Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Quality of Life as Assessed by the EQ-5D-5L Predicts Outcomes of Patients Treated with Azacitidine—A Prospective Cohort Study by the AGMT

Simple Summary The EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire is a globally used and multiply validated tool to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but data on its use for patients with myeloid neoplasias is scarce. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to alleviate this knowledge gap. Our data show in a homogenous population of azacitidine-treated patients for the first time that (1) myeloid patients have significantly worse HRQoL than a population norm (i.e., a representative sample of the German general adult population) from a similar geographic region, matched by age, sex and number of comorbidities; (2) The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire response provides added prognostic value to the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and the revised IPSS (R-IPSS), which are longstanding gold standards of prognostication in these diseases; (3) the multivariate-adjusted significant predictive value of the EQ-5D-5L response parameters on patient outcomes including response to azacitidine, time to next treatment and overall survival; (4) longitudinal assessment of the EQ-5D-5L response/clinical parameter pairs revealed significant additional, independent associations. Abstract In this prospective study (NCT01595295), 272 patients treated with azacitidine completed 1456 EuroQol 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaires. Linear mixed-effect modelling was used to incorporate longitudinal data. When compared with a matched reference population, myeloid patients reported more pronounced restrictions in usual activities (+28%, p < 0.0001), anxiety/depression (+21%, p < 0.0001), selfcare (+18%, p < 0.0001) and mobility (+15%, p < 0.0001), as well as lower mean EQ-5D-5L indices (0.81 vs. 0.88, p < 0.0001), and lower self-rated health on the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) (64 vs. 72%, p < 0.0001). After multivariate-adjustment, (i) the EQ-5D-5L index assessed at azacitidine start the predicted time with clinical benefit (TCB) (9.6 vs. 6.6 months; p = 0.0258; HR = 1.43), time to next treatment (TTNT) (12.8 vs. 9.8 months; p = 0.0332; HR = 1.42) and overall survival (OS) (17.9 vs. 12.9 months; p = 0.0143; HR = 1.52); (ii) Level Sum Score (LSS) predicted azacitidine response (p = 0.0160; OR = 0.451) and the EQ-5D-5L index showed a trend (p = 0.0627; OR = 0.522); (iii) up to 1432 longitudinally assessed EQ-5D-5L response/clinical parameter pairs revealed significant associations of EQ-5D-5L response parameters with haemoglobin level, transfusion dependence and hematologic improvement. Significant increases of the likelihood ratios were observed after addition of LSS, EQ-VAS or EQ-5D-5L-index to the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) or the revised IPSS (R-IPSS), indicating that they provide added value to these scores.
A position sensor based on magnetoimpedance

A magnetic‐field sensor based on the giant magnetoimpedance phenomenon is presented. It is shown that a low, negative magnetostriction CoFeBSi amorphous wire can be used to detect the presence or passage of moving pieces or vehicles, simply by pasting a small permanent magnet on the vehicles/pieces. The detection is observed as a decrease in the ac voltage on the wire’s ends. A system of such devices can be used to monitor and control a number of industrial processes.
Narratives of heritage and legacy: Child and adolescent mental health trainees portrayed

Objectives We sought to embellish a child and adolescent mental health space by creating and displaying a large painting imbued with meaning and symbolism specific to the field. In it, we featured a broad array of trainees in the disciplines of child psychiatry, psychology, and social work. We used the portraiture sessions as opportunities for participants to reflect on their professional trajectories and developmental progression. Methods The lead author painted Heritage and Legacy, a 6 × 4 ft oil painting of 15 trainees (8 women), between February 2020 and December 2022. Each studio sitting lasted approximately four hours and included an in-depth interview that was recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis. We used narrative inquiry as our analytic approach, a method that attends to unique stories and aims to make meaning out of individuals' life experiences. Results We organized our analytic framework chronologically: (1) Heritage (past influences); (2) Becoming (the current process of professionalization); and (3) Legacy (reflections about the future). Through these life stages, we consider findings from three complementary vantage points: (1) the unique methodology of using a collective portrait as the basis for a qualitative study using narrative inquiry; (2) the participants' individual and collective trajectories of professionalization and professional identity formation; and (3) their transitions and legacy—including through mentorship and generativity, as much as through concrete objects and places, such as the oil painting itself and the space in which it will permanently reside. Conclusions The lengthy process of creating an oil canvas depicting a multidisciplinary group of professionals in training proved a powerful vehicle for self-reflection by those portrayed. It has yielded insights of broader relevance to the training and education of the next generation of practitioners.
Real-Time Estimation and Monitoring of COVID-19 Aerosol Transmission Risk in Office Buildings

A healthy and safe indoor environment is an important part of containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, this work presents a real-time Internet of things (IoT) software architecture to automatically calculate and visualize a COVID-19 aerosol transmission risk estimation. This risk estimation is based on indoor climate sensor data, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and temperature, which is fed into Streaming MASSIF, a semantic stream processing platform, to perform the computations. The results are visualized on a dynamic dashboard that automatically suggests appropriate visualizations based on the semantics of the data. To evaluate the complete architecture, the indoor climate during the student examination periods of January 2020 (pre-COVID) and January 2021 (mid-COVID) was analyzed. When compared to each other, we observe that the COVID-19 measures in 2021 resulted in a safer indoor environment.
Curcuma xanthorrhiza Rhizome Extract Induces Apoptosis in HONE-1 Nasopharyngeal Cancer Cells Through Bid

BACKGROUND: Curcuma xanthorrhiza rhizomes have been demonstrated to have anticancer properties toward various types of cancer cells. The effect of C. xanthorrhiza rhizome extract (CXRE) on nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) cells, including HONE-1 cell line has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, the effect of CXRE on the apoptosis of HONE-1 cells and its possible underlying mechanism are necessary to be explored.METHODS: C. xanthorrhiza rhizomes were minced, dried, extracted with distilled ethanol, filtered, and evaporated to produce CXRE. HONE-1 cells were seeded, starved, and treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Doxorubicin, or various concentrations of CXRE. Treated HONE-1 cells were stained with 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and the number of viable cells was counted. HONE-1 cells were also collected, lysed, and further processed for immunoblotting analysis to measure Bid activity.RESULTS: The number of viable HONE-1 cells decreased in concentration- and time-dependent manner. The number of viable cells in 50 and 250 μg/mL CXRE-treated groups were significantly lower compared with that in the DMSO-treated group after 24 h. At 48 h incubation period, the number of viable cells in 10, 50 and 250 μg/mL CXRE-treated groups were significantly lower compared with that in the DMSO-treated group. The number of viable cells in 250 μg/mL CXRE-treatment group was not significantly different compared with that in the Doxorubicin-treated group after 48 h. Bid expression levels in CXRE-treated groups were lower compared with that in the DMSO-treated group.CONCLUSION: CXRE could induce apoptosis via Bid activation, hence reducing the viability of HONE-1 cells.KEYWORDS: Curcuma xanthorrhiza, nasopharyngeal cancer, HONE-1 cells, apoptosis, Bid
Identifying the Carcinogenic Mechanism of Malignant Struma Ovarii Using Whole-Exome Sequencing and DNA Methylation Analysis

Background: Since malignant struma ovarii is a very rare disease, its carcinogenic mechanism has not been elucidated. Here, we sought to identify the genetic lesions that may have led to the carcinogenesis of a rare case of malignant struma ovarii (follicular carcinoma) with peritoneal dissemination. Methods: DNA was extracted from the paraffin-embedded sections of normal uterine tissues and malignant struma ovarii for genetic analysis. Whole-exome sequencing and DNA methylation analysis were then performed. Results: Germline variants of RECQL4, CNTNAP2, and PRDM2, which are tumor-suppressor genes, were detected by whole-exome sequencing. Somatic uniparental disomy (UPD) was also observed in these three genes. Additionally, the methylation of FRMD6-AS2, SESN3, CYTL1, MIR4429, HIF3A, and ATP1B2, which are associated with tumor growth suppression, was detected by DNA methylation analysis. Conclusions: Somatic UPD and DNA methylation in tumor suppressor genes may be associated with the pathogenesis of malignant struma ovarii. To our knowledge, this is the first report of whole-exome sequencing and DNA methylation analysis in malignant struma ovarii. Genetic and DNA methylation analysis may help elucidate the mechanism of carcinogenesis in rare diseases and guide treatment decisions.
Analysis of social–Psychological factors and financial incentives in demand response and residential energy behavior

Introduction: Demand response programs are promising approaches to balance supply and demand and reduce or shift peak hour loads. However, the impacts of residents’ behavioral patterns and social–psychological factors on these programs are poorly understood. Method: We used an extended model of the theory of planned behavior to understand how social–psychological factors, demographics, and household characteristics influence the demand response behaviors (i.e., adjusting A/C and shifting the time of use) of 826 US residents who participated in our study. Results: We found that low-income households (43.7%) reported as more likely to respond to the behavior of raising A/C thermostat settings when no one is home compared to higher-income residents. Thermal comfort needs (β = 0.34) and participants’ age (β = 0.02) increased the financial incentives requested to accept higher A/C temperatures while someone is home. Thermal comfort needs (β = 0.36) and energy-saving habits (β = −0.11) are the significant predictors of increased incentives requested for higher A/C temperatures when no one is home. Older adults request higher financial incentives for shifting washer and dryer usage than younger residents. Finally, attitudes toward energy saving are the strongest predictor of electricity curtailment behavioral intention, followed by perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, cost and environmental concerns, and energy-saving habits. Discussion: This finding suggests the potential of social–psychological variables in shaping energy consumption behaviors. This study provides insights for designing effective demand response programs and broadly analyzing energy behavioral patterns.
Modification and application of “zero-line” incision design in total endoscopic gasless unilateral axillary approach thyroidectomy: A preliminary report

Introduction Gasless unilateral trans-axillary approach (GUA) thyroidectomy has witnessed rapid development in technologies and applications. However, the existence of surgical retractors and limited space would increase the difficulty of guaranteeing the visual field and disturb safe surgical manipulation. We aimed to develop a novel zero-line method for incision design to access optimal surgical manipulation and outcomes. Methods A total of 217 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent GUA were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly classified into two groups (classical incision and zero-line incision), and their operative data were collected and reviewed. Results 216 enrolled patients underwent and completed GUA; among them, 111 patients were classified into the classical group, and 105 patients were classified into the zero-line group, respectively. Demographic data, including age, gender, and the primary tumor side, were similar between the two groups. The duration of surgery in the classical group was longer (2.66 ± 0.68 h) than in the zero-line group (1.40 ± 0.47 h) (p < 0.001). The counts of central compartment lymph node dissection were higher in the zero-line group (5.03 ± 3.02 nodes) than that in the classical group (3.05 ± 2.68 nodes) (p < 0.001). The score of postoperative neck pain was lower in the zero-line group (1.0 ± 0.36) than that in the classical group (3.3 ± 0.54) (p < 0.05). The difference in cosmetic achievement was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion The “zero-line” method for GUA surgery incision design was simple but effective for GUA surgery manipulation and worth promoting.
Spherically symmetric simulation of plasma liner driven magnetoinertial fusion

Spherically symmetric simulations of the implosion of plasma liners and compression of plasma targets in the concept of the plasma jet driven magnetoinertial fusion have been performed using the method of front tracking. The cases of single deuterium and xenon liners and double layer deuterium-xenon liners compressing various deuterium-tritium targets have been investigated, optimized for maximum fusion energy gains, and compared with theoretical predictions and scaling laws of [P. Parks, Phys. Plasmas 15, 062506 (2008)]. In agreement with the theory, the fusion gain was significantly below unity for deuterium-tritium targets compressed by Mach 60 deuterium liners. The most optimal setup for a given chamber size contained a target with the initial radius of 20 cm compressed by a 10 cm thick, Mach 60 xenon liner, achieving a fusion energy gain of 10 with 10 GJ fusion yield. Simulations also showed that composite deuterium-xenon liners reduce the energy gain due to lower target compression rates. The effect of heating of targets by alpha particles on the fusion energy gain has also been investigated.
Preoperative Mixed-Reality Visualization of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures and Its Benefit Compared to CT and 3D Printing

Background: Various studies have shown the benefit of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction and especially 3D printing in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). This study aimed to investigate whether mixed-reality visualization (MRV) using mixed-reality glasses can provide a benefit for CT and/or 3D printing in planning treatment strategies for complex TPFs. Methods: Three complex TPFs were selected for the study and processed for 3D imaging. Subsequently, the fractures were presented to specialists in trauma surgery using CT (including 3D CT reconstruction), MRV (hardware: Microsoft HoloLens 2; software: mediCAD MIXED REALITY) and 3D prints. A standardized questionnaire on fracture morphology and treatment strategy was completed after each imaging session. Results: 23 surgeons from 7 hospitals were interviewed. A total of 69.6% (n = 16) of those had treated at least 50 TPFs. A change in fracture classification according to Schatzker was recorded in 7.1% of the cases and in 78.6% an adjustment of the ten-segment classification was observed after MRV. In addition, the intended patient positioning changed in 16.1% of the cases, the surgical approach in 33.9% and osteosynthesis in 39.3%. A total of 82.1% of the participants rated MRV as beneficial compared to CT regarding fracture morphology and treatment planning. An additional benefit of 3D printing was reported in 57.1% of the cases (five-point Likert scale). Conclusions: Preoperative MRV of complex TPFs leads to improved fracture understanding, better treatment strategies and a higher detection rate of fractures in posterior segments, and it thus has the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.
Mitigation of Paeoniae Radix Alba extracts on H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells and hyperglycemia in zebrafish, and identification of phytochemical constituents

Paeoniae Radix Alba (PRA), as a Traditional Chinese Medicine, is widely used in Chinese cuisine due to high health-benefits and nutrition, but the effect of different polarity of solvents on the extraction of antioxidant and hypoglycemic constituents, as well as the major active compounds remain unclear. In this research, 40, 70, and 95% ethanol were firstly applied to extract the polyphenols from PRA, the extraction yields, total phenolics, and total flavonoids content, free radical scavenging ability, α-glucosidase inhibition ability, and anti-glycation ability of extracts were evaluated spectroscopically. The oxidative damage protection, hypoglycemic activity, and alleviation on peripheral nerve damage were evaluated by H2O2-induced HepG2 cells and hyperglycemic zebrafish models. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was used to identify the major chemical constituents. The results showed that 40, 70, and 95% ethanol exhibited insignificant difference on the extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from PRA. All extracts showed promising DPPH⋅ and ABTS⋅+ scavenging ability, α-glucosidase inhibition and anti-glycation ability. In addition, PRA extracts could restore the survival rate of HepG2 cells induced by H2O2, and alleviate the oxidative stress by reducing the content of MDA and increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px. The 70% ethanol extract could also mitigate the blood glucose level and peripheral motor nerve damage of hyperglycemic zebrafish. Thirty-five compounds were identified from 70% ethanol extract, gallotannins, gallic acid and its derivatives, and paeoniflorin and its derivatives were the dominant bioactive compounds. Above results could provide important information for the value-added application of PRA in functional food and medicinal industry.
A Compact UWB Monopole Antenna with Triple Band Notches

This article presents an ultra-wideband (UWB) monopole antenna with triple band notch characteristics. The proposed antenna consists of an octagonal patch, fed with a 50 Ω line, which occupies a compact size of 40 mm × 29 mm (0.36λ × 0.26λ, λ is computed using 2.7 GHz frequency) and resonances at a relatively low frequency (2.94 GHz). Specifically, an L-shaped stub, an inverted C-shaped slot, and a pair of U-shaped resonating structures are introduced into the design, which allow antenna to generate three band notches at 3.22–3.83 GHz, 4.49–5.05 GHz and 7.49–8.02 GHz, corresponding to WiMAX band, Indian national satellite (INSAT) band, and X-band satellite frequencies, respectively. In the center of the notched band, the antenna has lower efficiency and gain, essentially indicating that the antenna has good interference rejection performance. To evaluate its performance, the proposed antenna has been fabricated and measured, and the relevant functional parameters, such as S-parameters, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and radiation property, have been studied.
Resilient Coordination of Nonlinear Uncertain Lagrangian Systems With Adversarial Agents: A Norm-Based Approach

In this article, the resilient coordination problem of networked Lagrangian systems with adversarial agents is considered. A novel algorithm called norm-based resilient decision algorithm is proposed to exclude the impact of adversarial agents. To ensure the coordination of networked Lagrangian systems, the maximum number of adversarial agents related to the robustness of the communication network is given. Under the proposed resilient consensus algorithm, secure coordination is guaranteed under adversarial agents. Then, the proposed resilient controller is extended to static formation scenarios. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated through case studies and experiments. Compared to the existing results, the proposed algorithm can reduce computing resources by designing auxiliary vectors and converting them into scalars to remove extreme values.
Lyapunov‐based training algorithm applied to a continually on line‐trained ANN used in the current‐loop control of a single‐phase switched rectifier

This paper presents an implementation of a PWM single‐phase switched rectifier controlled by a continually online‐trained artificial neural network (COT‐ANN). The stability of the COT‐ANN training is ensured by using a suitable description of the switched rectifier and a Lyapunov‐based training algorithm. The stability of the neural network is verified using a norm metric of the ANN matrix weights. The proposed switched rectifier can reverse the power flow direction while attaining power factor regulation. Simulations are used to test the validity of the proposed algorithm and the results are finally verified by a practical implementation of this system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Inguinal Herniorrhaphy: Experience of a Single Institute

Background: Minimally invasive techniques for inguinal herniorrhaphy have focused on developing the laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) procedure to improve cosmesis. Outcomes of total extraperitoneal (TEP) herniorrhaphy vary considerably because of being performed by different surgeons. We aimed to evaluate the perioperative characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing the LESS-TEP approach for inguinal herniorrhaphy and to determine its overall safety and effectiveness. Methods: Data of 233 patients who underwent 288 laparoendoscopic single-site total extraperitoneal approach (LESS-TEP) herniorrhaphies at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between January 2014 and July 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. We reviewed the experiences and results of LESS-TEP herniorrhaphy performed by a single surgeon (CHC) using homemade glove access and standard laparoscopic instruments with a 50 cm long 30° telescope. Results: Among 233 patients, 178 patients had unilateral hernias and 55 patients had bilateral hernias. About 32% (n = 57) of patients in the unilateral group and 29% (n = 16) of patients in the bilateral group were obese (body mass index ≥ 25). The mean operative time was 66 min for the unilateral group and 100 min for the bilateral group. Postoperative complications occurred in 27 (11%) cases, which were minor morbidities except for one mesh infection. Three (1.2%) cases were converted to open surgery. Comparison of the variables between obese and non-obese patients found no significant differences in operative times or postoperative complications. Conclusion: LESS-TEP herniorrhaphy is a safe and feasible operation with excellent cosmetic results and a low rate of complication, even in obese patients. Further large-scale prospective controlled studies and long-term analyses are needed to confirm these results.