Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Trial Substantiates the Predictive Value of O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Promoter Methylation in Glioblastoma Patients Treated with Temozolomide

Purpose: In the setting of a prospective clinical trial, we determined the predictive value of the methylation status of the O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter for outcome in glioblastoma patients treated with the alkylating agent temozolomide. Expression of this excision repair enzyme has been associated with resistance to alkylating chemotherapy. Experimental Design: The methylation status of MGMT in the tumor biopsies was evaluated in 38 patients undergoing resection for newly diagnosed glioblastoma and enrolled in a Phase II trial testing concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide and radiation. The epigenetic silencing of the MGMT gene was determined using methylation-specific PCR. Results: Inactivation of the MGMT gene by promoter methylation was associated with longer survival (P = 0.0051; Log-rank test). At 18 months, survival was 62% (16 of 26) for patients testing positive for a methylated MGMT promoter but reached only 8% (1 of 12) in absence of methylation (P = 0.002; Fisher’s exact test). In the presence of other clinically relevant factors, methylation of the MGMT promoter remains the only significant predictor (P = 0.017; Cox regression). Conclusions: This prospective clinical trial identifies MGMT-methylation status as an independent predictor for glioblastoma patients treated with a methylating agent. The association of the epigenetic inactivation of the DNA repair gene MGMT with better outcome in this homogenous cohort may have important implications for the design of future trials and supports efforts to deplete MGMT by O-6-benzylguanine, a noncytotoxic substrate of this enzyme.
TerraSAR-X Time series uplift monitoring in Staufen, South-West Germany

The city of Staufen im Breisgau has been experiencing a strong uplift phenomenon since the end of 2007, resulting in severe damages to more than 260 buildings. The uplift process has been attributed to the disturbance of the hydrogeological system in the region due to drilling activities for the geothermal heating and cooling management of the city hall. This paper focuses on using InSAR time series methods of Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) and Small Baselines Subset (SBAS) to derive the displacement map from July 2008 till May 2011. More than 50 TerraSAR-X Stripmap images were processed with StaMPS/MTI, which provides the implementation of both techniques. The results of both methods are presented and compared to each other.
UM ESTUDO SOBRE A PERCEPÇÃO DE GESTORES DE MÉDIAS EMPRESAS DA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE RECIFE SOBRE A UTILIZAÇÃO E IMPORTÂNCIA DAS INFORMAÇÕES CONTÁBEIS NO PROCESSO DE TOMADA DE DECISÃO

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a percepcao dos gestores de medias empresas (ME) da Regiao Metropolitana de Recife (RMR, Pernambuco) sobre a importância das informacoes fornecidas pelos Sistemas de Informacoes Contabeis (SIC) em processos de tomada de decisao. Foram caracterizados perfis e a importâncias das ME, analisada a literatura que trata este porte de empresa e identificadas as informacoes contabeis utilizadas nos processos de tomada de decisao. E uma pesquisa empirica de carater exploratorio-descritivo, que utilizou o metodo indutivo e foi realizada com amostra de 37 ME. Utilizou-se o programa SPSS ( Statistical Package for Social Sciences ) para auxiliar no tratamento dos dados e realizacoes dos testes estatisticos necessarios. Os dados da pesquisa mostraram que os gestores das ME da RMR (PE) percebem a importância da informacao contabil na tomada de decisao. As informacoes consideradas mais importantes foram Demonstracao de Fluxo de Caixa (DFC), Resultado do Lucro/Prejuizo, Registro de Saidas de Mercadorias, Controle de Estoques ; menos importante: Indicadores Economico-Financeiros .
Antifeedant and sublethal effects of imidacloprid on Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri.

BACKGROUND Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the causal bacteria of the devastating citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB). Because of the variation in spatial and temporal uptake and systemic distribution of imidacloprid applied to citrus trees and its degradation over time in citrus trees, ACP adults and nymphs are exposed to concentrations that may not cause immediate mortality but rather sublethal effects. The objective of this laboratory study was to determine the effects of sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid on ACP life stages. RESULTS Feeding by ACP adults and nymphs on plants treated daily with a sublethal concentration (0.1 microg mL(-1)) of imidacloprid significantly decreased adult longevity (8 days), fecundity (33%) and fertility (6%), as well as nymph survival (12%) and developmental rate compared with untreated controls. The magnitude of these negative effects was directly related to exposure duration and concentration. Furthermore, ACP adults that fed on citrus leaves treated systemically with lethal and sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid excreted significantly less honeydew (7-94%) compared with controls in a concentration-dependent manner suggesting antifeedant activity of imidacloprid. CONCLUSIONS Sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid negatively affect development, reproduction, survival and longevity of ACP, which likely contributes to population reductions over time. Also, reduced feeding by ACP adults on plants treated with sublethal concentrations of imidacloprid may potentially decrease the capacity of ACP to successfully acquire and transmit the HLB causal pathogen.
Hyperbaric oxygenation modulates vascular reactivity to angiotensin-(1-7) in diabetic rats: Potential role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids

Previously, a facilitating effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO2) on aortic ring responses to angiotensin-(1-7) in healthy rats was reported, with epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) possibly playing an important role. The aim of this study was to assess whether HBO2 exerts similar effects in diabetic rats and to further explore the role of specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in changes induced by HBO2. Aortic relaxation to angiotensin-(1-7) was significantly higher in HBO2 diabetic rats compared to control diabetic rats, while HBO2 had no effect on angiotensin II contraction. N-methylsulphonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl/hexanamide inhibited the facilitation of angiotensin-(1-7) responses in HBO2 rats, suggesting an important role of EETs in this modulation. mRNA expression of CYP2J3 and protein expression of CYP2C11 were significantly upregulated in HBO2 diabetic rats, whereas CYP4A1, CYP4A2 and CYP4A3 mRNA and CYP2J3 protein expression was similar between groups. Mean arterial pressure, ferric reducing ability of plasma and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances levels and serum angiotensin-(1-7) concentrations were not significantly changed.
Envelhecer em contexto prisional

The significant increase in the number of elderly worldwide and Portugal puts our collective destinies new concerns and challenges. Within this research, we defined the purpose to understand the different aging processes of inmates considered old and analyzed the daily lives of older inmates, the impact of imprisonment in the aging process notably construction of adaptation strategies and reintegration and its future prospects probation. This study supported a qualitative methodology, applied to the 25 semi-directive interviews content analysis performed with male inmates individuals aged over 65 years and serving sentences of imprisonment in different Portuguese chains harboring men. We conclude that, for prisoners considered elderly in the prison context, the perception of aging is linked to feelings of negative connotation of worthlessness, hopelessness and constant losses. These people invest, so all their senses, intellectual abilities, feelings, ideas and adaptive strategies in identity reformulation process, in which aging is associated with perceptions of certain disabilities that stand out more easily and worsen in the prison context.
Mechanical endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with mucosal flaps

Aims: To describe and assess the efficacy of mechanical endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (MENDCR). This is a new technique that involves creation of a large rhinostomy and mucosal flaps. The study involved a prospective non-randomised interventional case series with short perioperative follow up. Method: A prospective series of 104 consecutive endonasal DCRs performed from January 1999 to December 2001 were entered into the study. Patients included in the study had nasolacrimal duct obstruction and had not had previous lacrimal surgery. The technique involved anastomosis of nasal mucosal and lacrimal sac flaps and a large bony ostium. Surgery was performed by two surgeons (AT/PJW). Follow up assessment included nasoendoscopy as well as symptom evaluation. Success was defined as anatomical patency with fluorescein flow on nasoendoscopy and patency to lacrimal syringing. The average follow up time was 9.7 months (range 2–28, SD 6.7 months). Results: There were 104 DCRs performed on 86 patients (30 male, 56 female). The average age of the patients was 59 years (range 3–89, SD 24.1 years). Common presentations were epiphora (77%) and/or mucocele (19%). Septoplasty (SMR) was required in 48 DCRs (46%) and 13 DCRs (12.5%) needed other endoscopic surgery in conjunction with the lacrimal surgery. The surgery was successful in 93 cases (89%). Of the 11 cases that were classified as a failure six patients was anatomically patent but still symptomatic and another two had preoperative canalicular problems. The anatomical patency with this new technique was thus 95% (99 of 104 DCRs). Conclusion: MENDCR involves creation of a large ostium and mucosal preservation for the construction of flaps. The anatomical success is 95% and is similar to external DCR and better then other endonasal approaches. The authors suggest that creation of a large ostium as well as mucosal flaps improves the efficacy of this endonasal technique.
Exploring the Relationship of Emotional Intelligence with Physical and Psychological Health Functioning

This study investigates the relationship of emotional intelligence (EI) characteristics, such as perception, control, use and understanding of emotions, with physical and psychological health. In the first study, 365 individuals filled in measures of emotional intelligence and general health. It was hypothesized that EI would be negatively associated with poor general health. In the second study, 212 working adults completed the same measure of emotional intelligence and another measure, which apart from the standard information regarding psychical and psychological health, provided also information about other health related behaviours, such as smoking, drinking, and exercising. It was also hypothesized that EI would negatively correlate with smoking and drinking and positively correlate with exercising. The findings confirmed both hypotheses and provided further support on the claims that there is a relationship between EI and health functioning. Additionally, in a series of hierarchical regression analyses we investigated the unique contribution of each of the EI scales on the overall health score. The findings are discussed in the context of the importance of emotional competences on health and personal lifestyle, while implications for practice and directions for future research are proposed.
[Association of interleukin-6 and interleukin-18 gene polymorphism with rheumatoid arthritis in Guangdong Han population].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions -572 and -174 in the promoter region of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene and at -607 and -137 in the promoter region of interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene for their association with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Chinese Han population in Guangdong Province. METHODS SNPs of IL-6 and IL-18 genes were detected in 120 patients with RA and 168 normal subjects using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). RESULTS SNPs at -572 and -174 of IL-6 gene and at -607 and -137 of IL-18 gene were detected in this population. There was a significant difference in the genotype and allele frequency at -572 and -174 of IL-6 gene and -607 of IL-18 gene (P<0.001), but not in the distribution of genotype frequencies at -137 of IL-18 gene between the RA patients and healthy subjects (P=0.141). A significant difference was found, however, in the allele frequency at -137 of IL-18 (P=0.024). Logistic regression analysis revealed significant association of age, gender, IL-6 gene -572, -174 and IL-18 gene -137 SNPs with RA (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The polymorphisms of the promoter region of IL-6 gene at positions -572 and -174 is probably associated with RA, and further study is needed to understand the relation of the polymorphisms of IL-18 gene at positions -607C/A and-137G/C with RA.
MicroRNA miR-17-5p is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, associated with a poor prognosis, and involved in cancer cell proliferation and invasion

The microRNA-17-92 cluster is an oncogene in human B cell lymphomas and lung cancers. Previous microRNA microarray data revealed that miR-17-5p, a member of the miR-17-92 cluster, is upregulated in pancreatic cancer. However, the involvement of miR-17-5p expression in pancreatic carcinogenesis has not well been studied. In the present study, we measured the miR-17-5p expression levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines, primary cultures of normal human pancreatic ductal cells, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples derived from 80 patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer and microdissected cells (including normal ductal epithelial, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia-1B and invasive ductal carcinoma cells) by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of upregulation of miR-17-5p expression on the proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. We found that pancreatic cancer cells expressed higher levels of miR-17-5p than primary cultured normal ductal cells. miR-17-5p was also overexpressed in pancreatic cancer in FFPE and microdissected samples. Furthermore, analysis of macrodissected FFPE samples revealed that high miR-17-5p expression was associated with a poor prognosis (p = 0.03). In addition, in vitro experiments revealed that SUIT-2 and KP-2 pancreatic cancer cells transfected with the miR-17-5p precursor showed significantly higher cell growth ratios than the corresponding control cells (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively), as well as significantly higher numbers of invading cells (p < 0.0001 for both). The present findings suggest that miR-17-5p plays important roles in pancreatic carcinogenesis and cancer progression, and is associated with a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer.
Interactive analysis and synthesis of facial expressions based on personal facial expression space

In this paper novel methods for interactive facial expression analysis and synthesis are presented based on personal facial expression space (PFES). We proposed PFES to recognize person-specific, primary facial expression image sequences by both temporal and spatial characteristics taken into consideration. On PFES, facial expression parameters which are compatible with MPEG-4 high level facial expression animation parameters can be extracted from a user's real-time face image and, they are processed to synthesize a face image in real-time. Users can interact by viewing synthesized images and, this feedback leads to interaction. Experimental results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also have developed user interfaces for analysis and synthesis processes.
Promoting professional learning through ongoing and interactive support: three cases within physical education

This paper reports on three cases where university teacher educators have provided an ongoing and interactive support system for teachers learning a particular curriculum and instructional model in physical education in their own schools. Located in diverse contexts (Ireland, Spain and Taiwan), each of these initiatives was grounded in the idea that previous efforts at professional development in settings outside the school led to less than successful implementation of innovative practice once teachers returned to their own settings. The three cases provide a description of the rationale for the professional development initiative, followed by a more extensive description of the professional development itself and its resultant outcomes. The third part of each scenario serves to highlight the challenges faced by the providers and the teachers during the course of the professional development. Three major themes (time, accessibility and modeling) that were common across sites are discussed in terms of the implications for professional development not only in physical education, but across subject areas irrespective of geographical location.
Women’s sex blogs: Challenging dominant discourses of heterosexual desire

Since Michelle Fine’s (1988) paper on the ‘missing discourse of desire’ in sexuality education, researchers have been investigating where and how women talk about their desire. Online weblogs have become a popular forum for the discussion of sexuality, particularly among women, and have been identified as one potential ‘safe space’ for the discussion of sexual desire. In this article, I use thematic analysis to explore how women write about their sexual desire in online weblogs. In this brief report, I present excerpts from one of the identified themes: women’s desire as active and embodied. The findings are considered in terms of masculine and feminine sexualities and postfeminism.
Specificity of ethanollike effects elicited by serotonergic and noradrenergic mechanisms.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the specificity of the ethanollike effects of the serotonergic receptor partial agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine hydrochloride (MCPP) relative to the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist yohimbine hydrochloride and the placebo in recently detoxified alcoholics. It also examined the relationship between ethanollike discriminative properties and the induction of craving in these patients. Both MCPP and yohimbine are anxiogenic in humans; thus, this study evaluated the role of anxiogenic and ethanollike effects in the elicitation of craving. METHODS Twenty-two male inpatients who met DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol dependence and who had not consumed alcohol for 12 to 26 days prior to the study completed 3 days of testing that involved the intravenous infusion of MCPP (0.1 mg/kg), (0.1 mg/kg), yohimbine hydrochloride (0.4 mg/kg), or a saline solution over 2 weeks under double-blind conditions. Ethanollike subjective effects were assessed using the Sensation Scale and visual analog scales to measure the degree of similarity to the effects of ethanol, cocaine, and marijuana. Five components of craving for alcohol were assessed using visual analog scales. The effects of the drugs on mood were assessed using visual analog scales. Plasma levels of cortisol, prolactin, and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol were also measured during the test days. RESULTS m-Chlorophenylpiperazine and yohimbine produced significant increases compared with placebo in Sensation Scale scores and the visual analog scale score for nervousness. However, the effects of MCPP were rated as more similar to those of ethanol, cocaine, and marijuana than were those of either yohimbine or placebo. Also, MCPP but not yohimbine or placebo significantly increased craving for alcohol. Yohimbine and MCPP increased plasma prolactin and cortisol levels relative to placebo, whereas only yohimbine increased plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethleneglycol levels. CONCLUSIONS m-Chlorophenylpiperazine produced ethanollike effects and alcohol craving in recently detoxified alcoholics. Yohimbine increased Sensation Scale scores but was not recognized as ethanollike by patients. Although both drugs produced comparable levels of nervousness, yohimbine did not increase craving for alcohol. These data further implicate serotonergic systems in the discriminative properties of ethanol and may indicate a serotonergic contribution to craving. Noradrenergic systems contributed to the discriminative properties of ethanol but not to those features of ethanol response that were salient to craving in this population.
Proliferative Capacity of Epitope-Specific CD8 T-Cell Responses Is Inversely Related to Viral Load in Chronic Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection

ABSTRACT The relationship between the function of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific CD8 T-cell responses and viral load has not been defined. In this study, we used a panel of major histocompatibility complex class I tetramers to examine responses to frequently targeted CD8 T-cell epitopes in a large cohort of antiretroviral-therapy-naïve HIV type 1 clade C virus-infected persons in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. In terms of effector functions of proliferation, cytokine production, and degranulation, only proliferation showed a significant correlation with viral load. This robust inverse relationship provides an important functional correlate of viral control relevant to both vaccine design and evaluation.
INTERDISCIPLINARY DESCRIPTION OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS Scientific Journal

The emergence of cooperation in a model for an artificial farming society is studied here by the use of an agent-based model. The system is composed of an ensemble of N agents assumed to have equal access to water, whose availability fluctuates randomly in time. Each agent makes two decisions every sowing season regarding: (1) the type of crop mix to plant and (2) whether s/he joins, or not, a cooperative group that allocates water amongst farmers to maximize the production and share revenues equally. Results show that the degree to which farmers choose to cooperate has a strong dependency on the mean water availability. Cooperation seems to emerge as a way of adaptation to uncertain environments by which individual risk is minimized.
Impact of Ramadan on physical performance in professional soccer players

Objective: Ramadan is a period of daylight abstention from liquid or solid nutrients. As sports continue to be scheduled, an understanding of the effects of Ramadan on Muslim athletes is warranted. Design: Two Algerian professional soccer teams (55 men) were studied. Field tests of physical and soccer performance were collected before, at the end and 2 weeks after Ramadan in 2004. Players were queried on sleeping habits and personal perception of training and match performance. Setting: Field setting at club training ground. Main outcome measures: Performance on fitness and skill tests. Results: Performance declined significantly (p<0.05) for speed, agility, dribbling speed and endurance, and most stayed low after the conclusion of Ramadan. Nearly 70% of the players thought that their training and performance were adversely affected during the fast. Conclusions: The phase shift of food intake and disruption of sleep patterns affect actual and perceived physical performance. Islamic athletes need to explore strategies that will maximise performance during Ramadan.