Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact on survivors of retinoblastoma when informed of study results on risk of second cancers.

BACKGROUND To assess the impact of providing research feedback to retinoblastoma survivors or their parents regarding the risk of second cancers. PROCEDURE A four-page survey was sent to 801 retinoblastoma survivors and 55 parents to ascertain their reactions to a "results-letter. " The "results-letter" provided feedback from a study indicating that retinoblastoma survivors may be at increased risk of second cancers. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty-nine (339) retinoblastoma survivors and 43 parents responded to the survey. Eighty-four percent (84%) of respondents found the "results-letter" "very" to "extremely" understandable and 72% found it "very" to "extremely" useful. Participants scored "very" to "extremely" to the following emotions: frightened = 28%, anxious = 27%, sad = 25%, overwhelmed = 15%, angry = 11%, and guilty = 6%. Five (1.4%) respondents stated that they would have preferred not to receive the results. Responses did not vary significantly between survivors with different risks of second cancers. No significant differences were observed between males and females. However, parents were significantly more likely to report feelings of anxiety, guilt, anger, being overwhelmed, and frightened compared to adult retinoblastoma survivors (P < 0.05). Individuals with less than a college education were significantly more sad, angry, overwhelmed, and frightened by the information than individuals with a college degree or higher (P < 0.05). Eighteen percent (18%) of all respondents shared the feedback with their physician. The method of choice for receiving results was by letter with contact names and phone numbers. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that research participants want feedback even when the information is upsetting. Additional studies are needed to identify individuals who experience greater levels of distress following feedback in an attempt to provide improved methods of feedback and support.
Sedentary behaviour in youth

The purpose of this review is to describe the amount of time children spend in sedentary behaviour and to determine if there are specific factors that associate with sedentary behaviour in children. The following search terms were used to identify relevant articles: sedentary behaviour, inactivity, television, computer, video games, small screen, sitting, prevalence, patterns, correlates, factors and determinants. The databases used to conduct the search included PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) and Academic Search Premier. The studies reviewed were limited to those that sampled children (2–18 years), were written in English and used a measure of sedentary behaviour as the dependent variable. Several studies reported the time spent watching television or the proportion of children at or above a threshold for television viewing (eg, ≥3 h/day). Among the accelerometer studies included, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is the largest and reported ∼6.1, 7.5 and 8.0 h/day mean sedentary time in children 6–11, 12–15 and 16–19 years old, respectively. Taken together, the existing literature across the world indicates a slightly higher level of sedentary behaviour in older children. Higher levels of sedentary behaviour were also reported in non-white children, children from lower socioeconomic status background and children from households with more access to televisions/computers. Lower levels of sedentary behaviour were reported in children whose parents have rules/limitations on screen time.
Monotonic Optimization for Non-Concave Power Control in Multiuser Multicarrier Network Systems

Maximizing system utility corresponding to different performance measures through power control has been a long standing open problem in interference-limited multiuser multicarrier wireless networks. The complicated coupling between the mutual interference of links on each subcarrier gives rise to a series of non-convex power control optimization problems, for which the global optimal solution is hard to obtain. This paper proposes a novel algorithm, MARL, to efficiently solve the non-convex power control problem in multiuser multicarrier wireless networks. The algorithm is guaranteed to converge to a global optimal solution, as long as the utility function of each link is monotonically increasing with its data rate. The MARL algorithm is designed based on three key observations of the power control problems considered in this paper: (1) the objective function is increasing in (1+SINR) (SINR: signal to interference- plus-noise ratio); (2) the feasible set of the corresponding equivalent reformulated problem is always "normal", although not necessarily convex; and (3) the two former observations imply that the power control problem can be transformed into a monotonic optimization (MO) problem, where the optimal solution always occurs at the upper boundary of the feasible (1+SINR) region. The MARL algorithm finds the desired optimal power control solution by constructing a series of polyblocks that approximate the feasible (1+SINR) region with an increasing precision. Furthermore, by tuning the error tolerance in MARL, we could engineer a desirable tradeoff between optimality and convergence time. MARL provides an important benchmark for performance evaluation of other heuristic algorithms targeting the same problem. With the help of MARL, we evaluate the performance of a state-of-the-art algorithm through extensive simulations.
Quasi-Z-Source Inverter With a T-Type Converter in Normal and Failure Mode

This paper presents a three-phase multilevel quasi-Z-source inverter (qZSI) topology operating in normal and fault-tolerant operation mode. This structure is composed by two symmetrical quasi-Z-source networks and a three-phase T-type inverter. Besides the intrinsic advantages of multilevel voltage source inverters, the proposed structure is also characterized by their semiconductor fault tolerance capability. This feature is only obtained through changes on the modulation scheme after the semiconductor fault and does not require additional extra-phase legs or collective switching states. In certain fault types, the reduction of the output power capacity will be compensated by the boost characteristic of the qZSI. The fault-tolerant behavior of the proposed topology is demonstrated by several simulation results of the converter in normal and fault condition. To validate the characteristics of this multilevel qZSI, an experimental prototype was also built to experimentally confirm the results.
Elastography Techniques for the Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is expected to increase in prevalence because of the ongoing epidemics of obesity and diabetes, and it has become a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Liver fibrosis is associated with long-term outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Liver biopsy is recommended as the gold standard method for the staging of liver fibrosis. However, it has several problems. Therefore, simple and noninvasive methods for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis are urgently needed in place of biopsy. This review discusses recent studies of elastography techniques (vibration-controlled transient elastography, point shear wave elastography, two-dimensional shear wave elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography) that can be used for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
A study of the potential teratogenic effect of large doses of promethazine used for a suicide attempt by 32 pregnant women

In Hungary, promethazine, a phenothiazine antihistamine, is the second most frequently used drug during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of very large doses of promethazine that were used for a suicide attempt during pregnancy on embryo-fetal development. Self-poisoned pregnant women were identified from patients of the Department of Toxicology Internal Medicine, Korányi Hospital, Budapest, who were admitted from the three million people of Budapest and surrounding region. The rate of congenital abnormalities, intrauterine development (based on pregnancy age at delivery and birth weight), and cognitive-behavioral status of exposed children born to mothers who attempted suicide with promethazine alone or in combination with other drugs during pregnancy was compared with their sib controls. In all, 89 of the 1044 women with self-poisoning during pregnancy between 1960 and 1993 used promethazine for a suicide attempt. Of these 89 women, 32 delivered newborn babies. The dose of promethazine taken by these women for self-poisoning ranged between 125 mg and 1750 mg (mean of 544 mg, i.e., 21.8 tablets). Of the 32 promethazine-exposed children, nine (28.1 %) were affected with congenital abnormalities. However, of 11 pregnant women who attempted suicide with promethazine between the 3rd and 12th postconceptional week, that is, the critical period for production of most major congenital abnormalities, only three were affected with defects, and the critical periods for producing these defects did not overlap with the time of the suicide attempt during pregnancy. Of 34 unexposed sibs, five (14.7%) had congenital abnormalities; the difference in the total rate of congenital abnormalities between the exposed children and their sib controls was not significant. There also was no difference in pregnancy age-specific birth weight between exposed children and their sibs. Mean intelligence quotient was not reduced, and the incidence of behavioral deviation was not increased in the exposed children. The findings of this study did not indicate teratogenic or fetotoxic (including neurotoxic) effects of large doses of promethazine in children born to mothers who self-poisoned during pregnancy, although the total rate of congenital abnormalities was very high. Our experience shows the feasibility and benefits of using the self-poisoning model in estimating human teratogenic/fetotoxic risks of exposure to drugs.
Paper Title (use style: paper title)

In this paper, a reactive power (VAR) optimization model is proposed combining the precise linear modelling of transformer on-load tap changer (OLTC) to reduce power losses and voltage deviations. In the proposed method, the distributed generator, static and discrete VAR compensators, and transformer OLTC are chosen as control variables. The nonconvex optimization model is transformed into a convex problem through cone relaxation and precise linear modelling of OLTC. The numerical tests show that the model can significantly reduce the network losses and voltage deviation. Keywords—distribution network; convex relaxation; VAR optimization
Integrating Children's Savings Accounts in the Care and Support of Orphaned Adolescents in Rural Uganda

This study examines an economic empowerment model of care and support for orphaned adolescents in rural Uganda. Under this model, 277 AIDS‐orphaned youths (ages 11–17) from 15 comparable schools were randomly assigned to either the usual care, which involves provision of counseling and education‐related supplies, or the experimental condition, in which participants also received matched‐savings accounts. The analyses indicate that poor families in rural Uganda can and do save for their youths if provided with support and incentives. Analyses also locate statistically significant differences between youths in the experimental and control groups on attitudes toward saving, academic performance, educational aspirations, and health‐related behaviors. The results suggest that savings‐related interventions have a place in the care and support of orphaned youths in poor sub‐Saharan Africa, where the number of such youths is steadily increasing.
Oxford House and Alcoholics Anonymous: The Impact of Two Mutual-Help Models on Abstinence

Two examples of mutual-help approaches for substance abuse recovery are 12-step groups (AA and NA) and Oxford House. The present study examined the combined effects of AA and Oxford House residence on abstinence over a 24-month period, with 150 individuals randomly assigned to either an Oxford House or to usual aftercare. Among individuals with high 12-step involvement, the addition of Oxford House residence significantly increased the odds of abstinence (87.5% vs. 52.9%). However, among participants with low 12-step involvement, rates of abstinence were fairly similar across conditions (31.4% vs. 21.2%). Results suggested that the joint effectiveness of these mutual-help programs may promote abstinence.
Repetitive systemic morphine alters activity‐dependent plasticity of schaffer–collateral–CA1 pyramidal cell synapses: Involvement of adenosine A1 receptors and adenosine deaminase

The effectiveness of O‐pulse stimulation (TPS) for the reversal of O‐pattern primed bursts (PB)‐induced long‐term potentiation (LTP) were examined at the Schaffer–collateral–CA1 pyramidal cell synapses of hippocampal slices derived from rats chronically treated with morphine (M‐T). The results showed that slices derived from both control and M‐T rats had normal field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP)‐LTP, whereas PS‐LTP in slices from M‐T rats was significantly greater than that from control slices. When morphine was applied in vitro to slices derived from rats chronically treated with morphine, the augmentation of PS‐LTP was not seen. TPS given 30 min after LTP induction failed to reverse the fEPSP‐ or PS‐LTP in both groups of slices. However, TPS delivered in the presence of long‐term in vitro morphine caused the PS‐LTP reversal. This effect was blocked by the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) antagonist CPX (200 nM) and furthermore was enhanced by the adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitor EHNA (10 μM). Interestingly, TPS given 30 min after LTP induction in the presence of EHNA (10 μM) can reverse LTP in morphine‐exposed control slices in vitro. These results suggest adaptive changes in the hippocampus area CA1 in particular in adenosine system following repetitive systemic morphine. Chronic in vivo morphine increases A1R and reduces ADA activity in the hippocampus. Consequently, adenosine can accumulate because of a stimulus train‐induced activity pattern in CA1 area and takes the opportunity to work as an inhibitory neuromodulator and also to enable CA1 to cope with chronic morphine. In addition, adaptive mechanisms are differentially working in the dendrite layer rather than the somatic layer of hippocampal CA1. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SPACES OF D.C. MAPPINGS ON ARBITRARY INTERVALS

Let X be a Banach space. Using derivatives in the sense of vector distributions, we show that the space DC([0, 1], X) of all d.c. mappings from [0, 1] into X, in a natural norm, is isomorphic to the space Mbv([0, 1], X) of all vector measures with bounded variation. The same is proved for the space BDCb((0,∞), X) of all bounded d.c. mappings with a bounded control function. The result for the space DC([0, 1],R) of all continuous d.c. functions was (essentially) proved by M. Zippin (2000) by a quite different method. The space BDCb((0,∞),R) consists of all differences of two bounded convex functions. Internal characterizations of its members were given by O. Böhme (1985), but our characterization of its Banach structure is new.
COUPLING OF RC WALLS USING UNBONDED POST-TENSIONING : APPLICATIONS IN HYBRID CONSTRUCTION

This paper describes an experimental program to investigate the nonlinear behavior of coupling beam subassemblages in a new type of hybrid coupled wall system. Coupling of concrete walls is achieved by post-tensioning steel beams to the walls using unbonded post-tensioning tendons, without embedding the beams into the walls. Top and seat angles are used at the beam ends to yield and dissipate energy. The results demonstrate excellent stiffness, strength, and ductility characteristics of the test specimens under cyclic loading, with considerable energy dissipation concentrated in the angles and self-centering due to post-tensioning. The specimens were able to sustain large nonlinear displacements with little damage in the beams and the wall regions. The experimental results are used to revise a previous analytical model.
Fertility After the Drought: Theory and Evidence from Madagascar

In communities highly dependent on rainfed agriculture for their livelihoods, the common occurrence of climatic shocks such as droughts can lower the opportunity cost of having children, and raise fertility. Using longitudinal household data from Madagascar, we estimate the causal effect of drought occurrences on fertility, and explore the nature of potential mechanisms driving this effect. We exploit exogenous within-district year-to-year variation in rainfall deficits, and find that droughts occurring during the agricultural season significantly increase the number of children born to women living in agrarian communities. This effect is long lasting, as it is not reversed within four years following the drought occurrence. Analyzing the mechanism, we find that droughts have no effect on common underlying factors of high fertility such as marriage timing and child mortality. Furthermore, droughts have no significant effect on fertility if they occur during the non-agricultural season or in non-agrarian communities, and their positive effect in agrarian communities is mitigated by irrigation. These findings provide evidence that a low opportunity cost of having children is the main channel driving the fertility effect of drought in agrarian communities.
Risk and protective factors for adolescent substance use: a comparative study of secondary school students in rural and urban areas of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Substance use is a leading adolescent health problem globally, but little is known regarding associated factors for adolescent substance use in Nigeria. This study compared the prevalence of substance use among in-school adolescents in urban and rural areas of Osun State, Nigeria, and identified risk and protective factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 600 randomly selected adolescents (aged 10–19 years) from rural and urban areas of Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using the facilitated self-completed questionnaire method. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association of individual, peer, and parental factors with adolescent substance use. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained. Results: About two-thirds of respondents had used substances in both rural (65.7%) and urban areas (66.0%) (p=0.93). Logistic analysis showed private school attendance as a risk factor for substance use (OR=2.32, 95% CI=1.20–4.46) and adolescent disapproval of adult substance use as a protective factor (OR=0.47, 95% CI=0.27–0.82) in rural areas. For urban areas, having friends who use substances (OR=4.04, 95% CI=1.39–11.6) and a mother having had tertiary education (OR=3.34, 95% CI=1.06–10.4) were risk factors while parental disapproval of substance use (OR=0.50, 95% CI=0.28–0.90) was a protective factor. Conclusion: Lifetime prevalence of substances is high among in-school adolescents in Osun State. The risk and protective factors for adolescent substance use somewhat differ for rural and urban areas, and these have implications for designing effective intervention strategies.
Operational Experience with Luminosity Scans for Beam Size Estimation in 2016 LHC Proton Physics Operation

Luminosity scans were regularly performed at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) as of 2015 as a complementary method for measuring the beam size. The CMS experiment provides bunch-by-bunch luminosities at sufficient rates to allow evaluation of bunch-by-bunch beam sizes, and the scans are performed in the horizontal and vertical plane separately. Closed orbit differences between bunches can also be derived by this analysis. During 2016 LHC operation, these scans were also done in an automated manner on a regular basis, and the analysis was improved to significantly reduce the systematic uncertainty, especially in the crossing plane. This contribution first highlights the recent improvements to the analysis and elaborates on their impact. The measured beam sizes during 2016 proton physics operation are then shown and compared to measurements from synchrotron light telescopes and estimates based on the absolute luminosities of the LHC experiments. INTRODUCTION In LHC 2016 proton physics operation luminosity scans with a small beam separation (“Emittance Scans”) have been used to derive an estimate of the beam size, as already in 2015 [1]. For Gaussian Beams, in the presence of a beam offset, the luminosity of a colliding bunch pair is given by Eq. 1 [2]. L = frevN1N2S 2πΣxΣy (1)
EFFECT OF PLANTING GEOMETRY AND NITROGEN LEVELS ON GROWTH , YIELD AND QUALITY OF GOLDEN ROD ( SOLIDAGO CANADENSIS L . )

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting geometry and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and quality parameters of golden rod at Horticultural College and Research Institute, Venkataramannagudem (Andhra Pradesh), India; in 2014-15. The results revealed that an application of 300 kg ha-1 nitrogen and 45 cm × 30 cm spacing recorded maximum plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and number of suckers. Whereas, maximum number of days to opening of first floret, number of primary branches in inflorescence, length and breadth of inflorescence were recorded maximum with higher dose of nitrogen and wider spacing. The highest number of panicles per plot was registered by the highest dose of nitrogen (300 kg ha-1) and closer spacing (30 cm × 15 cm). However, number of marketable panicles per plot was recorded maximum with 300 kg ha-1 of nitrogen and 30 cm × 30 cm spacing.
Demographic Variables , School Time and Future Goals as Predictors of School Burnout : Mediating Role of Perceived Instrumentality

This study explored the demographic variables of age and class level, school time and future goals as predictors of school burnout. The study also focused on the extent to which Perceived Instrumentality (PI) mediated the relationship. The study was conducted among a random sample of 225 students (all male) from one secondary school in Mombasa, Kenya. Data instruments consisted of the School Burnout Inventory and items used by other researchers in the area. A series of multiple regression analyses was done on data collected. School burnout was found to vary by class level, PI and both Intrinsic Regulation and Extrinsic Regulation. Ambivalent Perceptions of Instrumentality (API) mediated the influence of Internal Regulation (IR) and External Regulation (ER) on school burnout. The study recommended that schools should put in place deliberate interventions to let students know the future implications of current school commitment and also allow students to set own future goals in real terms.