Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reflection Monitor for an Oversized Circular Waveguide

A new set-up to determine the power relation between transmitted and reflected waves propagating in a highly oversized cylindrical waveguide is presented. This system is up to now the only known possibility of a high directivity measurement in a highly oversized waveguide, where arbitrary modes in broad range are propagated alternatively or even simultaneously. The function of a bidirectional coupler is achieved from the free space radiation of a linear array of holes in the wall of the waveguide. The radiated electromagnetic field is sampled by two receiving antennas placed at opposite locations. The present application is the reflection monitor used at the output of high-power gyrotrons in the 130 - 160 GHz frequency range.
bHLH-PAS protein RITMO1 regulates diel biological rhythms in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Significance Most organisms experience daily light–dark changes and show rhythms of basic biological processes such that they occur at optimal times of the day. Rhythms are also observed in a multitude of marine organisms, but their molecular foundations are still largely unknown. Here, we report daily oscillations of gene expression and cell fluorescence in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, which persist in the absence of external timing cues. We demonstrate that the protein RITMO1, encoded by a bHLH-PAS gene, which is widely represented in algal genomes, regulates these rhythms. By demonstrating circadian regulation in the most species-rich algal group in the ocean, this study unveils critical features of diatom biology, thus advancing the field of diurnal and circadian rhythms in marine algae. Periodic light–dark cycles govern the timing of basic biological processes in organisms inhabiting land as well as the sea, where life evolved. Although prominent marine phytoplanktonic organisms such as diatoms show robust diel rhythms, the mechanisms regulating these processes are still obscure. By characterizing a Phaeodactylum tricornutum bHLH-PAS nuclear protein, hereby named RITMO1, we shed light on the regulation of the daily life of diatoms. Alteration of RITMO1 expression levels and timing by ectopic overexpression results in lines with deregulated diurnal gene expression profiles compared with the wild-type cells. Reduced gene expression oscillations are also observed in these lines in continuous darkness, showing that the regulation of rhythmicity by RITMO1 is not directly dependent on light inputs. We also describe strong diurnal rhythms of cellular fluorescence in wild-type cells, which persist in continuous light conditions, indicating the existence of an endogenous circadian clock in diatoms. The altered rhythmicity observed in RITMO1 overexpression lines in continuous light supports the involvement of this protein in circadian rhythm regulation. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a wide distribution of RITMO1-like proteins in the genomes of diatoms as well as in other marine algae, which may indicate a common function in these phototrophs. This study adds elements to our understanding of diatom biology and offers perspectives to elucidate timekeeping mechanisms in marine organisms belonging to a major, but under-investigated, branch of the tree of life.
Removal of Retrievable Inferior Vena Cava Filters before discharge: Is it associated with increased incidence of pulmonary embolism?

BACKGROUND Severely injured trauma patients are at high risk of developing deep venous thombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE), and may have contraindications to prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation. Retrievable inferior vena cava filters (rIVCFs) are used to act as a mechanical obstruction to prevent PE in high risk populations and those with DVT who cannot be anticoagulated.The removal rate of rIVCFs is variable in trauma centers, including our previous published rate of 50 - 89%/year. Indwelling filters carry a risk of significant morbidity and the success of retrieval decreases as the dwell time increases. We hypothesized that once patients could receive appropriate prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation, rIVCF could be removed before hospital discharge without impact on occurrence or recurrence of PE. METHODS All trauma patients with rIVCF placed and removed between 1/2006 - 8/2018 were reviewed. We collected data from record review from admission to 6 months post filter removal, including demographics, filter indication, filter type, dwell time, placement and removal complications, antithrombosis medications, location of VTE, complications, and discharge disposition. Exposure of interest was timing of filter removal: before (BEF) or after hospital discharge (AFT). The outcome of interest was whether the patient had a documented PE within 6 months of filter removal. RESULTS A total of 281 rIVCFs were placed, 218 were eligible for removal, 72.4% (158/218) were retrieved with 63% (100/158) removed before discharge. Mean filter duration was 26 and 103 days for the before and after group respectively. No differences (p> 0.05) were noted in the distribution of demographic and clinical factors except for filter indication (VTE indication, 95% in AFT vs 74% in BEF, p=0.0043). Post-removal PE rates were 0% BEF and 1% AFT (Fisher's Exact p=1.000). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that removal of rIVCFs before discharge once patients are appropriately anticoagulated is a safe strategy to improve retrieval rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
Design and Validation of a Surgical Navigation System for Brachytherapy Based on Mixed Reality.

PURPOSE An accurate position of the needle is vitally important in low-dose-rate seed implantation brachytherapy. Our paper aims to implement a mixed reality navigation system to assist with the placement of the I125 seed implantation thoracoabdominal tumor brachytherapy needle and to validate the accuracy and quality of this type of method. METHODS With the surgical navigation system, based on mixed reality through a novel modified multi-information fusion method, the fusion of virtual organs and a preoperative plan for a real patient and the tracking of surgical tools in real time were achieved. Personalized image recognition and pose estimation were used to track needle punctures in real time and to perform registration processes. After a one-time registration with a hexagonal prism tracker that used an iterative closest point algorithm, all information, including medical images and volume renderings of organs, needles and seeds, was precisely merged with the patient. Doctors were able to observe the tumor target and to visualize the preoperative plan. This system was validated in both phantom and animal experiments. The accuracy of this system was validated by calculating the positional and rotational error of each needle insertion. The accuracy of implantation of each seed was determined in an animal experiment to test the accuracy in low-dose-rate brachytherapy. The efficiency of this system was also validated through time consumption assessments. RESULTS In the phantom experiment, the average error of the needle locations was 0.664 mm and the angle error was 4.74°, average time consumption was 16.1 min with 6 needles inserted. Based on the results of the animal experiment, the accuracy of the needle insertion was 1.617 mm, while the angle error was 5.574° and the average error of the seed positions was 1.925 mm. CONCLUSIONS This paper describes the design and experimental validation of a novel surgical navigation system based on mixed reality for I125 seed brachytherapy for thoracoabdominal tumors. This system was validated through a series of experiments, including phantom experiments and animal experiments. Compared with the traditional image-guided system, the procedure presented here is convenient, displays clinically acceptable accuracy and reduces the number of CT scans, allowing doctors to perform surgery based on a visualized plan. All the experimental results indicated that the procedure is ready to be applied in further clinical studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Longitudinal power Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of joint inflammatory activity in early rheumatoid arthritis: predictive value in disease activity and radiologic progression.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity to change of power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) assessment of joint inflammation and the predictive value of PDUS parameters in disease activity and radiologic outcome in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Forty-two patients with early RA who started therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs underwent blinded sequential clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound assessment at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year and radiographic assessment at baseline and 1 year. For each patient, 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) was recorded at each visit. The presence of synovitis was investigated in 28 joints using gray-scale ultrasonography and intraarticular power Doppler signal. Active synovitis was defined as intraarticular synovitis detected with power Doppler signal. The ultrasound joint count for active synovitis and an overall joint index for power Doppler signal were calculated. Sensitivity to change of PDUS variables was assessed by estimating the smallest detectable difference (SDD) from the intraobserver variability. RESULTS The SDD for ultrasound joint count for active synovitis and ultrasound joint index for power Doppler signal was lower than mean changes from baseline to 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Time-integrated values of PDUS parameters demonstrated a highly significant correlation with DAS28 after 1 year (r = 0.63, P < 0.001) and a stronger correlation with radiographic progression (r = 0.59-0.66, P < 0.001) than clinical and laboratory parameters (r < 0.5). CONCLUSION PDUS is a sensitive and reliable method for longitudinal assessment of inflammatory activity in early RA. PDUS findings may have a predictive value in disease activity and radiographic outcome.
Current controller for sensorless PMSM drive using combined sliding mode strategy and disturbance observer

This paper presents a current control method applied to permanent magnet synchronous motors using sliding mode controller and disturbance observer. The current control is carried out at dq synchronous reference frame. The proofs of stability are developed from the Lyapunov analysis requirements. A sliding mode rotor speed observer is combined with the proposed current control scheme. Simulations results are presented to validate the proposed technique.
Transcriptome and excretory–secretory proteome of infective-stage larvae of the nematode Gnathostoma spinigerum reveal potential immunodiagnostic targets for development

Background: Gnathostoma spinigerum is a harmful parasitic nematode that causes severe morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Effective drugs and vaccines and reliable diagnostic methods are needed to prevent and control the associated diseases; however, the lack of genome, transcriptome, and proteome databases remains a major limitation. In this study, transcriptomic and secretomic analyses of advanced third-stage larvae of G. spinigerum (aL3Gs) were performed using next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and proteomics. Results: An analysis that incorporated transcriptome and bioinformatics data to predict excretory–secretory proteins (ESPs) classified 171 and 292 proteins into classical and non-classical secretory groups, respectively. Proteins with proteolytic (metalloprotease), cell signaling regulatory (i.e., kinases and phosphatase), and metabolic regulatory function (i.e., glucose and lipid metabolism) were significantly upregulated in the transcriptome and secretome. A two-dimensional (2D) immunomic analysis of aL3Gs-ESPs with G. spinigerum-infected human sera and related helminthiases suggested that the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) was a promising antigenic target for the further development of gnathostomiasis immunodiagnostic methods. Conclusions: The transcriptome and excretory–secretory proteome of aL3Gs can facilitate an understanding of the basic molecular biology of the parasite and identifying multiple associated factors, possibly promoting the discovery of novel drugs and vaccines. The 2D-immunomic analysis identified serpin, a protein secreted from aL3Gs, as an interesting candidate for immunodiagnosis that warrants immediate evaluation and validation.
Absorption quantum beats of magnetoexcitons in GaAs heterostructures.

We report the experimental observation of a transient oscillatory behavior of magnetoexciton absorption in GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures. We interpret these oscillations as absorption quantum beats of a coherent superposition of two excitonic spin states. Measurements of the oscillations period may be used as a new technique for accurately measuring the Lande g factor of excitons in semiconductors
Yeast ceramide synthases, Lag1 and Lac1, have distinct substrate specificity

ABSTRACT LAG1 was the first longevity assurance gene discovered in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Lag1 protein is a ceramide synthase and its homolog, Lac1, has a similar enzymatic function but no role in aging. Lag1 and Lac1 lie in an enzymatic branch point of the sphingolipid pathway that is interconnected by the activity of the C4 hydroxylase, Sur2. By uncoupling the enzymatic branch point and using lipidomic mass spectrometry, metabolic labeling and in vitro assays we show that Lag1 preferentially synthesizes phyto-sphingolipids. Using photo-bleaching experiments we show that Lag1 is uniquely required for the establishment of a lateral diffusion barrier in the nuclear envelope, which depends on phytoceramide. Given the role of this diffusion barrier in the retention of aging factors in the mother cell, we suggest that the different specificities of the two ceramide synthases, and the specific effect of Lag1 on asymmetrical inheritance, may explain why Δlag1 cells have an increased lifespan while Δlac1 cells do not. Highlighted Article: Distinct substrate specificities of Lag1 and Lac1, the two yeast ceramide synthases, are revealed, shedding light on their physiological roles.
The clinical characteristics of women with recurrent implantation failure

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) refers to failure to conceive after three or more in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or embryo transfer cycles. Implantation failure may be due to embryo or uterine factors. There are many controversies surrounding the investigation and management of this condition. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the outcome of investigations of a group of women with recurrent implantation failure. A total of 111 couples with RIF were managed in a dedicated clinic and investigated according to a clinic protocol. The frequency of abnormal investigations were as follows: high (≥ 10 IU/l) FSH, 14/107(13%); high free androgen index 6/78(8%); abnormal hysteroscopic findings 7/45(16%); hydrosalpinges 8/33(24%); persistently elevated ACA or tested positive for lupus anticoagulant 19/108 (18%); abnormal karyotype analysis 3/101(3%); hyperprolactinaemia 1/79(1%); abnormal thyroid function 4/100(4%) and tested positive for thyroid peroxidase antibody 10/104(10%). Specific treatments according to the results of investigation produced a live birth rate of 29%. It was concluded that the findings should help practitioners to construct suitable investigation protocols for the initial management of this condition.
Pentagonal-dodecahedral la2 charge density in [80-ih ]fullerene: la2 @c80.

A double shell of Platonic solids: A trajectory that connects the six-membered rings of Ih -C80 is followed by the two La atoms of La2 @C80 according to maximum entropy/Rietveld analysis of the synchrotron powder-diffraction data. The result is a pentagonal-dodecahedral charge-density distribution for La2 (brown in the picture) inside the icosahedral C80 cage (green).
Population Dynamics of Pathogens with Multiple Host Species

Pathogens that can infect multiple host species will have different dynamics than pathogens that are restricted to a single species of host. This article examines the conditions for establishment and long‐term population dynamic behavior of pathogens that infect multiple species of hosts. The article attempts to address three major questions in this area: First, under which conditions will increases in the diversity of host species buffer infectious disease outbreaks, and under which conditions will host diversity amplify disease outbreaks? Second, under what conditions is it possible to control an infectious agent by focusing control against only one host species? Third, what role does host species diversity play in maintaining pathogen persistence? The answers to these questions supply some important general insights into the role that biodiversity plays in buffering humans and other species against new and emerging pathogens.
CLAPO syndrome: Effective response to treatment with oral rapamycin

CLAPO syndrome (Capillary vascular malformation of the lower lip, Lymphatic malformations of the head and neck, Asymmetry and Partial or generalized Overgrowth) is a nonfrequent pathology. This syndrome is characterized by the capillary malformation (CM) of the lower lip, a very important clinical sign when diagnosing CLAPO. The aim of our report is to demonstrate that rapamycin could be a reliable and safe targeted therapy in lymphatic malformations (LMs). This drug is useful in reducing the LM's size before final surgical treatment. The clinical and radiological evolution of a patient with CLAPO syndrome is reported in this article, before and after the treatment with rapamycin.
Pathogenicity and Virulence of Trueperella pyogenes: A Review

Bacteria from the species Trueperella pyogenes are a part of the biota of skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urogenital tracts of animals, but also, opportunistic pathogens. T. pyogenes causes a variety of purulent infections, such as metritis, mastitis, pneumonia, and abscesses, which, in livestock breeding, generate significant economic losses. Although this species has been known for a long time, many questions concerning the mechanisms of infection pathogenesis, as well as reservoirs and routes of transmission of bacteria, remain poorly understood. Pyolysin is a major known virulence factor of T. pyogenes that belongs to the family of cholesterol-dependent cytolysins. Its cytolytic activity is associated with transmembrane pore formation. Other putative virulence factors, including neuraminidases, extracellular matrix-binding proteins, fimbriae, and biofilm formation ability, contribute to the adhesion and colonization of the host tissues. However, data about the pathogen–host interactions that may be involved in the development of T. pyogenes infection are still limited. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge about the pathogenic potential and virulence of T. pyogenes.
Association between salivary amylase enzyme activity and obesity in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Obesity is a significant public health concern that predisposes individuals to a high risk of premature mortality. Previous studies also reported that low serum concentrations of AMY1 have been associated with obesity. The aimed of the study to assess the relationship between salivary amylase (AMY1) activity and body mass index (BMI) in Saudi male and female adults in Riyadh. This study included a total of 200 (100 individuals who were overweight and obese and 100 who had normal body weight [control individuals]) Saudi participants aged 20 to 50 years old. They were recruited from physical fitness clubs and were school employees in Riyadh City. The dietary food intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall. The activity of the AMY1 was measured using a microplate fluorescence reader. A significant (P ≤ .05) increase was observed in the incidence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), and family history of overweight and obesity in overweight and obese individuals than in the control individuals, and these were in parallel to the significant increase in weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and BMI. A significant (P ≤ .05) increase was also observed in the carbohydrate and total fat dietary intake of overweight and obese individuals in relation to the respective dietary reference intake (DRI) values. AMY1 activity was significantly lower than the reference values in the overweight and obese group. Furthermore, AMY1 activity was significantly (P ≤ .05) reverse with weight, WC, HC, and BMI in both males and females in the overweight and obese group. In conclusion, the Saudi overweight and obese population seems to be at risk of low AMY1, which correlates with their obesity.
Effect of short periods of high incubation temperature on hatchability and incidence of embryo pathology of turkey eggs

1. Turkey eggs were incubated at 38.0° and 38.5°C at different stages of embryo development and for periods of 3 to 25 d. Results were compared with control eggs incubated at 37.5°C. The age of mortality, the incidence of malpositions and the incidence of morphological abnormalities were recorded from all unhatched eggs. 2. Eggs incubated at 38.5°C for 5 or more days hatched significantly less well than eggs incubated at 37.5°C. Eggs incubated at 38.5°C for 3 d hatched worse than controls but not significantly so. Eggs incubated between 0 and 25 d and 7 and 12 d but not between 0 and 6, 13 and 18 and 19 and 25 d, at 38.0°C had significantly lower hatchabilities than eggs incubated at 37.5°C. 3. Lowest hatchabilities were obtained when the eggs were incubated at high temperatures between 7 to 12 d and 6 to 10 d, indicating that embryos at this stage of development are more likely to succumb to high temperature than at other ages. 4. Increases in embryo mortality due to overheating were seen in weeks 3 and 4 of incubation and at the pipping stage. This was observed even when the period of overheating occurred in weeks 1 and 2 of incubation. 5. Embryos malpositioned with their head in the small end of the egg were seen at a higher incidence when overheating in the 2nd or 3rd quarter of the incubation period.
Diabetes mellitus Typ 2: Wie schützen wir die Nieren am besten?

Was ist neu? Neue Antidiabetika Unter den neueren blutzuckersenkenden Therapien haben Glucagon-like Peptid-1-Rezeptoragonisten und Gliflozine ihre protektiven Eigenschaften in der Vermeidung kardiovaskulärer Komplikationen und von Nierenschädigung bei Diabetes mellitus bewiesen. Dabei scheinen die kombinierten Effektstärken von Empagliflozin und anderen SGLT-2-Hemmern größer zu sein als die der GLP-1-Rezeptorantagonisten. Glukosurika In der ersten Studie mit einem SGLT-2-Inhibitor zur kardiorenalen Protektion bei Patienten mit eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion und Albuminurie (CREDENCE) reduzierte Canagliflozin das Gesamtrisiko aus kardiorenaler Sterblichkeit und Fortschreiten der Nierenerkrankung deutlich. Die kardiorenalen Wirkungen anderer SGLT-2-Inhibitoren (Dapagliflozin und Empagliflozin) werden zurzeit in zwei weiteren großen klinischen Studien bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittener diabetischer und nicht-diabetischer Nierenerkrankung untersucht (DAPA-CKD, EMPA-KIDNEY). Modulation der neurohumoralen Aktivierung Die Progressionsverzögerung der diabetischen Nierenerkrankung mit einem neuen Mineralokortikoid-Rezeptorantagonisten (Finrenone) wird derzeit in klinischen Studien (FIGARO/FIDELIO) geprüft. Vasoregulatoren Der Endothelin-1 Rezeptorblocker Atrasentan reduzierte die renale Ereignisrate in einer großen Studie zur Progressionsverzögerung der diabetischen Nierenerkrankung (SONAR) deutlich. Perspektiven Bei der absehbaren Verfügbarkeit von mehreren neuen Therapiekonzepten unterschiedlichen Potenzials ist die künftige Herausforderung, die jeweils optimale Kombination für einzelne Patientengruppen und auch individuelle Patienten zu finden.