Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study (PLuSS): outcomes within 3 years of a first computed tomography scan.

RATIONALE The role of computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer is controversial, currently under study, and not yet fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES To report findings from initial and 1-year repeat screening low-radiation-dose CT of the chest and 3-year outcomes for 50- to 79-year-old current and ex-smokers in the Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study (PLuSS). METHODS Notified of findings on screening CT, subjects received diagnostic advice from both study and personal physicians. Tracking subjects for up to three years since initial screening, we obtained medical records to document diagnostic procedures, lung cancer diagnoses, and deaths. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS 3,642 and 3,423 subjects had initial and repeat screening. A total of 1,477 (40.6% of 3,624) were told about noncalcified lung nodules on the initial screening and, before repeat screening, 821 (55.6% of 1,477, 22.5% of 3,642) obtained one or more subsequent diagnostic imaging studies (CT, positron emission tomography [PET], or PET-CT). Tracking identified 80 subjects with lung cancer, including 53 subjects with tumor seen at initial screening. In all, 36 subjects (1.0% of the 3,642 screened), referred for abnormalities on either the initial or repeat screening, had a major thoracic surgical procedure (thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS], median sternotomy, or mediastinoscopy) leading to a noncancer final diagnosis. Out of 82 subjects with thoracotomy or VATS to exclude malignancy in a lung nodule, 28 (34.1%) received a noncancer final diagnosis. Forty of 69 (58%) subjects with non-small cell lung cancer had stage I disease at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Though leading to the discovery of early stage lung cancer, CT screening also led to many diagnostic follow-up procedures, including major thoracic surgical procedures with noncancer outcomes.
Sleep quality and the risk of work injury: a Swiss case–control study

Sleep problems are a well‐known risk factor for work injuries, but less is known about which vulnerable populations are most at risk. The aims of this study were to investigate the association between sleep quality and the risk of work injury and to identify factors that may modify the association. A case–control study including 180 cases and 551 controls was conducted at the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, from 1 December 2009 to 30 June 2011. Data on work injuries and sleep quality were collected. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the association between sleep quality and work injury were estimated in multivariable logistic regression analyses and were stratified by hypothesized effect modifiers (age, gender, job risk, shift work, sleep duration and working hours). Poor sleep quality was associated significantly with work injury of any type (P < 0.05) and with being caught in particular (P < 0.05). The association between poor sleep quality and work injury was significantly higher for workers older than 30 years (odds ratio>30 1.30 versus odds ratio≤30 0.91, P < 0.01), sleeping 7 h or less per night (odds ratio≤7 1.17 versus odds ratio>7 0.79, P < 0.05) and working 50 h or more per week (odds ratio≥50 1.79 versus odd ratio<50 1.10, P < 0.01). Work injury risk increased with increasing severity of sleep problems (P < 0.05). Prior work injury frequency increased with decreasing sleep quality (P < 0.05). Older age, short sleep duration and long working hours may enhance the risk of work injuries associated with sleep quality.
The Presence of Asbestos in the Natural Environment is Likely Related to Mesothelioma in Young Individuals and Women from Southern Nevada

Background: Inhalation of asbestos and other mineral fibers is known causes of malignant mesothelioma (MM) and lung cancers. In a setting of occupational exposure to asbestos, MM occurs four to eight times more frequently in men than in women, at the median age of 74 years, whereas an environmental exposure to asbestos causes the same number of MMs in men and women, at younger ages. Methods: We studied the geology of Nevada to identify mineral fibers in the environment. We compared MM mortality in different Nevada counties, per sex and age group, for the 1999 to 2010 period. Results: We identified the presence of carcinogenic minerals in Nevada, including actinolite asbestos, erionite, winchite, magnesioriebeckite, and richterite. We discovered that, compared with the United States and other Nevada counties, Clark and Nye counties, in southern Nevada, had a significantly higher proportion of MM that occurred in young individuals (<55 years) and in women. Conclusions: The elevated percentage of women and individuals younger than 55 years old, combined with a sex ratio of 1:1 in this age group and the presence of naturally occurring asbestos, suggests that environmental exposure to mineral fibers in southern Nevada may be contributing to some of these mesotheliomas. Further research to assess environmental exposures should allow the development of strategies to minimize exposure, as the development of rural areas continues in Nevada, and to prevent MM and other asbestos-related diseases.
Behavioral considerations for effective time-varying electricity prices

Abstract Wholesale prices for electricity vary significantly due to high fluctuations and low elasticity of short-run demand. End-use customers have typically paid flat retail rates for their electricity consumption, and time-varying prices (TVPs) have been proposed to help reduce peak consumption and lower the overall cost of servicing demand. Unfortunately, the general practice is an opt-in system: a default rule in favor of TVPs would be far better. A behaviorally informed analysis also shows that when transaction costs and decision biases are taken into account, the most cost-reflective policies are not necessarily the most efficient. On reasonable assumptions, real-time prices can result in less peak conservation of manually controlled devices than time-of-use or critical-peak prices. For that reason, the trade-offs between engaging automated and manually controlled loads must be carefully considered in time-varying rate design. The rate type and accompanying program details should be designed with the behavioral biases of consumers in mind, while minimizing price distortions for automated devices.
Prototype-Based Modeling for Facial Expression Analysis

Automatic facial expression analysis systems are aiming towards the application of computer vision techniques in human computer interaction, emotion analysis, and even medical care via a space mapping between the continuous emotion and a set of discrete expression categories. The main difficulty with these systems is the inherent problem of facial alignment due to person-specific appearance. Beside the facial representation problem, the same displayed facial expression may vary differently across humans; this can be true even for the same person in different contexts. To cope with these variable factors, we introduce the concept of prototype-based model as anchor modeling through a SIFT-flow registration. A set of prototype facial expression models is generated as a reference space of emotions on which face images are projected to generate a set of registered faces. To characterize the facial expression appearance, oriented gradients are processed on each registered image. We obtained the best results 87% with the person-independent evaluation strategy on JAFFE dataset (7-class expression recognition problem), and 83% on the complex setting of the GEMEP-FERA database (5-class problem).
Rapid Antidepressant Effect of Ketamine in the Electroconvulsive Therapy Setting

Objectives Studies now provide strong evidence that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist ketamine possesses rapidly acting antidepressant properties. This study aimed to determine if a low dose of ketamine could be used to expedite and augment the antidepressant effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments in patients experiencing a severe depressive episode. Materials and Methods Subjects with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder referred for ECT treatment of a major depressive episode were randomized to receive thiopental alone or thiopental plus ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) for anesthesia before each ECT session. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was administered at baseline and at 24 to 72 hours after the first and sixth ECT sessions. Results Electroconvulsive therapy exerted a significant antidepressant effect in both groups (F2,24 = 14.35, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant group effect or group-by-time interaction on HDRS scores. In addition, post hoc analyses of the time effect on HDRS showed no significant HDRS reduction after the first ECT session for either group. Conclusions The results of this pilot study suggest that ketamine, at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, given just before ECT, did not enhance the antidepressant effect of ECT. Interestingly, the results further suggest that the coadministration of ketamine with a barbiturate anesthetic and ECT may attenuate the immediate antidepressant effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist.
Expected utility theory with imprecise probability perception: explaining preference reversals

ABSTRACT This article presents a new model for decision-making under risk, which provides an explanation for empirically-observed preference reversals. Central to the theory is the incorporation of probability perception imprecision, which arises because of individuals’ vague understanding of numerical probabilities. We combine this concept with the use of the Alpha EU model and construct a simple model which helps us to understand anomalies, such as preference reversals and valuation gaps, discovered in the experimental economics literature, that standard models cannot explain.
Lattice Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based encryption from ring-LWE

The recent promising results on the hardness of lattice problems have inspired the construction of several Attribute-based Encryption (ABE) schemes from the quantum resistant perspective. However, these schemes are insufficient enough for supporting real-world applications due to inherent quadratic overhead problem in the use of Learning With Error (LWE). To solve this problem, this paper proposed a Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption (CP-ABE) scheme from a more lightweight ideal lattice classes- Ring-Learning with Errors (Ring-LWE), that further called as CP-ABER-LWE scheme. Compared to existing R-LWE based ABE scheme, the proposed CP-ABER-LWE is capable to handle a monotone access structure and enjoys collusion resistance properties. We exploited Linear Secret Scheme (LSSS) to express a monotone access structure. For resist to collusion attack, we applied the private key randomization technique to blind the user's private key. The proposed scheme CP-ABER-LWE is further proven to be secure under the Decision Ring-LWEd,q,χ problem in the selective set model.
Decentralized Integral Controllability Analysis Based on a New Unconditional Stability Criterion

Decentralized integral control is one of the most popular control strategies used in practice. An important issue associated with this strategy is the analysis of Decentralized Integral Controllability (DIC). Campo and Morari showed that for a given process, if its steady state gain matrix is not critically D-stable, its DIC can be determined by using its steady state gain matrix. This technical note investigates decentralized integral control with a special focus on the DIC analysis of processes whose steady state gain matrices are critically D-stable. First, we introduce a new unconditional stability criterion. Then, by using the proposed criterion, it is proved that for up to four-channel processes, their DIC can be totally determined by their steady state gain matrices. We also present a multi-loop PI control design method, which provides an explicit lower bound of the proportional coefficient to achieve decentralized unconditional stability for low dimensional processes. For higher dimensional processes, this technical note presents a six-channel process whose DIC property cannot be determined only by its steady state gain matrix, contradicting the view of some other researchers.
Auxin transporters and binding proteins at a glance

ABSTRACT The plant hormone auxin is a key regulator of plant growth and development. Differences in auxin distribution within tissues are mediated by the polar auxin transport machinery, and cellular auxin responses occur depending on changes in cellular auxin levels. Multiple receptor systems at the cell surface and in the interior operate to sense and interpret fluctuations in auxin distribution that occur during plant development. Until now, three proteins or protein complexes that can bind auxin have been identified. SCFTIR1 [a SKP1–cullin-1–F-box complex that contains transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1) as the F-box protein] and S-phase-kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) localize to the nucleus, whereas auxin-binding protein 1 (ABP1), predominantly associates with the endoplasmic reticulum and cell surface. In this Cell Science at a Glance article, we summarize recent discoveries in the field of auxin transport and signaling that have led to the identification of new components of these pathways, as well as their mutual interaction.
Microstrip Antenna Arrays Fed by a Series-Parallel Slot-Coupled Feeding Network

A novel concept of a feeding network of a microstrip antenna array composed of series-fed linear subarrays has been shown. The proposed feeding network utilizes a concept of a slot coupler, in which two microstrip lines are coupled through a slot in a common ground plane. As it has been shown, such a slot coupler provides equal-amplitude and out-of-phase output signals and, therefore, can be used for appropriate feeding (at the center) of a single linear antenna subarray that utilizes “through-element” series-feeding technique. The proposed concept of a slot coupler has been used for the design of an 8 × 8 antenna array, in which all 8 × 1 linear subarrays are series-fed, whereas all 8 linear subarrays are fed by a parallel feeding network.
Prevalence of clinical symptoms associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy in the Women's Interagency HIV Study.

BACKGROUND The extended use of antiretroviral drugs among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive individuals underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of therapy-associated clinical symptoms. METHODS Beginning in April 2000, 364 HIV-seronegative and 1256 HIV-seropositive women enrolled in a multicenter cohort study reported clinical symptoms that included abdominal pain, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea and/or vomiting, myalgias, fatigue, fever, body fat redistribution, dizziness, headaches, paresthesias, xerostomia, nephrolithiasis, and rash. We examined the prevalence of symptoms with respect to HIV infection and the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), using data-correlation models. RESULTS In the 6 months before a study visit, 49% of HIV-seronegative women, 67% of HIV-seropositive women not receiving therapy, and 69% of HIV-seropositive women receiving HAART reported any clinical symptom. The odds ratios (ORs) for reporting any symptom were 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.8) for women who changed HAART regimens and 0.9 (95% CI, 0.7-1.1) for women reporting stable HAART use, compared with those reporting no therapy use. Significant findings (P<.05) for particular symptoms were an increased odds of diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, body fat redistribution, myalgias, and paresthesias, when data for women who changed HAART regimens were compared with those for women not receiving therapy. The OR for reporting any symptom was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.2-1.9) for women who switched HAART regimens and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.3-1.9) for women who discontinued HAART, compared with those reporting stable HAART use. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the high prevalence of clinical symptoms among HIV-seropositive women who changed HAART regimens. The high prevalence of symptoms among HIV-seronegative women and HIV-seropositive women not receiving therapy demonstrates that caution should be used when attributing the occurrence of symptoms entirely to HAART.
Down‐regulation of the receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH‐related peptide by PTH in primary fetal rat osteoblasts

We studied the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on PTH parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) receptor mRNA level, PTHrP binding, and PTH‐stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in osteoblasts, derived from fetal rat calvariae (ROB). Cells isolated during 10–70 minutes of collagenase treatment were seeded at a density of 25,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for 4 days. These cells show a fast increase in cAMP production after stimulation for 5 minutes with 20 nM bovine parathyroid hormone(1‐34) (bPTH(1‐34)). When ROB are incubated with bPTH(1‐34) (0.04–40 nM) for 24 h, a dose‐dependent decrease of the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level, PTHrP binding, and PTH‐stimulated cAMP accumulation can be observed. Pretreatment of ROB with a high concentration of bPTH(1‐34) (40 nM) leads within 15 minutes to a decrease in PTH‐stimulated cAMP accumulation. However, it takes ≥3 h before a significant decrease in PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level can be observed. Also a significant decrease in PTHrP binding is observed after only 4 h of incubation with bPTH(1‐34). Compared with bPTH(1‐34), pretreatment of ROB with bPTH(3‐34) (40 and 100 nM) for 24 h causes smaller decreases in PTH‐stimulated cAMP accumulation, PTHrP binding, and in the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level. We investigated the possible involvement of the protein kinase A signaling pathway in the regulation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA expression. Both forskolin and (Bu)2AMP decreased PTHrP binding and PTH/PTHrP mRNA levels. These observations suggest that chronic activation of the PKA signaling pathway may down‐regulate PTH/PTHrP receptor expression and thus hormone responsiveness in “normal” osteoblasts. In short, we found that the decrease of the PTH‐stimulated cAMP accumulation after long‐term pretreatment with bPTH(1‐34) is correlated with both PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA level and PTHrP binding. These data also suggest that the initial desensitization (<30 minutes) of PTH‐stimulated cAMP responsiveness by pretreatment with a high concentration of bPTH(1‐34) (40 nM) is not dependent on the number of available PTH/PTHrP receptors. The protein kinase A signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor, but, regarding the effect of bPTH(3‐34), other signaling systems are also involved.
Arginine for gestating sows and foetal development: A systematic review

The use of functional amino acids during pregnancy has been linked to improved reproduction in mammals. In this context, arginine is a precursor in the synthesis of numerous molecules, such as nitric oxide and polyamines, which play an important role during reproduction. However, contradictory studies are found in the literature, particularly regarding the amount of supplementation and the period of pregnancy in which it is used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary arginine supplementation for pregnant sows on foetal development via a systematic review. The search for papers was performed during the month of December 2015, in the databases ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and SciELO. From a total of 5675 returned studies, only 13 papers were selected after applying selection criteria. Most (47%) of the studies that evaluated the effects of dietary arginine supplementation on foetal development in pigs used 1% arginine. Supplementation was initiated in the first third of pregnancy in 47% of tests, including in both primiparous and multiparous sows. These studies showed positive results for embryo survival and foetal development, evidenced by the increase in placental weight and the number and weight of piglets born alive. Of all evaluated studies, 53% showed benefits on foetal development. It is concluded that supplementing dietary arginine in gestating sows can benefit embryo survival and foetal development. However, to establish a supplementation plan with this amino acid, aspects related to the period of pregnancy, supplementation levels, and source of arginine must be well defined.
Mathematically calculating the transit time of cargo through a liner shipping network with various trans-shipment policies

ABSTRACT This paper derives the mathematical expressions for the transit time of cargo through a liner shipping network. Main efforts are devoted to deriving the calculation expressions of the connection time of cargo during trans-shipment. For the forward and many-to-one trans-shipment policies, we conduct a minor correction towards the expressions in existing studies to improve the completeness. Meanwhile, we propose an alternative but more straightforward calculation method for connection time which bypasses the complicated inductive argument in existing studies. Then we introduce two new trans-shipment policies: backward trans-shipment and one-to-many trans-shipment, and mathematically calculate the corresponding connection times. Numerical experiments also deliver some managerial insights into the effectiveness of backward trans-shipment in transit time control.
Fabrication of a micro humidity sensor with polypyrrole using the CMOS process

This study investigates the fabrication of a micro humidity sensor integrated with circuitry using the complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process. The area of the humidity sensor chip is about 1 mm2. The advantages of the humidity sensor include small volume, high sensitivity, and integrated with circuitry on a chip. The sensor, which is a capacitive type, comprises the improved interdigital electrodes that can enhance its sensitivity. The sensitive film of the humidity sensor is polypyrrole, which is prepared by the chemical polymerization method. The humidity sensor needs a post-CMOS process to coat the sensitive film. The post-CMOS process uses a wet etching to etch the sacrificial layers, and then the polypyrrole is coated on the humidity sensor. The sensor produces a change in capacitance when the sensitive film absorbs or desorbs vapor. The humidity sensor consists of a ring oscillator circuit that is utilized to convert the capacitance variation into the oscillation frequency output.
Molecular recognition events involved in the activation of the growth hormone receptor by growth hormone

Binding of growth hormone (GH) to its receptor (GHR) is a well‐studied example of molecular recognition between a cytokine and its receptor. Extensive mutagenesis studies and several crystal structures have defined the key interactive amino acid residues that are involved in binding and subsequent receptor dimerization. This review encompasses each of the three molecular recognition events involved in GHR activation, namely binding of GH to its two receptors and the interactions that occur between these receptors. Particular attention is given to species and ligand specificity of hormone binding and to the molecular recognition events involved in receptor activation, including the possibility that a conformational change in the receptor is required. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.