Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical system contamination: formation of films and droplets

Abstract. Molecular film contamination is known to degrade the optical performance of space system components, including solar arrays and thermo-optical, second surface mirrors. In the form of a contaminant film, the resulting performance loss rate can be evaluated using traditional models for absorption and reflection. In recent years, however, some space-borne optical sensors have suffered severe and rapid performance degradation due to the formation of contaminant droplets that fog interior lenses, mirrors, and windows. Optical system analysts tasked with predicting the loss of throughput due to molecular film contamination have not addressed the impact of droplets in great depth. This paper investigates the conditions leading to the formation of films or droplets resulting from the outgassing products of typical spacecraft materials. A simplified view of surface energy and the wetting parameter are used to show that typical outgassed contaminants and optical substrates favor the formation of droplets. Therefore, analysis of throughput losses due to the scattering of droplets is critical. The droplets can be converted into films or extended islands when exposed to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation. This observation shows why droplets are rarely observed on external thermal control mirrors and solar arrays but might be considered highly likely in a low-VUV environment.
Lifetime Trauma, Perceived Control, and All-Cause Mortality: Results From the Midlife in the United States Study

Objective: To investigate whether lifetime-trauma exposure predicts all-cause mortality and whether this association is mediated or moderated by perceived control. Method: A sample of middle-aged and older adults (N = 4,961) who participated in the second wave of the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS) provided data. Lifetime trauma was operationalized using the reported number of potentially traumatic experiences spanning childhood through adulthood. Both the perceived constraints and mastery dimensions of perceived control were examined. Cox regression models tested main effects and interactions of lifetime trauma with mastery and constraints predicting 10-year mortality risk. Results: There was a significant main effect of lifetime trauma, b = . 06, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.07, p = . 032, and an interaction of trauma with mastery, b = −. 08, p = . 004. A greater number of traumatic experiences was associated with increased mortality risk at below-average levels of mastery, −1 SD; HR = 1.14, p < . 001, but not at above-average levels, +1 SD; HR = 0.97, p = . 48. This interaction persisted after further adjustment for health status, psychological, and behavioral covariates. An association of constraints with elevated mortality risk, HR = 1.33, p = . 008, was attenuated in a fully adjusted model, HR = 1.06, p = . 26. Conclusion: A strong sense of mastery may buffer elevated mortality risk associated with exposure to traumatic experiences. Findings extend evidence that mastery may foster resilience to the adverse health effects of traumatic stressors, whereas constraints may show stronger independent associations with health outcomes.
Effect of Obesity on Outcomes of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Renal Stone Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been widely used to treat renal stones. The application of PCNL in obese patients results in the emergence of a number of challenges. This study compared the effect of obesity on the outcomes of PCNL in kidney stone treatment. Methods: Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Data were analyzed using RevMan statistical software, weighted mean differences, ORs, and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: Seven studies involving 2,720 normal-weight, 1,686 obese, and 286 super-obese individuals were included in this meta-analysis. A pooled analysis of safety revealed that no obvious differences in terms of complication rates after treatment existed between obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80-1.16, p = 0.73), and between super-obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.61-1.27, p = 0.49). A pooled analysis of effectiveness revealed that no obvious difference in terms of stone-free rate after treatment existed between obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84-1.15, p = 0.79), and between super-obese and normal-weight individuals (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.88-1.63, p = 0.25). Moreover, no obvious differences in terms of length of hospital stay after treatment existed between super-obese and normal-weight individuals (95% CI -0.15 to 0.37, p = 0.39). Additionally, no obvious differences in terms of operation time existed between obese and normal-weight individuals (95% CI -3.36 to 1.17, p = 0.34). However, the operation time was longer among super-obese individuals than among normal-weight individuals (95% CI -22.64 to -1.40, p = 0.03), and the length of hospital stay was shorter among obese patients than among normal-weight patients (95% CI 0.04-0.34, p = 0.01). No publication bias was observed in this work. Conclusion: The PCNL performed in normal-weight, obese, and super-obese individuals for kidney stone treatment showed similar outcomes, except that operation time was longer among super-obese individuals and the hospital stay was shorter in obese individuals than in other groups. Thus, PCNL is a safe and efficacious treatment for renal stones in patients of all sizes.
Rac1 switching at the right time and location is essential for Fcγ receptor-mediated phagosome formation

ABSTRACT Lamellipodia are sheet-like cell protrusions driven by actin polymerization mainly through Rac1, a GTPase molecular switch. In Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized erythrocytes (IgG-Es), Rac1 activation is required for lamellipodial extension along the surface of IgG-Es. However, the significance of Rac1 deactivation in phagosome formation is poorly understood. Our live-cell imaging and electron microscopy revealed that RAW264 macrophages expressing a constitutively active Rac1 mutant showed defects in phagocytic cup formation, while lamellipodia were formed around IgG-Es. Because activated Rac1 reduced the phosphorylation levels of myosin light chains, failure of the cup formation is probably due to inhibition of actin/myosin II contractility. Reversible photo-manipulation of the Rac1 switch in macrophages fed with IgG-Es could phenocopy two lamellipodial motilities: outward-extension and cup-constriction by Rac1 ON and OFF, respectively. In conjunction with fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging of Rac1 activity, we provide a novel mechanistic model of phagosome formation spatiotemporally controlled by Rac1 switching within a phagocytic cup. Highlighted Article: A novel mechanistic model for phagosome formation that is spatiotemporally controlled by Rac1 switching within a phagocytic cup.
Hardness and impact behaviour of aluminium metal matrix composite

This research paper deals with the fabrication procedure and the testing process of metal matrix composite material comprising of Aluminium and Silicon Carbide in addition with Carbon Nanotubes. Aluminium composites are preferred in manufacturing of various industrial machine components and automobile parts due to their favourable properties like low density which thereby results in their light weight, high strength and superior malleability comparatively to iron carbon alloys like steel and cast iron. When Silicon Carbide is added it helps in furthering the thermal conductivity and melting point properties of Aluminium in addition to improving its hardness.The addition of Carbon Nanotubes potentially helps in further improving the tensile strength of the metal matrix composite. In this study four samples of different compositions of Silicon Carbide are prepared and studied. The fabrication process is done by Stir casting carries out by adding the required additives into the molten mixture of aluminium followed by continuous stirring. After solidification for a period of time the samples are cut according to standard dimensions for carrying out the testing procedures. The various test procedures like hardness and impact tests were conducted to study the mechanical properties of obtained metal matrix composite. The various results inferred from the tests are analysed and subjected to comparison with each other in this study.
Assessing the needs of caregivers of children with disabilities in Penang, Malaysia

Disability in a child not only affects the child but also presents socioeconomic and psychological impacts to the child's family. This study aims to describe the service needs of caregivers of children with disabilities in the state of Penang, Malaysia, and to determine the child and family characteristics predisposing to having more caregiver needs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and June 2013 among caregivers of children aged 0-12 years with disabilities registered with the Penang Department of Social Welfare. Caregivers completed a self-administered mailed questionnaire containing a 20-item Caregiver Needs Scale (CNS). Each item in the CNS was rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 'help not at all needed' to 'help extremely needed'. A total of 273 surveys were available for analysis (response rate 34.0%). The CNS contained four domains. The 'Help getting Information and Services for child' domain had the highest mean score (3.61, 95% CI: 3.46, 3.77) followed by 'Help with Finances' (3.29, 95% CI: 3.13, 3.45) and 'Help Coping with child' (3.11, 95% CI: 2.97, 3.25), while the 'Help getting Childcare' domain had the lowest mean score (2.30, 95% CI: 2.13, 2.47). Multivariate regression analysis identified caregivers of younger children and with more severe disability as having more caregiver needs in all domains. Besides that, caregivers of children with learning disability needed more help getting information and help with coping. Caregivers of children with learning and multiple disabilities needed more help getting childcare compared to children with other disability. Caregivers of Indian ethnicity, who had less than a tertiary education and who themselves had medical problems needed more help with finances. The findings on caregiver needs in this study can help inform planning of family support services for children with disabilities in Penang, Malaysia.
K-Complexes: Interaction between the Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems during Sleep.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between K-complexes (KCs) and cardiac functioning. METHODS Forty healthy adolescents aged 16-22 y (19 females) participated in the study. Heart rate (HR) fluctuations associated with spontaneous and evoked KCs were investigated on two nights, one with (event-related potential night) and one without auditory tones presented across the night. RESULTS There was a clear biphasic cardiac response to evoked and spontaneous KCs, with an initial acceleration in HR followed by a deceleration (P < 0.001). HR acceleration occurred immediately to KCs in response to tones presented in the first third of the interbeat interval, but was delayed a beat when the tone occurred later in the cardiac cycle (P < 0.05). Sex differences were also evident. Pretone baseline HR was higher, and the magnitude of the HR response was blunted and delayed, in female compared to male adolescents (P < 0.001). Also, pretone baseline HR was lower when a tone elicited a KC compared to when it did not (P < 0.001), suggesting that KCs are possibly more likely to be elicited by external stimuli in states of reduced cardiac activation. CONCLUSIONS The strict dependency observed between KCs and cardiac control indicates a potential role of KCs in modulating the cardiovascular system during sleep. Sex differences in the KC-cardiac response indicate the sensitivity of this measure in capturing sex differences in cardiac regulatory physiology.
Cache Conscious Data Structures for Boolean Satisfiability Solvers

Current SAT solvers are well engineered and highly efficient, and significant research effort has been put into creating data structures that can produce maximal efficiency for the core propagation engine within SAT solvers. However, there is still substantial room for improvement. As the disparity between CPU speeds and cache sizes have increased, cache conscious data structures and algorithms have become very important. They are even more important in the context of parallel SAT solving, as issues like cache contention and main memory contention can dramatically slow down a parallel SAT solver. We present a series of data structure and algorithmic modifications that are able to increase the core propagation speed of MiniSat 2.0 by an average of 80% on a set of medium sized industrial instances, and increase the speed of a parallelized version of MiniSat running with 8 threads by 140% on those same instances.
The Link Between Cerebrovascular Hemodynamics and Rehabilitation Outcomes After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the relation between cerebrovascular function early after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage onset and functional and rehabilitation outcomes. Design Observational cohort study of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients (n = 133) admitted to rehabilitation (n = 49), discharged home (n = 52), or died before discharge (n = 10). We obtained hemodynamic markers of cerebral autoregulatory function from blood flow velocities in the middle cerebral artery and arterial pressure waveforms, recorded daily on days 2–4 after symptom onset, and functional independence measure (FIM) scores and FIM efficiency for those admitted to acute rehabilitation. Results Compared to those discharged home, the range of pressures within which autoregulation is effective was lower in patients admitted to rehabilitation (4.6 [0.2] vs. 3.9 [0.2] mm Hg) and those who died (2.7 [0.4], P = 0.04). For those admitted to rehabilitation, autoregulatory range and the ability of cerebrovasculature to increase flow were related to discharge FIM score (R2 = 0.33 and 0.43, P < 0.01) and efficiency (R2 = 0.33 and 0.47 P < 0.01). The latter marker, along with subarachnoid hemorrhage severity and admission FIM, explained 84% and 69% of the variability in discharge FIM score and efficiency, respectively, even after accounting for age. Conclusions Early cerebrovascular function is a major contributor to functional outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage and may represent a modifiable target to develop therapeutic approaches. To Claim CME Credits Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry. org/JournalCME CME Objectives Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Define cerebral autoregulation; (2) Explain the importance of the integrity of cerebral autoregulation for longer-term functional and rehabilitation outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; and (3) Theorize why treatment strategies that may be effective in reducing large-vessel vasospasms after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage might not always translate into improved functional outcomes. Level Advanced Accreditation The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Patterns of renal disease in South Korea: a 20-year review of a single-center renal biopsy database

Abstract Background: Several registries and centers have reported the results of renal biopsies from different parts of the world. As there are few data regarding the epidemiology of glomerulonephritis (GN) in South Korea, we conducted this study on renal biopsy findings during the last 20 years from a single center. Methods: Data for 818 patients who underwent renal biopsy at our center between 1992 and 2011 were collected retrospectively. All kidney specimens were examined with light microscopy (LM) and immunofluorescent microscopy (IF). Results: There were 818 cases of native kidney biopsies. In cases of primary GN, the most frequent type of renal pathology in adults (18–59 years) was mesangial proliferative GN (MsPGN, 34.5%) followed by IgA nephropathy (IgAN, 33.3%) and membranous GN (MGN, 8.8%). Indications in adults (18–59 years) were asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (75.3%) followed by nephrotic syndrome (19.8%) and acute kidney injury (AKI, 3.4%). Conclusions: Among 818 renal biopsy specimens, MsPGN and IgAN were the most frequent biopsy-proven renal diseases. MGN was the third most common cause of primary GN and lupus nephritis (LN) was the most common secondary glomerular disease. Our data contribute to the epidemiology of renal disease in South Korea.
Cytomegalovirus infection in hematologic malignancy settings other than the allogeneic transplant

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in clinical settings other than the allogeneic transplant represents a poorly explored issue. Thus, we performed a comprehensive review of the medical literature about CMV infection in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant and in other nontransplant‐related hematologic patients. In autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a CMV reactivation is reported to occur in up to 41% of CMV seropositive patients, when a prospective monitoring of antigenemia and/or viremia by polymerase chain reaction was adopted. However, more contained frequencies, up to 12%, have been reported when the monitoring criteria were based on a clinically driven diagnostic strategy. The most relevant risk factors appear to be CD34 + selected autografts, total body irradiation, and prior treatment with Alemtuzumab, Fludarabine, or Bortezomib, respectively. Other possible risk factors (ie, prior treatment with Rituximab, T‐cell lymphomas, and pretransplant HBcIgG seropositivity) are still debated. In nontransplant settings, the data are very heterogeneous; thus, CMV infection incidence and risk factors are more difficult to establish. Overall, the rate of CMV infection/reactivation ranges between 2 and 67%. High‐dose steroids, advanced disease, poor performance status, and treatment with Alemtuzumab, Fludarabine, Bortezomib, and Rituximab appear as the most relevant, though putative, risk factors. Intravenous Ganciclovir represents the gold standard for first‐line treatment of CMV infection in these patients. Oral Valganciclovir and Foscarnet are other possible options. Extensive prophylaxis and preemptive therapy are not generally recommended, with the exception of high‐risk patients.
Bismuth germanate coupled to near ultraviolet silicon photomultipliers for time-of-flight PET

Bismuth germanate (BGO) was a very attractive scintillator in early-generation positron emission tomography (PET) scanners. However, the major disadvantages of BGO are lower light yield and longer rise and decay time compared to currently popular scintillators such as LSO and LYSO. This results in poorer coincidence timing resolution and it has generally been assumed that BGO is not a suitable scintillator for time-of-flight (TOF) PET applications. However, when a 511 keV photon interacts in a scintillator, a number of Cerenkov photons are produced promptly by energetic electrons released by photoelectric or Compton interactions. If these prompt photons can be captured, they could provide a better timing trigger for PET. Since BGO has a high refractive index (increasing the Cerenkov light yield) and excellent optical transparency down to 320 nm (Cerenkov light yield is higher at shorter wavelengths), we hypothesized that the coincidence timing resolution of BGO can be significantly improved by efficient detection of the Cerenkov photons. However, since the number of Cerenkov photons is far less than the number of scintillation photons, and they are more abundant in the UV and blue part of the spectrum, photosensors need to have high UV/blue sensitivity, fast temporal response, and very low noise in order to trigger on the faint Cerenkov signal. In this respect, NUV-HD silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) (FBK, Trento, Italy) are an excellent fit for our approach. In this study, coincidence events were measured using BGO crystals coupled with NUV-HD SiPMs. The existence and influence of Cerenkov photons on the timing measurements were studied using different configurations to exploit the directionality of the Cerenkov emissions. Coincidence resolving time values (FWHM) of ~270 ps from 2 × 3 × 2 mm3 BGO crystals and ~560 ps from 3 × 3 × 20 mm3 BGO crystals were obtained. To our knowledge, these are the best coincidence resolving time values reported for BGO to date. With these values, BGO can be considered as a relevant scintillator for TOF PET scanners, especially if photodetectors with even better near UV/blue response can be developed to further improve the efficiency of Cerenkov light detection.
MS in self-identified Hispanic/Latino individuals living in the US

Self-identified Hispanic/Latino individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the continental United States (US) are a diverse group that represents different cultural and ancestral backgrounds. A marked variability in the way MS affects various subgroups of Hispanics in the US has been observed. We reviewed and synthesized available data about MS in Hispanics in the US. There are likely a host of multifactorial elements contributing to these observations that could be explained by genetic, environmental, and social underpinnings. Barriers to adequate MS care in Hispanics are likely to include delivery of culturally competent care and social and economic disadvantages. Considerable efforts, including the formation of a national consortium known as the Alliance for Research in Hispanic Multiple Sclerosis (ARHMS), are underway to help further explore these various factors.
Low pacemaker incidence with continuous-sutured valves: a retrospective analysis

Background Permanent pacemaker implantation after surgical aortic valve replacement depends on patient selection and risk factors for conduction disorders. We aimed to identify risk criteria and obtain a selected group comparable to patients assigned to transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods Isolated sutured aortic valve replacements in 994 patients treated from 2007 to 2015 were reviewed. Demographics, hospital stay, preexisting conduction disorders, surgical technique, and etiology in patients with and without permanent pacemaker implantation were compared. Reported outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation were compared with those of a subgroup including only degenerative valve disease and first redo. Results The incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation was 2.9%. Longer hospital stay (p = 0.01), preexisting rhythm disorders (p < 0.001), complex prosthetic endocarditis (p = 0.01), and complex redo (p < 0.001) were associated with permanent pacemaker implantation. Although prostheses were sutured with continuous monofilament in the majority of cases (86%), interrupted pledgetted sutures were used more often in the pacemaker group (p = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis, the incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation was 2%; preexisting rhythm disorders and the suture technique were still major risk factors. Conclusion Permanent pacemaker implantation depends on etiology, preexisting rhythm disorders, and suture technique, and the 2% incidence compares favorably with the reported 5- to 10-fold higher incidence after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Cost analysis should take this into account. Often dismissed as minor complication, permanent pacemaker implantation increases the risks of endocarditis, impaired myocardial recovery, and higher mortality if associated with prosthesis regurgitation.