Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A review of risk factors for childhood leukemia.

OBJECTIVE Leukemia is the most common cancer of childhood, with AML, CML, ALL and CLL being the most common. Environmental and genetic factors have been studied extensively in children with childhood leukemia. Other factors, such as the prenatal parental use of controlled substances, have not been investigated to the same degree. We review what is currently known about environmental and parental factors and the occurrence of leukemia in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Electronic databases were searched for studies correlated pediatric leukemia with (1) ionizing radiation; (2) benzene; (3) parental drug use (4) parental alcohol use; (5) genetic factors. RESULTS The two known significant environment risk factors for the occurrence leukemia are ionizing radiation and benzene. However, at least 4 studies have been published over the last century have looked at other environmental factors such as pesticides and drug and alcohol use as well as genetic factors such as gene fusions and translocations. CONCLUSIONS We determined the risk of environmental and genetic factors that could be the cause of childhood leukemia in an effort to reduce the incidence of this disease.
The Bulge–Disc Decomposed Evolution of Massive Galaxies at 1 z < 3 in CANDELS

We present the results of a new and improved study of the morphological and spectral evolution of massive galaxies over the redshift range 1 10(11) M-circle dot uncovered from the Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS) Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3)/IR imaging within the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) and UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS) UDS survey fields. We find that, by modelling the H-160 image of each galaxy with a combination of a de Vaucouleurs bulge (Sersic index n = 4) and an exponential disc (n = 1), we can then lock all derived morphological parameters for the bulge and disc components, and successfully reproduce the shorter-wavelength J(125), i(814), v606 HST images simply by floating the magnitudes of the two components. This then yields sub-divided four-band HST photometry for the bulge and disc components which, with no additional priors, is well described by spectrophotometric models of galaxy evolution. Armed with this information, we are able to properly determine the masses and star formation rates for the bulge and disc components, and find that: (i) from z = 3 to 1 the galaxies move from disc dominated to increasingly bulge dominated, but very few galaxies are pure bulges/ellipticals by z = 1; (ii) while most passive galaxies are bulge dominated, and most star-forming galaxies disc dominated, 18 +/- 5 per cent of passive galaxies are disc dominated, and 11 +/- 3 per cent of star-forming galaxies are bulge dominated, a result which needs to be explained by any model purporting to connect star formation quenching with morphological transformations; (iii) there exists a small but significant population of pure passive discs, which are generally flatter than their star-forming counterparts (whose axial ratio distribution peaks at b/a similar or equal to 0.7); (iv) flatter/larger discs re-emerge at the highest star formation rates, consistent with recent studies of sub-mm galaxies, and with the concept of a maximum surface density for star formation activity.
Identification of sarilumab pharmacodynamic and predictive markers in patients with inadequate response to TNF inhibition: a biomarker substudy of the phase 3 TARGET study

Introduction Interleukin-6 (IL-6) orchestrates formation of an inflammatory pannus, leading to joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sarilumab is a human monoclonal antibody blocking the IL-6Rα. In TARGET (NCT01709578), a phase 3 study in adults with moderate-to-severe RA and inadequate response or intolerance to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors, subcutaneous sarilumab 200 mg or 150 mg every 2 weeks (q2w) plus conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) significantly reduced disease activity versus placebo plus csDMARDs. Methods Circulating levels of biomarkers associated with synovial inflammation (matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3), collagen type I MMP-cleaved fragment (C1M), collagen type III MMP-cleaved fragment (C3M)), myeloid (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), IL-8 and calprotectin) and lymphoid activation (chemokine, CXC motif, ligand 13 (CXCL13), CXCL10, B cell-activating factor) and bone remodelling (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin and osteocalcin) were evaluated in patients from a TARGET substudy. Results Sarilumab significantly decreased C1M, C3M, CXCL13, MMP-3 and total RANKL levels at week 24 versus placebo; some markers were significantly suppressed at week 2 and normalised to levels in healthy controls. Levels of sICAM-1 were predictive of disease activity score by C-reactive protein and clinical disease activity index low disease activity (LDA) response in the sarilumab 200 mg q2w group at week 12. A trend was observed in which patients with lower sICAM-1 levels at baseline had better response compared with patients with higher sICAM-1. Conclusions Sarilumab plus csDMARDs decreased circulating biomarkers of synovial inflammation and bone resorption; sICAM-1 was predictive of achieving LDA with sarilumab. Trial registration number NCT01709578; Post-results.
Adaptive Fuzzy Neural Network Control for a Constrained Robot Using Impedance Learning

This paper investigates adaptive fuzzy neural network (NN) control using impedance learning for a constrained robot, subject to unknown system dynamics, the effect of state constraints, and the uncertain compliant environment with which the robot comes into contact. A fuzzy NN learning algorithm is developed to identify the uncertain plant model. The prominent feature of the fuzzy NN is that there is no need to get the prior knowledge about the uncertainty and a sufficient amount of observed data. Also, impedance learning is introduced to tackle the interaction between the robot and its environment, so that the robot follows a desired destination generated by impedance learning. A barrier Lyapunov function is used to address the effect of state constraints. With the proposed control, the stability of the closed-loop system is achieved via Lyapunov’s stability theory, and the tracking performance is guaranteed under the condition of state constraints and uncertainty. Some simulation studies are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Functionalization of Textile Materials by Plasma Enhanced Modification

Textile materials are increasingly used in various industries. In these applications, the surfaces of textile materials play a key role, because a range of performance properties depends on surface characteristics. As with many other types of materials, the surface properties of textiles can be readily altered by the treatment of the materials with gas plasma, without impairment of their bulk mechanical properties. This article presents examples of new approaches to functionalization of textiles using plasma-enhanced modifications. Examples are given of the work on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nonwoven materials. Micrographs, obtained by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) are presented to demonstrate changes in the surface topography, surface chemistry, and surface wettability of PET nonwovens. The great potential for significant improvements in the properties of textiles by plasma-enhanced modification is highly promising.
Change of left ventricular “rigid body rotation” during dipyridamole‐induced vasodilation: A case from the three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR‐Stress Study

A patient with previous coronary stenting presented with stable angina and positive exercise treadmill test. Echocardiography with three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking demonstrated left ventricular rigid body rotation (near absence of left ventricular twist), whose characteristics changed dramatically during dipyridamole‐induced vasodilatation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:152–156, 2018
Return to Work and Social Communication Ability Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

PURPOSE Return to competitive employment presents a major challenge to adults who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study was undertaken to better understand factors that shape employment outcome by comparing the communication profiles and self-awareness of communication deficits of adults who return to and maintain employment with those who do not. METHOD Forty-six dyads (46 adults with TBI, 46 relatives) were recruited into 2 groups based on the current employment status (employed or unemployed) of participants with TBI. Groups did not differ in regard to sex, age, education, preinjury employment, injury severity, or time postinjury. The La Trobe Communication Questionnaire (Douglas, O'Flaherty, & Snow, 2000) was used to measure communication. Group comparisons on La Trobe Communication Questionnaire scores were analyzed by using mixed 2 × 2 analysis of variance (between factor: employment status; within factor: source of perception). RESULTS Analysis yielded a significant group main effect (p = .002) and a significant interaction (p = .004). The employed group reported less frequent difficulties (self and relatives). Consistent with the interaction, unemployed participants perceived themselves to have less frequent difficulties than their relatives perceived, whereas employed participants reported more frequent difficulties than their relatives. CONCLUSION Communication outcome and awareness of communication deficits play an important role in reintegration to the workplace following TBI.
Evolution of proteolytic indicators during storage of broiler wooden breast meat

ABSTRACT In the past few yr, an emerging muscle abnormality termed wooden breast (WB) was found to affect broilers' Pectoralis major muscles. Although different studies have been performed in order to evaluate the effect of WB on meat quality, there is no evidence concerning its impact on the proteolytic processes taking place during meat aging. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the effect of a 7‐day storage of broiler breast fillets on free calcium concentration, calpain activity, and proteolysis. Both the superficial and the deep layers of the Pectoralis major muscles were considered. Although similar electrophoretic profiles were observed by comparing the corresponding sampling positions, an evident lack of a high‐molecular weight protein band, ascribed to nebulin, was found in the superficial layer of the WB fillets at 10 h postmortem. Compared to normal fillets (NB), both the superficial and the deep layer of WB exhibited a significantly higher amount of free calcium at 168 h postmortem (96 and 88 vs. 20 and 53 &mgr;M; P ≤ 0.001). Casein zymograms evidenced the presence of &mgr;/m‐calpain and its autolyzed form migrating as a doublet within the gel. Interestingly, neither the occurrence of WB nor the intra‐fillet sampling position exerted any relevant effect on calpain activity. Indeed, a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in the unautolyzed &mgr;/m‐calpain activity coupled with a remarkable increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the autolyzed form activity was observed during storage. Concurrently, if compared to NB, a significantly larger (P ≤ 0.05) amount of desmin was detected in both the superficial and the deep layers of the WB samples at 10 h postmortem. Then, a sharp decrease of the intact desmin band coupled with a progressive accumulation of its 39‐kDa degradation fragment was observed without any significant difference among groups. In conclusion, the increased hardness that typically affects the WB cases seemed not to be exclusively attributable to differences in the proteolytic processes taking place within the postmortem period.
The Influence of Cooling Rate on Macrosegregation in Bi-Sn Alloy

Macrosegregation occurs in casting the most case is as a result of slow interdendritic flow due to shrinkage geometry, solid deformation or gravity. In some cases could be the result of solid movement in the early stages of solidification[1]. The problem is that the observation of macrosegregation in steel material is not easy because of high temperature condition. This recent work uses low melting temperature material alloy to simulate the actual condition as a model material. Various efforts to prevent macrosegregation are aimed to control liquid flow and movement of solid, one of them is by cooling rate controling. In this experiment the mold is cooled in three types of cooling medias to represent three different cooling conditions in order to observe the influence of cooling rate on macrosegregation during solidification of the alloy. The outer part close to the mold wall and the bottom of casting contains less solute than inner location. This occurs in all cooling conditions but cooling rate can cause the solute in casting distributed differently. At high cooling rate condition, distribution of Bi rich grain is more uniform. It is mean that macrosegregation is reduced. Bi-richer grains accumulate at the bottom of the ingot. It could be caused by those grains settle due to their relative density to surrounding liquid during solidification.
Variation in demersal fish species richness in the oceans surrounding New Zealand: an analysis using boosted regression trees

We analysed relationships between demersal fish species richness, environment and trawl characteristics using an extensive collection of trawl data from the oceans around New Zealand. Analyses were carried out using both generalised additive models and boosted regression trees (sometimes referred to as 'stochastic gradient boosting'). Depth was the single most important envi- ronmental predictor of variation in species richness, with highest richness occurring at depths of 900 to 1000 m, and with a broad plateau of moderately high richness between 400 and 1100 m. Richness was higher both in waters with high surface concentrations of chlorophyll a and in zones of mixing of water bodies of contrasting origins. Local variation in temperature was also important, with lower richness occurring in waters that were cooler than expected given their depth. Variables describing trawl length, trawl speed, and cod-end mesh size made a substantial contribution to analysis out- comes, even though functions fitted for trawl distance and cod-end mesh size were constrained to reflect the known performance of trawl gear. Species richness declined with increasing cod-end mesh size and increasing trawl speed, but increased with increasing trawl distance, reaching a plateau once trawl distances exceed about 3 nautical miles. Boosted regression trees provided a powerful analysis tool, giving substantially superior predictive performance to generalized additive models, despite the fitting of interaction terms in the latter.
Prognostic Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Human Papillomavirus–Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer

Objective To investigate the prognostic impact of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+ OPC). Study Design Retrospective institutional database analysis. Setting Tertiary referral medical center. Material and Methods In total, 104 patients with HPV+ OPC were enrolled. From the blood laboratory data checked within 4 weeks before initiation of primary treatment, NLR was calculated. The association between clinicopathological characteristics and NLR was analyzed, and the prognostic role was evaluated based on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results According to the cutoff value (2.42) for NLR, the patients were classified into the low NLR group (n = 61) or the high NLR group (n = 43). High NLR was associated with a higher rate of advanced T classification (P = .007) and diabetes mellitus (P = .01). The proportion of surgery-based treatment was lower in the high NLR group (20.9% vs 42.6%, P = .02). The high NLR group showed a lower 5-year OS rate (85.3% vs 96.3%, P = .09) and a lower 5-year DFS rate (68.1% vs 94.7%, P = .01) than those in the low NLR group. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced N classification was a significant predictor for worse 5-year OS (hazard ratio [HR], 17.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.36-128.29) and that both advanced N classification (HR, 7.78; 95% CI, 2.33-25.93) and high NLR (HR, 4.16; 95% CI, 1.24-13.95) were important prognosticators for worse 5-year DFS. Conclusion Elevated pretreatment NLR was associated with poor DFS in patients with HPV+ OPC.
All InGaAs Unipolar Barrier Infrared Detectors

Unipolar barrier detector design is a challenge for InGaAs material system since there is a lack of proper barrier material that blocks majority carriers and allows unimpeded flow of minority carriers. As a bandgap engineering solution, Al/Sb free all InGaAs unipolar barrier detectors have been numerically designed here by compositionally graded and delta-doped layers. Comparison with conventional heterojunction detectors results that there is at least one order of magnitude improvement in dark current without compromising any photoresponse performance. Detailed simulation characterization studies including sensitivity analysis with respect to the design parameters verify the robustness of the proposed structure.
Numerical investigation of the effects of cracking and embedded reinforcement on surface concrete resistivity measurements using Wenner probe

Electrical resistivity of concrete plays a major role in controlling the corrosion rate of embedded reinforcement in concrete. In addition, many recent studies have shown that resistivity and micro-structural changes as well as ion (e.g. chloride) ingress in concrete are highly correlated. Four-probe Wenner probe technique is the most commonly used resistivity measurement method in concrete. In the past, a number of studies have identified the factors affecting the resistivity measurements using four-point Wenner probe and provided guidelines for minimizing their disturbing effects on the readings. However, the effects of existing surface cracks and embedded reinforcement in concrete on the measurements have not been studied systematically. In this numerical study, finite element method has been used to investigate this issue by carrying out a parametric investigation. Some of the analysis parameters of the study involved (1) crack dimensions, (2) crack locations and orientations with respect to the probe position, (3) density and location of embedded reinforcement, (4) orientation of the probe with respect to reinforcement, and (5) moisture content of concrete. It was demonstrated that depending on the location and geometrical properties of the crack as well as its angle with respect to the Wenner probe, concrete resistivity measurements can contain considerable errors. The presence of rebar mesh and its misalignment with respect to the crack and the measurement direction exacerbated the errors – in some cases by over 100%. Suggestions were provided to help minimize the effects of the cracks on electrical resistivity measurements.
Perceptions Related to Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Caucasian College Males

Among younger adults, risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher among men than women. Young adult males in college engage in multiple behaviors that are associated with CVD risk. Although researchers have previously explored perceptions of factors related to hypertension in African American college males, surprisingly little is known about perceptions of CVD risk in Caucasian college males. A better understanding of these perceptions may be helpful in creating interventions to improve cardiovascular health in college men. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore Caucasian male college students’ perceptions of CVD risk. A qualitative descriptive study using semistructured, individual interviews was conducted using a sample of 10 undergraduate Caucasian males in college (mean age 20 years) free of CVD and not enrolled in a health-related major. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes using content analysis. The data reflected two primary themes regarding perceptions related to cardiovascular risk: barriers to implementing healthy lifestyle choices and impact of behaviors on CVD risk. Barriers to implementing healthy lifestyles included availability of unhealthy foods, time constraints, convenience, social influences, and ignoring long-term consequences of behaviors. Students primarily emphasized the importance of diet and physical activity in reducing CVD risk. Future research should focus on interventions to overcome college-specific barriers to engaging in healthy behaviors among men.
Supplementation with high titer cranberry extract (Anthocran®) for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in elderly men suffering from moderate prostatic hyperplasia: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE Recently, cranberry extracts have been tested as a nutritional supplementation in the prevention of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in subjects at risk, with mixed results. However, evidence of efficacy should be considered only for well-characterized and standardized products in a more selected study population. Moreover, the efficacy of these interventions in elderly must be further investigated. The aim of this pilot, registry study was to evaluate the prophylactic effects of an oral supplementation containing a highly concentrated and standardized cranberry extract reproducing the natural total profile of cranberry fruits, in elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), suffering from recurrent UTIs, over a 2-months follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS 43 men (age > 65 years) enrolled in this study freely decided to receive either a standard management (SM) only (n = 21) or SM associated with an oral supplementation (n = 23). Supplementation consisted in a daily administration of one capsule containing cranberry extract (Anthocran®) for 60 consecutive days. The clinical effectiveness in the prevention of UTIs was determined by the number of UTIs in the two months before the inclusion in the registry and during the supplementation period, and the number of symptom-free subjects during the registry period. Safety considerations were also performed. RESULTS In the supplemented group, the mean number of UTI episodes reported during the registry (0.8 ± 0.5) significantly decreased compared with inclusion time (3.2 ± 1.3), p-value = 0.0001. No significant changes were observed in control, SM-only group. Importantly, the cranberry oral supplementation was superior over SM at reducing the mean number of UTIs (p-value = 0.0062). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that cranberry supplementation could be an effective and safe approach, within an SM program, for the prevention of recurrent UTIs in elderly men suffering from BPH avoiding some antibiotic treatments.