Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Duplex Ultrasound for the Prediction of Vascular Events Associated with Arteriovenous Fistulas in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective To determine if duplex ultrasound (US) for arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) can predict vascular events (VEs; thrombosis and stenosis). Methods Duplex US was performed for vascular access evaluation in 2557 maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients between October 1, 2013 and March 31, 2016. Of these patients, 2184 patients were finally included in this study. AVF dysfunction was assessed using the brachial artery blood flow volume (Qa; mL/min), arterial blood flow resistance index (RI), and residual diameter of the fistula vein (RD; mm). Proximal, midpoint, and distal aspects of the fistulas were measured. The baseline measurements were the US assessments, and the endpoint was VEs requiring vascular access intervention therapy or vascular surgery. Associations of US findings and VEs were assessed with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, log-rank analysis, and multivariate Cox hazard models. Results The mean Qa was 772.8 ± 441.4 mL/min; RI, 0.56 ± 0.1; and RD, 2.37 ± 1.0 mm. The optimal Qa cut-off point was calculated as 581.5 mL/min, RI cut-off as 0.56, and RD cut-off as 1.85 mm. VEs were more frequent in patients with a Qa <581.5 mL/min than in those with a Qa >581.5 mL/min (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, Qa, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and warfarin use were significantly associated with VEs. Conclusions US evaluation of AVFs in HD patients is a simple method to predict the risks of thrombosis and fistula dysfunction. Qa, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and warfarin use might be associated with VEs.
Monitoring the rate of re-exploration for excessive bleeding after cardiac surgery in adults

Background: The monitoring of adverse events in clinical care can be an important part of quality assurance. There is little evidence on the monitoring of re-exploration after cardiac surgery. Objective: To apply statistical monitoring techniques to the rate of re-exploration for excessive bleeding in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery procedures using cardiopulmonary bypass at Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia, between 1997 and 2003. Methods: Shewhart charts, moving average plots and cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts were used to demonstrate changes in the rate of re-exploration over time. Results: A CUSUM chart was used retrospectively at a time of perceived deteriorating clinical outcomes in patients of the cardiac surgery service. At this time, an intervention aimed at reducing the re-exploration rate was performed, and subsequent CUSUM charts indicated an improvement in this rate. The CUSUM chart has become an important part of the quality feedback of clinical care outcomes within the Anaesthesia & Pain Management unit of Geelong Hospital. Conclusion: Statistical monitoring techniques for quality assurance can identify important changes in clinical performance, and their adoption by clinicians is recommended.
Beta‐adrenergic and muscarinic regulation of the chloride current in guinea‐pig ventricular cells.

1. Single guinea‐pig ventricular cells were voltage clamped using the patch clamp method combined with the pipette‐perfusion technique. The voltage‐dependent current systems were mostly blocked, and the background membrane conductance was measured by applying ramp pulses. 2. beta‐Adrenergic effectors and related substances such as adrenaline, isoprenaline, forskolin or internal application of cyclic AMP induced a current component which showed a reversal potential near the expected Cl‐ equilibrium potential as well as an outward rectification in the I‐V relation. It is suggested that the activation of this Cl‐ current was due to phosphorylation of the channel protein or related structure by the cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase. Coincidentally with the activation of the Cl‐ current, the membrane capacitance of the cell decreased reversibly. 3. Acetylcholine (ACh) depressed the responses induced by beta‐adrenergic stimulation and forskolin, but failed to interfere with the one induced by cyclic AMP. 4. The dose dependence of the Cl‐ current activation by isoprenaline or forskolin was fitted by the Hill equation, with a coefficient of 1.9 and a half‐maximum concentration K 1/2 = 13 nM for isoprenaline, and with a Hill coefficient of 3 and a K 1/2 = 1.2 microM for forskolin. In the presence of 5.5 microM‐ACh the dose‐response relation shifted to higher doses; K 1/2 was 65 nM for isoprenaline and 3.6 microM for forskolin. 5. Washing out ACh in the presence of isoprenaline frequently caused transient overshoots of the response. When a saturating concentration of isoprenaline was used, this rebound was not observed. 6. The internal application of cyclic GMP enhanced the response of the Cl‐ current induced by isoprenaline or adrenaline. 7. When cyclic AMP was applied internally, the response was small in most cells. When the cell was superfused with 20 microM‐IBMX (3‐isobutyl‐1‐methylxanthine), the Cl‐ current was consistently induced by the application of cyclic AMP. It is suggested that phosphodiesterase activity strongly buffered the influx of cyclic AMP through the patch pipette tip. 8. We suggest that the compensatory interaction between the beta‐adrenergic stimulation and the muscarinic inhibition is at the membrane level, most probably via GTP‐binding proteins in activating adenylate cyclase.
Passivity-Based Stabilization of Resonant Current Controllers With Consideration of Time Delay

Resonant parts can be used in current controllers to suppress harmonics. However, they may cause destabilization of poorly damped grid and/or input-filter resonances, particularly for a nonnegligible converter time delay. This letter presents a design method whereby destabilization is prevented by making the converter's input admittance passive.
T4 phage gene uvsX product catalyzes homologous DNA pairing.

Gene uvsX of phage T4 controls genetic recombination and the repair of DNA damage. We have recently purified the gene product, and here describe its properties. The protein has a single‐stranded DNA‐dependent ATPase activity. It binds efficiently to single‐ and double‐stranded DNAs at 0 degrees C in a cooperative manner. At 30 degree C the double‐stranded DNA‐protein complex was stable, but the single‐stranded DNA‐protein complex dissociated rapidly. The instability of the latter complex was reduced by ATP. The protein renatured heat‐denatured double‐stranded DNA, and assimilated linear single‐stranded DNA into homologous superhelical duplexes to produce D‐loops. The reaction is stimulated by gene 32 protein when the uvsX protein is limiting. With linear double‐stranded DNA and homologous, circular single‐stranded DNA, the protein catalyzed single‐strand displacement in the 5′ to 3′ direction with the cooperation of gene 32 protein. All reactions required Mg2+, and all except DNA binding required ATP. We conclude that the uvsX protein is directly involved in strand exchange and is analogous to the recA protein of Escherichia coli. The differences between the uvsX protein and the recA protein, and the role of gene 32 protein in single‐strand assimilation and single‐strand displacement are briefly discussed.
Induction of biofilms on quartz surfaces as a means of reducingthe visual impact of quartz quarries

Abstract In the present study the induction of biofilms on the open rock faces of quartz quarries is reported as a feasible method of correcting the visual impact generated by the industry. Experiments were carried out to colonize quartz samples with microorganisms isolated directly from aged quarry faces. The results demonstrated the viability of inducing colonisation on quartz, which is not the most favourable material for such treatment. Furthermore, biofilm development caused a significant change in the colour of the surface of the quartz samples to greenish- or reddish yellow, which may be quantified by a colorimeter for solids. The notable change in the colour is sufficient to attenuate the bright white aspect of the quartz faces and therefore to correct the visual impact generated.
A chargepump with enhanced current matching and reduced clock-feedthrough in wireless sensor nodes

Today, most of the locating systems are based on phase-locked loop (PLL) architectures for synthesizers. The synthesizer as a key element for location accuracy needs a chargepump with an exact current matching for improved phase noise performance. Especially in indoor scenarios, where sensor nodes must reach a precision below a few centimeters, the fidelity of the synthesizer system is important. This paper addresses the design of a chargepump with enhanced current matching and reduced clock-feedthrough in a FMCW based sensor node. The difference between a conventional chargepump design and the enhanced design is presented and compared to show the current matching improvement and clock-feedthrough reduction. The different designs were manufactured in a 0. 13µm CMOS process by IBM. They are running in a PLL with 128 MHz reference frequency and have an output current of 100µA with a total power consumption of 1mW for the chargepump with phase-frequency detector (PFD).
Pomalidomide, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a multicenter phase 1/2 open-label study.

We performed a phase 1/2 trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of pomalidomide and to explore its efficacy when combined with cyclophosphamide-prednisone in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients. Pomalidomide was given at 1 to 2.5 mg/d, cyclophosphamide at 50 mg every other day, prednisone at 50 mg every other day, for 6 28-day cycles, followed by pomalidomide-prednisone maintenance therapy. Thromboprophylaxis was recommended. Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, 55 received the MTD (2.5 mg/d) and were evaluated. Best responses included complete response in 3 patients (5%), very good partial response in 10 (18%), partial response in 15 (27%), minimal response in 11 (20%), stable disease in 15 (27%), and progressive disease in 1 (3%), for an overall response rate of 51%. The median time-to-response was 1.83 months. After a median follow-up of 14.8 months, median progression-free survival was 10.4 months and 1-year overall survival was 69%. At the MTD, grade 3 to 4 toxicities included anemia (9%), thrombocytopenia (11%), neutropenia (42%), neurologic events (7%), dermatologic events (7%), and thromboembolism (2%). Grade 3 to 5 infections occurred in 5 patients (9%). Five patients (9%) discontinued treatment for toxicity. New grade 3 to 4 adverse events were low during maintenance. Pomalidomide-cyclophosphamide-prednisone is safe and effective in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as #NCT01166113.
STI POLICY AND ACADEMY-INDUSTRY COOPERATION FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN DAEJEON, KOREA

This study reviews technological innovation to examine science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies and strategies for academy-industry cooperation for innovation and entrepreneurship in Daejeon. STI policy in Daejeon is based on a vision that harmonizes regional and national policies at a regional level, fostering of a key innovation cluster and strategic industries in Daejeon, and a new growth engine of converging industries such as information technology (IT), biotechnology (BT), and nanotechnology (NT). This paper proposes the following: First, considering the harmony of national and regional policies, STI policy should be promoted at the regional level considering venture and SMEs. Second, we recommend nurturing a global innovation cluster as part of a regional STI and venture ecosystem. This will support the region of Daejeon as the heart of a global innovation cluster by having Daedeok Innopolis and the International Science and Business Belt as its two major axes. Third, we recommend strengthening academy-industry cooperation in Sejong and other regions.
A new oxide trap-assisted NBTI degradation model

Using detailed experimental data, we demonstrate that for the correct interpretation of negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) degradation behavior with stress time, it is essential to include the effect of trapping of hydrogen species in the oxide. A new oxide trap-assisted NBTI degradation model is proposed and shown to fit the experimental data very well. Our proposed model can also be used to explain the recently observed phenomenon of higher NBTI degradation for increasing nitrogen concentration in the oxide. We show from numerical calculations that, for higher nitrogen concentration at the interface, one would expect higher NBTI degradation, as also reported recently.
Sensor network based localization algorithm using fusion sensor-agent for indoor service robot

We propose a system architecture and algorithm for improved localization of indoor service robots. Many studies on sensor network based localization systems have been reported for indoor service robots. Previous sensor network based localization systems have used a sensor-agent which is composed of only one kind of sensor, but such an arrangement may have difficulty adapting to changing environmental conditions. Therefore, we configure the sensor-agent with different kinds of sensors using a sensor fusion concept. To do so, we propose a novel architecture for a sensor network based localization system. We further propose a localization algorithm which processes the position data from each sensor-agent. Finally, we apply the proposed localization algorithm to real indoor service robots and demonstrate the improved localization ability of the service robots.
Species‐specific residues calibrate SoxR sensitivity to redox‐active molecules

In enterics, the transcription factor SoxR triggers a global stress response by sensing a broad spectrum of redox‐cycling compounds. In the non‐enteric bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptomyces coelicolor, SoxR is activated by endogenous redox‐active small molecules and only regulates a small set of genes. We investigated if the more general response in enterics is reflected in the ability of SoxR to sense a wider range of redox‐cycling compounds. Indeed, while Escherichia coli SoxR is tuned to structurally diverse compounds that span a redox range of −450 to +80 mV, P. aeruginosa and S. coelicolor SoxR are less sensitive to viologens, which have redox potentials below −350 mV. Using a mutagenic approach, we pinpointed three amino acids that contribute to the reduced sensitivity of P. aeruginosa and S. coelicolor SoxR. Notably these residues are not conserved in homologues of the Enterobacteriaceae. We further identified a motif within the sensor domain that tunes the activity of SoxR from enterics – inhibiting constitutive activity while allowing sensitivity to drugs with low redox potentials. Our findings highlight how small alterations in structure can lead to the evolution of proteins with distinct specificities for redox‐active small molecules.
Calcium and delayed potassium currents in mouse pancreatic beta‐cells under voltage‐clamp conditions.

Pancreatic islets of NMRI mice were dissociated into single cells which were kept in tissue culture for 1‐3 days. The whole‐cell configuration of the patch‐clamp technique was used to study inward and delayed outward currents of beta‐cells under voltage‐clamp conditions at 20‐22 degrees C. Outward currents were suppressed by substituting the impermeant cation N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine for intracellular K+. The remaining inward current had a V‐shaped current‐voltage relation reaching a peak value of 39 +/‐ 4 pA (mean +/‐ S.E. of mean) around ‐15 mV. It was identified as a Ca2+ current, because the peak amplitude was increased 1.6 times by increasing external [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]o) from 2.6 mM to 10 mM and it was blocked by Co2+ (5 mM) or nifedipine (5 microM) but not by TTX (20 microM). The activation time constant of the inward current at ‐10 mV was 1.28 +/‐ 0.08 ms. The relation between the degree of activation (estimated from the size of the tail currents) and membrane potential V followed the sigmoidal function f = 1/(1 + exp [(Vh‐V)/k]) with half‐maximal activation potential, Vh = 4 +/‐ 1 mV and slope factor, k = 14 +/‐ 1 mV (for [Ca2+]o 10 mM). The inward current inactivated only weakly during depolarizing pulses of 0.1‐1 s duration. The delayed outward current (in experiments with 155 mM‐internal [K+] ([K+]i)) had a linear voltage dependence at potentials above ‐20 mV; its amplitude at ‐10 mV was 210 +/‐ 30 pA. Tail currents related to the activation of the outward current had K+‐dependent reversal potentials. The current was blocked by extracellularly applied tetraethylammonium (20 mM) and 4‐aminopyridine (2 mM). It was not affected by glibenclamide (3 microM), tolbutamide (0.2 mM) and alterations of intracellular [Ca2+] (1 nM‐1 microM). The activation time constant of the outward current at ‐10 mV was 21 +/‐ 3 ms. The voltage dependence of activation could be described by the sigmoidal function (see above) with Vh = 19 +/‐ 1 mV and k = 5.6 +/‐ 0.4 mV. The outward current inactivated during long (15 s) depolarizing pre‐pulses (time constant at ‐10 mV: 2.6 +/‐ 0.6 s). 50% inactivation occurred at Vh = ‐36 +/‐ 2 mV, k was ‐4.1 +/‐ 0.2 mV. Inward and outward currents during depolarizing voltage pulses in beta‐cells are similar to Ca2+ and delayed K+ currents in other cell types. These currents seem sufficient to generate the action potentials of the beta‐cell.
Ochratoxin A and citrinin loads in stored wheat grains: Impact of grain dust and possible prediction using ergosterol measurement

Abstract Crop storage should be carried out under hygienic conditions to ensure safe products, but sometimes grain dust which has settled from previous storage may be left over and incorporated to the following stored grains. This paper describes the results obtained using a lab model developed in order to assess the impact of grain dust incorporation for its direct contribution as a contaminant but also as an inoculum in stored wheat. Settled grain dust (4 samples) released from Belgian grain storages were collected and analysed by HPLC for ergosterol, ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CIT) content. For OTA and for ergosterol, there was a high degree of variability in concentrations found in the dust samples (from 17.3–318 ng g−1 and from 39–823 µg g−1, respectively) whilst for CIT, the range was less significant (from 137–344 ng g−1). Incorporation of grain dust into wheat storage contributed to an increase in the concentrations of mycotoxins in the stored grain. Dust acts as a contaminant and as an inoculum. According to these two ways, patterns of mycotoxin generation vary with the nature of the mycotoxin, the mycotoxigenic potential of dust and the water activity of the wheat. OTA and CIT showed a very versatile image when considering the amounts of toxins produced under the selected experimental conditions. The development of a robust tool to forecast the mycotoxigenicity of dust was based on the determination of ergosterol content as a general marker of fungal biomass. Present results suggest that this predictive tool would only be valid for predicting the contamination level of CIT and OTA at reasonable moisture content (14–20%). The potential risk of having highly contaminated batches from stock to stock may thus occur and this paper discusses possible pathways leading to OTA and CIT contamination either under wet or dry storage conditions. We therefore, recommend taking precautionary measures not only by controlling and maintaining moisture at a reasonable level during storage of the raw materials but also by paying more attention to the cleaning of the stores before loading in the new harvests.
Stimulation of dihydroxyacetone and glycerol kinase activity in Streptococcus faecalis by phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation catalyzed by enzyme I and HPr of the phosphotransferase system

Recently we reported the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP)-dependent phosphorylation of a 55-kilodalton protein of Streptococcus faecalis catalyzed by enzyme I and histidine-containing protein (HPr) of the phosphotransferase system (J. Deutscher, FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 29:237-243, 1985). The purified 55-kilodalton protein was found to exhibit dihydroxyacetone kinase activity. Glycerol was six times more slowly phosphorylated than dihydroxyacetone. The Kms were found to be 0.7 mM for ATP, 0.45 mM for dihydroxyacetone, and 0.9 mM for glycerol. PEP-dependent phosphorylation of dihydroxyacetone kinase stimulated phosphorylation of both substrates about 10-fold. Fructose 1,6-diphosphate at concentrations higher than 2 mM inhibited the activity of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated dihydroxyacetone kinase in a noncompetitive manner. The rate of PEP-dependent phosphorylation of dihydroxyacetone kinase was about 200-fold slower than the phosphorylation rate of III proteins (also called enzyme III or factor III), which so far have been considered the only phosphoryl acceptors of histidyl-phosphorylated HPr. P-Dihydroxyacetone kinase was found to be able to transfer its phosphoryl group in a backward reaction to HPr. Following [32P]PEP-dependent phosphorylation and tryptic digestion of dihydroxyacetone kinase, we isolated a labeled peptide composed of 37 amino acids, as determined by amino acid analysis. The single histidyl residue of this peptide most likely carries the phosphoryl group in phosphorylated dihydroxyacetone kinase.
The Use of Oxytocin to Improve Feeding and Social Skills in Infants With Prader–Willi Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) display poor feeding and social skills as infants and fewer hypothalamic oxytocin (OXT)-producing neurons were documented in adults. Animal data demonstrated that early treatment with OXT restores sucking after birth. Our aim is to reproduce these data in infants with PWS. METHODS: We conducted a phase 2 escalating dose study of a short course (7 days) of intranasal OXT administration. We enrolled 18 infants with PWS under 6 months old (6 infants in each step) who received 4 IU of OXT either every other day, daily, or twice daily. We investigated the tolerance and the effects on feeding and social skills and changes in circulating ghrelin and brain connectivity by functional MRI. RESULTS: No adverse events were reported. No dose effect was observed. Sucking assessed by the Neonatal Oral-Motor Scale was abnormal in all infants at baseline and normalized in 88% after treatment. The scores of Neonatal Oral-Motor Scale and videofluoroscopy of swallowing significantly decreased from 16 to 9 (P < .001) and from 18 to 12.5 (P < .001), respectively. Significant improvements in Clinical Global Impression scale scores, social withdrawal behavior, and mother–infant interactions were observed. We documented a significant increase in acylated ghrelin and connectivity of the right superior orbitofrontal network that correlated with changes in sucking and behavior. CONCLUSIONS: OXT is well tolerated in infants with PWS and improves feeding and social skills. These results open perspectives for early treatment in neurodevelopment diseases with feeding problems.