial antibodies; SSA, Sjogren's Syndrome Antigen ‘A’; TU, transglutaminase units.
Age Before Beauty: Is a Young Marginal Heart Better Than an Older Acceptable Donor?

Heart failure continues to be a growing epidemic in North America. Cardiac transplantation remains the standard therapy for the treatment of end-stage heart disease in eligible patients. Even for patients fortunate enough to qualify as a transplant candidate, the lack of available organs imposes a 15% to 20% risk of waiting list mortality. Although mechanical circulatory support has emerged as a therapeutic alternative in patients at risk of imminent death or impending end-organ failure, most transplant programs have expanded their criteria for accepting suitable donor allografts. In this issue of the Journal, the Columbia group has reported on their large experience with “older” donors. The results of this study provide important new data for transplant physicians.1 In a large cohort of over 864 patients undergoing cardiac transplantation over a 10-year time frame, the authors segregated those patients who received an organ from a donor ≥40 years of age and compared the early and late results to the group who received organs from younger donors. Although the study is limited by all the usual caveats of a retrospective study (including the arbitrary choice of 40 as an age cutoff), the basic findings are logical and likely accurate. Donor age emerged as an independent predictor of both early (by univariate) and late (by multivariate) survival. Interestingly, the odds ratio in this study (1.02) is almost identical to that reported in the most recent registry data from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.2 While on the surface these results are not surprising, the data warrant a careful examination in order to provide our patients with reasonable options when they are faced with difficult, end-of-life decisions. The patient and physician must choose between continued medical therapy (5% to 10% weekly mortality risk), mechanical circulatory support (10% to
Alternative RNA splicing generates transcripts encoding a thorax-specific isoform of Drosophila melanogaster myosin heavy chain

Genomic and cDNA sequencing studies show that transcripts from the muscle myosin heavy-chain (MHC) gene of Drosophila melanogaster are alternatively spliced, producing RNAs that encode at least two MHC isoforms with different C termini. Transcripts encoding an MHC isoform with 27 unique C-terminal amino acids accumulate during both larval and adult muscle differentiation. Transcripts for the second isoform encode one unique C-terminal amino acid and accumulate almost exclusively in pupal and adult thoracic segments, the location of the indirect flight muscles. The 3' splice acceptor site preceding the thorax-specific exon is unusually purine rich and thus may serve as a thorax-specific splicing signal. We suggest that the alternative C termini of these two MHC isoforms control myofilament assembly and may play a role in generating the distinctive myofilament organizations of flight muscle and other muscle types.
Model order reduction of parameterized state-space systems with sequential sampling

Parameterized reduced order models are important for the design and analysis of microwave structures and systems. Quite often, a large set of models (nodes) with respect to a design parameter variation are uniformly chosen in the parameter design space, which are subjected to model order reduction algorithms and interpolated into a multidimensional model. In order to preserve passivity in the parameterization step, positive interpolation operators are frequently used. This paper demonstrates the importance of sequential sampling for selecting the nodes and building the parameterized models. It is shown that sequential sampling algorithms can significantly reduce the model evaluation cost. The present approach is validated by means of a microstrip example.
Could mean platelet volume be a predictive marker for acute myocardial infarction?

BACKGROUND Platelets play an important role in developing intravascular thrombus, the major cause of acute coronary syndromes. We investigated the clinical value of mean platelet volume (MPV) in coronary atherosclerosis and its possibility of being an independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIAL/METHODS Two hundred patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in the study. Thirty-five patients were randomly selected for each of the four study groups of stable (SAP) and unstable (USAP) angina pectoris and MI with and without ST-segment elevation. Sixty patients with chest pain having normal coronary angiograms were controls. The groups were compared regarding age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, positive family history, number of diseased vessels, lipid profile, complete blood count, creatine kinase (CK)-MB, Troponin-I, and MPV. RESULTS MPV was found to be elevated in MI patients compared with controls (p<0.001) and SAP (p<0.05) and patients with two- (p<0.001) and three-vessel (p<0.001) disease. We observed a significant association between MI and higher MPV (> or = 12 fl). High MPV (p<0.001) and WBC (p<0.001) were independent risk factors, among others. CK-MB, Troponin-I, and higher MPV demonstrate MI risk with 87%, 70%, and 87% specificity, respectively, while higher MPV only demonstrates coronary artery disease with 98% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows high MPV is an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis and MI. Because this is a simple, economic, and practical method, we suggest MPV be considered with other conventional risk factors.
Pattern formation in growth of snow crystals occurring in the surface kinetic process and the diffusion process.

We propose a model of pattern formation in the growth of snow crystals that takes into account the actual elemental processes relevant to the growth of crystals, i.e., a surface kinetic process for incorporating molecules into a crystal lattice and a diffusion process. This model gives a clear correspondence between the patterns produced and the actual growth conditions such as supersaturation and the diffusion coefficient. Circular patterns due to kinetic roughening, hexagonal patterns, and dendritic patterns are obtained starting from a circular crystal under various growth conditions. We analyze these patterns and discuss the mechanisms of appearance of round patterns, the development of hexagonal patterns, and the formation of dendritic patterns of snow crystals. Finally, it is shown that the dimensionless crystal size with reference to the mean free path of a water molecule plays an important role in the pattern formation of growing snow crystals.
Detection of urolithiasis: comparison of 100% tube exposure images reconstructed with filtered back projection and 50% tube exposure images reconstructed with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction.

PURPOSE To compare images acquired with 50% tube exposure with a dual-source computed tomographic (CT) scanner and reconstructed with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) with 100% exposure images reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) for reader ability to detect stones, reader confidence, and findings outside the urinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board-approved study, imaging examinations in 99 patients with urolithiasis were assessed. Data from both tubes were reconstructed with FBP; data from the primary tube only were reconstructed with SAFIRE. Seven readers evaluated randomized studies for calculi in nine regions. Reader confidence was scored by using a five-point scale. Ancillary findings were noted. Nonparametric methods for clustered data were used to estimate the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves with 95% confidence intervals to test for noninferiority of 50% exposure with SAFIRE. RESULTS Calculi were found in 113 locations (pyelocalyceal ureter, 86; proximal ureter, seven; midureter, four; distal ureter, 15; bladder, one) and not found in 752 locations. Mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for FBP was 0.879 (range, 0.607-0.967) and for SAFIRE, 0.883 (range, 0.646-0.971; 95% confidence interval: -0.025, 0.031). The SAFIRE images were not significantly inferior to FBP images (P = .001). Reader confidence levels for images with stones were similar with FBP and SAFIRE (P = .963). For the 52 patients who had extraurinary findings, readers reported them correctly in 74.4% (271 of 364) and 72.0% (262 of 364) of cases (P = .215) for FBP and SAFIRE, respectively. For the nine patients with potentially important findings per the reference standard, the detection rates were 44% (28 of 63) and 33% (21 of 63, P = .024), respectively. For the 43 patients with unimportant or likely unimportant findings, the false detection rates were 15% (44 of 301) and 14% (43 of 301, P = .756), respectively. CONCLUSION The 50% tube exposure CT images reconstructed with SAFIRE were not inferior to 100% exposure images reconstructed with FBP for diagnosis of urolithiasis, without decreases in reader confidence.
Acid-Soluble Deoxynucleotides and DNA Synthesis in Growing Yeast after X-Irradiation, II. Synthesis of Deoxynucleoside Tri- and Monophosphates in Synchronized and Asynchronously Growing Cells

The behaviour of acid-soluble DNA precursors in synchronized and asynchronously growing yeast after X-irradiation is investigated by labeling techniques with 32Pi and by enzymic estimation. In prelabeled synchronized growing cells, radioactivity associated with deoxynucleoside triphosphates increases to maximum values shortly before each DNA replication, followed by a drastic decrease during S-phase. Radioactivity associated with monophosphates fluctuates, too, but with an opposite rhythm. These fluctuations apparently reflect quantitative changes of the DNA precursor pool during a cell cycle, as judged from the following findings: 1. Acid-soluble phosphorus is augmented stepwise. 2. "Specific" radioactivity from acid-soluble phosphorus compounds decreases steadily, indicating a continuous dilution of the labeled phosphorus pool with "cold" phosphorus. 3. Radioactivity associated with ribonucleotides fluctuates, too, but with a divergent rhythm. In X-irradiated synchronice growing yeast, the fluctuations of the deoxynucleotide-associated 32P are disturbed only little. Maximum values appear nearly at the same time as in the control, they decrease to minor values even if DNA augmentation is delayed. This decrease is less drastic, however, than that during DNA replication in unirradiated yeast, yielding a slightly increased aver age label per generation time. At the same sime a rapid augmentation of monophosphate label is observed. A pronounced increase of deoxynucleotide-32P is seen with X-irradiated asynchronously growing yeast, pointing to distinct radiosensitivities of the DNA/DNA precursor system in different cell stages. Neither 32P-fluctuations nor 32P-accumulation during DNA delay can be explained by cor responding observations with acid-soluble phosphorus or with ribonucleotide pools. Studies on 32P-incorporation also exclude radiation effects on cellular phosphorus uptake. Enzymic estimations of the deoxynucleoside triphosphate pools from asynchronously growing yeast rather exhibit a considerable increase of these substances during the radiation-induced delay of DNA augmentation. This accumulation of DNA precursors probably is caused by undisturbed synthesis, but reduced incorporation into DNA. The possible role of DNA repair in this system is discussed.
Independent-Double-Gate FinFET SRAM for Leakage Current Reduction

An independent-double-gate (IDG) fin-type MOSFET (FinFET) SRAM has been successfully fabricated with considerable leakage current reduction. The new SRAM consists of IDG-FinFETs which have flexible V th controllability. The IDG-FinFET with a TiN metal gate is fabricated by a newly developed gate-separation etching process. By appropriately controlling the V th of the IDG-FinFET, we have successfully demonstrated the reduction of the leakage current and power consumption of the SRAM circuitry.
Cost-effectiveness of confirmatory techniques for the placement of lumbar pedicle screws.

OBJECT There is considerable variation in the use of adjunctive technologies to confirm pedicle screw placement. Although there is literature to support the use of both neurophysiological monitoring and isocentric fluoroscopy to confirm pedicle screw positioning, there are no studies examining the cost-effectiveness of these technologies. This study compares the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of isocentric O-arm fluoroscopy, neurophysiological monitoring, and postoperative CT scanning after multilevel instrumented fusion for degenerative lumbar disease. METHODS Retrospective data were collected from 4 spine surgeons who used 3 different strategies for monitoring of pedicle screw placement in multilevel lumbar degenerative disease. A decision analysis model was developed to analyze costs and outcomes of the 3 different monitoring strategies. A total of 448 surgeries performed between 2005 and 2010 were included, with 4 cases requiring repeat operation for malpositioned screws. A sample of 64 of these patients was chosen for structured interviews in which the EuroQol-5D questionnaire was used. Expected costs and quality-adjusted life years were calculated based on the incidence of repeat operation and its negative effect on quality of life and costs. RESULTS The decision analysis model demonstrated that the O-arm monitoring strategy is significantly (p < 0.001) less costly than the strategy of postoperative CT scanning following intraoperative uniplanar fluoroscopy, which in turn is significantly (p < 0.001) less costly than neurophysiological monitoring. The differences in effectiveness of the different monitoring strategies are not significant (p = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS Use of the O-arm for confirming pedicle screw placement is the least costly and therefore most cost-effective strategy of the 3 techniques analyzed.
Absolute Oral Versus Inhaled Bioavailability: Significance for Inhaled Drugs with Special Reference to Inhaled Glucocorticoids

Orally inhaled drugs provide great benefit in the treatment of asthma as they are delivered directly to the site of action, i.e. the lung. The absolute oral inhaled bioavailability of a glucocorticoid results from the combination of the bioavailability of the dose delivered to the lung and the bioavailability of the dose delivered into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The majority of the dose delivered to the lung is absorbed and available systemically. For the portion of the glucocorticoid dose delivered orally, bioavailability depends upon absorption from the GI tract and the extent of first pass/pre‐systemic metabolism in the GI tissue and liver. Since this oral component of the delivered dose does not provide any beneficial therapeutic effect but can contribute to the systemic side effects, it is desirable for the absolute oral bioavailability of inhaled glucocorticoids to be relatively low (which is the case with most of the glucocorticoids, < 25%). Another approach to limiting systemic exposure from inhaled delivery is to improve the effectiveness of the oral inhaled formulation and delivery device, by increasing the fraction of the total inhaled dose which reaches the lung. Since current inhalation technology can provide respirable fractions in the range of 30–50%, what is the significance of the oral component of systemic exposure in relation to the overall systemic exposure following the oral inhalation administration of glucocorticoids? Below a certain point (<25%), lower oral bioavailability of inhaled drugs may not be clinically important with respect to systemic exposure if the lung targeting is good (30%).
International consensus on use of focused ultrasound for painful bone metastases: Current status and future directions

Abstract Focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), in particular magnetic resonance guided FUS (MRgFUS), is an emerging non-invasive thermal treatment modality in oncology that has recently proven to be effective for the palliation of metastatic bone pain. A consensus panel of internationally recognised experts in focused ultrasound critically reviewed all available data and developed consensus statements to increase awareness, accelerate the development, acceptance and adoption of FUS as a treatment for painful bone metastases and provide guidance towards broader application in oncology. In this review, evidence-based consensus statements are provided for (1) current treatment goals, (2) current indications, (3) technical considerations, (4) future directions including research priorities, and (5) economic and logistical considerations.
ON THE ELIMINATION OF CENTRALLY FORMED 5‐HYDROXYINDOLEACETIC ACID BY CEREBROSPINAL FLUID AND URINE

Abstract— In rats, the release of centrally formed 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) into brain and spinal cord perfusates and urine was measured. Data from spinal cord perfusion of anaesthetized rats indicate that more than about 36% of the spinal production (122ng/h) of 5‐HIAA is eliminated via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). More than 30% of cerebrally formed 5‐HIAA (265.0 ng/h) was calculated to be released into ventricular‐cisternal perfusates. Of the total amount of 5‐HIAA found in the urine we estimated that about 8% originates in the central nervous system (CNS).
Influence of optical feedback on the polarization switching of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We study theoretically the effect of isotropic and polarization-selective optical feedback on the polarization switching of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. We use the framework of the spin-flip model that takes into account the spin degree of freedom of carriers in the semiconductor quantum well. We analyze the polarization switching dynamics for different values of the spin relaxation rate and find a good agreement with recent experimental results . We also study the influence of the external cavity length and find different dynamical behaviors for short and long external cavities.
Population Stratification in Genetic Association Studies

Population stratification (PS) is a primary consideration in studies of genetic determinants of human traits. Failure to control for PS may lead to confounding, causing a study to fail for lack of significant results, or resources to be wasted following false‐positive signals. Here, historical and current approaches for addressing PS when performing genetic association studies in human populations are reviewed. Methods for detecting the presence of PS, including global and local ancestry methods, are described. Also described are approaches for accounting for PS when calculating association statistics, such that measures of association are not confounded. Many traits are being examined for the first time in minority populations, which may inherently feature PS. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Monolithic synthetic transmission-line leaky-mode antenna at THz

This paper presents a monolithic leaky EH1-mode antenna at 400 GHz, incorporating complementary-conducting-strip synthetic transmission-line structure, aimed to tackle two CMOS foundry process limiting parameters on conventional antenna design, first, the thin dielectric substrate height, at the order of 0.67% operating wavelength, and second, fulfillment of maximum/minimum metal filling foundry design rule of each metal layer. A connected array of 11 × 200 cells using the 0.13 μm 1P8M CMOS process, with a unit cell of 16 × 16 μm2, shows good agreement between measured and simulated input reflection coefficient, showing return loss of greater than 10 dB between 358 GHz and 400 GHz. Simulated results show peak antenna gain of 1.589 dB and radiation efficiency of 53.9% in the H-plane, considering all metal thickness, conductivity, and dielectric losses.
Physics-Based Selection of Actions That Maximize Motion for Interactive Perception

Interactive perception methods exploit the correlation between forceful interactions and changes in the observed signals to extract task-relevant information from the sensor stream. The amount of information that can be derived from a single interaction depends on the trade-off between two factors: the skillfulness of the interacting agent and the accessible sensor modalities of the observer. When observer and interactor are the same the contact with the environment generates a richer sensor stream, but the stream only contains relevant information if the interaction is meaningful. On the other hand, observing a knowledgeable agent ensures meaningful interactions but limits the available types of observations (e.g. haptic information from contact). We propose a method that incrementally builds up models of articulated objects that allow generating and selecting optimal exploratory manipulations for interactive perception. Our iterative method reduces the need of predefining motion for interactive perception: the robot can select autonomously the contact-involving action that reveals most information, which lead to improved models that enable better manipulations.
Identification and quantification of rodent malaria strains and species using gene probes

A DNA probe PCsv4 and a subclone thereof PCsv4.1, hybridize specifically to rodent malaria DNA. DNA purified from a small volume (10 μ1) of infected mouse blood was used to determine the composition of the parasite population present. The hybridization signal following PCsv4 probing of slot-blotted DNA correlated directly with parasitaemia. The hybridization pattern and Intensity, resulting from probing restriction enzyme digested and Southern-blotted genomic DNA, determined the identity of the infecting parasite line(s), and provided a semi-quantitative measure of parasite burden. Fifteen parasite lines representative of all four Plasmodium species infecting rodents can be differentiated in this way.