Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo dosimetry for forthcoming clinical trials in x-ray microbeam radiation therapy

The purpose of this work is to define safe irradiation protocols in microbeam radiation therapy. The intense synchrotron-generated x-ray beam used for the treatment is collimated and delivered in an array of 50 μm-sized rectangular fields with a centre-to-centre distance between microplanes of 400 μm. The absorbed doses received by the tumour and the healthy tissues in a human head phantom have been assessed by means of Monte Carlo simulations. The identification of safe dose limits is carried out by evaluating the maximum peak and valley doses achievable in the tumour while keeping the valley doses in the healthy tissues under tolerances. As the skull receives a significant fraction of the dose, the dose limits are referred to this tissue. Dose distributions with high spatial resolution are presented for various tumour positions, skull thicknesses and interbeam separations. Considering a unidirectional irradiation (field size of 2×2 cm2) and a centrally located tumour, the largest peak and valley doses achievable in the tumour are 55 Gy and 2.6 Gy, respectively. The corresponding maximum valley doses received by the skin, bone and healthy brain are 4 Gy, 14 Gy and 7 Gy (doses in one fraction), respectively, i.e. within tolerances (5% probability of complication within 5 years).
On the velocity distribution in homogeneous isotropic turbulence: correlations and deviations from Gaussianity

We investigate the single-point probability density function of the velocity in three-dimensional stationary and decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence. To this end, we apply the statistical framework of the Lundgren–Monin–Novikov hierarchy combined with conditional averaging, identifying the quantities that determine the shape of the probability density function. In this framework, the conditional averages of the rate of energy dissipation, the velocity diffusion and the pressure gradient with respect to velocity play a key role. Direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equation are used to complement the theoretical results and assess deviations from Gaussianity.
Electromyographic study of activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction: comparison with the clinical dysfunction index.

OBJECTIVES A comparison was made between the electromyographic patterns specific to patient with temporomandibular disorders and that of normal healthy patients. STUDY DESIGN Electromyographic tests were carried out during rest and function of the masseter muscles and anterior temporalis muscles in a homogeneous group consisting of 95 patients for whom such pathology and its different degree of severity had been previously studied by means of a Helkimo Test. The electromyographic exploration results were compared to those of a control group consisting of 31 healthy subjects. RESULTS There were significant differences among patients with a different degree of clinical dysfunction, as well as between these and the control group. These differences were more important during maximum effort clenching and mastication. During maximum effort clenching, differences in masseteric activity were observed between control group and group III, between groups I and II and between groups I and III. Meanwhile, differences in temporalis activity were significant among all groups except between groups I and II. The multiple comparison analysis demonstrated the existence of significant statistical differences between healthy subjects and patients with severe TMD. However, the linear combination of these electromyographic (EMG) variables led us to elaborate four linear functions that classify all subjects into four well defined groups. Once extreme cases were eliminated, our EMG classification revealed an 80% match with that of the Helkimo Test. We thus conclude that in many cases, classification using electromyographic criteria matches that established by the Helkimo Test.
SEM evaluation of the interface between filling and root-end filling materials.

The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the presence of gaps at the interface between filling material and three root-end filling materials. Thirty human upper molars disto-buccal roots were instrumented and filled with gutta-percha and eugenol-based sealer. The apicoectomy was performed 2 mm from the apex and retrograde cavities were prepared with ultrasonic points (3 mm in deep). The samples were divided into three experimental groups (n = 10): Group I-white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); Group II-Super EBA; and Group III-Portland cement. The root-end filling materials were inserted into the retocavities using a MTA carrier. After 48 h, the roots were transversally sectioned in order to obtain the apical 5 mm. Next, each specimen was prepared longitudinally with crescent granulation of abrasives water-wet sandpapers in order to expose the filling and root-end filling materials. Then, the specimens were subjected to slow dehydration with silica gel, mounted onto specific stubs and coated with paladium coverage for SEM analysis of the interface between filling and root-end filling materials. The percentage of gaps at the interfacial area was calculated by using Image Tool 3.0 software. Super EBA presented the higher percentage of gaps (1.5 ± 0.67%), whereas MTA presented the lowest values (0.33 ± 0.20%; p = 0.0004). Despite the statistical differences observed between Super EBA and MTA, all the root-end filling materials presented great adaptation to the filling material, presenting small amount of gaps.
Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) Mediates Resistance to Mitoxantrone via Glutathione-Dependent Drug Efflux

Based upon several previous reports, no consistent relationship between multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) expression and cellular sensitivity to mitoxantrone (MX) toxicity can be ascertained; thus, the role of MRP1 in MX resistance remains controversial. The present study, using paired parental, MRP1-poor, and transduced MRP1-overexpressing MCF7 cells, unequivocally demonstrates that MRP1 confers resistance to MX cytotoxicity and that resistance is associated with reduced cellular accumulation of MX. This MRP1-associated reduced accumulation of MX was partially reversed by treatment of cells with 50 μM MK571 [3-[[3-[2-(7-chloroquinolin-2-yl)vinyl]phenyl]-(2-dimethylcarbamoylethylsulfanyl)methylsulfanyl] propionic acid]—an MRP inhibitor that increased MX accumulation in MRP1-expressing MCF7 cells but had no effect on MRP-poor MCF7 cells. Moreover, in vitro experiments using inside-out membrane vesicles show that MRP1 supports ATP-dependent, osmotically sensitive uptake of MX. Unlike ABCG2 (breast cancer resistance protein, mitoxantrone-resistant protein), MRP1-mediated MX transport is dependent upon the presence of glutathione or its S-methyl analog. In addition, MX stimulates transport of [3H]glutathione. Together, these data are consistent with the interpretation that MX efflux by MRP1 involves cotransport of MX and glutathione. The results suggest that MRP1—like the alternative MX transporters ABCG2 and ABCB1 (MDR1, P-glycoprotein)—can significantly influence tumor cell sensitivity to and pharmacological disposition of MX.
Effects of moisturizing skincare on skin barrier function and the prevention of skin problems in 3‐month‐old infants: A randomized controlled trial

An effective newborn skincare protocol has not been established. We aimed to evaluate the effects of moisturizing skincare, including using lotion and reducing routine bathing. Our hypothesis was that moisturizing skincare would improve skin barrier function. This randomized controlled trial included 227 healthy Asian newborns between 1 week and 3 months old. We compared moisturizing skincare (bathing every 2 days and using lotion daily; intervention, n = 113) to daily bathing without lotion (control, n = 114). We assessed the skin barrier function (transepidermal water loss [TEWL], stratum corneum hydration [SCH], skin pH and sebum secretion) as a primary outcome at 3 months old. We also assessed the incidence of skin problems according to parents’ diary reports. Compared with the control, the intervention group had a lower face TEWL (mean ± standard deviation, 14.69 ± 7.38 vs 17.08 ± 8.26 g/m2 per h, P = 0.033), higher face SCH (60.38 ± 13.66 vs 53.52 ± 14.55, P = 0.001) and higher body SCH (58.89 ± 12.96 vs 53.02 ± 10.08, P < 0.001). Compared with the control, newborns in the intervention group had significantly lower rates of diaper dermatitis between birth and 1 month old (6.3% vs 15.9%, P = 0.022), and tended to have lower rates of body skin problems between 1 and 3 months (42.1% vs 55.2%, P = 0.064). Moisturizing skincare was effective for improving skin barrier function and preventing newborns’ diaper dermatitis. The results of our study may help parents make informed decisions about newborn skincare.
A study of SME private healthcare personnel acceptance of Clinic Information System in Malaysia

This study identifies factors determining intention to use clinic information system among small and medium enterprise private healthcare personnel in Malaysia. A hybrid model was developed and drew upon two intention-based theories of information technology IT adoption; the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behaviour. This study focuses on examining the technology acceptance in three different contexts: individual, technological and implementation and have been extended to include some exogenous variables, which then tested using structural equation modelling approach. Results indicate that attitude, computer anxiety and perceived behavioural control directly impact personnel intention to use IT. In addition, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions and computer self-efficacy were found to have strong indirect impact on behavioural intention through the mediator of attitude. The proposed model was able to explain a high proportion of the behavioural intention variance of private healthcare personnel.
ANALYSIS OF MOTIVE USE AND COMPOSITIONAL IDIOM

This thesis discusses the creation of a means of pitch-based data representation which allows automated logging and analysis of melodic motivic material. This system also allows analysis of a number of attributes of a composition which are not readily apparent to human analysis. By using a numerical data format which treats motivically related material as equivalent, groups of tonally equivalent intervals (n-tuples) can be logged and have statistical procedures carried out on them. This thesis looks at four applications of this approach: measuring the most commonly occurring motivic material; creating a transition matrix showing probabilities of movement between intervals; measuring the extent of disjunct or conjunct writing; and measuring concentration of motivic writing (the extent to which motives are reused). Following the discussion of the data representation system, a set of expositions taken from the piano sonatas of Haydn, Mozart, and Clementi are converted to this method of data representation, and results are collected for the above four applications. The implications of the results of this analysis are discussed, and further potential applications of the system are explored.
Floristic composition and community structure of a seasonally deciduous forest on limestone outcrops in Central Brazil

The objective of this study was to analyze the floristic composition and structure of the tree component in a seasonally deciduous forest on limestone outcrops, located in the northeast region of Goias State, Brazil. A sample composed of 25 randomly sampled plots of 20 x 20 m (400 m2) within a 50 ha forest, was measured. All woody individuals > 5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) had their diameter and height measured. The tree community was composed of 39 species with a density of 734 individuals ha-1; the richest families were Leguminosae (11 species), Bignoniaceae (4 species) and Apocynaceae (4 species). The forest had a basal area of 16.37 m2 ha-1, with the most important species Cavanillesia arborea (3.26 m2 ha-1), Pseudobombax tomentosum (2.35 m2 ha-1), Dilodendron bipinnatum (1.84 m2 ha-1), Tabebuia impetiginosa (1.36 m2 ha-1) and Myracrodruon urundeuva (1.26 m2 ha-1) occupying 61.5% of the total basal area of the forest. Several species grew on rocks, or in rock fissures or in places with a shallow layer of soil or even in litter over rocky layers. The floristic composition showed links with the "Caatinga" flora, with other patches of seasonal forests in Central Brazil and in the Pantanal, and with the Chiquitano forests of Bolivia too, containing even two species considered as endemic to the "Caatinga".
Molecular function of the dual‐start motif in the λ S holin

The λS gene represents the prototype of holin genes with a dual‐start motif, which leads to the synthesis of two polypeptides, S105 and S107. They differ at their N‐terminus by only two amino acids, Met‐1 and Lys‐2, at the beginning of the longer product. Despite the minor difference, the two proteins have opposing functions in lysis, with protein S107 being an inhibitor and protein S105 being an effector of ‘hole formation’ in the inner membrane. Here, we have studied the molecular mechanism underlying the ‘lysis clock’ contributed by the dual‐start motif. We have used protein fusions in which the secretory signal sequence of the M13 procoat protein VIII has been abutted to the N‐terminal Met residues of S105 and S107 respectively. S‐dependent ‘hole formation’ required removal of the signal sequence in both fusion proteins, as both the VIII–S105 and the VIII–S107 fusion proteins were non‐functional when leader peptidase cleavage was inhibited. These results strongly supported the hypothesis that functional assembly of S proteins requires translocation of their N‐terminus to the periplasm. Using signal sequence cleavage as a measure of translocation, we observed that the translocation kinetics of the N‐terminus of the S107 moiety was reduced about threefold when compared with the N‐terminus of the S105 moiety. Moreover, depolarization of the membrane resulted in an immediate cleavage of the signal sequence and ‘hole formation’ exerted by the S107 moiety of the VIII–S107 fusion protein. A model is presented in which S107 with a reversed topology of its N‐terminus interacts with S105 and poisons ‘hole formation’. Upon depolarization of the membrane, translocation of the N‐terminus of S107 to the periplasm results in the functional assembly of S proteins, i.e. ‘hole formation’.
Designing fiber dispersion for broadband parametric amplifiers

We present a method to determine the fiber chromatic dispersion curve that optimizes the gain bandwidth and ripple of fiber optical parametric amplifiers. We found that controlling high order dispersion terms a great enhancement of the gain spectrum is achieved. We provide a simulation example of a photonic crystal fiber, designed to control up to the sixth order dispersion parameter that gives 33 dB of gain from 1440 nm to 1600 nm, within 0.2 dB of gain variation.
A multi-disciplinary profile of IS/IT outsourcing research

Purpose – In recent years a large number of studies have appeared on information systems (IS)/information technology (IT) outsourcing related issues but scattered in a number of distantly related publishing outlets which may hamper the use of such published resources and repetition of research conducted by various researchers. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic survey of the literature pertaining to research on IS/IT outsourcing.Design/methodology/approach – The research aim was accomplished by extracting information on a number of relevant variables by conducting a review of 315 articles on IS/IT outsourcing published between 1992 and 2008.Findings – The analysis is presented by listing and illustrating subject category, journals, year of publications and country, frequently published authors, productive institutions, the trend of collaborative nature (co‐author analysis) of research, the impact/influence of published research; topics/research issues and utilised methods, and the challe.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Background: H. pylori infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection in the world which can result in various gastrointestinal diseases, ranging from inflammation to even malignancy. Its prevalence is higher in developing countries, especially in lower socioeconomic groups. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of H. pylori infection in symptomatic patients and its relationship with various risk factors specially smoking, alcohol and socioeconomic status. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was done in symptomatic patients undergoing gastroduodenoscopy, to assess the prevalence of H. pylori and its associated risk factors in a tertiary care hospital of South Delhi. The gold standard diagnosis of H. pylori infection was histologic presence of the bacteria in the gastric biopsy. The variables analyzed as possible risk factors included demographic and living characteristics, socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol, and clinical indications of H. pylori infection. Results: A total of 70 patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms were included in the study. On histopathology, 51were found positive for H. pylori infection with a prevalence of 72.86%. No statistically significant difference was found between the H. pylori infection and socioeconomic status. H. pylori infection was found to be statistically significant for subjects who consumed alcohol (93.3%, p=0.046). They had 6.67 times risk of developing H. pylori infection compared to non-alcoholics. There was no significant association of H. pylori infection among the smokers and the non-smokers. Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between smoking, tobacco consumption, socioeconomic status and H. pylori infection. However, alcohol consumption (93.3%, p=0.046) and non-vegetarian diet (80%, p=0.01236) showed a higher significant association with active infection.
Actitud ante el SIDA en enfermería. Un análisis de las diferencias entre estudiantes y profesionales

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar la comparacion de las actitudes ante el SIDA entre estudiantes y profesionales de enfermeria, mediante las respuestas a la Escala de Actitud ante el SIDA para Enfermeria (EASE) de 250 estudiantes y 192 profesionales. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que, en general, los estudiantes presentan una actitud mas favorable ante el fenomeno VIH/SIDA. Asimismo, se observa que la edad correlaciona negativa y significativamente con la actitud en la muestra de profesionales, pero no en los estudiantes. El analisis de las respuestas a los items individuales de la escala pone en evidencia que, a pesar de los esfuerzos realizados durante estos anos en programas de formacion, todavia persiste un cierto grado de actitudes negativas y deficit de formacion con respecto a la enfermedad y sus afectados.
Echinococcus species from red foxes, corsac foxes, and wolves in Mongolia

SUMMARY The small intestines of 420 wild canids (111 corsac foxes, 191 red foxes and 118 wolves) from Mongolia, were examined for adult worms of the genus Echinococcus. The Mongolian genotype of Echinococcus multilocularis was found in fifteen red foxes and four wolves, whereas two genotypes (G6/7 and G10) of Echinococcus canadensis were found in two and three wolves, respectively. No adult Echinococcus worms were found in the corsac foxes examined. The genotypes of E. multilocularis and E. canadensis are discussed in terms of host specificity and distribution in Mongolia. The importance of wolves in the completion of the life cycle of Echinococcus spp. is also discussed.
Food habits in pregnancy

Food habits in Bda in 35 Morris, J. N. , Heady, J. A. , Raffle, P. A. B. , Roberts, C. G. & Parks, J. W. (1953a). Lancet, 265, 1053. Morris, J. N. , Heady, J. A. , Raffle, P. A. B. , Roberts, C. G. & Parks, J. W. (19j3b). Lancet, 265, 1111. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food : National Food Survey Committee. (I 960). Domestic Food Consumption and Expenditure, 1958, p. 64. London: H.M. Stationery Office.
Suicidality and sleep disturbances.

STUDY OBJECTIVES A growing body of research indicates that sleep disturbances may be specifically linked to suicidal behaviors. It remains unclear, however, whether this link is largely explained by depressive symptoms. The present study investigated the relationship between suicidality, depression, and sleep complaints in a clinical outpatient setting. DESIGN AND SETTING Upon admission, 176 outpatients completed measures on sleep disturbances, suicidal symptoms, and depression. Several sleep disturbances were evaluated with regard to suicidal ideation, including insomnia, nightmares, and sleep-related breathing symptoms. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Regression analyses revealed that insomnia and nightmare symptoms were associated with both depressive symptoms and suicidality. Sleep-related breathing symptoms were associated with depressive symptoms, but did not show an association with suicidal ideation. After controlling for depressive symptoms, only nightmares demonstrated an association with suicidal ideation. This relationship emerged as a nonsignificant trend (P = .06). Nightmares were particularly associated with suicidality among women compared with men. Posthoc analyses revealed that, after controlling for sex and depressive symptoms, nightmare symptoms were significantly associated with suicidality (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Although insomnia and nightmares were significantly associated with depressive and suicidal symptoms, after controlling for additional variables, such as depression and sex, only nightmares remained associated with suicidality. This association was slightly stronger among women compared with men.
The effect of condoms on penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds in young, heterosexual men.

INTRODUCTION Investigating the ways in which barrier methods such as condoms may affect penile sensory thresholds has potential relevance to the development of interventions in men who experience negative effects of condoms on sexual response and sensation. A quantitative, psychophysiological investigation examining the degree to which sensations are altered by condoms has, to date, not been conducted. AIM The objective of this study was to examine penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds in both flaccid and erect penises with and without a condom while comparing men who do and those who do not report condom-associated erection problems (CAEP). METHODS Penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds were assessed among a total of 141 young, heterosexual men using biothesiometry. An incremental two-step staircase method was used and repeated three times for each of four conditions. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for all vibratory assessments. Penile vibratory thresholds were compared using a mixed-model analysis of variance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds with and without a condom, erectile function measured by International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire, and self-reported degree of erection. RESULTS Significant main effects of condoms (yes/no) and erection (yes/no) were found. No main or interaction effects of CAEP were found. Condoms were associated with higher penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds (F[1,124] = 17.11, P < 0.001). Penile vibrotactile thresholds were higher with an erect penis than with a flaccid penis (F[1,124] = 4.21, P = 0.042). CONCLUSION The current study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring penile vibratory thresholds with and without a condom in both erect and flaccid experimental conditions. As might be expected, condoms increased penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds. Interestingly, erections were associated with the highest thresholds. Thus, this study was the first to document that erect penises are less sensitive to vibrotactile stimulation than flaccid penises.