Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiolabeled nanobodies as theranostic tools in targeted radionuclide therapy of cancer

Introduction: The integration of diagnostic testing for the presence of a molecular target is of interest to predict successful targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT). This so-called ‘theranostic’ approach aims to improve personalized treatment based on the molecular characteristics of cancer cells. Moreover, it offers new insights in predicting adverse effects and provides appropriate tools to monitor therapy responses. Recent findings using nanobodies emphasize their potential as theranostic tools in cancer treatment. Nanobodies are recombinant, small antigen-binding fragments that are derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies. Areas covered: We review the current status of theranostic approaches in TRNT, with a focus on antibodies, peptides, scaffold proteins and emerging nanobodies. In recent years, nanobodies have been evaluated intensively for molecular imaging. In addition, novel data on TRNT using radiolabeled nanobodies for carcinomas and multiple myeloma highlight their promising opportunities in cancer treatment. Expert opinion: We trust that radiolabeled nanobodies will have a future potential as theranostic tools in cancer therapy, both for diagnosis as well as for TRNT.
The Emergency Medicine Events Register: An analysis of the first 150 incidents entered into a novel, online incident reporting registry

Incident reporting systems are critical to understanding adverse events, in order to create preventative and corrective strategies. There are very few systems dedicated to Emergency Medicine with published results. All EDs in Australia and New Zealand were contacted to encourage the use of an Emergency Medicine – specific online reporting system called the Emergency Medicine Events Register (EMER).
Comparison of leukocyte count and function in smoking and nonsmoking young men

Leukocyte function and other hematological measurements were tested in 14 smoking and 13 nonsmoking young men free of intercurrent or chronic diseases. Leukocyte chemotaxis was depressed in smoking subjects when compared to the same subjects abstaining from cigarettes or to the nonsmokers. Smoking did not affect the whole blood bactericidal capacity of leukocytes and serum for Staphyloccus aureus or Klebsiella pneumoniae. Total leukocyte counts, hematocritis, and monocyte counts were higher in the smoking subjects when compared to the nonsmokers.
A reliable and manufacturable method to induce a stress of >1 GPa on a P-channel MOSFET in high volume manufacturing

This letter discusses a reliable and manufacturable integration technique to induce greater than 1 GPa of stress into a p-channel MOSFET, which will be required to increase the drive current beyond 1 mA//spl mu/m at the sub-90-nm process generation. Uniaxial compressive stress is introduced into the p-channel by both a selective deposition of SiGe in the source/drain and an engineered 2.5-GPa compressively stressed nitride. The highest to date compressively stressed SiN film is obtained by heavy ion bombardment during the deposition of the film.
High-Resolution Large-Eddy Simulations of Flow in a Steep Alpine Valley. Part II: Flow Structure and Heat Budgets

This paper analyzes the three-dimensional flow structure and the heat budget in a typical medium-sized and steep Alpine valley—the Riviera Valley in southern Switzerland. Aircraft measurements from the Mesoscale Alpine Programme (MAP)-Riviera field campaign reveal a very pronounced valley-wind system, including a strong curvature-induced secondary circulation in the southern valley entrance region. Accompanying radio soundings show that the growth of a well-mixed layer is suppressed, even under convective conditions. Our analyses are based on the MAP-Riviera measurement data and the output of highresolution large-eddy simulations using the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS). Three sunny days of the measurement campaign are simulated. Using horizontal grid spacings of 350 and 150 m (with a vertical spacing as fine as 20 m), the model reproduces the observed flow features very well. The ARPS output data are then used to calculate the components of the heat budget of the valley atmosphere, first in profiles over the valley base and then as averages over almost the entire valley volume. The analysis shows that the suppressed growth of the well-mixed layer is due to the combined effect of cold-air advection in the along-valley direction and subsidence of warm air from the free atmosphere aloft. It is further influenced by the local cross-valley circulation. This had already been hypothesized on the basis of measurement data and is now confirmed through a numerical model. Averaged over the entire valley, subsidence turns out to be one of the main heating sources of the valley atmosphere and is of comparable magnitude to turbulent heat flux divergence. On the mornings of two out of the three simulation days, this subsidence is even identified as the only major heating source and thus appears to be an important driving mechanism for the onset of thermally driven upvalley winds.
Modulating Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior Using Human Hair Keratin-Coated Surfaces

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have shown great potential for therapeutic purposes. However, the low frequencies of hMSCs in the body and difficulties in expanding their numbers in vitro have limited their clinical use. In order to develop an alternative strategy for the expansion of hMSCs in vitro, we coated tissue culture polystyrene with keratins extracted from human hair and studied the behavior of cells from 2 donors on these surfaces. The coating resulted in a homogeneous distribution of nanosized keratin globules possessing significant hydrophilicity. Results from cell attachment assays demonstrated that keratin-coated surfaces were able to moderate donor-to-donor variability when compared with noncoated tissue culture polystyrene. STRO-1 expression was either sustained or enhanced on hMSCs cultured on keratin-coated surfaces. This translated into significant increases in the colony-forming efficiencies of both hMSC populations, when the cells were serially passaged. Human hair keratins are abundant and might constitute a feasible replacement for other biomaterials that are of animal origin. In addition, our results suggest that hair keratins may be effective in moderating the microenvironment sufficiently to enrich hMSCs with high colony-forming efficiency ex vivo, for clinical applications.
Histogram equalization of speech representation for robust speech recognition

This paper describes a method of compensating for nonlinear distortions in speech representation caused by noise. The method described here is based on the histogram equalization method often used in digital image processing. Histogram equalization is applied to each component of the feature vector in order to improve the robustness of speech recognition systems. The paper describes how the proposed method can be applied to robust speech recognition and it is compared with other compensation techniques. The recognition experiments, including results in the AURORA II framework, demonstrate the effectiveness of histogram equalization when it is applied either alone or in combination with other compensation techniques.
Design of a Dual-Mapping Learning Approach for Problem Solving and Knowledge Construction in Ill-Structured Domains

Problem solving has been increasingly used as an important approach to learning especially in ill-structured domains. It is assumed that knowledge can be better consolidated and extended through problem-solving experience. However, many learners do not have the ability to separate general knowledge from specific cases, which inhibits successful transfer of knowledge to new situations. This study addressed the challenge by proposing a dual-mapping learning approach that involves argument mapping and concept mapping to externalize and integrate problem-solving and knowledge-construction processes in problem-based learning. A preliminary study of the design and effects of the approach is reported. Findings show its effectiveness in improving both problem-solving and knowledge-construction performance.
rRNA Binding Sites and the Molecular Mechanism of Action of the Tetracyclines

ABSTRACT The tetracycline antibiotics are known to be effective in the treatment of both infectious and noninfectious disease conditions. The 16S rRNA binding mechanism currently held for the antibacterial action of the tetracyclines does not explain their activity against viruses, protozoa that lack mitochondria, and noninfectious conditions. Also, the mechanism by which the tetracyclines selectively inhibit microbial protein synthesis against host eukaryotic protein synthesis despite conservation of ribosome structure and functions is still questionable. Many studies have investigated the binding of the tetracyclines to the 16S rRNA using the small ribosomal subunit of different bacterial species, but there seems to be no agreement between various reports on the exact binding site on the 16S rRNA. The wide range of activity of the tetracyclines against a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens, viruses, protozoa, and helminths, as well as noninfectious conditions, indicates a more generalized effect on RNA. In the light of recent evidence that the tetracyclines bind to various synthetic double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of random base sequences, suggesting that the double-stranded structures may play a more important role in the binding of the tetracyclines to RNA than the specific base pairs, as earlier speculated, it is imperative to consider possible alternative binding modes or sites that could help explain the mechanisms of action of the tetracyclines against various pathogens and disease conditions.
An Efficient Centroid-Based Routing Protocol for Energy Management in WSN-Assisted IoT

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) distribute hundreds to thousands of inexpensive micro-sensor nodes in their regions, and these nodes are important parts of Internet of Things (IoT). In WSN-assisted IoT, the nodes are resource constrained in many ways, such as storage resources, computing resources, energy resources, and so on. Robust routing protocols are required to maintain a long network lifetime and achieve higher energy utilization. In this paper, we propose a new energy-efficient centroid-based routing protocol (EECRP) for WSN-assisted IoT to improve the performance of the network. The proposed EECRP includes three key parts: a new distributed cluster formation technique that enables the self-organization of local nodes, a new series of algorithms for adapting clusters and rotating the cluster head based on the centroid position to evenly distribute the energy load among all sensor nodes, and a new mechanism to reduce the energy consumption for long-distance communications. In particular, the residual energy of nodes is considered in EECRP for calculating the centroid′s position. Our simulation results indicate that EECRP performs better than LEACH, LEACH-C, and GEEC. In addition, EECRP is suitable for networks that require a long lifetime and whose base station (BS) is located in the network.
The effect of periodized resistance training on accelerative sprint performance

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of periodized resistance training on accelerative sprint performance. Sixteen physically active men participated in a randomized controlled study. An experimental group (n = 10) completed an 8-week periodized resistance training intervention, while a control group (n = 6) did not train. Pre- and post-training measures of 20-m straight-line sprint time, including a 10-m split, maximum strength, and explosive strength, were recorded. Flight time, stance time, stride length, and stride frequency were quantified from digitized video recordings of the first three strides of the 20-m sprint. Resistance training resulted in significant increases in maximum strength (parallel back squat: 19%) and explosive strength (6–10%). However, both groups increased 0–10 m sprint times (experimental group = 6%; control group = 3%) while 10–20 m times were reduced (experimental group = 7%; control group = 4%), highlighting the mechanical differences between the distinct sprint phases. The change during the 0–10 m interval was accompanied by a reduction in stride frequency during the first three strides. Strength coaches should be aware that the potential benefits of increased muscular strength during short sprints are likely to be affected by mechanical specificity and that improvements in sprinting performance may not occur immediately after a period of resistance training.
The Influence of Light Quality, Circadian Rhythm, and Photoperiod on the CBF-Mediated Freezing Tolerance

Low temperature adversely affects crop yields by restraining plant growth and productivity. Most temperate plants have the potential to increase their freezing tolerance upon exposure to low but nonfreezing temperatures, a process known as cold acclimation. Various physiological, molecular, and metabolic changes occur during cold acclimation, which suggests that the plant cold stress response is a complex, vital phenomenon that involves more than one pathway. The C-Repeat Binding Factor (CBF) pathway is the most important and well-studied cold regulatory pathway that imparts freezing tolerance to plants. The regulation of freezing tolerance involves the action of phytochromes, which play an important role in light-mediated signalling to activate cold-induced gene expression through the CBF pathway. Under normal temperature conditions, CBF expression is regulated by the circadian clock through the action of a central oscillator and also day length (photoperiod). The phytochrome and phytochrome interacting factor are involved in the repression of the CBF expression under long day (LD) conditions. Apart from the CBF regulon, a novel pathway involving the Z-box element also mediates the cold acclimation response in a light-dependent manner. This review provides insights into the progress of cold acclimation in relation to light quality, circadian regulation, and photoperiodic regulation and also explains the underlying molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation for introducing the engineering of economically important, cold-tolerant plants.
Understanding Sexual Perpetration Against Children: Effects of Attachment Style, Interpersonal Involvement, and Hypersexuality

This study explores in an adolescent sample hypotheses about child sexual abuse perpetration drawn from contemporary theories that implicate insecure attachment and adolescent social development. Specifically, three 13- to 18-year-old adolescent male samples (sex offenders with child victims, sex offenders with peer/adult victims, and nonsex delinquent youth) were compared in a cross-sectional design. Participants completed a computer-administered self-report questionnaire and a semistructured attachment style interview. Attachment style was coded by two independent raters blind to study hypotheses and group membership. The results indicated an indirect effect for attachment style. Attachment anxiety affected involvement with peers and interpersonal adequacy. Feelings of interpersonal inadequacy, combined with oversexualization and positive attitudes toward others distinguished sex offenders with child victims from nonsex delinquents and from sex offenders with peer/adult victims. These data provide a preliminary model of sexual abuse perpetration consistent with contemporary theories. Attachment anxiety with a lack of misanthropic attitudes toward others appears to lead to isolation from peers and feelings of interpersonal inadequacy. Individuals with this constellation of factors may turn to children to meet their intimacy and sexual needs, both of which seem to be exaggerated compared with other troubled youth.
Ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in prepubertal patients: a feasible option for ureteral stones.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy in children with ureteral stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS Children under 14 years with ureteral stones were treated with ureteroscopy in a 5-year period in our institution. RESULTS Twenty-three procedures were performed in 20 children. Mean surgical time, age and stone size were 31 min. (15 - 120 min.), 11 years. (4-13 years), 5.3 mm (3-10 mm) respectively. Three patients underwent two ballistic ureteroscopic lithotripsy each. There were 22 successful procedures (96%) and a 100% stone-free rate per patient. Complications (mucosal tear) occurred in 2 procedures (8%) without extravasation of contrast media on retrograde pyelogram and their follow-up was uneventful. CONCLUSION Ureteroscopic ballistic lithotripsy is a feasible option for ureteral stones in prepubertal patients, with high stone-free rate and few complications.
Effect of Oral Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement on Progression of Atherosclerosis: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Abstract —Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with low cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in epidemiological studies. Yet, no randomized trial has examined whether HRT is effective for prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women with increased risk. The objective of this study was to determine whether HRT can slow progression of atherosclerosis, measured as intima-media thickness (IMT) in carotid arteries. Carotid IMT is an appropriate intermediate end point to investigate clinically relevant effects on atherogenesis. This randomized, controlled, observer-blind, clinical, single-center trial enrolled 321 healthy postmenopausal women with increased IMT in ≥1 segment of the carotid arteries. For a period of 48 weeks, subjects received either 1 mg/d 17&bgr;-estradiol continuously plus 0.025 mg gestodene for 12 days every month (standard-progestin group), or 1 mg 17&bgr;-estradiol plus 0.025 mg gestodene for 12 days every third month (low-progestin group), or no HRT. Maximum IMT in 6 carotid artery segments (common, bifurcation, and internal, both sides) was measured by B-mode ultrasound before and after intervention. HRT did not slow IMT progression in carotid arteries. Mean maximum IMT in the carotid arteries increased by 0.02±0.05 mm in the no HRT group and by 0.03±0.05 and 0.03±0.05 mm, respectively, in the HRT groups (P >0.2). HRT significantly decreased LDL cholesterol, fibrinogen, and follicle-stimulating hormone. In conclusion, 1 year of HRT was not effective in slowing progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women at increased risk.
Comparison of clinical pharmacology of voriconazole and posaconazole

Despite greater knowledge and possibilities in pharmacotherapy, fungal infections remain a challenge for clinicians. As the population of immunocompromised patients and those treated for their hematologic ailments increases, the number of fungal infections grows too. This is why there is still a quest for new antifungal drugs as well as for optimization of pharmacotherapy with already registered pharmaceutics. Voriconazole and posaconazole are broad-spectrum, new generation, triazole antifungal agents. The drugs are used in the pharmacotherapy of invasive aspergillosis, Candida and Fusarium infections. Voriconazole is also used in infections caused by Scedosporium. Posaconazole is used in the treatment of coccidioidomycosis and chromoblastomycosis. Besides some similarities, the two mentioned drugs also show differences in therapeutic indications, pharmacokinetics (mainly absorption and metabolism), frequency and severity of adverse drug reactions, drug–drug interactions and dosage. As both of the drugs are used in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in adults and children, detailed knowledge of the clinical pharmacology of antifungal agents is the main factor in pharmacotherapy optimization in treatment of fungal infections. The goal of the article is to present and compare the clinical pharmacology of voriconazole and posaconazole as well as to point out the indications and contraindications of using the drugs, determine factors influencing their pharmacotherapy, and provide information that might be helpful in the treatment of fungal infections.
Tissue and cellular tropism, pathology and pathogenesis of Ebola and Marburg viruses

Ebola viruses and Marburg viruses include some of the most virulent and fatal pathogens known to humans. These viruses cause severe haemorrhagic fevers, with case fatality rates in the range 25–90%. The diagnosis of filovirus using formalin‐fixed tissues from fatal cases poses a significant challenge. The most characteristic histopathological findings are seen in the liver; however, the findings overlap with many other viral and non‐viral haemorrhagic diseases. The need to distinguish filovirus infections from other haemorrhagic fevers, particularly in areas with multiple endemic viral haemorrhagic agents, is of paramount importance. In this review we discuss the current state of knowledge of filovirus infections and their pathogenesis, including histopathological findings, epidemiology, modes of transmission and filovirus entry and spread within host organisms. The pathogenesis of filovirus infections is complex and involves activation of the mononuclear phagocytic system, with release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, endothelial dysfunction, alterations of the innate and adaptive immune systems, direct organ and endothelial damage from unrestricted viral replication late in infection, and coagulopathy. Although our understanding of the pathogenesis of filovirus infections has rapidly increased in the past few years, many questions remain unanswered. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infection control in intensive care.

The accumulation of a number of acutely ill patients within a relatively small area, such as we see in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), increases the potential for the development of infections, both endogenous and acquired. Infection has been a problem in ICUs for as long as these units have existed, especially in those undisciplined units where policies for antibiotic usage and infection control are conspicuous by their absence. The availability and use of complex and sophisticated machinery for maintaining life in moribund patients increase the proportion of patients in ICU who are unusually susceptible to infection, and who become potent sources for its spread. The large-scale and often indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is an infallible environmental influence for selecting a largely antibiotic-resistant endemic bacterial flora in the ICU. Many ICUs also suffer from inadequate numbers of trained nursing and medical staff, a rapid turnover of untrained (and "agency") staff, all working in overcrowded conditions with a surprising lack of support from the hospital and nursing administrators. This can lead only to poor morale and the consequent maintenance of a level of infection which would be intolerable elsewhere in hospital.
Comparison of Bending of Automotive Steels in Roll Forming and in a V-Die

Bending in a V-die has been used to indicate the outcome of bending in cold roll forming, although little direct correlation has been performed. In this work direct comparison of the springback in both processes was performed using six samples of automotive steels in a conventional roll forming line where the transverse springback is measured. A bend of similar radius was formed in a V-die and the springback determined. In general, the springback in V-die forming was greater than in roll forming, in some cases by a factor of 2. The theoretical springback angle was determined for all steels using a simple and approximate analytical equation and compared to the experimental roll forming and bending results. While for the roll forming process good agreement was achieved the theoretical values significantly underestimated springback in the V-bending process.