Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances in the Genetic Classification of ALS

Purpose of review Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an archetypal complex disease where disease risk and severity are, for the majority of patients, the product of interaction between multiple genetic and environmental factors. We are in a period of unprecedented discovery with new large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) and accelerating discovery of risk genes. However, much of the observed heritability of ALS is undiscovered and we are not yet approaching elucidation of the total genetic architecture which will be necessary for comprehensive disease subclassification. Recent findings We summarise recent developments and discuss the future. New machine learning models will help to address nonlinear genetic interactions. Statistical power for genetic discovery may be boosted by reducing the search-space using cell-specific epigenetic profiles and expanding our scope to include genetically correlated phenotypes. Structural variation, somatic heterogeneity and consideration of environmental modifiers represent significant challenges which will require integration of multiple technologies and a multidisciplinary approach including clinicians, geneticists and pathologists. Summary The move away from fully penetrant Mendelian risk genes necessitates new experimental designs and new standards for validation. The challenges are significant but the potential reward for successful disease subclassification is large-scale and effective personalized medicine.
Measurement Invariance of Negative Affect in Ambulatory Assessments of Young-Old and Old-Old Adults

Abstract Gero-psychological research increasingly considered intense longitudinal assessments of momentary affect to address affective aging. In particular, many studies employed negative emotion item lists for ambulatory assessments of negative affect. However, frequent self-reports on emotion items within short time intervals might change alertness towards and perception of one’s emotional experiences. From an item-response-theoretic point of view, this might impair the stability of item functioning in terms of item discrimination between levels of affectivity and item severity (difficulty). Thus, we examined measurement invariance of negative emotion items commonly used for ambulatory assessments of negative affect. Ambulatory assessments from the EMIL study, obtained over seven consecutive days at six occasions per day from 123 young-old (aged 66-69) and 47 old-old (86-89) adults, were analyzed. Respondents self-reported on 13 negative emotion items, using a 0-100 slider to express the degree to which they felt the respective emotion. We ran multilevel structural equation models with Bayes estimation to analyze variability of negative affect factor loadings, item intercepts, and measurement error variances across repeated measures, thus checking for metric, scalar, and strict factorial invariance. For all sets of parameters, the findings do not strongly support measurement invariance, but point at partial invariance for item subsets. Taking on literature suggesting that criteria for invariance testing should not be too restrictive to meet pragmatic measurement equivalence requirements, further analyses and our conclusions focus on strategies that might allow for acceptable degrees of differential item functioning, enabling reliable analyses of intra-individual short-term variability in negative affect.
BioFET sensor for detection of albumin in urine

Characterisation of a BioFET for detection of albumin in a mixture of human urine is presented. To avoid electrolyte effect of the urine, it was measured in PBS (phosphate buffer saline) at a fixed pH after albumin binding. The drain current was modulated by the albumin bound to the anti-albumin immobilised on the gate surface of the BioFET. The current variation ratio was likely to be proportional to the concentration of the albumin in the range 50-250 mg/1. The results show the feasibility of the BioFET as a urinary albumin sensor.
Front/back tracking InGaAsP diode laser transmitter modules

Variations in the detected power for movement of a single-mode and a multimode fiber in front of various 1.3- mu m InGaAsP diode lasers are measured and compared to the signal obtained from the back-facet monitor. A model to explain the nonlinear relationship between the detected front and back-facet powers is given. This work has application in the design and understanding of stable light sources, biasing of transmitter modules, the fiber attach process, and the interpretation of tests which check the integrity of the fiber attachment. >
Shotgun sequence-based metataxonomic and predictive functional profiles of Pe poke, a naturally fermented soybean food of Myanmar

Pe poke is a naturally fermented sticky soybean food of Myanmar. The present study was aimed to profile the whole microbial community structure and their predictive gene functionality of pe poke samples prepared in different fermentation periods viz. 3 day (3ds), 4 days (4ds), 5 days (5ds) and sun-dried sample (Sds). The pH of samples was 7.6 to 8.7, microbial load was 2.1–3.9 x 108 cfu/g with dynamic viscosity of 4.0±1.0 to 8.0±1.0cP. Metataxonomic profile of pe poke samples showed different domains viz. bacteria (99.08%), viruses (0.65%), eukaryota (0.08%), archaea (0.03%) and unclassified sequences (0.16%). Firmicutes (63.78%) was the most abundant phylum followed by Proteobacteria (29.54%) and Bacteroidetes (5.44%). Bacillus thermoamylovorans was significantly abundant in 3ds and 4ds (p<0.05); Ignatzschineria larvae was significantly abundant in 5ds (p<0.05), whereas, Bacillus subtilis was significantly abundant in Sds (p <0.05). A total of 172 species of Bacillus was detected. In minor abundance, the existence of bacteriophages, archaea, and eukaryotes were also detected. Alpha diversity analysis showed the highest Simpson’s diversity index in Sds comparable to other samples. Similarly, a non-parametric Shannon’s diversity index was also highest in Sds. Good’s coverage of 0.99 was observed in all samples. Beta diversity analysis using PCoA showed no significant clustering. Several species were shared between samples and many species were unique to each sample. In KEGG database, a total number of 33 super-pathways and 173 metabolic sub-pathways were annotated from the metagenomic Open Reading Frames. Predictive functional features of pe poke metagenome revealed the genes for the synthesis and metabolism of wide range of bioactive compounds including various essential amino acids, different vitamins, and enzymes. Spearman’s correlation was inferred between the abundant species and functional features.
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors containing air-fluid levels

An air-fluid level within a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is unusual and indicates the presence of a fistula within the lumen of the GI tract. Until recently, the optimal management of such patients was not clear-cut. This retrospective study investigated the clinicopathological characteristics, surgical procedures, pre-and post-operative management, and prognosis of patients with GIST containing an air-fluid level. Data of GIST patients, spanning 5 years, including 17 GIST patients with air-fluid levels in the experimental group and 34 GIST patients without air-fluid levels in the control group, were retrieved from two hospitals in China. The clinicopathological characteristics, types of surgery, management, and clinical outcomes of GIST patients were compared between the two groups. GISTs containing air-fluid levels were significantly different from GISTs without air-fluid levels regarding tumor morphology, NIH risk category, invasion of adjacent organs, and necrosis or ulceration. Most GIST patients with air-fluid levels (14/17, 82.4%) received open surgery, significantly higher than the 20.6% in the control group. Targeted therapy with Imatinib mesylate (IM) was implemented in all GIST patients in the experimental group (17/17, 100%); markedly higher than those (3/34, 8.8%) in the control group. During follow-up, recurrence and death rates (5.9% and 5.9%) in the experimental group were higher than those (2.9% and 0%) in the control group. Open surgery is commonly performed in GIST patients with air-fluid levels who also require targeted therapy with IM. The Torricelli-Bernoulli sign could be a risk factor, adversely affecting the patient’s prognosis.
Agent-Based Simulation of Building Evacuation after an Earthquake: Coupling Human Behavior with Structural Response

AbstractThe safety of building occupants during and immediately after disasters, such as a major earthquake, is highly dependent on the way in which people interact with the damaged physical environment. While there are extensive studies on evacuation from undamaged structures and on structural behavior under seismic and other hazards, research on the influence of building damage on human evacuation behavior is limited. This study presents a framework by which models for buildings and human behavior can be coupled to analyze the dynamic influences of building damage on the evacuation process. The framework combines nonlinear dynamic finite-element modeling of structures, probabilistic modeling of damage, and agent-based modeling of human occupants to investigate the behavior of people as they interact with each other and with their dynamically-deteriorating environment as they attempt to evacuate the building. A case study is presented for a typical three-story commercial office building subjected to the .
Improving Mood Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) Program in Geriatrics Primary Care

Abstract Improving Mood Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) is a well-established model for the treatment of depression in primary care. The COVID pandemic has caused increased distress and depression among the older patients in our New York City geriatric practice. This paper describes the establishment of a virtual IMPACT model during the pandemic in which IMPACT services have been provided via telephone. This effort was a multidisciplinary collaboration among geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, social work, and geropsychology. Our IMPACT program uses a brief form of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) for depression as the psychosocial component instead of Problem Solving Treatment. Delivery of IMPACT by telephone appears to have enhanced engagement and sustained involvement in the program compared with prior efforts to deliver it by in-person meetings. IPT as a psychosocial modality was well-received by patients. To date, treatment outcomes have been favorable and will be reported in this presentation.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Ethiopian healthcare workers

Introduction COVID-19 poses significant health and economic threat prompting international firms to rapidly develop vaccines and secure quick regulatory approval. Although COVID-19 vaccination priority is given for high-risk individuals including healthcare workers (HCWs), the success of the immunization efforts hinges on peoples’ willingness to embrace these vaccines. Objective This study aimed to assess HCWs intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the reasons underlying vaccine hesitancy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March to July 2021. Data were collected from eligible participants from 18 health facilities using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 614 HCWs participated in the study, with a mean age of 30.57±6.87 years. Nearly two-thirds (60.3%) of HCWs were hesitant to use the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants under the age of 30 years were approximately five times more likely to be hesitant to be vaccinated compared to those over the age of 40 years. HCWs other than medical doctors and/or nurses (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI; 1.1, 3.8) were more likely to be hesitant for COVID-19 vaccine. Lack of believe in COVID-19 vaccine benefits (AOR = 2.5; 95%CI; 1.3, 4.6), lack of trust in the government (AOR = 1.9; 95%CI; 1.3, 3.1), lack of trust science to produce safe and effective vaccines (AOR = 2.6; 95%CI; 1.6, 4.2); and concern about vaccine safety (AOR = 3.2; 95%CI; 1.9, 5.4) were also found to be predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy showed to be high among HCWs. All concerned bodies including the ministry, regional health authorities, health institutions, and HCWs themselves should work together to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake and overcome the pandemic.
Computer-Aided Design Models for Millimeter-Wave Finlines and Suspended-Substrate Microstrip Lines

This paper presents closed-form expressions that model the electrical characteristics of finlines and suspended-substrate microstrip fines over a wide range of structural parameters for millimeter-wave applications. The expressions for finlines are within +-0.8 percent for the cutoff wavelength and within +-2 percent for the phase constant and the characteristic impedance (based on the power-voltage definition for a small slot (d/b <= 0.2)) of spectral-domain results. The expressions for suspended and inverted microstrips me within +-1 percent. The equations are vital to CAD of millimeter-wave planar circuits using these media.
A Comparison of PWM Pattern for Matrix Converter

This paper describes a comparison of PWM patterns for matrix converter. Figure 1 shows the switching pattern of matrix Converter. There are two PWM patterns with keeping the command of the output voltage and input current. The output voltage sequence of the pattern A is maximum-minimum-medium-minimum-maximum of each input voltage, and the pattern B is maximum-medium-minimum-mediummaximum of each input voltage in one switching period. The switching loss and the harmonics of the output voltage are analyzed for every PWM patterns. The pattern B has advantages for the low harmonics of the output voltage and reducing switching loss. Next, an improved method of the virtual AC/DC/AC method is described in this paper. The virtual AC/DC/AC method can generate only pattern A. Thus, the improved method changes the sequence of the output pulse in order to reduce switching loss and harmonics of the output voltage. Moreover, the proposed method is very simple because it does not require a special triangular waveform. The effects of the proposed PWM generation method are confirmed by the experimental results with 22 kW induction motor. Figure 2 shows the experimental results of the proposed method. The efficiency increases 1 point. This means that the converter loss decreases by 30%. Figure 3 shows the comparison between pattern A and pattern B of The total harmonics distortion (T.H.D.) of the input and output current. T.H. D. of the input and output are improved by 1-2points to the conventional method. The efficiency of these new proposals is confirmed by simulation and experimental results.
Optimal pollution control under emission constraitns: switching between regimes

In this paper we develop a model of pollution control which maximizes the present value of net social benefits. We show that the presence of an upper constraint on emissions affects the pollution control even when emissions are far below the level where the constraint binds. We get three main results. First, we find that for a society it is optimal to take into account the impact of the latent constraint at the outset and to modify the flow of emissions even when the constraint is still slack. Second, we analyze how the restriction works effectively in the intermediate phases before the constraint binds, comparing the unconstrained and constrained scenarios. Finally, we state the boundary conditions to compute the optimal trajectory of emissions switching between regimes. This trajectory cannot be obtained by simply pasting together the unconstrained and the constrained parts of the trajectories.
Vehicle to grid using broadband communications

The impending mass electrification of road transport, driven by concerns for climate change and sustainability, enables an opportunity to substantially reduce greenhouse emissions from passenger vehicles and to simultaneously provide services to the electricity grid. Electricity grids are characterised by a lack of storage capacity, which can be provided by grid connected electric vehicles charging and discharging their batteries under centralised control. This paper argues that the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) methodology offers operational, financial and sustainability synergies between vehicles and electricity grids. Broadband communications is an essential service to facilitate the aggregation, distributed control and metering of V2G services.
OPTIMIZATION OF LOADING FACILITIES AT THE TERMINAL

The problems of stock management and proper choice of transport facilities are defined and analysed taking into account the relationship between cost of transportation and vehicle’s capacity and size of cargo lots. By using mathematical statistical methods, the optimal vehicle’s capacity for a particular lot on the routes for taking the cargo out as well as the periodicity of cargo delivery are determined.
Corner and Edge Detection of Image Based on an Annealed Chaotic Competitive Network

In the computer vision, feature extraction is an important research orientation. Corner and edge detection is a basic technique for obtaining local feature in this image. In the paper, we propose a method that corner and edge of image is detected simultaneously by an annealed chaotic competitive network. The method is compared with several traditional methods of corner and edge detection algorithm, the experiment result shows a good performance. The clustering method can achieve the corner and edge detection simultaneously.
Design and evaluation of cca (cooperative collision avoidance) applications for vehicular ad-hoc networks

New emerging technologies in vehicular traffic are aimed primarily at improving safety and driving comfort for passengers. In this regard, a promising research perspective considered by the Academia and the Industry is to use communications to build a complex interoperable vehicular network so as to provide autonomous robotic-guided vehicles with additional status information that might not be collected from sensors on board. With properly configured processing schemes, this additional stream of information can be used to help vehicles anticipate and react conveniently to potentially risky situations that might cause an accident if not previously considered. Particularly, in this Thesis we use these premises to propose and evaluate collision avoidance policies under two specific fashions: i) Design and evaluation of a Cooperative chain Collision Avoidance (CcCA) strategy to reduce the impact of multiple rear-end collisions in a platoon of vehicles when evasive maneuvering is not possible, and ii) Analysis and optimization of different strategies for Cooperative Collision Avoidance (CCA) by evasive maneuvering. The CcCA application allows us to study how communication protocols, both by one-hop transmissions as well as by relaying (multi-hop) schemes, can help reduce the number of accidents, or at least minimize their impact, in cases where vehicles cannot execute sudden maneuvers to skip cars ahead, but only brake. Regarding CCA for evasive maneuvering, we provide an exhaustive optimization analysis for the calculation of optimum trajectories in cases where vehicles at high speeds are at risk of colliding with one or more obstacles appearing ahead. By reorienting trajectories through the lateral free spaces that might exist between the obstacles and the crash barriers (if the specific scenario allows it), vehicles can avoid crashing and simultaneously improve driving comfort even under such unpredictable circumstances. On the whole, despite much further effort is still required on these matters, results in this Work show that communications can help autonomous vehicles to make decisions in a cooperative fashion that will not only assist individuals to follow the best riding strategy, but also the traffic system as a whole to evolve according to the best possible behavior in terms of safety and comfort.
Optoelectronic integrated receiver

The performance of a GaAs based optoelectronic receiver is described. The receiver has an MSM photodiode, a preamplifier, a postamplifier, a comparator, a decision circuit and an ECL driver, all integrated on the same chip. An error rate of <10/sup 9/ has been demonstrated at 2.4 Gbit/s.
On the Prediction of Lighting Energy Savings Achieved by Occupancy Sensors

ABSTRACT Advanced lighting controls are used to reduce lighting energy consumption. One such control is the use of occupancy sensors. Energy savings achievable by occupancy sensors depend on the occupancy pattern, which is related to building and occupant characteristics. The occupancy pattern has some degree of randomness for many building types. This article describes a method for the prediction of occupancy and lighting energy consumption based on user defined probabilities. Real lighting energy consumption from a recent retrofit program was used to demonstrate the model calculation. Comparison of the energy saving potential from different delay time settings was also made.
ASET Position Statement on the Emergent Use of Limited EEG Source Devices

The International Federation of Societies for EEG and Clinical Neurophysiology established the Standard International 10-20 System of Electrode Placement in 1958 as a gold standard to ensure consistent head measurement, EEG recording, and testing outcomes. The goal was to facilitate interlaboratory continuity and achieve reproducible and comparable EEGs (ACNS 2016; Jasper 1958; Klem et al. 1999). Recent scientific advances have developed new technologies and devices for augmenting EEG modalities of study. Many of these devices were developed for use in emergency and critical care departments as a rapid screening tool and for assessing potential subclinical seizure activity to administer timely and effective treatment. ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society acknowledges that the use and dissemination of new technologies and devices may serve a role in emergency situations where a limited EEG assessment (i.e., non-standard electrode placement, reduced array, etc.) is critical for protecting the brain health of patients. As the professional Society for Neurodiagnostic technologists, ASET’s role is to provide guidance on the use of these products to optimize benefits to patients while also minimizing the potential for patient harm from inappropriate use. In acute, emergent situations, such as status epilepticus, these devices may provide critical data needed for rapid assessment to support expedited evaluation and treatment. Nonetheless, given the current state of these technologies, restriction to shorter durations is advisable and not to exceed the manufacturer’s indications for use (IFUs) under the discretion of the clinical care expertise. ASET discourages the use of reduced montage EEG (rmEEG)/rapid EEG technologies for prolonged The Neurodiagnostic Journal, 61: 214–215, 2021 © 2021 ASET – The Neurodiagnostic Society ISSN: 2164-6821 print / 2375-8627 online DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21646821.2021. 2003143