Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The clinical need for clustered AChR cell-based assay testing of seronegative MG

Trial eligibility in myasthenia gravis (MG) remains largely dependent on a positive autoantibody serostatus. This significantly hinders seronegative MG (SNMG) patients from receiving potentially beneficial new treatments. In a subset of SNMG patients, acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies are detectable by a clustered AChR cell-based assay (CBA). Of 99 SNMG patients from two academic U.S. centers, 18 (18.2%) tested positive by this assay. Autoantibody positivity was further validated in 17/18 patients. In a complementary experiment, circulating AChR-specific B cells were identified in a CBA-positive SNMG patient. These findings corroborate the clinical need for clustered AChR CBA testing when evaluating SNMG patients.
Mapping of cis-regulatory variants by differential allelic expression analysis identifies candidate risk variants and target genes of 27 breast cancer risk loci

Background Breast cancer (BC) genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of risk-loci that require novel approaches to reveal the causal variants and target genes within them. As causal variants are most likely regulators of gene expression, we hypothesize that their identification is facilitated by pinpointing the variants with greater regulatory potential within risk-loci. Methods We performed genome-wide differential allelic expression (DAE) analysis using microarrays data from 64 normal breast tissue samples. Then, we mapped the variants associated with DAE (daeQTLs) and intersected these with GWAS data to reveal candidate risk regulatory variants. Finally, we validated our approach by functionally analysing the 5q14.1 breast cancer risk-locus. Results We found widespread gene expression regulation by cis-acting variants in breast tissue, with 80% of coding and non-coding expressed genes displaying DAE (daeGenes). We identified over 23K daeQTLs for 2753 (16%) daeGenes, including at 154 known BC risk-loci. And in 31 of these risk-loci, we found risk-associated variant(s) and daeQTLs in strong linkage disequilibrium suggesting that the risk-causing variants are cis-regulatory, and in 27 risk-loci we propose 37 candidate target genes. As validation, we identified five candidate causal variants at the 5q14.1 risk-locus targeting the ATG10, RPS23, and ATP6AP1L genes, likely via modulation of miRNA binding, alternative transcription, and transcription factor binding. Conclusion Our study shows the power of DAE analysis and daeQTL mapping to identify causal regulatory variants and target genes at BC risk loci, including those with complex regulatory landscapes, and provides a genome-wide resource of variants associated with DAE for future functional studies.
Prediction of Compressive Strength of Polyvinyl Alcohol fiber Reinforced Bendable Concrete

Engineered Cementitious Composite or Bendable concrete is a new generation concrete which possesses higher potency and improved durability characteristics. In addition to the potency, the knowledge about durability is very precious for sustainable development in the field of construction industries. Use of mineral admixture such as fly ash contributes a lot in sustainable development whereas; robustness of concrete can easily be enhanced by use of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibers. The elevated potency and improved durability of concrete will be achieved by scientifically tailoring various ingredients of the concrete. The knowledge of potency of all concrete in compression is one of the most essential prerequisite material goodness but it calls for costly and time-consuming experiments. Hence, a mathematical model to predict the compressive potency is presented in this paper. Two constants P and Q have been considered as the essential properties for the concrete blend. The constant, P is established for a “measure of Rate of Gain in Potency and constant, Q is established for a measure of “Grade of Potency. ” Once the constants P and Q are defined for the blend, the Potency of concrete at varied ages for varied percentages of PVA fibers will be predicted using this Mathematical Model.
The Design of Heart Rate Measuring Instrument Based on FPGA's Chip

Based on FPGA's chip,a cardiotach ometer for remote supervision is designed in this paper.Integrating with function of communication with mobile phones by simulating results of sequential waveforms on Quartus Ⅱ,the remote supervision of heart rate is accomplished.Taking advantage of the autonomic learning algorithm from the intelligent machine,the automatic supervision of patient's heart rate and blood pressure can be conducted with great value of promotion.
S1759078721000908jra 345..350

This paper describes the outcome of the “Small user TErminal multi band DIplexer” project where the goal is the validation of novel SMD-compliant planar diplexer. The real application scenario concerns an integrated multi-band radio terminal for ground-segment satellite links. The advantageous and novel approach involves the simultaneous use of three different wellestablished concepts: a microstrip low-pass filter, a substrate integrated waveguide high-pass filter, and the thin-film technology as manufacturing process. The proposed topology applied to a planar alumina-based design guarantees a 15 × 11.1 mm footprint and the best integration with surface mountable soldering process over standard PCB technology. Achieved performance and resilience to environmental toughness are suitable for consumer-oriented satellite links or man-pack applications. The designed component targets the Ku 10.7– 12.75 (RX) and Ka 27.5–30 (TX) GHz bands but the layout can be easily tuned across the spectrum. The described solution has been manufactured and validated. Thermal cycling and mechanical tests have been carried out to prove the high technology readiness level of the proposed device.
Técnicas estereo-fotométricas para la digitalización a escala micrométrica Stereo-photometric techniques for scanning micrometer scale

This paper describes a new methodology based on the combination of photogrammetric and stereophotometric techniques that allows creating virtual replicas reproducing the relief in micrometric scale, with a geometric resolution until 7 microns. The finest details of the texture obtained by photogrammetric methods are translated to the relief of the mesh to provide quality 3D printing by additive manufacturing methods. These results open new possibilities for virtual and physical reproduction of archeological items that need a great accuracy and geometric resolution.
Bringing Clarity to the Futility Debate

Howard Brody expresses concern that citing the "two cases that put futility on the map/ namely Helga Wanglie and Baby K, may be providing ammunition to the opponents of the concept of medical futility He in fact joins well-known opponents of the concept of medical futility in arguing that it is one thing for the physician to say whether a particular intervention will promote an identified goal, quite another to say whether a goal is worth pursuing. In the latter instance, physicians are laying themselves open "to the criticism of taking on basic value judgments that are more appropriately left to patients and their surrogates/' Brody states that in both the Wanglie and Baby K cases, the "basic value judgments" had to do with the worthiness of maintaining unconscious life via medical technology. He classifies this as "a question of professional integrity—but not a question of futility/' adding that "more than semantics hinges on this distinction. " The "more than semantics" factor is a pragmatic, even political one. Failure to make this distinction renders physicians "that much more suspect and less trustworthy in the public debate. " I will try to address my response in both theoretical and empirical terms. To anticipate briefly, I will argue that recognizing the medical futility of lifesustaining treatments in Baby K and Helga Wanglie provides essential grounding to the notion of professional integrity. I will end by expressing concerns of my own that are raised by Brody's article. First, as an old (as in old and as in former) English major, I take semantic distinctions seriously Words are important whether used in the intensive care unit or in the court. When I do ethics consultations I maintain the distinction between a particular treatment, which may be futile, and care (including comfort care), which is never futile. In keeping with this distinction, I recommend to hospitals deliberating over a "futile care policy" first to change the title to "futile treatment policy" — which often facilitates their deliberations. With respect to the court, I was distressed (that is, I suffered, which is what the word means) when I saw Baby K's respiratory failure described in various legal briefs as "respiratory distress" (which she was totally incapable of experiencing) much to the confusion, I suspect, of judges, lawyers, and journalists, not to mention the public at large, who simply did not understand the full nature of anencephaly More pertinent to this discussion is another important distinction, that between a person, who can make certain moral claims on society, and a category of person, a patient, who can make certain moral claims on healthcare professionals. There are many categories of
Whole genome sequence of pan drug-resistant clinical isolate of Acinetobacter baumannii ST1890

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic gram-negative bacteria typically attributed to hospital-associated infection. It could also become multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan drug-resistant (PDR) during a short period. Although A. baumannii has been documented extensively, complete knowledge on the antibiotic-resistant mechanisms and virulence factors responsible for pathogenesis has not been entirely elucidated. This study investigated the drug resistance pattern and characterized the genomic sequence by de novo assembly of PDR A. baumannii strain VJR422, which was isolated from a catheter-sputum specimen. The results showed that the VJR422 strain was resistant to any existing antibiotics. Based on de novo assembly, whole-genome sequences showed a total genome size of 3,924,675-bp. In silico and conventional MLST analysis of sequence type (ST) of this strain was new ST by Oxford MLST scheme and designated as ST1890. Moreover, we found 10,915 genes that could be classified into 45 categories by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. There were 1,687 genes mapped to 34 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The statistics from Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) annotation identified 3,189 genes of the VJR422 strain. Regarding the existence of virulence factors, a total of 59 virulence factors were identified in the genome of the VJR422 strain by virulence factors of pathogenic bacteria databases (VFDB). The drug-resistant genes were investigated by searching in the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD). The strain harbored antibiotic-resistant genes responsible for aminoglycoside, β-lactam-ring-containing drugs, erythromycin, and streptogramin resistance. We also identified resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) and the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) associated with the antibiotic efflux pump. Overall, this study focused on A. baumannii strain VJR422 at the genomic level data, i.e., GO, COG, and KEGG. The antibiotic-resistant genotype and phenotype as well as the presence of potential virulence associated factors were investigated.
An Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Anxiety and Depression (Tranquility): Adaptation Co-design and Fidelity Evaluation Study

Background Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is a necessary step toward increasing the accessibility of mental health services. Yet, few iCBT programs have been evaluated for their fidelity to the therapeutic principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or usability standards. In addition, many existing iCBT programs do not include treatments targeting both anxiety and depression, which are commonly co-occurring conditions. Objective This study aims to evaluate the usability of Tranquility—a novel iCBT program for anxiety—and its fidelity to CBT principles. This study also aims to engage in a co-design process to adapt Tranquility to include treatment elements for depression. Methods CBT experts (n=6) and mental health–informed peers (n=6) reviewed the iCBT program Tranquility. CBT experts assessed Tranquility’s fidelity to CBT principles and were asked to identify necessary interventions for depression by using 2 simulated client case examples. Mental health–informed peers engaged in 2 co-design focus groups to discuss adaptations to the existing anxiety program and the integration of interventions for depression. Both groups completed web-based surveys assessing the usability of Tranquility and the likelihood that they would recommend the program. Results The CBT experts’ mean rating of Tranquility’s fidelity to CBT principles was 91%, indicating a high fidelity to CBT. Further, 5 out of 6 CBT experts and all mental health–informed peers (all participants: 11/12, 88%) rated Tranquility as satisfactory, indicating that they may recommend Tranquility to others, and they rated its usability highly (mean 76.56, SD 14.07). Mental health–informed peers provided suggestions on how to leverage engagement with Tranquility (eg, adding incentives and notification control). Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrated the strong fidelity of Tranquility to CBT and usability standards. The results highlight the importance of involving stakeholders in the co-design process and future opportunities to increase engagement.
Role of Public Research Institutes in Japan’s National Innovation System: Case Study of AIST, RIKEN and JAXA

Among the actors in the National Innovation System, Public Research Institutes (PRIs) are probably the least studied. Historically, PRIs played an important role in conducting research related to the Japanese government’s missions in defence, space exploration, health care, agriculture and industrial technology. PRIs that aimed to help industry played a significant role during the catch-up period before and after the second World War. However, throughout the 1970s and 1980s, as Japanese firms acquired new technological capabilities and crossed technological frontiers with increasing financial resources, the firms’ reliance on PRIs as a source of advanced technology decreased. At present, discussions are underway regarding the role and rationale of PRIs in Japan’s innovation system. In this article, we focus on three large PRIs in Japan—AIST, RIKEN and JAXA—and investigate their role in helping Japan’s industry by examining their patents. We briefly describe their background and history of development, which clarifies their distinctive role in Japan’s innovation systems. We use four measures drawn from patent data (technological value, exclusionary value, expected market value and knowledge spillover) to describe PRI performance. The difference between the PRIs’ patents and those of universities and firms, as well as the impact of the PRIs’ research collaboration with the private sector is analysed. We found that each of the three PRIs has its own identity and is fulfilling its specific role. In addition, we pinpoint problems concerning universities’ patenting activity. Finally, we discuss factors that might affect the research outcome.
Experimental uninephrectomy associates with less parasympathetic modulation of heart rate and facilitates sodium-dependent arterial hypertension

Background Blood pressure is known to be increased in kidney donors following living-donor kidney transplantation. However, the physiological underpinnings of the blood-pressure increase following uninephrectomy remain unclear. We hypothesized that changes in sympathetic tone or in parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function are involved in the blood-pressure increase following experimental kidney-mass reduction. Methods C57BL6N mice (6 to 11 per group) subjected to sham surgery (controls) or uninephrectomy with or without a one-week course of sodium chloride-enriched, taurine-deficient diet were studied. Uninephrectomized mice treated with a subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin-II over a period of one week were positive controls. A transfemoral aortic catheter with telemetry unit was implanted, readings of heart-rate and blood-pressure were recorded. Powerspectral analysis of heart rate and systolic blood pressure was performed to gain surrogate parameters of sympathetictone and parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function. Baroreflex sensitivity of heart rate was determined from awake, unrestrained mice using spontaneous baroreflex gain technique. Results Systolic arterial blood pressure, heart rate and baroreflex sensitivity were not different in uninephrectomized mice when compared to controls. Parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function was less in uninephrectomized mice in comparison to controls. Uninephrectomized mice of the high-angiotensin-II model or of the high-salt and taurine-deficiency model had an increased systolic arterial blood pressure. Conclusions Uninephrectomy associated with less parasympathetic modulation of sinus node function. The combination of uninephrectomy, taurine-deficiency and high-salt intake led to arterial hypertension.
Relationship between no-visitation policy and the development of delirium in patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Background Due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic, many hospitals imposed a no-visitation policy for visiting patients in hospitals to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among visitors and patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the no-visitation policy and delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods This was a single-center, before-after comparative study. Patients were admitted to a mixed medical-surgical ICU from September 6, 2019 to October 18, 2020. Because no-visitation policy was implemented on February 26, 2020, we compared patients admitted after this date (after phase) with the patients admitted before the no-visitation policy (before phase) was implemented. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium during the ICU stay. Cox regression was used for the primary analysis and was calculated using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Covariates were age, sex, APACHE II, dementia, emergency surgery, benzodiazepine, and mechanical ventilation use. Results Of the total 200 patients consecutively recruited, 100 were exposed to a no-visitation policy. The number of patients who developed delirium during ICU stay during the before phase and the after phase were 59 (59%) and 64 (64%), respectively (P = 0.127). The adjusted HR of no-visitation policy for the number of days until the first development of delirium during the ICU stay was 0.895 (0.613–1.306). Conclusion The no-visitation policy was not associated with the development of delirium in ICU patients.
Dynamic back-analysis of material parameters of Nuozhadu high earth-rock-fill dam

An approach of parameter dynamic back-analysis based on neural network and evolutionary algorithm is applied to the Nuozhadu high earth-rock-fill dam to determine the parameters of Duncan-Chang E-B model,using in-situ monitoring data of dam deformation at the construction and initial storage stages.Construction interferences and instrumentation precision are considered,and the back-analysis results agree well with the in-situ data.With the model parameters so determined,deformation characteristics of the dam at the completion stage are predicted and analyzed with finite element method.In summary,the back-analysis results are reliable and they reflect the mechanical and deformation characteristics of the dam materials.
ANN rainfall-runoff modeling using synthetic informations from conceptual model

ANN model can not provide a good simulation of big storm events because of the lack of big storm events in its training data.To overcome this limitation,this paper establishes a rainfall-runoff model that is a combination of a conceptual model and an ANN model.In this rainfall-runoff model,big synthetic storm events are generated by using Xinanjiang model,and then these events are used as the training data of the ANN model so that the number of big storm events is increased.This new model gathers the merits of the conceptual model and the ANN model,and a case study shows that this model can produce good simulation for storm events.
ISPD peritonitis guideline recommendations: 2022 update on prevention and treatment

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis is a serious complication of PD and prevention and treatment of such is important in reducing patient morbidity and mortality. The ISPD 2022 updated recommendations have revised and clarified definitions for refractory peritonitis, relapsing peritonitis, peritonitis-associated catheter removal, PD-associated haemodialysis transfer, peritonitis-associated death and peritonitis-associated hospitalisation. New peritonitis categories and outcomes including pre-PD peritonitis, enteric peritonitis, catheter-related peritonitis and medical cure are defined. The new targets recommended for overall peritonitis rate should be no more than 0.40 episodes per year at risk and the percentage of patients free of peritonitis per unit time should be targeted at >80% per year. Revised recommendations regarding management of contamination of PD systems, antibiotic prophylaxis for invasive procedures and PD training and reassessment are included. New recommendations regarding management of modifiable peritonitis risk factors like domestic pets, hypokalaemia and histamine-2 receptor antagonists are highlighted. Updated recommendations regarding empirical antibiotic selection and dosage of antibiotics and also treatment of peritonitis due to specific microorganisms are made with new recommendation regarding adjunctive oral N-acetylcysteine therapy for mitigating aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Areas for future research in prevention and treatment of PD-related peritonitis are suggested.
Contributions of the ischiofemoral ligament, iliofemoral ligament, and conjoined tendon to hip stability after total hip arthroplasty: A cadaveric study

An adequate soft tissue balance is important in total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study assessed the contribution of the iliofemoral ligament, ischiofemoral ligament, and conjoined tendon to the range of hip rotation after THA and hip stability in response to axial traction. THA was performed in eight fresh‐frozen cadaveric specimens via an anterolateral approach using a navigation system. The ischiofemoral ligament, the medial arm of the iliofemoral ligament, and the conjoined tendon were resected in that order. The ranges of external and internal rotation and the amount of movement of the femoral head in response to axial traction were measured with the hip in 10° of extension, the neutral position, and in 10°, 30°, and 60° of flexion. Resection of the medial arm of the iliofemoral ligament significantly increased the range of external rotation in 10° of extension, the neutral position, and in 10°, 30°, and 60° of flexion. The conjoined tendon was the most important inhibitor of internal rotation from 10° of extension to 30° of flexion. Although each single element had a minor role in stabilizing the hip when axial traction was applied, resection of two or more elements significantly affected joint stability. The iliofemoral ligament and conjoined tendon are the main inhibitors of external rotation and internal rotation, respectively, when THA is performed using an anterior or anterolateral approach. Resection of two or more elements could greatly affect hip stability when axial traction is applied.