Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brentuximab-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Manage an Emerging Challenge in Hodgkin Lymphoma Therapy

Simple Summary This article highlights the importance of monitoring peripheral neurotoxicity in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) who receive brentuximab vedotin, with a particular focus on early recognition and multidisciplinary management of this type of toxicity. Brentuximab vedotin-induced neurotoxicity (BVIN) is the most common non-haematological complication and cause of dose-delay or early discontinuation of BV treatment. An accurate and prompt diagnosis in patients with HL is essential to optimise management of this potentially disabling complication. Abstract Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is an anti-CD30 antibody–drug conjugate approved to treat classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). BV-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (BVIN) is one of the greatest concerns for haematologists treating HL for several reasons. First, BVIN is highly frequent. Most patients receiving BV will experience some degree of BVIN, resulting in the primary reason for dose modification or discontinuation of HL therapy. Second, BV produces sensory, motor, and/or autonomic peripheral nerve dysfunction, which can present as severe, disabling forms of BVIN—predominantly motor—in some patients. Third, although largely reversible, BVIN may persist months or years after treatment and thereby become a major issue in HL survivorship. BVIN may, therefore, negatively affect the quality of life and work-life of often young patients with HL, in whom long-term survival is expected. Currently, the only strategy for BVIN includes dose adjustments and treatment discontinuation; however, this could interfere with LH therapy efficacy. In this setting, early recognition and adequate management of BVIN are critical in improving clinical outcomes. Careful neurologic monitoring may allow accurate diagnoses and gradation of ongoing forms of BVIN presentation. This review analysed current, available data on epidemiology, pathophysiology, patient- and treatment-related risk factors, clinical and neurophysiologic phenotypes, and management in patients with HL. Furthermore, this review specifically addresses limitations posed by BVIN assessments in clinical practice and provides skills and tools to improve neurologic assessments in these patients. Integrating this neurotoxic drug in clinical practice requires a multidisciplinary approach to avoid or minimise neurotoxicity burden in survivors of HL.
Predicting Antimicrobial Activity at the Target Site: Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Indices versus Time–Kill Approaches

Antibiotic dosing strategies are generally based on systemic drug concentrations. However, drug concentrations at the infection site drive antimicrobial effect, and efficacy predictions and dosing strategies should be based on these concentrations. We set out to review different translational pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) approaches from a target site perspective. The most common approach involves calculating the probability of attaining animal-derived PK/PD index targets, which link PK parameters to antimicrobial susceptibility measures. This approach is time efficient but ignores some aspects of the shape of the PK profile and inter-species differences in drug clearance and distribution, and provides no information on the PD time-course. Time–kill curves, in contrast, depict bacterial response over time. In vitro dynamic time–kill setups allow for the evaluation of bacterial response to clinical PK profiles, but are not representative of the infection site environment. The translational value of in vivo time–kill experiments, conversely, is limited from a PK perspective. Computational PK/PD models, especially when developed using both in vitro and in vivo data and coupled to target site PK models, can bridge translational gaps in both PK and PD. Ultimately, clinical PK and experimental and computational tools should be combined to tailor antibiotic treatment strategies to the site of infection.
New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Facilitates the Emergence of Cefiderocol Resistance in Enterobacter cloacae

Cefiderocol is a promising novel siderophore cephalosporin for the treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli and with stability against degradation by metallo-β-lactamases. Nonetheless, the emergence of cefiderocol in metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales during therapy has been reported on more than one occasion. ABSTRACT Cefiderocol is a promising novel siderophore cephalosporin for the treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli and with stability against degradation by metallo-β-lactamases. Nonetheless, the emergence of cefiderocol in metallo-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales during therapy has been reported on more than one occasion. To understand the underlying mechanisms and factors facilitating the resistance development, we conducted an in vitro evolution experiment using clinical E. cloacae isolates via serial passaging under cefiderocol pressure. In this study, we showed that the presence of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) facilitates the emergence of resistance via nonsynonymous mutations of the CirA catecholate siderophore receptor. Inhibition of metallo-β-lactamase activity using dipicolinic acid prevented the emergence of cefiderocol-resistant mutants successfully. This finding implies that caution should be taken when using cefiderocol for the treatment of infections caused by metallo-β-lactamase-producing bacteria.
Clinical and Laboratory Diagnostic Features of Kyasanur Forest Disease: A Study From Wayanad, South India

Background Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever, was first recognized in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India, in 1957. This study was conceived to address the paucity of medical literature on KFD, to describe the clinical and laboratory features of real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) confirmed cases of KFD, and to detect any change in the clinical picture and presentation of the disease over the last 30 years. Aim The study sought to document the clinical and laboratory features of Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), a tick-borne arboviral disease, now emerging in many parts of southern India. Material and methods This was a retrospective study using secondary data of patients with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR)-confirmed KFD in a secondary care hospital in Wayanad, Kerala, India. Results Sixty rRT-PCR-proven KFD patients were included in the study. Commonly noted clinical symptoms were fever (98%), headache (80%), body ache (86%), vomiting (61%), and prostration (83%). Relative bradycardia, hypotension (45%), and oral lesions (23%) were the frequent physical signs. The median total leukocyte count and median platelet count at admission were 2600 per μL and 1.62 per μL, respectively. The median erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 10 mm/hr. Urinary sediments and albuminuria were seen in 66% and 60% respectively. The major complications observed were neurological complications (23%), bleeding manifestations (20%), and persistent shock (20%). The common neurological complications were seizures, altered sensorium, aseptic meningitis, and focal neurological deficits. The case fatality rate in the study was 6.7%. Conclusions The clinical picture of a prostrating viral syndrome in an epidemiological setting of KFD with marked leucopenia, moderate thrombocytopenia, low erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), albuminuria, urinary sediments, and moderately elevated transaminases help in making an early diagnosis of KFD. Neurological complications in the initial two weeks are associated with poor outcomes.
Constructability implementation: a survey in the Malaysian construction industry

Twenty-three constructability concepts are identified. Based on these, an industry-wide questionnaire was administrated in Peninsular Malaysia. The respondents were the engineers working with owners, consultants, contractors, subcontractors and construction management firms. The importance, from the viewpoint of the Malaysian engineers, of the constructability concepts and the degree of the actual application of those concepts in the Malaysian Construction Industry is presented so that an insight on constructability implementation can be established. Fieldwork results revealed that the Malaysian engineers showed high acceptance of 22 concepts and rejected the one that relates to the fast-track method of construction. Those engineers accepted the constructability concepts from the theoretical point of view but generally they did not apply these concepts in their practices. The study also concludes that the Malaysian engineers show a wide understanding of the majority of the concepts. However, they did not link those concepts under the umbrella of constructability.
The behavior of narrow-width SOI MOSFETs with MESA isolation

Narrow-width effects in thin-film silicon on insulator (SOI) MOSFETs with MESA isolation technology have been studied theoretically and experimentally. As the channel width of the MOSFET is scaled down, the gate control of the channel potential is enhanced. It leads to the suppression of drain current dependence on substrate bias and punchthrough effect in narrow-width devices. The variation of threshold voltage with the channel width is also studied and is found to have a strong dependence on thickness of silicon film, interface charges in the buried oxide and channel type of SOI MOSFETs.
Comparison of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio with Child-Pugh and PELD/MELD scores to predict the outcome of children with cirrhosis

Aim of the study Prognostic scores are highly needed to properly manage children with cirrhosis and improve their clinical outcomes. The relationship between lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) at the time of admission to hospital and outcome of cirrhosis has been studied in adults, but to the best of our knowledge, there is no study regarding its utility as a prognostic marker of poor outcome in children with cirrhosis. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential prognostic value of LMR in such patients. Material and methods At the time of admission, LMR, Child-Pugh, and Pediatric End-stage Liver Disease/Model for End-stage Liver Disease (PELD/MELD) scores were calculated for 114 children with cirrhosis. LMR and PELD/MELD and Child-Pugh scores were compared between the survivor and non-survivor groups. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the cutoff values were calculated using the Youden index. Results It was found that LMR had a strong negative correlation with PELD/MELD (r = –0.87, p = 0.36) and a weak negative correlation with Child-Pugh scores (r = –0.046, p = 0.63). The highest area under the curve (AUC) was found for LMR (0.861). The AUC was also good for PELD/MELD scores (0.804). The AUC values for LMR in patients under and above 6 years old were 0.675 (95% CI: 0.462-0.888) (p = 0.111) and 0.926 (95% CI: 0.852-1.000) (p < 0.001), respectively. The PELD/MELD scores were significantly higher in the low LMR group than in the high LMR group (p = 0.001). Conclusions LMR can be used to determine the outcome of cirrhotic children older than 6 years during the hospital stay because it is easy to calculate and its efficacy is comparable to PELD/MELD scores. Meanwhile, further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
New transfer function model for PWM power converter

An equivalent circuit for a power converter bridge leg is derived. In this circuit model the PWM (pulsewidth modulation) power switches are represented by dependent power sources. By this approach PWM switching converters can be represented by a continuous, but nonlinear, electric circuit. By making reasonable assumptions, a linear transfer function model for the power converter is developed. The root locus method is used to analyze the dynamic performance of the inverter. The accuracy of the transfer function model is examined. A single-phase bridge inverter is used as an example. <<ETX>>
Acceptance Sampling Plans Based on Truncated Life Tests for Gompertz Distribution

An acceptance sampling plan for Gompertz distribution under a truncated life test is developed. For different acceptance numbers, consumer’s confidence levels and values of the ratio of the experimental time to the specified mean lifetime, the minimum sample sizes required to ensure the specified mean lifetime are obtained. The operating characteristic function values and the associated producer’s risks are also presented. An example is provided to illustrate the acceptance sampling plan.
Isolating In-Situ Grip and Push Force Distribution from Hand-Handle Contact Pressure with an Industrial Electric Nutrunner

Objectives: Grip force during hand tool operation is the primary contributor to tendon strain and related wrist injuries, whereas push force is a contributor to shoulder injuries. However, both cannot be directly measured using a single measurement instrument. The objective of this research was to develop and test an algorithm to isolate the grip and push force distributions from in-situ hand-handle pressure measurements and to quantify their distributions among industrial workers using an electric nutrunner. Methods: Experienced automobile assembly line workers used an industrial nutrunner to tighten fasteners at various locations and postures. The pressure applied by the hand on the tool handle was measured dynamically using pressure sensors mounted on the handle. An algorithm was developed to compute the push force applied to the handle of an electric pistol-grip nutrunner based on recorded pressure measurements. An optimization problem was solved to find the contribution of each measured pressure to the actual pushing force of the tool. Finally, the grip force was determined from the difference between the measured pressure and the calculated pushing pressure. Results: The grip force and push force were successfully isolated and there was no correlation between the two forces. The computed grip force increased from low to high fastener locations, whereas the push force significantly increased during overhead fastening. A significant difference across the participants’ computed grip forces was observed. The grip force distribution showed that its contribution to total hand force was larger than other definitions in the literature. Conclusions: The developed algorithm can aid in better understanding the risk of injury associated with different tasks through the notion of grip and push force distribution. This was shown to be important as even workers with considerable power tool experience applied significantly more grip and push force than other participants, all of whom successfully completed each task. Moreover, the fact that both forces were uncorrelated shows the need for extracting them independently.
Large Scale Testing of Rockfill Materials

A brief description is made of the rockfill laboratory of the Comision Federal de Electricidad in Mexico. Equipment is available for large-scale (specimens 113 cm in diam) triaxial and compressibility testing of granular materials with maximum particle size up to 20 cm, under lateral pressures up to 25 kg per sq cm. Results of triaxial tests run with three different rockfill materials are presented. The influence of gradation, confining pressure and particle breakage are discussed.
Crossmodal Associations with Olfactory, Auditory, and Tactile Stimuli in Children and Adults

People associate information with different senses but the mechanism by which this happens is unclear. Such associations are thought to arise from innate structural associations in the brain, statistical associations in the environment, via shared affective content, or through language. A developmental perspective on crossmodal associations can help determine which explanations are more likely for specific associations. Certain associations with pitch (e.g., pitch–height) have been observed early in infancy, but others may only occur late into childhood (e.g., pitch–size). In contrast, tactile–chroma associations have been observed in children, but not adults. One modality that has received little attention developmentally is olfaction. In the present investigation, we explored crossmodal associations from sound, tactile stimuli, and odor to a range of stimuli by testing a broad range of participants. Across the three modalities, we found little evidence for crossmodal associations in young children. This suggests an account based on innate structures is unlikely. Instead, the number and strength of associations increased over the lifespan. This suggests that experience plays a crucial role in crossmodal associations from sound, touch, and smell to other senses.
Application of a boost AC-AC converter to compensate for voltage sags in electric power distribution systems

In this paper an approach to compensate for voltage sags via a three-phase AC to AC boost converter is investigated. The proposed pulse width modulation (PWM) control strategy ensures independent control of each phase and compensates for both symmetrical and asymmetrical voltage sag disturbances. Examples from simulation show good compensation for a 50% symmetrical sag and a 65% asymmetrical sag. Experimental result shows a fast detection and compensation of the disturbances.
Unclasping potential chickpea resources for biofortification of the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase

Context: The Superoxide Dismutase enzyme plays a very decisive role in governing abiotic and biotic stresses infused the hypothesis for the study.Aims: The investigation was conducted to assess the diverseness and identify novel resources to be utilized in Superoxide Dismutase induced abiotic-biotic stress resistance breeding of chickpea.Methods: The plants were grown in triplicates under recommended agronomic practices using PUSA 256 as check in a randomized block design. Fresh leaves were collected for estimation of enzyme superoxide dismutase and DNA extraction. Number of pods was recorded on 20 individual plants from middle of the row for each of the 12 genotypes. Employing 32 STMS markers together with morpho-biochemical data, Jaccard’s similarity coefficients along with dendrograms were generated to compare and assess the diversity.Key results: Amongst genotypes, the BGD-70 vs ICRISAT-3668 were identified as poorest vs best performers for superoxide dismutase activity. Out of 32 STMS primers, 80 alleles with 2.5 an average per loci were found. The marker TA-80 was identified as most polymorphic. The genotypes ICRISAT-3668 and SBD 377, distantly located on different molecular clusters, expressed higher SOD activity indicating genetic governance, probably by limited number of polygenes / OTLs and might be utilized as potential resources for abiotic-biotic stress resistance.Conclusions: The genotypes ICRISAT-3668, SBD 377 and polymorphic marker TA-80 were identified as novel potential genetic resources.Implications: The identified resources may be employed to widen the germplasm base, prepare maintainable catalogue, systematic blueprints and bifortification for future chickpea breeding strategies targeting abiotic-biotic stresses.
Performance, Risk, and Cost of Capital: Trends and Opportunities for Future CSR Research

The information within this study reviews the financial management literature focusing on proponents and opponents of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We review how CSR affects different areas of corporate finance. This study’s core objective is to explore the last 20 years (2000–2019) of CSR top-tier literature to develop and theoretically support CSR and environmental management. Twenty years of publications provide a considerable amount of evidence on CSR’s impacts on firm financial characteristics and some paradoxical findings. The majority of our insights support the argument that doing good is good for business. This study also highlights existing gaps in the literature. Based on our findings, we highlight three areas to further explore in the context of CSR and corporate finance: (1) Does CSR improve specific information contents in stock prices? (2) Does CSR mitigate financial distress risk? and (3) Is CSR good for firm trade credit?
Light-Weight Antennae by Electroplating HF-Transparent Rigid Foam

This contribution presents a way to manufacture antennae, which allows to both effectively simplify the production and reduce associated costs as well as the weight. Amongst other examples for aperture antennae this is shown for a configuration given by the slotted waveguide antenna toolkit presented in [1]. In simplified terms the procedure consists of shaping the HF-transparent rigid foam to the size of the antenna's cavity, attaching the connector(s) and electroplating it with copper. The manufacturing steps are shown in detail, which is followed by a characterization including the weight as well as the antenna performance such as S11 and the antenna pattern for horizontal polarization. These results validate the applicability of the presented method and open windows of opportunities especially in contexts in which intricate cavities and weight pose critical issues.
PROTECTION OF THE MANSION HOUSE AGAINST DAMAGE CAUSED BY GROUND MOVEMENTS DUE TO THE DOCKLANDS LIGHT RAILWAY EXTENSION

This article describes damage caused to the Mansion House, an 18th century Grade 1 listed building in the City of London, caused by the construction of a 3.05m diameter tunnel some 15m below the building. It was intended that this tunnel would be the first of a number of additional tunnels and underground structures to be built near the Mansion House, associated with the extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Bank Station. However, cracking of the walls and ground movements required that measures be taken to protect the Mansion House from the effects of the future tunnelling. Ground and crack movements associated with the first tunnel were measured and ground movements due to the proposed tunnels were predicted. This paper describes both the proposed and adopted solutions for protecting the Mansion House, including the analyses and testing which was carried out. A sophisticated system to monitor building and ground movements during and after the construction of the remainder of the tunnels has been installed.