Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting Novel but Less Common Driver Mutations and Chromosomal Translocations in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Discovery of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase chromosomal translocation in non-small cell lung cancer has prompted efforts around the world to identify many less common targetable oncogenic drivers. Such concerted efforts have been variably successful in both non-squamous and squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. Some of the targeted therapies for these oncogenic drivers have received regulatory approval for clinical use, while others have modest clinical benefit. In this mini-review, several of these targets will be reviewed.
IV. Spirometric studies of Yemenite and Kurdish Jews in Israel.

Measurements have been made of forced expiratory volume (f.e.v.) and forced vital capacity (f.v.c.) in two groups of rural Israeli Jews aged 20 to 30, born in the Yemen and in Kurdistan. The Jews from Kurdistan had a significantly higher f.e. v. and f.v. c. than the Jews from the Yemen, but there was no difference in the f.e. v. % ratio. These differences were not accounted for by differences between the groups in age, nor entirely by morphological differences. The pattern of correlations with anthropometric variables suggested that in the Jews from the Yemen the lung function values were related to linearity rather than to body bulk, while in the Jews from Kurdistan they were better correlated with overall size and mass of the body. f.e. v. and f.v. c. were elevated in smokers compared to non-smokers, possibly owing to an increased respiratory effort to cope with a reduction in the f.e. v. % ratio.
A Comparative Analysis of Clinical and Molecular Factors with the Stage of Cervical Cancer in a Brazilian Cohort

Cell cycle protein expression plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cervical cancer. However, few studies have attempted to correlate the use of these biomarkers with the clinical progression of the tumor. Objectives 1) To analyze the expression of Ki-67, p53 and p16INK4a in cervical cancer, 2) to correlate the relative expression of these proteins as well as clinical parameters with the stage of disease, and 3) to determine the HPV DNA prevalence and subtype distribution. Methods Tissue Micro-Arrays (TMA) from patients with invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and controls were analyzed. HPV DNA detection was done by PCR and in situ hybridization. Ki-67, p53 and p16INK4a were analyzed by immunohistochemistry; clinical data was derived from the chart review. Results Advanced tumor stage (III and IV) was strongly associated (p<0.005) with advanced age (>55 years old), with more than four pregnancies and with the lack of formal education. HPV DNA was found in 94.3% of cases with the most prevalent types being HPV16 (67.5%), followed by HPV33 (12.0%) and HPV35 (3.6%). High expression of Ki-67 and p16 was more common in the advanced FIGO stages (p = 0.023). Women with HPV16 tended to be younger (50.9 years; SE 1.9) compared to women with other types (59.9 years; SE 2.8). Conclusion We found that Ki-67 and p16 expression were independently associated with the tumor stage. We also noted that about 1/3 of the cervical cancers in this Brazilian cohort were not associated with HPV types directly targeted by the current HPV vaccines.
An Empirical Investigation of the Determinants of User Acceptance of Internet Banking

The growth in the use of the Internet as a distribution channel of products and services offered by various businesses has been phenomenal. One such application is Internet banking services. As more and more financial institutions are finding ways to utilize Internet technologies to launch Internet banking services, an important issue is to understand what factors will impact the decisions of customers in adopting the service. Based on Davis's technology acceptance model with 4 additional variables that are theoretically justified as having influence on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, a research model for the investigated technology acceptance was developed and empirically examined, using responses from more than 160 intended users of the technology. Results of the data analysis generally support the model as well as 7 of 8 of the proposed hypotheses. In particular, personalization, alliance services, task familiarity, and accessibility were found to have significant influence on perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which, in turn, were found to be important factors in fostering a positive attitude toward accepting the services. Several implications for both research and practice have emerged and are discussed.
Model falsification using SVOs for a class of discrete-time dynamic systems: A coprime factorization approach

This paper introduces a new method for model falsification using Set-Valued Observers (SVOs), which can be applied to a class of discrete Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) dynamic systems with time-varying model uncertainties. In comparison with previous studies, the main advantages of this approach are as follows: the computation of the convex hull of the set-valued estimate of the state can be avoided under certain circumstances; in order to guarantee convergence of the set-valued estimate of the state, the required number of previous set-valued estimates is at most as large as the number of states of the nominal plant; it provides a straightforward non-conservative method to falsify uncertain models of dynamic systems, including open-loop unstable plants. The results obtained are illustrated in simulation.
RU5 of Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus 5′ Long Terminal Repeat Enhances Cytoplasmic Expression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gag-pol and Nonviral Reporter RNA

ABSTRACT Retroviruses utilize an unspliced version of their primary transcription product as an RNA template for synthesis of viral Gag and Pol structural and enzymatic proteins. Cytoplasmic expression of the gag-pol RNA is achieved despite the lack of intron removal and the presence of a long and highly structured 5′ untranslated region that inhibits efficient ribosome scanning. In this study, we have identified for the first time that the 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR) of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) facilitates Rev/Rev-responsive element-independent expression of HIV-1 gag-pol reporter RNA. The MPMV RU5 region of the LTR is necessary and directs functional interaction with cellular posttranscriptional modulators present in human 293 and monkey COS cells but not in quail QT-6 cells and does not require any viral protein. Deletion of MPMV RU5 decreases the abundance of spliced mRNA but has little effect on cytoplasmic accumulation of unspliced gag-pol RNA despite complete elimination of detectable Gag protein production. MPMV RU5 also exerts a positive effect on the cytoplasmic expression of intronless luc RNA, and ribosomal profile analysis demonstrates that MPMV RU5 directs subcellular localization of the luc transcript to polyribosomes. Our findings have a number of similarities with those of reports on 5′ terminal posttranscriptional control elements in spleen necrosis virus and human foamy virus RNA and support the model that divergent retroviruses share 5′ terminal RNA elements that interact with host proteins to program retroviral RNA for productive cytoplasmic expression.
Association of race and insurance type with delayed assessment for kidney transplantation among patients initiating dialysis in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The extent to which racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to kidney transplantation are related to not being assessed for transplant suitability before or shortly after the time of initiation of dialysis is not known. The aims of this study were to determine whether there were disparities based on race, ethnicity, or type of insurance in delayed assessment for transplantation and whether delayed assessment was associated with lower likelihood of waitlisting and kidney transplantation. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This retrospective cohort study used data from the US Renal Data System and included 426,489 adult patients beginning dialysis in the United States between January 1, 2005 and September 30, 2009 without prior kidney transplant. RESULTS Overall, 12.5% of patients had reportedly not been assessed for transplantation. Patients without private insurance were more likely to be reported as not assessed (multivariable adjusted odds ratio=1.33, 95% confidence interval=1.28-1.40 for Medicaid), with a pronounced racial disparity but no ethnic disparity among patients aged 18 to <35 years (odds ratio=1.27, 95% confidence interval=1.13-1.43; P<0.001 for interaction with age). Not being assessed for transplant around the time of dialysis initiation was associated with lower likelihood of waitlisting in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio=0.59, 95% confidence interval=0.57-0.62 in the first year) and transplantation (hazard ratio=0.46, 95% confidence interval=0.41-0.51 in the first year), especially within the first 2 years. CONCLUSIONS Racial and insurance-related disparities in transplant assessment potentially delay transplantation, particularly among younger patients.
More Realistic Face Model Surface Improves Relevance of Pediatric In-Vitro Aerosol Studies

Background Various hard face models are commonly used to evaluate the efficiency of aerosol face masks. Softer more realistic “face” surface materials, like skin, deform upon mask application and should provide more relevant in-vitro tests. Studies that simultaneously take into consideration many of the factors characteristic of the in vivo face are lacking. These include airways, various application forces, comparison of various devices, comparison with a hard-surface model and use of a more representative model face based on large numbers of actual faces. Aim To compare mask to “face” seal and aerosol delivery of two pediatric masks using a soft vs. a hard, appropriately representative, pediatric face model under various applied forces. Methods Two identical face models and upper airways replicas were constructed, the only difference being the suppleness and compressibility of the surface layer of the “face. ” Integrity of the seal and aerosol delivery of two different masks [AeroChamber (AC) and SootherMask (SM)] were compared using a breath simulator, filter collection and realistic applied forces. Results The soft “face” significantly increased the delivery efficiency and the sealing characteristics of both masks. Aerosol delivery with the soft “face” was significantly greater for the SM compared to the AC (p< 0.01). No statistically significant difference between the two masks was observed with the hard “face. ” Conclusions The material and pliability of the model “face” surface has a significant influence on both the seal and delivery efficiency of face masks. This finding should be taken into account during in-vitro aerosol studies.
Properties of thermoelectric Ce0.09Fe0.67Co3.33Sb12/FeSb2Te multi-layered structures prepared by laser ablation

Multi-layered Ce0.09Fe0. 67Co3.33Sb12/FeSb2.1Te structures composed of thin equidistant layers were prepared by Pulsed Laser Deposition on fused silica quartz glass substrates. The structures were prepared at different substrate temperatures (230 °C or 250 °C) applying the laser beam energy density of 3 Jcm−2. In the contribution we present some thermoelectric properties such as the in-plane electrical conductivity, the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor for the multi-layered structures in the temperature range from 300 K to 500 K. Comparison of multi-layered structure's thermoelectric properties with single thin Ce0.09Fe0. 67Co3.33Sb12 and FeSb2.1Te layers is given. A cross sectional picture of the multi-layered structure made by Scanning Electron Microscope is presented for the thicker multi-layered structure.
Exercise program improves therapy-related side-effects and quality of life in lymphoma patients undergoing therapy.

BACKGROUND Lymphoma patients undergoing therapy must cope with the side-effects of the disease itself, therapy and associated immobility. Peripheral neuropathy (PNP), loss of balance control and weakness not only diminishes patients' quality of life (QOL), it can also affect planning and the dosage of therapy. Exercise may enable patients to reverse these declines, improving their performance level and QOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS We carried out a randomized, controlled trial, assigning 61 lymphoma patients either to a control group (CG; N=31) or to a 36-week intervention (IG; N=30), consisting of sensorimotor-, endurance- and strength training twice a week. Primary end point was QOL; secondary end points included movement coordination, endurance, strength and therapy-induced side-effects. RESULTS Intergroup comparison revealed improved QOL- (ΔT1-T0; P=0.03) and PNP-related deep sensitivity in the IG: 87.5% were able to reduce the symptom, compared with 0% in the CG (P<0.001). Significant differences in the change of balance control could be found between the groups, with the IG improving while the CG steadily declined (monopedal static ΔT3-T0; P=0.03; dynamic ΔT3-T0; P=0.007; perturbed mono-ΔT3-T0; P=0.009 and bipedal ΔT3-T0; P=0.006), failed attempts (monopedal static ΔT3-T0; P=0.02, dynamic ΔT3-T0; P<0.001and perturbed ΔT3-T0; P=0.006) and improved time to regain balance (ΔT3-T0; P=0.04). Moreover, the change in the aerobic performance level (ΔT3-T0; P=0.05) and additional amount of exercise carried out per week [metabolic equivalent (MET); P=0.02] differed significantly across groups. CONCLUSIONS Exercise, especially sensorimotor training, is a feasible and promising method to support cancer patients during therapy. It improves patients QOL, reduces restrictions from side-effects such as PNP and improves patients' balance control, physical performance level and mobility. GERMAN CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER NUMBER DRKS00003894.
Impact of the transition to ICD-10 on Medicare inpatient hospital payments.

OBJECTIVE On October 1, 2013, the reporting of diagnoses and procedures in the U.S. will transition from the clinical modification of the ninth revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM) to the tenth revision (ICD-10). We estimate the impact of conversion to ICD-10 on Medicare MS-DRG payments to hospitals using 2009 Medicare data. METHODS Using the ICD-9-CM MS-DRG v27 (FY 2010), the converted ICD-10 MS-DRG v27, and the ICD-10 to ICD-9-CM Reimbursement Map for fiscal year 2010, we estimate the impact on aggregate payments to hospitals and the distribution of payments across hospitals. RESULTS Although the transition from the ICD-9-CM to the ICD-10 version of MS-DRGs resulted in 1.68 percent of the patients being assigned to a different MS-DRG, payment increases and decreases due to the changes in MS-DRG assignment essentially netted out, resulting in a minimal impact on aggregate payments to hospitals (+0.05 percent) and on the distribution of payments across hospital types (-0.01 to +0.18 percent). Mapping ICD-10 data back to ICD-9-CM, and using the ICD-9-CM MS-DRGs, resulted in 3.66 percent of patients being assigned to a different MS-DRG, a modest decrease in aggregate payments to hospitals (-0.34 percent), and modest changes in the distribution of payments across hospital types (-0.14 to -0.46 percent). DISCUSSION As demonstrated by MS-DRGs, a direct conversion of an application to ICD-10 can produce consistent results with the ICD-9-CM version of the application. However, the use of mappings between ICD-10 and ICD-9-CM will produce less consistent results, especially if the mapping is not tailored to the specific application.
Fructose diet alleviates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic that can cause hepatotoxicity due to production of toxic metabolites via cytochrome P450 (Cyp) 1a2 and Cyp2e1. Previous studies have shown conflicting effects of fructose (the major component in Western diet) on the susceptibility to APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. To evaluate the role of fructose-supplemented diet in modulating the extent of APAP-induced liver injury, male C57BL/6J mice were given 30% (w/v) fructose in water (or regular water) for 8 weeks, followed by oral administration of APAP. APAP-induced liver injury (determined by serum levels of liver enzymes) was decreased by two-fold in mice pretreated with fructose. Fructose-treated mice exhibited (~1.5 fold) higher basal glutathione levels and (~2 fold) lower basal (mRNA and activity) levels of Cyp1a2 and Cyp2e1, suggesting decreased bioactivation of APAP and increased detoxification of toxic metabolite in fructose-fed mice. Hepatic mRNA expression of heat shock protein 70 was also found increased in fructose-fed mice. Analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons from the cecal samples of vehicle groups showed that the fructose diet altered gut bacterial community, leading to increased α-diversity. The abundance of several bacterial taxa including the genus Anaerostipes was found to be significantly correlated with the levels of hepatic Cyp2e1, Cyp1a2 mRNA, and glutathione. Together, these results suggest that the fructose-supplemented diet decreases APAP-induced liver injury in mice, in part by reducing metabolic activation of APAP and inducing detoxification of toxic metabolites, potentially through altered composition of gut microbiota.
Effect of insulin and growth hormone on plasma leptin in periparturient dairy cows.

After parturition, dairy cows suffer from an intense energy deficit caused by the onset of copious milk secretion and an inadequate increase in voluntary food intake. We previously showed that this energy deficit contributes to a decline in plasma leptin. This decline mirrors that of plasma insulin but is reciprocal to the profile of plasma growth hormone (GH), suggesting that both hormones may regulate plasma leptin in periparturient dairy cows. To study the role of insulin, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were performed on six dairy cows in late pregnancy (LP, 31 days prepartum) and early lactation (EL, 7 days postpartum). Infusion of insulin (1 microg.kg body wt-1.h-1) caused a progressive rise in the plasma concentration of leptin that reached maximum levels at 24 h during both physiological states. At steady states, the absolute increase in plasma leptin was greater in LP than in EL cows (2.4 vs. 0.4 ng/ml). Insulin infusion increased leptin mRNA in adipose tissue during LP but not during EL. During lactation, mammary epithelial cells expressed leptin mRNA but insulin did not increase milk leptin output. In contrast, a 3-day period of GH administration had no effect on plasma leptin during LP or EL. Therefore, insulin increases plasma leptin in LP by stimulating adipose tissue synthesis but has only marginal effects in EL, when cows are in negative energy balance. Other factors, such as increased response of adipose tissue to beta-adrenergic signals, probably contribute to the reduction of plasma leptin in early lactating dairy cows.
Gallibacterium infection in chickens -a study of taxonomy, epidemiology and bacteria-host interaction

Gallibacterium has recently been included as a new genus of the family Pasteurellaceae Pohl 1981, which encompasses bacteria previously reported as Pasteurella anatis, [Actinobacillus] salpingitidis and avian Pasteurella haemolytica-like organisms. Identification has, so far, exclusively relied on phenotypical characterization. Here we present a method based on a Cy3 labelled in situ hybridization probe targeting 16S rRNA to allow specific detection of bacteria belonging to the genus Gallibacterium. The probe, GAN850, showed no cross-reactivity to 25 other poultry associated bacterial species including members of the families Pasteurellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Flavobacteriaceae, when evaluated by whole cell hybridization. The probe was further evaluated by hybridization to formalin-fixed spleen and liver tissues from experimentally infected chickens, in which it proved useful for detection of Gallibacterium. Additionally, spatial distribution and host-cell affiliation of Gallibacterium, at various time points during the infection process, was possible. In conclusion, the in situ hybridization technique described may be of use as a diagnostic tool as well as for studies to elucidate the pathogenesis of Gallibacterium infections in chickens. ______________________________________________________________________
Column-store support for RDF data management: not all swans are white

This paper reports on the results of an independent evaluation of the techniques presented in the VLDB 2007 paper "Scalable Semantic Web Data Management Using Vertical Partitioning", authored by D. Abadi, A. Marcus, S. R. Madden, and K. Hollenbach [1]. We revisit the proposed benchmark and examine both the data and query space coverage. The benchmark is extended to cover a larger portion of the query space in a canonical way. Repeatability of the experiments is assessed using the code base obtained from the authors. Inspired by the proposed vertically-partitioned storage solution for RDF data and the performance figures using a column-store, we conduct a complementary analysis of state-of-the-art RDF storage solutions. To this end, we employ MonetDB/SQL, a fully-functional open source column-store, and a well-known -- for its performance -- commercial row-store DBMS. We implement two relational RDF storage solutions -- triple-store and vertically-partitioned -- in both systems. This allows us to expand the scope of [1] with the performance characterization along both dimensions -- triple-store vs. vertically-partitioned and row-store vs. column-store -- individually, before analyzing their combined effects. A detailed report of the experimental test-bed, as well as an in-depth analysis of the parameters involved, clarify the scope of the solution originally presented and position the results in a broader context by covering more systems.
Impala: A Modern, Open-Source SQL Engine for Hadoop

Cloudera Impala is a modern, open-source MPP SQL engine architected from the ground up for the Hadoop data processing environment. Impala provides low latency and high concurrency for BI/analytic read-mostly queries on Hadoop, not delivered by batch frameworks such as Apache Hive. This paper presents Impala from a user’s perspective, gives an overview of its architecture and main components and briefly demonstrates its superior performance compared against other popular SQL-on-Hadoop systems.