Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term Results of the Risk-adapted Treatment for Childhood B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Report From the Japan Association of Childhood Leukemia Study ALL-97 Trial

Purpose: This study was conducted as the first clinical trial by Japan Association of Childhood Leukemia Study to improve the outcome of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and explore a less toxic reinduction block. Patients and Methods: From 1997 to 2002, 563 patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged 1 to 15 years were enrolled. The patients were assigned into 4 risk groups (standard, intermediate, high, or extremely high risk) and treated with regimens intensified according to the risk. Two randomized trials were conducted to compare 2 regimens with and without a 3-week reinduction therapy in the standard-risk group, and to compare the efficacy of pirarubicin with daunorubicin in the intermediate-risk and high-risk groups. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was restricted in patients with high or extremely high risk. Results: The event-free survival (EFS) rate at 10 years for all patients was 77.0%. Those in the standard-risk to extremely high-risk groups were 79.3%, 72.5%, 71.7%, and 66.3%, respectively. The 15-week induction/consolidation not followed by reinduction produced 76.4% of the EFS at 10 years comparable with the regimen with reinduction therapy. Pirarubicin at 25 mg/m2 administered 11 times throughout the treatment produced the EFS comparable with daunorubicin at 30 mg/m2. Conclusion: The trial produced high survival rates in NCI-HR patients, although the outcomes in NCI-SR patients were not satisfactory possibly due to less intensive central nervous system–directed therapy.
Job Satisfaction among Secondary School Teachers : Emotional Intelligence , Occupational Stress and Self-Efficacy as Predictors Moyosola

In recent years, job satisfaction among Nigerian workers has assumed great importance in the literature on counselling and educational psychology. However, few studies have examined the influence of psychological factors on job satisfaction among secondary school teachers. Thus, this research aims to examine the contributions of emotional intelligence, occupational stress and self-efficacy to job satisfaction secondary school teachers. The correlational type of descriptive research design was used for the study. Four hundred teachers constituted the sample of the study. Four standardized instruments were used to measure both the independent and dependent variables. Two research questions were answered in the study. Through multiple regression analysis the researchers found that emotional intelligence, occupational stress and self-efficacy jointly predicted job satisfaction. Further analysis indicates that emotional intelligence is more important than self-efficacy while occupational stress did not predict job satisfaction among teachers. These results are discussed and counselling and educational psychologists are challenged to assume more responsibility and active role in enhancing emotional intelligence and self-efficacy among secondary school teacher. It is further recommended that counselling, educational psychologist and school administrators should equip teachers with necessary stress management skills.
Lunasensor, Infradian Rhythms, Telomeres, and the Chronomere Program of Aging

According to the redusome hypothesis, the aging of an organism is determined by the shortening of chronomeres (small perichromosomal linear DNA molecules). In this paper, a presumptive role for infradian hormonal rhythms is considered. Endogenous infradian rhythms are supposed to actively interact with those hormonal shifts which are governed by an exogenous infradian gravitational lunar rhythm. As a result of this interaction, the so‐called T‐rhythm is formed. Peaks of T‐rhythms are used as the pacemaker signals to keep the life‐long “clockwork” of the brain running. The “ticking” of this clock is realized by the periodically repeated shortening of chronomeres in postmitotic neuroendocrine cells, which occurs just at the maxima of T‐rhythms. Shortening of telomeres in mitotic cells in vivo is a witness of the aging of the organism, but not the cause of aging. The primary cause of aging is shortening of chronomeres, the material carriers of a temporal program of development and aging. To recognize exogenous gravitational infradian rhythms, a special physiological system—the “lunasensor” system—evolved. It is assumed that it is a necessity to have a lunasensor as a particular variant of sensors of gravitation.
Progesterone Receptor Synthesis in Human Meningiomas: Relation to the Estrogen-Induced Proteins pS2 and Cathepsin-D and Influence of Epidermal Growth Factor, Forskolin and Phorbol Ester in vitro

Autonomous expression of progesterone receptors (PR) in human meningiomas is well established. To evaluate whether, similar to progesterone receptors, other estrogen-inducible proteins are also autonomously expressed in meningiomas, concentrations of pS2 and cathepsin-D (Cath-D) were measured in 52 meningiomas. No pS2 protein was detectable in 52/52 tested meningiomas. The Cath-D protein was measurable in all 52 meningiomas, but the mean concentration of Cath-D in meningioma cytosols was 2.4-fold lower than that of a group of 54 breast tumors (p < 0.001). These results indicate that autonomous expression is a PR-related rather than an estrogen receptor-related phenomenon and, consequently, that estradiol is probably not responsible for PR synthesis in human meningiomas. To evaluate the role of other, non-estradiol-dependent signalling pathways in PR synthesis, the effects of EGF, Forskolin and phorbol ester on PR synthesis were tested in vitro. No PR was detectable after the addition of EGF to six different primary cultures. Forskolin and TPA addition caused a morphological change in meningioma cells, but did not induce PR or pS2 synthesis in two different primary meningioma cultures. We conclude that PR synthesis in human meningiomas cannot be triggered by switching on the signalling pathways activated by these growth factors.
Optimizing a Battery Energy Storage System for Frequency Control Application in an Isolated Power System

This paper presents a method for optimal sizing and operation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) used for spinning reserve in a small isolated power system. Numerical simulations are performed on a load-frequency control (LFC) dynamic simulator of the isolated network. A novel control algorithm using adjustable state of charge limits is implemented and tested on a BESS dynamic model. An optimal sizing procedure of the BESS is developed for an isolated power system in order to achieve highest expected profitability of the device. The BESS can increase significantly the power system stability, the grid security, and the planning flexibility for a small isolated power system with low grid inertia. Meanwhile, it fulfills the frequency control requirements with a high expected economic profitability.
Poor outcome of adenovirus infections in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients with sustained adenovirus viremia

H. Omar, Z. Yun, I. Lewensohn‐Fuchs, L. Pérez‐ Bercoff, C. Örvell, L. Engström, G. ‐K. Vuong, P. Ljungman. Poor outcome of adenovirus infections in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients with sustained adenovirus viremia. Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 465–469. All rights reserved
Health and nutrition of plantation eucalypts in Asia

Understanding site fertility constraints has lifted productivity of eucalypt plantations in East and South-east Asia through targeted application of inorganic fertilisers. Whilst most attention has been given to the supply of nitrogen and phosphorus in silvicultural prescriptions, and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi is being undertaken by some companies, more attention is required to diagnose and correct micronutrient disorders. For example, the incidence of boron deficiency remains a concern across the region affecting tree growth, tree form, fibre quality and possibly the extent of damage from some eucalypt pathogens. As even mild deficiencies of micronutrients such as copper, boron and manganese can alter the phenol pathway, limitations in the uptake of these elements have implications for tree defence against some fungal pathogens. Due to the high humidity and temperatures throughout the year, fungal leaf diseases such as Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum have had a huge impact on the eucalypt plantation industry in South-east Asia. Often poor nutrition seems to be an underlying cause in disease susceptibility. However, in spite of the size of the eucalypt plantation sector, there is not an integrated understanding of biotic and abiotic causes and their interactions by the industry. Furthermore, the emergence of new eucalypt pathogens such as Kirramyces destructans and their rapid spread threatens the viability of plantations unless selection of resistant clones and breeding for resistance can keep up with the incursion of new and invasive eucalypt pathogens. In a number of countries, there is low genetic diversity in eucalypt plantations and breeding programs are yet to embrace screening for disease resistance. The challenge to a successful eucalypt plantation industry in Asia is to optimise genetics and nutrition in order to produce trees with the greatest chance of overcoming pest and disease threats.
Temperature correlations of quantum spins.

We consider the isotropic XY model in a transverse magnetic field in one dimension. One can alternatively call this model the Heisenberg XXO antiferromagnet. We solve the problem of the evaluation of asymptotics of temperature correlations and explain the physical meaning of our result. To do this we represent the quantum correlation function as a tau function of a completely integrable differential equation. This is the well-known Ablowitz-Ladik lattice nonlinear Schr\"odinger differential equation.
Surface modification of poly(lactic acid) nanospheres using hydrophobically modified dextrans as stabilizers in an o/w emulsion/evaporation technique.

Sterically stabilized biocompatible poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanospheres were prepared by an o/w emulsion/evaporation technique, using hydrophobically modified dextrans (DexP) as the emulsion stabilizer. Photon correlation spectroscopy, zetametry, and differential scanning calorimetry studies corroborated that interfacial adhesion between immiscible dextran and PLA chains was achieved by compatibilization of polymer segments via hydrophobic groups grafted onto dextran and thus leading to the formation of entanglements between the hydrophobic dextran parts and the PLA matrix. The presence of dextran exposed at the particle surface was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and by the fact that the suspensions showed an increased stability in concentrated NaCl solutions and a reduction of bovine serum albumin adsorption compared to uncoated PLA nanoparticles. A comparison of the characteristics of PLA nanospheres DexP-coated via the emulsion procedure (NS(em)) with those of PLA particles coated by DexP adsorption (NS(ad)) suggests that the conformation of the polymer in the superficial layers may be different. However, both DexP layers behave similarly in terms of stability and protein adsorption.
Is adult height related to the risk of having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Background A number of historical studies have suggested that early life deprivation increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult life, but whether this is still true now that living conditions have improved is not known. The aim of this study is to quantify the current association between adult height (a marker of socioeconomic status in early life) and COPD and to determine how this varies by age. Methods We obtained data on 1 204 110 people (aged over 35 years old) from The Health Improvement Network—a general practice database. We used a cross-sectional analysis to quantify the odds of having doctor-diagnosed COPD in relation to height using logistic regression. Results In our dataset, we had information on adult height for 1 025 662 (85%) people, and of these 2.7% had a diagnosis of COPD. The risk of having COPD decreased with each increase in quintile of height—OR 0.90 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.91). There was evidence of effect modification by age group such that this association was strongest in people aged 35 to 49 years (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.89) and decreased progressively with age. Conclusions The risk of developing COPD is still strongly associated with adult height. This association is strongest in the youngest age category, suggesting that early life experience will remain an important risk factor for COPD for some time to come and possibly that COPD related to early life deprivation is more severe and tends to present at a younger age.
Premenstrual Syndrome A Naturopathic Approach

Introduction You may have witnessed it either on TV or in reality: an emotionally labile woman, frantically scrounging for a tub of ice cream or chocolate, snapping at any provoking comment regarding her behaviour around “that time of the month. ” Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a term that is often humorously thrown around to refer to a woman going through what may seem like exaggerated but natural hormonal fluxes leading up to menstruation. On the contrary, PMS is an actual cyclic disorder that is not experienced by all women, but affects a large population of young and middle-aged women. It is characterized by a complex interplay of physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. [1] It has been estimated that 70–90% of women of childbearing age experience PMS, and in 20–40% of these women, the symptoms are severe. [2] Although the cause of PMS is largely unknown, research has emerged demonstrating that neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and genetic factors may be involved.
Fostering individual learning

In this paper we describe an instructional tactic that promotes individual learning. The tactic was developed to cope with the relatively high IS students' failing rate and to support the development of effective learning habits (to be used in collaboration contexts as well). The learning process is based on a unique individual assignments design for a Computer Organization and Programming course. The accompanying study revealed encouraging quantitative and qualitative results. Overall student's failing rate decreased by 59% and an increase in students' motivation and learning accountability was observed. We conclude with a discussion regarding the results and their implications.
Recursive Algorithm for Reliability Evaluation of Non-Repairable Phased Mission Systems With Binary Elements

Many practical systems are phased-mission systems (PMS), where the mission consists of multiple, consecutive, and non-overlapping phases of operation. An accurate reliability analysis of a PMS must consider the statistical dependencies of component states across phases, as well as dynamics in system configurations, success criteria, and component behavior. In this paper, we propose a method for exact reliability evaluation of arbitrary binary or multi-state PMS consisting of non-identical binary non-repairable elements. The method is invariant to changes in system structure and demand among missions, and takes into account the time-varying and phase-dependent failure rates and associated cumulative damage effects. The proposed method is based on conditional probabilities, and an efficient recursive formula to compute these probabilities based on branch and bound. The main advantage of this method is that it does not require composition of decision diagrams, and can be fully automated. The method is illustrated using both an analytical example, and a numerical example.
A twin study of anxiety and conflict . 2 Anxiety and conduct problems are common areas of difficulty in child psychopathology

Anxiety and conduct problems covary, yet studies have not explored the genetic and environmental origins of this association.We analyzed parent-reported anxiety and conduct problems in 6,783 pairs of twins at 2-, 3-, and 4-years of age. As anxiety and conduct problems were fairly stable across the three ages (average 1-year correlation was .53), ratings from all three were combined. The aggregate anxiety and conduct ratings correlated . 33 for boys and . 30 for girls. Bivariate genetic analyses indicated fairly low genetic correlations (.31 for boys, .16 for girls), and high shared environmental correlations (1.0 for boys and 0.99 for girls) between anxiety and conduct problems. Most of the phenotypic correlation was accounted for by shared environmental mediation (65% for boys and 94% for girls), indicating that many of the same family environmental factors are responsible for the development of both anxiety and conduct problems.
Simple Labor Income Tax Systems with Endogenous Employment Contracts

We use firm's endogenous contractual response to help implement the constrained first best through a simple yet powerful progressive labor income tax system. In our model, workers privately experience both a persistent ability shock and many transient productivity shocks during their life cycles. The optimal tax system is anonymous and time-invariant, but it achieves two goals. First, it directly redistributes the life-cycle income across workers of different ability types. Second, it indirectly induces firms to insure workers against transient shocks with efficiency wage contracts.
Radiation effects studies on thin film TiO2 memristor devices

Memristor devices have been identified as potential replacements for a variety of memory applications and may also be suitable for space applications. In this work, we present a review of radiation testing on TiO2-based memristor devices. The experimental results from three previous studies are reviewed and coupled here with modeling to gain a more complete understanding of the energy deposition and resulting effects on the electrical performance of the device. In addition, we discuss the implications of having a nanometer scaled thin film device and how that affects the energy deposition from the various radiation sources.
The role of religion in youth exposed to disasters in Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT Little research is available on the role of religious coping among youth exposed to disasters. This study examined the role of general and religious coping in a sample of 669 Sri Lankan Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian youth (mean age = 14). Youth completed a survey with measures of exposure to disaster-related stressors, psychological and psychosocial functioning, and general and religious coping. Exposure to stressors was the most consistent predictor of negative outcomes, while approach-related coping predicted better outcomes for Buddhist and Hindu youth. Religious coping was the highest reported type of coping for all four religious groups, but was not significantly associated with any of the measured outcomes. The results suggest that Sri Lankan youth of different religious backgrounds are probably more similar than different in the ways they cope with adversity.
Biochemical effects of leaf extracts of Gongronema latifolium and selenium supplementation in alloxan induced diabetic rats

This study evaluated the effect of selenium and extracts of Gongronema latifolium on some biochemical parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Forty male albino rats equally divided into eight experimental groups were used. Two groups served as normal and diabetic control and received placebo treatment. Four diabetic test groups were treated with G. latifolium extract, glibenclamide, combination of G. latifolium extract and selenium, and selenium, respectively. Two non-diabetic test groups were treated with G. latifolium extracts and selenium, respectively. Treatment lasted for 28 days after which the rats were sacrificed and blood collected for biochemical evaluation. Variations in animal weights were also measured within the period of study. The results showed that treatment with combination of G. latifolium extract and selenium significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the weight, aspartate transaminase activity and glucose levels and increased superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione-Stransferase activity, albumin and protein levels. Treatment with selenium alone significantly increased catalase activity. There were no significant differences in alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lipid peroxidation.
An autopsy case of spinal muscular atrophy type III (Kugelberg‐Welander disease)

We report an autopsy case of a 67‐year‐old man clinicogenetically diagnosed as having spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III (Kugelberg‐Welander disease), showing slowly progressive muscle wasting and weakness of the extremities. His brother showed similar manifestations. Autopsy revealed neuronal loss and severe gliosis in the anterior horns of the spinal cord, a marked neurogenic change of skeletal muscles and mild degeneration of cardiomyocytes. Chromatolytic change was seen in the anterior horn, but not in the Clarke's and thalamic nuclei. The anterior spinal roots were atrophic, and there was loss of myelinated fibers with abundant glial bundles. In addition, degeneration was also observed in the posterior column and dentate nucleus. The pathological features were essentially similar to those of SMA I. Chronic change was prominent while acute change was mild in degree, corresponding to a very long clinical course.
Sickle cell disease: continuous arterial spin-labeling perfusion MR imaging in children.

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured with continuous arterial spin-labeling perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in 14 children with sickle cell disease and seven control subjects. Mean CBF values were higher in patients (P <.005) than in control subjects in all cerebral artery territories. Three patients had decreased CBF in right anterior and middle cerebral artery territories compared with CBF on the left, and one patient had a profound decrease in CBF in all three territories in the right hemisphere. Baseline CBF was significantly decreased in territories seen as unaffected on conventional MR images and MR angiograms in four children with sickle cell disease.
The Utilization of Soybean Straw. I. Fiber Morphology and Chemical Characteristics

To improve basic knowledge of the properties of soybean straw, its fiber properties, anatomical structure, and components were investigated in detail. Soybean straw contains less ash and silica than some non-woody biomass. Its stem and root have more lignin and holocellulose, but less nitrogen and protein contents than the pod. Additionally, it has much shorter and wider fibers, and the length-width ratio is also lower than other crop straws. Morphologically, there are three main tissues---the ground tissue, the vascular tissue, and the dermal tissue systems in the stem, and two different morphology portions – the intimal layer and the leathery layer – in the longitudinal-section of the pod. A variety of inorganic and metal elements are distributed across the whole stem or pod in different amounts. Lastly, the planetary ball-milled stem and pod are completely dissolved in 8% lithium chloride/dimethyl sulfoxide (LiCl/DMSO) solution. After regeneration, the lignin has the highest retention, followed by silica and sugars, but most of the ash can be removed in this process.