Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autoantibodies Targeting G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Pathogenetic, Clinical and Therapeutic Implications in Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multifaceted connective tissue disease whose aetiology remains largely unknown. Autoimmunity is thought to play a pivotal role in the development of the disease, but the direct pathogenic role of SSc-specific autoantibodies remains to be established. The recent discovery of functional antibodies targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), whose presence has been demonstrated in different autoimmune conditions, has shed some light on SSc pathogenesis. These antibodies bind to GPCRs expressed on immune and non-immune cells as their endogenous ligands, exerting either a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on corresponding intracellular pathways. Growing evidence suggests that, in SSc, the presence of anti-GPCRs antibodies correlates with specific clinical manifestations. Autoantibodies targeting endothelin receptor type A (ETAR) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) are associated with severe vasculopathic SSc-related manifestations, while anti-C-X-C motif chemokine receptors (CXCR) antibodies seem to be predictive of interstitial lung involvement; anti-muscarinic-3 acetylcholine receptor (M3R) antibodies have been found in patients with severe gastrointestinal involvement and anti-protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) antibodies have been detected in patients experiencing scleroderma renal crisis. This review aims to clarify the potential pathogenetic significance of GPCR-targeting autoantibodies in SSc, focusing on their associations with the different clinical manifestations of scleroderma. An extensive examination of functional autoimmunity targeting GPCRs might provide valuable insights into the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of SSc, thus enabling the development of novel therapeutic strategies tailored to target GPCR-mediated pathways.
Overleaf Example

This paper describes a methodology for learning flight control systems from human demonstrations and interventions while considering the estimated uncertainty in the learned models. The proposed approach uses human demonstrations to train an initial model via imitation learning and then iteratively, improve its performance by using real-time human interventions. The aim of the interventions is to correct undesired behaviors and adapt the model to changes in the task dynamics. The learned model uncertainty is estimated in real-time via Monte Carlo Dropout and the human supervisor is cued for intervention via an audiovisual signal when this uncertainty exceeds a predefined threshold. This proposed approach is validated in an autonomous quadrotor landing task on both fixed and moving platforms. It is shown that with this algorithm, a human can rapidly teach a flight task to an unmanned aerial vehicle via demonstrating expert trajectories and then adapt the learned model by intervening when the learned controller performs any undesired maneuver, the task changes, and/or the model uncertainty exceeds a threshold.
Fabrication and Characterization of High Indium In0.7Ga0.3As Channel MHEMT on GaAs Substrate

In this work, we have successfully developed high indium content In<inf>0.7</inf>Ga<inf>0.3</inf>As channel metamorphic high electron mobility transistors (mHEMTs) on a GaAs substrate. Through experimental investigations, we have employed high indium content as channel materials to optimize device performance, including DC and microwave characteristics. The fabricated mHEMT with a gate length of 0.9 μ m and a gate width of 50 μm exhibits excellent DC and logic characteristics such as V<inf>T</inf>=-2.33V,gm= 376 mS/mm, the maximum I<inf>DS</inf> was measured to be 512 mA/mm at V<inf>GS</inf>=0.2V and V<inf>DS</inf>=2.5V. Furthermore, the device exhibits exceptional high-frequency capabilities, such as f<inf>T</inf>/f<inf>max</inf>=20.5/49.9 GHz at V<inf>DS</inf>=2.0V.
ONTOLOGY BASED AGRICULTURE USING WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS

Nowadays, changes in weather and environment cause many converse effects in day to day life of human being in this world. Especially in the field of agriculture. Due to deforestization and global warming people do not receive sufficient level of rain even in rainy season. And also the level of snowfall increases. Because of these two main reasons there is great fall in the productivity of agriculture. Decrease in rainfall, fertility deficiency in land soil lead to insufficient or sometimes nil productivity from agriculture. Hence now it is necessary to go for alternate kind of agriculture to increase the level of productivity. In this paper a prototype using wireless sensor network (WSN) to increase the productivity level of agriculture is discussed. The proposed method considers temperature, humidity, water supply, moisture content and nutrient level of soil in the agriculture land and conveys the farmer with the information such as type of grains to be cultivated depending on the above specified factors to increase the productivity which also develops life of farmers.
Modeling disease progression and placebo response in Huntington's Disease: Insights from Enroll-HD and GENERATION HD1 cohorts

Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify longitudinal changes in Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) clinical scores and evaluate their susceptibility to placebo response, improving our understanding of disease progression and the ability to optimize clinical trials in Huntington's disease. Methods: We utilized data from the Enroll-HD and GENERATION HD1 placebo arm cohorts to model the natural history of the disease and placebo response for functional, motor and cognitive clinical scores. Baseline patient characteristics available in both cohorts were analyzed as potential predictors of progression rate. Results: We identified distinct trajectories for each clinical measurement throughout the course of the disease, with baseline characteristics serving as strong predictors of progression rate. Interestingly, we observed a weak correlation between progression rates among different endpoints, highlighting the need for careful selection of endpoints, as they may not have the same relevance for different patient populations. To quantify placebo response, we compared disease progression in the largest Huntington's clinical trial to date (GENERATION HD1 placebo arm) to the Enroll-HD cohort. We found a strong initial improvement in motor and cognitive scores in GENERATION HD1, which remained constant during the dosing period of the trial. We show that this initial improvement in motor and cognitive scores can be quantified, enabling the simulation of changes in endpoints in a placebo arm for distinct subpopulations. Interpretation: Our model successfully captures essential aspects of disease progression and placebo response in Huntington's disease, providing valuable guidance for the design and analysis of upcoming clinical trials.
Association of Remaining Anterior Knee Laxity With Inferior Outcomes After Revision ACL Reconstruction

Background: The relationship between remaining anterior knee laxity and poorer clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may be underrated, and the criteria for failure of revision ACLR have not been defined. Purpose/Hypothesis: To evaluate a possible association between remaining knee laxity and functional scores in patients after revision ACLR. We hypothesized that a postoperative side-to-side-difference (SSD) in knee laxity of ≥6 mm will be an objective parameter for failure. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 200 patients (77 women and 123 men; mean age, 30.8 ± 11 years; range, 18-61 years) who underwent revision ACLR between 2016 and 2019 were evaluated; The mean follow-up period was 30.2 ± 9 months (range, 24-67 months). Patients were divided into 3 groups according to postoperative SSD (<3 mm, 3-5 mm, or ≥6 mm). Preoperative and postoperative outcome measures (Lachman, pivot shift, visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) were compared between the groups. Results: Of the 200 patients, 74% (n = 148) had a postoperative SSD of <3 mm at the latest follow-up, 19.5% (n = 39) had a postoperative SSD of 3 to 5 mm, and 6.5% (n = 13) had a postoperative SSD of ≥6 mm. Patients in all groups saw significant pre- to postoperative reductions in positive Lachman and pivot-shift tests as well as significant improvements in VAS pain, Lysholm, and Tegner scores (P < .001 for all). All postoperative functional scores of the patients with SSDs of <3 mm and 3-5 mm were significantly increased compared with those of patients with an SSD of ≥6 mm (P≤ .01 for all). Conclusion: In patients following revision ACLR, anterior and rotational knee laxity were successfully reduced while increasing postoperative functional outcomes. A remaining postoperative SSD of ≥6 mm was associated with inferior patient outcomes compared with an SSD <6 mm. An SSD of ≥6 mm represents an objective parameter in the definition of failure of revision ACLR.
Management of retroperitoneal appendiceal perforation: a case report

Abstract Retroperitoneal appendiceal perforation presents unique challenges in surgical management due to the complex nature of the retroperitoneal space. We present a case of a 57-year-old male with retroperitoneal appendiceal perforation, characterized by the presence of a large amount of gas in the retroperitoneal space. Emergent laparoscopic surgery was performed to address the retroperitoneal involvement. In retroperitoneal appendiceal perforation, surgical intervention and postoperative drainage are of great significance to prevent septic shock. The interconnectedness of the retroperitoneal space with other body regions is highlighted, underscoring the potential for severe complications. This case emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to managing retroperitoneal appendiceal perforation, preventing potential complications associated with this condition.
Extending the usefulness of the Stryker Growing Prosthesis in pediatric patients

Abstract Osteosarcoma is a highly invasive primary bone tumor that predominantly occurs in childhood and adolescence. The Stryker Growing Prosthesis provides a means of reconstructing large bone defects resulting from bone resection in skeletally immature patients. This device can be expanded as the patient grows. The possible length of extension depends on the length of the prosthesis. Because further expansion was not possible, by turning the adjustable part of the extension back to zero and adding a new permanent extension allow the prosthesis to be further adjusted as growth ensues. Using this method/device only, a separate endoprosthesis was required to be attached onto the extension. Therefore, the applicable cases are limited, because of the fact that extensive resection usually means total femoral replacement is best indicated. However, this method is still useful for reducing the number of revision surgeries in such cases. This reduces costs and increases savings for insurers/countries.
The magnitude of selection on growth varies among years and increases under warming conditions in a subarctic seabird

Abstract Because of ongoing rapid climate change, many ecosystems are becoming both warmer and more variable, and these changes are likely to alter the magnitude and variability of natural selection acting on wild populations. Critically, changes and fluctuations in selection can impact both population demography and evolutionary change. Therefore, predicting the impacts of climate change depends on understanding the magnitude and variation in selection on traits across different life stages and environments. Long-term experiments in wild settings are a great opportunity to determine the impact of environmental conditions on selection. Here we examined variability in the strength of selection on size traits of nestling black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in a 25-year study including a food supplementation experiment on Middleton Island in the Gulf of Alaska. Using mixed effect models, we examined the annual variability of stage-specific and resource-specific selection gradients across 25 years. We found that (a) larger and heavier hatchlings were the most likely to survive during early ontogeny, (b) non-food supplemented younger nestlings in a brood experienced the strongest selection, and (c) warmer conditions increased the magnitude of selection on nestling mass and affected non-food supplemented and second-hatched nestlings the most. Our results suggested that variable resource dynamics likely caused some of the changes in selection from year to year and that warming conditions increased the strength of selection on subarctic seabird growth. However, our experimental manipulation revealed that local environmental heterogeneity could buffer the selection expected from broader climatic changes. Consequently, understanding the interactive effects of local conditions and general changes in climate seems likely to improve our ability to predict future selection gradients.
Relationship between general practice capitation funding and the quality of primary care in England: a cross-sectional, 3-year study

Objective To explore the relationship between general practice capitation funding and quality ratings based on general practice inspections. Design Cross-sectional study pooling 3 years of primary care administrative data. Setting UK primary care. Participants 7310 practices (95% of all practices) in England which underwent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections between November 2014 and December 2017. Main outcome measures CQC ratings. Ordered logistic regression methods were used to predict the relationship between practice capitation funding and CQC ratings in each of five domains of quality: caring, effective, responsive, safe and well led, together with an overall practice rating. Results Higher capitation funding per patient was significantly associated with higher CQC ratings across all five quality domains: caring (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.23), effective (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.16), responsive (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17), safe (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.18), well led (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.20) and overall rating (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.19). Conclusion Higher capitation funding was consistently associated with higher ratings across all CQC domains and in the overall practice rating. This study suggests that measured dimensions of the quality of care are related to the underlying capitation funding allocated to each general practice, implying that additional capitation funding may be associated with higher levels of primary care quality.
The signature of mesoscale eddies on sea surface temperature and its associated heat transport

This thesis aims at analysing the impact of oceanic turbulence and air-sea interactions on the sea surface temperature (SST) of the extra-tropical oceans on spatial scales of a few hundred kilometres (the so-called “mesoscale”). Using satellite-based measurements of SST and sea level, as well as surface tracks of mesoscale oceanic cyclones and anticyclones, it is shown that turbulence does not transport heat through systematic motions of cold cyclones and warm anticyclones, as was previously thought in regions of strong mean flows like the Gulf Stream. Rather, it is suggested that heat is transported as a result of the slight phase shift between temperature and pressure fluctuations developing on the mean flow. In addition, tentative estimates of the rate at which air-sea heat fluxes damp the SST signatures of cyclones and anticyclones are provided. The weak values obtained (∼20 W/mK) contrast sharply with theoretical expectations, but are in agreement with the observed long-lived thermal heat content anomalies associated with the cyclones and anticyclones. These observations provide important benchmarks for high-resolution ocean models and may moreover guide the parametrization of subgrid-scale heat transport in climate models.
Quality Improvement in Neurology

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling immune-mediated disease of the CNS and considered one of the health conditions with the highest annual spending growth paid by both public and private insurance.1 Health care spending in the United States for MS was reported as $13.9 billion in 2016.1 The estimated cumulated (over 10 years) prevalence of MS among adults in the United States in 2010 was approximately 727,000.2 In 2017, that number was substantially higher, approximately 914,000.2,3 The prevalence is higher among women, with a female: male ratio of 2.8. 2 Improving high-quality care for these patients can lead to improved outcomes, reduced spending, and better quality of life.
Quality Improvement in Neurology: Dementia Management Quality Measures

Professional and advocacy organizations have long urged that dementia should be recognized and properly diagnosed. With the passage of the National Alzheimer's Project Act in 2011, an Advisory Council for Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services was convened to advise the Department of Health and Human Services. In May 2012, the Council produced the first National Plan to address Alzheimer's disease, and prominent in its recommendations is a call for quality measures suitable for evaluating and tracking dementia care in clinical settings. Although other efforts have been made to set dementia care quality standards, such as those pioneered by RAND in its series Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE), practitioners, healthcare systems, and insurers have not widely embraced implementation. This executive summary (full manuscript available at www.neurology.org) reports on a new measurement set for dementia management developed by an interdisciplinary Dementia Measures Work Group (DWG) representing the major national organizations and advocacy organizations concerned with the care of individuals with dementia. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the American Geriatrics Society, the American Medical Directors Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Medical Association–convened Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement led this effort. The ACOVE measures and the measurement set described here apply to individuals whose dementia has already been identified and properly diagnosed. Although similar in concept to ACOVE, the DWG measurement set differs in several important ways; it includes all stages of dementia in a single measure set, calls for the use of functional staging in planning care, prompts the use of validated instruments in patient and caregiver assessment and intervention, highlights the relevance of using palliative care concepts to guide care before the advanced stages of illness, and provides evidence‐based support for its recommendations and guidance on the selection of instruments useful in tracking patient‐centered outcomes. It also specifies annual reassessment and updating of interventions and care plans for dementia‐related problems that affect families and other caregivers as well as individuals with dementia. Here, a brief synopsis of why major reforms in healthcare design and delivery are needed to achieve substantive improvements in the quality of care is first provided, and then the final measures approved for publication, dissemination, and implementation are listed.
Investment analysis of the private firm under different financial arrangements in infrastructure projects

This study investigates the impact of various financial arrangements on the investment behavior of the private firm in PPP (Public-Private Partnership) projects. The results manifest that: first, the private firm will invest in the project earlier under long-term debt financing than under short-term debt financing or all equity financing; second, the investment boundary of the private sector decreasing with the probability of obtaining long-term debt financing under short-term debt financing, while increasing with the probability of obtaining long-term debt financing under long-term debt financing; third, the optimal debt level under short-term debt financing displays a U-shaped relationship with the refinancing risk probability; fourth, under short-term debt financing, the difference in the optimal capital structure between projects with different volatility of cash flow is larger when the refinancing risk probability is lower; and fifth, the private firm may exit the project earlier under short-term debt financing than under long-term debt financing. These results can help us to understand the investment behavior of the private firm under different financial arrangements.
Pet therapy: an effective strategy to care for the elderly? An experimental study in a nursing home

Background and Aim: There has recently been a growing interest towards patients’ affective and emotional needs, especially in relational therapies, which are considered vital as to increase the understanding of those needs and patients’ well-being. In particular, we paid attention to those patients who are forced to spend the last phase of their existence in residential facilities, namely elderly people in nursing homes, who often feel marginalized, useless, depressed, unstimulated or unable to communicate. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of pet therapy in improving well-being in the elderly living in a nursing home. Methods: This is a longitudinal study with before and after intervention variables measurement in two groups of patients of a nursing home for elderly people. One group followed an AAI intervention (experimental group) the other one did not (control group). As to perform an assessment of well-being we measured the following dimensions in patients: anxiety (HAM-A), depression (GDS), apathy (AES), loneliness (UCLA), and quality of life (QUALID). Both groups filled the questionnaires as to measure the target variables (time 0). Once finished the scheduled meetings (time 1), all the participants, including the control group, filled the same questionnaires. Results: In accordance with scientific evidence the results confirmed a significant reduction of the measured variables. Especially for the quality of life, which showed a greater reduction than the other. Conclusions: The implementation and success of the Pet Therapy could have a great emotional and social impact, bringing relief to patients and their family members, but also to health professionals.
Correlation of the Cretaceous formations of the Greater Antilles, Central America, and Mexico

Introduction This is Number 10a of the series of correlation charts prepared under the auspices of the Committee on Stratigraphy of the National Research Council. 1 It was originally intended to publish this chart with others dealing with the western interior of the United States and Canada, but it is now realized that those regions will be represented by several charts as large as the present chart, and that some of the charts may not be completed for several years. It seems best, therefore, to publish each chart as soon as it is ready. Rather complete lists of references are given for the convenience of future workers. References dealing with the Greater Antilles are listed separately from those dealing with the Central American-Mexican region, as the two regions seem to have very different geologic histories. In the correlation chart age equivalencies are shown by horizontal lining, hiatuses by vertical lining, and .