Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience with irradiation through a grid.

To decrease the effects of x-rays on the skin when large fields are used to reach a deep-seated cancer, Alban Kohler (1) in 1909 had devised what has been termed “fractionation of the x-ray dosage in space. ” This was done by placing on the skin a steel wire net, the openings of which were 2 mm. wide and the wire proper 1 mm. in thickness. Kohler administered massive doses, ten to twenty times the total dose usually given at that time through a conventional open field. Healing of the skin was initiated in and extended from the surrounding relatively unscathed normal skin. In experimental radiobiology in 1931 (2) and 1938 (3a), doses of 25,000 r and 120,000 r without a grid were found to be inhibitory and lethal respectively to the proliferation of normal tissue in vitro, the cancericidal dose in vivo being 24,000 r in air (3b). In the above case, the optimum dose without a grid enters the tumor-bearing area, while in the grid method only 40 per cent of the 24,000 r in air, or 9,600 r in air, enters the tum.
Impact of invA-PCR and culture detection methods on occurrence and survival of salmonella in the flesh, internal organs and lymphoid tissues of experimentally infected pigs.

This study evaluated the suitability of invA gene amplification by PCR as an effective means of detecting Salmonella species in pigs experimentally infected with S. Typhimurium DT104. A controlled infection study using 24 pigs was performed in order to compare efficacy, precision and detection rates of the invA-based PCR method originally described by Rahn, K. De Grandis, S.A. , Clarke, R.C. , McEwan, S.A. , Galan, J.E. , Ginocchio, C. , Curtiss, R. 3rd, C.L. Gyles, (Mol. Cell. Probes 1992; 6: 271-279) as a new in-house invA-based PCR method for the specific detection of Salmonella spp. in pork and different tissue samples of slaughter pigs. Finally, PCR results were compared with culture detection rates obtained by isolation procedures following the ISO 6579:2000, the 'gold standard'. After slaughtering, 14 different tissue samples of each pig were investigated to verify the usefulness of the two invA-based PCR methods in different matrices of slaughter pigs. The results demonstrate that the application of the widely used invA-based primer pair (139 + 141) may result in questionable products if samples gained from selective enrichment in the Rappaport-Vassiliadis medium were investigated. These questionable products can lead to false-positive results, if no additional hybridization procedure is attached or if unspecialized persons use this method in routine laboratory practice. The newly developed in-house PCR method used is based on the 3'-prime region of invA, especially designed and harmonized for the detection of Salmonella in different matrices of slaughtered pigs after bacterial enriched broth culture. In this study, this PCR revealed no questionable products and, furthermore, the specificity of the amplificate could be tested by means of the restriction enzyme NdeI. In comparison with the culture detection procedure, the new PCR method has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96%. Thus, this method might be used as a meaningful tool in eliminating Salmonella-positive carcasses at slaughterhouse level and thus, keeping them out of the food chain.
The Knowledge Ladder : Using ICT and Education Reform to Advance Economic and Social Development

and principal scientist at the Center for Technology in Learning at SRI International, a professor and research scientist at the University of Michigan, and a primary school teacher with Detroit Public Schools. He has directed over 25 projects and authored more than 75 articles, chapters, and books. He has consulted with Ministries of Education in Egypt, Jordan, Singapore, Thailand, Norway, and Chile, as well as Intel Corporation, the World Bank, OECD, UNESCO, and the Ford Foundation on the use of technology to improve educational systems and connect to development goals. Work on this paper was made possible by support from Intel Corporation. The Knowledge Ladder: Using ICT and Education Reform to Advance Economic and Social Development Goals
Comment on ‘Effectiveness of a multi‐layer foam dressing in preventing sacral pressure ulcers for the early acute care of patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury: comparison with the use of a gel mattress’

Dear Editors, We have thoroughly read the paper ‘Effectiveness of a multi-layer foam dressing in preventing sacral pressure ulcers for the early acute care of patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury: comparison with the use of a gel mattress’ by Richard-Denis et al. (1), which was published recently in the International Wound Journal. We are writing to express our deep concerns with regards to this publication. The use of prophylactic dressings to protect weight-bearing soft tissues from pressure ulcers (PUs) is a relatively new PU prevention concept, which is highly promising and, accordingly, is receiving increasing attention from different research groups worldwide. At this early phase of building the scientific and medical evidence for the effectiveness of prophylactic dressings, extra caution is required in the design and reporting of clinical trials. In particular, the rigour, reproducibility and overall quality of reported studies need to be consistent with the standards for the conduct and reporting of clinical trials. The undersigned are known to lead research on prophylactic dressings and have published widely on clinical outcomes (2,3), the biomechanical modes of function of these dressings (4–6) and the cost-effectiveness of using prophylactic dressings in clinical settings (7,8). We have further made pivotal contributions to the formulation of the Consensus Document ‘Role of dressings in pressure ulcer prevention’ published by the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) (9). Based on that accumulated research experience and our multidisciplinary perspectives, we have major criticisms concerning the quality of the design of the Richard-Denis study and their interpretation of the findings reported there, as detailed below:
Respiratory symptoms in Swiss farmers: an epidemiological study of risk factors.

BACKGROUND The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors of self-reported asthma, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, hay fever, and work-related respiratory symptoms in Swiss farmers as well as to compare the prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms with the Swiss population (SAPALDIA-Study). METHODS An epidemiological study was performed with a representative sample of 1,542 Swiss farmers using a self-administered questionnaire. To investigate the effect of the type of farming on reported symptoms, the farmers were subdivided into seven groups according to the time farmers spent in different animal confinement buildings. A multivariate analysis was performed by the methods of binary and multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age and smoking habits. RESULTS In farmers the prevalence rate was 16.0% for chronic bronchitis, 15.4% for asthma symptoms, and 42.0% for reporting at least one work-related symptom. Using logistic regression analysis, it was established that poultry farming and pig/cattle farming was a risk factor for reporting nasal irritation at work [OR 5.33, (1.57-18.0), OR 3.37 (1.04-10.87)]. Poultry farmers experienced the highest symptom rates. In crop farmers, the prevalence for chronic bronchitis was increased [OR 2.32 (1.03-5.23)]. Over 4 hr spent per day in animal confinement buildings more than doubled the risk for reporting chronic bronchitis [OR 2.61 (1.01-6.76)] and phlegm [OR 2.3 (0.99-5.4)] independent of the type of farming. The comparison of Swiss farmers with the Swiss population showed a twofold elevated risk of reporting chronic bronchitis [OR 1.89 (1.32-2.95)] and a 4.5-fold elevated risk for bringing up phlegm regularly [OR 4.5 (3.25-6.69)] in farmers. In contrast, the risk of farmers to report nasal allergies was less than half as high [OR 0.40 (0.29-0.56)] as that of the general population. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that agricultural work in Switzerland is associated with an elevated risk for reporting symptoms of chronic bronchitis and chronic phlegm compared with the general Swiss population. These main results most likely indicate occupational disorders as the exposure-response relationship (hours spent in animal confinements) was particularly obvious for these symptoms.
Integrative Tumor Board: Recurrent Breast Cancer or New Primary?

malities in circadian HPA axis function, associated with increased insulin resistance and with impaired survival in breast cancer. An additional feature in this patient is her sleep habits. As noted, she sleeps with the TV on, typically 5 hours per night, going to bed at 10 PM. There is interesting and provocative research indicating a negative impact of light at night (LAN). Epidemiology studies support decreased LAN with a reduced risk of breast cancer as well as other malignancies (blind vs sighted women, high latitude populations). Conversely, nighttime light may increase tumor risk and enhance tumor growth. Nightshift workers appear to be at increased risk for breast as well as colon cancer. In animal models of breast cancer, even small “light leaks” will enhance the growth of implanted breast tumors. The mechanism is suppression in the nighttime burst of melatonin, which has direct “oncostatic” properties and may alter the metabolism of linoleic and arachidonic acids leading to reduced 13-HODE, a proproliferative fatty acid metabolite. Of interest, this latter mechanism is linked to the well-known risk related to unbalanced omega-6/omega-3 ratios typified by Western diets and also associated with this metabolic effect. This patient should be encouraged to maintain healthy sleep habits, limiting any light exposure during her sleep period, to maximize her endogenous melatonin rhythm. Of interest is the question of supplemental melatonin, which has been shown in small series to both reduce side effects and enhance tumor response rates to chemotherapy.
From striking out to striking gold: discovering type VI secretion targets bacteria

Summary Specialized secretion systems are infamous for their contribution to host–pathogen interactions. Our discovery that the type VI secretion system delivers toxins between bacterial cells has broadened our understanding of how both pathogens and non-pathogens interact with one another, whether within or outside of the host. We microbiologists take pride in our sterile technique, but sometimes it may be in our best interest to do a bit less autoclaving. For instance, if we as a field hadn’t been so obsessed with sterility, the discovery of CRISPR might have at least a few years earlier. This focus on pure culture experiments likely also postponed the recognition of the predominant function of the bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) in interbacterial interactions. In 2010, our group reported in Cell Host and Microbe that the activity of this pathway can be a key determinant of survival when two Gram-negative bacterial cells make contact, opening a new direction for the burgeoning field of interbacterial antagonism (Hood et al., 2010).
Koszul Information Geometry and Souriau Geometric Temperature/Capacity of Lie Group Thermodynamics

The Francois Massieu 1869 idea to derive some mechanical and thermal properties of physical systems from “Characteristic Functions”, was developed by Gibbs and Duhem in thermodynamics with the concept of potentials, and introduced by Poincare in probability. This paper deals with generalization of this Characteristic Function concept by Jean-Louis Koszul in Mathematics and by Jean-Marie Souriau in Statistical Physics. The Koszul-Vinberg Characteristic Function (KVCF) on convex cones will be presented as cornerstone of “Information Geometry” theory, defining Koszul Entropy as Legendre transform of minus the logarithm of KVCF, and Fisher Information Metrics as hessian of these dual functions, invariant by their automorphisms. In parallel, Souriau has extended the Characteristic Function in Statistical Physics looking for other kinds of invariances through co-adjoint action of a group on its momentum space, defining physical observables like energy, heat and momentum as pure geometrical objects. In covariant Souriau model, Gibbs equilibriums states are indexed by a geometric parameter, the Geometric (Planck) Temperature, with values in the Lie algebra of the dynamical Galileo/Poincare groups, interpreted as a space-time vector, giving to the metric tensor a null Lie derivative. Fisher Information metric appears as the opposite of the derivative of Mean “Moment map” by geometric temperature, equivalent to a Geometric Capacity or Specific Heat. We will synthetize the analogies between both Koszul and Souriau models, and will reduce their definitions to the exclusive Cartan “Inner Product”. Interpreting Legendre transform as Fourier transform in (Min,+) algebra, we conclude with a definition of Entropy given by a relation mixing Fourier/Laplace transforms: Entropy = (minus) Fourier(Min,+) o Log o Laplace(+,X).
Effect of loading on peak power of the bar, body, and system during power cleans, squats, and jump squats

Abstract Nine males (age 24.7 ± 2.1 years, height 175.3 ± 5.5 cm, body mass 80.8 ± 7.2 kg, power clean 1-RM 97.1 ± 6.36 kg, squat 1-RM = 138.3 ± 20.9 kg) participated in this study. On day 1, the participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the power clean and the squat. On days 2, 3, and 4, participants performed the power clean, squat or jump squat. Loading for the power clean ranged from 30% to 90% of the participant's power clean 1-RM and loading for the squat and jump squat ranged from 0% to 90% of the participant's squat 1-RM, all at 10% increments. Peak force, velocity, and power were calculated for the bar, body, and system (bar + body) for all power clean, squat, and jump squat trials. Results indicate that peak power for the bar, body, and system is differentially affected by load and movement pattern. When using the power clean, squat or jump squat for training, the optimal load in each exercise may vary. Throwing athletes or weightlifters may be most concerned with bar power, but jumpers or sprinters may be more concerned with body or system power. Thus, the exercise type and load vary according to the desired stimulus.
Nash Convergence of Gradient Dynamics in Iterated General-Sum Games

Multi-agent games are becoming an increasing prevalent formalism for the study of electronic commerce and auctions. The speed at which transactions can take place and the growing complexity of electronic marketplaces makes the study of computationally simple agents an appealing direction. In this work, we analyze the behavior of agents that incrementally adapt their strategy through gradient ascent on expected payoff, in the simple setting of two-player, two-action, iterated general-sum games, and present a surprising result. We show that either the agents will converge to Nash equilibrium, or if the strategies themselves do not converge, then their average payoffs will nevertheless converge to the payoffs of a Nash equilibrium.
PDTSSE : A Scalable Parallel Decision Tree Algorithm Based on MapReduce

Parallel decision tree learning is an effective and efficient approach to scaling the decision tree to large data mining application. Aiming at large scale decision tree lea rning, we present a novel parallel decision tree learning algorith m in MapReduce framework, called PDTSSE (Parallel Decision Tree via Sampling Splitting points with Estimation). We first propose an estimation method for sampling splitting points, which can effectively handle both categorical and numeric attributes over large scale data. We also derive an error bound for the algorithm, and analyze the computational complexities of t he algorithm. Finally, we describe the implementation procedures in MapReduce framework. Theoretical analysis and experime ntal results show that PDTSSE has low computational cost compare d to state of the art classifiers while maintaining the qualityof the generated trees in terms of accuracy, and can scale to large s cale data mining application. Keywords-Classification; Decision Tree; Sampling; Parall el, MapReduce
Retrieval of three-dimensional information by digital holography

The recording conditions of hologram in off-axis lensless Fourier transform digital holography are analyzed. The experimental setup used for recording the digital hologram of microscopic object is built. By using the automatic phase compensation method the three-dimensional information of the USAF test target is obtained based on Fresnel transform algorithm. The results show that for strong noisy hologram the automatic phase compensation method must be combined with manual adjusting parameter in order to obtain accurate phase image.
Preservation potential of ancient plankton DNA in Pleistocene marine sediments

Recent studies have shown that ancient plankton DNA can be recovered from Holocene lacustrine and marine sediments, including from species that do not leave diagnostic microscopic fossils in the sediment record. Therefore, the analysis of this so‐called fossil plankton DNA is a promising approach for refining paleoecological and paleoenvironmental information. However, further studies are needed to reveal whether DNA of past plankton is preserved beyond the Holocene. Here, we identified past eukaryotic plankton members based on 18S rRNA gene profiling in eastern Mediterranean Holocene and Pleistocene sapropels S1 (∼9 ka), S3 (∼80 ka), S4 (∼105 ka), and S5 (∼125 ka). The majority of preserved ∼400‐ to 500‐bp‐long 18S rDNA fragments of microalgae that were studied in detail (i.e. from haptophyte algae and dinoflagellates) were found in the youngest sapropel S1, whereas their specific lipid biomarkers (long‐chain alkenones and dinosterol) were also abundant in sediments deposited between 80 and 124 ka BP. The late‐Pleistocene sediments mainly contained eukaryotic DNA of marine fungi and from terrestrial plants, which could have been introduced via the river Nile at the time of deposition and preserved in pollen grains. A parallel analysis of Branched and Isoprenoid Tetraethers (i.e. BIT index) showed that most of the organic matter in the eastern Mediterranean sediment record was of marine (e.g. pelagic) origin. Therefore, the predominance of terrestrial plant DNA over plankton DNA in older sapropels suggests a preferential degradation of marine plankton DNA.
[A meta-analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome in Chinese community].

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in China. METHODS Cross-sectional studies relevant to IBS conducted among Chinese were identified through the databases including PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang data and VIP. Quality of studies was assessed according to the criteria for cross-sectional studies recommended by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Analysis of data, publication bias and sensitivity were performed with Stata (Version 12.0). RESULTS A total of twenty-three studies were extracted. No obvious publication bias was detected in all analysis except the effect of depression on IBS prevalence. Pooled prevalence of IBS in China was 6.5%. IBS was more common in women than in men (8.1% vs 6.8%;OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.09-1.38) and high rate in age group between 30 to 59 years (6.9%; OR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.12-1.32) . Intestinal infection history (OR = 2.39, 95%CI 1.69-3.38), anxiety (OR = 2.95, 95%CI 1.94-4.49), depression (OR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.11-3.09), food allergy (OR = 2.80, 95%CI 2.12-3.67) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.07-1.24) might increase the risk for IBS. There were no significant difference of IBS prevalence between urban and rural areas (OR = 0.97, 95%CI 0.72-1.29) , neither in different education classes (OR = 0.85, 95%CI 0.70-1.03) . Sub-group analysis showed IBS prevalence varied apparently with different diagnostic criteria: prevalence defined by Manning was 11.8% and by RomeIIand Rome III prevalence values were 4.4% and 8.9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Pooled prevalence of IBS in China was 6.5%. IBS is more common in age group between 30 to 59 years. Female, history of intestinal infection, anxiety, depression, food allergy and alcohol consumption were risk factors for IBS in Chinese population.
Incidence of ruminal parakeratosis in calves fed different rations and its relation to volatile fatty acid absorption.

Abstract Four trials were conducted to determine the effects of various rations on the incidence of ruminal parakeratosis and certain biochemical conditions in the rumen. In addition, the effect of parakeratosis on volatile fatty acid (VFA) absorption from the rumen was determined. In Trial 1 and in the absorption study, parakeratosis was observed in all calves fed a 1:1 ratio of grain and alfalfa hay in pelleted form, but not to any extent in calves fed grain and wafered or long hay. In the other trials, very little parakeratosis occurred in calves on any of the rations; however, extensive dumping of the papillae was observed in the rumen of calves fed a 4:1 ratio of grain to hay. The pH of the rumen fluid from calves fed pelleted hay was lower than that of those fed long or wafered hay, but this was not associated with development of parakeratosis in two of the trials. There were no definite changes in the proportion of ruminal VFA associated with the occurrence of parakeratosis. There was less absorption of VFA from a test solution introduced into the emptied rumen of calves having parakeratosis than for control calves, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Comparison of the molar proportion of VFA introduced into the rumina with the proportion remaining at the end of a 2-hr test period indicated a lower specific rate of absorption for acetic than for the other acids under conditions of this study.
Association of Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript-Immunoreactive Elements with Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone-Synthesizing Neurons in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus and Its Role in the Regulation of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Thyroid Axis during Fasting

Because cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) coexists with α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in the arcuate nucleus neurons and we have recently demonstrated that α-MSH innervates TRH-synthesizing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), we raised the possibility that CART may also be contained in fibers that innervate hypophysiotropic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) neurons and modulate TRH gene expression. Triple-labeling fluorescent in situhybridization and immunofluorescence were performed to reveal the morphological relationships between pro-TRH mRNA-containing neurons and CART- and α-MSH-immunoreactive (IR) axons. CART-IR axons densely innervated the majority of pro-TRH mRNA-containing neurons in all parvocellular subdivisions of the PVN and established asymmetric synaptic specializations with pro-TRH neurons. However, whereas all α-MSH-IR axons in the PVN contained CART-IR, only a portion of CART-IR axons in contact with pro-TRH neurons were immunoreactive for α-MSH. In the medial and periventricular parvocellular subdivisions of the PVN, CART was co-contained in ∼80% of pro-TRH neuronal perikarya, whereas colocalization with pro-TRH was found in <10% of the anterior parvocellular subdivision neurons. In addition, >80% of TRH/CART neurons in the periventricular and medial parvocellular subdivisions accumulated Fluoro-Gold after systemic administration, suggesting that CART may serve as a marker for hypophysiotropic TRH neurons. CART prevented fasting-induced suppression of pro-TRH in the PVN when administered intracerebroventricularly and increased the content of TRH in hypothalamic cell cultures. These studies establish an anatomical association between CART and pro-TRH-producing neurons in the PVN and demonstrate that CART has a stimulatory effect on hypophysiotropic TRH neurons by increasing pro-TRH gene expression and the biosynthesis of TRH.