Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The COLOFOL trial: study design and comparison of the study population with the source cancer population

Introduction The COLOFOL trial, a prospective randomized multicenter trial comparing two follow-up regimes after curative surgical treatment for colorectal cancer, focuses on detection of asymptomatic recurrences. This paper aims to describe the design and recruitment procedure in the COLOFOL trial, comparing demographic characteristics between randomized patients and eligible patients not included in the study. Materials and methods COLOFOL was designed as a pragmatic trial with wide inclusion criteria and few exclusion criteria, in order to obtain a sample reflecting the general patient population. To be eligible, patients had to be 75 years or younger and curatively resected for stage II or III colorectal cancer. Exclusion criteria were hereditary colorectal cancer, no signed consent, other malignancy, and life expectancy less than 2 years due to concomitant disease. In four of the 24 participating centers, we scrutinized hospital inpatient data to identify all colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery, in order to ascertain all eligible patients who were not included in the study and to compare them with enrolled patients. Results Of a total of 4,445 eligible patients, 2,509 patients were randomized (56.4% inclusion rate). A total of 1,221 eligible patients were identified in the scrutinized hospitals, of which 684 (56%) were randomized. No difference in age or sex distribution was observed between randomized and nonrandomized eligible patients. However, a difference was noted in tumor location and stage distribution, with 5.6% more patients in the randomized group having colon cancer and 6.7% more patients having stage II disease. Conclusion Patients in the two study arms were not only demographically similar, but also similar to nonincluded eligible patients, apart from stage and localization. The analyses will be stratified by these variables. Taken together, we conclude that our trial results will be robust and possible to extrapolate to the target population.
Ankle arthroscopy in a hanging position combined with hindfoot endoscopy for the treatment of concurrent anterior and posterior impingement syndrome of the ankle.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic and endoscopic treatment of concurrent anterior and posterior ankle impingement with the patient in a prone position. From May 2009 to September 2010, 22 patients with simultaneously combined anterior and posterior ankle impingements underwent ankle arthroscopy in a prone position. Noninvasive ankle distraction was achieved by hanging the affected ankle on a shoulder-holding traction frame, followed by hindfoot endoscopy. The mean age at surgery was 22.6 (range 20 to 46) years. The mean follow-up duration was 15.4 (range 12 to 29) months. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores and Foot Function Index were checked preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased from 62.6 preoperatively to 86.0 at the final follow-up visit (p < .05). The Foot Function Index improved from 45.8 to 17.2 (p < .05). Of the 22 patients, 18 were very satisfied or satisfied with the results, 2 rated their results as fair, and 2 were dissatisfied. No complications related to ankle distraction in a hanging position occurred. Ankle arthroscopy with the patient in a prone position with the ankle hung on a shoulder-holding traction frame combined with hindfoot endoscopy provided a useful method for treating anterior and posterior ankle impingement that does not require changing the patient's position from supine to prone.
Structure of the charged spherical black hole interior

The internal structure of a charged spherical black hole is still a topic of debate. In a non-rotating but aspherical gravitational collapse to form a spherical charged black hole, the backscattered gravitational wave tails enter the black hole and are blueshifted at the Cauchy horizon. This has a catastrophic effect if combined with an outflux crossing the Cauchy horizon: a singularity develops at the Cauchy horizon and the effective mass inflates. Recently, a numerical study of a massless scalar field in the Reissner-Nordström background suggested that a spacelike singularity may form before the Cauchy horizon forms. We will show that there exists an approximate analytic solution of the scalar-field equations which allows the mass-inflation singularity at the Cauchy horizon to exist. In particular, we see no evidence that the Cauchy horizon is preceded by a spacelike singularity.
Biomechanical characteristics of self-ligating brackets in a vertically displaced canine model: a finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics between two types of self-ligating brackets and conventional metal brackets using finite element analysis of a vertically displaced canine model focusing on the desired force on the canine and undesirable forces on adjacent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three-dimensional finite element models of the maxillary dentition with 1-mm, 2-mm, and 3-mm vertically displaced canines were constructed. Two different self-ligating brackets (In-Ovation C and Smart clip) and a conventional metal bracket (Micro-arch) were modeled. After a 0.016-inch NiTi (0.40 mm, round) wire was engaged, the displacement of each tooth was calculated using x-, y-, and z-coordinates, and the tensile and compressive stresses were calculated. RESULTS The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine differed little between the three brackets, but the intrusion and minimal compressive stress values of the adjacent teeth differed considerably and were highest in the Smart clip and least in the In-Ovation C. The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine in the 3-mm displacement model was less than that in the 2-mm displacement model, and the intrusion and minimal compressive stress of the adjacent teeth increased with the degree of displacement. CONCLUSIONS Self-ligating brackets were not superior to conventional brackets in leveling a vertically displaced canine. A continuous arch wire may not be recommended for leveling of severely displaced canines whether using self-ligating or conventional brackets.
Argumentativeness and Political Participation: A Cross-Cultural Analysis in the United States and Turkey

This study is an examination of the relationship between argumentativeness and political participation and the moderating effect of nationality on this relationship. Through a survey analysis of 801 individuals in the United States (592) and Turkey (209), the following was found: Americans are more argumentative than Turks, Turks participate more in politics than Americans, argumentativeness and political participation are not significantly correlated, and nationality does not significantly affect the relationship between argumentativeness and political participation. Cultural differences between the United States and Turkey are discussed as reasons for differences between the two nations in argumentativeness and political participation.
Suicide by Firearm, a Unique Pattern from Iran

Throughout the one-year period from March 21, 2002 to March 21, 2003, the Legal Medicine Organization of Iran in Tehran investigated 27 firearms suicides. The crude mortality rate from firearms suicides was about 0.21 per 100,000 (the rate of suicide in Tehran is around 9.8 per 100,000). All of the victims were young males. Military rifles were responsible for the majority of the suicides. The most common sites of entrance wounds were the submentum (37%) and chest (25.9%). In 84.6% of the cases gunshots were fired from contact or near contact range. With the exception of 1 of the suicides, all were committed at either garrisons or police stations. The unique pattern of suicides found in this series is discussed in the context of availability of method.
Emerging H . 264 / AVC Video Coding Standard ) , Vol . 17 ( 2 ) , April 2006 Error Resiliency Schemes in H . 264 / AVC Standard

Real-time transmission of video data in network environments, such as wireless and Internet, is a challenging task, as it requires high compression efficiency and network friendly design. H.264/AVC is the newest international video coding standard, jointly developed by groups from ISO/IEC and ITU-T, which aims at achieving improved compression performance and a network-friendly video representation for different types of applications, such as conversational, storage, and streaming. In this paper, we discuss various error resiliency schemes employed by H.264/AVC. The related topics such as nonnormative error concealment and network environment are also described. Some experimental results are discussed to show the performance of error resiliency schemes.
Test-Taking Strategy Instruction for Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Many secondary students with EBD are mainstreamed in regular classes and are required to take tests in those classes to demonstrate their competence with regard to their mastery of the content. Unfortunately, these students often do not use strategies that would help them meet this critical classroom demand. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive test-taking strategy that includes many of the test-wiseness strategies cited in the literature and to validate an instructional methodology for teaching this strategy to secondary students with EBD. Through the use of a multiple-probe across-students design, the instruction was shown to be effective in helping students to master the use of the steps of the comprehensive test-taking strategy and to apply them in a generative way to a series of novel tests. Preliminary evidence collected in targeted mainstream classes indicated that the students were applying the strategy to their regular class tests and that their scores on these tests improved. The results of this study are similar to those achieved in a companion study with students with learning disabilities, indicating that EBD and LD students can successfully receive strategic instruction together since they learned the strategy at comparable rates and achieved comparable levels of mastery and generalization.
Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance and Absence of Inflammation Characterize Insulin-Resistant Grade I Obese Women

Context Obesity is associated with insulin-resistance (IR), the key feature of type 2 diabetes. Although chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a central effector of IR development, it has never been investigated simultaneously at systemic level and locally in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in obese humans characterized for their insulin sensitivity. Objectives We compared metabolic parameters and inflammation at systemic and tissue levels in normal-weight and obese subjects with different insulin sensitivity to better understand the mechanisms involved in IR development. Methods 30 post-menopausal women were classified as normal-weight insulin-sensitive (controls, CT) and obese (grade I) insulin-sensitive (OIS) or insulin-resistant (OIR) according to their body mass index and homeostasis model assessment of IR index. They underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, blood sampling, skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies, an activity questionnaire and a self-administrated dietary recall. We analyzed insulin sensitivity, inflammation and IR-related parameters at the systemic level. In tissues, insulin response was assessed by P-Akt/Akt expression and inflammation by macrophage infiltration as well as cytokines and IκBα expression. Results Systemic levels of lipids, adipokines, inflammatory cytokines, and lipopolysaccharides were equivalent between OIS and OIR subjects. In subcutaneous adipose tissue, the number of anti-inflammatory macrophages was higher in OIR than in CT and OIS and was associated with higher IL-6 level. Insulin induced Akt phosphorylation to the same extent in CT, OIS and OIR. In skeletal muscle, we could not detect any inflammation even though IκBα expression was lower in OIR compared to CT. However, while P-Akt/Akt level increased following insulin stimulation in CT and OIS, it remained unchanged in OIR. Conclusion Our results show that systemic IR occurs without any change in systemic and tissues inflammation. We identified a muscle defect in insulin response as an early mechanism of IR development in grade I obese post-menopausal women.
For the Marginalized or for the Integrated? A Comparative Study of Addiction Treatment Systems in Sweden and the United States

This article compares the roles of two different addiction treatment systems, one in Stockholm county, surrounding the Swedish capital, and the other in a county in Northern California, in relation to marginalized and socially integrated misusers. It investigates: (a) whether the Swedish treatment system, as suspected, treats more marginalized clients than the American system, (b) where in the two systems those with stronger or weaker social ties show up, and (c) what kind of formal and informal pressures the socially marginalized and more integrated groups experience. The analyses are based on structured interviews with two representative samples of clients/patients entering different parts of the treatment systems (926 persons in the Californian county in 1995, 1,865 persons in Stockholm county 2000–2001). The Stockholm county treatment system has a much higher share of marginalized persons than the Californian, and a large proportion in California, almost one third, has both a job and a stable housing (15% in Stockholm). The Stockholm clients were considerably older. Drug use was connected with a marginalized position in both countries, and particularly so in Stockholm. The socially integrated in Stockholm stood out as the group with the highest share of alcohol-dependent persons, the highest Addiction Severity Index (ASI) alcohol scores, and the highest amount of heavy drinking. In both sites, the marginalized had more treatment experience and were more often found in inpatient treatment. There was a somewhat clearer social division in the U.S. system than in the Swedish. Some reasons for this are discussed, including the relation of the treatment system to other handling systems.
Reduction of Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC) Associated With Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (n-NOS) in Patients With Achalasia

BACKGROUND:The etiology of achalasia is still unknown. The current theories of chronic inflammation leading to autoimmune response with destruction and loss of the inhibitory myenteric ganglion cells enlighten its pathogenesis in a limited way only. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) have been shown to be involved in nitrergic neurotransmission of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). AIM:To investigate the significance of ICC and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS) in esophageal wall tissue of patients undergoing surgery for achalasia.METHODS:In 53 patients with a median age of 45 (6–78) yr undergoing surgery for achalasia, the immunoreactivity of ICC (CD117/c-kit) and n-NOS was assessed. In 42 patients, biopsies were taken from the LES high-pressure zone during Heller myotomy, whereas in 11 patients with end-stage achalasia and a decompensated megaesophagus, the complete esophagus was resected. A semiquantitative analysis was carried out and ICC and n-NOS impairments were classified into four grades. Staining intensity was correlated with preoperative clinical, radiologic, and manometric findings and with long-term postoperative Eckardt score.RESULTS:Grade III/IV ICC reduction (severe reduction to complete loss) was seen in 59.5% of all biopsy specimens of the LES high-pressure zone. Patients with grade III/IV ICC reduction had a significantly longer duration of achalasia symptoms (3 [0–43] yr) than patients with minor to marked (grade I/II) impairment (1 [0–16] yr, P = 0.028). A majority (72.5%) of tissue samples revealed severe reduction to complete loss of n-NOS immunoreactivity. The preoperative Eckardt score was statistically significantly different between patients with grade I/II and those with grade III/IV n-NOS reductions (P = 0.031). CD117 (c-kit) positivity was statistically significantly correlated with n-NOS staining intensity (correlation coefficient r = 0.781, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION:The present results suggest that in the pathogenesis of achalasia, especially in the development of the LES high-pressure zone, depletion of ICC networks and potential changes in the electrical activity of smooth muscle cells may play a crucial role. The reduction in CD117-positive ICC in a few patients also seemed to be of relevance, even if the cells of Auerbach's plexus were unscathed. The associated reduced NOS release might underlie the profound ICC impairment and could possibly be responsible for the lack of LES relaxation, because of missing inhibitory neurotransmission. It is unclear, however, whether the ICC loss is primarily caused by the accelerated attrition of mature cells or their impaired regeneration.
Phospholamban Oligomerization, Quaternary Structure, and Sarco(endo)plasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase Binding Measured by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer in Living Cells*

Phospholamban (PLB) oligomerization, quaternary structure, and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) binding were quantified by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in an intact cellular environment. FRET between cyan fluorescent protein-PLB and yellow fluorescent protein-PLB in AAV-293 cells showed hyperbolic dependence on protein concentration, with a maximum efficiency of 45.1 ± 1.3%. The observed FRET corresponds to a probe separation distance of 58.7 ± 0.5Å, according to a computational model of intrapentameric FRET. This is consistent with models of the PLB pentamer in which cytoplasmic domains fan out from the central bundle of transmembrane helices. An I40A mutation of PLB did not alter pentamer conformation but increased the concentration of half-maximal FRET (KD) by >4-fold. This is consistent with the previous observation that this putatively monomeric mutant still oligomerizes in intact membranes but forms more dynamic pentamers than wild type PLB. PLB association with SERCA, measured by FRET between cyan fluorescent protein-SERCA and yellow fluorescent protein-PLB, was increased by the I40A mutation without any detectable change in probe separation distance. The data indicate that the regulatory complex conformation is not altered by the I40A mutation. A naturally occurring human mutation (L39Stop) greatly reduced PLB oligomerization and SERCA binding and caused mislocalization of PLB to the cytoplasm and nucleus. Overall, the data suggest that the PLB pentamer adopts a “pinwheel” shape in cell membranes, as opposed to a more compact “bellflower” conformation. I40A mutation decreases oligomerization and increases PLB binding to SERCA. Truncation of the transmembrane domain by L39Stop mutation prevents anchoring of the protein in the membrane, greatly reducing PLB binding to itself or its regulatory target, SERCA.
Operant Learning of Systems Limitations

Technological progress during recent years has made it possible to measure accurately minute bits of behavior. With increased use of more complicated apparatus in psychological experimentation, psychologists realized soon that peculiarities of machinery often quite unexpectedly constitute variables which have to be evaluated in addition to those which the machinery was designed to measure. Research in this area has almost exclusively involved humans, largely because of industrial necessities. An excellent summary of the effects of damping movable parts of an apparatus, their spatial location, the direction in which they move, or the speed with which they can be moved is given by Fitts ( 2 ) . Improved performance on an apparatus has been labelled "adaptation" by many investigators, perhaps because it is intuitively felt that there is no conscious learning involved. The design of apparatus is often improved so that adaptation is more rapid, but it is very probable that "adaptation" confounds various interdependent aspects. Such an aspect might be, for example, the minimum time required for depressing a button to originate some process. Conventional psychophysical measurements are not likely to yield evidence for discrimination between different pieces of electronic equipment, e.g., two microswitches. Yet, such differences may contribute to "adaptation. " even when Es employ various design procedures such as rotation of Ss among unirs or random assignment of Ss to particular units. Under such circumstances it is assumed that calibration of the units is carried out. All mechanical manipulators which involve electrical relays are sensitive to individual differences in operating efficiency of very small magnitude. More gross stimulus differences, such as the force required to depress a lever, have been studied (6, 7 ) , but a rather large difference was necessary for observation. For example, Thompson ( 7 ) showed that two bars requiring 10 and 15 gm. force, respectively, were not discriminated, but discrimination was possible when the required forces were 40 and 60 gm. McCulloch ( 4 ) showed that weights of food-containers which a rat had to pull toward himself had to differ considerably before the animal could successfully discriminate between the baited and unbaited containers. However, in these experiments relatively less sensitive measures were used, e.g., time taken to learn or total response output per time unit. In other words, it cannot be said that the animal does not differentiate between a force of 10 gm. and one of 15 gm. ; rather, it is true that this difference may not be reflected in the particular response unit selected for study.
Molecular Blocking of CD23 Supports Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Arthritis

Background CD23 is a differentiation/activation antigen expressed by a variety of hematopoietic and epithelial cells. It can also be detected in soluble forms in biological fluids. Initially known as the low-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (FcεRII), CD23 displays various other physiologic ligands such as CD21, CD11b/c, CD47-vitronectin, and mannose-containing proteins. CD23 mediates numerous immune responses by enhancing IgE-specific antigen presentation, regulating IgE synthesis, influencing cell differentiation and growth of both B- and T-cells. CD23-crosslinking promotes the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators from human monocytes/macrophages, eosinophils and epithelial cells. Increased CD23 expression is found in patients during allergic reactions and rheumatoid arthritis while its physiopathologic role in these diseases remains to be clarified. Methodology/Principal Findings We previously generated heptapeptidic countrestructures of human CD23. Based on in vitro studies on healthy and arthritic patients' cells, we showed that CD23-specific peptide addition to human macrophages greatly diminished the transcription of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines. This was also confirmed by significant reduction of mediator levels in cell supernatants. We also show that CD23 peptide decreased IgE-mediated activation of both human and rat CD23+ macrophages. In vivo studies in rat model of arthritis showed that CD23-blocking peptide ameliorates clinical scores and prevent bone destruction in a dose dependent manner. Ex-vivo analysis of rat macrophages further confirmed the inhibitory effect of peptides on their activation. Taken together our results support the role of CD23 activation and subsequent inflammatory response in arthritis. Conclusion CD23-blocking peptide (p30A) prevents the activation of monocytes/macrophages without cell toxicity. Thus, targeting CD23 by antagonistic peptide decreases inflammatory markers and may have clinical value in the treatment of human arthritis and allergic reactions involving CD23.