Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal Vitamin D Status in Type 1 Diabetic Pregnancy: Impact on Neonatal Vitamin D Status and Association with Maternal Glycaemic Control

Objective The first aim of this study was to assess 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) concentrations in women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) during pregnancy, post-delivery and also foetal (cord blood) 25OHD concentrations and to examine relationships between these. The second aim of the study was to investigate potential interactions between maternal body mass index (BMI) and foetal vitamin D status. A further study aim was to examine potential relationships between maternal 25OHD and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) throughout pregnancy. Research Design and Methods This was an observational study of 52 pregnant controls without diabetes and 65 pregnant women with T1DM in a university teaching hospital. Maternal serum 25OHD was measured serially throughout the pregnancy and post-delivery. Cord blood 25OHD was measured at delivery. 25OHD was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results Vitamin D deficiency (25OHD <25 nmol/L) was apparent in both the T1DM subjects and controls at all 3 pregnancy trimesters. Vitamin D levels in all cord blood were <50 nmol/L. Maternal 25OHD correlated positively with cord 25OHD at all 3 trimesters in the T1DM group (p = 0.02; p<0.001; p<0.001). 25OHD levels within cord blood were significantly lower for women with diabetes classified as obese vs. normal weight at booking [normal weight BMI <25 kg/m2 vs. obese BMI >30 kg/m2 (nmol/L±SD); 19.93±11.15 vs. 13.73±4.74, p = 0.026]. In the T1DM group, HbA1c at booking was significantly negatively correlated with maternal 25OHD at all 3 trimesters (p = 0.004; p = 0.001; p = 0.05). Conclusion In T1DM pregnancy, low vitamin D levels persist throughout gestation and post-delivery. Cord blood vitamin D levels correlate with those of the mother, and are significantly lower in obese women than in their normal weight counterparts. Maternal vitamin D levels exhibit a significant negative relationship with HbA1c levels, supporting a potential role for this vitamin in maintaining glycaemic control.
Object tracking robot using adaptive color thresholding

Automation has led to growth of industries in recent years. For better performance of industrial process automated robots are used. Image processing has led to advancements in applications of robotics and embedded systems. Using Computer Vision techniques, a robotic vehicle is developed which can identify and track objects. It has many applications in the automation and security.
Skin Friction Reduction by Microbubbles and Its Applicability to Ships

The experimental results on skin friction reduction by microbubbles are reviewed in the order of the streamwise distance from the bubble injection point. It has been confirmed that microbubbles decrease skin friction considerably, that its persistence in the downstream direction depends on the flow speed, that the skin friction reduction persists much longer than the prediction based on the boundary layer thickness, and that the local properties such as the local void ratio is the dominant factor for the skin friction. Microbubble tests using a very long flat plate give favorable results toward the practical use of microbubbles on ships. Finally, an experimental result is shown which suggest strongly the reduction of the Reynolds stresss by microbubbles.
Spring 3-1-2010 CAwbWeb : Towards a Standardized Programming Framework to Enable a Context-Aware Web ; CU-CS-1063-10 Aaron

This paper presents a vision of mobile-cloud computing systems which looks beyond simply moving data processing from mobile to cloud computing systems and considers a larger vision in which services within the cloud are aggregated and automatically integrated in real-time, based on context, to satisfy the intentions of mobile computing applications. We suggest that research and development of context-aware mobile-cloud systems adopt an appropriate “separation of concerns” in which application intentions, context, action, and actuation are isolated through a framework of software services and standards we call CAwbWeb (ContextAware Web). These software services and standards allow for many different mobile-cloud computing problems to be abstracted and solved generally.
The risk of preterm birth and growth restriction in pregnancy after cancer

It is unclear whether cancer and its treatments increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our aim was to examine whether cancer survivors have higher risks of poor outcomes in pregnancies conceived after diagnosis than women without cancer, and whether these risks differ by cancer type and race. Diagnoses from cancer registries were linked to pregnancy outcomes from birth certificates in three U.S. states. Analyses were limited to the first, live singleton birth conceived after diagnosis. Births to women without a previous cancer diagnosis in the registry were matched to cancer survivors on age at delivery, parity, race/ethnicity and education. Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate risk ratios. Cervical cancer survivors had higher risks of preterm birth (Risk ratio = 2.8, 95% Confidence interval: 2.1, 3.7), as did survivors of invasive breast cancer (RR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.7) and leukemia (RR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3, 3.5). We observed a higher risk of small for gestational age (SGA) infants (<10% of weight for age based on a national distribution) in survivors of brain cancer (RR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.8) and extranodal non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (RR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.6). We did not see an increased risk of infants born preterm, low birth weight, or SGA in pregnancies conceived after ductal carcinoma in situ, thyroid cancer, melanoma, or Hodgkin lymphoma. While our results are reassuring for survivors of many cancers, some will need closer monitoring during pregnancy.
Quantifying the Influence of Component Failure Probability on Cascading Blackout Risk

The risk of cascading blackouts greatly relies on failure probabilities of individual components in power grids. To quantify how component failure probability (CFP) influences blackout risk (BR), this paper proposes a sample-induced semianalytic approach to characterize the relationship between CFP and BR. To this end, we first give a generic component failure probability function (CoFPF) to describe CFP with varying parameters or forms. Then, the exact relationship between BR and CoFPFs is built on the abstract Markov-sequence model of cascading outages. Leveraging a set of samples generated by blackout simulations, we further establish a sample-induced semianalytic mapping between the unbiased estimation of BR and CoFPFs. Finally, we derive an efficient algorithm that can directly calculate the unbiased estimation of BR when the CoFPFs change. Since no additional simulations are required, the algorithm is computationally scalable and efficient. Numerical experiments well confirm the theory and the algorithm.
Modifiable Risk Factors for the Spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Among Long-Term Acute-Care Hospital Patients

OBJECTIVE To identify modifiable risk factors for acquisition of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (KPC) colonization among long-term acute-care hospital (LTACH) patients. DESIGN Multicenter, matched case-control study. SETTING Four LTACHs in Chicago, Illinois. PARTICIPANTS Each case patient included in this study had a KPC-negative rectal surveillance culture on admission followed by a KPC-positive surveillance culture later in the hospital stay. Each matched control patient had a KPC-negative rectal surveillance culture on admission and no KPC isolated during the hospital stay. RESULTS From June 2012 to June 2013, 2,575 patients were admitted to 4 LTACHs; 217 of 2,144 KPC-negative patients (10.1%) acquired KPC. In total, 100 of these patients were selected at random and matched to 100 controls by LTACH facility, admission date, and censored length of stay. Acquisitions occurred a median of 16.5 days after admission. On multivariate analysis, we found that exposure to higher colonization pressure (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.04; P=.002), exposure to a carbapenem (OR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.06–4.77; P=.04), and higher Charlson comorbidity index (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01–1.29; P=.04) were independent risk factors for KPC acquisition; the odds of KPC acquisition increased by 2% for each 1% increase in colonization pressure. CONCLUSIONS Higher colonization pressure, exposure to carbapenems, and a higher Charlson comorbidity index independently increased the odds of KPC acquisition among LTACH patients. Reducing colonization pressure (through separation of KPC-positive patients from KPC-negative patients using strict cohorts or private rooms) and reducing carbapenem exposure may prevent KPC cross transmission in this high-risk patient population. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:670–677
Critical factors for the recovery of marine mammals

{en} Over the past decades, much research has focused on understanding the critical factors for marine extinctions with the aim of preventing further species losses in the oceans. Although conservation and management strategies are enabling several species and populations to recover, others remain at low abundance levels or continue to decline. To understand these discrepancies, we used a published database on abundance trends of 137 populations of marine mammals worldwide and compiled data on 28 potentially critical factors for recovery. We then applied random forests and additive mixed models to determine which intrinsic and extrinsic factors are critical for the recovery of marine mammals. A mix of life‐history characteristics, ecological traits, phylogenetic relatedness, population size, geographic range, human impacts, and management efforts explained why populations recovered or not. Consistently, species with lower age at maturity and intermediate habitat area were more likely to recover, which is consistent with life‐history and ecological theory. Body size, trophic level, social interactions, dominant habitat, ocean basin, and habitat disturbance also explained some differences in recovery patterns. Overall, a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors were important for species’ recovery, pointing to cumulative effects. Our results provide insight for improving conservation and management strategies to enhance recoveries in the future.
MECHANICAL DETERMINANTS OF SPRINT PERFORMANCE IN ELITE AND SUB-ELITE FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS

The aim of the present study was to investigate the difference in the horizontal mechanical determinants of sprint performance in highly-trained elite field hockey players versus sub-elite field hockey players. Thirty-five highly trained field hockey players (1 8 elite international players and 17 sub-elite players) were tested during the competitive season. They performed a maximal 40 meter sprint. Distance was tracked over time via a 312 Hz laser (Laser Technology, Inc) and used to calculate, for each individual, a horizontal force-velocity profile. Elite players showed a larger theoretical maximal horizontal velocity (vO) compared to the sub-elite hockey players. No significant differences in theoretical maximal horizontal force (FO) and horizontal power (Pmax) between the groups were observed. Large variability especially in the sub-elite groups was observed in FO and vO, indicating the potential for individualized training program focusing on the weaker parameter.
Increased expression of MNK1b, the spliced isoform of MNK1, predicts poor prognosis and is associated with triple-negative breast cancer

MAP kinase interacting kinases (MNKs) modulate the function of oncogene eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) through phosphorylation, which is necessary for oncogenic transformation. MNK1 gives rise to two mRNAs and thus two MNK1 isoforms, named MNK1a and MNK1b. MNK1b, the splice variant of human MNK1a, is constitutively active and independent of upstream MAP kinases. In this study, we have analyzed the expression of both MNK1 isoforms in 69 breast tumor samples and its association with clinicopathologic/prognostic characteristics of breast cancer. MNK1a and MNK1b expression was significantly increased in tumors relative to the corresponding adjacent normal tissue (p < 0.001). In addition, MNK1b overexpression was found in most of the triple-negative tumors and was associated with a shorter overall and disease-free survival time. Overexpression of MNK1b in MDA-MB-231 cells induced an increase in the expression of the MCL1 antiapoptotic protein and promoted proliferation, invasion and colony formation. In conclusion, a high expression level of MNK1b protein could be used as a marker of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients and it could be a therapeutic target in triple-negative tumors.
Difference in the intratumoral distributions of extracellular‐fluid and intravascular MR contrast agents in glioblastoma growth

Contrast enhancement by an extracellular‐fluid contrast agent (CA) (Gd‐DOTA) depends primarily on the blood–brain‐barrier permeability (bp), and transverse‐relaxation change caused by intravascular T2 CA (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, SPIONs) is closely associated with the blood volume (BV). Pharmacokinetic (PK) vascular characterization based on single‐CA‐using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) has shown significant measurement variation according to the molecular size of the CA. Based on this recognition, this study used a dual injection of Gd‐DOTA and SPIONs for tracing the changes of bp and BV in C6 glioma growth (Days 1 and 7 after the tumor volume reached 2 mL). bp was quantified according to the non‐PK parameters of Gd‐DOTA‐using DCE‐MRI (wash‐in rate, maximum enhancement ratio and initial area under the enhancement curve (IAUC)). BV was estimated by SPION‐induced ΔR2* and ΔR2. With validated measurement reliability of all the parameters (coefficients of variation ≤10%), dual‐contrast MRI demonstrated a different region‐oriented distribution between Gd‐DOTA and SPIONs within a tumor as follows: (a) the BV increased stepwise from the tumor center to the periphery; (b) the tumor periphery maintained the augmented BV to support continuous tumor expansion from Day 1 to Day 7; (c) the internal tumor area underwent significant vascular shrinkage (i.e. decreased ΔR2 and ΔR2) as the tumor increased in size; (d) the tumor center showed greater bp‐indicating parameters, i.e. wash‐in rate, maximum enhancement ratio and IAUC, than the periphery on both Days 1 and 7 and (e) the tumor center showed a greater increase of bp than the tumor periphery in tumor growth, as suggested to support tumor viability when there is insufficient blood supply. In the MRI–histologic correlation, a prominent BV increase in the tumor periphery seen in MRI was verified with increased fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran signals and up‐regulated immunoreactivity of CD31–VEGFR. In conclusion, the spatiotemporal alterations of BV and bp in glioblastoma growth, i.e. augmented BV in the tumor periphery and increased bp in the center, can be sufficiently evaluated by MRI with dual injection of extracellular‐fluid Gd chelates and intravascular SPION.
Periodontal Intrabony Defects and the Treatment with Enamel Matrix Derivative and a Synthetic Bone Substitute in Humans: A Clinical and Radiographic Case Series

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze by clinical and radiographic parameters the use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) with or without a synthetic bone substitute (Bone Ceramic) in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects in humans. Methods: Nine patients and eighteen defects in need of treatment for periodontal intrabony defects were selected and assigned to the treatment with EMD or EMD plus Bone Ceramic assessing clinical and radiographic measurements. Results: At one year, mean probing depth (PD) reduction demonstrated improvements in all groups when compared to the baseline (P<0.01). At 1 year PD reduction ≥ 2mm was measured in 57% of the defects (i.e., in 4 of the 7) when EMD + BC was used; in 36% of the defects (i.e., 4 of the 11) when EMD was used. There were no statistically significant differences when standardized radiographic subtractions were compared radiographic. Conclusion: In conclusion, results from the present cases series confirm that a regenerative procedure based on EMD plus Bone Ceramic had better results in defect fill, although there was a variation in the numbers of defects.
Evaluation of a faecal dysbiosis test for irritable bowel syndrome in subjects with and without obesity

Abstract Biomarkers for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are demanded. An altered faecal microbiome has been reported in subjects with IBS and could be a valuable biomarker. This study evaluated the diagnostic properties of a new test for faecal dysbiosis, designed to distinguish IBS from healthy volunteers and compared the prevalence rates of dysbiosis related to IBS and morbid obesity. Subjects with and without morbid obesity and IBS were included. The faecal microbiota was assessed with GA-mapTM Dysbiosis Test (Genetic Analysis AS, Oslo, Norway). The test result was given as dysbiosis (yes/no). Comparisons were made between four groups: subjects with IBS and morbid obesity (IBS+/MO+); subjects without IBS and with morbid obesity (IBS−/MO+); subjects with IBS and without morbid obesity (IBS+/MO−); and healthy volunteers (IBS−/MO−). The prevalence rates of dysbiosis in the groups IBS+/MO+, IBS-/MO+, IBS+/MO- and IBS-/MO- were 18/28 (64%), 45/71 (63%), 31/63 (49%) and 38/91 (42%). Dysbiosis was more prevalent in subjects with morbid obesity, both in those with and without IBS, than in healthy volunteers (p values .04 and .006). Used as a diagnostic test for IBS in subjects without morbid obesity, the positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) were 1.18 (0.83–1.67) and 0.87 (0.65–1.18), respectively, and in subjects with morbid obesity the LR were 1.01 (95% CI: 0.73–1.41) and 0.98 (0.54–1.75) respectively. The dysbiosis test was unsuitable as a diagnostic test for IBS. Dysbiosis was statistically significantly associated with morbid obesity, but not with IBS.
Cadherin-11 Regulates Motility in Normal Cortical Neural Precursors and Glioblastoma

Metastasizing tumor cells undergo a transformation that resembles a process in normal development when non-migratory epithelial cells modulate the expression of cytoskeletal and adhesion proteins to promote cell motility. Here we find a mesenchymal cadherin, Cadherin-11 (CDH11), is increased in cells exiting the ventricular zone (VZ) neuroepithelium during normal cerebral cortical development. When overexpressed in cortical progenitors in vivo, CDH11 causes premature exit from the neuroepithelium and increased cell migration. CDH11 expression is elevated in human brain tumors, correlating with higher tumor grade and decreased patient survival. In glioblastoma, CDH11-expressing tumor cells can be found localized near tumor vasculature. Endothelial cells stimulate TGFβ signaling and CDH11 expression in glioblastoma cells. TGFβ promotes glioblastoma cell motility, and knockdown of CDH11 expression in primary human glioblastoma cells inhibits TGFβ-stimulated migration. Together, these findings show that Cadherin-11 can promote cell migration in neural precursors and glioblastoma cells and suggest that endothelial cells increase tumor aggressiveness by co-opting mechanisms that regulate normal neural development.
An analysis of Digital ABS as a rapid tooling material for polymer injection moulding

Rapid tooling (RT) is an important application of additive manufacturing (AM). However, applications in this field are very dependent on the material that is available for use in AM processes. This work investigates the application of the new Digital ABS material from Stratasys in RT, focusing primarily on dimensional and surface stability during the injection process, and the influence the material has on the properties of the final moulding. Digital ABS was used to make inserts to inject standard specimens, which were compared with specimens produced using inserts made of two metallic materials (SAE 1045 steel and Zamak 8). Polypropylene (PP) was used to produce the specimens (50 shots). Insert surface quality and dimensional variations during injection were analysed. The influence of the material used on moulding properties was assessed by tensile, bending, impact and hardness tests and by measuring the crystallinity of the mouldings. The results show that in terms of dimensional and surface quality, the behaviour of Digital ABS during injection moulding was stable. The properties of mouldings produced with inserts made from digital ABS were only slightly different from those produced with inserts made from SAE 1045 steel and Zamak 8.
Protein-Based Edible Films: Characteristics and Improvement of Properties

Protein-based edible films have received consideration attention in recent years because of their advantages, including their use as edible packaging materials, over the synthetic films. In addition, protein-based edible films can also be used for the individual packaging of small portions of food, particularly products that are not currently individually packaged for practical reasons, such as beans, nuts and cashew nuts. In addition, protein-based edible films can be applied inside heterogeneous foods at the interfaces between different layers of components. They can be tailored to prevent the deterioration of inter-component moisture and solute migration in foods such as pizzas, pies and candies. Moreover, protein-based edible films can function as carriers for antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Through a similar application they also can be used at the surface of food to control the diffusion rate of preservative substances from the surface to the interior of the food. Another possible application for protein-based edible films could be their use in multilayer food packaging materials together with non edible films. In this case, the protein-based edible films would be the internal layers in direct contact with food materials. Through functions relating to mechanical and barrier properties, protein-based edible films may be able to substitute synthetic polymer films.