Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of Lithium CPS Based Limiters for Realization of a Concept of Closed Lithium Circulation Loop in Tokamak

Cooling of tokamak boundary plasma owing to radiation of non-fully stripped lithium ions is considered as a promising way for protection of plasma facing elements (PFE) in tokamak. It may be effectively realized when the main part of lithium ions are involved in the closed circuit of migration between plasma and PFE surface. Such an approach may be implemented with the use of lithium device whose hot (500–600 °C) area to be effected by plasma serves as a Li-emitter and the cold part (~180 °C) as a Li-collector in the shadow. Capillary-pore system (CPS) provides the returning of collected and condensed lithium to emitting zone by capillary forces. The main goals of the last T-11M lithium experiments were investigating Li ions transport in the tokamak scrape of layer (SOL) and their collecting by different kinds of limiters. The design of devices based on lithium CPS with different ratio of emitting/collecting area is the main subject of this paper. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) .
Epigenetic Inactivation of IκB Kinase-α in Oral Carcinomas and Tumor Progression

Purpose: The loss of epithelial phenotypes in the process of carcinoma progression correlates with clinical outcome, and genetic/epigenetic changes accumulate aggressive clones toward uncurable disease. IκB kinase-α (IKKα) has a decisive role in the development of the skin and establishes keratinocyte phenotypes. We assessed clinical implications of IKKα expression in oral carcinomas and epigenetic aberrations for the loss of expression. Experimental Design: We examined IKKα expression in oral carcinomas by immunostaining (n = 64) and genetic instability by microsatellite PCR (n = 46). Promoter methylation status was analyzed by bisulfite-modified sequence (n = 11). Results: IKKα was expressed in the nucleus of basal cells of normal oral epithelium, but not or marginally detected in 32.8% of carcinomas. The immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in less differentiated carcinomas (P < 0.05) and correlated to long-term survival of patients (P < 0.01) with an independent prognostic value (P < 0.05). Although allelic/biallelic loss of the gene was limited to four cases, we detected microsatellite instability in 63.0% cases in which the immunoreactivities were decreased and the promoter was hypermethylated. Conclusion: These results showed that oral carcinomas exhibiting genetic instability and promoter hypermethylation down-regulate expression of IKK and suggest that the epigenetic loss of the expression closely associates with disease progression toward unfavorable prognosis.
Bio-inspired Approach to Time Synchronization in Multi-Agent System

Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) are very dynamic since agents are entering and leaving system frequently. In those systems self-organization without centralized control is crucial for efficient system operations, such as time synchronization. To accomplish self-organized time synchronization in MAS, bio-inspired approach observed in flashing fireflies, is used. Fireflies are known to emit flashes at regular intervals when isolated, while in the group their pulses converge upon the same rhythm until they synchronize. This paper investigates the influence of topology and metric on the synchronization.
Otitis Media and Caregiver Quality of Life : Psychometric Properties of the Modified Danish Version of

Objective. Otitis media in children may have a considerable impact on caregiver quality of life. The disease-specific Caregiver Impact Questionnaire is designed to assess caregiver quality of life in relation to child otitis media. Assessment of the psychometric properties of this instrument is limited. This study assesses the psychometric properties of this instrument including validity, reproducibility, responsiveness, and interpretability. Study Design. Longitudinal validation study. Setting. Secondary care units. Methods. Analyses were based on data from 435 families. Validity was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, and hypothesis testing. Test–retest reliability and measures of smallest detectable change were investigated in the assessment of reproducibility. Responsiveness was investigated by means of hypothesis testing and receiver operating characteristic analysis. An anchor-based distribution method was applied for determining minimal important change as perceived by the respondent. Results. Factor analysis confirmed the hypothesized 1factor structure with an acceptable fit. Cronbach’s alpha was . 90. In the analysis of construct validity, 88.9% of the hypothesized correlations were correctly predicted. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.87 and smallest detectable change corresponded to approximately onefourth of the scale. Responsiveness was found to be good and a change score of 13.8 represented minimal important change. Conclusion. The modified Danish version of the Caregiver Impact Questionnaire is a valid and reproducible measurement tool that is also sensitive to measuring change in the current setting. A change score representing minimal important change as perceived by the respondent is proposed. Results of this study support the use of this instrument.
A Deep Learning-based Model for Phase Unwrapping

Phase unwrapping is an important problem in several applications that attempts to restore original phase from wrapped phase. In this paper, we propose a novel phase unwrapping model based on the deep convolutional neural network by formulating the phase unwrapping as a semantic segmentation problem. The proposed architecture consists of a convolutional encoder network and corresponding decoder network followed by a pixel-wise classification layer. One of the critical challenges in DCNN is availability of large set of labeled training data. This issue is effectively circumvented for the proposed framework through a generic simulation procedure that automatically generates large labeled data. Results from the proposed method are compared with widely used quality-guided phase unwrapping algorithm for various SNR values. It is found that the proposed method is performing well both in terms of accuracy and computational time, even in the presence strong noise. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that uses convolutional neural network for phase unwrapping, and this will hopefully pave the way to a new class of techniques for unwrapping the phase.
Date of acceptance : 01 / 07 / 2019 Embargo release date : 01 / 07 / 2020 Alcohol , Empathy , and Morality : Acute effects of alcohol consumption on affective empathy and moral decision-making

Hypothetical moral dilemmas, pitting characteristically utilitarian and non-utilitarian outcomes against each other, have played a central role in investigations of moral decision-making. Preferences for utilitarian over nonutilitarian responses have been explained by two contrasting hypotheses; one implicating increased deliberative reasoning, and the other implicating diminished harm aversion. In recent field experiments, these hypotheses have been investigated using alcohol intoxication to impair both social and cognitive functioning. These studies have found increased utilitarian responding, arguably as a result of alcohol impairing affective empathy. The present research expands existing investigations by examining the acute effects of alcohol on affective empathy and subsequent moral judgments in traditional vignettes and moral actions in virtual reality, as well as physiological responses in moral dilemmas. Participants (N = 48) were administered either a placebo or alcohol in one of two dosages; low or moderate. Higher dosages of alcohol consumption resulted in inappropriate empathic responses to facial displays of emotion, mirroring responses of individuals high in trait psychopathy, but empathy for pain was unaffected. While affective empathy was influenced by alcohol consumption in a facial responding task, both moral judgments and moral actions were unaffected, suggesting that facets, beyond or in addition to deficits in affective empathy, might influence the relationship between alcohol consumption and utilitarian endorsements.
Pyrolysis modeling, sensitivity analysis, and optimization techniques for combustible materials: A review

Over the past years, pyrolysis models have moved from thermal models to comprehensive models with great flexibility including multi-step decomposition reactions. However, the downside is the need for a complete set of input data such as the material properties and the parameters related to the decomposition kinetics. Some of the parameters are not directly measurable or are difficult to determine and they carry a certain degree of uncertainty at high temperatures especially for materials that can melt, shrink, or swell. One can obtain input parameters by searching through the literature; however, certain materials may have the same nomenclature but the material properties may vary depending on the manufacturer, thereby inducing uncertainties in the model. Modelers have resorted to the use of optimization techniques such as gradient-based and direct search methods to estimate input parameters from experimental bench-scale data. As an integral part of the model, a sensitivity study allows to identify the role of each input parameter on the outputs. This work presents an overview of pyrolysis modeling, sensitivity analysis, and optimization techniques used to predict the fire behavior of combustible solids when exposed to an external heat flux.
Spatial Organization and Location Choices of Marine Firm: A Value Chain Based Analysis

ABSTRACT Dai, W. and Zhong, Q. , 2019. Spatial Organization and Location Choices of Marine Firm: A Value Chain Based Analysis. In: Gong, D. ; Zhu, H. , and Liu, R. (eds.), Selected Topics in Coastal Research: Engineering, Industry, Economy, and Sustainable Development. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 94, pp. 653–658. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This paper explores the impact of external agglomerations and internal agglomerations based on geographically bounded on marine firms' location strategies. This paper considers all activities in the value chain and allows location choices to vary by research and development, manufacturing and sales, and using data from Longitudinal Business Database and corporate research, the location decision of a newly established maritime logistics company in a country from 1999 to 2009 is analyzed. Empirical analysis indicates that, one side, the utility brought by the industries location increases with the improvement of the accessibility to the port, to the raw material suppliers and to the product markets, but declines with the rise in the land price and the labor cost. On the other side, the demand of the proximity to port is driven by the desire to decline the transport cost, demonstrating in the reduction of the transport cost for raw materials and products by shipping and moving nearer to the places which have great demand for the products.
Clinical Study of Squamous Cell Carcinoma as a Result of a Fissured Epulis in Upper Total Edentulous Patient: A Case Report

Introduction: The fissured epulis is a reactive tissue growth that develops underneath a dental prosthesis. Its etiology is related to removable of partial or total dentures and other irritative or traumatic factors. Oral cancer (CAB) is a malignant neoplasm of aggressive behavior, and it has become one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Currently, squamous cell carcinoma is considered a disease with a high mortality rate. This article aims to describe the clinical management of a squamous cell carcinoma, as a result of a fissured epulis in upper total edentulous patient. Case Report: A female patient, 58 years of age, with no systemic or family history, went for a lower removable prosthesis. The clinical examination in the maxilla presented an enlargement of soft tissue in the bottom of the vestibule on the left side, asymptomatic, compatible with a fissured epulis. Two surgical procedures were performed to remove the pathology and a sample was taken to perform a biopsy, which resulted in a squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was referred to a center specialized in cancer treatments (Society for the Fight Against Cancer) where she currently is receiving the attention of the case. Conclusions: The lack of knowledge of this injury on the part of the patient, and the lack of symptomatology, absence of periodic controls, maladjustment, and incorrect prosthetic design were the risk factors that triggered the injury.
In-house-developed phantoms for organ dose measurements using bovine tissues: A comparison study with CT-Expo simulation software

Background: Estimating organ dose from computed tomography (CT) procedures is still ongoing. The aim is to reduce induced cancer risk associated with over dose. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to estimate organ dose using CT-Expo software, to compare obtained values with thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) measurements from validated in-house phantoms, and to compare the CT-Expo results with other related studies. Materials and Methods: Four CT diagnostic centers denoted as A, B, C, and D were randomly selected for this study. A CT-Expo software (version 2.5 Germany) was used. A preliminary study was carried out to determine organ dose from the in-house phantoms using bovine tissues. The CT dose parameters used with the in-house phantoms were retrieved from the CT monitor and were used with CT-Expo worksheet to estimate organ dose as well. Results: The CT-Expo mean organ dose to the brain, eye lens, esophagus, and thyroid were 29.05 ± 10.78, 35.65 ± 15.1, 12.45 ± 10.13, and 4.25 ± 2.78 mGy, respectively; to the heart and lungs were 13.08 ± 9.84 and 11.5 ± 7.26 mGy, respectively; and to the liver, stomach, and kidney were 14.42 ± 9.07, 12.78 ± 7.97, and 11.73 ± 7.92 mGy, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the TLD measurements and CT-Expo (P = 0.361). The relative difference between CT-Expo and TLD measurements for brain, eye lens, heart, lungs, kidney, liver, and stomach were ≤21%. Investigated organ doses from the software were between 4.25 and 35.65 mGy. There was no difference in mean organ dose when compared to the studies in Thailand, Tanzania, Japan, USA (cadavers 1 and 2), and Nigeria. Conclusion: Large percentage differences were noticed in the thyroid and esophagus which was as a result of the software not recognizing them as organs in the head/neck but rather as organs in the chest; however, there was no difference in organ dose between the CT-Expo and TLD measurement from the in-house-validated phantom.
Gene expression analysis of retinoblastoma tissues with clinico-histopathologic correlation

Purpose: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intraocular malignant tumor, which is not only unique but also has unraveled many novel aspects of tumor-suppressor genes. Genetic mutations of Rb, loss of phosphorylation, and many other factors resulted in uncontrolled cell division of the retinal cells resulting in tumor progression. In this study, we have analyzed the gene expression patterns of unilateral tumors (n = 11) in comparison to the normal-appearing retina (n = 2) from Rb patients who underwent enucleation for advanced Rb. With recent advances in the knowledge of the role of stem cells in these tumors, it is important to evaluate and understand the self-renewal signaling involved in these tumors. Here, in this study, we particularly aimed at evaluating the aberrant self-renewal signaling pathways in human Rb tumors and genes which show differential expression in cases with and without histologic risk factors (HRF). Materials and Methods: Freshly unfixed eyeballs (n = 11) were obtained. Normal-appearing retinas were pooled together (n = 2) and used as a control for microarray experiments. Total RNA was isolated from tumors and control tissues, and expression of genes was evaluated by hybridizing to expression arrays. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the results, thus, obtained were validated (for expression of N-Myc, HMGA2, LIN-28b, and Activin receptor 1C [ACVR1C]) in tissues compared to two control retinas latter obtained from enucleated Rb eyeballs without tumor. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done on retrospective (n = 19) cases to confirm the expression of ACVR1C. Results: In Rb tumors, 5593 genes were upregulated and 4864 genes were downregulated (P ≤ 0.05 and fold change ≥1.5 folds). Changes in N-Myc, HMGA2, LIN28b, and ACVR1C expression detected by microarray were validated by real-time PCR. The analysis shows significant up-regulation of HMGA2 and its downstream regulator LIN-28b, which is involved in self-renewal pathway of fetal neural stem cells. ACVR1C is one of the markers, which shows differential expression between histological subtypes of tumors as evident in IHC. CBLB (P ≤ 0.05) and MAPK 8 (P ≤ 0.05) were shown to be highly upregulated in tumors without HRF compared to cases with HRF. Conclusions: This study showed up-regulation of genes involved in neural stem cell self-renewal and marginally in notch signaling. While other stem cell pathways such as Wnt and sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathways were upregulated in these tumors. Targeting these self-renewal pathways would aid in eliminating the resistant cells in this tumor and thus may help in treating the recurrence. Genes such as CBLB, MAPK 8, and ACVR1C can be used as potential biomarkers in this tumor to prognosticate cases with or without HRFs and differentiation of the tumors.
The Benefits and Risks of Statin Therapy in Ischemic Stroke: A Review of the Literature

Statins are effective cholesterol-lowering drugs for reducing the risks of mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases. Increasing evidence has shown that statin use is associated with a significant beneficial effect in patients with ischemic stroke. Both pre-stroke and post-stroke statin use has been found to be beneficial in ischemic stroke. Furthermore, good adherence is associated with a better clinical outcome, and statin withdrawal is associated with a poor functional outcome in patients with ischemic stroke. High-intensity statin therapy is advocated for the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, there are concerns regarding the adverse effects associated with statin use in ischemic stroke such as intracranial hemorrhage. In this review, we summarize the beneficial effect of statin use in ischemic stroke and discuss the potential risks associated with statin therapy.
Epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer: A primer on contemporary management

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes 85% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. In metastatic cases, its treatment classically consists of systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy, which resulted in a median overall survival of 7.9 months. However, over the last decade, improved understanding of driver mutations, especially identification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, has changed the treatment landscape of these patients. Our understanding of EGFR mutations has improved tremendously, and we now have three generations of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have identified secondary resistance mutations, and have developed agents targeting these resistance mutations, making precision medicine a reality. We review these developments and try to propose an optimal approach toward the management of these patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
Medical student well-being and lifelong learning: A motivational perspective

Background: Medical school poses many pressures and challenges for individuals aspiring to health careers. Only some students, however, experience high stress and exhaustion, whereas others adaptively respond to schooling demands and engage in lifelong learning practices. By drawing on three motivation theories – self-determination theory, self-theories of ability, and achievement goal theory – this study examined the relations among motivational constructs, stress, exhaustion, and lifelong learning in medical students. Methods: All medical students in a 4-year program were invited to complete a questionnaire containing measures of psychological need satisfaction, self-theories of ability, achievement goals, stress, exhaustion, lifelong learning, and background characteristics. Using structural equation modeling, we tested a structural model that combined the three motivation theories to explain stress, exhaustion, and lifelong learning in medical students. Results: A total of 267 medical students participated in the study (response rate 42%). The results largely confirmed the hypothesized relations, revealing that unmet psychological needs and a fixed mind-set were associated with maladaptive cognitions (i.e., the pursuit of avoidance goals) and psychological distress (i.e., high stress and exhaustion). In contrast, psychological need satisfaction and a growth mind-set had distinct pathways to beneficial cognitions (i.e., mastery approach goals) and lifelong learning practices in medical students. Discussion: Adaptive motivations, cultivated through personal and environmental factors, may help to protect medical students from psychological distress and enhance their growth as lifelong learners. Understanding the mechanisms and pathways to desirable and undesirable outcomes in medical students is critical for creating learning environments that will serve these students well.
Endoscopic versus Microscopic Pituitary Adenoma Surgery: A Single-center Study

Background: Transsphenoidal approach became the gold standard in the surgical treatment of pituitary adenomas in the past years, but the comparative efficacy of microscopic and endoscopic transnasal surgery has not been fully studied. Aims: To compare the microscopic and endoscopic transnasal approaches for the treatment of pituitary adenomas. Settings and Design: A retrospective analysis was performed, comparing adult patients with pituitary adenomas who had undergone transnasal microscopic surgery between January 2006 and December 2014 with the patients operated on with endoscopic surgery between March 2011 and December 2014 at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Material and Methods: Imaging, hormonal, and ophthalmological studies as well as complications were analyzed. Statistical Analysis: Due to the existence of dichotomous variables, Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis. Results: In all, 259 patients who had undergone microsurgery and 140 patients operated on with endoscopy were included. The pathologies compared were microsurgically resected nonfunctioning adenomas: 38.2% (n = 99) versus endoscopically resected: 42.1% (n = 59), and microsurgically resected functioning adenomas: 61.8% (n = 160) versus endoscopically resected: 57.9% (n = 81). A higher number of patients with invasive macroadenomas were reported in the group operated on with endoscopy (35.5% vs. 56.4%). When the patients with invasive pathology of the cavernous sinus were compared, percentages of total resection and hormonal control were higher for endoscopic surgeries (35% vs. 46.8%; 33.3% vs. 64%); however, this difference was not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found when postoperative complications were individually analyzed. Conclusion: The microsurgical and endoscopic approaches are safe and effective techniques to treat pituitary adenomas. For invasive adenomas, the endoscopic approach may report better results.