Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The sleeping patterns of Head Start children and the influence on developmental outcomes

BACKGROUND Sleep has a significant influence on children's development. The objective of this study was to investigate Head Start children's sleeping patterns and the impact on cognitive and behavioural outcomes. METHODS Using the 2009 cohort of the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (N = 2,868), information on sleeping patterns was assessed through parent interviews. Cognitive outcomes were assessed using direct assessments (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-IV, the Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test, and Subtests of the Woodcock-Johnson III) in addition to teacher report. Behavioural outcomes were assessed through parent and teacher reports. A multiple regression analysis was performed for each outcome variable. RESULTS Descriptive findings showed that 89% of children had a regular bedtime at least 4 days per week and that the average amount of sleep per night was 10.41 hr. White mothers were more likely than other racial groups to adhere to a consistent bedtime, and maternal employment predicted less hour of sleep per night. Multiple regression analyses revealed that disrupted sleep had a negative influence on cognitive outcomes, especially in areas of mathematical problem solving, receptive language, teacher-reported literacy behaviours, and approaches to learning. Disrupted sleep was associated with the risk of misbehaviour by increasing teacher and parent ratings on aggressive behaviours, hyperactivity, and withdrawing in addition to decreased scores on overall social skills. Having an inconsistent bedtime negatively predicted expressive vocabulary and teacher-reported literacy behaviours. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study support the influential role of sleep on children's development. Sleeping through the night and having a consistent bedtime were found to be predictive of many areas of cognitive and behavioural development. Head Start staff can provide the supports to increase parental knowledge on appropriate child sleep practices.
A quantitative map of human Condensins provides new insights into mitotic chromosome architecture

The two Condensin complexes in human cells are essential for mitotic chromosome structure. We used homozygous genome editing to fluorescently tag Condensin I and II subunits and mapped their absolute abundance, spacing and dynamic localization during mitosis by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy-calibrated live cell imaging and super-resolution microscopy. While ∼35,000 Condensin II complexes are stably bound to chromosomes throughout mitosis, ∼195,000 Condensin I complexes dynamically bind in two steps, in prometaphase and early anaphase. The two Condensins rarely co-localize at the chromatid axis, where Condensin II is centrally confined but Condensin I reaches ∼50% of the chromatid diameter from its center. Based on our comprehensive quantitative data, we propose a three-step hierarchical loop model of mitotic chromosome compaction: Condensin II initially fixes loops of a maximum size of ∼450 kb at the chromatid axis whose size is then reduced by Condensin I binding to ∼90 kb in prometaphase and ∼70 kb in anaphase, achieving maximum chromosome compaction upon sister chromatid segregation.
Accurate Pan-Cancer Molecular Diagnosis of Microsatellite Instability by Single-Molecule Molecular Inversion Probe Capture and High-Throughput Sequencing.

BACKGROUND Microsatellite instability (MSI) is an emerging actionable phenotype in oncology that informs tumor response to immune checkpoint pathway immunotherapy. However, there remains a need for MSI diagnostics that are low cost, highly accurate, and generalizable across cancer types. We developed a method for targeted high-throughput sequencing of numerous microsatellite loci with pan-cancer informativity for MSI using single-molecule molecular inversion probes (smMIPs). METHODS We designed a smMIP panel targeting 111 loci highly informative for MSI across cancers. We developed an analytical framework taking advantage of smMIP-mediated error correction to specifically and sensitively detect instability events without the need for typing matched normal material. RESULTS Using synthetic DNA mixtures, smMIPs were sensitive to at least 1% MSI-positive cells and were highly consistent across replicates. The fraction of identified unstable microsatellites discriminated tumors exhibiting MSI from those lacking MSI with high accuracy across colorectal (100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity), prostate (100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity), and endometrial cancers (95.8% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity). MSI-PCR, the current standard-of-care molecular diagnostic for MSI, proved equally robust for colorectal tumors but evidenced multiple false-negative results in prostate (81.8% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity) and endometrial (75.0% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity) tumors. CONCLUSIONS smMIP capture provides an accurate, diagnostically sensitive, and economical means to diagnose MSI across cancer types without reliance on patient-matched normal material. The assay is readily scalable to large numbers of clinical samples, enables automated and quantitative analysis of microsatellite instability, and is readily standardized across clinical laboratories.
A new approach for modeling of magnetorheological elastomers

This article presents a novel model to portray the behavior of magnetorheological elastomer in oscillatory shear test. The dynamic behavior of an isotropic magnetorheological elastomer is experimentally investigated at different input conditions. A modified Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic model is developed to describe relationships between shear stress and shear strain of magnetorheological elastomers based on input frequency, shear strain, and magnetic flux density. Unlike the previous models of magnetorheological elastomers, the coefficients of this model, calculated by nonlinear regression method, are constant at various harmonic shear loads and different magnetic flux densities. The results show that the new phenomenological model can effectively predict the viscoelastic behavior of magnetorheological elastomers. Also, the results demonstrate that the trend of shear storage modulus of magnetorheological elastomer based on the frequency is nonlinear from 0.1 to 8 Hz, which is predicted by the present model. The proposed model is beneficial to simulate vibration control strategies in magnetorheological elastomer base devices under harmonic shear loadings.
Differential prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites in two sympatric closely related non-migratory passerines

SUMMARY Haemosporidian parasites infecting birds show distinct heterogeneity in their distribution among host species. However, despite numerous studies on the prevalence and diversity of parasite communities across species, very little is known on patterns of differences between them. Such data is lacking because up to date the majority of studies explored the patterns of variation in infections in different years, different time of sampling within a year or a breeding cycle, different study sites or was based on a small sample size, all of which may affect the estimates of prevalence and parasite diversity. Here, the prevalence, richness and diversity of haemosporidian parasites from the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus were studied in two closely related non-migratory hole-nesting passerines: Great Tits and Blue Tits. Birds were sampled in sympatrically breeding populations during two seasons at the same stage of their breeding cycle – late nestling care. Great Tits were more prevalently infected with Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasites (97·1 vs 71·2%), harboured a higher proportion of multiple infections (26·2 vs 3·2%) and had a more diverse parasite community (11 vs 5 parasite lineages) than Blue Tits. Observed differences between two host species are discussed with reference to their breeding densities and immunological and behavioural characteristics.
Oxidative Stress in Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia.

Irarrázaval, Sebastián, Claudio Allard, Juan Campodónico, Druso Pérez, Pablo Strobel, Luis Vásquez, Inés Urquiaga, Guadalupe Echeverría, and Federico Leighton. Oxidative stress in acute hypobaric hypoxia. High Alt Med Biol. 18:128-134, 2017. -The effects of acute hypobaric hypoxia endured by mountaineers were studied, specifically as evidenced by acute mountain sickness (AMS) and oxidative stress damage. Ten male volunteers were exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia, and AMS was evaluated through arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), cardiac rate, and the Lake Louise Score (LLS). Oxidative stress was determined through blood profile tests performed 24 hours before and after high-altitude exposure, assessing the oxidative damage and antioxidant profiles. Dietary habits were assessed using the Chilean Mediterranean Diet Index. During ascent (i.e., first 8 hours), all volunteers presented AMS (LLS ≥3 points), as manifested by a median LLS increment of four points, a 15 bpm cardiac rate, and 17% decrease in SaO2. Additionally, plasma lipid oxidative damage increased after the expedition, as evaluated through malondialdehyde, which was directly correlated with the LLS (R2 = 0.720, p = 0.003) and inversely correlated with SaO2 (R2 = 0.436; p = 0.035) at a high altitude. Preascent carbonyl levels were inversely correlated to SaO2 (R2 = 0.490; p = 0.008) and directly correlated to cardiac rate (R2 = 0.225, p = 0.016) at a high altitude. Moreover, dietary habits were inversely correlated with increased carbonyls during the expedition (R2 = 0.436; p = 0.047). In conclusion, acute hypobaric hypoxia induced AMS and an increment in oxidative stress markers 24 hours after altitude exposure in the volunteers. Furthermore, oxidative stress damage was related to AMS severity. Finally, volunteers with closer adherence to a Mediterranean diet presented a lower increase in oxidative damage during ascent, reflecting the potential preventive role of diet against AMS.
Elotuzumab as a novel anti-myeloma immunotherapy

ABSTRACT Treatment of multiple myeloma has undergone significant change in the last decade with the introduction of new immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, and immunotherapeutic approaches. Elotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CS1, which is a member of the SLAM (Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule) family of proteins, expressed on the surface of myeloma plasma cells. Here we review the preclinical investigations that led to the development of elotuzumab and the clinical studies that resulted in its approval for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Although preclinical data looked very promising, elotuzumab monotherapy did not result in objective clinical responses in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. However, combination treatment with immunomodulators and proteasome inhibitors resulted in substantial clinical activity in relapsed/refractory MM. Currently, there are several clinical trials ongoing investigating the role of elotuzumab in newly diagnosed myeloma patients and in patients receiving maintenance therapy.
Heat treating carbon nanofibers for optimal composite performance

Partial graphitization of carbon nanofibers by high-temperature heat treatment can give improved composite properties. The intrinsic electrical conductivity of the bulk carbon nanofibers measured under compression is maximized by giving the fibers an initial heat treatment at 1500 °C. Similarly, for carbon nanofiber/polypropylene composites containing up to 12 vol% fiber, initial fiber heat treatments near 1500 °C give tensile modulus and strength superior even to composites made from fibers graphitized at 2900 °C. However, optimum composite conductivity is obtained with a somewhat lower heat-treatment temperature, near 1300 °C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) along with x-ray diffraction (XRD) explains these results, showing that heat treating the fibers alters the exterior planes from continuous, coaxial, and poorly crystallized to discontinuous nested conical crystallites inclined at about 25° to the fiber axis.
Review on Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composite Focusing Polystyrene Microsphere and Polystyrene Microsphere/Modified CNT Composite: Preparation, Properties, and Significance

ABSTRACT In recent times, carbon nanotubes play a promising role in a wide variety of technical applications due to improved structural properties, multifunctional features, mechanical strength, and electrical properties. Initially, problems interrelated to dispersion and alignment of nanotubes inside polymer/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites have been discussed. Fabrication methods and properties of polymer/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites were also highlighted. Main spotlight of the review article was the preparation, properties, and applications of polystyrene microspheres. The carbon nanotubes functionalization and physical/covalent grafting of polystyrene microspheres onto the sidewall of nanotubes is a rousing research spot. The article also evaluates the characteristics and potential applications of polystyrene microsphere-grafted-modified carbon nanotubes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Study on Self-desiccation Effect of HighPerformance Concrete

Effects of water to binder ratio (m_W/m_B), types and content of mineral admixtures on autogenous relative humidity (ARH) change of concrete resulting from self-desiccation were studied. The parameters of coefficient of mineral self-desiccation-effect k and effective water to binder ratio r_e were proposed, and experimental results were fitted non-linearly and analyzed using these proposed parameters. It is indicated from the results that ARH reduction of concrete with ages inereases with decrease of water to binder ratio. The ARH change laws of concrete with water to binder ratio lower than 0.4 can be expressed with a non-linear equation. The extent to the effect of types and content of mineral admixtures on ARH reduction of concrete resulting from self-desiccation can be reflected by the parameter of the effective water to binder ratio r_e effectively.
Recursive computation of the score and observed information matrix in hidden markov models

Hidden Markov models (henceforth abbreviated to HMMs), taken in their most general acception, that is, including models in which the state space of the hidden chain is continuous, have become a widely used class of statistical models with applications in diverse areas such as communications, engineering, bioinformatics, econometrics and many more. This contribution focus on the computation of derivatives of the log-likelihood and proposes a (comparatively! ) simple and general framework, based on the use of Fisher and Louis identities, to obtain recursive equations for computing the score and observed information matrix. This approach is thought to be simpler than (although equivalent to) the solution provided by the so-called sensitivity equations. It is based on the original remark that recursive smoothers for HMMs are also available for some functional of the hidden states which do not reduce to sum functionals. This view of the problem also suggests ways in which these exact equations could be approximated using sequential Monte Carlo methods
Development of a Hyperelastic Transversely Isotropic Materials Law for the Simulation of the Higher Harmonic Lamb Wave Generation in Composite Structures

To improve the understanding of the damage detection by cumulative higher harmonic Lamb waves in isotropic as well as in composite structures numerical simulations are essential. Based on hyperelastic material models for isotropic material a strain energy function is developed for transversely isotropic material. Therefore an existing linear potential is extended to a nonlinear strain energy function by adding a compressibility term without using the modified strain invariants for a separation of the volumetric and isochoric part. To validate this material model tensile and shear tests are performed. Finally the wave propagation is analyzed and compared to the wave propagation in a linear elastic wave guide. It is shown that the presented material model can be used to simulate the higher harmonic generation in transversely isotropic material. Furthermore the nonlinear effect can be influenced by modifying the material parameter. doi: 10.12783/SHM2015/228
Nanomedicine applications in women’s health: state of the art

State-of-the-art applications of nanomedicine have the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of a range of conditions and diseases affecting women’s health. In this review, we provide a synopsis of potential applications of nanomedicine in some of the most dominant fields of women’s health: mental health, sexual health, reproductive medicine, oncology, menopause-related conditions and dementia. We explore published studies arising from in vitro and in vivo experiments, and clinical trials where available, to reveal novel and highly promising therapeutic applications of nanomedicine in these fields. For the first time, we summarize the growing body of evidence relating to the use of nanomaterials as experimental tools for the detection, prevention, and treatment of significant diseases and conditions across the life course of a cisgender woman, from puberty to menopause; revealing the far-reaching and desirable theoretical impact of nanomedicine across different medical disciplines. We also present an overview of potential concerns regarding the therapeutic applications of nanomedicine and the factors currently restricting the growth of applied nanomedicine.
Development and Evaluation of Buccal Films Based on Chitosan for the Potential Treatment of Oral Candidiasis

In this work, chitosan films were prepared by a casting/solvent evaporation methodology using pectin or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose to form polymeric matrices. Miconazole nitrate, as a model drug, was loaded into such formulations. These polymeric films were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, adhesiveness, and swelling as well as drug release. Besides, the morphology of raw materials and films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy; interactions between polymers were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and drug crystallinity studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. In addition, antifungal activity against cultures of the five most important fungal opportunistic pathogens belonging to Candida genus was investigated. Chitosan:hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose films were found to be the most appropriate formulations in terms of folding endurance, mechanical properties, and adhesiveness. Also, an improvement in the dissolution rate of miconazole nitrate from the films up to 90% compared to the non-loaded drug was observed. The in vitro antifungal activity showed a significant activity of the model drug when it is loaded into chitosan films. These findings suggest that chitosan-based films are a promising approach to deliver miconazole nitrate for the treatment of candidiasis.
Influence of Test Distance on Stereoacuity in Intermittent Exotropia

ABSTRACT Aims: To investigate influence of test distance on stereoacuity in intermittent exotropia (X[T]) using the same test conditions for both near and far distances. Methods: Subjects were 38 consecutive patients with X(T). All the patients were between ages 6 and 15 years and had decimal visual acuity of 1.0 or better. Another inclusion criterion was presence of phoric condition at near and far distances. Stereoacuity was measured at a near distance of 40 cm and at a far distance of 5 m. The following test conditions were used for both test distances: separation of the two eyes using polarized glasses, and a target with a random dot pattern. All the stereograms had the same subtended angle of 2. 5º, and binocular disparity of 480, 240, 120, and 60 arcsec. We used two stereogram types with crossed and uncrossed disparities. Results: Far stereoacuity of 38 subjects measured with the crossed disparity was significantly worse than near stereoacuity (P<0.05, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test), although 30 (78.9%) of the 38 subjects showed no differences in stereopsis between the near and far distances. Far stereoacuity of 38 cases measured with the uncrossed disparity was significantly worse than at near (P<0.05, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test), although 20 (52.6%) of the 38 subjects showed no differences between stereoacuity at near and far. In comparison of stereoacuity with crossed disparity and uncrossed disparity, stereoacuity with crossed disparity was significantly better than that with uncrossed disparity both at near and far (P<0.05, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test). Conclusions: Stereoacuity in X(T) was different according to test distance when measured controlling subtended angle of stereogram at both distances. Far stereoacuity was significantly worse than near stereoacuity when measured using test targets with both crossed and uncrossed disparities. Additionally, stereoacuity measured with crossed disparity was better than that with uncrossed disparity at both distances.
Low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma patients who underwent near-total thyroidectomy without prophylactic central compartment lymph node dissection and were ablated with low-dose 50mCi RAI had excellent 10-year prognosis

BACKGROUNDThe current trend in the management of low risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma is to follow less aggressive strategies.OBJECTIVETo assess the long-term morbidity and mortality outcomes of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients undergoing minimal intervention.DESIGNWe retrospectively analyzed 137 patients with low-risk PTC (stage I: n=77; stage II: n=60). Of these patients, 107 (Group 1) had macro-PTC and underwent near-total thyroidectomy and received postoperatively 50mCi RAI. The remaining 30 patients (Group 2) had micro-PTC (<1cm) and were treated only by means of near-total thyroidectomy.RESULTSThe median follow-up for Group 1 patients was 10 years (range: 3–30). At 1-year evaluation, 8 patients of Group 1 had indeterminate or incomplete biochemical response, of whom 4 had also incomplete structural response to initial therapy. Only 1 of 4 patients with structural incomplete response underwent cervical lymph node dissection and then received an additional dose of 100mCi RAI. The remaining 7 patients received only an additional dose of 100mCi RAI. These patients have been continuously followed till the present time with no recurrences or deaths (median follow-up: 17.5 years; 3–30 years). At 15 years, 2 patients of Group 1 experienced biochemical recurrence and they received 100mCi RAI. Three patients of Group 2 experienced recurrence, with 2 receiving 50mCi RAI and 1 undergoing cervical lymph node dissection with 50mCi RAI.CONCLUSIONSPatients with low-risk macro-PTC treated by means of near-total thyroidectomy without PCCLND and receiving postoperatively a low dose of 50mCi RAI have excellent long-term prognosis.
China's Marriage Market and Upcoming Challenges for Elderly Men

Fertility decline has fueled a sharp increase in the proportion of 'missing girls' in China, so an increasing share of males will fail to marry, and will face old age without the support normally provided by wives and children. This paper shows that historically, China has had nearly-universal marriage for women and a very competitive market for men. Lower-educated men experience higher rates of bachelorhood while women favor men with better prospects, migrating if needed from poorer to wealthier areas. The authors examine the anticipated effects of this combination of bride shortage and hypergamy, for different regions of China. Their projections indicate that unmarried males will likely be concentrated in poorer provinces with low fiscal ability to provide social protection to their citizens. Such geographic concentration of unmarried males could be socially disruptive, and the papers findings suggest a need to expand the coverage of social protection programs financed substantially by the central government.