LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Cancer-associated fibroblasts induce metalloprotease-independent cancer cell invasion of the basement membrane

At the stage of carcinoma in situ, the basement membrane (BM) segregates tumor cells from the stroma. This barrier must be breached to allow dissemination of the tumor cells to adjacent tissues. Cancer cells can perforate the BM using proteolysis; however, whether stromal cells play a role in this process remains unknown. Here we show that an abundant stromal cell population, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), promote cancer cell invasion through the BM. CAFs facilitate the breaching of the BM in a matrix metalloproteinase-independent manner. Instead, CAFs pull, stretch, and soften the BM leading to the formation of gaps through which cancer cells can migrate. By exerting contractile forces, CAFs alter the organization and the physical properties of the BM, making it permissive for cancer cell invasion. Blocking the ability of stromal cells to exert mechanical forces on the BM could therefore represent a new therapeutic strategy against aggressive tumors. Stromal cells play various roles in tumor establishment and metastasis. Here the authors, using an ex-vivo model, show that cancer-associated fibroblasts facilitate colon cancer cells invasion in a matrix metalloproteinase-independent manner, likely by pulling and stretching the basement membrane to form gaps.
HLA epitope based matching for transplantation.

As important risk factors for transplant rejection and failure, HLA antibodies are now recognized as being specific for epitopes which can be defined structurally with amino acid differences between HLA alleles. Donor-recipient compatibility should therefore be assessed at the epitope rather than the antigen level. HLAMatchmaker is a computer algorithm that considers each HLA antigen as a series of small configurations of polymorphic residues referred to as eplets as essential components of HLA epitopes. It includes epitopes on antigens encoded by all HLA-A, B, C, DR, DQ and DP loci as well as MICA. HLA epitopes have two characteristics namely antigenicity, i.e. the reactivity with antibody and immunogenicity, i.e. the ability of eliciting an antibody response. This article addresses the relevance of determining epitope-specificities of HLA antibodies, the effect of epitope structure on technique-dependent antibody reactivity and the identification of acceptable mismatches for sensitized patients considered for transplantation. Permissible mismatching for non-sensitized patients aimed to prevent or reduce HLA antibody responses could consider epitope loads of mismatched antigens and the recently developed nonself-self paradigm of epitope immunogenicity.
The priority factor model for customer relationship management system success

As the market competition becomes keen, constructing a customer relationship management system is coming to the front for winning over new customers, developing service and products for customer satisfaction and retaining existing customers. However, decisions for CRM implementation have been hampered by inconsistency between information technology and marketing strategies, and the lack of conceptual bases necessary to develop the success measures. Using a structural equation analysis, this study explores the CRM system success model that consists of CRM initiatives: process fit, customer information quality, and system support; intrinsic success: efficiency and customer satisfaction; and extrinsic success: profitability. These constructs underlie much of the existing literature on information system success and customer satisfaction perspectives. We found the empirical support for CRM implementation decision-making from 253 respondents of 14 companies which have implemented the CRM system. These findings should be of great interest to both researchers and practitioners. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
HELIOS 2014 Team Description Paper

HELIOS2014 is a 2D soccer simulation team which has been participating in the RoboCup competition since 2000. We recently focus on an online multiagent planning using tree search methodology. This paper describes the overview of our search framework and an evaluation method to select the best action sequence.
Isometric quadriceps strength in women with mild, moderate, and severe knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE
Quadriceps weakness is a common clinical sign in persons with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis and results in physical disability; however, minimal data exist to establish whether quadriceps weakness is present in early stages of the disease. Therefore, our purpose was to determine whether quadriceps weakness was present in persons with early radiographic and cartilaginous evidence of osteoarthritis. Further, we sought to determine whether quadriceps strength decreases as osteoarthritis severity increases.


DESIGN
Three hundred forty-eight women completed radiologic and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation, in addition to strength testing. Anterior-posterior radiographs were graded for tibiofemoral osteoarthritis severity using the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. Scans from magnetic resonance imaging were used to assess medial tibiofemoral and patellar cartilage based on a modification of the Noyes scale. The peak knee extension torque recorded was used to represent strength.


RESULTS
Quadriceps strength (Nm/kg) was 22% greater in women without radiographic osteoarthritis than in women with osteoarthritis (P < 0.05). Quadriceps strength was also greater in women with Noyes' medial tibial and femoral cartilage scores of 0 when compared in women with Noyes' grades 2 and 3-5 (P < or = 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Women with early evidence of osteoarthritis had less quadriceps strength than women without osteoarthritis as defined by imaging.
Does cardioplegia type affect outcome and survival in patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction? Results from the CABG Patch Trial.

BACKGROUND
There is controversy regarding which cardioplegic solution, temperature, and route of administration provides superior protection. The CABG Patch Trial enrolled a high-risk group of coronary artery disease patients with an ejection fraction of <36%. Thus, they constitute an ideal group to benefit most from optimal cardioplegic protection.


METHODS AND RESULTS
All patients randomized into the trial were compared with respect to the use of blood and crystalloid cardioplegia. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to surgeons requesting blood cardioplegic temperature and route. Patients receiving crystalloid cardioplegia versus those receiving blood cardioplegia were found to have significantly more operative deaths (2% versus 0.3%, P:=0.02), postoperative myocardial infarctions (10% versus 2%, P:<0.001), shock (13% versus 7%, P:=0. 013), and postoperative conduction defects (21.6% versus 12.4%, P:=0. 001). Despite this, early death (6% crystalloid versus 4% blood cardioplegia) and late death (24% crystalloid versus 21% blood cardioplegia) statistics were not significantly different. Patients receiving normothermic blood had less postoperative right ventricular dysfunction (10%) than did patients receiving cold blood (25%) or cold blood with warm reperfusion (30%) (P:=0.004). There was no significant difference in early or late death. Finally, patients who received combined antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia had significantly less inotrope use (71% versus 84%, P:=0.002), right ventricular dysfunction (23% versus 41%, P:=0.001), and postoperative balloon pump use (12% versus 19%, P:=0.02) than did those who received antegrade cardioplegia. There was no difference in survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Blood cardioplegia and combined antegrade and retrograde cardioplegia are superior to crystalloid and antegrade cardioplegia alone for postoperative morbidity. Despite this, there is no significant difference in early or late survival.
Automated early detection of diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE
To compare the performance of automated diabetic retinopathy (DR) detection, using the algorithm that won the 2009 Retinopathy Online Challenge Competition in 2009, the Challenge2009, against that of the one currently used in EyeCheck, a large computer-aided early DR detection project.


DESIGN
Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology.


PARTICIPANTS
Fundus photographic sets, consisting of 2 fundus images from each eye, were evaluated from 16670 patient visits of 16,670 people with diabetes who had not previously been diagnosed with DR.


METHODS
The fundus photographic set from each visit was analyzed by a single retinal expert; 793 of the 16,670 sets were classified as containing more than minimal DR (threshold for referral). The outcomes of the 2 algorithmic detectors were applied separately to the dataset and were compared by standard statistical measures.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), a measure of the sensitivity and specificity of DR detection.


RESULTS
Agreement was high, and examination results indicating more than minimal DR were detected with an AUC of 0.839 by the EyeCheck algorithm and an AUC of 0.821 for the Challenge2009 algorithm, a statistically nonsignificant difference (z-score, 1.91). If either of the algorithms detected DR in combination, the AUC for detection was 0.86, the same as the theoretically expected maximum. At 90% sensitivity, the specificity of the EyeCheck algorithm was 47.7% and that of the Challenge2009 algorithm was 43.6%.


CONCLUSIONS
Diabetic retinopathy detection algorithms seem to be maturing, and further improvements in detection performance cannot be differentiated from best clinical practices, because the performance of competitive algorithm development now has reached the human intrareader variability limit. Additional validation studies on larger, well-defined, but more diverse populations of patients with diabetes are needed urgently, anticipating cost-effective early detection of DR in millions of people with diabetes to triage those patients who need further care at a time when they have early rather than advanced DR.
Inhibition of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli in model broth and rumen systems by carvacrol and thymol.

The antimicrobial activities of thymol and carvacrol were assessed against a selection of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) strains (n=11) and other bacterial species and spoilage bacteria (n=7) using a model broth system. The effects of pH, temperature, water activity, sodium chloride concentrations, inoculum size and the presence of competing microflora on the activities of thymol and carvacrol against E. coli O157:H7 strain 380-94 were also determined. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively) and numbers of surviving E. coli O157:H7 were determined following incubation. The mean numbers of VTEC surviving exposure to thymol or carvacrol at concentrations of >/=500mug/ml were between 2.0 and 7.8log cfu/ml less than the numbers in the corresponding controls. The susceptibility of E. coli O157:H7 to carvacrol or thymol was found to increase with decreasing storage temperature, water activity, pH and E. coli O157:H7 inoculum size. Sodium chloride (0.5-2.5%) and the presence of a microflora cocktail did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the antimicrobial activities of thymol or carvacrol against E. coli O157:H7. The antimicrobial activity of carvacrol against E. coli O157:H7 was also tested in a model rumen system. A MIC of 500mug/ml carvacrol reduced E. coli O157:H7 inoculated at levels of 10(3) and 10(6)cfu/ml to undetectable levels in the system after 24h incubation. This concentration of carvacrol significantly (p<0.05) decreased the total gas production and volatile fatty acid concentrations in the model rumen assay.
Interaction-free dressing of virtual humans

We describe an interaction-free method for a geometric pre-positioning of virtual cloth patterns with human 3D scans. Combined with the following physically based sewing simulation, a fully automated dressing of virtual humans becomes possible. This reduces the time needed for dressing virtual humans by eliminating the time needed for the interactive placement of the cloth patterns in previous methods, where the patterns have to be pre-positioned by user interaction. The result of our pre-positioning method is computed in less than 0:3 s CPU time for various examples on current PCs and designed to converge efficiently in the simulation step afterwards. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Associations Between Physical Activity , Physical Fitness , and Falls Risk in Healthy Older Individuals

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND FALLS RISK IN HEALTHY OLDER INDIVIDUALS Christopher Deane Vaughan Old Dominion University, 2016 Chair: Dr. John David Branch Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between objectively measured physical activity, physical fitness, and the risk of falling. Methods: A total of n=29 subjects completed the study, n=15 male and n=14 female age (mean±SD)= 70± 4 and 71±3 years, respectively. In a single testing session, subjects performed pre-post evaluations of falls risk (Short-from PPA) with a 6-minute walking intervention between the assessments. The falls risk assessment included tests of balance, knee extensor strength, proprioception, reaction time, and visual contrast. The sub-maximal effort 6-minute walking task served as an indirect assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness. Subjects traversed a walking mat to assess for variation in gait parameters during the walking task. Additional center of pressure (COP) balance measures were collected via forceplate during the falls risk assessments. Subjects completed a Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) falls confidence survey. Subjects’ falls histories were also collected. Subjects wore hip mounted accelerometers for a 7-day period to assess time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results: Males had greater body mass and height than females (p=0.001, p=0.001). Males had a lower falls risk than females at baseline (p=0.043) and post-walk (p=0.031). MFES scores were similar among all subjects (Median = 10). Falls history reporting revealed; fallers (n=8) and non-fallers (n=21). No significant relationships were found between main outcome measures of MVPA, cardiorespiratory fitness, or falls risk. Fallers had higher knee extensor strength than non-fallers at baseline (p=0.028) and post-walk (p=0.011). Though not significant (p=0.306), fallers spent 90 minutes more time in MVPA than non-fallers (427.8±244.6 min versus 335.7±199.5). Variations in gait and COP variables were not significant. Conclusions: This study found no apparent relationship between objectively measured physical activity, indirectly measured cardiorespiratory fitness, and falls risk.
Predictors and outcomes of intraprocedural rupture in patients treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysms: the CARAT study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Intraprocedural rupture (IPR) is a well known complication of intracranial aneurysm treatment. Risks and predictors of IPR and its impact on outcome have not been clearly established.


METHODS
Potential predictors of IPR were evaluated in patients treated in the Cerebral Aneurysm Rerupture After Treatment (CARAT) study using multivariate logistic regression with stepwise elimination stratified by treatment modality. Periprocedural death or disability was defined as death or a change of >or=2 points on the Modified Rankin Scale at discharge compared to before treatment.


RESULTS
IPR occurred in 14.6% of 1010 patients (299 coiled, 711 clipped): 19% with clipping and 5% with coiling (P<0.001). Among those clipped, 31% with IPR had periprocedural death or disability compared to 18% without IPR (P=0.001); among those coiled, 63% with IPR had periprocedural death or disability compared to 15% without IPR (P<0.001). Overall, coronary artery disease and initial lower Hunt and Hess Grade were independent predictors of IPR. For those undergoing coiling, independent predictors of IPR were Asian race, black race, COPD, and lower initial Hunt and Hess Grade. Among those undergoing clipping, hyperlipidemia and lower initial Hunt and Hess Grade were both independent predictors of IPR.


CONCLUSIONS
IPR was common in patients undergoing treatment of ruptured aneurysms, particularly with surgical clipping. The frequency of IPR with new disability was similar in the surgical and endovascular treatment groups. Coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, race, COPD, and lower Hunt and Hess Grade were associated with greater risk of IPR, which may reflect differences in vessel fragility but requires further confirmation.
Linking genetic and environmental factors in amphibian disease risk

A central question in evolutionary biology is how interactions between organisms and the environment shape genetic differentiation. The pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused variable population declines in the lowland leopard frog (Lithobates yavapaiensis); thus, disease has potentially shaped, or been shaped by, host genetic diversity. Environmental factors can also influence both amphibian immunity and Bd virulence, confounding our ability to assess the genetic effects on disease dynamics. Here, we used genetics, pathogen dynamics, and environmental data to characterize L. yavapaiensis populations, estimate migration, and determine relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in predicting Bd dynamics. We found that the two uninfected populations belonged to a single genetic deme, whereas each infected population was genetically unique. We detected an outlier locus that deviated from neutral expectations and was significantly correlated with mortality within populations. Across populations, only environmental variables predicted infection intensity, whereas environment and genetics predicted infection prevalence, and genetic diversity alone predicted mortality. At one locality with geothermally elevated water temperatures, migration estimates revealed source-sink dynamics that have likely prevented local adaptation. We conclude that integrating genetic and environmental variation among populations provides a better understanding of Bd spatial epidemiology, generating more effective conservation management strategies for mitigating amphibian declines.
A user-centered model for designing consumer mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps)

BACKGROUND
Mobile technologies are a useful platform for the delivery of health behavior interventions. Yet little work has been done to create a rigorous and standardized process for the design of mobile health (mHealth) apps. This project sought to explore the use of the Information Systems Research (ISR) framework as guide for the design of mHealth apps.


METHODS
Our work was guided by the ISR framework which is comprised of 3 cycles: Relevance, Rigor and Design. In the Relevance cycle, we conducted 5 focus groups with 33 targeted end-users. In the Rigor cycle, we performed a review to identify technology-based interventions for meeting the health prevention needs of our target population. In the Design Cycle, we employed usability evaluation methods to iteratively develop and refine mock-ups for a mHealth app.


RESULTS
Through an iterative process, we identified barriers and facilitators to the use of mHealth technology for HIV prevention for high-risk MSM, developed 'use cases' and identified relevant functional content and features for inclusion in a design document to guide future app development. Findings from our work support the use of the ISR framework as a guide for designing future mHealth apps.


DISCUSSION
Results from this work provide detailed descriptions of the user-centered design and system development and have heuristic value for those venturing into the area of technology-based intervention work. Findings from this study support the use of the ISR framework as a guide for future mHealth app development.


CONCLUSION
Use of the ISR framework is a potentially useful approach for the design of a mobile app that incorporates end-users' design preferences.
Geometric isomorphism and minimum aberration for factorial designs with quantitative factors

Factorial designs have broad applications in agricultural, engineering and scientific studies. In constructing and studying properties of factorial designs, traditional design theory treats all factors as nominal. However, this is not appropriate for experiments that involve quantitative factors. For designs with quantitative factors, level permutation of one or more factors in a design matrix could result in different geometric structures, and, thus, different design properties. In this paper indicator functions are introduced to represent factorial designs. A polynomial form of indicator functions is used to characterize the geometric structure of those designs. Geometric isomorphism is defined for classifying designs with quantitative factors. Based on indicator functions, a new aberration criteria is proposed and some minimum aberration designs are presented.
Effectiveness of strengthened stimulation during acupuncture for the treatment of Bell palsy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND
The traditional Chinese theory of acupuncture emphasizes that the intensity of acupuncture must reach a threshold to generate de qi, which is necessary to achieve the best therapeutic effect. De qi is an internal compound sensation of soreness, tingling, fullness, aching, cool, warmth and heaviness, and a radiating sensation at and around the acupoints. However, the notion that de qi must be achieved for maximum benefit has not been confirmed by modern scientific evidence.


METHODS
We performed a prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial involving patients with Bell palsy. Patients were randomly assigned to the de qi (n = 167) or control (n = 171) group. Both groups received acupuncture: in the de qi group, the needles were manipulated manually until de qi was reached, whereas in the control group, the needles were inserted without any manipulation. All patients received prednisone as a basic treatment. The primary outcome was facial nerve function at month 6. We also assessed disability and quality of life 6 months after randomization.


RESULTS
After 6 months, patients in the de qi group had better facial function (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 4.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23-7.78), better disability assessment (differences of least squares means 9.80, 95% CI 6.29-13.30) and better quality of life (differences of least squares means 29.86, 95% CI 22.33-37.38). Logistic regression analysis showed a positive effect of the de qi score on facial-nerve function (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.09).


INTERPRETATION
Among patients with Bell palsy, acupuncture with strong stimulation that elicited de qi had a greater therapeutic effect, and stronger intensity of de qi was associated with the better therapeutic effects.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT00685789.