Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of occupational heat exposure and colorectal cancer in the MCC-Spain study

Objective Heat exposure and heat stress/strain is a concern for many workers. There is increasing interest in potential chronic health effects of occupational heat exposure, including cancer risk. We examined potential associations of occupational heat exposure and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in a large Spanish multi-case–control study. Methods We analyzed data on 1198 histologically confirmed CRC cases and 2690 frequency-matched controls. The Spanish job-exposure matrix, MatEmEsp, was used to assign heat exposure estimates to the lifetime occupations of participants. Three exposure indices were assessed: ever versus never exposed, cumulative exposure and duration (years). We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using unconditional logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results Overall, there was no association of ever, compared with never, occupational heat exposure and CRC (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.92–1.29). There were also no associations observed according to categories of cumulative exposure or duration, and there was no evidence for a trend. There was no clear association of ever occupational heat exposure and CRC in analysis conducted among either men or women when analyzed separately. Positive associations were observed among women in the highest categories of cumulative exposure (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.09–3.03) and duration (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.50–5.59) as well as some evidence for a trend (P<0.05). Conclusion Overall, this study provides no clear evidence for an association between occupational heat exposure and CRC.
Observations of the bright novalike variable IX Velorum with the Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope

The Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope, an experiment flown on the Space Shuttle as part of the Astro-1 mission, was used to obtain a spectrum of the novalike variable IX Vel (= CPD -48 deg 1577) in the wavelength range 830-1860 A. The observation revealed a rich absorption-line and continuum spectrum that peaks near 1050 A at a flux of 1.6 x 10(exp -11) ergs/sq cm/s/A. In the sub-Lyman-alpha region, some of the more prominent absorption lines are S VI lambda lambda-933, 945, C III lambda-977, Lyman-beta, O VI lambda lambda-1032, 1038, P V lambda lambda-1118, 1128, and C III lambda-1176. No emission was detected below the Lyman limit. The overall continuum shape of IX Vel in the FUV can be approximated using models of an optically thick accretion disk in which the integrated spectrum has been constructed by summing model stellar atmospheres or proper disk model spectra. However, if the distance to IX Vel is approximately 95 pc, standard disk models without reddening cannot simultaneously reproduce the color and flux in the UV. While interstellar reddening can reconcile this difference, the amount of reddening appears inconsistent with the absence of a 2200 A bump in the spectrum and the very low H I column density measured along the line of sight. Improved fits to the data can be obtained by modifying the accretion disk stucture within three white dwarf radii. None of the models reproduces the profiles of the Li- and Na-like ions, which are observed as strong but relatively narrow absorption lines, and which are almost surely due to a wind above the disk.
The Comparison the Impact of Flare-up GnRH Agonist with Delayed-Start GnRH Antagonist Protocols on the IVF Outcome of Poor Responder Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: The current research was established to make a comparison between the delayed-start GnRH antagonist and flare-up GnRH agonist protocols in poor response patients. Methods: The present study is a randomized, prospective, controlled trial that was performed on 150 women who referred to two distinct in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in Iran. Patients were randomly assigned to two experimental groups, as one group was treated with the delayed-start GnRH antagonist protocol (delayed-start group), while another group was treated with the flare-up protocol (flare-up group). Results: The serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone, along with the thickness of endometrial tissue and the number of follicles ≥13 mm was significantly increased in the delayed-start group compared with the flare-up group. Also, the number of total oocytes, retrieved mature oocytes, total embryos, fertilized oocytes, as well as the quality of embryos were markedly higher in the delayed-start group when compared with the flare-up group. No statistically significant difference was found in the rates of fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy between the two experimental groups. Conclusions: According to the above evidence, it seems that the effect of delayed-start protocol on ovarian responsiveness was more pronounced during controlled ovarian stimulation in comparison with the flare-up protocol and the delayed start protocol probably lead to better implantation and pregnancy rates in comparison with the flare up agonist protocol cycle in poor responders.
Ultrasonic enhancement of α vβ 3 expressing-cells with targeted contrast agents

Targeted contrast agents have the potential to substantially improve the ability of ultrasound contrast agents to delineate otherwise difficult-to-detect pathologies. In this manuscript, optical microscopy and acoustic backscatter measurements from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to targeted and control microbubbles illustrate the high affinity of targeted agents for the α vβ3 integrin. Backscatter measurements are provided for cell layers exposed to three types of targeted contrast agents in addition to two controls. Acoustic studies illustrate a backscatter amplitude increase from α vβ3 expressing cells exposed to the targeted contrast agent of up to 13 fold compared to non-targeted agents. Additionally, echo decorrelation is shown to be a function of acoustic pressure and microbubble density. Frequency domain analysis demonstrates that adherent targeted microbubbles exhibit a significantly more narrowband spectrum than free microbubbles. These results suggest that targeted contrast agents may provide additional sensitivity in the detection of tumors, and that adherent contrast agents may be differentiable from free-floating microbubbles.
HCP structured CoCrMn underlayer for Co-based longitudinal magnetic recording media

Nonmagnetic hcp CoCrMn alloy was investigated with a view of new underlayer for CoCrPt longitudinal magnetic recording media. Magnetic properties and crystallographic textures of CoCrPt/CoCrMn thin films were compared with those of CoCrPt/Cr thin films. Only Co (10.0) and (11.0) peaks were observed in CoCrPt/CoCrMn thin films deposited on glass substrates without any bcc-type underlayer. CoCrPt/CoCrMn thin films showed higher coercivity and narrower grain size distribution than CoCrPt/Cr thin films prepared under same conditions. CoCrPt/CoCrMn thin films showed better lattice matching and grain-to-grain growth than CoCrPt/Cr thin films and no transition layer between a magnetic layer and an underlayer.
A Power Comparison of the Welch-James and Improved General Approximation Tests in the Split-Plot Design

Power for the improved general approximation (IGA) and Welch-James (WJ) tests of the within-subjects (trials) main effect and the within-subjects × between-subjects (groups × trial) interaction was estimated for a design with one between- and one within-subjects factor. The distribution of the data had two levels: multivariate normal and multivariate lognormal Power estimates for conditions in which there were between-groups differences in dispersion matrices showed that, for both effects, there were conditions in which the IGA test was more powerful and conditions in which the WJ test was more powerful. The power advantage for the IGA test tended to be fairly small, whereas the power advantage for the WJ test was quite large in many conditions. Furthermore, the number of conditions favoring the WJ test was much larger than the number of conditions favoring the IGA test. Power for IGA, WJ, ε̃-adjusted, and MANOVA tests was compared for conditions in which dispersion matrices were equal across groups. Results indicate that little if any power was sacrificed by using WJ or IGA tests in place of MANOVA or ε̃-adjusted tests.
Amplitude propagation in slowly varying trains of shear-flow instability waves

The analog of Whitham's law of conservation of wave action density is derived in the case of Rayleigh instability waves. The analysis allows for wave propagation in two space dimensions, non-unidirectionality of the background flow velocity profiles and weak horizontal nonuniformity and unsteadiness of those profiles. The small disturbance equations of motion in the Eulerian flow description are subject to a change of dependent variable in which the new variable represents the pressure-driven part of a disturbance material coordinate function as a function of the Cartesian spatial coordinates and time. Several variational principles expressing the physics of the small disturbance equations of motion are presented in terms of this new variable. A law of conservation of ‘bilinear wave action density’ is derived by a method intermediate between those of Jimenez and Whitham (1976) and Hayes (1970a). The distinction between the observed square amplitude of an amplified wavetrain and the wave action density is discussed. Three types of algebraic focusing are discussed, the first being the far-field ‘caustics’, the second being near-field ‘movable singularities’, and the third being a focusing mechanism due to Landahl (1972) which we here derive under somewhat weaker hypotheses.
Adaptive predictive expert control of levels in large canals for irrigation water distribution

Proportional integral (PI) control is the most frequently used method for controlling water levels in irrigation canals. For design purposes, simplified linear models are typically used to describe the series of pools that, separated by control gates, compose the whole canal. Common models are made by series connection of integrator plus time delay or integrator with time delay plus a zero, these models being obtained from the Saint‐Venant equations. However, it is known that hydraulic processes in irrigation canals are strongly nonlinear and present dynamics that are time varying depending on the operating point and the hydraulic conditions of the pool, so that the performance of PI controls may be reduced as the operating point moves far from the nominal design state. This paper presents the application of an adaptive predictive expert control (ADEX) for the distant downstream level control in irrigation canals trying to exploit their adaptive capability to efficiently achieve changes in the setpoint levels and disturbance rejection. Both PI and ADEX controllers are compared in simulation and in real field tests in the control of the end pool of the Canal Imperial de Aragón in Spain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Customer Intention Towards Reverse Logistics of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottles in the Beverage Industry of Pakistan

The aim of this research is to examine the Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle exchange attitude and intention with the help of value belief norm theory in Karachi Pakistan. The main focus of the study is to report the empirical relationship among the antecedents of customer attitude and intention. This study follows the cross-sectional research design to conduct survey based on self-administered questionnaire. Using the cluster sampling followed by convenient sampling techniques, responses are collected from 400 respondents of district east in Karachi who are affiliated with diverse education, income and age group. The findings reported that value belief norm theory is successful in explaining the customer attitude regarding PET bottle exchange. This theory proves that PET bottles exchange attitude in individuals developed only when certain values, beliefs and personal norms are present. Further, the PET bottles exchange attitude explained significant variance for predicting customer PET bottle exchange intention. Moreover, the relationship between PET bottles exchange attitude is moderated by consumer knowledge and neutralization technique. Most of the research focused the operation and manufacturing side of supply chain. The customers are the key players in the supply chain especially in the reverse logistics. This study aimed to focus the role of customers in the reverse logistics of PET bottles in beverage industry of Pakistan with the Psychological parameters. The study identifies the need for policymakers and supply chain managers to actively advocate the environmental messages in their promotional campaigns in order to offset the effect of customer neutralization and enhance the customer knowledge regarding environmental friendly behavior.
Some results on multi-valued weakly jungck mappings in b-metric space

In this paper, the concept of multi-valued weak contraction of Berinde and Berinde [8] for the Picard iteration in a complete metric space is extended to the case of multi-valued weak contraction for the Jungck iteration in a complete b-metric space. While our main results generalize the recent results of Berinde and Berinde [8], they also extend, improve and unify several classical results pertainning to single and multi-valued contractive mappings in the fixed point theory. Our results also improve the recent results of Daffer and Kaneko [16].
New proposal to address mediation analysis interrogations by using genetic variants as instrumental variables

The application of causal mediation analysis (CMA) considering the mediation effect of a third variable is increasing in epidemiological studies; however, this requires fitting strong assumptions on confounding bias. To address this limitation, we propose an extension of CMA combining it with Mendelian randomization (MRinCMA). We applied the new approach to analyse the causal effect of obesity and diabetes on pancreatic cancer, considering each factor as potential mediator. To check the performance of MRinCMA under several conditions/scenarios, we used it in different simulated data sets and compared it with structural equation models. For continuous variables, MRinCMA and structural equation models performed similarly, suggesting that both approaches are valid to obtain unbiased estimates. When noncontinuous variables were considered, MRinCMA presented, overall, lower bias than structural equation models. By applying MRinCMA, we did not find any evidence of causality of obesity or diabetes on pancreatic cancer. With this new methodology, researchers would be able to address CMA hypotheses by appropriately accounting for the confounding bias assumption regardless of the conditions used in their studies in different settings.
The Impact of Moist Singular Vectors and Horizontal Resolution on Short-Range Limited-Area Ensemble Forecasts for Two European Winter Storms

Abstract This paper studies the impact of different initial condition perturbation methods and horizontal resolutions on short-range limited-area ensemble predictions for two severe winter storms. The methodology consists of 51-member ensembles generated with the global ensemble prediction system (EPS) of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, which are downscaled with the nonhydrostatic limited-area model Lokal Modell. The resolution dependency is studied by comparing three different limited-area ensembles: (a) 80-km grid spacing, (b) 10-km grid spacing, and (c) 10-km grid spacing with a topography coarse grained to 80-km resolution. The initial condition perturbations of the global ensembles are based on singular vectors (SVs), and the tendencies are not perturbed (i.e., no stochastic physics). Two configurations are considered for the initial condition perturbations: (i) the operational SV configuration: T42 truncation, 48-h optimization time, and dry tangent-linear model, and (ii) the.
The transitional regime between coalescing and splashing drops

A drop that falls into a deep liquid can either coalesce with the receiving liquid and form a vortex ring or splash. Which phenomenon actually occurs depends on the impact conditions. When the impact conditions are gradually changed the transition between coalescence and splashing proceeds via a number of intermediate steps. These are studied by means of high-speed photography of the normal impact of water drops on a plane water surface. The characteristics of different flows that appear in the transitional regime and possible mechanisms causing these flows are discussed in detail. The phenomena considered include the rise of thick jets and the ejection of high-rising thin jets out of the impact crater, the entrainment of gas bubbles, crater dynamics, crown formation and the generation of splash droplets. Finally, a classification of the phenomena characteristic of the transitional regime is given.
Solar energetic particles: A paradigm shift

Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MarylandThe first evidence of high-energy particles from the Sun was obtained 50 years ago when Forbush [1946] used sea-level ion chambers to study the large solar events of February and March of 1942. Over the next 20 years, observation of these solar energetic particle (SEP) events using neutron monitors and riometers (that measure radio opacity of the ionosphere) and, later, with detectors on balloons and satellites, led to an extensive body of knowledge on the time profiles, spectra and particle abundance in the large events. Meanwhile, there was already a rich history of the study of solar flares spanning 100 years since the first observations reported by Carrington [1860]. With no knowledge of the existence of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) [Kahler 1992], it was tempting to assume that the particle acceleration somehow occurred in spatial and temporal conjunction with the solar flare itself. Thus the “solar flare myth” [Gosling 1993] of particle acceleration began nearly 30 years ago.
Implementation and User Evaluation of an eHealth Technology Platform Supporting Patients With Cardiovascular Disease in Managing Their Health After a Cardiac Event: Mixed Methods Study

Background eHealth technology can help patients with cardiovascular disease adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle by supporting self-management and offering guidance, coaching, and tailored information. However, to support patients over time, eHealth needs to blend in with their needs, treatment, and daily lives. Just as needs can differ between patients, needs can change within patients over time. To better adapt technology features to patients’ needs, it is necessary to account for these changes in needs and contexts of use. Objective This study aimed to identify and monitor patients’ needs for support from a web-based health management platform and how these needs change over time. It aimed to answer the following research questions: “How do novice and more advanced users experience an online health management platform? ” “What user expectations support or hinder the adoption of an online health management platform, from a user perspective? ” and “How does actual usage relate to user experiences and adoption? ” Methods A mixed methods design was adopted. The first method involved 2 rounds of usability testing, followed by interviews, with 10 patients at 0 months (round 1) and 12 patients at 6 months (round 2). In the second method, log data were collected to describe the actual platform use. Results After starting cardiac rehabilitation, the platform was used frequently. The patients mentioned that they need to have an incentive, set goals, self-monitor their health data, and feel empowered by the platform. However, soon after the rehabilitation program stopped, use of the platform declined or patients even quit because of the lack of continued tailored or personalized advice. The reward system motivated them to log data, but most participants indicated that being healthy should be the main focus, not receiving gifts. A web-based platform is flexible, accessible, and does not have any obligations; however, it should be implemented as an addition to regular care. Conclusions Although use of the platform declined in the longer term, patients quitting the technology did not directly indicate that the technology was not functioning well or that patients no longer focused on achieving their values. The key to success should not be user adherence to a platform but adherence to healthy lifestyle habits. Therefore, the implementation of eHealth should include the transition to a stage where patients might no longer need support from a technology platform to be independently and sustainably adherent to their healthy lifestyle habits. This emphasizes the importance of conducting multi-iterative evaluations to continuously monitor whether and how patients’ needs and contexts of use change over time. Future research should focus on how this transition can be identified and monitored and how these insights can inform the design and implementation of the technology.
Cardiovascular Disease and Sex

One of the primary causes of death worldwide is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Women typically have a lower incidence of CVD than men, however after acute cardiovascular events, women have a higher mortality and worse prognosis. Different CVDs, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and aortic diseases, exhibit these sex variances. These differences have raised serious concerns so sex consideration is significant for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of CVD. In order to highlight the need of taking sex differences into account when determining cardiovascular risk, this study seeks to offer an overview of sex-related differences in numerous common CVDs as well as an analysis of potential factors linked with the disparities. Future studies should focus on how to define and include sex-related indicators into the methods currently used for cardiovascular risk assessment and management.
NMR measurements and hydrodynamic simulations of phase-resolved velocity distributions within a three-dimensional vibrofluidized granular bed

We report the results of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging experiments on vertically vibrated granular beds of mustard grains. A novel spin-echo velocity profiling technique was developed that allows granular temperature, mean velocity and packing fraction distributions within the three-dimensional cell to be measured as a function of both vertical position and vibration phase. Bimodal velocity distributions were observed at certain portions of the vibration cycle, and in general the ability to acquire time-resolved data demonstrated the significant distortions to the velocity distributions and the systematic errors in calculated temperature distributions that may arise with time-averaged measurements. The experimental behaviour was compared with predictions from a time-varying one-dimensional hydrodynamic model using the experimental parameters as input to the code. In both cases, damping of longitudinal sound waves was linked to significant volume heating effects, which contrasts with the usual heat transport mechanism (i.e. diffusion from the boundaries) currently assumed in most steady-state models. This leads to a new explanation for the counterintuitive upturn in granular temperature in vibrofluidized granular beds, based on amplification and damping of sound waves in the high-altitude region.