Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Information Technology Adoption by IRBs of Large Academic Medical Centers in the United States

The clinical research landscape has changed dramatically in recent years in terms of both volume and complexity. This poses new challenges for Institutional Review Boards’ (IRBs) review efficiency and quality, especially at large academic medical centers. This article discusses the technical facets of IRB modernization. We analyzed the information technology used by IRBs in large academic institutions across the United States. We found that large academic medical centers have a high electronic IRB adoption rate; however, the capabilities of electronic IRB systems vary greatly. We discuss potential use-cases of a fully exploited electronic IRB system that promise to streamline the clinical research work flow. The key to that approach utilizes a structured and standardized information model for the IRB application.
Shorted Rectangular Microstrip Antenna for Dual-band Operation

This paper presents the study of shorted rectangular microstrip antenna for dual band operation. The analysis have been carried out by varying the shorting-pin position from edge to center of the patch, such an antenna provides tunable frequency ratio of about 2.91 to 2.2 for the two operating frequencies. When the shorting-pin position is close to the center or at the center of the patch, a single resonant frequency is observed. Theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement
Efficient Selection of Stable Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) Cell Lines for Expression of Recombinant Proteins by Using Human Interferon β SAR Element

We describe the development of an efficient expression system suitable for the stable expression of recombinant genes in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using the human interferon β SAR element. The insertion of two copies of the human interferon β SAR element at the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of the β‐galactosidase reporter gene increased the frequency of β‐galactosidase positive colonies by up to 75% and enhanced β‐galactosidase expression by 15‐ to 20‐fold after G418 selection or 30‐ to 40‐fold at the initial stage of the MTX selection procedure. Deletion analysis showed that the whole DNA regions of the human interferon β SAR element are required for β‐galactosidase expression enhancement. The developed expression system was also highly effective at enhancing the stable expression of two therapeutically important proteins, namely, erythropoietin (EPO) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We isolated stable colonies with expression levels of 47 μg/106 cells/day for EPO and 13 μg/106 cells/day for HGF, suggesting that the developed expression system based on the human β SAR element is suitable for expressing high levels of recombinant proteins in CHO cells.
Early IL-6 plasma concentrations correlate with severity of brain injury and pneumonia in brain-injured patients.

BACKGROUND Brain injury as well as early inflammatory and endocrine responses were found to be indicators for infectious complications in patients with multiple injuries. In this context, brain-derived inflammatory response as well as centrally triggered neuroendocrine activation and systemic immunodepression seem to be of major importance. Therefore, we hypothesize that a circulating index of inflammatory or endocrine function measured soon after brain injury (in patients with admission Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score of 4-7) would discriminate severe from moderate injury as indexed by GCS status on postinjury day 7. METHODS In a retrospective study, 25 patients with either acute traumatic brain injury or cerebral hemorrhage and an initial GCS score of 4 to 7 were examined. Blood samples were obtained at different time points, and different immune variables and neuroendocrine hormones were determined. According to the GCS score on day 7, patients were divided into two groups (GCS score > or = 8, moderate brain injury; and GCS score < 8, severe brain injury or patients who died within the first week) for comparison of variables. Concluding from the results of this retrospective analysis, in a prospective study patients (n = 26) were divided into two groups according to their interleukin (IL)-6 plasma concentrations on day 1 (IL-6 > or = 100 pg/mL and IL 6 < 100 pg/mL). After 7 days, the GCS score, the infection rate, and the mortality were compared between these two groups. RESULTS In the retrospective study, we could show that severe brain injury (as assessed by GCS score and mortality on day 7) was associated with high plasma levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, acute phase proteins, and neuroendocrine hormones within 2 to 6 hours after the acute event. Among the investigated variables, elevated IL-6 plasma concentrations were stable up to 1 day after the acute event with a high predictive value with regard to the short-term prognosis and incidence of infectious complications within the first week. Because of this stability during the first 24 hours, we selected IL-6 for further studies. In the prospective study with a calculated cut-off IL-6 plasma concentration of 100 pg/mL on day 1, the predictive value of this parameter regarding the severity of the brain injury was fully confirmed (positive predictive value, 0.94; this value represents the observed pretest probability of 0.62). All patients who died (n = 5) or developed infectious complications within the first week (n = 8) showed plasma IL-6 levels > or = 100 pg/mL on day 1. CONCLUSION The IL-6 plasma level 1 day after the acute event with a cut-off of 100 pg/mL (Immulite) seems to be a predictor for short-term prognosis and infectious complications in brain-injured patients.
Spatio-temporal estimation of mobile-phone call demand in the Kumamoto earthquakes

Due to the increasing importance of mobile communications in disaster mitigation and relief, it is very critical to be able to communicate and share critical information with others anytime and anywhere during natural disasters such as earthquakes. However, the mobile network infrastructures are usually not only physically damaged by the disasters but also congested by a tremendous traffic of mobile-phone calls. Therefore, being able to estimate the mobile-phone call demand is a key for mobile network operators to better prepare for and respond to the network congestion before and during the disasters. In this paper, we propose a data-driven approach to estimate the spatio-temporal mobile-phone call demand by leveraging the big data collected from the operational mobile network. Specifically, we develop a model that shows how the mobile-phone call demand varies with population based on the collected data from public industrial surveys and reports. We apply it to the live population distribution big data during the Kumamoto earthquakes to demonstrate the mobile-phone call demand changes spatially and temporally on the geographical map. In addition, we also demonstrate the estimation of mobile-phone call demand during the worst-case — a hypothetical earthquake occurs in the daytime. Finally, we discuss the important factors that affect of mobile-phone call demand and the trend of future mobile networks and services that have great potential to alleviate the network congestions in future disasters.
Mycoplasma-Virus Interrelationships in Mouse Tracheal Organ Cultures

The effects produced by single and mixed infections with Mycoplasma pulmonis and influenza A/PR-8 virus were studied in mouse tracheal organ cultures. M. pulmonis multiplied in the tracheal organ cultures, producing inhibition of ciliary activity and histologic tissue damage. The organism grew in close association with the cell membranes but did not appear to attach directly to the membranes or the cilia. Influenza A virus also replicated in tracheal organ cultures, producing ciliary inhibition and more extensive cytopathologic changes. Virus particles were seen by electron microscopy to attach to and cause clumping of the cilia. Simultaneous infection of the organ cultures with mycoplasma and virus resulted in more rapid inactivation of ciliary activity and greater tissue damage than occurred when the cultures were infected with only mycoplasma or virus. Presence of the virus appeared to have no effect on the growth of the mycoplasma; however, the mycoplasma partially interfered with virus replication.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference in Quality of Life for Patients With Low Back Pain

Study Design. Multicenter, prospective, cohort study. Objective. To estimate the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summaries of Short Form SF-12 (SF-12), in patients with low back pain (LBP). Summary of Background Data. Quality of life is one of the core domains recommended to be assessed in patients with LBP. SF-12 is the most widely used instrument for this purpose, but its MCID was unknown. Methods. A total of 458 patients with subacute and chronic LBP were consecutively recruited across 21 practices. LBP, referred pain, disability, PCS, and MCS were assessed upon recruitment and 12 months later. Self-reported health status change between baseline and 12 month-assessment, was used as the external criterion. The MCID for SF-12 was estimated following four anchor-based methods; minimal detectable change (MDC); average change (AC); change difference (CD); and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), for which the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The effect on MCID values of pain duration and baseline scores was assessed. Results. Values for PCS were: MDC: 0.56, AC: 2.71, CD: 3.29, and ROC: 1.14. Values for MCS were: MDC: 3.77, AC: 3.54, CD: 1.13, and ROC: 4.23. AUC values were <0.7; MCID values were smaller among chronic patients and those with better baseline quality of life. Conclusion. Different methods for MCID calculation lead to different results. In patients with subacute and chronic LBP, improvements >3.77 in MCS and >3.29 in PCS, can be considered clinically relevant. MCID is smaller in patients with longer pain duration and better baseline quality of life. Level of Evidence: 2
Absence of age effect on meiotic recombination between human X and Y chromosomes.

Recombination between the X and Y chromosomes is limited to the pseudoautosomal region and is necessary for proper segregation of the sex chromosomes during spermatogenesis. Failure of the sex chromosomes to disjoin properly during meiosis can result in individuals with a 47,XXY constitution, and approximately one-half of these result from paternal nondisjunction at meiosis I. Analysis of individuals with paternally derived 47,XXY has shown that the majority are the result of meiosis in which the X and Y chromosomes have failed to recombine. Our studies of sperm have demonstrated that aneuploid 24,XY sperm have a decreased recombination frequency, compared with that of normal sperm. Some studies have indicated a relationship of increased paternal age with 47,XXY offspring and with the production of XY disomic sperm, whereas others have failed to find such relationships. To determine whether there is a relationship between paternal age and recombination in the pseudoautosomal region, single-sperm genotyping was performed to measure the frequency of recombination between a sex-specific locus, STS/STS pseudogene, and a pseudoautosomal locus, DXYS15, in younger men (age < or =30 years) compared with older men (age > or =50 years). A total of 2,329 sperm cells were typed by single-sperm PCR in 20 men who were heterozygous for the DXYS15 locus (1,014 sperm from 10 younger men and 1,315 sperm from 10 older men). The mean recombination frequency was 39.2% in the younger men and 37.8% in the older men. There was no heterogeneity in the frequency of recombination rates. There was no significant difference between the recombination frequencies among the younger men and those among the older men, when analyzed by the clustered binomial Z test (Z=.69, P=.49). This result suggests that paternal age has no effect on the recombination frequency in the pseudoautosomal region.
Outcome of singleton pregnancy in women ≥45 years old: a retrospective cohort study

Objective: To investigate prematurity rate in women aged ≥45 carrying a singleton pregnancy. Other maternal and neonatal outcomes are also described. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Women delivering a singleton pregnancy at a single tertiary medical center. Population: The study included all women aged 45 years and over who delivered at 20 weeks gestation or beyond over a 9-year period from May 2000 to May 2009. Methods: Women aged 45 years and over were identified. The study group was compared to a control group of women <40 years with singleton pregnancies conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) who delivered during the same time period. Main Outcome Measure(s): Maternal complications during pregnancy and neonatal outcome. Results: During the study period 278 women ≥45 years delivered a singleton pregnancy. The control group included 304 women. The rate of delivery before 37 weeks as well as before 32 weeks were very high in our study group (18.7 vs. 10.9%, p = 0.009 and 5.4 vs. 2.0%, p = 0.04, respectively). In multivariate analysis, older maternal age was not independently related to prematurity. Chronic hypertension (HTN) was found to be a major risk factor associated with prematurity in advanced maternal age. Conclusions: Women ≥45-years-old with a singleton pregnancy carry a higher risk of maternal and perinatal complications. Preterm birth is a significant complication in this age group and is associated with preexisting chronic HTN.
Intussusception following rotavirus vaccination: a reminder for practitioners

Intussusception is a paediatric surgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent significant patient morbidity and mortality. Of the recognised causes, intussusception following rotavirus vaccination is relatively rare and may be overlooked by practitioners. We present the case of a 2-month-old infant found to have intussusception following rotavirus vaccination together with a review of current literature around this important topic. A 2-month-old male infant was admitted under the paediatric team with a 1-day history of non-bilious vomiting, pyrexia, and irritability a day after receiving his first-dose rotavirus vaccination. On examination he was haemodynamically stable and had no focal signs of sepsis. His abdominal examination revealed a soft, non-distended abdomen with no palpable masses. He had passed normal stool within the preceding 24 hours. Following initial assessment, he underwent a full septic screen including lumbar puncture, the results of which were all within normal range. After developing bilious vomiting overnight a paediatric surgical review was obtained and an upper gastrointestinal contrast study was performed. This revealed no evidence of malrotation. An abdominal X-ray was subsequently performed which revealed a soft tissue mass in the right hypochondrium, dilated proximal small bowel loops, and a paucity of distal bowel gas, in keeping with small bowel obstruction (Figure 1). An urgent ultrasound scan was obtained which showed dilated proximal small bowel loops and the characteristic target sign typically seen in intussusception (Figure 2). The child received full resuscitation before an air enema reduction was performed under …
An integrated RF match and baseband termination supporting 395 MHz instantaneous bandwidth for high power amplifier applications

An integrated passive device (IPD) supporting both RF and baseband impedance matching is proposed that is directly suitable for high power, multiband amplifier applications. The impedance matching method and design techniques are discussed. As proof-of-concept, we present an LDMOS Doherty power amplifier (PA) with 400 W peak power using the proposed IPD to demonstrate 20% fractional RF bandwidth with low baseband impedance. Measurements of the Doherty PA with digital pre-distortion system indicate that the amplifier achieves over 40% drain efficiency at average Pout of 48.5 dBm with over 15 dB of gain during concurrent transmission of 3GPP Band 3 & Band 66 from 1.805–2.2 GHz while meeting ACPR of −53 dBc. The results represent over 2 times improvement of instantaneous bandwidth capability over prior work and enables for the first time 395 MHz instantaneous bandwidth capability for high power downlink cellular infrastructure communication systems.
Teaching hearing-aid skills to elderly people: hearing tactics.

The effect of a short instructional session on people's knowledge of hearing tactics was tested on a sample of hearing-aid users 65 years of age and over. They had had their hearing aids for 3 months. A questionnaire was administered before and after the instruction session and the difference in score taken as a measure of the effect of instruction. A high score on the questionnaire indicated a lack of appropriate knowledge. Only those who scored incorrectly on one or more questions were given instruction. People were allocated at random either into an instructed group or a control group not so instructed. A substantial proportion (45%) had low initial scores on the questionnaire. The instruction significantly improved the scores of the experimental groups. The differences in score changes within age groups were not significant but men tended to improve more than women. The resource implications of the instructional methods are discussed.
Encouraging residents to seek feedback

Aim: To explore resident and faculty perceptions of the feedback process, especially residents’ feedback-seeking activities. Methods: We conducted focus groups of faculty and residents exploring experiences in giving and receiving feedback, feedback-seeking, and suggestions to support feedback-seeking. Using qualitative methods and an iterative process, all authors analyzed the transcribed audiotapes to identify and confirm themes. Results: Emerging themes fit a framework situating resident feedback-seeking as dependent on four central factors: (1) learning/workplace culture, (2) relationships, (3) purpose/quality of feedback, (4) emotional responses to feedback. Residents and faculty agreed on many supports and barriers to feedback-seeking. Strengthening the workplace/learning culture through longitudinal experiences, use of feedback forms and explicit expectations for residents to seek feedback, coupled with providing a sense of safety and adequate time for observation and providing feedback were suggested. Tensions between faculty and resident perceptions regarding feedback-seeking related to fear of being found deficient, the emotional costs related to corrective feedback and perceptions that completing clinical work is more valued than learning. Conclusion: Resident feedback-seeking is influenced by multiple factors requiring attention to both faculty and learner roles. Further study of specific influences and strategies to mitigate the tensions will inform how best to support residents in seeking feedback.
Demonstrations of the influence of the eating environment on food acceptance

In two independent demonstrations, pre-prepared food was served in different environments: first, identical prepared meals were served in both a training restaurant and in a student cafeteria; second, a prepared main dish was served in a food science laboratory class, and as part of an entire meal in two student cafeterias and in a training restaurant. In the training restaurants and in the student cafeterias, people selected and paid for their meals. The acceptability ratings of the food served varied across the three different environments in the following order: restaurant>laboratory>cafeteria. Differences in acceptance were attributed to contextual effects and the expectations they produce, actual product differences, and a number of possible covariates. Ratings of sensory attributes tended to mirror the acceptability effects. The difficulty of comparing contexts within actual food service systems is discussed.
Sistema de catálogo virtual aumentado: Integración de framework especializado aplicado a material didáctico

Bajo el termino de Realidad Aumentada se agrupan aquellas tecnologias que permiten superponer contenido virtual sensible al contexto o entorno, a imagenes del mundo fisico en tiempo real. Este trabajo es la continuacion del desarrollo del Sistema de Catalogo Virtual Aumentado (SCVA), presentando la integracion de este con un Framework especializado que actua como plataforma para la explotacion en un dominio en particular, en este caso su aplicacion en la explotacion de material didactico.
Extending low speed self-sensing via flux tracking with volt-second sensing

This paper introduces an enhanced speed self-sensing method that tracks stator flux linkage in electric machines at very low speeds. Volt-second sensing technology is used to mitigate the inverter nonlinearity, which is the major source of flux estimation error in the very low speed range. By integrating volt-second sensing in the Gopinath style closed-loop flux observer, the rotor speed information with more precision and lower noise is extracted from the estimated stator flux. Experimental results show that the proposed self-sensing method extends the low speed operating range, reduces the speed and torque ripple, and increases the disturbance rejection capability compared with the traditional self-sensing method based on back-EMF tracking. This research is sponsored by Toshiba Mitsubishi — Electric Industrial Systems Corporation (TMEIC), Fuchu, Japan.
WW domains of Nedd4 bind to the proline‐rich PY motifs in the epithelial Na+ channel deleted in Liddle's syndrome.

The amiloride‐sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a major role in sodium transport in kidney and other epithelia, and in regulating blood pressure. The channel is composed of three subunits (alphabetagamma) each containing two proline‐rich sequences (P1 and P2) at its C‐terminus. The P2 regions in human beta and gammaENaC, identical to the rat betagammarENaC, were recently shown to be deleted in patients with Liddle's syndrome (a hereditary form of hypertension), leading to hyperactivation of the channel. Using a yeast two‐hybrid screen, we have now identified the rat homologue of Nedd4 (rNedd4) as the binding partner for the P2 regions of beta and gammarENaC. rNedd4 contains a Ca2+ lipid binding (CaLB or C2) domain, three WW domains and a ubiquitin ligase (Hect) domain. Our yeast two‐hybrid and in vitro binding studies revealed that the rNedd4‐WW domains mediate this association by binding to the P2 regions, which include the PY motifs (XPPXY) of either betarENaC (PPPNY) or gammarENaC (PPPRY). SH3 domains were unable to bind these sequences. Moreover, mutations to Ala of Pro616 or Tyr618 within the betarENaC P2 sequence (to PPANY or PPPNA, respectively), recently described in Liddle's patients, led to abrogation of rNedd4‐WW binding. Nedd4‐WW domains also bound to the proline‐rich C‐terminus (containing the sequence PPPAY) of alpharENaC, and endogenous Nedd4 co‐immunoprecipitated with alpharENaC expressed in MDCK cells. These results demonstrate that the WW domains of rNedd4 bind to the PY motifs deleted from beta or gammaENaC in Liddle's syndrome patients, and suggest that Nedd4 may be a regulator (suppressor) of the epithelial Na+ channel.
IN MILITARY CONSCRIPTS A STUDY ON RISK FACTORS , DIAGNOSTICS AND LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES

6 LIST OF ORIGINAL PUBLICATIONS . 7 ABBREVIATIONS. 8