Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fertility drugs and young-onset breast cancer: results from the Two Sister Study.

BACKGROUND Fertility drugs stimulate hyperovulation, which may have implications for breast cancer. We examined the association between use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate [CC] and follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]) and subsequent risk of young-onset (<50 years at diagnosis) breast cancer. METHODS We conducted the Two Sister Study, a sister-matched case-control study, by enrolling 1422 women between September 2008 and December 2010, who were younger than age 50 years at diagnosis with breast cancer and were enrolled within 4 years of diagnosis, and 1669 breast cancer-free control sisters from the Sister Study. Participants reported their use of fertility drugs (CC and FSH) and ever-users reported whether a pregnancy had resulted that lasted 10 or more (10+) weeks. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate confounder-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for fertility drug use with or without conception of a 10+ week pregnancy. RESULTS A total of 288 participants reported having used ovulation-stimulating drugs (193 CC only, 29 FSH only, and 66 both). Overall, women who had used fertility drugs showed a non-statistically significantly decreased risk of breast cancer, compared with nonusers (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.08). Women who had used fertility drugs but had not conceived a 10+ week pregnancy under treatment showed a statistically significantly decreased risk of breast cancer compared with nonusers (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.89). Women who had used fertility drugs and conceived a 10+ week pregnancy under treatment showed a statistically significantly increased risk of breast cancer compared with unsuccessfully treated women (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.10 to 3.00), although their risk was not increased compared with women who had not used fertility drugs (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.78 to 1.64). CONCLUSIONS In the absence of a 10+ week pregnancy under treatment, exposure to ovulation-stimulating fertility drugs was associated with reduced risk of young-onset breast cancer. This apparent association was absent in women who conceived a 10+ week pregnancy under treatment, for whom risk was higher than that of unsuccessfully treated women, but similar to that of untreated women.
Neuroglobins, Pivotal Proteins Associated with Emerging Neural Systems and Precursors of Metazoan Globin Diversity

Background: Neuroglobins are expressed in vertebrate neurons. Results: Neuroglobins are located in neural systems of two basal animals (acoels and jellyfish) and are ubiquitous in metazoan transcriptomes. Conclusion: Neuroglobin was recruited in neural cell prototypes and later co-opted in hemoglobin-based blood systems. Significance: The universality of neuroglobins sheds new light on the origin and evolution of globins. Neuroglobins, previously thought to be restricted to vertebrate neurons, were detected in the brain of a photosymbiotic acoel, Symsagittifera roscoffensis, and in neurosensory cells of the jellyfish Clytia hemisphaerica. For the neuroglobin of S. roscoffensis, a member of a lineage that originated either at the base of the bilateria or of the deuterostome clade, we report the ligand binding properties, crystal structure at 2.3 Å, and brain immunocytochemical pattern. We also describe in situ hybridizations of two neuroglobins specifically expressed in differentiating nematocytes (neurosensory cells) and in statocytes (ciliated mechanosensory cells) of C. hemisphaerica, a member of the early branching animal phylum cnidaria. In silico searches using these neuroglobins as queries revealed the presence of previously unidentified neuroglobin-like sequences in most metazoan lineages. Because neural systems are almost ubiquitous in metazoa, the constitutive expression of neuroglobin-like proteins strongly supports the notion of an intimate association of neuroglobins with the evolution of animal neural systems and hints at the preservation of a vitally important function. Neuroglobins were probably recruited in the first protoneurons in early metazoans from globin precursors. Neuroglobins were identified in choanoflagellates, sponges, and placozoans and were conserved during nervous system evolution. Because the origin of neuroglobins predates the other metazoan globins, it is likely that neuroglobin gene duplication followed by co-option and subfunctionalization led to the emergence of globin families in protostomes and deuterostomes (i.e. convergent evolution).
Impact of PHEV loads on the dynamic performance of power system

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are likely to be used as an alternative to conventional vehicles due to environmental friendly, energy-wise and cost effective. The effects of large-scale PHEV integration need to be investigated before they are integrated into the existing grid. This paper analyses the impact of PHEV loads on the dynamic behaviour of a power system under both small and large disturbances. From the analysis, it can be concluded that the PHEV loads can reduce the damping of the system under certain operating conditions.
Evaluation of a Subcutaneous Glucose Sensor out to 3 Months in a Dog Model

OBJECTIVE To advance the feasibility of an impiantatile long-term glucose sensor with bioprotective sensor membranes and test protocols using a somatostatin analog (octreotide). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Implantable sensors were constructed with one of eight bioprotective membranes and screened in vitro for stable response to glucose. Sensors were implanted subcutaneously into nondiabetic mongrel dogs and monitored at 4-min intervals via radiotelemetry. When implanted sensor responses showed evidence of tracking blood glucose after glucagon challenge (8–21 days postimplant), a glucose infusion protocolwas used to assess performance. Sensor data were collected every 4 s after octreotide inhibition of endogenous insulin release. Reference plasma glucose samples were taken every 4–10 min. RESULTS Preimplant in vitro testing of sensors verified linearity to 33.3 mM glucose and response times to 90% of equilibrium in 2–7 min. Ten implanted sensors tracked glucose for 20–114 days, during which 25 separate glucose infusion studies were conducted. The resulting regression data yielded a mean slope of 0.99 ± 0.06, an intercept of 0.24 ± 0.53 mM glucose, and a correlation coefficient 0.98 ± 0.01. Long-term sensor stability was not judged adequate for clinical application, although two sensors tracked within ±15% for 33 and 42 days. In vivo oxygen delivery was shown toaffect sensor performance. On expiant, two of eight tested bioprotective membranes were found to be biostable and to fully protect the sensor's enzyme membrane. The foreign body capsule was adequately vascularized adjacent to the sensor up to 91 days postimplant. Sensor units eventually failed because of electronic problems (package leakage) or because of biodegradation or biofouling of test bioprotective membranes. CONCLUSION Further development of this type of sensor may provide diabetic patients with a better means of monitoring blood glucose.
Fatigue in multiple sclerosis: association with disease-related, behavioural and psychosocial factors

We determined biopsychosocial correlates of general, physical, and mental fatigue in MS patients, by evaluating the additional contribution of potentially modifiable factors after accounting for non-modifiable disease-related factors. Fifty-three ambulatory MS patients, along with 28 normal controls were recruited for a cross-sectional study. Subjects completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) and Fatigue Severity Scale. Potential correlates evaluated were: disease-related factors (disease duration and type, immunomodulating treatment, muscle strength, pain, forced vital capacity (FVC), respiratory muscle strength, body mass index, disability, fibromyalgia), behavioural factors (physical activity, sleep quality) and psychosocial factors (depression, stress, self-efficacy). Multivariate models were calculated for MFI General, Physical, and Mental Fatigue. Age-adjusted multivariate models with non-modifiable factors included the following predictors (P ≤ 0.10) of 1) MFI General and Mental Fatigue: none; and 2) MFI Physical Fatigue: FVC and disability. The following potentially modifiable predictors (P ≤ 0.10) made an additional contribution to the models 1) MFI General Fatigue: sleep quality, self-efficacy, pain; 2) MFI Physical Fatigue: self-efficacy, physical activity; and 3) MFI Mental Fatigue: stress, self-efficacy. Fatigue in MS is multidimensional. Correlates of general and physical fatigue are disease-related, behavioural and psychosocial factors. Correlates of mental fatigue are psychosocial factors. Potentially modifiable factors account for a considerable portion of fatigue. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 985—995. http://msj.sagepub. com
Non-specific Immunostaining by a Rabbit Antibody against Gustducin α Subunit in Mouse Brain

Gustducin is a guanosine nucleotide-binding protein functionally coupled with taste receptors and thus originally identified in taste cells of the tongue. Recently, bitter taste receptors and gustducin have been detected in the airways, digestive tracts and brain. The existing studies showing taste receptors and gustducin in the brain were carried out exclusively on frozen sections. In order to avoid the technical shortcomings associated with frozen sectioning, we performed immunofluorescence staining using vibratome-cut sections from mouse brains. Using a rabbit gustducin antibody, we could not detect neurons or astrocytes as reported previously. Rather, we found dense fibers in the nucleus accumbens and periventricular areas. We assumed these staining patterns to be specific after confirmation with conventional negative control staining. For the verification of this finding, we stained gustducin knockout mouse brain and tongue sections with the same rabbit gustducin antibody. Whereas negative staining was confirmed in the tongue, intensive fibers were constantly stained in the brain. Moreover, immunostaining with a goat gustducin antibody could not demonstrate the fibers in the brain tissue. The present study implies a cross immunoreaction that occurs with the rabbit gustducin antibody in mouse brain samples, suggesting that the conventional negative controls may not be sufficient when an immunostaining pattern is to be verified.
Découverte d'itemsets fréquents fermés sur architecture multicoeurs

Résumé. Dans ce papier nous proposons PLCM, un algorithme parallèle de découverte d’itemsets fréquents fermés basé sur l’algorithme LCM, reconnu comme l’algorithme séquentiel le plus efficace pour cette tâche. Nous présentons aussi une interface de parallélisme à la fois simple et puissante basée sur la notion de Tuple Space, qui permet d’avoir une bonne répartition dynamique du travail. Grâce à une étude expérimentale détaillée, nous montrons que PLCM est le seul algorithme qui soit suffisamment générique pour calculer efficacement des itemsets fréquents fermés à la fois sur des bases creuses et sur des bases denses, améliorant ainsi l’état de l’art.
Ganglion Cell Complex Loss in Chiasmal Compression by Brain Tumors

Background: Patterns of ganglion cell complex (GCC) loss detected by optical coherence tomography provide an objective measure of optic nerve injury. These patterns aid in early diagnosis and localization of chiasmal lesions. Methods: Twenty-three patients with chiasmal compression seen between 2010 and 2015 were imaged with the Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography macular cube 512 × 128, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) scan protocols and automated (30-2 Humphrey) visual fields (VFs). Age-matched controls were included for comparison. Generalized estimating equations were performed comparing RNFL and GCC thicknesses between patients and their controls. Effect size (d) was calculated to assess the magnitude of difference between patients and controls. The average GCC and RNFL thicknesses also were correlated with VF mean deviation (MD). Pre operative average GCC thickness was correlated to post operative VF MD. Results: Patterns of GCC thinning corresponded to VF defects. The average GCC thickness was 67 ± 9 &mgr;m in patients and 86 ± 5 &mgr;m in controls (P < 0.001). The effect size was the greatest for GCC thickness (d = 2.72). The mean deviation was better correlated with GCC thickness (r2 =0.25) than RNFL thicknesses (r2 =0.15). Postoperatively, VF MD improved in 7 of 8 patients with persistent nasal GCC thinning. Six patients had no VF defect and showed statistically significant loss of GCC compared with controls (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Distinct patterns of GCC loss were identified in patients with chiasmal compression. Binasal GCC loss was typical and could be seen with minimal or no detectable VF loss. Thinning of the GCC may be detected before loss of the RNFL in some patients. After decompression, the majority of patients showed improvement in VF despite persistent GCC loss. Patients with less GCC loss before decompression had better postoperative VFs. Therefore, GCC analysis may be an objective method to diagnose and follow patients with chiasmal lesions.
School-Based Interventions for Overweight and Obesity in Minority School Children

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the United States has resulted in a number of school-based health interventions. This article provides a review of research that addressed childhood overweight and obesity in minority, U.S. elementary schools. All studies reported some benefits in health behaviors and/or anthropometric measures. Effectiveness was greater when program objectives were specific, implemented across the school environments, extended into the community, and were culturally relevant. Because minority school children are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity and poor health behaviors, and since schools may be the primary setting to address childhood overweight and obesity in communities, school nurses can be an advocate for school-based programs and facilitate success.
Factors Influencing Teachers' Level of Participation in Online Communities.

The use of an online learning community is one possible approach to teachers’ professional development that can enhance the opportunity for collaboration. Discussions in online learning communities not only allow community members to share resources, ideas and expertise, but also contribute to the fulfilment of teachers’ needs in terms of continuous learning and professional development. This paper reports the findings of a study that aimed to explore the factors that influence the way teachers behave in online communities. The research participants were 16 teachers from five secondary schools in Malaysia who were teaching English, science and mathematics. These teachers were involved in online learning communities via blogs in which they exchanged stories and experiences related to their teaching and learning activities. Data were generated through one-to-one interviews. Based on thematic analysis, the overall findings indicate that teachers’ levels of participation in their online learning communities were largely influenced by cultural issues. Other factors that impacted upon their engagement were time, enforcement by school administrators and their need for an online community.
Structure‐based replacement of methionine residues at the catalytic domains with serine significantly improves the oxidative stability of alkaline amylase from alkaliphilic Alkalimonas amylolytica

The alkaline amylase requires high resistance towards chemical oxidation for use in the detergent and textile industries. This work aims to improve the oxidative stability of alkaline amylase from alkaliphilic Alkalimonas amylolytica by site‐directed mutagenesis based on the enzyme structure model. Five mutants were created by individually replacing methionine at positions 145, 214, 229, 247, and 317 in the amino acid sequence of alkaline amylase with oxidative‐resistant serine. The pH stability of the mutant enzymes was almost the same as that of the wild‐type (WT) enzyme (pH 7.0–11.0). The stable temperature range of the mutant enzymes M145S and M247S decreased from <50°C of the WT to <40°C, while the thermal stability of the other three mutant enzymes (M214S, M229S, and M317S) was almost the same as that of the WT enzyme. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of all the mutant enzymes decreased when compared to WT enzyme. The mutant enzymes showed increased activity in the presence of surfactants Tween‐60 and sodium dodecyl sulfate. When incubated with 500 mM H2O2 at 35°C for 5 h, the WT enzyme retained only 13.3% of its original activity, while the mutant enzymes M145S, M214S, M229S, M247S, and M317S retained 55.6, 70.2, 54.2, 62.5, and 46.4% of the original activities, respectively. The results indicated that the substitution of methionine residues at the catalytic domains with oxidative‐resistant serine can significantly improve the oxidative stability of alkaline amylase. This work provides an effective strategy to improve the oxidative stability of amylase, and the high oxidation resistance of the mutant enzymes shows their potential applications in the detergent and textile industries. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2012
Videos in clinical medicine. Female urethral catheterization.

Female urethral catheterization is indicated for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. It permits effective bladder drainage in patients with acute or chronic urinary retention. A urinary catheter may be used to instill medication for local intravesical therapy or for irrigation to remove blood and clots from the urinary bladder. Urethral catheterization facilitates diagnosis in several circumstances, such as obtaining sterile urine specimens for urinalysis, measuring residual volumes after voiding, instilling contrast media for imaging procedures, and monitoring the urinary output of critically ill patients. 1 C on t r a i ndic a t ions Urethral injury can be a contraindication to catheterization. Urethral injuries are rare and most commonly result from pelvic fractures. If blood is found at the urethral meatus, urethral or bladder neck injury should be considered. If there is any question of injury, genital and rectal exams should be performed and retrograde urethrography should be considered before catheterization is attempted; consultation with a specialist before catheterization is prudent. Since urinary catheterization can cause infection or trauma, it should not be used for routine management of urinary incontinence but should be reserved for circumstances in which noninvasive methods fail.
Normalised compression distance and evolutionary distance of genomic sequences: comparison of clustering results

Genomic sequences are usually compared using evolutionary distance, a procedure that implies the alignment of the sequences. Alignment of long sequences is a time consuming procedure and the obtained dissimilarity results is not a metric. Recently, the normalised compression distance was introduced as a method to calculate the distance between two generic digital objects and it seems a suitable way to compare genomic strings. In this paper, the clustering and the non-linear mapping obtained using the evolutionary distance and the compression distance are compared, in order to understand if the two distances sets are similar.
VMM-level distributed transparency provisioning using Cloud infrastructure technology

Cloud computing is a paradigm of virtualized distributed environments with virtual machines as their primary building blocks. Being a distributed system, Cloud computing paradigm needs a new layer of software to provide different aspects of distribution transparency at virtual machine level. This software layer called Cloud infrastructure is deployed above the virtual machine monitor layer. In this paper, we present some of the Cloud infrastructure technology challenges such as image management and scheduling in Cloud distributed environments. In addition, we argue how some prominent Cloud infrastructures such as Eucalyptus and OpenNebula tackle these challenges. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we show how the deployment of different transparent network services is possible using a specific Cloud infrastructure service through the mentioned technology.
Characterization of traverse slippage experienced by Spirit rover on Husband Hill at Gusev crater

Spirit rover experienced significant slips traversing Husband Hill. This paper analyzes the slippage Spirit experienced from Sol 154 to Sol 737. Slippage with respect to terrain type and slope is computed using data downlinked from the rover, rover position, and orientation estimations from visual odometry (VO) and photogrammetry based bundle adjustment (BA) method. Accumulated slippage reached a maximum of 83.86 m on Sol 648. However, as Spirit descended into the Inner Basin, the direction of slippage reversed, and accumulated slippage approached zero by the end of the entire traverse. Eight local regions with significant slips and nineteen traverse segments have been analyzed. Slippage was found to be highly correlated to slope direction and magnitude; the reverse of slope directions in the ascending and descending portions of the traverse proves to be the main contributor to the observed cancellation of slippage. While the horizontal component of the slippage almost canceled out, the difference in elevation continually accumulated, mainly during the ascent. In general, long traverse segments created more slips than short ones. This is reflected in both the accumulated and individual slippages. In considering the four major Mars terrain types, Spirit performed best on bedrock, managing to drive on slopes close to 30°. Fine-grain surfaces were the most challenging; though progress was made on slopes up to 15°, slippages of over 100% (more slippage than distance traveled) occurred for short segments. The results of this work can be incorporate into a traverse planning framework in which rover slippage is minimized. Results can be employed in landed planetary missions for precision navigation to avoid potentially dangerous regions by considering expected slippage.
Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) and malaria in Northern Europe, with special reference to Sweden.

Based on classical egg-morphology studies and enzyme electrophoresis of adult females, the geographic distributions in Sweden of 4 species in the Anopheles maculipennis complex were investigated. Anopheles messeae was the most abundant species and was present in most parts of the country up to at least 67°N. Anopheles maculipennis was recorded in southern and central Sweden up to about 60°N. North of this latitude the latter species was replaced by An. beklemishevi , recorded for the first time from the Scandinavian peninsula. Anopheles atroparvus was found only on the southeastern coast of the Swedish mainland. The distribution of An. claviger is also reviewed. This species appears to be relatively rare but is distributed to about 60°N. In the 18th and 19th centuries, An. messeae was probably the principal vector during the malaria epidemics in Sweden. Anopheles atroparvus may have maintained malaria endemicity into the present century in certain coastal localities in southern Sweden.
An optimal convex hull algorithm and new results on cuttings

An optimal algorithm for computing hyperplane cuttings is given. It results in a new kind of cutting, which enjoys all the properties of the previous ones and, in addition, can be refined by composition. An optimal algorithm for computing the convex hull of a finite point set in any fixed dimension is also given. <<ETX>>