Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Final adult height in children with central precocious puberty – a retrospective study

Background/Aims Central precocious puberty (CPP) is due to premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It predominantly affects girls. CPP leads to lower final height (FH), yet the treatment benefit in girls between 6 and 8 years is equivocal. Our main goal was to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) on FH and identify factors that predict FH. Methods In a retrospective study, children with CPP (12 boys, 81 girls) that reached FH were included. Their clinical data at diagnosis and up to their final height was compared by descriptive statistics among idiopathic (iCPP) (n=68) and non-idiopathic CPP (nCPP) and between GnRHa treated (n=48) and untreated (n=15) girls with iCPP. The treatment effect of body weight (BW) adjusted GnRHa dosing was evaluated. Univariate linear regression and step-wise multivariable regression including 48 girls with iCPP treated with GnRHa were performed to identify predicting factors for FH. Results Children with idiopathic CPP (iCPP) reached higher FH (p=0.002) than children with non-idiopathic CPP. After the diagnosis, the treated group gained 7.0 cm more than the untreated group. Yet, attributable to individualized decision-making, the FH in both groups was comparable (161.5 cm in treated, 161.0 cm in untreated girls with iCPP), although the onset of menarche was 2.5 years earlier among untreated girls. BW-adjusted dosing suppressed peak luteinizing hormone (LH) below 4.5 IU/L in 95% of children; however, bone age further advanced during therapy in 38% of patients. Predicting factors revealed by multivariable regression were bone age at diagnosis, BMI SDS at diagnosis, LH basal, age at start and cessation of treatment, predicted adult height and target height. (R2 = 0.72). Conclusion Children with nCPP had worse FH outcome compared to iCPP despite similar CPP onset and therapeutic characteristics. Treatment by GnRHa using BW-adjusted dosing was effective in delaying menarche onset and reaching target height in girls with iCPP. Multiple factors affecting FH outcome indicated individualized decision-making regarding therapeutic intervention remains challenging. In the treated patients, among the factors that can be influenced, height at treatment cessation most significantly influenced the outcome.
Two alternative splicing variants of a wheat gene TaNAK1, TaNAK1.1 and TaNAK1.2, differentially regulate flowering time and plant architecture leading to differences in seed yield of transgenic Arabidopsis

In wheat production, appropriate flowering time and ideal plant architecture are the prerequisites for high grain yield. Alternative splicing (AS) is a vital process that regulates gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, and AS events in wheat have been found to be closely related to grain-related traits and abiotic stress tolerance. However, AS events and their biological roles in regulating flowering time and plant architecture in wheat remain unclear. In this study, we report that TaNAK1 undergoes AS, producing three splicing variants. Molecular characterization of TaNAK1 and its splicing variants demonstrated that all three protein isoforms have a conserved NB-ARC domain and a protein kinase domain, but the positions of these two domains and the length of the protein kinase domains are different among them, implying that they may have different three-dimensional structures and therefore have different functions. Further investigations showed that the two splicing variants of TaNAK1, TaNAK1.1 and TaNAK1.2, exhibited different expression patterns during wheat growth and development, while the other one, TaNAK1.3, was not detected. Subcellular localization demonstrated that TaNAK1.1 was mainly localized in the cytoplasm, while TaNAK1.2 was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Both TaNAK1.1 and TaNAK1.2 exhibit protein kinase activity in vitro. Ectopic expression of TaNAK1.1 and TaNAK1.2 in Arabidopsis demonstrated that these two splicing variants play opposite roles in regulating flowering time and plant architecture, resulting in different seed yields. TaNAK1.2 positive regulates the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, plant height, branching number, seed size, and seed yield of Arabidopsis, while TaNAK1.1 negatively regulates these traits. Our findings provide new gene resource for regulating flowering time and plant architecture in crop breeding for high grain yield.
Unmet supportive care needs and associated factors: Evidence from 4195 cancer survivors in Shanghai, China

Background Cancer survivors at different stages of life often have different needs that make it challenging for services to provide satisfactory care. Few studies have considered whether services are truly meeting the needs of cancer patients by exploring and identifying their perspectives on unmet needs. Objective The aim of this study was to identify the unmet needs of cancer survivors and to further determine the potential impact of socio-demographic factors. Methods A cross-sectional study that included 4195 cancer patients was conducted in Shanghai, China. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory as a conceptual framework, the questionnaire included five dimensions: information, life and finances, continuing care, emotions, and self-actualization. Correlation analysis and ordered logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between demographic sociological factors and unmet needs for supportive care. Results The most common unmet supportive care needs include information needs (2.91 ± 1.32), self-actualization needs (2.69 ± 1.32) and continuing care needs (2.59 ± 1.30). Unmet needs for life and finances were more pronounced among cancer participants in the 45-69 age group. After adjusting for confounders, we found that each 6-month increase in the time since diagnosis was associated with a 0.8% (OR: 0.992, 95% CI: 0.985-0.998) reduction in high need for continuing care and a 0.9% (OR:0.991, 95% CI: 0.983-0.999) reduction in high need for self-actualization, respectively. Conclusions Information needs are the most important concern among the diverse unmet needs of cancer survivors. Time since diagnosis is associated with unmet supportive care needs of cancer survivors. The findings highlight the large gap between actual health services and patients’ unmet need for supportive care, which will provide the basis for a patient-centered supportive care system for cancer survivors.
On inducing equations for vegetation resistance

The paper describes the process of induction of equations for the description of vegetation-induced roughness from several angles. Firstly, it describes two approaches for obtaining theoretically well-founded analytical expressions for vegetation resistance. The first of the two is based on simplified assumptions for the vertical flow profile through and over vegetation, whereas the second is based on an analytical solution to the momentum balance for flow through and over vegetation. In addition to analytical expressions the paper also outlines a numerical 1-DV k–e turbulence model which includes several important features related to the influence plants exhibit on the flow. Last but not least, the paper presents a novel way of applying genetic programming to the results of the 1-DV model, in order to obtain an expression for roughness based on synthetic data. The resulting expressions are evaluated and compared with an independent data set of flume experiments
Role of complement activation in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is an autoimmune disease characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small or medium vessels, causing ANCA associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN). AAGN is defined as pauci-immune glomerulonephritis with no or little immune deposition; hence, activation of the complement system in AAV was overlooked until recently. However, many studies in mice and humans have revealed a crucial role for complement system activation in the development of AAGN. Circulating and urinary detection of various complement components associated with AP activation, which have been broadly correlated with the clinical activity of AAGN, has been reported and may be useful for predicting renal outcome at the time of diagnosis and setting up personalized treatments. Moreover, recent investigations have suggested the possible contribution of the complement classical or lectin pathway activation in the development of AAGN. Thus, as therapeutic options targeting complement components are making rapid strides, the primary complement pathway involved in AAGN disease progression remains to be elucidated: this will directly impact the development of novel therapeutic strategies with high specificity and reduced side effects. This review summarizes and discusses the most recent evidence on the crucial roles of the complement system in the development of AAGN and possible therapeutic strategies that target complement components for disease management.
The effect of food packaging elements on children’s food choices and intake: A systematic review

Little can be added about the worldwide concern over the exponential increase in obesity and child overweight problems. Much of the unhealthy eating habits occur at the time of food choice. The enormous influence of marketing strategies in general, and packaging in particular, has been highlighted here. In this respect, public policies that tend to direct choices toward healthier options have been developed. However, the usefulness of such policies will depend on evidence of how different packaging elements can influence children. This systematic review (SR) aims to compile the knowledge available to date on the influence of packaging on food choices and eating behaviours in children. Methodologically, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines have been followed to select papers. We also assessed the risk of bias in the studies analysed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). The initial search strategy found 2,627 articles, although only 20 of them met the eligibility criteria. Data from the studies were extracted, categorised, and analysed. The results indicate that most of the packaging elements have some effect on children’s food choices or food intake. The use of Cartoon is the element with the most consistent evidence of influence. Despite the number of studies and public initiatives developed to promote this informative and persuasive element, less consistency has been found regarding the effect of Nutrition Labelling. Therefore, the results found should be considered by both governments and organisations when promoting public policies that work for the wellbeing of children.
Comparing Latin American nutrient profile models using data from packaged foods with child-directed marketing within the Brazilian food supply

Objectives This study aimed to examine and compare the extent to which different nutrient profile models (NPMs) from Latin America (LA) identify packaged foods and beverages with child-directed marketing sold in Brazil as being high in nutrients associated to the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 3,464 foods found in the five largest Brazilian supermarkets. Child-directed marketing was coded using the International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) protocol. Differences in medians of sugar, saturated fats, and sodium per 100 kcal in foods, with the presence and absence of child-directed marketing, were tested using the Mann–Whitney test. We compared six NPMs in LA and examined to what extent they targeted these products using prevalence ratios. Analyses were performed overall and by the degree of food processing according to the Nova food classification. Results We found 1,054 packages with child-directed marketing. Among these, candies, cakes and pies, sauces and creams, and sugar-sweetened beverages were significantly higher in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium per 100 kcal than products that are not targeted at children (p < 0.05). Compared with PAHO and the Mexico models, the Brazilian NPMs would allow three times more ultra-processed foods to omit warnings for sodium (p < 0.05). The Uruguayan NPM also flagged fewer ultra-processed foods high in sodium (p < 0.05). The Brazilian model also allows four times more sugar-sweetened beverages and six times more dairy drinks to omit warnings for sugar than the Mexico and PAHO models. In comparison to all other NPMs, the Brazilian model showed the worst performance in identifying baked goods as high in sodium. Chile, Uruguay, and Peru models would also target significantly less sugar-sweetened beverages and high in at least one critical nutrient than PAHO and Mexico models. Conclusion Compared with other NPMs in LA, the NPM criteria adopted in Brazil are more permissive and less likely to inform consumers of the poor nutritional quality of ultra-processed foods and beverages with child-directed marketing.
Investigation of the mean passive scalar field in zero-net-mass-flux jets in cross-flow using planar-laser-induced fluorescence

Planar-laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements have been used to investigate the mean passive scalar field in round zero-net-mass-flux jets in cross-flow (ZNMF-JICF). The ZNMF-JICF are formed in a working fluid without net transfer of mass across the system boundary during one period of oscillation. Ensemble-averaged PLIF images of sixteen different ZNMF-JICF are studied and compared. Two distinct flow regimes are observed; single trajectory ZNMF-JICF and multiple trajectory ZNMF-JICF. Single trajectory ZNMF-JICF demonstrate mixing of the bulk of the fluid outside the upstream boundary layer, while multiple trajectory ZNMF-JICF can penetrate more deeply into the ambient cross-flow. A critical Strouhal number of Stcrit=0.02 was found for the generation apparatus that can be used to distinguish between these two regimes. The penetration of the single trajectory ZNMF-JICF does not exhibit the same dependence on velocity ratio observed in the measurements of continuous JICF.
Multi-object high-resolution echellette spectroscopy with IMACS

By adding a prism-cross-dispersed echellette grating as an optional module to the Inamori Magellan Areal Camera and Spectrograph (IMACS), complete spectra from 3400 to 11000Å of 15 simultaneous objects may be achieved with a resolution of R = 21,000 for a projected 0.5-arcsec slit width and a 5.0-arcsec slit length. The additional cost of this module is on the order of $50,000. This echellette module (IMACS-E) is intended for studies of stellar abundances where the targets are sufficiently dense over the 15 arcmin IMACS field of view to take advantage of the multi-slit capability. Such applications include the study of Galactic bulge stars, stars in local group galaxies, stars in Galactic globular and open clusters, and the integrated light of extra-galactic globular cluster systems.
Shock compression of condensed matter using multimaterial reactive ghost fluid method

For the flow analysis of reactive compressible media involving energetic materials and deforming metallic boundaries, a HYDRO-SCCM (shock compression of condensed matter) tool is developed for handling multiphysics shock analysis of energetic and inert matters. The highly energetic flows give rise to the strong nonlinear shock waves and the high strain rate deformation of solid boundaries at high pressure and temperature. For handling the large gradients associated with these complex flows in the condensed phase as well as in the reactive gaseous phase, a new Eulerian multifluid method is formulated. The numerical methodology is described in this paper, while the extended applications and the capacity of the tool are discussed in a separate paper [J. J. Yoh and K. H. Kim, “Shock Compression of Condensed Matter using Eulerian Multimaterial Method: Applications to multi-dimensional shocks, deflagration, detonation, and laser ablation,” J. Appl. Phys. (accepted)].
Planar photonic crystals infiltrated with nanoparticle/polymer composites

Infiltration of planar two-dimensional silicon photonic crystals with nanocomposites using a simple yet effective melt processing technique is presented. The nanocomposites that were developed by evenly dispersing functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles into a photoconducting polymer were completely filled into photonic crystals with hole sizes ranging from 90to500nm. The infiltrated devices show tuning of the photonic band gap that is controllable by the adjustment of the nanoparticle loading level. These results may be useful in the development of tunable photonic crystal based devices and hybrid light emitting diodes and solor cells.
Estimation of factor scores with polytomous data by the EM algorithm

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the application of the EM algorithm for obtaining a Bayesian estimate of the factor score in a factor analysis model with polytomous data. The posterior distribution of the latent factor score given the manifest continuous or polytomous observations is derived, and then the EM algorithm is utilized to find the posterior mode estimate of the distribution. It is shown that both the E-step and the M-step of the algorithm are very simple. An expression for the covariance matrix of the posterior distribution is derived. Results of a simulation study are presented to illustrate some properties of the estimate and the EM algorithm.
Modelagem tridimensional de superfícies planas a partir de imagem TOF

Neste artigo e apresentado um estudo para a modelagem tridimensional de superficies utilizando imagens obtidas com uma câmara TOF. O sistema utilizado e a câmara PMD CamCube 2.0, que calcula a distância de objetos utilizando o principio TOF (Time-Of-Flight). Inicialmente, a câmara foi calibrada, o que possibilitou a correcao geometrica da imagem a partir de Parâmetros de Orientacao Interior (POI). Outro fator que afeta a qualidade dos dados e a presenca de ruido em funcao da iluminacao exterior ao sistema, que pode ser controlada variando o tempo de integracao na captacao da imagem. Posteriormente realizou-se a segmentacao da imagem TOF para identificar as superficies planas do objeto estudado. A solucao encontrada utiliza o calculo dos autovalores locais em superficies, em pequenas janelas moveis. Com isto, gera-se uma nova imagem com bordas evidenciadas. A nova imagem e segmentada atraves do algoritmo de deslocamento pela media, com o objetivo de obter superficies planas do objeto de interesse. Os pixeis da imagem segmentada sao entao projetados ortogonalmente, gerando uma nuvem de pontos com coordenadas tridimensionais das superficies. Finalmente, as dimensoes do objeto sao comparadas com medidas de referencia, sendo verificado que a diferenca na medida tridimensional obtida e de aproximadamente 2 centimetros.
Anomalous electrooptic and electrogyrat1on effects in an incommensurate phase of [N(CH3)4]2ZnCl4

A quadratic electrooptic coefficient rE11 and quadratic electrogyration coefficient μE11 in the incommensurate phase of [N(CH3)4]2ZnCl4 manifest a sharp peak at a temperature Tp, which is 1.5°C lower than the incommensurate transition point Ti of 24.0°C. It is noticeable that any appreciable enhancement of dielectric constants cannot be observed around Tp with the application of electric fields. Accordingly rP11 is enormously large compared with those of other dielectrics. This finding may be the first evidence that an incommensurate phase of a ferroelectric crystal can reveal characteristic physical properties. Brief discussion of the origin of these phenomena is made on a basis of the optical activity of this crystal. It is very likely that these phenomena are related to the onset of the nearly commensurate domains in an incommensurate phase.
Measurement-based aerosol forcing calculations: The influence of model complexity

On the basis of ground-based microphysical and chemical aerosol measurements a simple ‘ two-layer-singlewavelength’ and a complex ‘ multiple-layer-multiple-wavelength’ radiative transfer model are used to calculate the local solar radiative forcing of black carbon (BC) and (NH 4)2SO4 (ammonium sulfate) particles and mixtures (external and internal) of both materials. The focal points of our approach are (a) that the radiative forcing calculations are based on detailed aerosol measurements with special emphasis of particle absorption, and (b) the results of the radiative forcing calculations with two different types of models (with regards to model complexity) are compared using identical input data. The sensitivity of the radiative forcing due to key input parameters (type of particle mixture, particle growth due to humidity, surface albedo, solar zenith angle, boundary layer height) is investigated. It is shown that the model results for external particle mixtures (wet and dry) only slightly differ from those of the corresponding internal mixture. This conclusion is valid for the results of both model types and for both surface albedo scenarios considered (grass and snow). Furthermore, it is concluded that the results of the two model types approximately agree if it is assumed that the aerosol particles are composed of pure BC. As soon as a mainly scattering substance is included alone or in (internal or external) mixture with BC, the differences between the radiative forcings of both models become signie cant. This discrepancy results from neglecting multiple scattering effects in the simple radiative transfer model. Zusammenfassung
Dimensionering van homogeniseringsinstallaties

Designing of homogenizing equipment The spread in quality in a large stream of granular material can be sufficiently reduced only by homogenization in mixing heaps and bunker installations. In this treatment each unit of consumption is composed of portions which, at given intervals, are taken from the stream. The paper indicates how to choose the number and size of the portions and the intervals between them in order to achieve the required reduction in spread at minimum costs. This determination, elucidated by means of an example, is based on the correlo‐gram of the stream referred to thin slices.
Formation of single quantum dot in single-walled carbon nanotube channel using focused-ion-beam technique

The authors fabricated a single quantum dot in a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) channel using focused-ion-beam techniques. They used this technique to form two tunnel barriers, constituting a single quantum dot, by introducing two damaged regions with a separation of 50nm into a SWCNT channel. Electrical properties revealed that source-drain current oscillation as a function of gate voltage was clearly observed at room temperature, resulting from the Coulomb blockade effect. Charging energy of the single quantum dot in the SWCNT channel was estimated to be 255meV, which is approximately ten times larger than thermal energy at room temperature.