Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Practice Parameter Contact Dermatitis : A Practice Parameter e Update 2015

This parameter was developed by the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, which represents the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI); the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI); and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The AAAAI and the ACAAI have jointly accepted responsibility for establishing “Contact Dermatitis: A Practice ParametereUpdate 2015. ” This is a complete and comprehensive document at the current time. The medical environment is changing and not all recommendations will be appropriate or applicable to all patients. Because this document incorporated the efforts of many participants, no single individual, including members serving on the Joint Task Force, are authorized to provide an official AAAAI or ACAAI interpretation of these practice parameters. Any request for information or interpretation of this practice parameter by the AAAAI or ACAAI should be directed to the Executive Offices of the AAAAI, the ACAAI, and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. These parameters are not designed for use by the pharmaceutical industry in drug development or promotion. Previously published practice parameters of the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters for
A Review of Depth and Normal Fusion Algorithms

Geometric surface information such as depth maps and surface normals can be acquired by various methods such as stereo light fields, shape from shading and photometric stereo techniques. We compare several algorithms which deal with the combination of depth with surface normal information in order to reconstruct a refined depth map. The reasons for performance differences are examined from the perspective of alternative formulations of surface normals for depth reconstruction. We review and analyze methods in a systematic way. Based on our findings, we introduce a new generalized fusion method, which is formulated as a least squares problem and outperforms previous methods in the depth error domain by introducing a novel normal weighting that performs closer to the geodesic distance measure. Furthermore, a novel method is introduced based on Total Generalized Variation (TGV) which further outperforms previous approaches in terms of the geodesic normal distance error and maintains comparable quality in the depth error domain.
FOXO protects against age‐progressive axonal degeneration

Neurodegeneration resulting in cognitive and motor impairment is an inevitable consequence of aging. Little is known about the genetic regulation of this process despite its overriding importance in normal aging. Here, we identify the Forkhead Box O (FOXO) transcription factor 1, 3, and 4 isoforms as a guardian of neuronal integrity by inhibiting age‐progressive axonal degeneration in mammals. FOXO expression progressively increased in aging human and mouse brains. The nervous system‐specific deletion of Foxo transcription factors in mice accelerates aging‐related axonal tract degeneration, which is followed by motor dysfunction. This accelerated neurodegeneration is accompanied by levels of white matter astrogliosis and microgliosis in middle‐aged Foxo knockout mice that are typically only observed in very old wild‐type mice and other aged mammals, including humans. Mechanistically, axonal degeneration in nerve‐specific Foxo knockout mice is associated with elevated mTORC1 activity and accompanying proteotoxic stress due to decreased Sestrin3 expression. Inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin treatment mimics FOXO action and prevented axonal degeneration in Foxo knockout mice with accelerated nervous system aging. Defining this central role for FOXO in neuroprotection during mammalian aging offers an invaluable window into the aging process itself.
Multilevel Analysis of the Effects of Individual- and Community-Level Factors on Childhood Anemia, Severe Anemia, and Hemoglobin Concentration in Malawi

Background The purpose of this article was to examine individual- and community-level factors associated with childhood anemia, severe anemia, and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration in Malawi. Methods Using data from the 2010 Malawi demographic and health survey (MDHS), the multilevel regression models were constructed to analyze 2597 children aged 6-59 months living in 849 communities. Results The results showed that both childhood anemia and severe anemia were negatively associated with child's age, no fever in the previous 2 weeks and height-for-age, and positively associated with residing in poor household. Childhood anemia was negatively associated with community female education. Child's age, no fever in the previous 2 weeks and maternal Hb levels were positively associated with child Hb concentration, while residing in poorest households was negatively associated with children's Hb concentration. Conclusion Comprehensive public health strategies aimed at reducing childhood anemia need to focus more on the significant characteristics addressed in this study.
Molecular Mechanism for Human Sperm Chemotaxis Mediated by Progesterone

Sperm chemotaxis is a chemical guiding mechanism that may orient spermatozoa to the egg surface. A picomolar concentration gradient of Progesterone (P), the main steroidal component secreted by the cumulus cells that surround the egg, attracts human spermatozoa. In order to elucidate the molecular mechanism of sperm chemotaxis mediated by P, we combine the application of different strategies: pharmacological inhibition of signaling molecules, measurements of the concentrations of second messengers and activation of the chemotactic signaling. Our data implicate a number of classic signal transduction pathways in the response and provide a model for the sequence of events, where the tmAC-cAMP-PKA pathway is activated first, followed by protein tyrosine phosphorylation (equatorial band and flagellum) and calcium mobilization (through IP3R and SOC channels), whereas the sGC-cGMP-PKG cascade, is activated later. These events lead to sperm orientation towards the source of the chemoattractant. The finding proposes a molecular mechanism which contributes to the understanding of the signal transduction pathway that takes place in a physiological process as chemotaxis.
Evaluation of Strategies for Integrated Classification of Visual-Manual and Cognitive Distractions in Driving

Background: Prior studies have demonstrated unique driver behavior outcomes when visual and cognitive distraction occurs simultaneously as compared to the occurrence of one form of distraction alone. This situation implies additional complexity for the design of robust distraction detection systems and vehicle automation for hazard mitigation. Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of two distraction classification strategies: (a) a “two-stage” classifier, first detecting visual-manual distraction and then identifying dual or cognitive distraction states, and (b) a “direct-mapping” classifier developed to identify all distraction states at the same time. Method: Driving performance data were collected on 20 participants under different known states of distraction (none, visual-manual, cognitive, and combined). A support vector machine (SVM) was used as a base algorithm for both classifiers and performance data as well as the level of driving control (tactical and operational), which served as inputs and modifiers to the classification process. Results: The two-stage strategy was found to be sensitive for identifying states of visual-manual distraction; however, the strategy also produced a higher false alarm rate than direct-mapping. Consideration of driving control levels during classification also improved classification accuracy. Future work needs to account for strategic levels of vehicle control.
Electrochemical process for silicon tips fabrication

This work presents the results obtained for silicon microtips fabrication of pyramidal and conical shape. The tips are prepared using processes combination that applies porous silicon (PS) as sacrificial layer previously masked by hydrogen ion implantation (H + I.I.) and adequate thermal annealing. The shape of the tips is dependent on the mask geometry used by blocking anodization current where PS is not desired. After selective dissolution of PS with potassium hydroxide (KOH) at room temperature, tips are formed with height of 45 μm and 2-5 μm top diameter in square geometry or less than 0. 1 micron with circular geometry.
Comparative analysis of HPV16 gene expression profiles in cervical and in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is the major cause of cervical cancer and of a fraction of oropharyngeal carcinoma. Few studies compared the viral expression profiles in the two types of tumor. We analyzed HPV genotypes and viral load as well as early (E2/E4, E5, E6, E6*I, E6*II, E7) and late (L1 and L2) gene expression of HPV16 in cervical and oropharyngeal cancer biopsies. The study included 28 cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and ten oropharyngeal SCC, along with pair-matched non-tumor tissues, as well as four oropharynx dysplastic tissues and 112 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia biopsies. Viral load was found higher in cervical SCC (<1 to 694 copies/cell) and CIN (<1 to 43 copies/cell) compared to oropharyngeal SCC (<1 to 4 copies/cell). HPV16 E2/E4 and E5 as well as L1 and L2 mRNA levels were low in cervical SCC and CIN and undetectable in oropharynx cases. The HPV16 E6 and E7 mRNAs were consistently high in cervical SCC and low in oropharyngeal SCC. The analysis of HPV16 E6 mRNA expression pattern showed statistically significant higher levels of E6*I versus E6*II isoform in cervical SCC (p = 0.002) and a slightly higher expression of E6*I versus E6*II in oropharyngeal cases. In conclusion, the HPV16 E5, E6, E6*I, E6*II and E7 mRNA levels were more abundant in cervical SCC compared to oropharyngeal SCC suggesting different carcinogenic mechanisms in the two types of HPV-related cancers.
Within-Family Processes: Interparental and Coparenting Conflict and Child Adjustment

Previous studies have found evidence that interparental conflict, parents’ coparenting behavior, and children’s adjustment are reciprocally related. Most prior research, however, has failed to empirically distinguish between-family differences from within-family changes, limiting our understanding of how within-family fluctuations in each construct may be interrelated over time. In the present study, we focused on within-family associations among interparental conflict factors (i.e., verbal aggression and withdrawing), coparenting conflict, and children’s internalizing and externalizing problems. Longitudinal data were drawn from 5 annual waves of survey data from 537 German families (i.e., mothers, fathers, and a focal child) in the German Family Panel (pairfam) study (Brüderl et al., 2015; Huinink et al., 2011). Data were analyzed with random intercept cross-lagged panel models, which partition variance into between- and within-person (or family) components in longitudinal data. Cross-lagged analyses of within-family variance revealed that fluctuations in interparental conflict did not predict child problems, but higher than typical child externalizing problems increased fathers’ withdrawal and coparenting conflict in the future. Higher than average coparenting conflict within a given family predicted reductions in interparental verbal aggression, less maternal withdrawal, and fewer child externalizing problems. The findings demonstrate that analyses of within-family associations may provide new insights on mutual influences that unfold across time within families and are of particular importance for informing practice.
Posterior scleral reinforcement using genipin-cross-linked sclera for macular hole retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes

Background/aims To investigate the surgical outcomes of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) using genipin-cross-linked sclera to treat macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) in highly myopic eyes. Methods Nineteen patients with high myopia (19 eyes) with MHRD were treated sequentially with genipin-cross-linked PSR and were followed at least for 1 year after the surgery. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), optical coherence tomography (OCT) outcomes and the complications were evaluated. Results Macular hole was closed in 73.7% of the eyes, foveal reattachment rate was 100%. The mean logMAR BCVA improved from 1.27±0.55 preoperatively to 0.88±0.55 postoperatively. The preoperative AL (29.88±1.97 mm) was decreased (27.73±1.84 mm) after the operation (p<0.001). Conclusions For at least a 1-year period of follow-up, PSR with genipin-cross-linked sclera should be considered as a preferred surgical approach to treat MHRD in highly myopic eyes, especially when foveal retinoschisis is also documented.
UTHealth at SemEval-2016 Task 12: an End-to-End System for Temporal Information Extraction from Clinical Notes

The 2016 Clinical TempEval challenge addresses temporal information extraction from clinical notes. The challenge is composed of six sub-tasks, each of which is to identify: (1) event mention spans, (2) time expression spans, (3) event attributes, (4) time attributes, (5) events’ temporal relations to the document creation times (DocTimeRel), and (6) narrative container relations among events and times. In this article, we present an end-to-end system that addresses all six sub-tasks. Our system achieved the best performance for all six sub-tasks when plain texts were given as input. It also performed best for narrative container relation identiﬁcation when gold standard event/time annotations were given.
Enhancement of conventional WC-Co and Inconel 625 HVOF thermal spray coatings by the addition of nanostructured WC-Co for wear/corrosion applications in the oil/gas industry

Abstract Recently, economical and fast solutions for preventing failure due to wear and corrosion in oil and gas industries have been reduced through the deposition of cermets using HVOF thermal spray coatings especially tungsten carbide–cobalt (Diamalloy 2004) deposits to reduce wear effects and Inconel-625 (Diamalloy 1005) to prevent corrosion. The new research trend towards the development of bimodal (mixed of nano- and micro-size particle) feedstock powders, through the addition of nanostructured WC-Co, is showing promise and is under investigation in this research. A design-of-experiment software was implemented to study the influence of different powder percentage on the coating performance such as coating microstructure and coating mechanical performance, such as three-point bending tests and hardness measurement. Results show that hardness, bending and yield strength of the coating increased as the composition percentage of nanostructured WC-12Co mixed in with the Diamalloy 2004/1005 (WC-12Co micro/Inconel-625, respectively) composite increased due to the strong adhesion of WC nanosize grains at the substrate/coating interface through improved mechanical interlocking and reduce the possibility of cracks initiation. The results show promise in terms of the current maintenance challenges experienced by the oil/gas industry today, in terms of possibly extending the life of components, plus providing huge economic savings.
Decision-Making Preferences and Deprescribing: Perspectives of Older Adults and Companions About Their Medicines

Objectives Polypharmacy in the older population is increasing-and can be harmful. It can be safe to reduce or carefully cease medicines (deprescribing) but a collaborative approach between patient and doctor is required. This study explores decision-making about polypharmacy with older adults and their companions. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 older people (aged 75+ years, taking multiple medicines) and 15 companions. Framework analysis was used to identify qualitative themes. Results Participants varied considerably in attitudes towards medicines, preferences for involvement in decision-making, and openness to deprescribing. Three types were identified. Type 1 held positive attitudes towards medicines, and preferred to leave decisions to their doctor. Type 2 voiced ambivalent attitudes towards medicines, preferred a proactive role, and were open to deprescribing. Type 3 were frail, perceived they lacked knowledge about medicines, and deferred most decisions to their doctor or companion. Discussion This study provides a novel typology to describe differences between older people who are happy to take multiple medicines, and those who are open to deprescribing. To enable shared decision-making, prescribers need to adapt their communication about polypharmacy based on their patients' attitudes to medicines and preferences for involvement in decisions.
Postoperative cesarean pain: real but is it preventable?

Purpose of review Cesarean section is the most common surgical procedure performed in the world. Postoperative pain management remains a challenge, particularly in a context of enhanced recovery after surgery. Several barriers related to the specific condition of ‘postpartum recovery’ may prevent application of effective analgesia in this population. The present review focuses on novel approaches of cesarean section postoperative pain assessment, beyond pain-rating intensity, including objective patient-centered recovery parameters. Predictive tools currently available to target patients at high risk of acute and chronic pain are also examined. Recent findings Postoperative pain after cesarean section is more severe than reported in the majority of randomized control trials. Pain seriously interferes with early and also late functional recovery, although Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programmes are being promoted. Pain-rating scores can differ from scores of physical comfort and physical independence, which are priorities for postpartum patients. Further, the value of subjective pain intensity rating to adapt analgesic prescription is misleading and may promote opioid over-prescription. Available tools to predict at-risk patients for severe pain after cesarean section are not easy to use in daily clinical practice and have, at best, moderate predictive value. Summary Patient and healthcare provider education on reported pain and well tolerated analgesic use is the key to improve postpartum pain management after cesarean section.
Modelling and Analysis of A Novel Deadline-Aware Scheduling Scheme for Cloud Computing Data Centers

User request (UR) service scheduling is a process that significantly impacts the performance of a cloud data center. This is especially true since essential quality-of-service (QoS) performance metrics such as the UR blocking probability as well as the data center's response time are tightly coupled to such a process. This paper revolves around the proposal of a novel Deadline-Aware UR Scheduling Scheme (DASS) that has the objective of improving the data center's QoS performance in term of the above-mentioned metrics. A minority of existing work in the literature targets the formulation of mathematical models for the purpose of characterizing a cloud data center's performance. As a contribution to covering this gap, this paper presents an analytical model, which is developed for the purpose of capturing the system's dynamics and evaluating its performance when operating under DASS. The model's results’ accuracy are verified through simulations. Also, the performance of the data center achieved under DASS is compared to its counterpart achieved under the more generic First-In-First-Out (FIFO) scheme. The reported results indicate that DASS outperforms FIFO by <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$11$</tex-math> <alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="khabbaz-ieq1-2481429.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> to <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$58$</tex-math><alternatives> <inline-graphic xlink:href="khabbaz-ieq2-2481429.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> percent in terms of the blocking probability and by <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$82$</tex-math><alternatives> <inline-graphic xlink:href="khabbaz-ieq3-2481429.gif"/></alternatives></inline-formula> to <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$89$</tex-math><alternatives><inline-graphic xlink:href="khabbaz-ieq4-2481429.gif"/> </alternatives></inline-formula> percent in terms of the system's response time.
Original Contribution Association Between Changes in Exposure to Air Pollution and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Children Before and During the Beijing Olympics

It is not known whether exposure to air pollutants causes systemic oxidative stress in children. We investigated the association between exposure to air pollution and biomarkers of oxidative stress in relation to a governmental air quality intervention implemented during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. We studied 36 schoolchildren during 5 time periods before and during the Olympic Games in Beijing (June 2007–September 2008). The oxidative stress biomarkers 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and malondialdehyde were measured in urine samples collected daily during each period. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the relationship between repeated biomarker measurements and ambient air pollutant levels. During the Olympic intervention period, substantial reductions in air pollution (−19% to −72%), urinary 8-oxodG concentrations (−37.4%; 95% confidence interval: −53.5, −15.7), and urinary malondialdehyde concentrations (−25.3%; 95% confidence interval: −34.3,−15.1) were found.Malondialdehyde and 8-oxodGwere significantly associatedwith concentrations of black carbon, fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic with diameter less than 2.5 μm, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Biomarker changes per each interquartile-range increase in pollutants were largest at lag 0 or lag 1. In a 2-pollutant model, the most robust associations were for black carbon. These findings suggest that exposure to black carbon leads to systemic oxidative stress in children.