Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study on Strain Measurements Using the Improved Bonding Fiber Bragg Grating

This study suggests an improved bonding method for a surface mounted fiber Grating strain sensor to significantly reduce the mechanical influences from the surrounding cement of a glued fiber grating in the conventional bonding method. The linear relationship between the voltage signals and the average strains within the glue-free fiber grating is the advantage of the improved bonding method over the conventional bonding method (distributing cement along the full fiber grating). The numerical computations based on the coupled-mode theory were conducted to obtain the reflection spectra of a fiber grating, that are induced from different strain fields. The one-dimensional strain fields, that vary linearly within a fiber grating, were considered in this research. In addition, the filtered spectral power interrogation system to obtain the voltage signals from an optical fiber framework was taken in consideration. The filtered spectral power interrogation system is economic, compact, and suitable for on site measurements compared with other systems such as the optical spectrum analyzer. For a glued fiber grating, results show that the distortions in shape and the dilations in area of its reflection spectrum are because of the varied strain gradients within the grating during a strain history. Also, the central wavelength shifts of a reflection spectrum are related to the average strains within a fiber grating. In applications using the improved bonding fiber grating strain sensor, its linear relationship between the voltage signals and the average strains shows the feasibility of obtaining calibrations by using a commonly used resistance strain gauge.
Correlation between DJ-1 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and the progression of disabilities in multiple sclerosis patients

Objectives DJ-1 plays a key role in the anti-oxidative stress function. Increasing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the DJ-1 levels were increased in patients with MS and to examine its association with the progression of MS. Methods Quantitative immunoblot assays were performed to evaluate the DJ-1 level in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from relapsing–remitting patients with MS (n = 29), disease controls subjects (n = 14), and healthy subjects (n = 44). Results No significant difference was observed in the serum DJ-1 level among the patients with MS, disease controls, and healthy controls. However, the CSF DJ-1 levels were significantly higher in the patients with MS than in the disease control subjects (P < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was also found between the CSF DJ-1 levels and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (P < 0.005, r = 0.501). Conclusions These results show that the CSF DJ-1 levels are significantly increased in the CSF of patients with MS and that the CSF DJ-1 levels may be associated with the disease progression of MS. Therefore, DJ-1 possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MS.
Increased levels of COX-2 and prostaglandin E2 contribute to elevated aromatase expression in inflamed breast tissue of obese women.

UNLABELLED Obesity is a risk factor for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Estrogen synthesis is catalyzed by aromatase, which is encoded by CYP19. We previously showed that aromatase expression and activity are increased in the breast tissue of overweight and obese women in the presence of characteristic inflammatory foci [crown-like structures of the breast (CLS-B)]. In preclinical studies, proinflammatory prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is a determinant of aromatase expression. We provide evidence that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-derived PGE(2) stimulates the cyclic AMP (cAMP) → PKA signal transduction pathway that activates CYP19 transcription, resulting in increased aromatase expression and elevated progesterone receptor levels in breast tissues from overweight and obese women. We further demonstrate that a measure of in-breast inflammation (CLS-B index) is a better correlate of these biologic end points than body mass index. The obesity → inflammation → aromatase axis is likely to contribute to the increased risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and the worse prognosis of obese patients with breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE We show that obesity-associated inflammatory foci in the human breast are associated with elevated COX-2 levels and activation of the PGE2 → cAMP → PKA signal transduction pathway resulting in increased aromatase expression. These findings help to explain the link among obesity, low-grade chronic inflammation, and breast cancer with important clinical implications.
Depression-Free Day to Utility-Weighted Score: Is it Valid?

Background:Cost-utility analyses using formulas to convert depression-free days (DFDs) to utility-weighted scores are increasingly common. These formulas are based on linear extrapolation of data documenting the correlation between depression symptom severity and generic health-related quality of life. Objective:We sought to examine the validity of formulas converting DFDs to utility weights. Methods:We undertook an observational study with data collection at baseline, 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months on 77 subjects (42 inpatient, 35 outpatient) diagnosed with current major depression. Subjects were divided into treatment response categories based on changes in depression severity. Depression severity measures used were the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-17) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the health-related quality of life measure was the self-administered Quality of Well-Being scale (QWB-SA). DFD calculations were based on depression severity scores and converted to utility weights using available formulas. Utility-weighted data collected over the course of 1 year were used to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Results:QALYs estimated from the QWB-SA were significantly lower than those based on utility-weighted DFD calculations but the incremental QALYs were not significantly different. Using a slightly lower utility-weighted conversion factor for the BDI or a larger BDI severity range to calculate DFDs resulted in a better fit compared with the QWB-SA. Conclusions:Our results support the validity of the existing HAM-17 utility-weighted formula and suggest modifications for the BDI formula. If generic health-related quality of life measures are not available for conducting cost-utility analyses of depression interventions then the existing HAM-17 and modified BDI formulas appear to be reasonable alternatives.
Intrinsic and extrinsic influences on standard metabolic rates of three species of Australian otariid

Abstract This paper investigates intrinsic and extrinsic influences on otariid energetics. We conducted metabolic experiments with three species of Australian otariid and found that sex and water temperature, but not species, significantly influenced metabolic rates. These findings have implications for understanding the physiological capability of otariids to adapt to changing environments.
A SmD Peptide Induces Better Antibody Responses to Other Proteins within the Small Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein Complex than to SmD Protein via Intermolecular Epitope Spreading1

Autoantibody response against the small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) complex is a characteristic feature of systemic lupus erythematosus. The current investigation was undertaken to determine whether activation of SmD-reactive T cells by synthetic peptides harboring T cell epitopes can initiate a B cell epitope spreading cascade within the snRNP complex. T cell epitopes on SmD were mapped in A/J mice and were localized to three regions on SmD, within aa 26–55, 52–69, and 86–115. Immunization with synthetic peptides SmD31–45, SmD52–66, and SmD91–110 induced T and B cell responses to the peptides, with SmD31–45 inducing the strongest response. However, only SmD52–66 immunization induced T cells capable of reacting with SmD. Analysis of sera by immunoprecipitation assays showed that intermolecular B cell epitope spreading to U1RNA-associated A ribonucleoprotein and SmB was consistently observed only in the SmD52–66-immunized mice. Surprisingly, in these mice, Ab responses to SmD were at low levels and transient. In addition, the sera did not react with other regions on SmD, indicating a lack of intramolecular B cell epitope spreading within SmD. Our study demonstrates that T cell responses to dominant epitope on a protein within a multiantigenic complex are capable of inducing B cell responses to other proteins within the complex. This effect can happen without generating a good Ab response to the protein from which the T epitope was derived. Thus caution must be taken in the identification of Ags responsible for initiating autoimmune responses based solely on serological analysis of patients and animals with systemic autoimmune disorders.
Relationship between coronary angioplasty laboratory volume and outcomes after hospital discharge.

BACKGROUND Although an inverse association has been established between short-term complications of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and the volume of angioplasty procedures performed by catheterization laboratories, no data are available on the association between laboratory volume and long-term outcomes. METHODS A cohort study of 25,222 patients undergoing PCI in 43 laboratories in Pennsylvania from October 1994 to December 1995 was performed by use of the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council database. The association of laboratory volume with inhospital, 1-month, and 6-month events was estimated by use of multivariable analyses adjusting for patient and procedural characteristics. RESULTS Although a higher volume of procedures was associated with reduced inhospital coronary bypass ([CABG] 0.6 odds ratio [OR] for > or =400 vs <400 PCIs/year; 95% CI 0.4, 0.8), it was not associated with CABG occurring within 1 month after discharge (P =.71; OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6, 1.7). Laboratory volume was also not significantly associated with postdischarge revascularization (PCI or CABG) at 1 month (P =.58; OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.8, 1.4) or 6 months (P =.47; OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.91, 1.19). In addition, laboratory volume was not associated with rates of myocardial infarction (P =.14), death (P =.28), or the combined outcome of PCI, CABG, myocardial infarction, or death (P =.90) at 1 month after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS Although our study confirmed the volume/complication relationship for inhospital CABG, it did not reveal an association between volume and postdischarge events. These results suggest that inhospital complications will remain the standard for assessing laboratory volume and that selective use of higher-volume laboratories may not improve long-term outcomes.
Exploration of Lagged Associations using Longitudinal Data

Several statistical approaches for the analysis of longitudinal data require that models be correctly specified for the association between a current outcome and the full history of past outcomes and time‐dependent exposures. It is empirically challenging to determine the specific aspects of the outcome and/or exposure history that are predictive of a current outcome because the potential number of variables representing the history can be quite large. The purpose of this article is to outline statistical methods that can characterize lagged effects and to provide a structured approach for data analysis with the goal of appropriate model development. One of the main contributions of the article is to emphasize the possibility that in practice transition models may frequently require more than simple additive and linear models for the predictors representing the history of the outcome and covariate processes. We illustrate the concepts using an example from anemia treatment for dialysis patients and show how linear models can be specified with flexible dependence on exposure and/or outcome histories.
Optimal Offering Strategy of a Virtual Power Plant: A Stochastic Bi-Level Approach

This paper addresses the optimal bidding strategy problem of a commercial virtual power plant (CVPP), which comprises of distributed energy resources (DERs), battery storage systems (BSS), and electricity consumers, and participates in the day-ahead (DA) electricity market. The ultimate goal of the CVPP is the maximization of the DA profit in conjunction with the minimization of the anticipated real-time production and the consumption of imbalance charges. A three-stage stochastic bi-level optimization model is formulated, where the uncertainty lies in the DA CVPP DER production and load consumption, as well as in the rivals' offer curves and real-time balancing prices. Demand response schemes are also incorporated into the virtual power plant (VPP) portfolio. The proposed bi-level model consists of an upper level that represents the VPP profit maximization problem and a lower level that represents the independent system operator (ISO) DA market-clearing problem. This bi-level optimization problem is converted into a mixed-integer linear programing model using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions and the strong duality theory. Finally, the risk associated with the VPP profit variability is explicitly taken into account through the incorporation of the conditional value-at-risk metric. Simulations on the Greek power system demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model.
Visualization of maltose uptake in living yeast cells by fluorescent nanosensors

Compartmentation of metabolic reactions and thus transport within and between cells can be understood only if we know subcellular distribution based on nondestructive dynamic monitoring. Currently, methods are not available for in vivo metabolite imaging at cellular or subcellular levels. Limited information derives from methods requiring fixation or fractionation of tissue (1, 2). We thus developed a flexible strategy for designing protein-based nanosensors for a wide spectrum of solutes, allowing analysis of changes in solute concentration in living cells. We made use of bacterial periplasmic binding proteins (PBPs), where we show that, on binding of the substrate, PBPs transform their hinge–bend movement into increased fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between two coupled green fluorescent proteins. By using the maltose-binding protein as a prototype, nanosensors were constructed allowing in vitro determination of FRET changes in a concentration-dependent fashion. For physiological applications, mutants with different binding affinities were generated, allowing dynamic in vivo imaging of the increase in cytosolic maltose concentration in single yeast cells. Control sensors allow the exclusion of the effect from other cellular or environmental parameters on ratio imaging. Thus the myriad of PBPs recognizing a wide spectrum of different substrates is suitable for FRET-based in vivo detection, providing numerous scientific, medical, and environmental applications.
A Team-Based Protocol and Electromagnetic Technology Eliminate Feeding Tube Placement Complications

OBJECTIVE To examine whether feeding tube placement into high-risk patients using a team-based protocol and electromagnetic tube tracking reduces complications associated with blind tube placement and to evaluate safety of blind tube placement in alert, low-risk patients. BACKGROUND Approximately 1·2 million feeding tubes with stylets are placed annually in the US. Serious complications during placement exceed the rates of retained sponges and wrong site surgery. Several suggested solutions to the problem have been proposed but none completely eliminate the serious complications and many are neither cost-effective nor practical. METHODS In a retrospective, single center study, we compared complications after bedside feeding tube placement using a blind technique in 2005 to a hospital protocol mandating tube placement in high-risk patients by a Tube Team in 2007 using electromagnetic tracking. Outcome variables included airway placement, pneumothorax, death, and radiology resource utilization. RESULTS The Tube Team protocol eliminated airway tube placement (0 of 1154 vs. 20 of 1822, P < 0.001), pneumothorax (0/715 vs. 11/1822, P = 0.009), and all mortality whereas improving placement (83.9% success vs. 60.5%, P<0.001) in high-risk patients compared to the 2005 study. The number of x-rays obtained per tube (1.07 +/− 0.01 vs. 1.49 +/− 0.026, P < 0.001) and need for fluoroscopy (2.1% vs. 10.9%, P < 0.001) significantly dropped with the Tube Team. A final comparison was made to low-risk patients considered acceptable for blind tube placement in 2007 due to their alertness and ability to cooperate and provide feedback during tube placement. Although no mortality occurred during blind placement in low risk, alert patients, blind placement resulted in significantly increased airway placement (3/143, p = 0.001) and pneumothorax (2 of 143, P = 0.01) compared to the Tube Team protocol. Most patients who would have required fluoroscopic placement of feeding tube due to failed blind technique had successful placement by the Team avoiding fluoroscopy. CONCLUSION Feeding tube placement by a dedicated team using electromagnetic tracking eliminates the morbidity and mortality of this common hospital procedure. Blind placement is not acceptable in awake, alert patients.
Gambling, drinking, smoking and other health risk activities among casino employees.

BACKGROUND This study examined the prevalence of level 3 (pathological) gambling and a variety of other health risks among casino employees. METHODS A sample of 3841 full-time casino employees representing four geographic sites was surveyed about gambling, drinking, smoking, and other health risk behaviors. In addition, respondents were asked about their use of the employee assistance program (EAP) and perceived obstacles towards using the EAP. RESULTS This study found that casino employees have a higher prevalence of past-year level 3 (pathological) gambling behavior than the general adult population, but a lower prevalence of past-year level 2 (problem) gambling than the general adult population. In addition, casino employees have higher prevalence of smoking, alcohol problems, and depression than the general adult population. Furthermore, these risk behaviors tend to cluster. The majority of non-smoking respondents in this sample were exposed to second-hand smoke. Employees reported low participation in the company's EAP. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that casino management should consider (1) improving problem gambling screening for employees who visit EAPs, even if employees present other problems (e.g., alcohol problems) as their primary concern, (2) increasing employees' awareness of EAPs, (3) increasing health promotion and education through channels other than company EAPs, and (4) creating smoke-free working areas.
Risk Assessment For Spreadsheet Developments: Choosing Which Models to Audit

Errors in spreadsheet applications and models are alarmingly common (some authorities, with justification cite spreadsheets containing errors as the norm rather than the exception). Faced with this body of evidence, the auditor can be faced with a huge task - the temptation may be to launch code inspections for every spreadsheet in an organisation. This can be very expensive and time-consuming. This paper describes risk assessment based on the "SpACE" audit methodology used by H M Customs & Excise's tax inspectors. This allows the auditor to target resources on the spreadsheets posing the highest risk of error, and justify the deployment of those resources to managers and clients. Since the opposite of audit risk is audit assurance the paper also offers an overview of some elements of good practice in the use of spreadsheets in business.
Demonstration of hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT) mRNA expression in pineal parenchymal tumors: Histochemical in situ hybridization

The expression of hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT), an enzyme catalyzing the final step of melatonin biosynthesis, was examined in three pineoblastomas and five pineocytomas by in situ hybridization analysis. Distinct hybridization signals for HIOMT mRNA, though weaker than in normal pineal gland pinealocytes, were detected in two of the three pineoblastoma and three of the five pineocytoma cases. Of the pineoblastomas, hybridization signals were observed in most tumor cells of one case, while in another, signals were detected in occasional cells clustered or scattered throughout the neoplastic field. Of the pineocytomas, signals were detected in most tumor cells of two cases, while in one case, signals were detected only in occasional cells. Among these specimens, one pineoblastoma and one pineocytoma were also analyzed using northern blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses. In the northern blot analysis, an apparently single band corresponding to the size of HIOMT mRNA was detected in both pineoblastoma and pineocytoma RNA blots. In the RT‐PCR analysis, three species of HIOMT mRNA generated via alternative splicing were detected in both tumors. These results suggest that the neoplastic cells of pineoblastomas and pineocytomas often retain the ability to express HIOMT mRNA, as in normal pinealocytes, and that HIOMT is a useful tumor marker for the diagnosis of pineal parenchymal tumors.
Compressive Strength Enhancement of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Forests by Constraint of Graphene Sheets

We fabricated a 3D sandwich hybrid material composed of graphene and vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests (VACNTs) using chemical vapor deposition. The graphene was first synthesized on Cu foil. Then it was transferred to a substrate which had a pre-deposited catalyst Fe film and a buffer film of Al2O3 for the growth of VACNTs. The VACNTs were grown underneath the graphene and lifted up the graphene. The graphene, with its edges anchored on the Al2O3, provided a constrained boundary condition for the VACNTs and hence affected the growth height and mechanical strength of the VACNTs. We prepared three groups of samples: VACNTs without graphene, VACNTs with graphene transferred once (1-Gr/VACNTs), and VACNTs with graphene transferred twice (2-Gr/VACNTs). A nano-indentation system was used to measure the reduced compressive modulus (Er) and hardness (H). The Er and H of Gr/VACNTs increased with the number of transfers of the anchored graphene. The 2-Gr/VACNTs had the largest Er and H, 23.8 MPa and 912 KPa, which are 6.6 times and 5.2 times those of VACNTs without the anchored graphene, respectively. In this work, we have demonstrated a simple method to increase the mechanical properties and suppress the height of VACNTs with the anchored graphene and number of transfers.