Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of a pharmacist-led oral chemotherapy-monitoring program in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer

Background With the introduction of oral chemotherapy, the paradigm for cancer treatment is shifting. Use of oral chemotherapy agents offers a non-invasive option for patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. However, these medications are not without challenges including strict adherence for optimal effects, novel toxicity profiles, frequent lab parameter monitoring, high cost, and proper handling and disposal methods. Pharmacists are positioned to play a key role in providing patients with the education required to assure an optimal treatment course is carried out. Methods Two cohorts of patients receiving abiraterone, bicalutamide, or enzalutamide for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer seen in our outpatient cancer center 21 months before and 24 months after the implementation of a pharmacist-led oral chemotherapy-monitoring program in December of 2012 were retrospectively compared. Patients were evaluated for number of interventions, adherence to lab parameter monitoring, and overall time on each therapy. Results Of the 64 patients identified, 31 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. A significant increase in the average number of interventions per patient (6.9 vs. 2.6; P = 0.004) and adherence to lab parameter monitoring (10 vs. 3; P = 0.04) in the post-program implementation cohort was found. However, no significant difference in overall time on therapy (10.3 vs. 8.1; P = 0.341) between the two groups was observed. Conclusion These results suggest a potential opportunity exists to maximize oral chemotherapy treatment outcomes with the addition of a formalized monitoring program directed by an oncology pharmacist.
A novel microthermal probe for the measurement of perfusion

Using micro-fabrication techniques a micro thermal probe has been developed in our laboratory to measure the thermal conductivity of biological tissues. This paper presents our latest experimental results which demonstrate the usefulness of the micro thermal probe in mapping the complicated perfusion field inside biological tissues. A perfused pig liver model has been constructed to simulate in vivo conditions. The portal vein and hepatic artery of a porcine liver were intubated and connected to a perfusion circuit. Saline water was perfused through the liver driven by a peristaltic pump. By varying the pumping rate of the perfused model, we measured the effective thermal conductivity at different perfusion rates in different locations. The results show that the effective thermal conductivity varies with the square root of the perfusion rate. Also, by rotating the micro probes, we observed a strong directional dependence of the effective thermal conductivity, revealing that perfusion is not a scalar but a vector field.
Dispersion and Exfoliation of Graphene in Rubber by an Ultrasonically‐Assisted Latex Mixing and In situ Reduction Process

NR/GE composites were prepared by an ultrasonically-assisted latex mixing and in situ reduction process. Graphene oxide was dispersed in NRL using an ultrasonic field and was then reduced in situ, followed by latex coagulation to obtain the NR/GE masterbatch. The results show that the process produces a much better dispersion and exfoliation of GE in the matrix and contributes to an increase in the tensile strength compared to conventional direct mixing. Compared to pure rubber, the tensile strength and tear strength for NR/(2 wt.-%)GE composites were increased by ≈47 and 50%, respectively. With increasing GE content, the maximum torque, crosslink density, elastic modulus, and thermal conductivity of NR/GE composites were found to increase.
Loss of Vascular CD34 Results in Increased Sensitivity to Lung Injury

&NA; Survival during lung injury requires a coordinated program of damage limitation and rapid repair. CD34 is a cell surface sialomucin expressed by epithelial, vascular, and stromal cells that promotes cell adhesion, coordinates inflammatory cell recruitment, and drives angiogenesis. To test whether CD34 also orchestrates pulmonary damage and repair, we induced acute lung injury in wild‐type (WT) and Cd34−/− mice by bleomycin administration. We found that Cd34−/− mice displayed severe weight loss and early mortality compared with WT controls. Despite equivalent early airway inflammation to WT mice, CD34‐deficient animals developed interstitial edema and endothelial delamination, suggesting impaired endothelial function. Chimeric Cd34−/− mice reconstituted with WT hematopoietic cells exhibited early mortality compared with WT mice reconstituted with Cd34−/− cells, supporting an endothelial defect. CD34‐deficient mice were also more sensitive to lung damage caused by influenza infection, showing greater weight loss and more extensive pulmonary remodeling. Together, our data suggest that CD34 plays an essential role in maintaining vascular integrity in the lung in response to chemical‐ and infection‐induced tissue damage.
A language-based intrusion detection approach for automotive embedded networks

The increase in connectivity and complexity of modern automotive networks presents new opportunities for potential hackers trying to take over a vehicle. To protect the automotive networks from such attacks, security mechanisms, such as firewalls or secure authentication protocols may be included. However, should an attacker succeed in bypassing such measures and gain access to the internal network, these security mechanisms become unable to report about the attacks ensuing such a breach, occurring from the internal network. To complement these preventive security mechanisms, we present a non-intrusive network-based intrusion detection approach fit for vehicular networks, such as the widely used CAN. Leveraging the high predictability of embedded automotive systems, we use language theory to elaborate a set of attack signatures derived from behavioural models of the automotive calculators in order to detect a malicious sequence of messages transiting through the internal network.
25 Year Perspective Recent developments in analysis of high temperature creep and creep fracture behaviour

Abstract Over many decades, the creep and creep fracture properties of metals and alloys have commonly been described using power law relationships. However, with this approach, controversies still surround the mechanisms proposed to account for the stress and temperature dependencies of the minimum creep rate and rupture life. Similarly, power law and related expressions do not allow extrapolation of short term data sets to predict the long term properties required for engineering design purposes. For these reasons, over the last 25 years, three UK approaches have evolved, termed the θ projection concept, the hyperbolic tangent method and the Wilshire equations. These methodologies are now applied to results for the aluminium alloy Al 2124, recommending reappraisal of current reliance on power law expressions for theoretical and practical purposes.
Parasite-mediated microhabitat segregation between congeneric hosts

Parasite-mediated competition can shape community structure and host distribution. If two species compete for resources, parasites may indirectly change the outcome of competition. We tested the role of a trematode parasite in mediating microhabitat use by congeneric isopods Austridotea annectens and Austridotea lacustris. Although both isopods share resources, they rarely co-occur in the same discrete microhabitats. We set up mesocosms with and without competition and/or parasites to examine the role of parasites in host distribution and habitat segregation. Austridotea annectens showed a clear preference for one microhabitat type regardless of competition or parasitic infection. By contrast, A. lacustris showed little habitat selection in the absence of competition, but favoured sandy habitats in the presence of uninfected A. annectens and rocky habitats when competing with infected A. annectens. Our results suggest that parasites in one species affect the distribution of another species, and mediate competition between these species. We demonstrated the impacts of a parasite on the microhabitat use of its host's competitor. This also represents an example of a super-extended phenotype, where a parasite affects the phenotype of a non-host.
Waste tank cleanup manipulator modeling and control

Waste tank cleanup is a current application area for robotics in the United States. As a result of tank access restrictions, designs for several current waste cleanup manipulator systems have long links with small cross-sections and variable lengths. In addition, as a result of anticipated payload capacity, these manipulator designs are hydraulically actuated. This paper takes two approaches to investigating the problem of the control of manipulators having variable-length flexible links and hydraulic actuators. First, a simulation of a hydraulically actuated, 2-DOF, polar (r-/spl Theta/), manipulator with one flexible link is used to illustrate the problem of applying controllers successfully developed for hydraulically actuated, fixed-length flexible manipulators to hydraulically-actuated, variable-length systems. Next, based upon the simulation results, simple controller modifications are proposed and are shown to work on a full-scale experimental test bed. Motion control of hydraulically actuated, variable-length flexible-link manipulators is the focus of this paper.
SHI/STY Genes Affect Pre- and Post-meiotic Anther Processes in Auxin Sensing Domains in Arabidopsis

In flowering plants, mature sperm cells are enclosed in pollen grains formed in structures called anthers. Several cell layers surrounding the central sporogenous cells of the anther are essential for directing the developmental processes that lead to meiosis, pollen formation, and the subsequent pollen release. The specification and function of these tissues are regulated by a large number of genetic factors. Additionally, the plant hormone auxin has previously been shown to play important roles in the later phases of anther development. Using the R2D2 auxin sensor system we here show that auxin is sensed also in the early phases of anther cell layer development, suggesting that spatiotemporal regulation of auxin levels is important for early anther morphogenesis. Members of the SHI/STY transcription factor family acting as direct regulators of YUC auxin biosynthesis genes have previously been demonstrated to affect early anther patterning. Using reporter constructs we show that SHI/STY genes are dynamically active throughout anther development and their expression overlaps with those of three additional downstream targets, PAO5, EOD3 and PGL1. Characterization of anthers carrying mutations in five SHI/STY genes clearly suggests that SHI/STY transcription factors affect anther organ identity. In addition, their activity is important to repress periclinal cell divisions as well as premature entrance into programmed cell death and cell wall lignification, which directly influences the timing of anther dehiscence and the pollen viability. The SHI/STY proteins also prevent premature pollen germination suggesting that they may play a role in the induction or maintenance of pollen dormancy.
Clinical validation and guidelines for the SCORAD index: consensus report of the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND We have previously reported how the SCORAD index was designed. This cumulative index combines objective (extent and intensity of lesions) and subjective (daytime pruritus and sleep loss) criteria. AIMS To study interobserver variability in scoring for objective SCORAD criteria and to optimize the scoring guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three scoring sessions were organized in 1993-1994 in Hamburg, Bordeaux and Rotterdam totalizing 19 patients (14 children and 5 adults) and 23 physicians, among whom 12 participated in at least 2 scoring sessions; 169 evaluation sheets have been processed using the SCORAD File Marker Pro software. At each session, total body photographs and close-up views were taken of each patient, and this material was reviewed at the final evaluation. RESULTS The extent of lesions according to the rule of nines showed interobserver variability mostly for patients with lesions of moderate intensity involving 20-60% of body surface. Intensity items were scored with more consistency overall, but variations subsided especially for oozing/crusts and lichenifications. Low and high scorer profiles and the benefit of training were noted. CONCLUSIONS This study has allowed to optimize clinical scoring using the SCORAD system. A proposal has been made to grade the severity of atopic dermatitis according to objective criteria in three groups for inclusion in clinical trials. The SCORAD index remains the major criterion for follow-up in trials.
Ovulation Induction Using Clomiphene Citrate Using Stair – Step Regimen versus Traditional Regimen in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women – A Randomized Control Trial

Objective: To determine the efficacy of the stair-step protocol (SSP) using clomiphene citrate (CC) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and compare it with traditional regimen. Design: This was randomized control trial. Setting: Infertility Clinic. Patient(s): Sixty infertile PCOS women. Intervention(s): Patients were randomized into the study (SSP – 30 patients) and control group (traditional protocol – 30 patients). In the SSP, patients were treated with CC 50 mg/day for 5 days and in nonresponsive patients, the dosage was increased to 100 mg/day for 5 days in the same cycle. Maximum dose of 150 mg was given until the dominant follicle was generated. In control group, the dose increment in nonovulatory cases was done in subsequent cycle. Ultrasonography follow-up was done to detect ovulation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Ovulation rate and duration of treatment. Results: Ovulation (66.7% vs. 50% respectively) and pregnancy rates (26.7% vs. 15.7%) were similar between the stair step and the control group. The duration of treatment was significantly shorter in stair step compared to traditional protocol (17.23 vs. 53 days). CC 100 mg was the most effective dose for ovulation in either group. There were no significant differences in the systemic side effect. Conclusions: By using SSP, effective treatment is provided in significantly shorter time period without any detrimental effect on the ovulation and pregnancy rates.
Semiblind EM-Based Iterative Receivers for Space&#8211;Time-Coded Modulation and Quasi-Static Frequency-Selective Fading Channels

This paper introduces two different iterative receivers for space-time-coded data transmitted through frequency-selective fading channels. Both receivers perform maximum a posteriori data detection and decoding, and operate semiblindly by making use of the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate the unknown channel. The first receiver utilizes a supertrellis to jointly describe the channel and the code, while in the second one, this description is accomplished with two separated trellises. The two approaches are compared in terms of trellis complexity, achievable diversity level, and bit error rate (BER). The supertrellis approach is less computationally demanding and has a faster convergence rate, while the separate approach can achieve a higher diversity level and thus a smaller BER. This tradeoff is explored with examples and computer simulations, which show that, in many cases, the supertrellis approach can be a better solution than the separate approach
Glottal source related to stressed speech under workload in human-robot interface

In human-robots interfaces studies have shown that stress caused by these factors results in variations in speaker's pronunciation, making highly reliable speech recognition systems of interface difficult to achieve. In this paper, we focus on the glottal source of stress speech under workload condition. The glottal flow resulted from vibration of the vocal folds is mainly discussed and features derived from glottal source are investigated to separate stressed speech from neutral speech. Experimental results show the proposed features representing glottal source could be able to lead to improvements in classification for the stressed speech.
NomadiKey: User authentication for smart devices based on nomadic keys

The growing importance of smart devices calls for effective user authentication mechanisms. We argue that state-of-the-art authentication mechanisms are either vulnerable to known attacks or do not meet usability needs. To address this problem we designed NomadiKey, a user-to-device authentication mechanism based on nomadic keyboard keys. NomadiKey increases security level by placing keys at different screen coordinates each time NomadiKey is activated. Besides, NomadiKey preserves usability by maintaining the traditional relative position of keys. We compare NomadiKey with other user authentication mechanisms under different attacks using statistical models and simulation. We also evaluate NomadiKey's usability with 18 users. Our results show that NomadiKey increases security compared to widely-deployed PIN authentication with limited impact on authentication times.
1 A 4 . 5 Tb / s 3 . 4 Tb / s / W 64 × 64 Switch Fabric with Self-Updating Least-Recently-Granted Priority and Quality-of-Service Arbitration in 45 nm CMOS

High-speed and low-power routers form the basic building blocks of on-die interconnect fabrics that are critical to overall throughput and energy efficiency of high performance systems [1,2]. Conventional routers use distinct logic blocks for routing data and handling arbitration [3,4]. At higher radices, connections between these blocks become a bottleneck, limiting router scalability and degrading performance. Recently, two switch topologies [5,6] merged the datarouting fabric with arbitration control, avoiding this bottleneck. However, [6] relies on centralized control for channel allocation, limiting performance, while [5] is restricted to a small set of fixed priorities, rendering input ports prone to starvation. In addition, ever larger CMPs will require continued increases in bandwidth over previous designs. To address these issues, we present a 64×64 single-stage swizzle-switch network (SSN) with 128b data buses (8192 total input/output wires). The SSN can connect any input to any output, including multicast. It has a peak measured throughput of 4.5Tb/s at 1.1V in 45nm SOI CMOS at 25°C. The SSN’s key features are: 1) a single-cycle least-recentlygranted (LRG) priority arbitration technique that reuses the already present input and output data buses and their drivers and sense amps; 2) an additional 4-level message-based priority arbitration for quality of service (QoS) with 2% logic and 3% wiring overhead; 3) a bidirectional bitline repeater that allows the router to scale to >8000 wires. These features result in a compact fabric (4.06mm) with throughput gain of 2.1× over [5] at 3.4Tb/s/W efficiency, which improves to 7.4Tb/s/W at 600mV.
Semantically Secure Symmetric Encryption with Error Correction for Distributed Storage

A distributed storage system (DSS) is a fundamental building block in many distributed applications. It applies linear network coding to achieve an optimal tradeoff between storage and repair bandwidth when node failures occur. Additively homomorphic encryption is compatible with linear network coding. The homomorphic property ensures that a linear combination of ciphertext messages decrypts to the same linear combination of the corresponding plaintext messages. In this paper, we construct a linearly homomorphic symmetric encryption scheme that is designed for a DSS. Our proposal provides simultaneous encryption and error correction by applying linear error correcting codes. We show its IND-CPA security for a limited number of messages based on binary Goppa codes and the following assumption: when dividing a scrambled generator matrix into two parts and , it is infeasible to distinguish from random and to find a statistical connection between and . Our infeasibility assumptions are closely related to those underlying the McEliece public key cryptosystem but are considerably weaker. We believe that the proposed problem has independent cryptographic interest.
Characteristics of American Young Adults With Increased Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics of American young adults with increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Participants ages 18 to 29, overweight/obese, and sedentary were recruited from the metro Atlanta area in the United States. Variables included demographics, anthropometric and clinical variables, and physical activity. Of 107 participants, 3 participants had undiagnosed diabetes and 1 participant did not complete the modifiable activity questionnaire. Thus, 103 young adults remained for the final data analysis. Results Most participants were females and African Americans. About 30% of participants had prediabetes, either impaired fasting glucose, an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%, or both. Overall, prediabetes young adults were heavier and did less physical activity than Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial participants. In addition, these young adults had a higher prevalence of parental T2D history and lower level of physical activity compared to young adults with normoglycemia. Conclusions Physical activity and parent T2D history are key risk factors for identifying young adults with prediabetes. Multilevel strategies are necessary to raise awareness of diabetes risk and to prevent T2D in young adults.
Structural insights into ankyrin repeat–mediated recognition of the kinesin motor protein KIF21A by KANK1, a scaffold protein in focal adhesion

Kidney ankyrin repeat–containing proteins (KANK1/2/3/4) belong to a family of scaffold proteins, playing critical roles in cytoskeleton organization, cell polarity, and migration. Mutations in KANK proteins are implicated in cancers and genetic diseases, such as nephrotic syndrome. KANK proteins can bind various target proteins through different protein regions, including a highly conserved ankyrin repeat domain (ANKRD). However, the molecular basis for target recognition by the ANKRD remains elusive. In this study, we solved a high-resolution crystal structure of the ANKRD of KANK1 in complex with a short sequence of the motor protein kinesin family member 21A (KIF21A), revealing that the highly specific target-binding mode of the ANKRD involves combinatorial use of two interfaces. Mutations in either interface disrupted the KANK1-KIF21A interaction. Cellular immunofluorescence localization analysis indicated that binding-deficient mutations block recruitment of KIF21A to focal adhesions by KANK1. In conclusion, our structural study provides mechanistic explanations for the ANKRD-mediated recognition of KIF21A and for many disease-related mutations identified in human KANK proteins.