Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brachiopods, sipunculans, enteropneusts and metals from two estuarine tidal flats, Pacific, Costa Rica.

Reports on the abundances and on metal concentrations in intertidal estuarine invertebrates from the Eastern Tropical Pacific are rare. Thus, the objectives of this report are to make accessible data on the abundances (1984-1987, 49 dates; 2013, 12 dates) of sipunculans, brachiopods and hemichordates from a sand-mud flat; and on trace metals (1996, 2000) and abundances (2015, 3 dates) of sipunculans and brachiopods at a sand flat in the Gulf of Nicoya estuary (10o N-85o W). Cores (17.7 cm2) were collected at the sand-mud flat, and quadrats (0.2 m2) at the sand flat. The flats contrasted in their sand (65 % vs 90 %) and silt+clay (31.5 % vs 5.6 %) contents. At the sand-mud flat (1984-87: 1.83 m2) the sipunculans were represented by 13 individuals, the brachiopods by 129 and the acorn worms by 185, with estimated maximum densities of: 5.7, 29, and 40 ind. /m2, respectively. Trace metal (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Zn, and Pb) analysis (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) were conducted in specimens of Sipunculus nudus (Sipuncula) and Glottidia audebarti (Brachiopoda). Maximum mean concentrations in S. nudus were: For non-depurated worms, Fe (16.0 mg/g dw) > Mn (165 μg/g dw) > Zn (81 μg/g dw) > Cu (26 μg/g dw) > Cr (11 μg/g dw) > Ni (10.4 μg/g dw) > Pb (9.3 μg/g dw) > Cd (1.2 μg/g dw). For 72 hour depurated worms: Fe (5.0 mg/g dw) > Mn (61 μg/g dw) > Zn (39 μg/g dw) > Cu (24 μg/g dw) > Ni (8.4 μg/g dw) > Pb (2.7 μg/g dw) > Cd (0.62 μg/g dw). For G. audebarti: Fe (1.6 mg/g dw-soft parts) > Zn (123.5 μg/g dw-soft parts) > Cu (31.4 μg/g dw-pedicles) > Pb (21.0 μg/g dw-shells) > Cd (5.2 μg/g dw-soft parts) > Cr (4.7 μg/g dw-shells). For sediments; Fe (46 mg/g dw) > Mn (41.3 μg/g dw) > Zn (63 μg/g dw) > Cu (36.2 μg/g dw) > Cr (31.5 μg/g dw) > Pb (21.1 μg/g dw) > Ni (16.1 μg/g dw) > Cd (1.1 μg/g dw). These concentrations were expected for a nonindustrialized estuary. At the sand flat (Area sampled: 10.6 m2 ) 76 individuals of G. audebarti, 112 of G. albida, and 366 of S. nudus were collected in 2015, with estimated maximum densities of: 7.1, 10.5, and 31 ind. /m2, respectively. Densities of G. audebarti and G. albida were relatively low, while those of S. nudus were relatively high when compared with other reports. The shell lenght of G. audebarti ranged from 9.0 mm to 38.0 mm and from 6.0 mm to 29.0 mm for G. albida. These ranges were within those found for these lingulides elsewhere. The mean length of S. nudus was 41 mm and the maximum weight was 1.6 g, which are small. No brachiopods were found at the sand-mud flat in 2013, nor enteropneusts at the sand flat in 2015. G. audebarti had a relatively stable presence, while G. albida almost vanished from the samples at the end of 2015. The spatial distributions of the three invertebrates were found aggregated at both intertidal flats. Strong ENSO warming events during 1983 and 2015, and red tides in 1985 may have influenced the abundances.
Short-Chain Alkanethiol Coating for Small-Size Gold Nanoparticles Supporting Protein Stability

The application of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is emerging in many fields, raising the need for a systematic investigation on their safety. In particular, for biomedical purposes, a relevant issue are certainly AuNP interactions with biomolecules, among which proteins are the most abundant ones. Elucidating the effects of those interactions on protein structure and on nanoparticle stability is a major task towards understanding their mechanisms at a molecular level. We investigated the interaction of the 3-mercaptopropionic acid coating of AuNPs (MPA-AuNPs) with β2-microglobulin (β2m), which is a paradigmatic amyloidogenic protein. To this aim, we prepared and characterized MPA-AuNPs with an average diameter of 3.6 nm and we employed NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy to probe protein structure perturbations. We found that β2m interacts with MPA-AuNPs through a highly localized patch maintaining its overall native structure with minor conformational changes. The interaction causes the reversible precipitation of clusters that can be easily re-dispersed through brief sonication.
Clinical Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Oligometastatic Gynecological Cancer

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the treatment of distantly recurrent, oligometastatic gynecological cancer. Methods The hospital records of 45 patients with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography positive, distantly recurrent, oligometastatic gynecological cancer were reviewed. All these patients had a number of target lesions less than 5, with largest diameter less than 6 cm. The treatment was delivered with a TrueBeam LINAC and RapidArc technique, using 10 or 6 MV FFF beams. A total of 70 lesions were treated, and lymph nodes represented the most common site of metastases, followed by lung, liver, and soft tissues. Twenty lesions were treated with one single fraction of 24 Gy and 5 lesions received 27 Gy delivered in 3 fractions, depending on the ability to fulfill adequate target coverage and safe dose/volume constraints for the organ at risk with either regimen. Results Positron emission tomography scan 3 months after SBRT showed a complete response (CR) in 45 lesions (64.3%), a partial response in 14 (20.0%), a stable disease in 5 (7.1%), and a progressive disease in 6 (8.6%). No lesions in CR after SBRT subsequently progressed. Overall acute toxicity occurred in 13 (28.9%) patients. The most common grade 1 to 2 adverse event was pain (n = 9, 20.0%), followed by nausea and vomiting (n = 5, 11.1%). No grade 3 to 4 acute toxicities occurred, and no late toxicities were observed. Patients who failed to achieve a CR had a 2.37-fold higher risk of progression and a 3.60-fold higher risk of death compared with complete responders (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions Stereotactic body radiotherapy offers an effective and safe approach for selected cases of oligometastatic gynecological cancer.
Effect of time and ultrasonic activation on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on smear layer removal of the root canal

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of time and the ultrasonic activation of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in removing the smear layer of at root canal. A total of 60 bovine inferior incisors were transversely sectioned and instrumented; A smear layer was added in the root dentin surface. The specimen were then divided into six groups according to the following final irrigation protocols: Group (G) 1: conventional irrigation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G2: conventional irrigation with NaOCl + EDTA for 20 s; G3: conventional irrigation with NaOCl + EDTA for 60 s; G4: passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) with NaOCl; G5: PUI with NaOCl + PUI with EDTA for 20 s; G6: PUI + NaOCl and PUI with EDTA for 60 s. Samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) at ×500 increase. The images were measured by three blinded evaluators and classified in scores ranging from 1 to 5. The results were analyzed by the Pearson correlation test and the ANOVA nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests were used for the comparisons. Irrigated samples only with NaOCl (G1 and G4) had higher scores when compared with other groups. G5 and G6, irrigated with 17% EDTA and ultrasonic irrigation had lower scores. However, there was no statistically significant difference in G2 and G3, where there was no irrigation. It was concluded that irrigation with 17% EDTA for 20 s promoted the effective removal of smear layer, regardless of ultrasonic irrigation.
The association of maternal thyroid function with placental hemodynamics

STUDY QUESTION What is the clinical association of maternal thyroid function with placental hemodynamic function? SUMMARY ANSWER A higher free thyroxine (FT4) concentration in early pregnancy is associated with higher placental vascular resistance. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Suboptimal placental function is associated with preeclampsia (which, in turn, further deteriorates placental hemodynamics and impairs the fetal blood supply), fetal growth restriction and premature delivery. Studies have suggested that thyroid hormone (TH) has a role in placental development through effects on trophoblast proliferation and invasion. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study was embedded in The Generation R cohort, a population-based prospective study from early fetal life onwards in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In total, 7069 mothers with expected delivery date between April 2002 and January 2006 were enrolled during early pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations were measured during early pregnancy (median 13.4 weeks, 95% range 9.7-17.6 weeks). Placental function was assessed by Doppler ultrasound via measurement of arterial vascular resistance, i.e. umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI) and uterine artery resistance index (RI) (both measured twice, between 18-25th and after 25th gestational weeks) and the presence of uterine artery notching (once after the 25th gestational week) in 5184 pregnant women. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE FT4 was positively linearly associated with umbilical artery PI in the second and third trimesters as well as with uterine artery RI in the second trimester and the risk of uterine artery notching in the third trimester (P < 0.05 for all). The association of thyroid function with preeclampsia and birth weight was partially mediated through changes in placental function, with the percentages of mediated effects being 10.4% and 12.5%, respectively. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A potential limitation is the availability of only a single time point for TH measurements and different numbers of missing placental ultrasound measurements for the adverse outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS A higher FT4 concentration in early pregnancy is associated with higher vascular resistance in the second and third trimesters in both the maternal and fetal placental compartment. These effects on placental function might explain the association of FT4 with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a fellowship from ERAWEB, a project funded by the European Commission (to M.B.) and by clinical fellowship from The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMw), Project 90700412 (to R.P.P.). The authors have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
On the performance of network-assisted indoor device-to-device communication using location awareness and realistic path loss models

This paper proposes a framework to analyze the viability of network-assisted Device-to-Device (D2D) communication in an indoor propagation environment using location awareness. Based on the past location information of the users a probability model is developed. The model helps to evaluate the probability of a user's location on a specific indoor site at a given time of the day. Further, leveraging this location information, a heterogeneous framework is considered where user devices are capable of supporting cellular, as well as D2D communication. In order to quantify the performance, the proposed D2D+cellular framework is compared with the conventional cellular framework, and the gains are measured in terms of spectral efficiency and amount of energy saved. It is shown, on opting D2D over cellular for indoor communication it is possible to achieve an average spectral efficiency gain of 10.45 bits/s/Hz as well as an average energy saving of 59%. Further, it is also observed that there exists a critical point beyond which D2D ceases to be beneficial over conventional cellular communication.
Effect of Short-Term Separation on the Behavioral Health of Military Wives.

In the current prospective observational study, the impact of short-term separation on female spouses of male military officers who were scheduled to participate in a resident training program was evaluated. Using pre- and post-survey designs, participants were assessed 2 weeks prior to separation and 2 weeks prior to their husbands' returns. Participants completed the following scales: the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Relationship Assessment Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory II Scale. No significant differences were found in perceived social support, resilience, perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, or depression scores pre- and post-separation. As predicted, depression scores were positively correlated with perceived stress scores and negatively correlated with resiliency and relationship satisfaction scores. Women with higher levels of resilience experienced lower levels of post-separation stress. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(6), 45-51. ].
Simultaneous inter-arm and inter-leg systolic blood pressure differences to diagnose peripheral artery disease: a diagnostic accuracy study

Abstract Purpose: Inter-arm systolic blood pressure differences (IASBPD) and inter-leg systolic blood pressure differences (ILSBPD) have arisen as potential tools to detect peripheral artery disease (PAD) and individuals at high cardiovascular risk. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of IASBPD and ILSBPD to detect PAD, and whether IASBPD or ILSBPD improves diagnostic accuracy of the oscillometric ankle-brachial index (ABI). Materials and methods: In this prospective study, eligible for inclusion were consecutive adults, with at least one of the following cardiovascular risk factors: diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking habit or age ≥65. IASBPD, ILSBPD and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were measured in all participants through four-limb simultaneous oscillometric measurements and compared with Doppler ABI (reference test, positive cut-off: ≤ 0.9). Results: Of 171 subjects included, PAD was confirmed in 23 and excluded in 148. Thirteen and 38 subjects had IASBPD and ILSBPD ≥10 mmHg, respectively. Pearson correlation with Doppler ABI of IASBPD and ILSBPD was 0.073 (P = .343) and −0.628 (P < .001), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of an ILSBPD ≥10 mmHg to detect PAD was: sensitivity = 69.6% (95%CI = 48.6–90.5), specificity = 85.1% (79.1–91.2), diagnostic odds ratio (dOR) = 13.1 (4.8–35.5) and area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.765 (0.616–0.915). IASBPD had an AUC = 0.532 (0.394–0.669), and oscillometric ABI had an AUC = 0.977 (0.950–1.000). The addition of ILSBPD to oscillometric ABI reduced dOR from 174.0 (38.3–789.9) to 34.4 (9.5–125.1). Similarly, the addition of IASBPD reduced dOR to 49.3 (14.6–167.0). Conclusions: In a Primary Care population with ≥1 cardiovascular risk factors, ILSBPD showed acceptable diagnostic accuracy for PAD, whilst IASBPD accuracy was negligible. However, the combination of ILSBPD (or IASBPD) with oscillometric ABI did not improve the ability to detect PAD. Thus, oscillometer ABI seems to be preferable to detect PAD and individuals at high cardiovascular risk. ILSBPD could be uniquely recommended for the diagnosis of PAD when blood pressure measurements in upper limbs are not possible.
Celecoxib inhibits proliferation and survival of chronic myelogeous leukemia (CML) cells via AMPK-dependent regulation of β-catenin and mTORC1/2

CML is effectively treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the efficacy of these drugs is confined to the chronic phase of the disease and development of resistance to TKIs remains a pressing issue. The anti-inflammatory COX2 inhibitor celecoxib has been utilized as anti-tumour drug due to its anti-proliferative activity. However, its effects in hematological malignancies, in particular CML, have not been investigated yet. Thus, we tested biological effects and mechanisms of action of celecoxib in Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) CML and ALL cells. We show here that celecoxib suppresses the growth of Ph+ cell lines by increasing G1-phase and apoptotic cells and reducing S- and G2-phase cells. These effects were independent of COX2 inhibition but required the rapid activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the consequent inhibition mTORC1 and 2. Treatment with celecoxib also restored GSK3β function and led to down-regulation of β-catenin activity through transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms, two effects likely to contribute to Ph+ cell growth suppression by celecoxib. Celecoxib inhibited colony formation of TKI-resistant Ph+ cell lines including those with the T315I BCR-ABL mutation and acted synergistically with imatinib in suppressing colony formation of TKI-sensitive Ph+ cell lines. Finally, it suppressed colony formation of CD34+ cells from CML patients, while sparing most CD34+ progenitors from healthy donors, and induced apoptosis of primary Ph+ ALL cells. Together, these findings indicate that celecoxib may serve as a COX2-independent lead compound to simultaneously target the mTOR and β-catenin pathways, key players in the resistance of CML stem cells to TKIs.
Does spinal fusion to T2, T3, or T4 affects sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in Lenke 1 AIS patients

Abstract The aim of this stusy was to investigate whether spinal fusion to T2, T3, or T4 affects sagittal alignment of the cervical spine in Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. A retrospective study comprised of 64 Lenke 1 AIS patients was performed to assess the radiographic and clinical outcome. According to the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) (T2, T3, or T4), the patients were divided into 3 groups. Comparison analyses were performed among these 3 groups of patients as between pre-op, immediate post-op, and final follow-up, as well as between these groups. Between groups, comparison analyses did not detect a statistical difference in cervical lordosis (CL) preoperatively (P = .501), immediately after surgery (P = .795), and at follow-up (P = .510). Immediately after surgery, CL increased significantly in all groups (T2, P = .004, T3, P < .001 and T4, P = .002 respectively). Compared with immediate postoperatively, CL at final follow-up increased in T2 group (P = .037), and T4 group (P = .010). Furthermore, CL at follow-up was significantly correlated with the following parameters: preoperative (coronal plane balance [r = .349, P = .004], pelvic tilt [r = 0.347, P = .004), pelvic incidence [r = 0.261, P = . 031], and CL [r = 0.471, P < . 001]) immediately postoperative (CL [r = 0.946, P < .001], T1-slope [r = −0.646, P < .001], and thoracic kyphosis [TK] [r = −0.353, P = .003]), and at follow-up (TK [r = −0.342, P = .004], and T1-slope [r = −0.821, P < .001]). However, there was no significant correlation between a selection of UIV and CL at follow-up (r = 0.031, P = .802). Moreover, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) scores between groups were similar preoperatively (P = .242), immediately after surgery (P = .828), and at follow-up (P = .219). In Lenke 1 AIS patients, the selection of UIV mainly affects the coronal plane, especially shoulder balance. Fusion to T2, T3, or T4 did not affect the alignment of the cervical spine, and the SRS-22 score. Level of evidence: Level IV.
Differential functional readthrough over homozygous nonsense mutations contributes to the bleeding phenotype in coagulation factor VII deficiency

Essentials Potentially null homozygous Factor(F)7 nonsense mutations are associated to variable bleeding symptoms. Readthrough of p.Ser112X (life‐threatening) and p.Cys132X (moderate) stop codons was investigated. Readthrough‐mediated insertion of wild‐type or tolerated residues produce functional proteins. Functional readthrough over homozygous F7 nonsense mutations contributes to the bleeding phenotype.
Molecular and Clinical Insights into the Role and Significance of Mutated DNA Repair Genes in Bladder Cancer

DNA damage response and repair genes (DDR genes) are commonly mutated in bladder cancer. The biological impact of these mutations is an area of intense basic, translational, and clinical interest. As next generation sequencing increases its foothold in the treatment of localized and advanced bladder cancer, the role of DDR genes will continue to evolve. We review the inventory and biology of DDR genes in bladder cancer and describe known and candidate roles for loss of DDR genes to engender therapeutic susceptibilities to various anti-cancer agents.
Performance Limits for Evaluating Supplementary Cementing Materials Using Accelerated Mortar Bar Test

The accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) was originally developed for the purpose of identifying alkali-silica reactive aggregates, but has been widely used to evaluate the preventive action of supplementary cementing materials (SCM). Indeed, a modified version of the AMBT for testing the effectiveness of pozzolans and slag for controlling expansion due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) was recently developed and published as an ASTM standard test method (ASTM C 1567). In this paper, results from accelerated mortar bar tests on reactive aggregate-SCM combinations are compared with the performance of the same combination of materials in concrete structures, field-exposed concrete blocks, and laboratory expansion tests on concrete prisms (ASTM C 1293). It is concluded that the use of a 14-day expansion limit of 0.10% in the AMBT produces an outcome that agrees well with the performance of concrete in the laboratory or under field conditions. Combinations of reactive aggregates and SCM that pass this limit when tested in mortar have a very low risk of resulting in damage when used in concrete. Furthermore, the minimum level of SCM required to control expansion with a given reactive aggregate can be determined using the 14-day expansion limit and the result is in good agreement with the amount of SCM required to prevent cracking in concrete. Extending the duration of the test (for example to 28 days) is overly conservative and results in estimates of much higher levels of SCM (by 1.5 times on average) to control expansion than that actually required in concrete.
Data-record-based criteria for the selection of an auxiliary-vector estimator of the MVDR filter

In this paper we propose two data-record based criteria for the selection of an auxiliary-vector (AV) estimator from the sequence of AV estimators of the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) filter. The first criterion maximizes the estimated J-divergence of the bit-conditioned AV filter-output distributions, while the second criterion minimizes the cross-validated sample average variance of the AV-filter output. The developments in this paper are presented in the context of joint space-time direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS/CDMA) signal detection.