Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model of Secondary ESD for a Portable Electronic Product

If a nongrounded piece of metal is subjected to an electrostatic discharge (ESD), a spark between this metal part and grounded metal parts can occur. This discharge is generally called “secondary ESD. ” These secondary ESDs are often very close to the electronic part inside products and, as this paper shows, can have much higher currents and shorter rise times than the original ESD. For that reason, secondary ESD poses a very high risk of causing soft and hard errors in the affected device under test (DUT). A methodology to model the secondary ESD inside a portable electronic product is presented herein. This is a co-simulation model and it combines linear descriptions of the ESD generator and the DUT with the nonlinear spark-arc model and a model for the initiation delay (statistical time lag) of the spark. Measurement results are presented comparing discharge currents and time delays for two cases: secondary discharge between metal rod and ESD target, and inside a portable product.
The photoprotective effects of a food supplement tomato powder rich in phytoene and phytofluene, the colorless carotenoids, a preliminary study

Background: Currently, protection against the damaging effects of UV radiation is most commonly accomplished by use of a topical sunscreen. This protection is effective but localized. Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine if a food supplement comprised of a tomato powder rich in Phytoene and Phytofluene, the colorless carotenoids, could improve the natural protection of the skin against the sun, and bring other beauty and health benefits to the skin. Phytoene and Phytofluene absorb in the UV range; they also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Method: A group of 22 healthy female volunteers were given an oral supplement corresponding to an equivalent of 5 mg of Phytoene and Phytofluene a day for 12 weeks. Minimum Erythemal Dose (MED) was measured on the back of the volunteers after 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Results show an average increase of 10% of the MED in all panelists; in 2/3 of the panelists, an increase of 20% was observed after 12 weeks. Erythema after exposure to 1.25 MED was also measured, showing no increase in skin color. Skin quality was reportedly improved in 55-95% of the volunteers (clinical and subjective assessment). Conclusions: Our study, while limited in the number of panelists, shows that daily intake of these carotenoids protects the skin from UV radiation by increasing the MED and the skin’s natural resistance to UV induced erythema.
Response of Erythroid Day 3 Burst-Forming Units to Endotoxin and Erythropoietin

Summary When the marrow and spleen cells of plethoric mice are cultured with 1.0 unit/ml of limulus-lysate-absorbed Ep, the predominant erythroid progenitor cell assayed is the Day 3 BFU-E. Erythropoiesis by these cells can be studied by enumeration of bursts at 3 days or by 24-hr 59Fe incorporation into heme. Endotoxin markedly increased the number of Day 3 BFU-E in the spleens of these mice and decreased the number in the marrow, but it had little effect on erythropoietic maturation. In contrast, Ep produced differentiation of the erythroid progenitor cells resulting in increased splenic CFU-E and a decline in the more primitive erythroid precursor cells. We wish to thank Ms. A. Brockman for excellent technical assistance. Mark J. Koury is the recipient of a research fellowship supported by an NIH Postdoctoral Training Program in Hematology, Grant T32 AM07186. This work was supported in part by Grant AM15555 from the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Diseases, by the Medical Research Service of the Veterans Administration and by the Brownlee O. Curry Leukemia Research Fund.
A Comparative Approach Linking Molecular Dynamics of Altered Peptide Ligands and MHC with In Vivo Immune Responses

Background The recognition of peptide in the context of MHC by T lymphocytes is a critical step in the initiation of an adaptive immune response. However, the molecular nature of the interaction between peptide and MHC and how it influences T cell responsiveness is not fully understood. Results We analyzed the immunological consequences of the interaction of MHC class II (I-Au) restricted 11-mer peptides of myelin basic protein with amino acid substitutions at position 4. These mutant peptides differ in MHC binding affinity, CD4+ T cell priming, and alter the severity of peptide-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Using molecular dynamics, a computational method of quantifying intrinsic movements of proteins at high resolution, we investigated conformational changes in MHC upon peptide binding. We found that irrespective of peptide binding affinity, MHC deformation appears to influence costimulation, which then leads to effective T cell priming and disease induction. Although this study compares in vivo and molecular dynamics results for three altered peptide ligands, further investigation with similar complexes is essential to determine whether spatial rearrangement of peptide-MHC and costimulatory complexes is an additional level of T cell regulation.
Strategies for subtypes—dealing with the diversity of breast cancer: highlights of the St Gallen International Expert Consensus on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer 2011

The 12th St Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference (2011) Expert Panel adopted a new approach to the classification of patients for therapeutic purposes based on the recognition of intrinsic biological subtypes within the breast cancer spectrum. For practical purposes, these subtypes may be approximated using clinicopathological rather than gene expression array criteria. In general, systemic therapy recommendations follow the subtype classification. Thus, ‘Luminal A’ disease generally requires only endocrine therapy, which also forms part of the treatment of the ‘Luminal B’ subtype. Chemotherapy is considered indicated for most patients with ‘Luminal B', ‘Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) positive’, and ‘Triple negative (ductal)’ disease, with the addition of trastuzumab in ‘HER2 positive’ disease. Progress was also noted in defining better tolerated local therapies in selected cases without loss of efficacy, such as accelerated radiation therapy and the omission of axillary dissection under defined circumstances. Broad treatment recommendations are presented, recognizing that detailed treatment decisions need to consider disease extent, host factors, patient preferences, and social and economic constraints.
The Impact of Renal Tumor Size on the Efficacy of Laparoscopic Renal Cryoablation

Purpose We evaluated the impact of renal tumor size on the oncologic and surgical efficacy of laparoscopic renal cryosurgery (LRC) according to our intermediate-term experience in Korea. Materials and Methods From June 2005 to October 2008, we enrolled 37 patients who underwent LRC for 40 renal tumors. Patients were stratified into four groups according to renal tumor size. Patients who presented with a maximum tumor diameter (MTD) of at least 1 cm but less than 2 cm were assigned to Group 1, those with an MTD equal to or greater than 2 but less than 3 cm were assigned to Group 2, those with an MTD equal to or greater than 3 but less than 4 cm were assigned to Group 3, and those with an MTD equal to or greater than 4 cm were assigned to Group 4. Oncologic and clinical outcomes in each group were compared. Results The four groups showed no statistically significant differences in preoperative variables, including age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, baseline renal function and hemoglobin, and length of hospital stay. Regarding surgical aspects, however, operation time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative complications were significantly increased in patients with larger tumors. Three patients in Group 3 required postoperative transfusions, and 1 patient in Group 4 required conversion to open renal cryosurgery. During the mean follow-up period of 31.6 months, radiologic evidence of tumor recurrence was found in only 2 patients in Group 4. Conclusions In this series, LRC for renal tumors smaller than 3 cm was conducted safely without radiologic evidence of tumor recurrence during intermediate-term follow-up. For tumors larger than 3 cm, however, the transfusion rate increased, and for renal tumors larger than 4 cm, the tumor recurrence rate increased significantly.
Normal sleep requires the astrocyte brain-type fatty acid binding protein FABP7

The astrocyte brain-type fatty acid binding protein FABP7 regulates sleep consolidation across phylogeny. Sleep is found widely in the animal kingdom. Despite this, few conserved molecular pathways that govern sleep across phyla have been described. The mammalian brain-type fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) is expressed in astrocytes, and its mRNA oscillates in tandem with the sleep-wake cycle. However, the role of FABP7 in regulating sleep remains poorly understood. We found that the missense mutation FABP7.T61M is associated with fragmented sleep in humans. This phenotype was recapitulated in mice and fruitflies bearing similar mutations: Fabp7-deficient mice and transgenic flies that express the FABP7.T61M missense mutation in astrocytes also show fragmented sleep. These results provide novel evidence for a distinct molecular pathway linking lipid-signaling cascades within astrocytes in sleep regulation among phylogenetically disparate species.
Extraction Socket Preservation Using Porcine-Derived Collagen Membrane Alone or Associated with Porcine-Derived Bone. Clinical Results of Randomized Controlled Study

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of present randomized controlled clinical trial was to clinically evaluate hard tissue changes after extraction socket preservation procedures compared to natural spontaneous healing. Material and Methods Thirty patients were enrolled in the present study and underwent single-tooth extraction in the premolar/molar areas. Ten sites were grafted with porcine-derived bone covered by collagen membrane, 10 covered by porcine-derived collagen membrane alone, and 10 underwent natural spontaneous healing. Vertical and horizontal bone changes after 3-month were evaluated at implant placement. Results The vertical and horizontal bone changes at the extraction sockets treated with collagen membrane alone (vertical: -0.55 [SD 0.11] mm, and horizontal: -1.21 [SD 0.69] mm) and collagen membrane plus porcine-derived bone (vertical: -0.37 [SD 0.7] mm, and horizontal: -0.91 [SD 0.53] mm) were found significantly lower (P < 0.001), when compared to non-grafted sockets (vertical: -2.09 [SD 0.19] mm, and horizontal: -3.96 [SD 0.87] mm). In type 1 extraction sockets, in premolar sites, and in presence of vestibular bone thicknesses ≥ 1.5 mm, the use of collagen membrane alone revealed similar outcomes to those with additional graft material. Conclusions At the re-entry surgery, extraction sockets grafted with porcine-derived bone and covered by collagen membrane, and extraction sockets covered by porcine-derived collagen membrane alone, showed significantly lower vertical and horizontal bone changes, compared to extraction sockets sites underwent natural spontaneous healing. However, a complete prevention of remodelling is not achievable, irrespective of the technique used.
A Model of Macroevolution as a Branching Process Based on Innovations

We introduce a model for the evolution of species triggered by generation of novel features and exhaustive combination with other available traits. Under the assumption that innovations are rare, we obtain a bursty branching process of speciations. Analysis of the trees representing the branching history reveals structures qualitatively different from those of random processes. For a tree with n leaves generated by the introduced model, the average distance of leaves from root scales as (log n)2 to be compared to log n for random branching. The mean values and standard deviations for the tree shape indices depth (Sackin index) and imbalance (Colless index) of the model are compatible with those of real phylogenetic trees from databases. Earlier models, such as the Aldous' branching (AB) model, show a larger deviation from data with respect to the shape indices.
On Application of Learning to Rank for E-Commerce Search

E-Commerce (E-Com) search is an emerging important new application of information retrieval. Learning to Rank (LETOR) is a general effective strategy for optimizing search engines, and is thus also a key technology for E-Com search. While the use of LETOR for web search has been well studied, its use for E-Com search has not yet been well explored. In this paper, we discuss the practical challenges in applying learning to rank methods to E-Com search, including the challenges in feature representation, obtaining reliable relevance judgments, and optimally exploiting multiple user feedback signals such as click rates, add-to-cart ratios, order rates, and revenue. We study these new challenges using experiments on industry data sets and report several interesting findings that can provide guidance on how to optimally apply LETOR to E-Com search: First, popularity-based features defined solely on product items are very useful and LETOR methods were able to effectively optimize their combination with relevance-based features. Second, query attribute sparsity raises challenges for LETOR, and selecting features to reduce/avoid sparsity is beneficial. Third, while crowdsourcing is often useful for obtaining relevance judgments for Web search, it does not work as well for E-Com search due to difficulty in eliciting sufficiently fine grained relevance judgments. Finally, among the multiple feedback signals, the order rate is found to be the most robust training objective, followed by click rate, while add-to-cart ratio seems least robust, suggesting that an effective practical strategy may be to initially use click rates for training and gradually shift to using order rates as they become available.
On-the-fly generation of multidimensional data cubes for web of things

The dynamicity of sensor data sources and publishing real-time sensor data over a generalised infrastructure like the Web pose a new set of integration challenges. Semantic Sensor Networks demand excessive expressivity for efficient formal analysis of sensor data. This article specifically addresses the problem of adapting data model specific or context-specific properties in automatic generation of multidimensional data cubes. The idea is to generate data cubes on-the-fly from syntactic sensor data to sustain decision making, event processing and to publish this data as Linked Open Data.
Capitation and the Medicare program: History, issues, and evidence

This article reviews the history of capitation in the Medicare program and examines issues and research findings related to Medicare capitation. Specific capitation issues and related research findings reviewed include: the feasibility and extent of health maintenance organization participation in Medicare; plan marketing; beneficiary choice behavior; quality of care; and the use and cost of services. In addition, areas requiring further study are noted, and the potential for extensions of capitation under Medicare are explored.
Numerical Simulation of MgB2 Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage Coil

A coupled thermal electromagnetic finite element analysis has been used to numerically simulate the electromagnetic characteristics of an MgB2 SMES coil. Magnetic field distribution data and current density predictions of the numerical model were compared with the literature and with the superconducting properties of explosively consolidated MgB2 samples measured experimentally. The material Jc characteristics were determined by applying Bean’s critical state model on the material magnetisation measurements conducted on a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID).
How I Treat How I treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in older adolescents and young adults

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a relatively rare malignancy, is one of the few cancers that impacts the entire lifespan, from neonates to the very elderly. Although survival now approaches 90% for most children with ALL, older adolescents and young adults (AYAs) historically have a much poorer prognosis, with an event-free survival (EFS) of only 30% to 45%. Factors accounting for differences in outcome include heterogeneity in disease biology, host factors (both physiologic and psychosocial), and importantly, the therapeutic approach and experience of the health care teams. Some authors also suggest that AYAs may have had poorer outcomes, in part, because of low rates of clinical trial enrollment. Between 1997 and 2003, fewer than 2% of older adolescents were enrolled in clinical trials, compared with 60% of pediatric patients, potentially due to fewer referrals to institutions where clinical trials are offered, limited numbers of clinical trials available for the AYA population, and psychosocial barriers. During the last decade, recognition of the unique characteristics of AYAs with ALL, as well as a new focus on clinical research designed specifically for this population, has led to exciting improvements in treatment outcomes, with EFS now approaching 70% for AYA ALL. The National Cancer Institute has defined the AYA cancer population broadly as being between the ages of 15 to 39 years old. Although tremendous heterogeneity in this population clearly exists, and the age cutoff of 40 years is somewhat arbitrarily defined, emerging clinical, psychosocial, and biologic features of the disease suggest this may be a distinct population. This case-based review will focus on the AYA population most commonly treated by adult hematologistsoncologists, ie, patients aged 18 to 39 years old.
Physical Activity Awareness of British Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To assess adolescent PA awareness and investigate associations with biological and psychosocial factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional from November 2005 to July 2007 (ROOTS study). SETTING Population-based sample recruited via Cambridgeshire and Suffolk schools (UK). PARTICIPANTS N=799 (44% male, 14.5±0.5 years). MAIN EXPOSURES Self-rated PA perception, self-reported psychosocial factors, measured anthropometry. OUTCOME MEASURE PA measured using accelerometry over five days. 'Inactive' defined as accelerometry-measured <60 min/day of at least moderate PA (MVPA). Associations between awareness (agreement between self-rated and accelerometry-measured active/inactive) and potential correlates investigated using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS 70% of adolescents were inactive (81% of girls, 56% of boys, OR(95% CI) 3.41(2.41, 4.82)). 53% of all girls (63% of inactive girls) and 34% of all boys (60% of inactive boys) inaccurately rated themselves as active (over-estimators). Compared to girls accurately describing themselves as inactive (29%), girl over-estimators had lower fat mass (OR(95% CI) 0.84(0.70, 0.99)), higher SES (high vs. low 2.4(1.07, 5.32)), reported more parent-support (1.57(1.12, 2.22)) and better family relationships (0.25(0.09, 0.67)). Amongst boys accurately describing themselves as inactive (22%), over-estimators had lower fat mass (0.86(0.77, 0.96)) reported more peer-support (1.75(1.32, 2.30)) and less teasing (0.75(0.61, 0.92)). CONCLUSIONS A substantial number of adolescents believe themselves to be more physically active than they really are. They maybe unaware of potential health risks, and may be unlikely to participate in PA promotion programs. Increasing information of PA health benefits beyond weight control might help encourage behavior change.
Cardiac lipid levels show diurnal changes and long‐term variations in healthy human subjects

1H‐MRS is regularly applied to determine lipid content in ectopic tissue – mostly skeletal muscle and liver – to investigate physiological and/or pathologic conditions, e.g. insulin resistance. Technical developments also allow non‐invasive in vivo assessment of cardiac lipids; however, basic data about methodological reliability (repeatability) and physiological variations are scarce. The aim of the presented work was to determine potential diurnal changes of cardiac lipid stores in humans, and to put the results in relation to methodological repeatability and normal physiological day‐to‐day variations.
Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of thalidomide in combination with gemcitabine and Carboplatin in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE Cancers rely on angiogenesis for their growth and dissemination. We hypothesized that thalidomide, an oral antiangiogenic agent, when combined with chemotherapy, and as maintenance treatment, would improve survival in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Seven hundred twenty-two patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo or thalidomide capsules 100 to 200 mg daily for up to 2 years. All patients received gemcitabine and carboplatin every 3 weeks for up to four cycles. End points were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), response rate, grade 3/4 toxicity, and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS The median OS rates were 8.9 months (placebo) and 8.5 months (thalidomide). The hazard ratio (HR) was 1.13 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.32; P = .12). The 2-year survival rate was 16% and 12% in the placebo and thalidomide arms, respectively. The PFS results were consistent with those for OS. The risk of having a thrombotic event was increased by 74% in the thalidomide group: HR of 1.74 (95% CI, 1.20 to 2.52; P = .003). There were no differences in hematologic toxicities, but a slight excess of rash and neuropathy in the thalidomide group. QoL scores were similar but thalidomide was associated with less insomnia, and more constipation and peripheral neuropathy. In a retrospective analysis, patients with nonsquamous histology in the thalidomide group had a poorer survival: 2-year risk difference of 10% (95% CI, 4% to 16%; P < .001). CONCLUSION In this large trial of patients with NSCLC, thalidomide in combination with chemotherapy did not improve survival overall, but increased the risk of thrombotic events. Unexpectedly, survival was significantly worse in patients with nonsquamous histology.
Pretreatment of macrophages with the combination of IFN-gamma and IL-12 induces resistance to Leishmania major at the early phase of infection.

Interferon (IFN)-gamma is essential but not sufficient to control leishmaniasis. It is known that IFN-gamma is one of the major macrophage-activating cytokines, and the activated macrophages are a principal source of interleukin (IL)-12, which induces autocrine macrophage activation. In this study, the combined effect of IFN-gamma and IL-12 on the susceptibility of macrophages to Leishmania major infection was evaluated. Macrophages pretreated with IFN-gamma and/or IL-12 were infected with the parasites. Four hr post-infection (p.i.), the levels of infection and parasite load in the macrophages treated with the combination of IFN-gamma and IL-12 (IFN-gamma/IL-12) were significantly lower than those in the nontreated cells. However, the macrophages treated with either IFN-gamma or IL-12 did not show resistance to L. major infection. In addition, 72 hr p.i. , the IFN-gamma/IL-12-treated and IFN-gamma-treated macrophages showed significantly lower levels of infection and parasite load than the nontreated cells, and higher levels of resistance was observed in the IFN-gamma/IL-12-treated macrophages than in the IFN-gamma-treated macrophages. Although IFN-gamma/IL-12 treatment of macrophages prior to the infection led to the induction of resistance, as described above, this resistance was not induced when these cytokines and the parasites were added simultaneously to the macrophage culture. These results suggest that IFN-gamma/IL-12 treatment prior to the infection restricts the early phase of the infection.