Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinase-Inhibitors in Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer—Focus on Occurrence, Mechanisms, and Management of Treatment-Related Hypertension

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) usually has a good prognosis when treated conventionally with thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine (RAI) and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression, but some tumors develop a resistance to RAI therapy, requiring alternative treatments. Sorafenib, lenvatinib and cabozantinib are multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) approved for the treatment of RAI-refractory DTC. The drugs have been shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) via the inhibition of different receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that are involved in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Both sorafenib and lenvatinib have been approved irrespective of the line of therapy for the treatment of RAI-refractory DTC, whereas cabozantinib has only been approved as a second-line treatment. Adverse effects (AEs) such as hypertension are often seen with MKI treatment, but are generally well manageable. In this review, current clinical studies will be discussed, and the toxicity and safety of sorafenib, lenvatinib and cabozantinib treatment will be evaluated, with a focus on AE hypertension and its treatment options. In short, treatment-emergent hypertension (TE-HTN) occurs with all three drugs, but is usually well manageable and leads only to a few dose modifications or even discontinuations. This is emphasized by the fact that lenvatinib is widely considered the first-line drug of choice, despite its higher rate of TE-HTN.
Intelligent RACH access strategies for M2M traffic over cellular networks

This thesis investigates the coexistence of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Human-to-Human (H2H) based traffic sharing the Random Access Channel (RACH) of an existing cellular network and introduced a Q-learning as a mean of supporting the M2M traffic. The learning enables an intelligent slot selection strategy in order to avoid collisions amongst the M2M users during the RACH contest. It is also applied so that no central entity is involved in the slot selection process, to avoid tampering with the existing network standards. The thesis also introduces a novel back-off scheme for RACH access which provides separate frames for M2M and conventional cellular (H2H) retransmissions and is capable of dynamically adapting the frame size in order to maximise channel throughput. A Frame ALOHA for a Q-learning RACH access scheme is developed to realise collision- free RACH access between the H2H and M2M user groups. The scheme introduces a separate frame for H2H and M2M to use in both the first attempt and retransmissions. In addition analytical models are developed to examine the interaction of H2H and M2M traffic on the RACH channel, and to evaluate the throughput performance of both slotted ALOHA and Q-learning based access schemes. In general it is shown that Q-learning can be effectively applied for M2M traffic, significantly increasing the throughput capability of the channel with respect to conventional slotted ALOHA access. Dynamic adaptation of the back-off frames is shown to offer further improvements relative to a fixed frame scheme. Also the FA-QL-RACH scheme offers better performance than the QL-RACH and FB-QL-RACH scheme.
Interactions of β-Lactoglobulin with Bovine Submaxillary Mucin vs. Porcine Gastric Mucin: The Role of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Residues as Studied by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The aim of this study was to investigate binding interactions between β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and two different mucins, bovine submaxillary mucins (BSM) and porcine gastric mucin (PGM), using intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopies. Intrinsic fluorescence spectra showed an enhanced decrease of fluorescence intensity of BLG at all pH conditions when BLG was mixed with PGM rather than with BSM. We propose that, unlike BSM, the tertiary structure of PGM changes and the hydrophobic regions are exposed at pH 3 due to protonation of negatively charged residues. Results suggest that PGM also facilitated the structural unfolding of BLG and its binding with PGM by a hydrophobic interaction, especially at acidic pH, which was further supported by extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. Hydrophobic interaction is suggested as the dominant interaction mechanism between BLG and PGM at pH 3, whereas electrostatic interaction is the dominant one between BLG and BSM.
Vygotskian based grouping: utilizing the zone of proximal development in a chemistry laboratory

To my beautiful wife, Dawn, for her patience, love, and prayers. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to express my deep gratitude to Dr. J. J. Lagowski for his supervision and continual encouragement. His research group was truly a Godsend. I would also like to thank Dr. Stewart for allowing me into his realm of teaching philosophies and most importantly for access to his class and students. Lastly, I wish to thank all of the members of the Chemical Education Group for their continual and stimulating discussions. A large portion of any science major's curriculum utilizes laboratories. Many of these laboratories now incorporate cooperative learning as a result of studies attesting to its beneficial effects. However, little attention has been given to the composition of those groups, specifically at post-secondary education institutes. We have therefore investigated the effectiveness of a grouping technique based on the theories of L. S. Vygotsky and his construct of the zone of proximal development (ZPD) in the context of an undergraduate general chemistry laboratory course at The University of Texas at Austin. All students were responsible for the completion of a short, 11 question, pre-quiz. Depending on their respective classes, students were grouped either according to the ZPD-scheme, based on pre-quiz scores, or randomly, regardless of pre-quiz score. Achievement of the students in each of the two groups was compared in vi order to determine grouping effectiveness. This study was carried out for 3 semesters (spring 2003, spring 2004, and fall 2004) under two different instructors. Overall, results indicate that grouping according to the ZPD-scheme revealed higher student achievement versus random grouping. Moreover, students scoring low and average on pre-quizzes benefited far more from this grouping method than higher scoring students. The protocol for implementing this grouping scheme is straightforward and is discussed in detail.
Bottomless Culvert Scour Study: Phase II Laboratory Report

Bottomless culverts are three-sided structures that use the natural channel for the bottom. These structures could be used to convey flows from one side of a highway to the other. As such, they are an environmentally attractive alternative to box, pipe, and pipe arch culvert designs. Bottomless culverts range in size from less than a meter (1.5 feet) to more than 10 meters (35 feet) in width. The failure of such a structure could have severe consequences similar to the failure of a bridge. On the other hand, since the cost of the foundation and scour countermeasures represents a significant portion of the cost of this type of structure, overdesign of these elements can add significantly to the cost of the project. Several dozen physical modeling configurations of bottomless culverts were tested, and the resulting scour at the entrance along the foundation and outlet was measured. Predictive equations for estimating scour depth were developed and compared to the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA) methodology. These equations will provide guidance for the design of footing depths for bottomless culverts. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase focused on measuring maximum scour depths at the culvert entrance and developing an analysis procedure using methods found in the literature to approximate prescour hydraulic parameters that drive the analysis. No fixed-bed experiments were conducted in the first phase to measure actual prescour hydraulic parameters. No submerged entrance experiments were conducted in the first phase. The second phase expanded the investigation to include scour measurements at the outlet, submerged entrance scour measurements, and detailed velocity and depth measurements with a prescour fixed bed at locations where maximum scour occurred. Additional tests were conducted to evaluate the use of various measures to reduce scour including wingwalls, pile dissipators, riprap, and cross vanes.
Extension of use of nicotinamide riboside chloride as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an extension of use of the novel food (NF) nicotinamide riboside chloride (NRC) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The assessment addresses the use of NRC in ‘meal replacement products’ and ‘nutritional drink mixes’ at levels up to 300 mg/day for the general population, and in food for special medical purposes (FSMP) and total diet replacement for weight control (TDRWC) (as per Regulation (EU) No 609/2013) at levels up to 500 mg/day in adults. Benchmark dose modelling was carried out on data from the 90‐day oral toxicity studies in rats relevant to the safety assessment. Considering the lack of tolerable upper intake level (UL) for nicotinamide in infants and the narrow margin of exposure between the estimated intake in infants and the lower confidence bound of the benchmark doses (BMDL 05) estimated by the models, the Panel concludes that the safety of the NF has not been established for use in ‘meal replacement products’ and ‘nutritional drink mixes’ under the proposed conditions of use. For FSMP and TDRWC, the proposed maximum use level corresponds to an intake of 210 mg nicotinamide per day, which is below the current UL for nicotinamide of 900 mg/day for adults. The Panel considers that the NF is as safe as pure nicotinamide for use in FSMP and TDRWC. The Panel, however, notes experimental data which indicate several pathways by which intakes of nicotinamide (or its precursors), at levels that are substantially higher than the physiological requirement, might cause adverse effects. The Panel considers that further investigations are required and that a re‐evaluation of the UL for nicotinamide may be warranted.
Effects of the combined use of a scissor-type knife and traction clip on endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal tumors: a propensity score-matched analysis

Background and study aims This study evaluated the technical aspects of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) with the Clutch Cutter (CC) (Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan), a scissor-type knife, and the S-O clip (SO) as a traction clip, and compared the safety and efficacy to ESD using a needle-type knife. Patients and methods This was a single-center retrospective study. In Study 1, we evaluated 125 ESD patients: 60 using the SO and CC (SO group) and 65 using the CC (CC group). In Study 2, we evaluated 185 ESD patients: the CC group (N = 65) and 120 using the Flush knife BT-S (Flush group) (Fujifilm Co., Tokyo, Japan). In both studies, the clinicopathological features and therapeutic outcomes were compared using a propensity score-matched analysis. Results In 36 pairs of matched patients in Study 1, the rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, perforation, and postoperative bleeding (POB) were 97.2 %, 88.9 %, 2.8 %, and 0 %, respectively, for the SO group and 100 %, 91.7 %, 0 %, and 0 % for the CC group (not significant). The mean procedure time for the SO group among less-experienced endoscopists was significantly shorter than in the CC group (42 vs. 65 minutes, P = 0.036). In 49 pairs of matched patients in Study 2, the rates of en bloc resection, R0 resection, perforation, and POB were 100 %, 95.8 %, 0 %, and 0 %, respectively, for the CC group and 98.0 %, 95.8 %, 0 %, and 2.0 % for the Flush group (not significant). The mean procedure time in the CC group among less-experienced endoscopists was significantly shorter than in the Flush group (52 vs. 67 minutes, P = 0.038). Conclusions CC and the combined use of CC and SO reduced colorectal ESD procedure time among less-experienced endoscopists.
The First Meta-Analysis of the M129V Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of the Prion Protein Gene (PRNP) with Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease

Prion diseases are fatal, chronic, and incurable neurodegenerative diseases caused by pathogenic forms of prion protein (PrPSc) derived from endogenous forms of prion protein (PrPC). Several case–control and genome-wide association studies have reported that the M129V polymorphism of the human prion protein gene (PRNP) is significantly associated with susceptibility to sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). However, since some case–control studies have not shown these associations, the results remain controversial. We collected data that contain the genotype and allele frequencies of the M129V single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the PRNP gene and information on ethnic backgrounds from sporadic CJD patients. We performed a meta-analysis by collecting data from eligible studies to evaluate the association between the M129V SNP of the PRNP gene and susceptibility to sporadic CJD. We found a very strong association between the M129V SNP of the PRNP gene and susceptibility to sporadic CJD using a meta-analysis for the first time. We validated the eligibility of existing reports and found severe heterogeneity in some previous studies. We also found that the MM homozygote is a potent risk factor for sporadic CJD compared to the MV heterozygote in the heterozygote comparison model (MM vs. MV, odds ratio = 4.9611, 95% confidence interval: 3.4785; 7.0758, p < 1 × 10−10). To the best of our knowledge, this was the first meta-analysis assessment of the relationship between the M129V SNP of the PRNP gene and susceptibility to sporadic CJD.
Computer vision-based localization and mapping of an unknown, uncooperative and spinning target for spacecraft proximity operations

Prior studies have estimated that there are over 100 potential target objects near the Geostationary Orbit belt that are spinning at rates of over 20 rotations per minute. For a number of reasons, it may be desirable to operate in close proximity to these objects for the purposes of inspection, docking and repair. Many of them have an unknown geometric appearance, are uncooperative and non-communicative. These types of characteristics are also shared by a number of asteroid rendezvous missions. In order to safely operate in close proximity to an object in space, it is important to know the target object’s position and orientation relative to the inspector satellite, as well as to build a three-dimensional geometric map of the object for relative navigation in future stages of the mission. This type of problem can be solved with many of the typical Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithms that are found in the literature. However, if the target object is spinning with significant angular velocity, it is also important to know the linear and angular velocity of the target object as well as its center of mass, principal axes of inertia and its inertia matrix. This information is essential to being able to propagate the state of the target object to a future time, which is a key capability for any type of proximity operations mission. Most of the typical SLAM algorithms cannot easily provide these types of estimates for high-speed spinning objects. This thesis describes a new approach to solving a SLAM problem for unknown and uncooperative objects that are spinning about an arbitrary axis. It is capable of estimating a geometric map of the target object, as well as its position, orientation, linear velocity, angular velocity, center of mass, principal axes and ratios of inertia. This allows the state of the target object to be propagated to a future time step using Newton’s Second Law and Euler’s Equation of Rotational Motion, and thereby allowing this future state to be used by the planning and control algorithms for the target spacecraft. In order to properly evaluate this new approach, it is necessary to gather experi-
Effect of annealing on dielectric dispersion of tantalum oxide films prepared by RF sputtering

Effect of annealing in oxygen and argon mixtures during the RF sputtering process on the dielectric dispersion of tantalum oxide films are investigated as a function of the film thickness and annealing temperature. Dielectric properties of thin tantalum oxide films prepared at room temperature show anomalous dielectric dispersion in the low frequency range. Very high dielectric constant and dielectric loss are observed in the frequency of 10-10 kHz. The frequency of dielectric loss peak increased with the increment of measuring temperatures and this peak shows strong thickness dependence. These characteristics are explained in terms of interfacial polarization between the aluminum and tantalum oxide layer based on the Maxwell-Wagner mechanism. It is shown that these anomalous dielectric dispersion are drastically improved by increasing annealing temperature and no dielectric loss peaks are observed for the film prepared at 400/spl deg/C. It is also shown that the leakage current in a low voltage region are reduced to less than 1/10 by annealing at a temperature of 400/spl deg/C.
Team‐based cellular manufacturing

Purpose – Social factors are an under‐researched but important aspect in the success of manufacturing cells. This paper sets out to investigate the impact and importance of various human factors within a socio‐technical system such as team‐based cellular manufacturing (TBCM). Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire survey was designed to provide information about human factors in TBCM. The survey was conducted at four medium‐to‐large size organisations in Australia and Switzerland where participants were required to be working within a TBCM environment and included managers, team leaders, and operators. A set of research questions and hypotheses was developed and tested.Findings – It was found that human issues account for a significant proportion of problems within team‐based manufacturing cells. Of the eight human factors tested in this survey, communication, teamwork and training were ranked the most important, while reward/compensation was ranked the least important. Testing showed significant re.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes Can Be Considered Safe in Children: A Single-Center 11-Year Retrospective Analysis

Background and Objectives: When the human body is disabled to naturally ingest food through the mouth, enteral or parenteral nutritional support should be started. Percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) is a flexible feeding tube that is inserted into the stomach through the abdominal wall in patients who will need long-term enteral nutrient intake. The aim of this study is to analyze clinical characteristic of children at the time of PEG placement as well as to determine indications, complications and outcomes associated with PEG at the Department of Pediatrics of the University Hospital of Split. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients treated from 2010 to 2020 was performed. The following data were collected from medical records: age, gender, information about nasogastric feeding before PEG placement, indication for PEG insertion, duration of PEG, procedure-related complications and treatment outcomes. Malnutrition was determined according to the z-score range for BMI for age and sex. According to the indication for PEG placement, patients were divided into five categories: central nervous system (CNS) diseases, neuromuscular diseases, genetic disorders, metabolic diseases, and group of children with polytrauma. Results: A total of 40 patients with median age of 110 months were included in study. At the time of PEG placement, most patients had deviations in body weight and height compared to expected values for age and sex. The most common underlying diagnoses were diseases of the central nervous system. Minor complications were found in 13 (35%) of patients. One patient (2.7%) developed major complication (gastrocolic fistula) and consequently underwent reoperation. The median duration of PEG in patients with complications before the need for replacement was 27 months, and in patients without complications, 43 months. Conclusions: Negative deviations of z-score body weight, body height, and body mass index could indicate the need for possible earlier placement of PEG. PEG can be considered as a safe therapeutic option in children since PEG-related complications, mostly in minor forms, were found in a small number of patients.
Design of Metasurface with Nanoslits on Elliptical Curves for Generation of Dual-Channel Vector Beams

The manipulations of nanoscale multi-channel vector beams (VBs) by metasurfaces hold potential applications in various important fields. In this paper, the metasurface with two sets of nanoslits arranged on elliptic curves was proposed to generate the dual-channel focused vector beams (FVBs). Each set of nanoslits was composed of the in-phase and the out-of-phase groups of nanoslits to introduce the constructive interference and destructive interference of the output light field of the nanoslits, focusing the converted spin component and eliminating the incident spin component at the focal point. The two sets of nanoslits for the channels at the two focal points were interleaved on the same ellipses, and by setting their parameters independently, the FVBs in the two channels are generated under illumination of linearly polarized light, while their orders and polarization states of FVBs were controlled independently. The generation of the FVBs with the designed metasurfaces was demonstrated by the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulations and by the experimental verifications. The work in this paper is of great significance for the generation of miniaturized multi-channel VBs and for broadening the applications of metasurfaces.
CAPACITY AND LEVEL OF SERVICE AT UNSIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS. FINAL REPORT. VOLUME 2 - ALL-WAY STOP-CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS

The major objective of NCHRP 3-46, Capacity and Level of Service at Unsignalized Intersections, was to develop a new set of capacity and delay models for two-way (TWSC) and all-way (AWSC) stop controlled intersections. Data were collected at 79 TWSC intersections and 41 AWSC intersections throughout the United States, producing new values for critical gap, follow-up time, and saturation headway. These data, along with data for flow rates, delay, and intersection geometric effects, were used to calibrate the capacity and delay models which will now be integrated into a new version of chapter ten of the Highway Capacity Manual in 1997. This report, the second of two volumes describing the work completed for this project, documents the work completed for AWSC intersections.
Evolution of Control of Cross-listed

There are two theories on the determinants of the control structure of the firm. The first theory postulates that the control structure is determined by company-specific characteristics. The second theory emphasizes the importance of institutional characteristics in shaping this structure. In this paper, we test the validity of both theories in the context of a cross-listing, which causes a change to the company’s legal environment. We find that the initial control structure, risk and size determine the control structure post cross-listing and that cross-listing on better quality markets facilitates the evolution of control towards more dispersed control. To conclude, company characteristics have a greater impact than country characteristics on the company’s decision to cross-list and are also better at explaining the change in the control structure post cross-listing.