Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Analysis of Magneto-Inductive THz Wireless Communications and Power Transfer With Multi-Layer Graphene Nano-Coils

Graphene with significant potentials in diverse areas of physical and biological sciences is proposed as a solution to complementary problems of semiconductor and biomedical industries, i.e., the on-chip (OC) interconnect bottleneck and in-body (IB) wireless communications/power transfer (PT), respectively. Emerging nanoscale solutions with radio frequency, optical, ultrasonic, or molecular channels in OC and IB media have various challenges including achievable footprints and frequency, energy consumption, medium dependent features, and interference. In this paper, major challenges are addressed with magneto-inductive (MI) transceivers by combining the advantages of THz operation frequency, unique features of intercalated multi-layer graphene (MLG) coils and range extension with MI waveguides. Our design promises scalable and high performance solutions for the OC interconnect bottleneck while providing biocompatible and universal solutions for challenging IB medium. The proposed solution is theoretically analyzed and numerically compared with the copper-based alternatives, and the practical challenges are discussed. Simulation results achieve high capacity (several Tbit/s) and ultra-low power (500 zJ/bit) wireless communications while providing high (hundreds of kWs) and efficient (109 W/mm2) wireless PT at several millimeters. In addition, unique properties of MLG such as lightweight structure, biocompatibility, current carrying capacity, and planar manufacturability make the solution more promising for challenging environments.
Loss of heterozygosity mapping at chromosome arm 16q in 712 breast tumors reveals factors that influence delineation of candidate regions.

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the long arm of chromosome 16 occurs in at least half of all breast tumors and is considered to target one or more tumor suppressor genes. Despite extensive studies by us and by others, a clear consensus of the boundaries of the smallest region of overlap (SRO) could not be identified. To find more solid evidence for SROs, we tested a large series of 712 breast tumors for LOH at 16q using a dense map of polymorphic markers. Strict criteria for LOH and retention were applied, and results that did not meet these criteria were excluded from the analysis. We compared LOH results obtained from samples with different DNA isolation methods, ie. , from microdissected tissue versus total tissue blocks. In the latter group, 16% of the cases were excluded because of noninterpretable LOH results. The selection of polymorphic markers is clearly influencing the LOH pattern because a chromosomal region seems more frequently involved in LOH when many markers from this region are used. The LOH detection method, i.e., radioactive versus fluorescence detection, has no marked effect on the results. Increasing the threshold window for retention of heterozygosity resulted in significantly more cases with complex LOH, i.e., several alternating regions of loss and retention, than seen in tumors with a small window for retention. Tumors with complex LOH do not provide evidence for clear-cut SROs that are repeatedly found in other samples. On disregarding these complex cases, we could identify three different SROs, two at band 16q24.3 and one at 16q22.1. In all three tumor series, we found cases with single LOH regions that designated the distal region at 16q24.3 and the region at 16q22.1. Comparing histological data on these tumors did not result in the identification of a particular subtype with LOH at 16q or a specific region involved in LOH. Only the rare mucinous tumors had no 16q LOH at all. Furthermore, a positive estrogen content is prevalent in tumors with 16q LOH, but not in tumors with LOH at 16q24.3 only.
Electropysiologic Evaluation of the Visual Pathway in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose: To evaluate the ability of visual evoked potentials and pattern electroretinograms (PERG) to detect subclinical axonal damage in patients during the early diagnostic stage of multiple sclerosis (MS). The authors also compared the ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT), PERG, and visual evoked potentials to detect axonal loss in MS patients and correlated the functional and structural properties of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Methods: Two hundred twenty-eight eyes of 114 subjects (57 MS patients and 57 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) were included. The visual pathway was evaluated based on functional and structural assessments. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination that included assessment of visual acuity, ocular motility, intraocular pressure, visual field, papillary morphology, OCT, visual evoked potentials, and PERG. Results: Visual evoked potentials (P100 latency and amplitude), PERG (N95 amplitude and N95/P50 ratio), and OCT parameters differed significantly between MS patients and healthy subjects. Moderate significant correlations were found between visual evoked potentials or PERG parameters and OCT measurements. Conclusions: Axonal damage in ganglion cells of the visual pathway can be detected based on structural measures provided by OCT in MS patients and by the N95 component and N95/P50 index of PERG, thus providing good correlation between function and structure.
Enhanced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Inflammatory Cytokine Removal With Online Hemodiafiltration Over High‐Flux Hemodialysis in Sepsis‐Related Acute Kidney Injury Patients

Hypercytokinemia plays a central role in pathogenesis and is related to the high mortality in sepsis‐related acute kidney injury (AKI). Besides the established cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is demonstrated as an important factor in enhancing vascular leakage in sepsis. This prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of cytokine removal between online hemodiafiltration (HDF), which combines convective and diffusive solute removal, and high‐flux hemodialysis (HD). Twenty‐eight sepsis‐related AKI patients were included and randomized into online HDF and high‐flux HD. The percentages of the reduction ratio in plasma cytokines were measured as primary outcomes. Other clinical parameters were determined as secondary outcomes. When compared with high‐flux HD, online HDF provided significantly greater percentages of the reduction ratio in plasma cytokine levels, including VEGF (P < 0.001), IL‐6 (P = 0.001), IL‐8 (P = 0.021), IL‐10 (P = 0.011), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.029). There were no significant differences in intradialytic blood pressures. Online HDF revealed better renal recovery and shorter length of hospitalization than high‐flux HD. In conclusion, online HDF in sepsis‐related AKI could provide significantly better removal of VEGF and other cytokines and these were associated with better renal outcome than high‐flux HD. Thus, online HDF would offer a potential role in hypercytokinemic state in sepsis‐related AKI.
Model of the viscoelastic behaviour of skin in vivo and study of anisotropy

Background: The single‐axis extension test is relatively little used to study the mechanical properties of human skin in vivo. A campaign of tests was carried out with an original, modern machine developed in our laboratory. It can perform extension or compression tests using servo‐controlled position or force in different directions. The load can either be of the extension or monotonous compression type, creep or relaxation. The results obtained were used to develop a viscoelastic model. The elastic modulus calculated helps us to determine the main directions of anisotropy on the forearm.
On the Need and Speed of Regulating Triclosan and Triclocarban in the United States

The polychlorinated aromatic antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban are in widespread use for killing microorganisms indiscriminately, rapidly, and by nonspecific action. While their utility in healthcare settings is undisputed, benefits to users of antimicrobial personal care products are few to none. Yet, these latter, high-volume uses have caused widespread contamination of the environment, wildlife, and human populations. This feature article presents a timeline of scientific evidence and regulatory actions in the U.S. concerning persistent polychlorinated biocides, showing a potential path forward to judicious and sustainable uses of synthetic antimicrobials, including the design of greener and safer next-generation alternatives.
Platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB supports the survival of cultured rat schwann cell precursors in synergy with neurotrophin‐3

To understand the intimate axon‐Schwann cell relationship required for the accurate development and regeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), it is important to elucidate the repertoire of growth factors involved in this tightly regulated bi‐directional dialogue. We focused on the identification and functional characterization of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in Schwann cells to gain insights into the corresponding growth factor ligands, which may be regulating the highly controlled differentiation of the Schwann cell lineage. Using an RT‐PCR based differential display approach, we have identified 17 tyrosine kinases in embryonic rat sciatic nerves during the crucial transition from Schwann cell precursors to early Schwann cells. In this study, we have examined the expression and function of TrkC and the platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors alpha and beta on Schwann cell precursor cells. These receptors are expressed on freshly isolated Schwann cell precursors, and we show that PDGF‐BB is able to rescue a subpopulation of these cells from apoptotic cell death in vitro. Furthermore, the TrkC‐ligand neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) can act synergistically to potentiate this effect. However, PDGF‐BB and NT‐3 do not induce Schwann cell precursor proliferation or differentiation. Our data are consistent with a model suggesting that a combination of growth factors that include PDGF‐BB and NT‐3 are acting in concert and in synergy to regulate early Schwann cell development. GLIA 30:290–300, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and associated factors in korean cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among cancer survivors compared to non-cancer controls from a population-based sample and to identify associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, as defined by 2009 consensus criteria. Associated factors with were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis among cancer survivors. RESULTS The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors (n = 335) was similar to that in the non-cancer population (n = 10,671). However, gastric cancer survivors showed lower risk of metabolic syndrome than non-cancer controls (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-0.86). Age of more than 60 years (aOR 4.83, 95% CI 1.94? 12.03), BMI between 23 and 25 (aOR 6.71, 95% CI 2.90? 15.6), BMI more than 25 (aOR 12.23, 95% CI 5.20? 28.77) were significantly associated with the metabolic syndrome in cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors are unlikely to have a higher risk of the metabolic syndrome than non-cancer controls in Korea. This finding may be due to a relatively high proportion of gastric cancer survivors in Korea than in Western countries. The risk for metabolic syndrome among cancer survivors would appear to vary according to oncological and non-oncological factors.
Low-Complexity Data-Detection Algorithm in Cooperative SFBC-OFDM Systems With Multiple Frequency Offsets

This paper addresses the problem of data detection in cooperative space-frequency block-coding (SFBC) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems in the presence of multiple carrier frequency offsets (CFOs). A new ordered-successive parallel interference cancellation (OSPIC) detector is proposed. This method consists of first carrying out coarse ordered interference cancellation detection, where the interference components are successively eliminated, and then performing fine interference cancellation detection using parallel interference reduction. Simulation results show that the proposed detector significantly outperforms existing detectors and performs close to that of CFO-free systems for practical signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). To further reduce the computational complexity, a minimum mean-square error (MMSE)-based reduced-complexity OSPIC (RC-OSPIC) detector is proposed. Compared with the MMSE detector, which requires a full-size complex matrix inversion, the proposed RC-OSPIC detector performs better and is computationally much more effective.
A Hybrid Ant Colony System for Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows

According to the weakness of current ant colony system in dealing with vehicle routing problem with time windows(VRPTW),a hybrid ant colony system of high search efficiency is put forward,the basic principle is summarized and the steps for solving VRPTW are described as well.The result shows that hybrid ant colony system is effective for solving VRPTW.
Reductive dechlorination of hexachlorobenzene to tri- and dichlorobenzenes in anaerobic sewage sludge

Hexachlorobenzene was dechlorinated to tri- and dichlorobenzenes in anaerobic sewage sludge. The complete biotransformation of 190 microM hexachlorobenzene (approximately 50 ppm) occurred within 3 weeks. The calculated rate of hexachlorobenzene dechlorination was 13.6 mumol liter-1 day-1. Hexachlorobenzene was dechlorinated via two routes, both involving the sequential removal of chlorine from the aromatic ring. The major route was hexachlorobenzene----pentachlorobenzene----1,2,3,5-tetrachlorobenzene--- -1,3,5- trichlorobenzene. Greater than 90% of the added hexachlorobenzene was recovered as 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene, and there was no evidence for further dechlorination of 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene. The minor route was hexachlorobenzene----pentachlorobenzene----1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene--- -1,2,4- trichlorobenzene----dichlorobenzenes. These results extend reductive dechlorination to poorly water soluble aromatic hydrocarbons which could potentially include other important environmental pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls.
Exposure to oil mist and oil vapour during offshore drilling in norway, 1979-2004.

OBJECTIVES To describe personal exposure to airborne hydrocarbon contaminants (oil mist and oil vapour) from 1979 to 2004 in the mud-handling areas of offshore drilling facilities operating on the Norwegian continental shelf when drilling with oil-based muds. METHODS Qualitative and quantitative information was gathered during visits to companies involved in offshore oil and gas production in Norway. Monitoring reports on oil mist and oil vapour exposure covered 37 drilling facilities. Exposure data were analysed using descriptive statistics and by constructing linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS Samples had been taken during the use of three generations of hydrocarbon base oils, namely diesel oils (1979-1984), low-aromatic mineral oils (1985-1997) and non-aromatic mineral oils (1998-2004). Sampling done before 1984 showed high exposure to diesel vapour (arithmetic mean, AM = 1217 mg m(-3)). When low-aromatic mineral oils were used, the exposure to oil mist and oil vapour was 4.3 and 36 mg m(-3), and the respective AMs for non-aromatic mineral oils were reduced to 0.54 and 16 mg m(-3). Downward time trends were indicated for both oil mist (6% per year) and oil vapour (8% per year) when the year of monitoring was introduced as a fixed effect in a linear mixed-effects model analysis. Rig type, technical control measures and mud temperature significantly determined exposure to oil mist. Rig type, type of base oil, viscosity of the base oil, work area, mud temperature and season significantly determined exposure to oil vapour. Major decreases in variability were found for the between-rig components. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to oil mist and oil vapour declined over time in the mud-handling areas of offshore drilling facilities. Exposure levels were associated with rig type, mud temperature, technical control measures, base oil, viscosity of the base oil, work area and season.
Effectiveness of switching to ziprasidone for stable but symptomatic outpatients with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND Many outpatients with schizophrenia experience persistent symptoms or side effects on their current antipsychotic regimen. Few studies have prospectively examined the effects of the prior medication or switching method on the safety and efficacy of a newly available antipsychotic. Efficacy and tolerability of ziprasidone were evaluated in patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were switched from conventional or atypical antipsychotics in three 6-week, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group trials. METHOD Stable outpatients with persistent symptoms or troublesome side effects on (1) conventional antipsychotic (N = 108), (2) olanzapine (N = 104), or (3) risperidone (N = 58) therapy were switched to an open-label, 6-week, flexible-dose trial of ziprasidone (40-160 mg/day). Patients were randomly assigned at baseline to 1 of 3 switching schedules during the first week of ziprasidone therapy. Baseline and outcome assessments included Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity (CGI-S) ratings. RESULTS All 3 switching strategies were well tolerated for all 3 patient groups. After 6 weeks on ziprasidone therapy, significant (p <.05) improvements were observed on all major symptom measures and almost all subscales for all switched subgroups. CONCLUSION Switching stable but symptomatic outpatients from their previous antipsychotic to ziprasidone was generally well tolerated and was associated with symptom improvements 6 weeks later. Improvements occurred in patients recently on other first-line atypical antipsychotic, as well as in those on conventional antipsychotic, treatment. While limitations of switching study designs do not permit interpretation of comparative efficacy, these studies suggest that outpatients who partially respond to conventional antipsychotics, risperidone, or olanzapine may experience improved control of psychotic symptoms following a switch to ziprasidone.
Prospective Study of the MMPI-2 Correction Factor after Mild Head Injury

Gass (1991) proposed a correction factor composed of 14 MMPI-2 items that were characteristically endorsed by patients with closed-head injury. Their frequency of occurrence suggested that the items reflected the neurological rather than emotional consequences of head injury. The current study was designed to evaluate the interpretive significance of correction factor items after mild head trauma. Patients were examined immediately upon hospitalization and followed prospectively for at least 3 months. Correction factor items were endorsed more frequently during acute hospitalization than in the MMPI-2 standardization sample. At follow-up, none of the items were endorsed more often by patients with chronic mild head injury than by uninjured controls. These results suggest that the correction factor is sensitive to the acute neurological consequences of mild head trauma, but that these symptoms can typically be expected to resolve. Chronic endorsement of the items in this population is therefore most likely related to psychological factors.
The Effects of Spatialized Sounds on the Sense of Presence in Auditory Virtual Environments: A Psychological and Physiological Study

Although many studies have indicated that spatialized sounds increase the subjective sense of presence in virtual environments, few studies have examined the effects of sounds objectively. In this study, we examined whether three-dimensional reproduced sounds increase the sense of presence in auditory virtual environments by using physiological and psychological measures. We presented the sounds of people approaching the listener through a three-dimensional reproduction system using 96 loudspeakers. There were two spatial sound conditions, spatialized and non-spatialized, which had different spatial accuracy of the reproduction. The experimental results showed that presence ratings for spatialized sounds were greater than for non-spatialized sounds. Further, the results of the physiological measures showed that the sympathetic nervous system was activated to a greater extent by the spatialized sounds compared with the non-spatialized sounds, and the responses to the three-dimensional reproduced sounds were similar to those that occur during intrusions into personal space in the real world. Additionally, a correlation was found between the psychological and the physiological responses in the spatialized sound condition. These results suggest that the physiological measures correlate to the perceived presence in acoustic environments.
Intellectual Development and Thyroid Function in Children who were Breast-fed by Thyrotoxic Mothers Taking Methimazole

OBJECTIVE Recent studies have shown normal thyroid function in infants whose mothers receive methimazole (MMI) during breast-feeding. This study evaluates the long-term effect of MMI on thyroid function and intellectual development of such children. DESIGN AND METHODS Eighty-two children aged between 48 and 86 months were studied. Forty-two children had been breast-fed while their thyrotoxic lactating mothers received daily doses of MMI 20-30 mg in the first, 10 mg in the second and 5-10 mg for additional 10 months of therapy. Thyroid function of infants remained normal during the one year of MMI therapy of their mothers. Forty other infants served as controls. Serum T4, T3, and TSH concentrations, urinary iodine, thyroid antibodies, intelligence quotient (IQ), verbal and functional (performance) components (Wechsler and Goodenough tests) were measured in all children of the two groups. RESULTS Height, weight, serum T4, T3, TSH and antithyroid antibody titers were not different between children in the two groups. The mean IQ was 107 +/- 17 vs 106 +/- 16 (Goodenough test) and 103 +/- 10 vs 103 +/- 16 (Wechsler test) for children of thyrotoxic mothers and control children, respectively. There was no difference in verbal and functional IQ and their components between children of thyrotoxic MMI treated mothers and control children. CONCLUSION Thyroid function and physical and intellectual development of breast-fed infants whose thyrotoxic lactating mothers were treated with 20-30 mg doses of MMI daily are normal at age 48 to 86 months.