Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Author ' s personal copy The temporal evolution of pedogenic Fe – smectite to Fe – kaolin via interstrati fi ed kaolin – smectite in a moist tropical soil chronosequence

In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: The temporal evolution of pedogenic Fe–smectite to Fe–kaolin via interstratified kaolin–smectite in a moist tropical soil chronosequence a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f o Keywords: Halloysite Kaolinite Smectite Beidellite Moist tropical soil Interstratified kaolin–smectite Costa Rica Fe-rich kaolins in soils of a terrace chronosequence in the moist tropics of Costa Rica are derived from the transformation of smectite via interstratified kaolin–smectite (K–S). The smectite is ferruginous smectite (10.1 ± 3.7% Fe 2 O 3) that forms early during pedogenesis from basaltic–andesitic parent material and is the dominant mineral in b 5 ka soils. Interstratified K–S with 60–90% kaolin layers is the dominant mineral in 10 ka soils, while 125 ka soils contain a physical mixture of Fe–kaolin (6.0 ± 1.9% Fe 2 O 3) and K–S with N 80% kaolin layers. K–S is indicated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) data that reveal asymmetric 001 peaks between 17.5 and 17.8 Å (ethylene glycol-solvated) and irrational 00l peaks that exhibit Méring-like behaviour, and by transmission electron microscopy–analytical electron microscopy (TEM–AEM) data that document single crystals of K–S with compositions intermediate to those of end-member crystals of smectite and kaolin. Lattice fringe images from high resolution TEM (HRTEM) show lateral transitions from smectite layers to kaolin layers via a cell-preserved, layer-by-layer transformation mechanism, and changes in the compositions of tetrahedral and octahedral sheets, notably decreases in octahedral Fe and Mg and tetrahedral Al, indicate that the reaction is accompanied by localized dissolution of smectite 2:1 layers that proceeds laterally. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and XRD data indicate that kaolin layers are a mixture of kaolinite and halloysite, and differential thermal analysis–thermogravimetry (DTA–TG) combined with data from XRD and TEM–AEM indicate the development of Al-hydroxy-interlayers in K–S with time. The soil-forming factors that appear to control formation of K–S are (1) basaltic–andesitic parent that produces high concentrations of base cations and Si in young (b 5 ka) soils, and (2) moist tropical climate (3085 mm MAP, 27.3 °C MAT) with a short dry season that fosters formation of smectite in b 5 ka soils. By 125 ka, soils are dominated by Fe–kaolin and …
First Evaluation of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency in Vivax Malaria Endemic Regions in the Republic of Korea

Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common human enzyme defect and affects more than 400 million people worldwide. This deficiency is believed to protect against malaria because its global distribution is similar. However, this genetic disorder may be associated with potential hemolytic anemia after treatment with anti-malarials, primaquine or other 8-aminoquinolines. Although primaquine is used for malaria prevention, no study has previously investigated the prevalence of G6PD variants and G6PD deficiency in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Methods Two commercialized test kits (Trinity G-6-PDH and CareStart G6PD test) were used for G6PD deficiency screening. The seven common G6PD variants were investigated by DiaPlexC kit in blood samples obtained living in vivax malaria endemic regions in the ROK. Results Of 1,044 blood samples tested using the CareStart G6PD test, none were positive for G6PD deficiency. However, a slightly elevated level of G6PD activity was observed in 14 of 1,031 samples tested with the Trinity G-6-PDH test. Forty-nine of the 298 samples with non-specific amplification by DiaPlexC kit were confirmed by sequencing to be negative for the G6PD variants. Conclusions No G6PD deficiency was observed using phenotypic- or genetic-based tests in individuals residing in vivax malaria endemic regions in the ROK. Because massive chemoprophylaxis using primaquine has been performed in the ROK military to kill hypnozoites responsible for relapse and latent stage vivax malaria, further regular monitoring is essential for the safe administration of primaquine.
The Neural System Underlying Chinese Logograph Reading

Written Chinese as logographic script differs notably from alphabets such as English in visual form, orthography, phonology, and semantics. Thus, research on the Chinese language is important to advance our understanding of the universality and particularity of the organization of language systems in the brain. In this study, we examine the neural systems associated with logographic reading using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Two experimental tasks were devised, one based on semantic decision and the other on homophone decision. Compared to the fixation baseline, peak activations resulting from semantic as well as homophony decisions were localized in the left middle frontal gyrus (BA 9). Left inferior frontal cortex also mediated Chinese processing. In addition, more right hemisphere cortical regions (i.e., BAs 47/45, 7, 40/39, and the right visual system) were involved in reading Chinese relative to reading English. This is attributed to the square shape of the logograph which requires an elaborated analysis of the spatial information and locations of various strokes comprising the logographic character. We suggest that the left middle frontal area (BA 9) coordinates and integrates the intensive visuospatial analysis demanded by logographs' square configuration and the semantic (or phonological) analysis required by the present experimental tasks. Our study has implicated brain regions common to both logographic and alphabetic languages as well as brain regions specialized in processing logographs.
Strength, Stiffness, and Compressibility of RAP/Aggregate Blends

The strength, stiffness, and compressibility characteristics of the material underlying an asphalt surface can have a significant influence on pavement performance and long-term maintenance. Subgrade and base layers must be strong enough to resist shear failure and have adequate stiffness to limit vertical deflections. This study examines changes that occur in the engineering properties of aggregate materials when mixed with reclaimed/recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). Laboratory tests were conducted using four different aggregates blended with milled asphalt over a broad range of mix percentages. Laboratory test results indicate that at higher levels of RAP, the characteristics of the asphalt millings increasingly control the behavior of the blend. This results in decreased stiffness and reduced shear strength. The decreases observed in laboratory tests may not be significantly detrimental, and do not necessarily preclude the use of RAP/aggregate blends in highway pavement sections. However, the implications of this study should be further investigated by examining projects in which RAP mixtures have already been used, and by constructing and evaluating the performance of controlled test sections.
The effect of lymphadenectomy on survival and recurrence in patients with ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Our objective was to perform a meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of lymphadenectomy in patients with ovarian cancer. METHODS PubMed and CENTRAL databases were searched on 15 November 2015 using the terms 'lymphadenectomy', 'ovarian cancer', 'dissection', 'para-aortic', 'pelvic' and survival. Prospective and retrospective studies comparing the outcomes of surgery with or without lymphadenectomy were included. Outcomes were 5-year overall survival, progression-free survival and recurrence rate. RESULTS Of the 556 studies identified, 3 randomized controlled trials and 11 retrospective studies were included. Lymphadenectomy was associated with greater 5-year overall survival than no lymphadenectomy (pooled odds ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.41-1.77, p < 0.001). There was no difference in progression-free survival between the groups (pooled overall survival = 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.82-3.21, p = 0.168). Lymphadenectomy was associated with greater progression-free survival in randomized clinical trials (pooled overall survival = 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-2.21, p = 0.010), but not in retrospective studies. Lymphadenectomy was associated with a significantly lower recurrence rate (pooled overall survival = 0.51, 95% confidence interval: 0.30-0.85, p = 0.011). Lymphadenectomy was associated with greater 5-year overall survival in patients with both early and advanced stage cancer, but was associated with greater progression-free survival and lower recurrence rate only in patients with advanced stage cancer. CONCLUSION Lymphadenectomy is associated with greater 5-year overall survival in patients with early and advanced stage ovarian cancer, but an effect on progression-free survival and recurrence rate was only found in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer.
Motion Induced Radiation from a Vibrating Cavity.

We study the radiation emitted by a cavity moving in vacuum. We give a quantitative estimate of the photon production inside the cavity as well as of the photon flux radiated from the cavity. A resonance enhancement occurs not only when the cavity length is modulated but also for a global oscillation of the cavity. For a high finesse cavity the emitted radiation surpasses radiation from a single mirror by orders of magnitude.
Rituximab-Dependent Cytotoxicity by Natural Killer Cells

The FCGR3A gene dimorphism generates two allotypes: FcγRIIIa-158V and FcγRIIIa-158F. The genotype homozygous for FcγRIIIa-158V (VV) is associated with higher clinical response to rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 IgG1 used in the treatment of B lymphoproliferative malignancies. Our objective was to determine whether this genetic association relates to rituximab-dependent cytotoxicity mediated by FcγRIIIa/CD16a+ cells. The number of CD16+ circulating monocytes, T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells in 54 donors was first shown to be unrelated to FCGR3A polymorphism. We then demonstrated that FcγRIIIa-158V displays higher affinity for rituximab than FcγRIIIa-158F by comparing rituximab concentrations inhibiting the binding of 3G8 mAb (anti-CD16) with VV NK cells and NK cells homozygous for FcγRIIIa-158F (FF). VV and FF NK cells killed Daudi cells similarly after FcγRIIIa engagement by saturating concentrations of rituximab or 3G8. However, the rituximab concentration resulting in 50% lysis (EC50) observed with NK cells from VV donors was 4.2 times lower than that observed with NK cells from FF donors (on average 0.00096 and 0.00402 μg/ml, respectively, P = 0.0043). Finally, the functional difference between VV and FF NK cells was restricted to rituximab concentrations weakly sensitizing CD20. This study supports the conclusion that FCGR3A genotype is associated with response to rituximab because it affects the relationship between rituximab concentration and NK cell-mediated lysis of CD20+ cells. Rituximab administration could therefore be adjusted according to FCGR3A genotype.
Study of Packing Density and Temperature on the Oil Sorption Capacity of Packed Local Kapok Fiber as Bio-oil Spill Absorbent

Oil spills are global concern due to the environmental impact and consequence of release of affluence. Various commercial products have been development and create to control spills, including the use of fibers as sorbents. This study investigates the use bio-based material of kapok fiber as sorbent materials for oil spills absorption. The study characterized the chemical and morphological properties of kapok fiber, experiment conducted involved FTIR and SEM analysis. Sorption tests with oil were conducted in deonized water thickness of oil and water. Oil sorption capacity by kapok fiber was strongly influenced by packing densities and temperatures. As packing densities and temperatures increased, oil sorption capacity of kapok fiber was reduced proportionally. Kapok shows excellent buoyancy and very high hydrophobicity and oil sorption capacity. The research has shown that kapok fiber can be adapted for sorbent materials for oil spills.
Colonic Adenoma Risk in Familial Colorectal Cancer—A Study of Six Extended Kindreds

OBJECTIVES:Most colorectal cancers (CRCs) arise from adenomatous polyps, but the effects of CRC family history on adenoma risk are not well known. This issue is clinically relevant since several medical societies currently recommend earlier and more rigorous colorectal screening for individuals with a strong family history of CRC.METHODS:Colonoscopies were performed in 236 first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of 40 index CRC cases from six large kindreds selected from a large population database. The kindreds were selected for significantly greater risk of CRCs compared with the overall population. Known hereditary colon cancer syndromes were clinically and genetically excluded.RESULTS:Thirty-seven percent of relatives were found to have adenomas on colonoscopy. The average age of diagnosis for colon cancer was 63 yr and advanced adenomas 56 yr. Independent predictors of adenomatous polyps in the relatives were advancing age (P < 0.0001), male gender (P < 0.001), and greater degree of relation to CRC cases (P < 0.01). There was no significant predilection of colorectal tumors for the right or left colon. A higher degree of relationship to CRC cases was a significant predictor of having simple and advanced adenomas, but not hyperplastic polyps after adjustment for age and gender.CONCLUSIONS:These data support the current recommendations for colonoscopy starting before the age of 50 yr in individuals with a strong family history of CRC.
Effect of fibre, yarn and knitted fabric attributes associated with wool comfort properties

In this replicated experiment, we investigated the comfort properties of single jersey fabrics composed of cashmere in blends with superfine wools of different fibre curvature (crimp) where the fibre diameter of the wool and cashmere were tightly controlled. The 81 fabrics were evaluated using the Wool ComfortMeter (WCM) which has been calibrated using wearer trials of wool knitwear. General linear modelling determined the best prediction models for log10 transformed fabric WCM values using 27 fibre, 16 yarn and 30 fabric attributes. Tighter fabrics were less comfortable. Progressively blending cashmere with wool progressively increased comfort assessment. The WCM was able to detect differences between fabrics which were more supple and springy, thinner and lighter, and were composed of more elastic, uniform and stronger yarns. Together these attributes explained 82% of the variance in WCM value.
Syntenic Relationships between the U and M Genomes of Aegilops, Wheat and the Model Species Brachypodium and Rice as Revealed by COS Markers

Diploid Aegilops umbellulata and Ae. comosa and their natural allotetraploid hybrids Ae. biuncialis and Ae. geniculata are important wild gene sources for wheat. With the aim of assisting in alien gene transfer, this study provides gene-based conserved orthologous set (COS) markers for the U and M genome chromosomes. Out of the 140 markers tested on a series of wheat-Aegilops chromosome introgression lines and flow-sorted subgenomic chromosome fractions, 100 were assigned to Aegilops chromosomes and six and seven duplications were identified in the U and M genomes, respectively. The marker-specific EST sequences were BLAST-ed to Brachypodium and rice genomic sequences to investigate macrosyntenic relationships between the U and M genomes of Aegilops, wheat and the model species. Five syntenic regions of Brachypodium identified genome rearrangements differentiating the U genome from the M genome and from the D genome of wheat. All of them seem to have evolved at the diploid level and to have been modified differentially in the polyploid species Ae. biuncialis and Ae. geniculata. A certain level of wheat–Aegilops homology was detected for group 1, 2, 3 and 5 chromosomes, while a clearly rearranged structure was showed for the group 4, 6 and 7 Aegilops chromosomes relative to wheat. The conserved orthologous set markers assigned to Aegilops chromosomes promise to accelerate gene introgression by facilitating the identification of alien chromatin. The syntenic relationships between the Aegilops species, wheat and model species will facilitate the targeted development of new markers specific for U and M genomic regions and will contribute to the understanding of molecular processes related to allopolyploidization.
Second-generation surveillance for HIV/AIDS in Pakistan: results from the 4th round of Integrated Behavior and Biological Survey 2011–2012

Objectives In an effort to fully analyse and understand the HIV situation and its epidemiology in Pakistan, a bilateral collaboration between the National AIDS Control Program and the Canadian International Development Agency resulted in the establishment of an effective second-generation surveillance (SGS) system for HIV/AIDS between 2004 and 2012 in accordance with the published guidelines. This paper presents findings from the 4th round of SGS. Methods A mapping exercise was initially conducted for size estimations of the key vulnerable populations: people who inject drugs (PWIDs), male sex workers (MSWs), hijra sex workers (HSWs), and female sex workers (FSWs), followed by an Integrated Behavioral and Biological Surveillance in 20 selected cities across Pakistan. Results The estimated sizes of the four key populations mapped in the 20 cities were 89 178 FSWs, 46 351 PWIDs, 23 317 HSWs and 19 119 MSWs. The HIV sero-prevalence among PWIDs was the highest among all key populations surveyed at 37.8% (CI 37.3 to 38.3) nationally, followed by a prevalence of 7.2% (CI 6.8 to 7.5) among HSWs, 3.1% (CI 2.8 to 3.4) among MSWs and 0.8% (CI 0.4 to 1.0) for FSWs. Various key risk behaviours, that is, sharing of syringes by PWIDs and inconsistent use of condoms by sex workers, were documented. Conclusions Pakistan's HIV epidemic that once was characterised primarily by transmission among PWIDs is now increasingly characterised by significant sexual transmission, and all types of sex workers (male, hijra and female) exhibit epidemiological proportions of infection. There is a need to develop concrete strategic plans for each vulnerable subpopulation, initially focusing prevention resources on those with a higher risk or vulnerability.
[Prevalence and factors associated with practice of episiotomy at a maternity school in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil].

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and factors associated with episiotomy in a reference center of Pernambuco. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out from January to December 2006 with 495 women who had a normal delivery at the Maternity Center Monteiro de Moraes Integrated Health Amaury de Medeiros (CISAM) University of Pernambuco. Assessed factors were issues preceeding birth, characteristics of labor and perinatal outcome. To verify the association between predictors and performance of episiotomy the Chi square, Fisher's exact and Student's t tests were used as appropriate, with a a significance level of 5%. The prevalence ratio and confidence intervals were calculated at 95%, in addition to logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Prevalence of performing episiotomy was 29.1% (n = 144). After bivariate analysis, we found a significant association of episiotomy with adolescence (PR 1.74. 95% CI 1.33-2.28), age over 35 years (PR 0.35. 95% CI 0.14-0.90), primiparity (PR 4.73, 95% CI 3.33-6.71), absence of previous vaginal delivery (PR 5.44, 95% CI 3.67-8.06) and related diseases at the time of delivery (RP 1.71, 95% CI 1.30-2.25). There was no significant relation with gestational age at delivery, duration of labor over 6h and expulsion period of more than 30 minutes, use of misoprostol or oxytocin, abnormal fetal heart rate, presence of meconium, shift of completion of delivery (night or day), rate of Apgar score in 1 and 5 minutes and weight of the newborn. Presence of perineal lacerations was higher in the group not subject to episiotomy, however only 1st and 2nd degree lacerations were described. After logistic regression, the analyzed remaining factors associated with episiotomies were maternal diseases (RA 1.99, 95% CI 1.20-3.28) and absence of previous vaginal delivery (9.85 RA, 95% CI 6.04-16.06). CONCLUSION Prevalence of episiotomies in the institution was 29%. Variables that remained related to episiotomy were maternal diseases and absence of previous vaginal delivery.
Massive, Life-Threatening Bleeding in Crohn’s Disease

Abstract Background: Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare complication in Crohn’s disease (CD). Materials and methods: We characterized the clinical features and course of such bleeding in six of 156 patients with CD, treated between 1985 and 2003 at our institution. The data on the patients were gathered through retrospective data analysis. Results: The six patients discussed here consisted of three males and three females, ranging in age from 17 to 42 years. Three patients were known to have CD, whereas three presented with acute bleeding, as the initial symptom of CD. There were 11 separate episodes of severe hemorrhage: three patients bled only once, two bled twice, and one bled four times. The precise bleeding site was correctly identified in four of eleven episodes: twice by colonoscopy and twice by angiography. Primary bleeding episodes subsided without surgery in four of six patients, but three of these four patients re-bled massively, and surgery followed in two of these cases. An emergency surgery was necessary to stop the hemorrhage in four patients; two of them underwent surgery during their first haemorrhagic episodes, and two patients underwent surgery during a repeated episode of hemorrhage. As a consequence, one ileectomy and three ileocolectomies had to be performed. During follow-up of the resected patients, no recurrence of haemorrhagic or non-haemorrhagic CD was observed in three patients two, five, and six years after surgery and only one patient required further therapy three years after surgery for recurrent bleeding. For this, super selective embolization of the periphery branch of the superior mesen-teric artery was used. Two non-resected patients are doing well in a course of remission. Conclusion: A conservative approach may be suggested as first-line therapy, but surgery is inevitable in patients suffering from massive bleeding and in patients with recurrent bleeding.
Hypertension, angiotensin II, and oxidative stress.

Renovascular hypertension is a potentially curable form of secondary hypertension generally due to either atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia of one or both renal arteries.1,2 The critical element promoting hypertension in this disorder is reduced arterial perfusion to one or both kidneys,1 leading to increased production of renin, which elevates circulating angiotensin II levels.1,2 The resultant high-renin hypertensive state is associated with moderate-to-severe elevation of blood pressure, with an attendant high risk of cardiovascular disease and progressive loss of renal function in the flow-deprived kidney.1 Treatment of renovascular hypertension with angioplasty, stenting, or surgery affords an opportunity to reduce .
On the discount sum of Bernoulli random variables

Let {~,,},~1 be i.i. d. Bernoulli randoln variables. For 1⁄2</ ,<1, let X ~. ~i~1//',;, bc ,he discount sum and let ¢l/, be the distribution measure. It is known that if p ~ is a P.V. nmnber. then I~:, is continuously singular. In this paper we use a Markov chain technique to obtain ! he precise L:-dimension of such measures. In particular for O {,/'5 1)/'2, we use a device of Strichartz et al. and the renewal equation to derive a formula for the L:'-dimension and :he entropy dimension of the corresponding /~/,. @ 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.