Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The paradoxical effect of bevacizumab in the therapy of malignant gliomas

THE PARADOXICAL EFFECT OF BEVACIZUMAB IN THE THERAPY OF MALIGNANT GLIOMAS To the Editor: Thompson et al.1 are to be commended for their review regarding paradoxical effects of bevacizumab (BEV) for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). Several comments merit discussion. The only evidence regarding a decrease in delivery of chemotherapeutics in combination with BEV—a result of BEV-induced tumor vascular normalization and re-establishment of blood–brain barrier disruption—is a single, unconfirmed experimental model utilizing vanderanib and temozolomide.2 The chemosynergy seen when BEV is combined with other solid organ– specific chemotherapy regimens resulting in improved survival and approval of BEV for several solid tumors is not mentioned. As chemosynergy has not been documented with BEV and the treatment of GBM, this may partially reflect decreased drug delivery of the combinatorial agent. Considering the radiographic patterns of recurrence in patients treated with BEV, it has been shown that BEV does not increase invasion.3 The longer survival of patients treated with BEV results in more apparent invasion due to control of the angiogenic-dependent contrast-enhancing primary tumor, the primary target of angiogenic inhibition. Tumor invasion is believed to be an angiogenicindependent process that does not respond to BEV and consequently accrues over time. Pseudoprogression, a treatment effect seen most commonly but not exclusively with chemoradiation, occurs primarily in patients with MGMT promoter methylation, a GBM subgroup (30%) with improved survival.4 In a subset of patients with pseudoprogression, clinical symptoms emerge that require treatment, not unlike radiation necrosis. Whether BEV has a role in treating this population is uncertain based on the only published trial of up-front BEV in newly diagnosed GBM in which pseudoprogression was rarely seen (due to the decreased permeability effect of BEV), MGMT methylated patients maintained a survival advantage compared to the nonmethylated cohort.5 In addition, up-front BEV in conjunction with TMZ did not appear to diminish overall survival when compared to patients treated with standard TMZ regimen, which suggests that BEV does not diminish TMZ activity and survival advantage in GBM. What remains challenging regarding the use of BEV in GBM is timing of administration (up-front vs at recurrence), determining an active partner, validating a survival advantage, identifying biomarkers of response, and determining an effective therapy following disease progression on BEV. BEV represents an improvement in the treatment of GBM yet better therapy of this cancer remains an unmet need in neuro-oncology.
A novel pattern recognition algorithm to classify membrane protein unfolding pathways with high-throughput single-molecule force spectroscopy

MOTIVATION Misfolding of membrane proteins plays an important role in many human diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, hereditary deafness and diabetes insipidus. Little is known about membrane proteins as there are only very few high-resolution structures. Single-molecule force spectroscopy is a novel technique, which measures the force necessary to pull a protein out of a membrane. Such force curves contain valuable information on the protein structure, conformation, and inter- and intra-molecular forces. High-throughput force spectroscopy experiments generate hundreds of force curves including spurious ones and good curves, which correspond to different unfolding pathways. Manual analysis of these data is a bottleneck and source of inconsistent and subjective annotation. RESULTS We propose a novel algorithm for the identification of spurious curves and curves representing different unfolding pathways. Our algorithm proceeds in three stages: first, we reduce noise in the curves by applying dimension reduction; second, we align the curves with dynamic programming and compute pairwise distances and third, we cluster the curves based on these distances. We apply our method to a hand-curated dataset of 135 force curves of bacteriorhodopsin mutant P50A. Our algorithm achieves a success rate of 81% distinguishing spurious from good curves and a success rate of 76% classifying unfolding pathways. As a result, we discuss five different unfolding pathways of bacteriorhodopsin including three main unfolding events and several minor ones. Finally, we link folding barriers to the degree of conservation of residues. Overall, the algorithm tackles the force spectroscopy bottleneck and leads to more consistent and reproducible results paving the way for high-throughput analysis of structural features of membrane proteins.
Key challenges of product development for humanitarian markets

There is a clear increase in the frequency, complexity and length of humanitarian crises. This trend has driven the attention of donor governments to the private sector in search of more cost effective solutions for the provision of aid. While the challenges that emerge when humanitarian values meet business interests in the humanitarian market have been explored, little is known about the perspective of enterprises from the private sector and how they approach the humanitarian aid context. This study aimed at exploring how characteristics, specific to humanitarian aid affect product development activities. In fact, mismatches between business and humanitarian systems go beyond the creation of logistical systems and extend to product development activities and adjacent servicing. We consider the findings a contribution to the definition of priorities for the future collaborative development of products and services by private sector and humanitarian aid stakeholders.
INVESTIGATIONS OF UNDETERMINED LOSSES AT PONGOLA

A review of the history of undetermined loss at Pongola showed that the problem began in about 1974 and grew steadily. Major factory modifications took place just prior to 1974 but the dominant cane variety also changed at this time and the use of variety NCo 376 increased in parallel with the undetermined loss. The loss has shown a seasonal trend with maxima at the beginnings and ends of seasons. Weekly measurements of sucrose lost from the stage between mixed juice and syrup showed that usually more than 50%, and sometimes more than 80%, of the undetermined loss occurred from this stage. When particularly high loss occurred however it was mainly from a stage after syrup. Very high losses invariably occurred only in the late season. In the laboratory, composite weekly samples of late season molasses.evolved gas at a rate which correlated with the factory undetermined loss. Some samples of late season syrups lost sucrose at unexpectedly high rates when heated at 70°C for 48 hours, and the losses correlated with those measured in the factory. No such correlations were evident for mid-season samples.
The Compatibility of Personality and Social Identity Processes: The Effect of Gender Identity on Neuroticism

In an experimental study (N = 186), we examined the effect of identity (gender versus personal) on participants‘ self–rated neuroticism and estimates of mean neuroticism for men and women. Self–rated neuroticism was measured before and after the identity salience manipulation. Following self–categorization theory, we predicted that identity salience would affect levels of self–rated neuroticism and the estimates (perceptions) of mean neuroticism for each sex. From a personality perspective, we expected substantial correlations between pre–manipulation and post–manipulation neuroticism scores in both identity conditions. The relation between participants‘ self–rated neuroticism and their estimates of mean neuroticism for their own sex was also examined. The effect of identity salience was unclear with regard to self–rated neuroticism levels, whereas the manipulation had apparent effects on estimated mean neuroticism levels for men and women. Also, self–rated neuroticism was found to predict estimates of mean neuroticism for men and women in the gender, but not personal, identity condition. Finally, in line with a personality perspective, the relative positions in self–rated neuroticism were highly stable in both conditions. The findings indicate a compatibility of self–categorization theory and personality perspectives and suggest that both are valuable to understand the changeability and stability of the self. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three-dimensional supercritical resolved light-induced magnetic holography

3D supercritical resolved light-induced magnetic holography makes possible 1872 Tbit/in3 ultrahigh-density data recording. In the era of big data, there exists a growing gap between data generated and storage capacity using two-dimensional (2D) magnetic storage technologies (for example, hard disk drives), because they have reached their performance saturation. 3D volumetric all-optical magnetic holography is emerging rapidly as a promising road map to realizing high-density capacity for its fast magnetization control and subwavelength magnetization volume. However, most of the reported light-induced magnetization confronts the problems of impurely longitudinal magnetization, diffraction-limited spot, and uncontrollable magnetization reversal. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel 3D light-induced magnetic holography based on the conceptual supercritical design with multibeam combination in the 4π microscopic system. We theoretically demonstrate a 3D deep super-resolved (~λ359) purely longitudinal magnetization spot by focusing six coherent circularly polarized beams with two opposing high numerical aperture objectives, which allows 3D magnetic holography with a volumetric storage density of up to 1872 terabit per cubic inches. The number and locations of the super-resolved magnetization spots are controllable, and thus, desired magnetization arrays in 3D volume can be produced with properly designed phase filters. Moreover, flexible magnetization reversals are also demonstrated in multifocal arrays by using different illuminations with opposite light helicity. In addition to data storage, this magnetic holography may find applications in information security, such as identity verification for a credit card with magnetic stripe.
Changes of serum uric acid and total bilirubin in elderly patients with major postischemic stroke depression

Background This was a longitudinal study which investigated the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and total bilirubin (Tbil) upon admission in elderly stroke patients and the occurrence of postischemic stroke depression (IPSD) at 3, 6, and 9 months of post-stroke follow-up. Subjects and methods Data were analyzed for 525 acute ischemic stroke patients. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores >17 and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) were used separately to screen and diagnose IPSD at 3, 6, and 9 months post-stroke. Once IPSD was diagnosed, follow-up activities were terminated. Results High levels of SUA (odds ratio [OR]=2.08, P<0.01) and Tbil (OR=2.31, P<0.01) in the first 3 months post-stroke and low levels of SUA (OR=2.05, P=0.03) and Tbil (OR=2.79, P<0.01) from 3 to 6 months post-stroke were identified as risk factors for major IPSD. At 3 months, patients with SUA levels ≥406.5 μmol/L (males with SUA levels of ≥409.5 μmol/L and females with SUA levels ≥385.5 μmol/L) and Tbil levels ≥23.65 μmol/L were more likely to develop major IPSD. At 6 months, both SUA (area under curve [AUC]=0.625, P=0.005, cutoff =194.0 μmol/L) and Tbil (AUC=0.681, P=0.004, cutoff =6.75 μmol/L) had minor diagnostic values (AUC<0.700), although SUA levels ≤214.5 μmol/L (AUC=0.756, P=0.001) in female patients had a good diagnostic value (AUC=0.722, P=0.006) for major IPSD. At 9 months, major IPSD showed no statistical relationship with either SUA (χ2=2.33, P=0.13) or Tbil (χ2=0.41, P=0.84). Conclusion Higher levels of SUA and Tbil on admission were closely related to the occurrence of major IPSD within 3 months of stroke. Lower levels of these two biomarkers on admission were characteristic for the occurrence of major IPSD between 3 and 6 months post-stroke, while 6 months after stroke, there was no relationship between major IPSD and these two biomarkers.
Quality Frameworks and Standards in E-Learning Systems

The e-Learning systems are one of the areas that have proven their own importance in promoting the use of IT technologies in academia environment. However, the growing need for such systems requires the adoption of a quality design approach based on a recognized quality frameworks and standards comprising sets of well defined criteria. This paper investigates the existing quality frameworks (SCORM, IEEE P1484 and IMS Global Learning Consortium) and standards (ISO/IEC 19796, Open ECBCheck and ISO 9126) dedicated to the e- Learning systems.
The Effects of Peer Discussion and Question Format on Realism in Confidence Regarding Children's Testimonies in a Co-witness Situation

This experimental study examined the effect of peer discussion and the effect of question format: free recall, follow-up and focused questions, on children's (age of 9-11 years) memory recall of a witnessed event. The children were randomly assigned in pairs that watched one of two perspectives of a film. Half of the pairs discussed the film and the other half of the pairs had a neutral discussion. The results indicated that the children were less accurate, less confident and showed poorer realism in their confidence during follow up questions compared to free recall. Girls continued to show perfect realism during follow up. No effect of peer discussion was found on any of the dependent measures. However, 28 % of the children in the film discussion condition reported events that they could not have seen. The children were just as confident about these statements as they were about other statements they made during the interview.
Increased capacity for axonal outgrowth using xenogenic tissue in vitro and in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease

Kuan W‐L, Hurelbrink CB, Barker RA. Increased capacity for axonal outgrowth using xenogenic tissue in vitro and in a rodent model of Parkinson's disease. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13: 233–247. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006
Mainstreamed or Self‐Contained Classes for Students with a Mild Learning Disability: The Case of Israel

Two studies compared students with a mild learning disability who were enrolled in the Israeli version of self‐contained classes, with comparable peers who were assigned to mainstreamed classes. The first sample comprised 33 pupils in self‐contained and 34 children in mainstreamed elementary school classes. The second sample consisted of 20 high school students in self‐contained and 21 students in regular classes. The data did not support the contention that student growth was fostered more readily in the self‐contained classes. Students of these classes tended to have somewhat higher academic self‐concept, whereas their academic attainment was generally similar to the academic performance of mainstreamed students. Results were discussed in terms of learning opportunities extended to students in the self‐contained classroom.
Continuous bed motion data processing for a resolution LSO PET/CT scanner

Continuous whole-body PET scanning, continuous bed motion (CBM) acquisition has a number of advantages over the traditional step-and-shoot (SS) mode. Strengths of CBM include a uniform axial signal-to-noise ratio, continuous sampling in the axial direction that reduces resolution artifacts, reduction of noise from detector normalization, and reduction of sensitivity to small patient movements. This work highlights the acquisition and data handling methodology that was implemented for a series of phantoms and over 40 patient studies acquired on a high resolution, 16-slice LSO combined PET/CT scanner (CPS Innovations, Knoxville, TN). CBM data were acquired in 32-bit listmode with the bed moving at a constant speed of typically 0.6 mm/s to match the acquisition time per plane of the SS mode. CBM data were processed using the novel, virtual scanner concept that can be applied to a scanner of any axial length. For the high resolution scanner, the LSO PET detectors are arranged in a truncated spherical geometry and therefore normalization and geometrical corrections are applied on an event-by-event basis during histogramming of the 32-bit listmode data. Scatter correction is calculated on the entire image volume, in contrast to the SS mode where scatter is estimated for each bed position. The final 3D data set was reconstructed using ordinary Poisson OSEM3D. This paper will present results from phantom studies and compare clinical patient scans acquired in both SS and CBM modes
Circularly Polarized Ultra-Compact Cross Slot Loaded CPW-Fed Antenna for Satellite Communication in Ka-band

In the ever-evolving landscape of communication technology, the demand for efficient and compact antenna designs continues to rise. This research paper presents a novel circularly polarized ultra-compact CPW-fed circular slot antenna tailored for satellite communication applications in the Ka band. The proposed antenna exhibits an impressive impedance bandwidth spanning from 28 - 38 GHz (30.30%) and a 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 29.90-37.75 GHz (23.19%), making it a promising candidate for high-frequency communication needs. This work showcases a comprehensive design approach, incorporating a step-stepped fed line, a modified circular patch, cross-shaped slots, and a circular slot ground plane to achieve exceptional performance metrics. The designed antenna has radiation efficiency of 89% and peak gain of 5dBi with single element and can find its usage in close range military radar targeting applications.
Are Gender Differences in Upper-Body Power Generated by Elite Cross-Country Skiers Augmented by Increasing the Intensity of Exercise?

In the current study, we evaluated the impact of exercise intensity on gender differences in upper-body poling among cross-country skiers, as well as the associated differences in aerobic capacity, maximal strength, body composition, technique and extent of training. Eight male and eight female elite skiers, gender-matched for level of performance by FIS points, carried out a 4-min submaximal, and a 3-min and 30-sec maximal all-out test of isolated upper-body double poling on a Concept2 ski ergometer. Maximal upper-body power and strength (1RM) were determined with a pull-down exercise. In addition, body composition was assessed with a DXA scan and training during the previous six months quantified from diaries. Relative to the corresponding female values (defined as 100%), the power output produced by the men was 88%, 95% and 108% higher during the submaximal, 3-min and 30-sec tests, respectively, and peak power in the pull-down strength exercise was 118% higher (all P<0.001). During the ergometer tests the work performed per cycle by the men was 97%, 102% and 91% greater, respectively, and the men elevated their cycle rate to a greater extent at higher intensities (both P<0.01). Furthermore, men had a 61% higher VO2peak, 58% higher 1RM, relatively larger upper-body mass (61% vs 56%) and reported considerably more upper-body strength and endurance training (all P<0.05). In conclusion, gender differences in upper-body power among cross-country skiers augmented as the intensity of exercise increased. The gender differences observed here are greater than those reported previously for both lower- and whole-body sports and coincided with greater peak aerobic capacity and maximal upper-body strength, relatively more muscle mass in the upper-body, and more extensive training of upper-body strength and endurance among the male skiers.
In Goodness We Trust. The Role of Trust and Institutions Underpinning Trust in the Organic Food Market

The purpose of this study is to explain how trust in organic food is created, with regard to the subjective perspectives of consumers and the ways in which they trust in the quality of organic food. Empirical study includes qualitative analysis focused on how consumers build trust in organic food and its quality. The findings of the study challenge the assumption that organic certification can successfully operate only if consumers have an adequate amount of information about what they are buying. The article shows that consumers possess strategies that enable them to find sufficient and satisfying solutions, also in those situations in which they objectively lack the necessary knowledge. Trust plays a key role in this situation, which is based on faith.
Comment: Demystifying Double Robustness: A Comparison of Alternative Strategies for Estimating a Population Mean from Incomplete Data.

We congratulate Drs. Kang and Schafer (KS henceforth) for a careful and thought-provoking contribution to the literature regarding the so-called “double robustness” property, a topic that still engenders some confusion and disagreement. The authors’ approach of focusing on the simplest situation of estimation of the population mean μ of a response y when y is not observed on all subjects according to a missing at random (MAR) mechanism (equivalently, estimation of the mean of a potential outcome in a causal model under the assumption of no unmeasured confounders) is commendable, as the fundamental issues can be explored without the distractions of the messier notation and considerations required in more complicated settings. Indeed, as the article demonstrates, this simple setting is sufficient to highlight a number of key points. As noted eloquently by Molenberghs (2005), in regard to how such missing data/causal inference problems are best addressed, two “schools” may be identified: the “likelihood-oriented” school and the “weighting-based” school. As we have emphasized previously (Davidian, Tsiatis and Leon, 2005), we prefer to view inference from the vantage point of semi-parametric theory, focusing on the assumptions embedded in the statistical models leading to different “types” of estimators (i.e., “likelihood-oriented” or “weighting-based”) rather than on the forms of the estimators themselves. In this discussion, we hope to complement the presentation of the authors by elaborating on this point of view. Throughout, we use the same notation as in the paper.