Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteoporosis with low dose corticosteroids: contribution of underlying disease effects and discriminatory ability of ultrasound versus bone densitometry.

OBJECTIVE Corticosteroid use is associated with rapid bone loss, but the effect of low dose corticosteroids (CS) remains controversial and the extent to which increased fracture risk relates to quantitative effects, as reflected by change in bone mineral density (BMD), or to qualitative effects due to altered microarchitecture is unclear. Moreover the contribution of the underlying disease, for which CS are used, confounds the assessment of CS effects on bone. Our aim was to examine these effects of CS on bone. METHODS We measured BMD, quantitative ultrasound (US), and clinical and radiological disease indices in 76 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with or without low dose CS. Disease effects were quantitated using the Health Assessment Questionnaire and radiological scores. RESULTS BMD and US measures were significantly reduced in RA patients compared to age matched controls. Low dose CS use was associated with a further small but nonsignificant reduction in BMD, and US measures did not further discriminate CS effects on bone. Radiological score was an independent predictor of US measures, suggesting that in RA, calcaneal bone may reflect both systemic and local disease effects. CONCLUSION US did not appear to discriminate effects of low dose CS on bone better than BMD. However, underlying RA disease effects on bone are detectable by US. Quantitative US should be investigated for its utility in assessing disease activity or progress in RA.
Robust incoherent control of qubit systems via switching and optimisation

A robust incoherent quantum control scheme via projective measurements plus unitary transformations is proposed for driving a qubit system from an unknown initial mixed state to an arbitrary target pure state. This scheme consists of two main steps: projective measurement on the initial mixed state and optimal control between two pure states. The first step projects the initial state into an eigenstate of the qubit system by projective measurement and guarantees that the proposed scheme is robust to different initial mixed states. The second step finds a set of suitable optimal controls to drive the qubit system from the conditional eigenstate to the target pure state. The connection between the two steps is accomplished by a switching strategy. To accomplish the second step, two approaches are presented in detail. These approaches are time-optimal transition with unbounded control and bang-bang control with minimal switches. The minimal time and minimal number of switches in these approaches can be calculated by simple analytical expressions. The proposed approaches provide two relatively straightforward optimal design methods.
Expanding the ocular phenotype of 14q terminal deletions: A novel presentation of microphthalmia and coloboma in ring 14 syndrome with associated 14q32.31 deletion and review of the literature

A variety of ocular anomalies have been described in the rare ring 14 and 14q terminal deletion syndromes, yet the character, prevalence, and extent of these anomalies are not well defined. Identification of these ocular anomalies can be central to providing diagnoses and facilitating optimal individual patient management. We report a child with a 14q32.31 terminal deletion and ring chromosome formation, presenting with severe visual impairment secondary to significant bilateral coloboma and microphthalmia. This patient is compared to previously reported patients with similar ocular findings and deletion sizes to further refine a locus for coloboma in the 14q terminal region. Those with ring formation and linear deletions are compared and the possibility of ring formation affecting the proximal 14q region is discussed. This report highlights the severity of ocular anomalies that can be associated with ring 14 and 14q terminal deletion syndromes and reveals the limited documentation of ocular examination in these two related syndromes. This suggests that many children with these genetic changes do not undergo an ophthalmology examination as part of their clinical assessment, yet it is only when this evaluation becomes routine that the true prevalence and extent of ocular involvement can be defined. This report therefore advocates for a thorough ophthalmological exam in children with ring 14 or 14q terminal deletion syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of Epstein‐Barr Viral RNA in Malignant Lymphomas of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract

Recent studies have suggested a probable etiologic association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and nasal lymphomas, irrespective of geographic location. This study was performed to investigate the strength of association of EBV with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the upper aerodigestive tract, based on a large series of cases that have been thoroughly immunophenotyped on frozen tissues. A sensitive in situ hybridization technique was used to detect EBV encoded RNA (EBER) in paraffin sections. Among 30 cases of nasal/nasopharyngeal T-cell lymphoma, 25 (83.3%) were EBER-positive. In the positive cases, most of the neoplastic cells showed strong nuclear signals. Further analysis of this group of tumors showed that all 21 cases (100%) with a CD56+ CD3-phenotype were EBER positive, whereas four of nine cases (44.4%) with a CD56-negative immunophenotype were positive. Only one of 10 cases (10%) of nasal/nasopharyngeal B-cell lymphoma was EBER positive; the positive case was a diffuse mixed-cell lymphoma and could not be distinguished morphologically from the negative cases. Among the 21 cases of lymphoma of the tonsils and back of the tongue (20 B-lineage and one T-lineage), none was EBER positive. In the normal mucosa of the nose/nasopharynx or tonsil (20 cases studied), only very rare EBER-positive small lymphocytes were found in two cases. The almost exclusive detection of EBER in nasal/nasopharyngeal T-cell neoplasms among the lymphomas of the upper aerodigestive tract suggests that EBV probably plays an etiologic role in the pathogenesis of this group of tumors and is not simply a passenger virus, and neither is this merely a site-dependent phenomenon in view of the weak association with nasal/nasopharyngeal B-cell lymphoma.
Considerations of Sectionalizing Switches in Distribution Networks With Distributed Generation

Introducing distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks can affect the problem of optimal switch placement. A method for solving the problem of optimal placement of sectionalizing switches with a large number of DGs is presented. The primary objective is to minimize the total cost of achieving a certain level of reliability in the presence of DG. The problem is formulated using mixed-integer linear programming to determine the optimal number and location of sectionalizing switches. Allowing DG to operate in an island mode is also considered. The effectiveness of the proposed formulation is examined on a modified reliability test system. The presented results indicate that the proposed formulation can provide a global optimum solution for the problem of sectionalizing switch placement, while reliability, capital investment, and annual operation and maintenance costs are considered. Furthermore, DG can play a key role in providing a reasonable improvement in the reliability indices of the system.
Efficacy of Oxaliplatin-based Chemotherapy+Bevacizumab as First-line Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Published Trials

Objectives:Oxaliplatin and either capecitabine or infusional/bolus 5-fluorouracil (5FU)-based chemotherapy+bevacizumab (XELOX+B and FOLFOX+B) represent 2 of the approved first-line treatments for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the addition of B did not offer a survival benefit compared with FOLFOX/XELOX alone in the phase III, NO16966 trial. The aim of this review was to aggregate all published data on the efficacy of XELOX and FOLFOX-B in prospective and retrospective studies as first-line therapy for stage IV CRC. Methods:We performed a systematic review, through PubMed and EMBASE, of all published studies exploring the efficacy of fluoropyrimidines+oxaliplatin+B-based chemotherapy as first-line chemotherapy in advanced CRC patients. Pooled estimates of the response rates, weighted medians of progression-free survival, and overall survival from all FOLFOX+B and XELOX+B arms were calculated. Results:A total of 25 studies were retrieved, with a total of 7878 patients. Overall, the pooled response rates (n=20 publications) was 49.1%. The median progression-free survival and overall survival (n=21 and 22 publications, respectively) were 10.3 and 23.7 months, respectively. The pooled median rate of surgical resection of metastases (n=13 publications) was 14%. Conclusions:XELOX+B and FOLFOX+B are active combinations as first-line treatment of advanced CRC. The efficacy is confirmed for the first time from this pooled analysis of 25 trials. Both the XELOX+B and the FOLFOX+B arms represent 2 of the cornerstone combinations when B is used as first-line therapy.
Enhancement of throughput time using MS-TCP transport layer protocol for 4G mobiles

Many enhancements of the ordinary TCP are suggested to solve the handoff and bit error rate (BER) problems that may be encountered by any wireless network, leading to decrease its throughputs, such as I-TCP, M-TCP, Snoop TCP, and Freeze TCP. These protocols concern their enhancements in solving one problem, either the handoff problem or the BER problem. In this paper, the MS-TCP protocol is suggested, it combines the features of the M-TCP and the Snoop TCP, which gives it the ability to overcome the handoff and BER problems in wireless network, the MS-TCP keeps the throughput of the sender before and after the handoff similarly, it has a local retransmission facility to retransmit the lost packets which caused by BER, and it is able to recover quickly from losses due to disconnections, to eliminate serial timeouts.
Evaluation of Time to Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Broth Culture as a Determinant for End Points in Treatment Trials

ABSTRACT Time to detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in broth culture was examined for utility as a treatment efficacy end point. Of 146 patients in a phase IIB trial, a decreased mean time to detection was found in 5 with treatment failure. Time to detection in an analysis-of-covariance model was associated with lung cavities, less intensive treatment, and differences in the bactericidal effects of treatment regimens.
Reducing Residual Strain in Fiber Bragg Grating Temperature Sensors Embedded in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers

The temperature response of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) embedded in carbon fiber reinforce polymers (CFRPs) is investigated in this paper. To provide strain-free temperature measurements, two pieces of anti-sticking materials are placed at both sides of the embedded optical fiber and between carbon fiber prepregs; thus, providing slippery surfaces that minimize the strain transfer to the FBG sensor. In particular, the impact of different anti-stick materials on the temperature and residual bending strain response of the embedded FBGs is experimentally investigated. Results demonstrate that although some materials can allow for minimum residual strain being transferred to the FBG, their thermal conductivity does not always fulfill the requirements for reliable temperature sensing. It is found out that, among the tested materials, aluminum and copper foils can provide both reliable temperature response (with negligible delay and bias) and minimum residual strain. Using such anti-stick materials, the error induced by the residual strain on FBG temperature measurements is also experimentally evaluated by applying temperature and bending loads (strain) simultaneously to the CFRP packaging. While the study is here performed for FBG-based point sensors, most of the results and conclusions are also expected to be valid for applications of embedded distributed optical fiber sensors being affected by strain-temperature cross-sensitivity issues.
Revealing the Impact of the Crowdsourcing Experience on the Engagement Process

A largely neglected aspect in crowdsourcing research is the “Crowdsourcing Experience”, which every crowdsourcee is necessarily exposed to throughout the IT-mediated crowdsourcing journey, potentially stimulating engagement. In the context of value co-creation participant’s engagement, defined as a psychological state that fosters directly and indirectly related value contributions, is argued to be a holistic measure for crowdsourcing success. Hence, this paper proposes a theoretical framework of the crowdsourcees’ engagement process and a novel approach for assessment. The recommended research design combines case study research with the sequential incident laddering technique to unravel an individual’s Crowdsourcing Experience and its impact on engagement. To the knowledge of the authors, the engagement process was not assessed in the field of crowdsourcing yet and no particular research approach exists. This research in progress offers IS-researchers and practitioners initial insights on IT-enabled engagement processes between individuals and entities to enhance knowledge on mutual value-creation.
Differential Phosphorylation of the Retinoblastoma Protein by G1/S Cyclin-dependent Kinases*

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein, pRB, is inactivated by phosphorylation. While existing evidence is strong that such phosphorylation is mediated by one or more cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) active during G1/S, it remains unclear which of the various CDKs is responsible. We show here that three candidate pRB-inactivating kinases, CDK4-cyclin D1, CDK2-cyclin E, and CDK2-cyclin A, phosphorylate pRB differentially, each on a subset of authentic pRB phosphorylation sites. Notably, two neighboring pRB phosphate acceptors, threonine 821 and threonine 826, which have previously been implicated in the regulation of LXCXE protein binding, are phosphorylated by different CDKs. We demonstrate that phosphorylation by either CDK2-cyclin A, which phosphorylates T821, or CDK4-cyclin D1, which phosphorylates threonine 826, can disable pRB for subsequent binding of an LXCXE protein. However, only one of these two kinases, CDK2-cyclin A, can dissociate a pre-existing LXCXE protein-pRB complex. We provide evidence that prior binding of an LXCXE protein blocks access to certain residues specifically targeted by CDK4-cyclin D1, explaining the inability of this kinase to resolve such complexes. While these results are not direct proof of the relevance of differential pRB phosphorylation in cells, our findings support a model whereby full phosphorylation of pRB may require the action of more than one kinase and explains how such differential phosphorylation by different CDKs might translate into a differential regulation of downstream effector pathways.
Naus published an Fuzzy Scan Method to Detect Clusters

The classical temporal scan statistic is often used to identify disease clusters. In recent years, this method has become as a very popular technique and its field of application has been notably increased. Many bioinformatic problems have been solved with this technique. In this paper a new scan fuzzy method is proposed. The behaviors of classic and fuzzy scan techniques are studied with simulated data. ROC curves are calculated, being demonstrated the superiority of the fuzzy scan technique. Keywords—Scan statistic, fuzzy scan, simulating study .
The role of infectious diseases in biological conservation

Recent increases in the magnitude and rate of environmental change, including habitat loss, climate change and overexploitation, have been directly linked to the global loss of biodiversity. Wildlife extinction rates are estimated to be 100–1000 times greater than the historical norm, and up to 50% of higher taxonomic groups are critically endangered. While many types of environmental changes threaten the survival of species all over the planet, infectious disease has rarely been cited as the primary cause of global species extinctions. There is substantial evidence, however, that diseases can greatly impact local species populations by causing temporary or permanent declines in abundance. More importantly, pathogens can interact with other driving factors, such as habitat loss, climate change, overexploitation, invasive species and environmental pollution to contribute to local and global extinctions. Regrettably, our current lack of knowledge about the diversity and abundance of pathogens in natural systems has made it difficult to establish the relative importance of disease as a significant driver of species extinction, and the context when this is most likely to occur. Here, we review the role of infectious diseases in biological conservation. We summarize existing knowledge of disease‐induced extinction at global and local scales and review the ecological and evolutionary forces that may facilitate disease‐mediated extinction risk. We suggest that while disease alone may currently threaten few species, pathogens may be a significant threat to already‐endangered species, especially when disease interacts with other drivers. We identify control strategies that may help reduce the negative effects of disease on wildlife and discuss the most critical challenges and future directions for the study of infectious diseases in the conservation sciences.
Quality and Architecture Issues Related to the Development of Internet-Based Image Fulfillment Servers

Basic architectural issues related to the development of Internet-based image fulfillment services are presented. The interface requirements and constraints under which such services must operate are described, including platform independence, standard transfer protocols, the specification of a desired product, and the handling of device-specific parameters/settings. The image science needs of these applications are discussed, with emphases on the importance of standards for image characteristics, such as color encoding, spatial information, the capture process, etc., and on the responsibility for, and limitations on, image quality. A system architecture that would satisfy the primary needs and constraints of Internet-based imaging servers is hypothesized. This architecture involves the use of an eXtensible Markup Language (XML). Completed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in early 1998, the XML standard allows data to be selfdescribing and is a ready-made solution for Internet communication. Its use would provide an efficient, extensible means for the development of diverse Internetbased imaging applications.
Microflora and somatic cell content of goat milk

The results of tests to determine the microflora and somatic cell content of 483 milk samples from 250 dairy goats in the North of Scotland are presented. Milk from uninfected udders had extremely low levels of bacterial contamination, 80 per cent of such samples having less than 100 bacteria/ml. One quarter of all samples were infected, the organisms isolated being coagulase negative staphylococci (83.5 per cent), coagulase positive staphylococci (12.4 per cent) streptococci (3.3 per cent) and Escherichia coli (0.8 per cent). Streptococcus agalactiae was not detected. Somatic cell count levels were higher than those usually found in cows' milk: 33 per cent more than 2,000,000/ml; 22 per cent between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000/ml; 25 per cent between 500,000 and 1,000,000/ml; 22 per cent less than 500,000/ml. The levels of cell counts were similar for uninfected halves and halves infected with coagulase negative staphylococci. Halves infected with coagulase positive staphylococci had much higher cell counts, eg, 73 per cent in excess of 2,000,000/ml. The interpretation of tests based on somatic cell content as indicators of mastitis in goats is discussed.
Facile synthesis and characterization of highly fluorescent and biocompatible N-acetyl-l-cysteine capped CdTe/CdS/ZnS core/shell/shell quantum dots in aqueous phase

The synthesis of water-soluble quantum dots (QDs) in aqueous phase has received much attention recently. To date various kinds of QDs such as CdTe, CdSe, CdTe/CdS and CdSe/ZnS have been synthesized by aqueous methods. However, generally poor-quality QDs (photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) lower than 30%) are obtained via this method and the 3-mercaptopropionic acid stabilizer is notorious for its toxicity and awful odor. Here we introduce a novel thiol ligand, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, as an ideal stabilizer that is successfully employed to synthesize high-quality CdTe/CdS/ZnS QDs via a simple aqueous phase. The core/shell/shell structures of the CdTe/CdS/ZnS QDs were verified by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. These QDs not only possess a high PLQY but also have excellent photostability and favorable biocompatibility, which is vital for many biological applications. This type of water-dispersed QD is a promising candidate for fluorescent probes in biological and medical fields.
Interleukin (IL)‐17‐producing pathogenic T lymphocytes co‐express CD20 and are depleted by rituximab in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a pilot study

Compelling evidence suggests that interleukin (IL)‐17 and IL‐17‐producing cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). We investigated phenotypical and functional effects of the anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab (RTX) on circulating and glandular IL‐17‐producing T cells in pSS. RTX is able to deplete glandular IL‐17+ CD3+CD4–CD8– double‐negative (DN) and CD4+ Th17 cells as well as circulating IL‐17+ DN T cells. A fraction of glandular and circulating IL‐17+ DN cells and CD4+ T helper type 17 (Th17) cells co‐expresses CD20 on the cell surface explaining, at least in part, such depletive capacity of RTX. The exposure to RTX does not rescue the in‐vitro corticosteroid resistance of IL‐17+ DN T cells. Our results support further the therapeutic role in pSS of RTX that, despite its B cell specificity, appears able to also hamper IL‐17‐producing T cells in this disease.
Cavitary Pulmonary Zygomycosis Caused by Rhizopus homothallicus

ABSTRACT We report the first two proven cases of cavitary pulmonary zygomycosis caused by Rhizopus homothallicus. The diagnosis in each case was based on histology, culture of the causal agent, and the nucleotide sequence of the D1/D2 region of the 28S ribosomal DNA.
Keeping management effects separate from environmental effects in terrestrial carbon accounting

This study proposes that carbon fluxes identified as being from land use and land‐cover change (LULCC) include only that component of a flux that can be attributed to LULCC, exclusive of the effects of environmental change (CO2, climate, N, etc.). This proposal seems too obvious to need saying, but published estimates of the LULCC flux are widely variable for reasons that have more to do with modeling environmental effects than with LULCC.