Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between anemia and adequacy of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Sylvie Opatrná, MD, 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Charles University, Alej Svobody 80, CS-304 60 Plzen (Czech Republic), Tel. +42 19 522564, fax +42 19 531110 Dear Sir, It is generally recognized that anemia is a common symptom of chronic renal failure which causes a number of serious problems to the patient. Some studies claim that, in hemodialysis patients, success in treating anemia depends on the efficacy of dialysis therapy. The importance of adequate hemodialysis for successful control of anemia has recently received authoritative support especially by a study conducted by Ifudu et al. [1]· Regarding the relationship between anemia and efficacy of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), it has been explored to a much lesser extent than was the case for hemodialysis, and, what is more, the results are controversial. While some studies have not demonstrated an association, other authors have, even though in case reports [2-4]. Because of the paucity of unambiguous information, we conducted a study designed to establish whether or not the renal anemia in patients with chronic renal failure is affected by the adequacy of CAPD. We examined 22 patients with a mean age of 51.8 (20-79) years (arithmetic mean and range) treated by CAPD (Twin-Bag System; Baxter, Deerfield, Ill., USA) for 14.8 (1.5-52) months for chronic renal failure caused by chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis in 8 cases, chronic glomerulonephritis in 7, diabetic nephropathy in 5, polycystic kidney disease in 1 ‚ and Fanconi’s syndrome in 1 case. None of the patients received recom-binant human erythropoietin or blood transfusion for renal anemia. At the same time the hematocrit was 30.9% (19.4-43.3). The KT/ V index had not changed for 6.3 (1.5-24) months prior to the study when it was at 2.0 (1.4-2.8) per week. The residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 4.8 (0-9.4) ml/ min. The efficacy of blood purification was assessed by the KT/V index considering both peritoneal and renal urea clearances [KT/ Vurea = (Durea/Purea·VD + Curea)/Vtot] and by weekly creatinine clearance corrected for body surface area (BSA), again considering both peritoneal and renal eliminations (Ccrea/BSA = Dcrea/Pcrea·VD·7 + GFRest). The residual GFR was determined as the arithmetic mean of urea and creatinine clearances [GFRest = (Curea + Ccrea)/2] [5]. Besides the hematocrit, we examined, using standard methods,
Altered Integration of Structural Covariance Networks in Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), one of the most frequent chronic diseases in children, is associated with glucose dysregulation that contributes to an increased risk for neurocognitive deficits. While there is a bulk of evidence regarding neurocognitive deficits in adults with T1D, little is known about how early‐onset T1D affects neural networks in young children. Recent data demonstrated widespread alterations in regional gray matter and white matter associated with T1D in young children. These widespread neuroanatomical changes might impact the organization of large‐scale brain networks. In the present study, we applied graph‐theoretical analysis to test whether the organization of structural covariance networks in the brain for a cohort of young children with T1D (N = 141) is altered compared to healthy controls (HC; N = 69). While the networks in both groups followed a small world organization—an architecture that is simultaneously highly segregated and integrated—the T1D network showed significantly longer path length compared with HC, suggesting reduced global integration of brain networks in young children with T1D. In addition, network robustness analysis revealed that the T1D network model showed more vulnerability to neural insult compared with HC. These results suggest that early‐onset T1D negatively impacts the global organization of structural covariance networks and influences the trajectory of brain development in childhood. This is the first study to examine structural covariance networks in young children with T1D. Improving glycemic control for young children with T1D might help prevent alterations in brain networks in this population. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4034–4046, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A analysis on the mechanical joint of composite laminate

This paper gives a review of finite element model for the analysis of fastening as practical points of view. Different mechanical properties of plate-fastener systems are analyzed. Calculations of the system properties are described as well as the technique of their application in model. Analysis has been performed for calculating the load distribution in multi-joint and the results are compared using the several models. The effects of fastener-hole clearance on the load distribution in multifastener joints are presented. And the stress analysis method have been reviewed for failure analysis of mechanical joint of composite laminate.
Binary Organic Photovoltaic Blends: A Simple Rationale for Optimum Compositions

The most promising device structure for organic photo-voltaic devices presented to date is the ‘‘bulk-heterojunction’’ whereby a hole-conducting (electron-donating) conjugated polymer, such as poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), is blended with an electron-conducting (electron-accepting) small-molecular compound, such as a fullerene derivative. The reported strong composition-and thermal-treatment dependence of the power conversion efﬁciency of such binaries suggests that phase behavior, processing conditions and the resulting microstructure play a dominant role in the performance of devices based on these systems. Here, we propose a simple rationale for selecting the optimum composition of such crystalline/crystalline polymer/small molecule blends. We ﬁnd that these binary systems feature simple eutectic phase behavior, and that the optimum composition for device performance is slightly hypoeutectic when expressed in terms of the polymer component. In accord with classical understanding of eutectic solidiﬁcation, these blends feature a ﬁnely phase-separated matrix surrounding primary crystals of the small-molecular species. The combination of large interfacial area and component connectivity yield a desired microstructure for use in bulk-heterojunctions. While
An Adaptive Partitioned Algorithm Based on Mean Coding and Vector Quantization

A hybrid algorithm based on mean coding and vector quantization is presented in this paper. The smooth image block is coded with the mean coding algorithm, which can reduce the vector quantization (VQ) search computation and improve the compression ratio effectively, and this method is called the basic blended algorithm (BBA). On this base, an adaptive partitioned algorithm (APA) algorithm based on 16×16 pixels image block is proposed, the optional image block sizes are 16×8, 8×16, 8×8, 8×4, 4×8, 4×4 pixels, the image is coded adaptively at different levels. The size of mean coding is chosen adaptively according to the size of the smooth image block, the Not-smooth 4×4 pixels image block is coded by VQ. In addition, the improved APA (IAPA) is also given in this paper. Simulations show that the APA and IAPA proposed in this paper are proven to have great performance for different kinds of images, especially significant for those have large areas of static background and little details. Compared with BBA, the compression ratio of APA and IAPA can be improved by 416% and 512%, the PSNR of APA and IAPA is reduced only 2.4% and 3.6%, the complexity can be reduced significantly, which is of advantage to hardware implementation.
Shiftwork and Higher Pancreatic Secretion: Early Detection of an Intermediate State of Insulin Resistance?

Previous studies have suggested that shiftwork can affect the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. This is thought to be related to disturbance of lipid parameters rather than their effects on glucose metabolism. Several complex mechanisms are suspected to be involved and notably insulin resistance, though the available data are limited. The objective of the present study was to provide further evidence for the effects of shiftwork on glucose and lipid metabolism with a specific focus on insulin resistance. A cross-sectional study has recruited 97 shiftworkers (SWs) (three shifts, 8 h) and 95 strictly day workers (DWs) from the same plant for 2001–2002. Several indices of insulin sensitivity or resistance were calculated, based on formulas of the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), the Revised-Quicki, McAuley and Disse indices. The HOMA-β-cell index was used as a reflection of pancreatic secretion. Characteristics of the occupation, habitual diet and lifestyles were recorded. Logistic regression analysis in which pancreatic function or insulin sensitivity was the dependent variable was used to compare alternative models. Results: SWs were characterized as having significantly higher triglycerides and free fatty acids and normal but lower blood glucose. The risk of a high β-cell activity was increased almost three-fold in SWs. By adjusting for many confounding factors, SWs had significantly lower insulin sensitivity according to several indices, whereas HOMA-IR was not meaningfully different between shift and DWs. Lower insulin sensitivity and a compensatory pancreas response to maintain a normal glucose tolerance may suggest an intermediate state before development of frank insulin resistance in SWs. Early detection of these moderate alterations of the insulin/glucose balance could be important in the prevention of diabetes.
Micro-electro-mechanical actuators using confined polymers

Polymers can be used to constitute "artificial muscles" that actuate under an electric stimulus. These polymers include dielectric elastomers and thermally expandable polymers. They are insulating and relatively compliant. Their electric activation is enabled with integration of electrodes, heat conductors or heaters. However, the electrodes or heaters are stiff and inevitably restrain actuation of the polymers. Confinement effects on the polymers need to be clarified before the polymers are effectively exploited as actuation materials. The present theoretical and numerical study suggests that the constrained thermal expansion delivers more powerful actuation than the constrained dielectric elastomer does. Understanding of the confinement effects motivates development of various layout designs of the embedded electrode, heaters or skeletons for the compliant polymers. However, fabrication of the micro-actuators using a thermally expandable polymer is more successful than that using a dielectric elastomer. Based on the present research, a new class of polymer thermal micro-actuators with embedded heat conductors (or skeletons, in the other words) is developed. This actuator design features an adequate actuation strain, a large actuation stress, high work energy density and improved heat transfer. It outperforms many other thermal actuator designs based on either pure polymers or silicon. Various layout designs of heaters and skeletons are developed for thermally expandable polymers. These include meandering skeletons of symmetric, asymmetric and V- shapes. Polymer actuators with the different skeleton layout could deliver varying characteristics of motion and force. The generated motion can be rectilinear, curvilinear, in-plane or out-of-plane. The design embodiments confirm that the confined thermally expandable polymers are effective for actuation.
Exploring the antecedents of Balanced Scorecard adoption as a performance measurement and strategic management system

Despite the fact that academics and management accountants have demonstrated a considerable interest in the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), we still know little about how to implement effectively this comprehensive performance measurement and management tool. This paper examines factors that affect BSC adoption, drawing on Rogers’ framework of organizational innovativeness (1995) and distinguishing between the BSC as a performance measurement system (Kaplan and Norton, 1992) and as a strategic management system (Kaplan and Norton, 1996, 2001, 2006). Using empirical evidence from 40 Dutch companies, the regression analyses performed indicate that certain factors (e.g. top management involvement, influence o f the finance department) play a significant role in the adoption of both types of BSC, while other factors are significant only for BSC as a strategic management system (i.e. top management involvement combined with high levels of centralization and extensive interdepartmental communication positively affect BSC adoption as a strategic management system, while formalization may hinder this type o f adoption). Finally, there are some factors (e.g. centralization and product-market dynamics) that do not influence either type o f BSC adoption. We discuss these findings and their managerial implications. Direct correspondence to Geert Braam, Department of Economics, Radboud University P.O. Box 9108, 6500 HK, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Phone +31 24 3613086; E-mail g. braam@fm. ru. nl
Microbial fouling and corrosion of carbon steel in deep anoxic alkaline groundwater

Abstract Understanding the corrosion of carbon steel materials of low and intermediate level radioactive waste under repository conditions is crucial to ensure the safe storage of radioactive contaminated materials. The waste will be in contact with the concrete of repository silos and storage containers, and eventually with groundwater. In this study, the corrosion of carbon steel under repository conditions as well as the microbial community forming biofilm on the carbon steel samples, consisting of bacteria, archaea, and fungi, was studied over a period of three years in a groundwater environment with and without inserted concrete. The number of biofilm forming bacteria and archaea was 1,000-fold lower, with corrosion rates 620-times lower in the presence of concrete compared to the natural groundwater environment. However, localized corrosion was detected in the concrete–groundwater environment indicating the presence of local microenvironments where the conditions for pitting corrosion were favorable.
Dynamical manipulation of quadratic non-linearity photonic crystal gap solitons through thermooptic induced index modulations

We investigate optical spatial solitons in a one-dimensional periodic stack whose unit cell is composed of two materials possessing quadratic nonlinearities and subjected to an array of microheaters. The periodic temperature gradient induces a variation in the refractive index due to the thermooptic effect. In contrast to ordinary photonic crystals, in such thermo-laminated system one may easily change parameters such as period and modulation depth of the induced index modulation. Furthermore, one can easily translate the modulation in time and introduce defects. We have found that is possible to steer solitons, change its shape, split it in two or more lower power solitons and move them independently.
The accuracy of ethnicity data in primary care and its impact on cardiovascular risk assessment and management--PREDICT CVD-8.

BACKGROUND Accurate ethnicity data are a prerequisite for evidence-based cardiovascular risk assessment and management according to national guidelines. AIMS (i) To investigate the accuracy of ethnicity data in primary care medical records by comparing them with self-identified ethnicity. (ii) To determine the clinical impact of ethnicity misclassification on cardiovascular risk assessment and management. METHODS A random sample of 870 patients from 18 general practices (who had ethnicity collected from their medical record as part of cardiovascular risk assessment using PREDICT, a web-based decision support tool) were sent a postal questionnaire asking their self-identified ethnicity using the 2001 Census ethnicity question. RESULTS Data were available for 665 people (77% response rate) who completed the postal questionnaire. Ethnicity in the primary care record and self-identified ethnicity from the questionnaire were identical for 68% of respondents at Statistics New Zealand Level 2 coding. Data concordance varied from 9.8% for the non-New Zealand European ethnic group to 90.9% for New Zealand European. The primary care record agreed with self-identified ethnicity for 64.9% of Maori respondents. Fortunately, when the same ethnicity data were categorised using the Statistics New Zealand ethnic group prioritisation rules and applied within PREDICT, which adds a risk weighting for Maori, Pacific, and Indian subcontinent peoples, the impact of misclassification was small. The main reason was that about half of misclassifications occurred between ethnic groups classified in the same high cardiovascular risk category. For about 6% of Maori, Pacific, and Indian subcontinent people in our study this misclassification could potentially have delayed risk assessment and resulted in under-treatment. In contrast, about 1.5% of those with other ethnicities may have undergone a premature risk assessment and been over-treated. CONCLUSION The clinical impact of ethnicity misclassification on cardiovascular risk assessment and management in primary care is modest because much of the misclassification does not alter cardiovascular risk classification. Nevertheless, efforts to improve the accuracy of ethnicity classification in primary care need to continue in order to support the sector's ability to monitor health service utilisation, outcomes, and performance related indicators.
Intrathecal Administration of CXCL1 Enhances Potassium Currents in Microglial Cells

The functioning of microglial cells inside the central nervous system depends on their ion channels expression. Microglia are capable of synthesizing different cytokines and chemokines, including CXCL1, and responding to their action via specific receptors. In this study, we explore the effect of intrathecal injection of CXCL1 on potassium currents, expressed in CX3CR1-Green Fluorescent Protein labeled microglia in transgenic mice. The results showed that CXCL1 hyperpolarized the cells by enhancing inward rectifying potassium currents and increasing the membrane area, suggesting an activating effect on microglia.
miR-125b regulates the drug-resistance of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin by targeting HAX-1

MircroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered as essential regulators in the tumorigenesis and chemoresistance of multiple cancer types. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-125b were significantly downregulated in the tissues of patients with breast cancer (BC), as well as the BC cell lines in vitro. To study the association between chemoresistance and miR-125b in BC, doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/R) cells were established, and gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed. It was demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-125b increased the sensitivity of MCF-7/R cells to DOX. Furthermore, it was revealed that the sensitization of miR-125b mimics to DOX-induced cell death was regulated by the hematopoietic cell-specific protein 1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) vector and HAX-1 small interfering RNA. These results emphasized the notable function of miR-125b and its target of HAX-1 in regulating DOX-resistance. In addition, it was demonstrated that the miR-125b mimics promoted the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential and the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by DOX treatment in MCF-7/R cells. These data suggest that the miR-125b-HAX-1-mitochondria pathway has a notable function in the treatment of DOX-resistant BC cells, which may provide a novel target for the chemotherapy of BC.
Clinical overview of anastrozole--a new selective oral aromatase inhibitor.

The efficacy and tolerability of the new selective aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole (Arimidex), was compared with megestrol acetate in the treatment of advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. In two independent prospective randomised trials, patients who progressed after prior tamoxifen therapy received anastrozole 1 or 10 mg once daily, or megestrol acetate, 40 mg q.i. d. The two studies were designed to allow the data to be combined to increase the statistical power of the analyses. It is the data from these combined analyses that are considered in further detail. After 6 months of follow-up, the proportion of patients gaining clinical benefit (complete response + partial response + stable disease > or = 24 weeks) was approximately one third of patients in all three groups. No significant difference was observed between either dose of anastrozole and megestrol acetate in the time to disease progression (130-153 days). All three treatments were generally well tolerated, but significantly more patients on megestrol acetate gained weight, and the weight gain in this group continued up to at least 9 months of follow-up. At a 12-month update of tolerability, of the commonly observed adverse events, a greater than 2-fold difference between treatment arms was observed for hypertension, weight gain, dyspnoea, vaginal haemorrhage, sweating and diarrhoea (all higher on megestrol acetate except for diarrhoea). Anastrozole is effective and well tolerated and on the basis of these data, 1 mg once daily is the recommended clinical dose in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer.
High reliability operation of 2 kW QCW 10-bar laser diode stacks at 808 nm

This paper presents the results obtained by Intense during the development of its 2 kW stack using Quantum Well Intermixing (QWI). A 200 W QCW bar operating at 808 nm has been designed with a 1 mm long cavity of which only a fraction is actively pumped. The bar has an 80% fill factor, and ten 200 W bars were stacked vertically in a G-type package with a 417 μm bar-to-bar pitch. The resulting compact emission area makes the stack compatible with most existing laser and electro-optic systems. A lifetime of 1x109 shots has been obtained with no measurable degradation.
Substrate constraint and adhesive thickness effects on fracture toughness of adhesive joints

The adhesive thickness effect on fracture behaviour of adhesive joints has been studied using the boundary effect model recently developed for specimen size effect on fracture properties of concrete, and the essential work of fracture model for ligament (uncracked region) effect on largescale yield of bulk metals and polymers. The leading common mechanism responsible for the nonlinear elastic fracture mechanics behaviours, such as adhesive thickness effect of adhesive joints, specimen size effect of brittle heterogeneous materials and notch dependence of deeply notched metal and polymer specimens, is discussed. These two fracture mechanics models show that the height variation of a fracture process zone (FPZ) or a plastic zone is directly responsible for any change in fracture energy measurements such as the specific fracture energy G f and the critical strain energy release rate G c. Both models show that G f is rapidly reduced when the crack-tip approaches the back-face boundary of a specimen because only a limited FPZ or plastic zone height h FPZ can be developed in the boundary region. In the case of a thin adhesive joint, the development of a plastic zone height is limited by the thickness of the adhesive sandwiched between the upper and lower adherends or substrates. Consequently, a linear relationship between the adhesive joint toughness and adhesive thickness is established. Test results on adhesive joints from the literature are analysed and compared with the new adhesive joint failure model based on the two well-established fracture mechanics models developed for other material systems.