Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Submarine lava flow emplacement and faulting in the axial valley of two morphologically distinct spreading segments of the Mariana back‐arc basin from Wadatsumi side‐scan sonar images

High‐resolution, deep‐tow side‐scan sonar data were collected over two distinct spreading segments in the central part of the Mariana back‐arc basin. These data allow mapping of small fissures and faults and the distinguishing of hummocky from smooth lava flows. Using these data, we observe spatial variations in seafloor deformation and volcanic activity within each segment, and also significant differences in the degree of tectonic deformation between the two segments. One segment, characterized by an hourglass shape suggestive of magmatic processes dominating over tectonic processes, is in fact currently dominated by intense deformation rather than volcanism. The other segment, which exhibits morphology (wide and deep linear axial valley) typical of magma‐starved segments, is subjected to very limited deformation and is covered by mostly unfaulted, recent flows. Each segment also displays along‐axis variations in the degree of tectonic deformation and in lava flows freshness. We observe a decrease of lava effusion rate from segment centers toward their ends. We also investigated the apparent asymmetry of the Mariana basin. On the southern segment of the study area, azimuths of tectonic structures are divided into two groups, one segment‐parallel and one ∼15° oblique to strike of the segment. These two trends of linear features developed synchronously with volcanic activity. Currently oblique structures seem to be the most active ones. The tectonic structures that are parallel to the overall valley trend are distributed over the entire valley, whereas the oblique structures are only located proximal to the eastern valley wall. They are likely related to changes in the local stress field related to the obliquely trending eastern axial valley wall. Asymmetric character, such as nonuniform spacing and throw of faults, was not observed. These observations suggest that the asymmetry of the basin is not due to asymmetric spreading, but rather to eastward ridge jumps of several kilometers. Such small‐amplitude ridge jumps likely occurred frequently during basin development because the asymmetric character of the basin is strongly pronounced and no abandoned rift valley is recognizable within the entire basin.
Redox Imbalance in the Development of Colorectal Cancer

Redox imbalance is resulted from the destruction of balance between oxidants and antioxidants. The dominant oxidants are reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are involved in multiple cellular processes by physiologically transporting signal as a second messenger or pathologically oxidizing DNA, lipids, and proteins. Generally speaking, low concentration of ROS is indispensable for cell survival and proliferation. However, high concentration of ROS is cytotoxic. Additionally, ROS are now known to induce the oxidative modification of macromolecules especially proteins. The redox modification of proteins is involved in numerous biological processes related to diseases including CRC. Herein, we attempt to afford an overview that highlights the crosstalk between redox imbalance and CRC.
Quantum Contextuality with Stabilizer States

The Pauli groups are ubiquitous in quantum information theory because of their usefulness in describing quantum states and operations and their readily understood symmetry properties. In addition, the most well-understood quantum error correcting codes—stabilizer codes—are built using Pauli operators. The eigenstates of these operators—stabilizer states—display a structure (e.g., mutual orthogonality relationships) that has made them useful in examples of multi-qubit non-locality and contextuality. Here, we apply the graph-theoretical contextuality formalism of Cabello, Severini and Winter to sets of stabilizer states, with particular attention to the effect of generalizing two-level qubit systems to odd prime d-level qudit systems. While state-independent contextuality using two-qubit states does not generalize to qudits, we show explicitly how state-dependent contextuality associated with a Bell inequality does generalize. Along the way we note various structural properties of stabilizer states, with respect to their orthogonality relationships, which may be of independent interest.
Prospective validation of an ultrasound-based thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) on 3980 thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE Ultrasound (US) features of solidity, hypoechogenicity or marked hypoechogenicity, microlobulated or irregular margins, microcalcifications, and taller-than-wide shape are suspicious characteristics for thyroid nodules. An US based Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) is classified based on the number of aforesaid features. TI-RADS category 3 included nodules without any suspicious features, and categories 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5 included nodules with one, two, three or four, or five suspicious US features. The purpose of the study was to prospectively validate the effectiveness of the TI-RADS. METHODS From October 2011 to June 2013, we prospectively categorized 3980 thyroid nodules (3752 benign and 228 malignant lesions) in 2921 patients using TI-RADS classification. TI-RADS categories 2 and 3 were considered as benign whereas TI-RADS categories 4 and 5 as malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) and accuracy were calculated. RESULTS Of the 3980 nodules, 2953 nodules were TI-RADS category 2 (0% malignancy), 466 nodules TI-RADS category 3 (1.3% malignancy), 186 nodules TI-RADS category 4a (4.8% malignancy), 165 nodules TI-RADS category 4b (30.3% malignancy), 188 nodules TI-RADS category 4c (75.5% malignancy), and 22 nodules TI-RADS category 5 (95.5% malignancy). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 97%, 90%, 40%, 99%, and 91%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS TI-RADS classification had great diagnostic value in diagnosing thyroid nodules. The actual probability of malignancy was in accord with the theory risk of malignancy.
Dose effects of relaxation practice on immune responses in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: an exploratory study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine the dose effects of relaxation practice on immune responses and describe the types of relaxation techniques preferred and the extent of relaxation practice over 10 months. DESIGN Descriptive, prospective, repeated measures. SETTING An interdisciplinary breast clinic at a university-affiliated comprehensive cancer center in the United States. SAMPLE 49 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and undergoing adjuvant therapy who participated in a stress management intervention. METHODS Relaxation practice was assessed twice a month for 10 months with immune measurements (e.g., natural killer cell activity; lymphocyte proliferation; interferon [IFN]-γ; interleukin [IL]-2, -4, -6, and -10) at the beginning and end of 10-month practice. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Relaxation practice (representing the concepts of stress and adherence), relaxation technique, and immune response. FINDINGS After adjusting for covariates, the extent of relaxation practice significantly contributed to the variance of natural killer cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-4, and IL-10 responses in a positive direction; the higher the relaxation practice, the higher the immune responses. In comparison, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-6 responses were not affected. The deep-breathing method was most preferred by participants, followed by progressive relaxation and imagination or visualization. The mean weekly frequency of relaxation practice was 5.29 (SD = 3.35), and the mean duration of relaxation practice was 19.16 (SD = 10.81) minutes per session. CONCLUSIONS Persistent relaxation practice may have positive effects on multiple immune responses in a dose-dependent manner. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Allowing the choice of preferred techniques and emphasizing the importance of long-term adherence, a relaxation program may need to be routinely offered to women under high stress.
New Perspectives of Curcumin in Cancer Prevention

Numerous natural compounds have been extensively investigated for their potential for cancer prevention over the decades. Curcumin, from Curcuma longa, is a highly promising natural compound that can be potentially used for chemoprevention of multiple cancers. Curcumin modulates multiple molecular pathways involved in the lengthy carcinogenesis process to exert its chemopreventive effects through several mechanisms: promoting apoptosis, inhibiting survival signals, scavenging reactive oxidative species (ROS), and reducing the inflammatory cancer microenvironment. Curcumin fulfills the characteristics for an ideal chemopreventive agent with its low toxicity, affordability, and easy accessibility. Nonetheless, the clinical application of curcumin is currently compromised by its poor bioavailability. Here, we review the potential of curcumin in cancer prevention, its molecular targets, and mechanisms of action. Finally, we suggest specific recommendations to improve its efficacy and bioavailability for clinical applications. Cancer Prev Res; 6(5); 387–400. ©2013 AACR.
Finely milled kenaf core as a natural plywood binder

Abstract Application of kenaf core powder as a natural plywood binder has been studied. In the first instance, binderless boards made of kenaf core powder and overlaid sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) veneers resulted in immediate veneer delamination. However, binderless boards were successfully manufactured from sugi wood powder and had an internal bonding strength of 1.69 MPa. The board properties improved with increasing fineness of the raw material, increasing pressing temperature, and increasing board density. Essential prerequisites for binderless adhesion are: (1) particles should be situated close to each other to allow the formation of chemical bonds; and (2) a high pressing temperature is necessary to melt the solid-solid interfaces between the particles and to supply the activation energy for chemical reactions. For successful adaptation of these requirements, the kenaf core powder should have an average particle size of approximately 10 μm, which then mediates close contact between veneers. Plywood bonded with kenaf core powder had an average tensile shear strength of 0.96 MPa with a wood failure rate of 82.1%. Accordingly, vibratory ball milling activates kenaf core and the powder is suitable as a natural plywood binder.
Pulmonary haemodynamics and right ventricular function during cemented hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture

Background: Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is characterised by hypoxia, hypotension and loss of consciousness occurring early after bone cementation. The haemodynamic perturbations during BCIS have not been extensively studied, particularly not in patients with femoral neck fracture. We evaluated the effects of cemented hemiarthroplasty, in these patients, on pulmonary haemodynamics, right ventricular performance, intrapulmonary shunting and physiological dead space.
Abnormal oesophageal motility in patients with chronic cough

Background: Although gastro-oesophageal reflux is a recognised cause of chronic cough, the role of oesophageal dysmotility is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal oesophageal motility in a selected group of patients with chronic cough. Methods: Oesophageal manometry and 24 hour pH monitoring were performed in 43 patients with chronic cough, 34 of whom had symptoms suggestive of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Comparative manometric measurements were made in 21 healthy subjects. Results: Nine patients with chronic cough had normal manometry and 24 hour pH. Of the remaining 34 patients, 11 (32%) had abnormal manometry alone, five (15%) had abnormal 24 hour pH monitoring alone, and in 18 (53%) both tests were abnormal. Only one patient in the control group had manometric abnormalities. Conclusions: These results point to a previously unrecognised high prevalence of abnormal oesophageal manometry in patients presenting with chronic cough. Oesophageal dysmotility may therefore be important in the pathogenesis of cough in these patients.
Reninoma: An Uncommon Cause of Renin-Mediated Hypertension

Reninoma (juxtaglomerular cell tumor) is a rare cause of renin-mediated hypertension. Reninomas are usually diagnosed in adolescents and young adults with occasional reports in younger children. Patients typically present with a long history of headaches leading to a diagnosis of severe hypertension that responds well to antihypertensive treatment targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The clue to clinical diagnosis is the presence of hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis on the first blood sample drawn before any treatment is instituted. Elevated blood levels of renin and aldosterone confirm the clinical suspicion of renin-mediated hypertension. Diagnostic imaging is employed to identify the source of excessive renin production. While renal ultrasound can miss reninoma, contrast CT or magnetic resonance imaging of the kidneys are diagnostic modalities of choice leading to the correct diagnosis. Renal vein renin sampling with lateralization might help to identify the site of excessive renin production. Nephron-sparing surgery is curative with maintenance of normal blood pressure after discontinuation of antihypertensive medications in the majority of patients. In this paper, we present the case of reninoma in an adolescent girl emphasizing clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and medical and surgical treatment of this rare tumor. We also discuss important points in the management of children presenting with renin-mediated hypertension.
Managing the Multigenerational Nursing Team

Today's workforce is more diverse in age than ever before. This study examined the generational profiles of two groups (the Silent Generation, and Baby Boomers vs. Generation X and Generation Y) in terms of the following variables: characteristics, communication styles, and significance of tasks. The purpose was to assist nurse managers to maximize departmental effectiveness by capitalizing on the unique characteristics of the multigenerational nursing team. A descriptive design was used to examine nursing staff perceptions of their generational profiles, communication styles, and significance of tasks. The convenience sample included registered nurses, nurse technicians and nursing secretaries from two departments, a medical-surgical and a critical care department (N = 62). The study provided participants with the opportunity to give their interpretations of their generational types. Similarities and differences of generational profiles were found between the two groups. There were no significant differences in communication style and significance of tasks between the two groups (P > .05). However, there were differences in expectations regarding commitment to the manager versus the organization and the type and timing of rewards for performance. All four generational groups had vastly different employment demands and different needs for orientation, training, advancement, benefits, perks,and retirement options.
Node clustering in mobile peer-to-peer multihop networks

In mobile peer-to-peer (MP2P) networks, nodes tend to gather together rather than scattered uniformly across the network area. This paper considers the clustering of peer nodes and its performance impact in MP2P networks. The model for node clustering based on a heavy-tail distribution is first introduced and then a topology generation method that produces a clustered network is presented. Experiments based on ns-2 simulation with AODV routing protocol and IEEE 802.11 MAC reveal that the clustered layout significantly degrades the network performance and the main trouble comes from the MAC layer mechanisms. Node clustering results in as much as 77.6% lower packet delivery ratio compared to random node distribution. Moreover, it results in larger variation in packet delivery service, and thus has a serious impact on QoS, which is important in MP2P networks
Epigenetic Regulation of Telomere Maintenance

As chromatin structures, telomeres undergo epigenetic regulation of their maintenance and function. In plants, these processes are likely of a higher complexity than in animals or yeasts, as exemplified by methylation of cytosines in plant telomeric DNA or reversible developmental regulation of plant telomerase. We highlight the dual role of telomeres from the epigenetic point of view: (i) as chromatin structures that are the subject of epigenetic regulation (e.g. DNA and histone modifications), and (ii) as chromosome domains acting themselves as epigenetic regulatory elements (e.g. in the telomere position effect). Possibly, some molecular tools (e.g. telomeric transcripts) are common to both these aspects of telomere epigenetics. We further discuss the justification for the classical textbook view of telomeres as heterochromatic structures.
A Modular Approach to the ECVAM Principles on Test Validity

The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) proposes to make the validation process more flexible, while maintaining its high standards. The various aspects of validation are broken down into independent modules, and the information necessary to complete each module is defined. The data required to assess test validity in an independent peer review, not the process, are thus emphasised. Once the information to satisfy all the modules is complete, the test can enter the peer-review process. In this way, the between-laboratory variability and predictive capacity of a test can be assessed independently. Thinking in terms of validity principles will broaden the applicability of the validation process to a variety of tests and procedures, including the generation of new tests, new technologies (for example, genomics, proteomics), computer-based models (for example, quantitative structure–activity relationship models), and expert systems. This proposal also aims to take into account existing information, defining this as retrospective validation, in contrast to a prospective validation study, which has been the predominant approach to date. This will permit the assessment of test validity by completing the missing information via the relevant validation procedure: prospective validation, retrospective validation, catch-up validation, or a combination of these procedures.
The Friction of Hard Sliders on Lubricated Rubber: The Importance of Deformation Losses

A study has been made of the friction of hard spheres and cones on a well lubricated rubber surface under conditions where relatively large deformations are produced. It is found that with spheres the sliding friction is almost the same as the rolling friction. Earlier work has shown that in the latter case the friction arises primarily from hysteresis losses in the rubber and it is concluded that, under the experimental conditions described, the main source of friction in lubricated sliding arises from the same cause. With conical sliders it is not possible to make a direct comparison with rolling experiments, but a simple calculation suggests that here again the friction is largely due to deformation losses in the rubber. For cones of small semi-angle there is a large increase in friction but this is associated with penetration of the lubricant film and tearing of the rubber. The friction results are in close agreement with measurements described by Miss Sabey for spheres and cones sliding on wet rubber at relatively high speeds (c. 6 ft sec-1). This suggests that in her experiments that water film provides very effective lubrication and that the friction arises largely from hysteresis losses in the rubber itself. As a general conclusion this study of the friction of lubricated rubber suggests that where interfacial adhesion is small and where relatively large local deformations occur the friction may well be dominated by deformation losses in the rubber. Under these conditions we may therefore expect the friction of hard spherical or conical sliders on rubber to be greater for rubbers of low Young's modulus and high hysteresis losses.
Effects of Indoleacetic Acid and Kinetin on Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Various Rat Tissues

This study was carried out to investigate whether plant growth regulators (PGRs) could affect lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde = MDA level) in erythrocyte, muscle, liver, heart and kidney tissue. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into three experimental groups: control and PGR-treated (indoleacetic acid and kinetin). Seventy-five ppm of PGRs, indoleacetic acid (IAA), and kinetin were administered orally to 6 rats ad libitum for 25 days. The hormone treatments caused different effects on the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) to those of the control rats. According to the results, while liver and kidney MDA levels were increased significantly by IAA administration in rats, kinetin did not affect the MDA levels in erythrocyte and other tissues. It was concluded that IAA might affect lipid peroxidation in animals at subacute treatment. Ozet: Bu cal›flmada, subletal konsantrasyonda laboratuar flartlar›nda s›canlar›n kas, karacier, kalp, bobrek ve eritrosit malondialdehit (MDA) duzeyi uzerine indolasetik asit (IAA) ve kinetinin etkilerinin araflt›r›lmas› amaclanmaktad›r. S›canlar deney suresince icebildiince 75 ppm'lik IAA ve kinetin uygulamas›na 25 gun maruz b›rak›ld›. Hormon uygulamalar›n›n ceflitli dokulardaki MDA duzeyi uzerine farkl› etkilere neden olduklar› gozlendi. Sonuclara gore; karacier ve bobrek MDA duzeyi IAA taraf›ndan onemli derecede artt›r›l›rken, kinetin eritrosit ve doku MDA duzeyi uzerinde etkisiz bulundu. Sonuc olarak; IAA'n›n subkronik uygulamalarda toksik etkilere sahip olduu goruldu. Anahtar Sozcukler: Bitki buyume duzenleyicileri, Lipid peroksidasyonu, in vivo
Ocular manifestations in paediatric HIV/AIDS patients in Mulago Hospital, Uganda.

BACKGROUND In Uganda the prevalence of HIV averages 12% as was reported to the STD/AIDS control surveillance unit. In Uganda there are approximately 30,000 HIV infected infants per year. The burden of HIV disease is high in Uganda and patients present with ocular complications. However, there is paucity of information and knowledge concerning ocular manifestations in the paediatric HIV/AIDS population and how they may differ from those of adults. OBJECTIVES To describe the ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS infection in an African paediatric population. Generally the study will record the external ocular manifestations seen but specifically to document the intra-ocular lesions, in particular the retinal changes associated with paediatric HIV/AIDS. DESIGN A cross-sectional hospital based study. SETTING The study was conducted at the Paediatric Infectious Disease Clinic at Upper Mulago Hospital, in Kampala, Uganda. PATIENTS Patients are those with positive HIV sero status, with or without symptoms and signs of AIDS. Parents/caretakers of the children were interviewed to obtain the socio-demographic data of the patients and a general physical as well as an ophthalmic examination were conducted to document any ocular problems. RESULTS A total of 158 HIV -infected children were examined. The overall rate of ophthalmic involvement was 35%. The most common finding was a non-purulent conjuctivitis, observed in 12% of the patients, followed by perivasculitis of the peripheral retinal vessels, in 12% of patients and molluscum contagiosum.