Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weekly gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy: a well-tolerated but ineffective chemotherapeutic regimen in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. A report from the Italian Group for the Study of Digestive Tract Cancer (GISCAD).

BACKGROUND This phase II study was initiated to determine the activity and toxicity of a combination of gemcitabine (GEM) and cisplatin (CDDP) in patients with pancreatic cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS CDDP 35 mg/m(2) was given as a 30-min infusion and GEM 1000 mg/m(2) as a 30-min infusion. Both drugs were administered once weekly for 2 consecutive weeks out of every 3 weeks to chemonaive patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. RESULTS Forty-five advanced pancreatic cancer patients received this regimen for a total of 180 cycles of chemotherapy. One complete and four partial responses have been observed for an overall response rate of 9% (95% confidence interval 10% to 11%). Twenty-one patients (46%) had stable disease and 19 progressed on therapy. The median time to progression was 3.6 months, with a median survival of 5.6 months. A clinical benefit was obtained in nine of 37 patients (24%). Side-effects were mainly represented by hematological toxicity. Grade 3/4 WHO toxicities included neutropenia (6% of the patients) and thrombocytopenia (11%). The dose of GEM and CDDP was reduced in 14 patients (31%) and treatment was delayed in 10 patients (22%). CONCLUSIONS Our results in terms of response rate, clinical benefit and survival do not support an advantage for the combination of GEM and CDDP given by this schedule.
Magnetic resonance imaging in late-life depression: multimodal examination of network disruption.

CONTEXT Disruption of frontal-subcortical and limbic networks is hypothesized to have a key role in late-life depression (LLD) and can be examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. Gray matter can be examined using T1-weighted MRI, white matter using T2-weighted MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, and functional connectivity in resting-state networks using functional MRI. Although independent MRI studies have supported gray and white matter abnormalities in frontosubcortical and limbic networks and increased functional connectivity in the default-mode network in depression, no study has concurrently examined gray matter, white matter, and functional connectivity. OBJECTIVE To examine whether results of different MRI techniques are complementary, multimodal MRI was used to compare gray matter, white matter, and resting-state networks between LLD and control groups. DESIGN Cross-sectional, case-control, multimodal MRI analysis. SETTING University research department. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-six recovered participants with LLD (mean age, 71.8 years) and 25 control participants (mean age, 71.8 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Gray matter was examined across the whole brain using voxel-based morphometry. Subcortical gray matter structures were also automatically segmented, and volumetric and shape analyses were performed. For white matter analysis, fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity values were examined using tract-based spatial statistics. For resting-state network analysis, correlation coefficients were compared using independent components analysis followed by dual regression. RESULTS White matter integrity was widely reduced in LLD, without significant group differences in gray matter volumes or functional connectivity. CONCLUSIONS The present work strongly supports the hypothesis that white matter abnormalities in frontal-subcortical and limbic networks play a key role in LLD even in the absence of changes in resting functional connectivity and gray matter. Factors that could contribute to the lack of significant differences in gray matter and functional connectivity measures, including current symptom severity, medication status, and age of participants with LLD, are discussed.
DISCOVERY OF THE LARGEST KNOWN LENSED IMAGES FORMED BY A CRITICALLY CONVERGENT LENSING CLUSTER

We identify the largest known lensed images of a single spiral galaxy, lying close to the center of the distant cluster MACS J1149.5+2223 (z = 0.544). These images cover a total area of and are magnified ≃200 times. Unusually, there is very little image distortion, implying that the central mass distribution is almost uniform over a wide area (r ≃ 200 kpc) with a surface density equal to the critical density for lensing, corresponding to maximal lens magnification. Many fainter multiply lensed galaxies are also uncovered by our model, outlining a very large tangential critical curve, of radius r ≃ 170 kpc, posing a potential challenge for the standard LCDM cosmology. Because of the uniform central mass distribution, a particularly clean measurement of the mass of the brightest cluster galaxy is possible here, for which we infer stars contribute most of the mass within a limiting radius of ≃30 kpc, with a mass-to-light ratio of M/LB ≃ 4.5(M/L)☉. This cluster with its uniform and central mass distribution acts analogously to a regular magnifying glass, converging light without distorting the images, resulting in the most powerful lens yet discovered for accessing the faint high-z universe.
Short-pulse three-dimensional scattering from moderately rough surfaces: a comparison between narrow-waisted Gaussian beam algorithms and FDTD

In this paper, with reference to short-pulse three-dimensional scattering from moderately rough surfaces, we present a comparison between Gabor-based narrow-waisted Gaussian beam (NW-GB) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithms. NW-GB algorithms have recently emerged as an attractive alternative to traditional (ray-optical) high-frequency/short-pulse approximate methods, whereas FDTD algorithms are well-established full-wave tools for electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering. After presentation of relevant background material, results are presented and discussed for realistic parameter configurations, involving dispersive soils and moderately rough surface profiles, of interest in pulsed ground penetrating radar applications. Results indicate a generally satisfying agreement between the two methods, which tends to improve for slightly dispersive soils. Computational aspects are also compared.
Whole-Cell or Acellular Pertussis Primary Immunizations in Infancy Determines Adolescent Cellular Immune Profiles

Introduction Pertussis is re-emerging worldwide, despite effective immunization programs for infants and children. Epidemiological studies show a more limited duration of protection against clinical pertussis in adolescents primed with acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines during infancy than those who have been primed with whole-cell pertussis (wP) vaccines. This study aimed to determine whether memory immune responses to aP, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine antigens following booster vaccinations at 4 and 9 years of age differ between wP- versus aP-primed children. Methods In a cross-sectional study, blood was collected of DTwP- or diphtheria, tetanus, and aP (DTaP)-primed children before, 1 month, and 2 years after the preschool DTaP booster administered at 4 years of age (n = 41–63 per time point). In a longitudinal study, blood was sampled of DTwP- or DTaP-primed children before, 1 month, and 1 year after a preadolescent Tdap booster at 9 years of age (n = 79–83 per time point). Pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus vaccine antigen-specific IgG levels, B-cell and T-cell responses were determined. Results After the preschool booster vaccination, IgG levels were significantly higher in aP-primed as compared with wP-primed children until 6 years of age. Before the preadolescent Tdap booster vaccination, humoral and cellular immune responses were similar in aP- and wP-primed children. However, the Tdap booster vaccination induced lower vaccine antigen-specific humoral, B-cell, and T-helper 1 (Th1) cell responses resulting in significantly lower Th1/Th2 ratios in aP-primed compared with wP-primed children. Conclusion The memory immune profiles at preadolescent age to all DTaP vaccine antigens are already determined by the wP or aP combination vaccines given in infancy, showing a beneficial Th1-dominated response after wP-priming. These immunological data corroborate epidemiological data showing that DTaP-primed adolescents are less protected against clinical pertussis than DTwP-primed children.
Does Framing Human Papillomavirus Vaccine as Preventing Cancer in Men Increase Vaccine Acceptability?

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is now approved for use in males in the United States to prevent genital warts. We conducted an experiment to see whether framing HPV vaccination as also preventing cancer in men would increase men's vaccination willingness. Methods: We conducted an online survey in January 2009 with a national sample of men ages 18 to 59 years who self-identified as gay/bisexual (n = 312) or heterosexual (n = 296). In the within-subjects experiment, men read four randomly ordered vignettes that described hypothetical vaccines that prevented either genital warts alone, or genital warts and either anal cancer, oral cancer, or penile cancer. We analyzed data using repeated measures ANOVA and tested whether perceived severity or perceived likelihood mediated the effect of disease outcome framing on men's HPV vaccination willingness. Results: Although only 42% of men were willing to receive HPV vaccine when it was framed as preventing genital warts alone, 60% were willing to get it when it was framed as preventing cancer in addition to genital warts (P < 0.001). The effect of outcome framing was the same for heterosexual and gay/bisexual men and for the three cancer types examined. Perceived severity of disease partially mediated the association between disease outcome and HPV vaccination willingness. Conclusions: Men may be more accepting of HPV vaccine when it is framed as preventing cancer, regardless which of the three most common HPV-related cancers in men is described. Impact: Study findings may be useful in developing health communication messages that maximize HPV vaccine acceptability among young men. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(8); 1937–44. ©2010 AACR.
2 Association of Haemostasis Activation Markers with Thrombophilia and Venous Thromboembolism

Thrombophilia (TF) is defined as an inherited or acquired tendency to develop thrombosis. TF creates a state of hypercoagulability, i.e. haemostasis activation without actual clot formation which can be detected in vitro by specific laboratory techniques. Thrombosis as a clinical phenomenon, however, only occurs when the balance between pro-coagulant and anti-coagulant elements of haemostasis is disrupted to such an extent that it leads to clot formation in the circulating blood. TF is most commonly associated with an increased risk of thrombosis in the venous system, i.e. venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is a common disease with an annual incidence of about 1 case per 1000 person-years and is a cause of substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide (White, 2003). Furthermore, it is a chronic disease that often recurs. A third of patients with first VTE, experience a recurrence within the next 5 to 8 years. Recurrence is best prevented since it is fatal in 5 % of patients and late sequelae, such as post-thrombotic syndrome, are also very common (Schulman et al, 2006). The standard treatment for acute VTE (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin, followed by vitamin K antagonists for at least several months) reduces the risk of recurrence by 80 to 90 % (Kearon et al, 2008). Although ideally all patients should receive long-term treatment with vitamin K antagonists to reduce the risk of recurrence, one has to bear in mind the 2 -3 % annual incidence of major bleeding on anticoagulant treatment (Ansell et al, 2008). The duration of anticoagulant treatment should therefore be tailored individually to optimize the preventive action of treatment with the minimum risk of bleeding. The likelihood of recurrence varies among individuals and is strongly influenced by the presence of clinical risk factors. Patients whose first VTE was triggered by a circumstantial risk factor (provoked VTE) have a lower risk of recurrence than patients whose event was unprovoked (idiopathic VTE), or who carry persistent risk factors (Kearon et al, 2008). It is, however, arguable whether the level of risk estimated from clinical risk factors alone justifies long-term anticoagulation. For a long time it was thought that screening for TF, a persistent risk factor for VTE, would facilitate clinical decision-making in determining the duration of anticoagulant treatment.
Trust, Positive Reciprocity, and Negative Reciprocity: Do These Traits Impact Entrepreneurial Dynamics?

Experimental evidence reveals that there is a strong willingness to trust and to act in both positively and negatively reciprocal ways. So far it is rarely analyzed whether these variables of social cognition influence everyday decision making behavior. We focus on entrepreneurs who are permanently facing exchange processes in the interplay with investors, sellers, and buyers, as well as needing to trust others and reciprocate with their network. We base our analysis on the German Socio-Economic Panel and recently introduced questions about trust, positive reciprocity, and negative reciprocity to examine the extent that these variables influence the entrepreneurial decision processes. More specifically, we analyze whether i) the willingness to trust other people influences the probability of starting a business; ii) trust, positive reciprocity, and negative reciprocity influence the exit probability of entrepreneurs; and iii) willingness to trust and to act reciprocally influences the probability of being an entrepreneur versus an employee or a manager. Our findings reveal that, in particular, trust impacts entrepreneurial development. Interestingly, entrepreneurs are more trustful than employees, but much less trustful than managers.
Preictal Dynamics of EEG Complexity in Intracranially Recorded Epileptic Seizure

AbstractRecent findings suggest that neural complexity reflecting a number of independent processes in the brain may characterize typical changes during epileptic seizures and may enable to describe preictal dynamics. With respect to previously reported findings suggesting specific changes in neural complexity during preictal period, we have used measure of pointwise correlation dimension (PD2) as a sensitive indicator of nonstationary changes in complexity of the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. Although this measure of complexity in epileptic patients was previously reported by Feucht et al (Applications of correlation dimension and pointwise dimension for non-linear topographical analysis of focal onset seizures. Med Biol Comput. 1999;37:208–217), it was not used to study changes in preictal dynamics. With this aim to study preictal changes of EEG complexity, we have examined signals from 11 multicontact depth (intracerebral) EEG electrodes located in 108 cortical and subcortical brain sites, and from 3 scalp EEG electrodes in a patient with intractable epilepsy, who underwent preoperative evaluation before epilepsy surgery. From those 108 EEG contacts, records related to 44 electrode contacts implanted into lesional structures and white matter were not included into the experimental analysis.The results show that in comparison to interictal period (at about 8–6 minutes before seizure onset), there was a statistically significant decrease in PD2 complexity in the preictal period at about 2 minutes before seizure onset in all 64 intracranial channels localized in various brain sites that were included into the analysis and in 3 scalp EEG channels as well. Presented results suggest that using PD2 in EEG analysis may have significant implications for research of preictal dynamics and prediction of epileptic seizures.
Space-time behavior based correlation

We introduce a behavior-based similarity measure which tells us whether two different space-time intensity patterns of two different video segments could have resulted from a similar underlying motion field. This is done directly from the intensity information, without explicitly computing the underlying motions. Such a measure allows us to detect similarity between video segments of differently dressed people performing the same type of activity. It requires no foreground/background segmentation, no prior learning of activities, and no motion estimation or tracking. Using this behavior-based similarity measure, we extend the notion of 2-dimensional image correlation into the 3-dimensional space-time volume, thus allowing to correlate dynamic behaviors and actions. Small space-time video segments (small video clips) are "correlated" against entire video sequences in all three dimensions (x,y, and t). Peak correlation values correspond to video locations with similar dynamic behaviors. Our approach can detect very complex behaviors in video sequences (e.g., ballet movements, pool dives, running water), even when multiple complex activities occur simultaneously within the field-of-view of the camera.
Ordinal optimization of admission control in wireless multihop voice/data networks via standard clock simulation

The authors study the voice-call admission control problem in integrated voice/data multihop radio networks. They develop an efficient simulation model based on the use of the standard clock (SC) approach, which permits the simultaneous simulation of a large number of admission-control policies, thereby reducing computation time significantly. They then demonstrate the effectiveness of ordinal-optimization techniques, which provide a remarkably good ranking of admission-control policies after relatively short simulation runs, thereby facilitating the rapid determination of good policies. Moreover, they demonstrate that the use of crude and inaccurate analytical and simulation models can provide highly accurate policy rankings that can be used in conjunction with ordinal-optimization methods, provided that they incorporate the key aspects of system operation. <<ETX>>
The Effect of Job Satisfaction and Organizational Justice on Organizational Citizenship Behavior with Organization Commitment as The Moderator

This study was conducted to determine the influence of job satisfaction and organizational justice on officer’s organizational citizenship behavior at Regional Office of the Directorate General of Taxes of Bengkulu and Lampung with organizational commitment as moderator. The study sample of 158 officers was taken by simple random sampling technique. The research data were obtained by using scale methods and were analyzed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research results showed: the empirical models influence job satisfaction and organizational justice on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) with the organizational commitment as moderator which fits with the theoritical model, job satisfaction directly has impact on organizational citizenship behavior, organizational justice has a direct impact on organizational citizenship behavior, organizational commitment has a direct impact on organizational citizenship behavior, job satisfaction has impact on organizational citizenship behavior through organizational commitment as a moderator, and organizational justice does not have impact on organizational citizenship behavior through organizational commitment as moderator.
Optimal rates for total variation denoising

Motivated by its practical success, we show that the 2D total variation denoiser satisfies a sharp oracle inequality that leads to near optimal rates of estimation for a large class of image models such as bi-isotonic, Hölder smooth and cartoons. Our analysis hinges on properties of the unnormalized Laplacian of the two-dimensional grid such as eigenvector delocalization and spectral decay. We also present extensions to more than two dimensions as well as several other graphs.
How Vulnerable are Consumers to Blatant Persuasion Attempts?

We show that subtle environmental elements - such as background music - can reduce skepticism and decrease consumers' use of persuasion knowledge. In four studies we show that the presence of background music can result in increased distraction and increased inclination to follow salespeople's advice. Remarkably, this effect persists even when the ulterior motive of the salesperson is made extremely salient. Our results suggest that consumers may be more vulnerable to persuasion attempts then is usually assumed in the persuasion knowledge literature.
Environmental and genetic factors support the dissociation between α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity

Significance Many neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the abnormal accumulation of aggregated proteins in the brain. In Parkinson’s disease and related disorders, this process involves the accumulation of α-synuclein (aSyn). Thus, understanding the relationship between aSyn aggregation and pathological conditions is essential for the development of novel and efficient therapies against these disorders. Here, we studied the effects that different aSyn species have on neurons using a combination of neurodegeneration-associated factors: the H50Q aSyn mutant and the presence of copper. Importantly, we demonstrate that exogenous aSyn promotes toxicity and inclusion formation, and that these effects are inversely correlated. Our data shed light onto the pathological mechanisms associated with aSyn aggregation, forming the foundation for future therapeutic strategies. Synucleinopathies are a group of progressive disorders characterized by the abnormal aggregation and accumulation of α-synuclein (aSyn), an abundant neuronal protein that can adopt different conformations and biological properties. Recently, aSyn pathology was shown to spread between neurons in a prion-like manner. Proteins like aSyn that exhibit self-propagating capacity appear to be able to adopt different stable conformational states, known as protein strains, which can be modulated both by environmental and by protein-intrinsic factors. Here, we analyzed these factors and found that the unique combination of the neurodegeneration-related metal copper and the pathological H50Q aSyn mutation induces a significant alteration in the aggregation properties of aSyn. We compared the aggregation of WT and H50Q aSyn with and without copper, and assessed the effects of the resultant protein species when applied to primary neuronal cultures. The presence of copper induces the formation of structurally different and less-damaging aSyn aggregates. Interestingly, these aggregates exhibit a stronger capacity to induce aSyn inclusion formation in recipient cells, which demonstrates that the structural features of aSyn species determine their effect in neuronal cells and supports a lack of correlation between toxicity and inclusion formation. In total, our study provides strong support in favor of the hypothesis that protein aggregation is not a primary cause of cytotoxicity.
Relationship between joint shape and the development of osteoarthritis

Purpose of reviewTo present an updated summary of the relationship between joint shape and the development of osteoarthritis, with a particular focus on osteoarthritis of the hip. Recent findingsOsteoarthritis of the hip is highly heritable, with a genetic contribution estimated at 60%. Among the genes that have been linked to this disease are several that are involved in the development and maintenance of joint shape, including members of the Wingless (Wnt) and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family. Several features of hip joint architecture, such as acetabular dysplasia, pistol grip deformity, wide femoral neck, altered femoral neck-shaft angle, appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and may predate the development of osteoarthritis by decades. SummaryGene–environment interactions play a crucial role in the development of osteoarthritis. The architecture of joint shape is determined by a complex sequence spanning embryonic, childhood, and adult life and contributes to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.