Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DENIAL AND REPRESSION AS FACTORS IN THE DELAY OF PATIENTS WITH CANCER PRESENTING THEMSELVES TO THE PHYSICIAN

A previous study of the factors underlying the periods of delay before patients, suffering from various forms of cancer, presented themselves to their physician, indicated that there is no one reason for patients either delaying or non-delaying, and that, in particular, the personality structure of the individual and the psychological defence mechanisms commonly used were particularly important in the early (or late) presentation to medical care (Henderson, Wittkower and Lougheed, 1958). That investigation had dealt with a Canadian population attending two large Montreal hospitals, and the sample had contained representatives of varying ethnic origin, educational levels and intelligence. Some patients lived in the city, others in the country; the criterion for investigation had been a simple one, namely, that they had placed themselves under hospital treatment for their cancerous growths. It was considered that a similar investigation should be carried out on a population representative of the North East of Scotland, and comparisons could be then made. For example, compared with Canada the population in the North East of Scotland is reasonably static. Two and even three generations live in propinquity; small towns and village communities are closely knit and some examination of the cultural thinking on the process of malignant disease might be fruitful.
Extracellular Matrix Scaffold Technology for Bioartificial Pancreas Engineering

Emergent technologies in regenerative medicine may soon overcome the limitations of conventional diabetes therapies. Collaborative efforts across the subfields of stem cell technology, islet encapsulation, and biomaterial carriers seek to produce a bioengineered pancreas capable of restoring endocrine function in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. These technologies rely on a robust understanding of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the supportive 3-dimensional network of proteins necessary for cellular attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Although these functions can be partially approximated by biosynthetic carriers, novel decellularization protocols have allowed researchers to discover the advantages afforded by the native pancreatic ECM. The native ECM has proven to be an optimal platform for recellularization and whole-organ pancreas bioengineering, an exciting new field with the potential to resolve the dire shortage of transplantable organs. This review seeks to contextualize recent findings, discuss current research goals, and identify future challenges of regenerative medicine as it applies to diabetes management.
On Shortening the Effective mmWave MIMO Channel Impulse Response

mmWave communication typically resorts to beamforming in order to overcome the unfavorable propagation conditions in the high frequency bands. The directional transmission established using beamforming is beneficial also in terms of reducing the effective channel impulse response (CIR) and, correspondingly, the required guard periods in a block transmission scheme. While this effect has been investigated in the literature for the single stream case, in this paper we analyse the shortening of the effective multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) channel impulse response in a mmWave multistream transmission. It is shown that even though the complete effective MIMO channel impulse response might be relatively long, smart time delaying of streams sent over different physical paths can exploit the sparsity of the mmWave channel in the temporal-angular domain, and result in significant CIR shortening. In this way, guard period reduction can be achieved, with the overhead approaching that of the single stream case.
American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Clinical Classification Predicts Conjunctival Melanoma Outcomes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate conjunctival melanoma outcomes based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification. The study design constituted a nonrandomized interventional case series. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review comprising 343 participants, and the main outcome measures were melanoma local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and death. Results: On the basis of the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification (seventh edition), conjunctival melanoma was classified as T1 (196 [57%]), T2 (110 [32%]), T3 (37 [11%]), and T4 (0). The mean tumor basal diameter increased with tumor staging with 8.5 mm for T1, 12.7 mm for T2 (p = 0.0003), and 16 mm for T3 (p < 0.0001). The melanoma arose from primary acquired melanosis (T1 = 71%; T2 = 84%; T3 = 81%), preexisting nevus (T1 = 8%; T2 = 5%; T3 = 3%), or de novo (T1 = 21%; T2 = 12%; T3 = 16%). Outcomes at 5 years (Kaplan–Meier) revealed melanoma local recurrence/new tumor in 44% T1, 78% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 76% T3 (P=0.0044); regional lymph node metastasis in 17% T1, 52% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 49% T3 (p = 0.0092); melanoma-related distant metastasis in 11% T1, 35% T2 (p < 0.0001), and 42% T3 (p = 0.0018); and melanoma-related death in 5% T1, 20% T2 (p = 0.0655), and 23% T3 (p = 0.0526). Based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification, factors predictive of melanoma recurrence included T2 stage (p < 0.0001), and T3 stage (p = 0.0061). After adjusting for tumor origin, factors predictive of regional lymph node metastasis, melanoma-related distant metastasis, and melanoma-related death included melanoma arising de novo (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001), T2 stage (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p = 0.007), and T3 stage (p = 0.005; p = 0.0014; p = 0.0342). Conclusion: The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging predicts prognosis of conjunctival melanoma. Melanoma classified as T2 and T3 (compared with T1) showed significantly higher rates of local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and death.
Evaluation of the Metabolizable Energy of Meat and Bone Meal for Chickens and Turkeys by Various Methods

A series of assays were conducted to determine to the available energy of several meat and bone meal products by various methods. The correct determination of the energy available to poultry from these products is important for accurate diet formulation and product usage. Several methods for determining energy availability are utilized, including true metabolizable energy (TME) and excreta and digesta apparent metabolizable energy (AME). The goal of these experiments was to determine if any differences exist among the available energy values determined by the various methods. There were few differences in assa y methodologies noted. There were significant differences in mean ME values among products, as would be expected due to meat and bone meal's variable nature. Chick digesta AME values were usually the only cause of difference, typically lower than other values. There were no differences between pooled AME and TME values, or between chickens and turkeys. In general, it appears that the TME values commonly determined with Leghorn roosters are acceptable for broilers and turkeys. The proximate analysis and mineral composition values of the meat and bone meal products were also determined. These values were then used to develop equations that predict the TME of a product. The products were too variable to provide n an accurate equation using the proximate values (R = 0.42). Using the gross energy of the product as a 2 predictor variable greatly improved the accuracy, with an R of 0.77. 2
Treatment of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis.

BACKGROUND, AIMS Conventional mechanical treatment of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis has a poor prognosis. This report describes an effective antimicrobial treatment of rapidly progressing periodontitis in an 11-year old girl having Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome. METHOD Clinical examination included conventional periodontal measurements and radiographic analysis. Occurrence of major suspected periodontopathic bacteria was determined by selective and non-selective culture and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification. Presence of cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr type 1 virus was determined by a nested-PCR detection method. Therapy included scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction, and systemic amoxicillin-metronidazole therapy (250 mg of each/3 times daily/10 days) which, based on follow-up microbiological testing, was repeated after 4 months. Supportive periodontal therapy took place at 2 visits during a 16-month period. RESULTS At baseline, 10 of 22 available teeth demonstrated severe periodontal breakdown. At 16 months, probing and radiographic measurements revealed no teeth with additional attachment loss, and several teeth exhibited significant reduction in gingivitis and pocket depth, increase in radiographic alveolar bone height and clinical attachment level, and radiographic evidence of crestal lamina dura. Baseline subgingival microbiota included Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (3.4% of total isolates), Prevotella nigrescens (16.4%), Fusobacteriumnucleatum (14.3%) and Peptostreptococcus micros (10.6%), as well as cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr type 1 virus. At termination of the study, culture and PCR examinations showed absence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. micros and herpesviruses, and P. nigrescens and F.nucleatum each comprised less than 0.1 % of subgingival isolates. CONCLUSION This study suggests that controlling the periodontopathic microbiota by appropriate antibiotic and conventional periodontal therapy can arrest Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome periodontitis.
Fish Immunoglobulin - A Sero-Diagnostician's Perspective

Immunoglobulin M, the predominant isotype in fish, is generally of relatively low specificity. This major drawback for sero-diagnosis may be overcome by competitive Elisa techniques. Competing mammalian or avian antibodies of high affinity improve the resolution between specific and cross-reacting fish IgM. for Aquatic Animal Diseases are all direct (agent identification). Nonetheless some serological methods for (indirectly) diagnosing certain infections may soon be validated, rendering the use of serology for diagnostic purposes more widely acceptable (OIE, 1997). Present limitations are due not only to lack of experience but also to discrete features of the
Experimental studies on effect of sodium fluoride and nitrate on biochemical parameters in rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) and nitrate (NO 3 ¯), either administered orally alone or in a combination, on the biochemical parameters of rats. Tests on general toxicity were conducted on the basis of methodical recommendations 408 of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline for Testing of Chemicals: ”Subchronic Oral Toxicity – Rodent: 90-d Study“. The following combined effects of the tested chemicals were predominantly observed: additive, synergistic, and antagonistic. Methaemoglobinaemia was noted in groups given NO 3 ¯ or NaF + NO 3 ¯ complex.
Balloon Catheter Dilatation of Eustachian Tube: A Preliminary Study

Objective Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common problem and transnasal endoscopic balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (ET) is a new surgical technique. The goal of this study is to review the evolution of this novel technique and study the preliminary outcomes. Subjects and Methods Balloon catheter dilation of the 100 Eustachian tubes in 70 adults was performed at a tertiary medical center from January 2009 to January 2011. A 5-mm sinus balloon catheter was endoscopically placed transnasally into the proximal ET to dilate the cartilaginous ET. Cases were reviewed with respect to indications, outcomes, and complications. Results Of the 100 ETs, ear fullness and pressure were improved in 71% of patients studied for 26.3 weeks (±3.6). Of 8 patients followed for a minimum of 34 months, 87% reported persistent improvement. One complication is reported. Conclusion Endoscopic transnasal ET balloon dilation is a novel approach to treating ET dysfunction. Benefits can be durable up to 3 years. This technique holds much promise and merits further investigation.
Reliability and Validity of Two Instruments Designed to Assess the Walking and Bicycling Suitability of Sidewalks and Roads

Purpose. Public health professionals hypothesize that when community environments provide suitable walking and bicycling conditions, community members will be more active. Measurement indicators and assessment instruments are needed to evaluate suitability. This study determined the reliability and validity of two instruments to assess the suitability of sidewalks for walking and roads for bicycling. Methods. Two data collectors used walking and bicycling suitability assessment instruments to collect data on 31 road segments. In addition, three transportation experts used a 7-point Likert response system to subjectively evaluate walking and bicycling conditions for the same segments. Intraclass correlations determined the reliability of each assessment instrument and the reliability of the Likert response system. Pearson correlations (research staff assessments with expert assessments) were calculated to determine the criterion-related validity of the suitability measures. Results. Intercoder reliability (intraclass) correlations for the walking and bicycling assessment instruments were r = . 79 and . 90, respectively. Intercoder reliability of the experts' Likert response system was r = . 73 for the walking form and r = . 77 for the bicycling form. Criterion-related validity (Pearson) correlations for the walking and bicycling assessment instruments were r = . 58 and . 62, respectively. Conclusion. Although some variables have lower reliability and validity than is ideal, the walking and bicycling suitability assessment instruments appear promising as instruments for community members and professionals to systematically assess key aspects of the physical environment.
Commentary: How Do We Achieve Consistent Reproducible and Clinically Relevant Results with PDT for Acne?

The best protocol for photodynamic therapy (PDT) for acne is a conundrum. There have been only a few studies performed internationally. Here are the concerns: Does it work consistently? Which light source is best? What photosensitizer in what vehicle and what concentration is best? How can we reduce the side effects and inconvenience associated with the procedure? (Staying inside for 2 days and having a red flaky face does not make too many teenagers happy.)
Estimating low-density snowshoe hare populations using fecal pellet counts

Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations found at high densities can be estimated using fecal pellet densities on rectangular plots, but this method has yet to be evaluated for low-density populations. We further tested the use of fecal pellet plots for estimating hare populations by correlating pellet densities with estimated hare numbers on 12 intensive study areas in Idaho; pellet counts from extensive transects (n = 615) across northern Idaho enabled rectangular plots (0.155 m2) to be compared with paired small (0.155 m2) and large (1 m2) circular plots (metre-circle plots). Metre-circle plots had higher pellet prevalence, lower sample variance, and lower estimates of pellet density than the other plot types. Transects comprising circular plots required less establishment time, and observer training reduced the pellet-count bias attributable to plot shape. The number of hares occupying intensive study sites was correlated with pellet density on all plot types, but rectangular plots provided a slig.
Health motivation and product design determine consumers’ visual attention to nutrition information on food products

Abstract Objective In the present study we investigated consumers’ visual attention to nutrition information on food products using an indirect instrument, an eye tracker. In addition, we looked at whether people with a health motivation focus on nutrition information on food products more than people with a taste motivation. Design Respondents were instructed to choose one of five cereals for either the kindergarten (health motivation) or the student cafeteria (taste motivation). The eye tracker measured their visual attention during this task. Then respondents completed a short questionnaire. Setting Laboratory of the ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Subjects Videos and questionnaires from thirty-two students (seventeen males; mean age 24·91 years) were analysed. Results Respondents with a health motivation viewed the nutrition information on the food products for longer and more often than respondents with a taste motivation. Health motivation also seemed to stimulate deeper processing of the nutrition information. The student cafeteria group focused primarily on the other information and did this for longer and more often than the health motivation group. Additionally, the package design affected participants’ nutrition information search. Conclusions Two factors appear to influence whether people pay attention to nutrition information on food products: their motivation and the product’s design. If the package design does not sufficiently facilitate the localization of nutrition information, health motivation can stimulate consumers to look for nutrition information so that they may make a more deliberate food choice.
The high‐temperature degradation of hydraulic oils and fluids©

The rapid darkening of hydraulic oils and fluids in use has occasionally been reported. This paper summarizes the past investigations into this phenomenon, which have largely focused on the compression of air bubbles in mineral hydraulic oil. The process leads to a form of high temperature degradation known as dieseling and the probable formation of sub-micron carbonaceous particles. The importance of system design and particularly the choice of pumps, in this process, are discussed. The primary objective, however, is to examine the effects of dieseling on phosphate ester fire-resistant fluids and to clarify if an analysis of the used fluid can indicate whether this process is taking place. An investigation of samples taken from systems displaying rapid degradation suggests that the presence of certain breakdown products may infer the approximate level of temperature to which, at least, small amounts of the fluid are being subjected. The presence of carbonaceous material in the dieseling process is also confirmed. Some suggestions made for the mechanism of its formation as well as the formation of other major degradation products. Lastly, recommendations are made for ways of minimizing this form of breakdown not only in terms of system design but also with respect to fluid properties, fluid maintenance and the use of in-situ conditioning. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic Polymorphisms of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and the Effect on Interindividual, Pharmacokinetic Variability in Extensive Metabolizers

Genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are one of the factors that contribute to the pharmacokinetic (PK) variability of drugs. PK variability is observed in the bimodal distribution between extensive metabolizers (EMs) and poor metabolizers (PMs). PK variability may also exist between individuals genotyped as homozygous EMs and heterozygous EMs. This may carry implications for drug dosing and drug response (e.g., risk of therapeutic failure or drug toxicity). Studies have reported significant PK differences between homozygous and heterozygous EMs. Some literature suggests that this distinction may be of clinical relevance. Due to study design limitations and data that are either sparse or conflicting, generalizations regarding the potential impact of the CYP genotype, within EMs, are difficult. Optimally designed clinical trials are needed. This review evaluates the potential impact of CYP genetic polymorphisms on interindividual PK variability of drugs within an EM population.
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT An Audience Response System Strategy to Improve Student Motivation, Attention, and Feedback

Objective. To implement an audience response system (ARS) to improve student motivation and attention during lectures and provide immediate feedback to the instructor concerning student understanding of lecture content in a Physiological Chemistry/Molecular Biology course. Design. Students used ARS devices to respond to strategically placed questions throughout physiological chemistry/molecular biology lectures. The instructor inserted 6 to 7 questions that promoted student/class interactivity into each of several 50-minute lectures to focus students’ attention and provide feedback on students’ comprehension of material. Assessment. Ninety-eight percent of first-year pharmacy (P1) students (n 5 109) reported that strategically placed ARS questions throughout lectures helped them maintain attention. Reports from an independent focus group indicated that students favored this strategy. Furthermore, ARS feedback helped the instructor gauge student comprehension and adjust lectures accordingly. Conclusions. Focused, strategically placed ARS questions throughout lectures may help students maintain attention and stay motivated to learn. Feedback from these questions also allows instructors to adapt lectures to address areas of deficiency.
Calculating Free Energies Using a Scaled-Force Molecular Dynamics Algorithm

We propose and test a family of methods to calculate the free energy along a generalized coordinate, , based on computing the force acting on this coordinate. First, we derive a formula that connects the free energy in unconstrained simulations with the force of constraint that can be readily calculated numerically. Then, we consider two methods, which improve the efficiency of the free energy calculation by yielding uniform or nearly uniform sampling of . Both rely on modifying the force acting on . In one method, this force is replaced by a force with zero mean and is advanced quasistatically. In the second method, the force is augmented adaptively by a biasing force. We provide formulas for calculating the free energy of the unmodified system from the forces acting in these modified, non-Hamiltonian systems. Using conformational transitions in 1,2-dichloroethane as a test case, we show that both methods perform very well.
Perbezaan kualiti minyak gaharu menggunakan rangkaian neural Tiruan

Agarwood oil is well known as expensive oil extracted from the resinous of fragrant heartwood. The oil is getting high demand in the market especially from the Middle East countries, China and Japan because of its unique odor. As part of an on-going research in grading the agarwood oil quality, the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is proposed in this study to analyze agarwood oil quality using its chemical profiles. The work involves of selected agarwood oil from low and high quality, the extraction of chemical compounds using GC-MS and Z-score to identify of the significant compounds as input to the network. The ANN programming algorithm was developed and computed automatically via Matlab software version R2010a. Back-propagation training algorithm and sigmoid transfer function were used to optimize the parameters in the training network. The result obtained showed the capability of ANN in analyzing the agarwood oil quality hence beneficial for the further application such as grading and classification for agarwood oil.