Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thyroid cancer among persons given X-ray treatment in infancy for an enlarged thymus gland.

A cohort of 2,657 infants in Rochester, New York, who were given x-ray treatment for a purported enlarged thymus gland, along with 4,833 siblings, have been followed by mail surveys through about 1986, which represents an average of 37 years of follow-up, to determine their incidence of thyroid cancer. Estimated thyroid doses ranged from 0.03 to > 10 Gy, with 62% receiving > 0.5 Gy. There were 37 pathologically diagnosed thyroid cancers in the irradiated group and five in the sibling controls. The dose-response relation was essentially linear, with no evidence of an additional dose-squared component. The estimated relative risk at 1 Gy was 10 (90% confidence interval 5-23). Thyroid cancer rates were elevated even at low doses; i.e., a dose-response analysis over the range of 0-0.3 Gy showed a significant positive slope. The risk ratio was declining over time but was still highly elevated to at least 45 years after irradiation. An examination of potential risk factors showed that older age at first childbirth was significantly associated with thyroid cancer risk. An evaluation of interactions between possible risk factors and radiation suggested that Jewish subjects and women with older ages at menarche or at first childbirth were at greater risk for radiogenic thyroid cancer.
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Genotyping of Taylorella equigenitalis Isolates Collected in the United States from 1978 to 2010

ABSTRACT Taylorella equigenitalis is the etiologic agent of contagious equine metritis (CEM), a venereal disease of horses. A total of 82 strains of T. equigenitalis isolated in the United States were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) after digestion of genomic DNA with restriction enzyme ApaI. Twenty-eight of those strains isolated from horses in the 2009 U.S. outbreak (CEM09) were further analyzed with NotI and NaeI enzymes. When ApaI alone was used for analysis, the 82 isolates clustered into 15 different genotypes that clearly defined groups of horses with known epidemiological connections. The PFGE profiles of the CEM09 isolates were indistinguishable after digestion with ApaI, NotI, and NaeI and did not match those of isolates from previous U.S. outbreaks in 1978 and 2006 or of any other isolate from the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) culture library. Coupled with the fact that the CEM09 isolates are epidemiologically related, these results suggest a common source for the outbreak not linked to previous occurrences of CEM in the United States.
Human Parainfluenza Virus 4 Outbreak and the Role of Diagnostic Tests

ABSTRACT Owing to the difficulties in isolating the virus and the lack of routine surveillance, the clinical significance of human parainfluenza virus 4 (HPIV-4) is less well defined than that of the other human parainfluenza viruses. We describe the first outbreak of HPIV-4 infection in a developmental disabilities unit, involving 38 institutionalized children and three staff members, during a 3-week period in autumn 2004. Most subjects had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), while lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) occurred in three children (7%), one complicated by respiratory failure requiring ventilation support. All patients recovered. Nasopharyngeal aspirates tested for HPIV-4 were positive by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) in all 41 cases (100%), by direct immunofluorescence in 29 of 39 tested cases (74%), and by cell cultures in 6 of 37 cases (16%), and serum was positive for antibodies against HPIV-4 in all 35 cases (100%) with serum samples available. In addition, RT-PCR detected HPIV-4 in four children (three LRTI and one URTI) out of 115 patients with community-acquired respiratory tract infection. Molecular analysis of the 1,198-bp phosphoprotein sequences showed that HPIV-4 isolates among the cases were genetically similar, whereas the community controls were more genetically distant, supporting nosocomial transmission of a single HPIV-4 genotype during the outbreak. Moreover, the HPIV-4 causing the outbreak is more closely related to HPIV-4A than HPIV-4B. HPIV-4 may be an important cause of more severe respiratory illness in children. The present RT-PCR assay is a sensitive, specific, and rapid method for the diagnosing HPIV-4 infection. To better define the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of disease of HPIV-4 infections, HPIV-4 should be included in the routine panels of respiratory virus detection on respiratory specimens.
Threshold Priority Policy for Channel Assignment in Cellular Networks

This paper presents a new policy called the threshold priority policy (TPP) for assigning channels in cellular networks. The performance of TPP is compared with the performance of the well-known cutoff priority policy (CPP) and the nonprioritized complete sharing policy (CSP). Several numerical experiments are done for various values of offered load and portable mobility. The results are compared using three unified performance metrics which take into account the trade-off between new call blocking probability and the forced termination probability.
On the application of a three-phase two-switch DCM Boost rectifier in small-scale wind energy conversion system

This paper presents the theoretical analysis and experimental results from a three-phase Boost-type rectifier operating in discontinuous conduction mode. The rectifier is suitable for applications in the electronic energy processing of small-scale wind energy conversion systems based on permanent magnetic synchronous generators. The rectifier can provide high power factor without the use of input current sensors and current control. Thus, the input currents have the same shape of input voltages and they are in phase with each respective voltage. Moreover, the rectifier has the benefits of reduced switch count, simplicity in the control system and PWM scheme. As disadvantages, due to the operation in discontinuous conduction mode, the rectifier can present low efficiency in high power and/or low input voltages specifications. Finally, experimental results from the three-phase rectifier with 48 V input voltage, 250 V output voltage, 20 kHz switching frequency and 1 kW output power are also presented.
Low power and high speed bipolar switching with a thin reactive Ti buffer layer in robust HfO2 based RRAM

A novel HfO2-based resistive memory with the TiN electrodes is proposed and fully integrated with 0.18 mum CMOS technology. By using a thin Ti layer as the reactive buffer layer into the anodic side of capacitor-like memory cell, excellent memory performances, such as low operation current (down to 25 muA), high on/off resistance ratio (above 1,000), fast switching speed (5 ns), satisfactory switching endurance (>106 cycles), and reliable data retention (10 years extrapolation at 200degC) have been demonstrated in our memory device. Moreover, the benefits of high yield, robust memory performance at high temperature (200degC), excellent scalability, and multi-level operation promise its application in the next generation nonvolatile memory.
EFFECT OF SUCROSE , BORON , CALCIUM , MAGNESIUM AND NITRATE DURING IN VITRO POLLEN GERMINATION IN LUFFA AEGYPTICA MILL .

A study on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth was made in Luffa aegyptica Mill. belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. A modification of the basal medium of Brewbaker and Kwack was effected to get maximum percentage of pollen germination and tube growth in this taxon. Modified basal medium contains 10% sucrose, 50mg H3BO3, 200mg MgSO4.7H2O and 350mg Ca(NO3)2. H2O in 1000 ml distilled water. The pH of the medium was adjusted to 6.0. The maximum percentage of pollen tube growth is 96.60% and bursting of pollen grain is 3.40%. Attempts were also made to study the effects of sucrose, boron, calcium, magnesium and nitrate during in vitro pollen germination.
MoovMe : A Motivational Exercise App

In this day and age, nearly everyone wants to be fit and attempting to achieve this, they exercise. Currently exercising follows a primordial scheme of working out to randomly chosen music attempting to serve as a motivational stimulus. This project attempts to create a solution that delivers a motivational impetus higher than that of playing arbitrary music. We have created an iPhone application that utilises a bespoke implementation of a tempo analysing algorithm using digital signal processing algorithms. This implementation works on both accelerometer data (to identify the user’s pace) and on music (to identify song tempo). It works in real-time and uses the users music collection; not imposing any restrictions on what music the user can play. Finally we have compared the performance and accuracy of our algorithm with known solutions and achieved much better results with a higher degree of flexibility.
Interaction between concurrent strength and endurance training.

To assess the effects of concurrent strength (S) and endurance (E) training on S and E development, one group (4 young men and 4 young women) trained one leg for S and the other leg for S and E (S+E). A second group (4 men, 4 women) trained one leg for E and the other leg for E and S (E+S). E training consisted of five 3-min bouts on a cycle ergometer at a power output corresponding to that requiring 90-100% of oxygen uptake during maximal exercise (VO2 max). S training consisted of six sets of 15-20 repetitions with the heaviest possible weight on a leg press (combined hip and knee extension) weight machine. Training was done 3 days/wk for 22 wk. Needle biopsy samples from vastus lateralis were taken before and after training and were examined for histochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural adaptations. The nominal S and E training programs were "hybrids", having more similarities as training stimuli than differences; thus S made increases (P less than 0.05) similar to those of S+E in E-related measures of VO2max (S, S+E: 8%, 8%), repetitions with the pretraining maximal single leg press lift [1 repetition maximum (RM)] (27%, 24%), and percent of slow-twitch fibers (15%, 8%); and S made significant, although smaller, increases in repetitions with 80% 1 RM (81%, 152%) and citrate synthase (CS) activity (22%, 51%). Similarly, E increased knee extensor area [computed tomography (CT) scans] as much as E+S (14%, 21%) and made significant, although smaller, increases in leg press 1 RM (20%, 34%) and thigh girth (3.4%, 4.8%). When a presumably stronger stimulus for an adaptation was added to a weaker one, some additive effects occurred (i.e., increases in 1 RM and thigh girth that were greater in E+S than E; increases in CS activity and repetitions with 80% 1 RM that were greater in S+E than S). When a weaker, although effective, stimulus was added to a stronger one, addition generally did not occur. Concurrent S and E training did not interfere with S or E development in comparison to S or E training alone.
RELIABILITY OF POWER OUTPUT DERIVED FROM THE NONMOTORIZED TREADMILL TEST

There is limited evidence that the nonmotorized treadmill (NMT) test is able to elicit peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) reliably for high-intensity and short-duration exercises in untrained adults. This study aimed to establish the intra- and intersession reliability of PP and MP derived from the NMT test. Nine untrained men and 9 untrained women participated in the study. They completed 2 sessions of a 10-second NMT test on 2 separate occasions that were scheduled 2 weeks apart (intersession test). Each session consisted of 2 sprints (intrasession test). On the third session, the subjects performed two 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Tests. Inter- and intrasession power measurements were analyzed using repeatability coefficient, typical error, coefficient of variation, change in the mean, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Inter- and intrasession measurements using these statistical tests all showed high reliability of the results. The study clearly showed that PP and MP measurements derived from the NMT test was just as reliable as the current “gold standard. ”
On the theory and modeling of dual-mode cavity microwave bandpass filters

The paper discusses the fundamentals of dual-mode cavity band-pass filters from an electromagnetic field point of view as well as their modeling in terms of lumped circuit elements. Emphasis is put on fundamental constraints imposed by mode orthogonality and boundary conditions. The role of tuning elements, coupling elements and polarization is addressed. Examples which challenge some of these concepts are introduced.
Custom hardware to eliminate bottlenecks in QKD throughput performance

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) high-speed quantum key distribution (QKD) system was designed to include custom hardware to support the generation and management of gigabit data streams. As our photonics improved our software sifting algorithm couldn't keep up with the amount of data generated. To eliminate this problem we implemented the sifting algorithm into our programmable chip (FPGA) hardware, gaining a factor of 50x improvement in the sifting capacity rate. As we increased the distance and speed of our QKD systems, we discovered a number of other performance bottlenecks in our custom hardware. We discuss those bottlenecks along with a new custom hardware design that will alleviate them, resulting in an order of magnitude increase in capacity of secret key generation rate.
Enhanced Radiation-Induced Cell Killing and Prolongation of γH2AX Foci Expression by the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor MS-275

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are undergoing clinical evaluation for cancer therapy. Because HDAC modulates chromatin structure and gene expression, parameters considered to influence radioresponse, we have investigated the effects of the HDAC inhibitor MS-275 on the radiosensitivity of two human tumor cell lines (DU145 prostate carcinoma and U251 glioma). Acetylation status of histones H3 and H4 was determined as a function of time after MS-275 addition to and removal from culture medium. Histone acetylation increased by 6 h after MS-275 addition, reaching a maximum between 24 and 48 h of exposure; providing fresh drug-free medium then resulted in a decrease in histone acetylation that began by 6 h and approached untreated levels by 16 h. Treatment of cells with MS-275 for 48 h followed by irradiation had little or no effect on radiation-induced cell death. However, exposure to MS-275 before and after irradiation resulted in an increase in radiosensitivity with dose enhancement factors of 1.9 and 1.3 for DU145 and U251 cells, respectively. This MS-275 treatment protocol did not result in a redistribution of the cells into a more radiosensitive phase of the cell cycle or in an increase in apoptosis. However, MS-275 did modify the time course of γH2AX expression in irradiated cells. Whereas there was no significant difference in radiation-induced γH2AX foci at 6 h, the number of cells expressing γH2AX foci was significantly greater in the MS-275-treated cells at 24 h after irradiation. These results indicate that MS-275 can enhance radiosensitivity and suggest that this effect may involve an inhibition of DNA repair.
PPARγ Agonists Target Aromatase Via Both PGE2 and BRCA1

Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. Although the underlying mechanisms are not clearly defined, aromatase is thought to play a pivotal role in connecting obesity-associated inflammation with postmenopausal breast cancer. It has been well established that both the proinflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the BRCA1 tumor-suppressor gene regulate aromatase expression. In this issue of the journal (beginning on p. 1183), Subbaramaiah and colleagues improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which PPARγ inhibits aromatase expression. They found that pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, inhibited aromatase expression by inhibition of PGE2 signaling and upregulation of BRCA1. Their findings provide potential targets for preventing or treating obesity-related breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 5(10); 1169–72. ©2012 AACR.
Cutting Edge: Induction of the Antigen-Processing Enzyme IFN-γ-Inducible Lysosomal Thiol Reductase in Melanoma Cells Is STAT1-Dependent but CIITA-Independent1

Presentation and CD4+ T cell responses to Ag in the context of MHC class II molecules require processing of native proteins into short peptide fragments. Within this pathway, IFN-γ-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT) functions to catalyze thiol bond reduction, thus unfolding native protein Ag and facilitating further processing via cellular proteases. In contrast with professional APCs such as B cells, class II-positive human melanomas expressed relatively little to no GILT protein or mRNA. Tumor cell GILT expression was partially restored with IFN-γ treatment but unlike other genes required for class II Ag presentation, GILT was not regulated by CIITA. Rather, studies revealed STAT1 plays a direct role in IFN-γ-inducible GILT expression. These results define a molecular mechanism for the uncoupled regulation of MHC class II genes and the processing enzyme GILT in human melanomas.
Plasma ghrelin concentrations in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome before and after 6months therapy: correlation with androgen levels.

OBJECTIVE Ghrelin is a natural ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor and has been shown to be a potent stimulant of GH secretion. It has also orexigenic effects and regulates energy homeostasis. Recent studies claim that ghrelin influences the androgen level and probably takes part in PCOS pathomechanism. The aim of the study was an assessment of ghrelin level in plasma in women with PCOS before and after the treatment and ghrelin's influence on androgen level change. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 25 women with the diagnosed PCOS (mean age 25.3+/-4.05 yr). The tests were done twice: before the treatment and after 6-month therapy with Diane 35 (cyproterone acetate 2 mg with ethinylestradiol 35 mug). Following hormones were measured: ghrelin, free testosterone, androstendione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 17-OH-progesterone and estradiol. RESULTS The received results in both groups were compared with the control group (11 healthy women, mean age 26.0+/-2.6 yr). No statistically significant differences in ghrelin levels before (187.8+/-8.1 fmol/ml) and after the therapy (185.6+/-9.5 fmol/ml) were found. Similar results were received when two groups of women compared with the control (186.5+/-8.7 fmol/ml). No correlations between ghrelin and androgen levels were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS Final conclusion is that there is no direct impact of ghrelin level on PCOS pathogenesis, however, its role in development of obesity, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance co-occurring with metabolic disorders syndrome cannot be excluded.
The Adult Sensory Profile: measuring patterns of sensory processing.

OBJECTIVE This article describes a series of studies designed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Adult Sensory Profile. METHOD Expert judges evaluated the construct validity of the items. Coefficient alpha, factor analysis, and correlations of items with subscales determined item reliability, using data from 615 adult sensory profiles. A subsample of 20 adults furnished skin conductance data. A heterogeneous group of 93 adults completed the revised Adult Sensory Profile, and item reliability was reexamined. RESULTS Expert judgment indicated that items could be categorized according to Dunn's Model of Sensory Processing. Results suggested reasonable item reliability for all subscales except for the Sensation Avoiding subscale. Skin conductance measures detected distinct patterns of physiological responses consistent with the four-quadrant model. Revision of the Adult Sensory Profile resulted in improved reliability of the Sensation Avoiding subscale. CONCLUSION The series of studies provides evidence to support the four subscales of the Adult Sensory Profile as distinct constructs of sensory processing preferences.
Arachidonic Acid Metabolite as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer Metastasis

Metastatic breast cancer (BC) (also referred to as stage IV) spreads beyond the breast to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain and is a major contributor to the deaths of cancer patients. Interestingly, metastasis is a result of stroma-coordinated hallmarks such as invasion and migration of the tumor cells from the primary niche, regrowth of the invading tumor cells in the distant organs, proliferation, vascularization, and immune suppression. Targeted therapies, when used as monotherapies or combination therapies, have shown limited success in decreasing the established metastatic growth and improving survival. Thus, novel therapeutic targets are warranted to improve the metastasis outcomes. We have been actively investigating the cytochrome P450 4 (CYP4) family of enzymes that can biosynthesize 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), an important signaling eicosanoid involved in the regulation of vascular tone and angiogenesis. We have shown that 20-HETE can activate several intracellular protein kinases, pro-inflammatory mediators, and chemokines in cancer. This review article is focused on understanding the role of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway in BC metastasis with an emphasis on 20-HETE as a novel therapeutic target to decrease BC metastasis. We have discussed all the significant investigational mechanisms and put forward studies showing how 20-HETE can promote angiogenesis and metastasis, and how its inhibition could affect the metastatic niches. Potential adjuvant therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment showing anti-tumor properties against BC and its lung metastasis are discussed at the end. This review will highlight the importance of exploring tumor-inherent and stromal-inherent metabolic pathways in the development of novel therapeutics for treating BC metastasis.
Korean Adolescents' Experiences of Smoking Cessation: A Prelude to Research with the Human Becoming Perspective

Smoking cessation has been identified as an important factor for health and quality of life in Korean society. This article explicates Korean adolescents' experiences of smoking cessation from the perspective of Parse's human becoming theory, as a prelude to conducting research. A nurse was truly present with individual students as they shared their experiences of trying to stop smoking. Interpreted through the principles and concepts of Parse's theory, the experience of quitting smoking is elucidated as a struggle of choosing one's value priorities amid the opportunities and limitations inherent in this decision, while moving with unique patterns of relating. Staying with the commitment to stop smoking is changing one's health and quality of life. The authors briefly discuss the implications of this perspective for nursing practice, and identify struggling to change as a phenomenon for future research.