Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heating efficiency of radiofrequency capacitive hyperthermia for treatment of deep‐seated tumors in the peritoneal cavity

We analyzed heating profiles from 318 hyperthermic treatments of 39 patients with recurrent or inoperable cancers of the digestive organs whose deep‐seated tumors were treated by radiofrequency (RF) capacitive heating of the abdominal region, and we investigated the heating efficiency and antitumor effect of such treatment. It was apparent that heating with a mean maximum RF output of 1,000 watts (700 watts at least), repeated four times or more, was necessary for a high rate of response by the tumor. Although it was difficult to heat tumors of the bile duct/pancreas to 42°C or more, there was a strong positive correlation between maximum output of RF energy and maximum temperature of tumors (r = 0.839, P < 0.001). The antitumor effect of RF hyperthermia was augmented with increasing output of RF energy. Therefore, the maximum level of RF output may be a useful index for expressing the heating efficiency with respect to intra‐abdominal deep‐seated tumors.
An Electric Vehicle Conversion using Batteries and Ultracapacitors: Preliminary Performance Investigation

The initial findings and performance of a prototype electric vehicle conversion of a famous Malaysian city car; the perodual kancil, is presented in this paper. The 660 cc, three cylinder carbureted engine rated at 31 Hp (22.1 KW) was replaced with a 48-72 V series wound DC motor rated at 8 KW continuous and 20KW peak. The battery pack consists of eight T105 Trojan 6 V, 225 Ah deep cycle lead acid battery which builds up a voltage of 48 V. In addition to this, an ultracapacitor module (165 F, 48 V) is connected in parallel using high power contactors in order to investigate the increase in performance criteria such as acceleration, range, battery life etc which have been proven in various literatures via simulation studies. A data acquisition system is setup in order to collect real world driving data from the electric vehicle on the fly along a fixed route. Analysis of collected driving data is done using MATLAB software and comparison of performance of the electric vehicle with and without ultracapacitor module is made.
HaptoCloneAR: mutual haptic-optic interactive system with 2D image superimpose

In our previous study called HaptoClone, a user can interact with optically copied objects from the adjacent workspace with haptic feedback. In this study, we added two displays and two half mirrors in the system, so that users can see and touch not only cloned real objects but also 2D superimposed virtual screens. This system enables users to experience more various contents such as a videophone, fighting games, and other entertainments so called AR (Augmented Reality) or MR (Mixed Reality) with haptic feedback.
Modeling the Performance of Faulty Linear Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are used to monitor long linear structures such as pipelines, rivers, railroads, international borders, and high power transmission cables. In this case, a special type of WSN called linear wireless sensor network (LSN) is used. One of the main challenges of using LSNs is the reliability of the connections across the nodes. Faults in a few contiguous nodes may cause the creation of holes (segments where nodes on either end of them cannot reach each other) which will result in dividing the network into multiple disconnected segments. As a result, sensor nodes that are located between holes may not be able to deliver their sensed information which negatively affects the network's sensing coverage. In this paper, we provide an analysis of the different types of node faults in uniformly deployed LSNs and study their negative impact on the sensing coverage. We develop an analytical model to estimate the sensing coverage in uniformly deployed sensors LSNs in the presence of node faults. We verify the correctness of the developed model by conducting a number of simulation experiments to compare both calculated and simulated results under different network configurations and fault scenarios. In addition, we use this model to demonstrate three design applications that meet with specific performance requirements.
Range‐wide distribution of genetic diversity in the North American tree Juglans cinerea: a product of range shifts, not ecological marginality or recent population decline

The spatial distribution of genetic diversity is a product of recent and historical ecological processes, as well as anthropogenic activities. A current challenge in population and conservation genetics is to disentangle the relative effects of these processes, as a first step in predicting population response to future environmental change. In this investigation, we compare the influence of contemporary population decline, contemporary ecological marginality and postglacial range shifts. Using classical model comparison procedures and Bayesian methods, we have identified postglacial range shift as the clear determinant of genetic diversity, differentiation and bottlenecks in 29 populations of butternut, Juglans cinerea L. , a North American outcrossing forest tree. Although butternut has experienced dramatic 20th century decline because of an introduced fungal pathogen, our analysis indicates that recent population decline has had less genetic impact than postglacial recolonization history. Location within the range edge vs. the range core also failed to account for the observed patterns of diversity and differentiation. Our results suggest that the genetic impact of large‐scale recent population losses in forest trees should be considered in the light of Pleistocene‐era large‐scale range shifts that may have had long‐term genetic consequences. The data also suggest that the population dynamics and life history of wind‐pollinated forest trees may provide a buffer against steep population declines of short duration, a result having important implications for habitat management efforts, ex situ conservation sampling and population viability analysis.
Food concern and its associations with obesity and diabetes among lower-income New Yorkers

Abstract Objective To examine food concern (FC) and its associations with obesity and diabetes in a racially diverse, urban population. Design Cross-sectional population-based survey. Setting Five boroughs of New York City. Subjects Lower-income adults (n 5981) in the 2004 New York City Community Health Survey. Results The overall prevalence of obesity was 24 % and was higher among FC than non-FC white men and women, black women, US- and foreign-born whites and foreign-born blacks. In multivariable analysis, FC was marginally associated with obesity (OR = 1·18, 95 % CI 0·98, 1·42) among all lower-income New Yorkers, after controlling for socio-economic factors. The association of FC and obesity varied by race/ethnicity, with FC being positively associated with obesity only among white New Yorkers. FC whites had 80 % higher odds of obesity than whites without FC (OR = 1·80; 95 % CI 1·21, 2·68), with a model-adjusted obesity prevalence of 20 % among non-FC whites v. 31 % among FC whites. FC was not associated with diabetes after controlling for obesity and socio-economic factors. Conclusions The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among FC whites and certain subgroups of blacks. FC was positively associated with obesity risk among lower-income white New Yorkers. Programmes designed to alleviate FC and poverty should promote the purchase and consumption of nutritious, lower-energy foods to help address the burden of obesity in lower-income urban populations.
Valuing trade-offs between local forest uses and environmental services in Tunisia

ABSTRACT Successive afforestation programmes undertaken in Tunisia have doubled the forest surface area in the last 50 years. A choice experiment exercise was used to estimate the social welfare associated with a plantation programme in Tunisia. The application dealt with different environmental services, and access of local users to the forest. The results show that having access to the forests for recreational activities has an average willingness to pay of 6.46 Tunisian dinar (TND) per person and year, for five years. In contrast, limiting access to the afforested areas for grazing and other uses decreases the overall welfare by 5.63 TND per person and year. An individual marginal value of 4.29 × 10−5 TND per ton of CO2 sequestered was obtained. Furthermore, a 1% decrease of dam sedimentation is worth 2.16 TND per person and year. However, results are subject to heterogeneity, particularly regarding rural and urban populations. This paper highlights that preferences for environmental services depend on socio-economic attributes, the welfare of local users could lower due to restricted access to the forest. It was found that population heterogeneity influenced the valuation results and is to be considered in policy designs based on this type of studies.
Journalism Cannot be Both ‘Subject and Research’ Per Se

The article argues that the ‘research’ pursued by the journalists cannot be considered as ‘as an output of academic research’ for several reasons. Firstly, as curricular theory of education demands, journalistic content and research must be part of academic study in journalism schools. Secondly, the ‘research output’ found in the investigative stories will not disclose to the readers the variables/hypotheses primarily formulated in the journalistic research, and to what extent they have been found right/wrong by the journalists. Further, the paper, while dealing with the views of a number of former journalists-turned academics, argues that the ‘subjectivity’ of the ‘journalistic output’ is very difficult to eliminate given the organizational structures of Indian media houses and their alignment with the political organizations. The study also raises questions as to why some investigative stories put out by the BBC and The Hindu in the past failed to measure up to the requirements of law to hold the persons concerned guilty. In order to be considered as an ‘output of academic research’ the paper argues that ‘journalism research’ as a ‘practice’ should be highly definitive, qualitative and open to verifiability.
Osmol gaps in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE To define the osmol gap (OG) range in pediatric ED (PED) patients. METHODS This was a blinded, observational patient series involving an urban PED with an annual census of 35,000. All patients presenting to the Hasbro Children's Hospital Emergency Department who required electrolyte determination during their evaluations were enrolled into the study. Exclusionary criteria included the presence of urinary ketones, alcohol ingestion within the preceding 24 hours, or illnesses that are known to change serum osmolarity. Electrolytes, BUN, glucose, and freezing point depression osmolality were measured on a single serum specimen. Additional laboratory information included ethanol and anion gap. The OG was determined using each of three equations previously described in the literature (see Results). The best coefficients for sodium, BUN, and glucose were determined by multiple linear regression. RESULTS 192 children (90 girls, 102 boys) with a median age of 6.6 years (mean: 7.3 years; range: 7 days to 17.9 years) made up the study population. The mean measured osmolality (+/-SD) for the entire sample was 284.2+/-6.9 mOsm/dL with a range of 265-311 mOsm/dL. Mean osmol gaps with standard deviations varied with the equation used for calculation. CONCLUSION Regardless of the equation used, the range of "normal" osmol gaps in the pediatric population is approximately 22 mOsm.
The paradox of power revisited: internal and external conflict

This paper develops a two-level model of internal and external conflict in which the paradox of power holds for internal conflict, but not for external conflict. In the model, internal conflict is imbedded in a situation of external conflict. Agents in a group fight over the distribution of resources within the group, but they cooperate to fight against other groups. Agents with low economic productivity have an advantage in the internal conflict game because they face a lower opportunity cost for investments in weapons. However, it is easier for more productive groups to mobilize resources for external conflict, and as a result they have an advantage over less productive groups. The model helps to explain why economically unproductive individuals may enjoy high living standards relative to more productive ones, but more developed groups usually defeat and conquer less developed ones. An extension of the model shows that groups with more unequal distribution of productivity might have an advantage in external conflict. The model can also be extended to study the effects of trade on the intensity of the paradox of power and income distribution within and across groups.
Single, very low dose (0.03 mg) of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) effectively increases radioiodine uptake in the I-131 treatment of large nontoxic multinodular goiter.

BACKGROUND Radioiodine therapy (RIT) in patients with large nontoxic multinodular goiter (MNG) recently becomes more common method in comparison to surgery (especially in elderly patients and with contraindications because of severe chronic diseases other systems). Repeatedly low thyroid radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) decreases effectiveness of RIT or makes it impossible. The recombinant human thyrotropin can increase RAIU and improve the results of RIT. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to assess the influence of a single very low dose (0.03 mg) of rhTSH on RAIU and thyroid function in euthyroid (MNG-EU) and subclinical hyperthyroid (MNG-SC) patients with a large multinodular goiter. MATERIAL AND METHODS 40 patients (14 male, 26 female, age 57-80 yr) with large non-toxic MNG over 80 grams and with baseline RAIU < 40% were included into the double-blind randomized study and divided into two groups: rhTSH-group and control group. First group received the single intramuscular injection of 0.03 mg rhTSH and the second received placebo. The RAIU were measured 24 and 48 hours after the rhTSH and then all the patients were administered therapeutic doses of I-131. TSH and free thyroxine levels were measured at 1st and 2nd day after the injection of rhTSH and later, at 4 and 8 weeks after the RIT. RESULTS The mean RAIU increased significantly from 30.44 ± 7.4% to 77.22 ± 8.7% (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in RAIU between euthyroid (MNG-EU) and subclinically hyperthyroid (MNG-SC) patients. The peak of serum TSH was noticed 24 hours after rhTSH injection and in MNG-EU patients it has remained within normal range, similarly as fT4. In the MNG-SC group the administration of rhTSH resulted in a significant increase in the TSH values after 24 hours, whose mean level slightly exceeded the upper limit of the normal range with normalization at 48 hours. 8 weeks after the RIT, the TSH and fT4 levels did not exceed the normal range and did not differ in a statistically significant way. CONCLUSIONS Even the single very low dose of rhTSH increases the values of RAIU in significant way, in euthyroid and subclinically hyperthyroid patients. The administration of rhTSH is well-tolerated. Neoadjuvant administration of a low dose (0.03 mg) of rhTSH before I-131 seems to be an optimal method of management which may increase the effectiveness of RIT and decrease the exposure of the patients to absorbed doses of ionizing radiation.
Methods of Quality Control

In this paper no attempt is made to review the many analytical and statistical techniques which have been suggested for the maintenance of repro­ ducibility and accuracy in a clinical chemistry laboratory. Instead a description is given of the techniques which have been introduced into this laboratory over the past 7 years, with examples of their usefulness. Since no single technique of quality control is adequate in itself, six methods are sug­ gested in this paper. More would be used if they demonstrated errors which were not shown by our present techniques providing they did not make impossible demands on labour and personnel. Experience has shown that quality control tech­ niques are failing if it becomes necessary to reject a batch of tests following analysis and calculations. Prevention, based upon experience with quality control techniques, is possible and, particularly with the AutoAnalyzer, the batch can be controlled during processing of the specimens. Retrospective information of analytical methods drifting out of control is often not interpretable on one day's results, because no statistical technique detects a significant change on one day. A computer is used in two of the techniques described but at least one of these is widely prac­ tised in laboratories without a computer. Quality control techniques are not computer dependent but are easier with one. In the future there may be quality control techniques which cannot be performed without a computer. Display of results The greatest problem in quality control is not performing the techniques but interpreting them, and this is very dependent on the method of display­ ing the results. In this laboratory, the technician records the results obtained from control sera on a pre-printed form (Fig. 1) which is sent to the bio­ chemist responsible for quality control, who records the results and draws the appropriate graphs. Each section of the laboratory has a bench log book in which dates of changes in solutions, apparatus and techniques are recorded.
α- and γ-Protocadherins Negatively Regulate PYK2*

Genetic studies demonstrate that γ-protocadherins (PCDH-γ) are required for the survival and synaptic connectivity in neuronal subpopulations of the central nervous system. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms for PCDH-γ are poorly understood. Here, we show that PCDH-γ binds two tyrosine kinases, PYK2 and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and interaction with PCDH-γ inhibits kinase activity. Consistent with this, PYK2 activity is abnormally up-regulated in the Pcdh-γ-deficient neurons. Overexpression of PYK2 induces apoptosis in the chicken spinal cord. Thus, negative regulation of PYK2 activity by PCDH could contribute to the survival of subsets of neurons. Surprisingly, we found that PCDH-α interacts similarly with PYK2 and FAK despite containing a distinct cytoplasmic domain. In neural tissue, PCDH-γ, together with PCDH-α, forms functional complexes with PYK2 and/or FAK. Therefore, the identification of common intracellular effectors for PCDH-γ and PCDH-α suggests that dozens of protocadherins generated by Pcdh-α and Pcdh-γ gene clusters can converge different extracellular signals into common intracellular pathways.
PET with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose for staging of non-small cell lung cancer

Summary: Aims: To evaluate studies on the use of positron emission tomography with the glucose analog 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) for the preoperative staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to the criteria of evidence based medicine and to discuss the cost-effectiveness of the technique. Methods: Clinical studies published between 1995 and 2002 on the preoperative staging of non-small cell lung cancer were used for this analysis. Studies that did not meet the criteria published by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) were excluded. The validity of the studies was evaluated by a standardized rating system developed by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR). Results: For the detection of mediastinal lymph node metastases the mean sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET on a patient basis is 85% and 87% (16 studies, 1355 patients). In studies that compared FDG-PET and computed tomography (CT) the mean sensitivity of CT was 66% at a specificity of 71%. In the detection of distant metastases FDG-PET correctly changed the tumor stage in 18% of the patients when compared to CT based staging (10 studies, 1073 patients). Five cost effectiveness analyses from the USA, Japan, and Germany concluded that FDG-PET improves the outcome of treatment at reduced or only slightly increased overall costs. Improvement of patient outcome was also demonstrated in a randomized trial, which found that the risk of a futile thoracotomy was reduced by 51% (p = 0.003) when FDG-PET was added to the preoperative staging. Conclusion: According to the criteria of the AHCPR the use of FDG-PET for detection of mediastinal lymph node and distant metastases is documented at a level of evidence Ia and Ib, respectively. Since systematic analyses also indicate a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio FDG-PET has to be considered as ”strictly indicated“ for the preoperative staging of non-small cell lung cancer.
Activation of ERK Induces Phosphorylation of MAPK Phosphatase-7, a JNK Specific Phosphatase, at Ser-446*

We previously showed that MKP-7 suppresses MAPK activation in COS-7 cells in the order of selectivity, JNK ≫ p38 > ERK, but interacts with ERK as well as JNK and p38. In this study we found that, when expressed in COS-7 cells with HA-ERK2, the mobility of FLAG-MKP-7 was decreased on SDS-PAGE gels depending on several stimuli, including phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, fetal bovine serum, epidermal growth factor, H2O2, and ionomycin. By using U0126, a MEK inhibitor, and introducing several point mutations, we demonstrated that this upward mobility shift is because of phosphorylation and identified Ser-446 of MKP-7 as the phosphorylation site targeted by ERK activation. To determine how MKP-7 interacts with MAPKs, we identified three domains in MKP-7 required for interaction with MAPKs, namely, putative MAP kinase docking domains (D-domain) I and II and a long COOH-terminal stretch unique to MKP-7. The D-domain I is required for interaction with ERK and p38, whereas the D-domain II is required for interaction with JNK and p38, which is likely to be important for MKP-7 to suppress JNK and p38 activations. The COOH-terminal stretch of MKP-7 was shown to determine JNK preference for MKP-7 by masking MKP-7 activity toward p38 and is a domain bound by ERK. These data strongly suggested that Ser-446 of MKP-7 is phosphorylated by ERK.
Exertional heat stroke: a case series.

UNLABELLED Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a state of extreme hyperthermia that occurs when excess heat that is generated by muscular exercise exceeds the body's ability to dissipate it at the same rate. EHS is thought to coincide with previously healthy, highly motivated, and relatively untrained individuals exerting in hot environments for long periods. PURPOSE To establish this notion, the present study was aimed to follow the trends in the incidence of EHS in the period 1988-1996. METHODS During these years, 150 cases of male soldiers (age = 20+/-3 yr) were reported to our institute as suffering from heat illnesses. According to the files, 82 cases were definitely diagnosed as EHS. RESULTS More than 50% of the cases occurred during the first 6 months in service. Most of the cases occurred during the summer season (June-September), but 30% of the cases occurred during the spring. EHS was not related to time in the day. Many cases occurred during the night or early morning, even under mild heat load. Forty percent of the cases occurred during very short activities, and about 60% occurred already during the first 2 h of exercise. The results were discussed in view of the regulations which prevail in the Israeli army. CONCLUSIONS It seems that almost all EHS cases occurred when regulations were not strictly followed.