Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mycophenolate mofetil for initial treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease.

We conducted a double-blind, randomized multicenter trial to determine whether the addition of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) improves the efficacy of initial systemic treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The primary endpoint was resolution of chronic GVHD and withdrawal of all systemic treatment within 2 years, without secondary treatment. Enrollment of 230 patients was planned, providing 90% power to observe a 20% difference in success rates between the 2 arms. The study was closed after 4 years because the interim estimated cumulative incidence of success for the primary endpoint was 23% among 74 patients in the MMF arm and 18% among 77 patients in the control arm, indicating a low probability of positive results for the primary endpoint after completing the study as originally planned. Analysis of secondary endpoints showed no evidence of benefit from adding MMF to the systemic regimen first used for treatment of chronic GVHD. The estimated hazard ratio of death was 1.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.9-4.3) among patients in the MMF arm compared with the control arm. MMF should not be added to the initial systemic treatment regimen for chronic GVHD. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as #NCT00089141 on August 4, 2004.
Estrogenicity of resin-based composites and sealants used in dentistry.

We tested some resin-based composites used in dentistry for their estrogenic activity. A sealant based on bisphenol-A diglycidylether methacrylate (bis-GMA) increased cell yields, progesterone receptor expression, and pS2 secretion in human estrogen-target, serum-sensitive MCF7 breast cancer cells. Estrogenicity was due to bisphenol-A and bisphenol-A dimethacrylate, monomers found in the base paste of the dental sealant and identified by mass spectrometry. Samples of saliva from 18 subjects treated with 50 mg of a bis-GMA-based sealant applied on their molars were collected 1 hr before and after treatment. Bisphenol-A (range 90-931 micrograms) was identified only in saliva collected during a 1-hr period after treatment. The use of bis-GMA-based resins in dentistry, and particularly the use of sealants in children, appears to contribute to human exposure to xenoestrogens. ImagesFigure 1. AFigure 1. BFigure 2.Figure 3. AFigure 3. BFigure 4. AFigure 4. BFigure 5. AFigure 5. BFigure 6. AFigure 6. BFigure 7. AFigure 7. BFigure 8.Figure 9.Figure 10.
Point Mutation of a Plastidic Invertase Inhibits Development of the Photosynthetic Apparatus and Enhances Nitrate Assimilation in Sugar-treated Arabidopsis Seedlings*

Because the photosynthetic apparatus contains a massive amount of nitrogen in plants, the regulation of its development by sugar signals is important to the maintenance of the carbon-nitrogen balance. In this study we isolated an Arabidopsis mutant (sicy-192) whose cotyledon greening was inhibited by treatments with sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose. In the mutant, the gene encoding plastidic alkaline/neutral invertase (INV-E) was point-mutated at codon 294, with Tyr substituted for Cys (C294Y). Interestingly, the greening of cotyledons in the knock-out INV-E lines was not inhibited by treatment with the sugars. In addition, the knock-out INV-E lines expressing an INV-E:C294Y or INV-E:C294A gene had the same phenotype as sicy-192 mutants, whereas the lines expressing a wild-type INV-E gene had the same phenotype as wild-type plants. A recombinant INV-E:C294Y protein had the same enzymatic activity as a recombinant INV-E protein, suggesting that the Cys-294 residue of INV-E is important for its functions in the chloroplasts. On treatment with sucrose, the expression of photosynthesis-related genes was weaker in seedlings of mutant plants than wild-type seedlings, whereas the activity of nitrate reductase was stronger in the mutant plants than wild-type plants. These findings suggest that Cys-294 of INV-E is associated with the development of the photosynthetic apparatus and the assimilation of nitrogen in Arabidopsis seedlings to control the ratio of sucrose content to hexose content.
Numerical and Experimental Study of a Hybrid Thermoelectric Cooler Thermal Management System for Electronic Cooling

A hybrid thermal management system for electronics cooling is considered that incorporates a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) based active path in parallel with a conventional heat pipe based passive path. The passive path is used to transport the heat from the chip at moderate thermal conditions keeping the TEC electrically off while the TEC modules are turned on when the conditions become adverse, thus operating at a higher overall system coefficient of performance. An important design parameter is the fraction of the total heat sink area dedicated to each path, which will depend on the rated heat dissipation from the chip, thermal resistance of the entire heat sink and the operational ambient temperature. A thermal resistance network model for the hybrid system that takes into account the governing thermo-physical equations for the TEC is used to investigate the system. Controlled experiments are performed to validate the hybrid thermal management model. The model predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results. The operating envelope of different hybrid thermal management configurations are compared to a heat pipe based passive system and an only TEC system. Parametric studies are performed to analyze the effect of the number of TEC modules and the external thermal resistance.
Extensive Cortical Rewiring after Brain Injury

Previously, we showed that the ventral premotor cortex (PMv) underwent neurophysiological remodeling after injury to the primary motor cortex (M1). In the present study, we examined cortical connections of PMv after such lesions. The neuroanatomical tract tracer biotinylated dextran amine was injected into the PMv hand area at least 5 months after ischemic injury to the M1 hand area. Comparison of labeling patterns between experimental and control animals demonstrated extensive proliferation of novel PMv terminal fields and the appearance of retrogradely labeled cell bodies within area 1/2 of the primary somatosensory cortex after M1 injury. Furthermore, evidence was found for alterations in the trajectory of PMv intracortical axons near the site of the lesion. The results suggest that M1 injury results in axonal sprouting near the ischemic injury and the establishment of novel connections within a distant target. These results support the hypothesis that, after a cortical injury, such as occurs after stroke, cortical areas distant from the injury undergo major neuroanatomical reorganization. Our results reveal an extraordinary anatomical rewiring capacity in the adult CNS after injury that may potentially play a role in recovery.
Preparation and characterization of SnO2 nanoparticles with a surfactant-mediated method

Using a surfactant-mediated method, tin dioxide nanoparticles with a high surface area were generated within the template of the cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) micelle assembly from the hydrous metal chloride (SnCl4 ? 5H2O). The as-synthesized product was amorphous and transformed into crystalline calcined at 500? C for 2 h, and exhibited a higher Brunauer? Emmet? Teller surface area of 69.2 m2 g? 1. The resulting particles were highly crystalline and largely monodisperse oxide particles in the nanometre range (15? 25 nm). Thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the final products.
Link characterization for Aerial Wireless Sensor Networks

Characterization of communication links in Aerial Wireless Sensor Networks (AWSN) is of paramount importance for achieving acceptable network performance. Protocols based on an arbitrary link performance may exhibit inconsistent behavior due to link degradation not considered during the design stage. It is thus necessary to account for factors that affect the link performance in real deployments. This paper details observations from an extensive set of experiments designed to characterize the behavior of communication links in AWSN. We employ the widely used TelosB sensor platform for these experiments. The experimental results highlight the fact that apart from the usual environmental factors affecting the link performance, two major contributors to the link degradation in AWSN are the antenna orientation and the multi-path fading effect due to ground reflections. Based on these observations, we recommend measures that can help alleviate the effect of these potential sources of performance degradation in AWSN in order to achieve acceptable network performance.
Platelet-mediated erythromelalgic, cerebral, ocular and coronary microvascular ischemic and thrombotic manifestations in patients with essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera: A distinct aspirin-responsive and coumadin-resistant arterial thrombophilia

Microvascular circulation disturbances including erythromelalgia, its microvascular ischemic complications, and migraine-like atypical or typical transient ischemic cerebral, ocular, and coronary ischemic attacks are specific clinical manifestations in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), and polycythemia vera (PV) associated with thrombocythemia. Thrombocythemia (ET and PV) patients with microvascular disturbances have shortened platelet survival, increased β-thromboglobulin (β-tg), platelet factor 4 (PF4), and thrombomoduline (TM) levels, and increased urinary thromboxane B2 (TxB2) excretion indicating platelet-mediated processes in vivo. Inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase (COX 1) by aspirin is followed by relief of microvascular disturbances, correction of shortened platelet survival, and return of plasma levels of β-tg, PF4, TM levels and TxB2 excretion to normal. The transient ischemic attacks and thrombotic complications in thrombocythemia are very likely caused by hypersensitive platelets produced by spontaneously proliferating enlarged megakaryocytes in the bone marrow of ET and PV patients. In contrast to normal platelets in healthy individuals the circulating hypersensitive thrombocythemic platelets spontaneously activate and secrete their products, thus forming aggregates that transiently plug the microcirculation, or result in occlusive platelet thrombi in arterioles or small arteries. Clear evidence is presented that the microvascular transient ischemic and occlusive thrombotic complications in thrombocythemia patients are relieved by treatment with aspirin and by reduction of platelet counts to normal (<400 × 109/l), but not by coumadin. In patients with thrombocythemia associated with PV, increased hematocrit and whole blood viscosity aggravate the platelet-mediated microvascular ischemic and thrombotic syndrome of thrombocythemia to major arterial and venous thrombotic complications. Correction of hematocrit and blood viscosity by phlebotomy significantly reduces the major arterial and venous thrombotic complications, but fails to prevent the platelet-mediated microvascular circulation disturbances in PV patients because thrombocythemia persists. Complete relief and prevention of microvascular and major thrombosis in PV patients are obtained by treatment with low-dose aspirin on top of phlebotomy or by treatment with the platelet lowering agents, anagrelide, interferon or hydroxyurea.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for severe acquired aplastic anaemia using a fludarabine‐based preparative regimen

We reviewed our experience in the treatment of 13 patients with severe acquired aplastic anaemia, using a newly developed non‐myeloablative regimen consisting of fludarabine (total dose 180 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (total dose 120 mg/kg), and antithymocyte globulin (total dose 40 mg/kg). All except one patient received multiple transfusions and had failed prior immunosuppressive treatment. Twelve out of 13 patients achieved sustained engraftment. One patient was not evaluable for engraftment because of early death on day +10. None of the patients developed graft failure. Mucositis of mild‐to‐moderate severity was the only observed regimen‐related toxicity. The cumulative incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) grade II–IV and III–IV was 8·3% and 0%, respectively. With a median follow‐up period of 45 months, the 5‐year overall survival probability was 84%. Eight out of 11 surviving patients have been followed for more than 1 year and only one developed limited chronic GvHD. All patients enjoy a normal life style, with a Karnofsky score of 100%, and all except three, followed for 3, 5 and 6 months respectively, are free of any immunosuppressive medication. The results of this study look promising, while prospective clinical trials may be required to confirm the benefits of this regimen as an alternative to existing protocols.
Three‐dimensional structure of the Golgi apparatus in mouse spermatids: A scanning electron microscopic study

In this study, the three‐dimensional organization of the Golgi apparatus in mouse spermatids was elucidated by preparing testicular tissue with the osmium‐DMSO‐osmium method and examining it by stereo‐scanning electron microscopy. The cis‐most saccule was found to be a regular network of anastomotic membranous tubules covered by a single cisterna of ER. The trans‐Golgi network was seen to be composed of irregular saccules perforated by pores at the edge. It appears that the anastomosing trans‐Golgi network breaks down into strings of connected vesicles which arise from the edge of the saccules during the cap phase of spermiogenesis. Many apparently individual vesicles seen in thin sections through the trans‐Golgi network are actually joined in continuous strings. This was the first time that these structures could be visualized directly without three‐dimensional image reconstruction. By correlating the morphology of the Golgi apparatus with the stage of acrosome formation, the Golgi cisternae were found to change dynamically in a cis‐trans direction from fenestrated saccules to continuous strings of vesicles, which finally dissipated as transport vesicles at the trans aspect. This suggests that the hypothetical model of cisternal maturation, which dictates that cargo moves through the Golgi apparatus without leaving the cisternal lumen and the secretion occurs by progressive maturation of the Golgi cisternae as they move in the cis‐trans direction, may be applicable to acrosome formation. Anat Rec 256:189–194, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Culture, Institutions, and the Wealth of Nations

Abstract We argue that a more individualist culture leads to more innovation and to higher growth because of the social status rewards associated with innovation in that culture. We use data on the frequency of particular genes associated with collectivist cultures, as well as a measure of distance in terms of frequencies of blood types, and historic prevalence of pathogens to instrument individualism scores. The relationship between individualism and innovation/growth remains strong even after controlling for institutions and other potentially confounding factors. We also provide evidence consistent with two-way causality between culture and institutions.
Roles of microRNAs and RNA-Binding Proteins in the Regulation of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells

Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for the initiation, progression and metastasis of human colorectal cancers, and have been characterized by the expression of cell surface markers, such as CD44, CD133, CD166 and LGR5. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are differentially expressed between CSCs and non-tumorigenic cancer cells, and play important roles in the maintenance and regulation of stem cell properties of CSCs. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging epigenetic regulators of various RNA processing events, such as splicing, localization, stabilization and translation, and can regulate various types of stem cells. In this review, we summarize current evidences on the roles of miRNA and RBPs in the regulation of colorectal CSCs. Understanding the epigenetic regulation of human colorectal CSCs will help to develop biomarkers for colorectal cancers and to identify targets for CSC-targeting therapies.
Using hands and feet to navigate and manipulate spatial data

We demonstrate how multi-touch hand gestures in combination with foot gestures can be used to perform navigation tasks in interactive systems. The geospatial domain is an interesting example to show the advantages of the combination of both modalities because the complex user interfaces of common Geographic Information System (GIS) requires a high degree of expertise from its users. Recent developments in interactive surfaces that enable the construction of low cost multi-touch displays and relatively cheap sensor technology to detect foot gestures allow the deep exploration of these input modalities for GIS users with medium or low expertise. In this paper, we provide a categorization of multitouch hand and foot gestures for the interaction with spatial data on a large-scale interactive wall. In addition we show with an initial evaluation how these gestures can improve the overall interaction with spatial information.
Formation time-distribution of dark matter haloes: theories versus N-body simulations

In this paper we use numerical simulations to test the formation time distribution of dark matter haloes predicted by the analytical excursion set approaches. The formation time distribution is closely linked to the conditional mass function and this test is therefore an indirect probe of this distribution. The excursion set models tested are the extended Press-Schechter (EPS) model, the ellipsoidal collapse model, and the non-spherical collapse boundary model. Three sets of simulations (six realizations) have been used to investigate the halo formation time distribution for halo masses ranging from dwarf-galaxy-like haloes (M = 10 - 3 M * , where M * is the characteristic non-linear mass scale) to massive haloes of M = 8.7M * . None of the models can match the simulation results at both high and low redshift. In particular, dark matter haloes formed generally earlier in our simulations than predicted by the EPS model. This discrepancy might help explain why semi-analytical models of galaxy formation, based on EPS merger trees, underpredict the number of high redshift galaxies compared with recent observations.
P130cas is required for TGF-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung cancer

In lung cancer A549 cells, the present study evaluated the associations between p130cas expression and the activation of p38 or Smad2, which are components of two of the main signaling pathways of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), i.e., epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis, respectively. TGF-β1-induced EMT was investigated by inspecting cell shape and cell migration, and by testing E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin and Vimentin biomarkers in p130cas-RNA interference (RNAi)-A549 cells. The changes in TGF-β1-induced apoptosis, i.e., cleaved Caspase-3 levels, were additionally analyzed following p130cas-RNAi. p130cas-knockdown decreased the phosphorylated (p)-p38 expression level, and blockaded the TGF-β1-induced activation of p-p38 in the A549 cells. p130cas-knockdown arrested cell migration and impaired TGF-β1-induced EMT in the A549 cells, characterized by changes in cell morphology and biomarker levels. However, p130cas-knockdown had no impact on the activation of Smad2 and the cleavage of Caspase-3. These results indicate that p130cas is a novel molecular ‘rheostat’ that alters the function of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway from tumor suppression to tumor promotion in lung cancer cells. The underlying mechanism warrants further study.
Defect Detection in a Distributed Software Maintenance Project

A large software project may be distributed over multiple sites when the organization needs resources which are available on a single site. However, previous empirical research in the context of telecommunication organizations has shown a number of disadvantages. In this paper we continue our comparative postmortem analysis on data from a large software massive maintenance project in the information systems domain, which in part has been carried out on a single site, and in part across multiple sites of the same organization. Results show that no significant differences exist among the distributed and collocated work with respect to the ability to detect defects.
Tone recognition of isolated Cantonese syllables

Tone identification is essential for the recognition of the Chinese language, specifically far Cantonese which is well known for being very rich in tones. The paper presents an efficient method for tone recognition of isolated Cantonese syllables. Suprasegmental feature parameters are extracted from the voiced portion of a monosyllabic utterance and a three-layer feedforward neural network is used to classify these feature vectors. Using a phonologically complete vocabulary of 234 distinct syllables, the recognition accuracy for single-speaker and multispeaker is given by 89.0% and 87.6% respectively. >
Marking the tempo for myogenesis: Pax7 and the regulation of muscle stem cell fate decisions

• Introduction • Pax proteins in muscle formation • Pax7/MRF cross‐regulation and the control of satellite cell fate • Transcriptional and non‐transcriptional Pax7 functions in myogenic progenitors • Protein interactions, post‐translational modifications and the regulation of Pax7 • Extracellular signalling and the control of Pax7 in muscle progenitors ‐ Wnt signalling ‐ Notch signalling ‐ The transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily ‐ Syndecans ‐ Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and p38 • Concluding remarks
First‐trimester screening for trisomies 18 and 13, triploidy and Turner syndrome by detailed early anomaly scan

To examine the performance of first‐trimester ultrasound screening for trisomies 18 and 13, triploidy and Turner syndrome based on fetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT), additional fetal ultrasound markers including anatomy of the nasal bone (NB), blood flow across the tricuspid valve (TV) and through the ductus venosus (DV) and a detailed fetal anomaly scan at 11–13 weeks' gestation.
Can Vertical Specialization Explain the Growth of World Trade?

The striking growth in the trade share of output is one of the most important developments in the world economy since World War II. Two features of this growth present challenges to the standard trade models. First, the growth is generally thought to have been generated by falling tariff barriers worldwide. But tariff barriers have decreased by only about 11 percentage points since the early 1960s; the standard models cannot explain the growth of trade without assuming counterfactually large elasticities of substitution between goods. Second, tariff declines were much larger prior to the mid 1980s than after, and yet, trade growth was smaller in the earlier period than in the later period. The standard models have difficulty generating this nonlinear feature. This paper develops a two‐country dynamic Ricardian trade model that offers a resolution of these two puzzles. The key idea embedded in this model is vertical specialization, which occurs when countries specialize only in particular stages of a good’s production sequence. The model generates a nonlinear trade response to tariff reductions and can explain over 50 percent of the growth of trade. Finally, the model has important implications for the gains from trade.