Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Significance of DNA Cytometry in Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix FIGO Stage IB and II

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of DNA‐image cytometry in cervical carcinoma of the uterus and its relation to other established prognostic factors. Study design: The study included 116 cases of cervical carcinoma FIGO stages IB and II which were treated with radical abdominal hysterectomy. The median follow‐up was 55 months (range 1–162 months). DNA image cytometry was performed on cytologic specimens prepared by enzymatic cell separation from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues. DNA stemline ploidy, DNA stemline aneuploidy, 5c exceeding rate, 9c exceeding rate, 2c deviation index, and DNA malignancy grade were computed. DNA‐variables as well as various clinical and histological variables were related to survival rates. Results: In multivariate statistical analysis DNA stemline ploidy using 2.2c as a cut‐off value and FIGO stage showed to be statistically significant available presurgery predictors of survival, whereas the postsurgical parameters lymphonodal status, tumor size and parametrial involvement were significantly correlated with survival. The synopsis of all parameters in a multivariate Cox model indicated that – with declining relevance – the number of positive pelvic lymph nodes, DNA stemline ploidy using a cut‐off level at a modal value of 2.2c, largest pelvic lymph node, 5c exceeding rate, and ratio of carcinoma area to cervix area, were of predictive value for survival. Conclusions: Our results suggest that prognostic information deducted from classical staging parameters is successfully complemented by DNA image cytometry which can be applied pretherapeutically.
Prediction of Postoperative Mortality in Liver Transplantation in the Era of MELD-Based Liver Allocation: A Multivariate Analysis

Background and Aims Liver transplantation is the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease. While waiting list mortality can be predicted by the MELD-score, reliable scoring systems for the postoperative period do not exist. This study's objective was to identify risk factors that contribute to postoperative mortality. Methods Between December 2006 and March 2011, 429 patients underwent liver transplantation in our department. Risk factors for postoperative mortality in 266 consecutive liver transplantations were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients who were <18 years, HU-listings, and split-, living related, combined or re-transplantations were excluded from the analysis. The correlation between number of risk factors and mortality was analyzed. Results A labMELD ≥20, female sex, coronary heart disease, donor risk index >1.5 and donor Na+>145 mmol/L were identified to be independent predictive factors for postoperative mortality. With increasing number of these risk-factors, postoperative 90-day and 1-year mortality increased (0–1: 0 and 0%; 2: 2.9 and 17.4%; 3: 5.6 and 16.8%; 4: 22.2 and 33.3%; 5–6: 60.9 and 66.2%). Conclusions In this analysis, a simple score was derived that adequately identified patients at risk after liver transplantation. Opening a discussion on the inclusion of these parameters in the process of organ allocation may be a worthwhile venture.
GPU-based Video Feature Tracking And Matching

This paper describes novel implementations of the KLT feature track- ing and SIFT feature extraction algorithms that run on the graphics processing unit (GPU) and is suitable for video analysis in real-time vision systems. While significant acceleration over standard CPU implementations is obtained by ex- ploiting parallelism provided by modern programmable graphics hardware, the CPU is freed up to run other computations in parallel. Our GPU-based KLT im- plementation tracks about a thousand features in real-time at 30 Hz on 1024 £ 768 resolution video which is a 20 times improvement over the CPU. It works on both ATI and NVIDIA graphics cards. The GPU-based SIFT implementation works on NVIDIA cards and extracts about 800 features from 640 £ 480 video at 10Hz which is approximately 10 times faster than an optimized CPU implementation.
Calcium-enriched mixture cement as artificial apical barrier: A case series

In comparison to the conventional apexification using calcium hydroxide, artificial apical barrier technique is more valuable and less time consuming. This article describes successful use of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement as an artificial apical barrier in open apices. In this study, 13 single-rooted teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices were treated non-surgically. After copious irrigation of the root canals with NaOCl 5.25% and gentle filing, based on need for interappointment dressing, treatments were followed by CEM cement (BioniqueDent, Tehran, Iran) apical plug insertion in the first or second appointment. All cases were then permanently restored. All subjects were followed until radiographic evidence of periradicular healing was seen (mean 14.5 months). Clinically, all cases were functional and asymptomatic and complete osseous healing was observed in all the teeth. Considering the biological properties of CEM cement, this new endodontic biomaterial might be appropriate to be used as artificial apical barrier in the open apex teeth.
Historical data as a baseline for conservation: reconstructing long-term faunal extinction dynamics in Late Imperial–modern China

Extinction events typically represent extended processes of decline that cannot be reconstructed using short-term studies. Long-term archives are necessary to determine past baselines and the extent of human-caused biodiversity change, but the capacity of historical datasets to provide predictive power for conservation must be assessed within a robust analytical framework. Local Chinese gazetteers represent a more than 400-year country-level dataset containing abundant information on past environmental conditions and include extensive records of gibbons, which have a restricted present-day distribution but formerly occurred across much of China. Gibbons show pre-twentieth century range contraction, with significant fragmentation by the mid-eighteenth century and population loss escalating in the late nineteenth century. Isolated gibbon populations persisted for about 40 years before local extinction. Populations persisted for longer at higher elevations, and disappeared earlier from northern and eastern regions, with the biogeography of population loss consistent with the contagion model of range collapse in response to human demographic expansion spreading directionally across China. The long-term Chinese historical record can track extinction events and human interactions with the environment across much longer timescales than are usually addressed in ecology, contributing novel baselines for conservation and an increased understanding of extinction dynamics and species vulnerability or resilience to human pressures.
Chemical Constituents from the Leaves of Euphorbia ammak Growing in Saudi Arabia

Investigation of the chloroform extract of Euphorbia ammak leaves led to the isolation of three compounds: euphol (1), α-glutinol (2) and stigmasterol (3) Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, as well as by comparison with the reported data. Compounds 1-3 exhibited cytotoxicity in vitro against human cervical adenocarcinoma (Hela), among which, compound 1 showed the best activity.
Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene of patients with atopic dermatitis-association with personality traits related to high level of anxiety

Context: The symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) are often aggravated by anxiety, and the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) has been shown to be of importance in this context. Three polymorphisms affecting transcription of this gene are known: a repetitive element, in the promoter region (5HTTLPR), a variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) within intron 2 referred to as STin2, and a single-nucleotide (A/G) polymorphism (SNP) located within the 5-HTTLPR. Objective: To examine for possible relationships between these polymorphisms and aggravation of AD by stress. Materials and methods: Thirty-three patients with a history of such aggravation, together with 33 age- and gendermatched healthy control subjects, were recruited. The Karolinska Scales of Personality questionnaire was employed to evaluate anxiety-related personality traits and genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction. Results: Although the prevalence of the short and long alleles of 5-HTTLPR did not differ between the patients and healthy controls, there was a tendency towards high prevalence of the short (10-copy) variant of STin2 among the patients. When the study population was further analysed by subdivision into subgroups all AD patients with high- anxiety traits carried the short variant of STin2. In the corresponding healthy control group, the prevalences of the 10-and 12-copy variants were 62% and 38%, respectively (P < 0.01). Conclusion: These findings indicate a possible association between the 10-copy variant of STin2 and aggravation of AD by anxiety.
Endoscopic Conduit Harvest in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery

Objective The purpose of this consensus conference was to develop and update evidence-informed consensus statements and recommendations on harvesting saphenous vein and radial artery via an open as compared with endoscopic technique by systematically reviewing and performing a meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials. Methods All randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized controlled trials included in the first the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Consensus Conference and Statements,1,2 in 2005 up to November 30, 2015, were included in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Based on the resultant, 76 studies (23 randomized controlled trials and 53 nonrandomized controlled trials) on 281,459 patients analyzed, consensus statements, and recommendations were generated comparing the risks and benefits of endoscopic versus open conduit harvesting for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Results Compared with open vein harvest, it is reasonable to perform endoscopic vein harvest of saphenous vein to reduce wound-related complications, postoperative length of stay, and outpatient wound management resources and to increase patient satisfaction (class I, level A). Based on the quality of the conduit and major adverse cardiac events as well as 6-month angiographic patency, endoscopic vein harvest was noninferior to open harvest. It is reasonable to perform endoscopic radial artery harvest to reduce wound-related complication and to increase patient satisfaction (class I, level B-R and B-NR, respectively) with reduction in major adverse cardiac events and noninferior patency rate at 1 and 3 to 5 years (class III, level B-R). Conclusions Based on the consensus statements, the consensus panel recommends (class I, level B) that endoscopic saphenous vein and radial artery harvesting should be the standard of care for patients who require these conduits for coronary revascularization.
Deregulated expression of E2F-1 induces S-phase entry and leads to apoptosis

E2F-1, the first gene product identified among a family of E2F transcription factors, is thought to play a critical role in G1/S progression of the cell cycle. Transcriptional activities of E2F are modulated during the cell cycle, mainly by the formation of complexes between E2F and several key regulators of cell cycle such as the retinoblastoma protein and related proteins. To further understand the roles of E2F in the cell cycle progression, we have overexpressed exogenous E2F-1 by using a tetracycline-controlled expression system. We have found that the induced expression of E2F-1 in Rat-2 fibroblasts promotes S-phase entry and subsequently leads to apoptosis. The apoptosis occurs in an E2F-1 dose-dependent manner. Cells resistant to the induction of apoptosis have lost the ability to express exogenous E2F-1. Cells growing in low serum are more sensitive to the E2F-1-mediated cell death. Overexpression of E2F-1 mutants that impair DNA binding or transactivation does not alter cell cycle progression or induce apoptosis. These results define a novel pathway to apoptosis and demonstrate that premature S-phase entry is associated with apoptotic cell death.
Testing Capital Asset Pricing Model: Empirical Evidences from Indian Equity Market

The present study examines the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) for the Indian stock market using monthly stock returns from 278 companies of BSE 500 Index listed on the Bombay stock exchange for the period of January 1996 to December 2009. The findings of this study are not substantiating the theory’s basic result that higher risk (beta) is associated with higher levels of return. The model does explain, however, excess returns and thus lends support to the linear structure of the CAPM equation. The theory’s prediction for the intercept is that it should equal zero and the slope should equal the excess returns on the market portfolio. The results of the study lead to negate the above hypotheses and offer evidence against the CAPM. The tests conducted to examine the nonlinearity of the relationship between return and betas bolster the hypothesis that the expected return-beta relationship is linear. Additionally, this study investigates whether the CAPM adequately captures all-important determinants of returns including the residual variance of stocks. The results exhibit that residual risk has no effect on the expected returns of portfolios.
Identification of a molecular marker for type A spermatogonia by microarray analysis using gonadal cells from pvasa‐GFP transgenic rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The spermatogonia of fish can be classified as being either undifferentiated type A spermatogonia or differentiated type B spermatogonia. Although type A spermatogonia, which contain spermatogonial stem cells, have been demonstrated to be a suitable material for germ cell transplantation, no molecular markers for distinguishing between type A and type B spermatogonia in fish have been developed to date. We therefore sought to develop a molecular marker for type A spermatogonia in rainbow trout. Using GFP‐dependent flow cytometry (FCM), enriched fractions of type A and type B spermatogonia, testicular somatic cells, and primordial germ cells were prepared from rainbow trout possessing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene driven by trout vasa regulatory regions (pvasa‐GFP rainbow trout). The gene‐expression profiles of each cell fraction were then compared with a microarray containing cDNAs representing 16,006 genes from several salmonid species. Genes exhibiting high expression for type A spermatogonia relative to above‐mentioned other types of gonadal cells were identified and subjected to RT‐PCR and quatitative PCR analysis. Since only the rainbow trout notch1 homologue showed significantly high expression in the type A spermatogonia‐enriched fraction, we propose that notch1 may be a useful molecular marker for type A spermatogonia. The combination of GFP‐dependent FCM and microarray analysis of pvasa‐GFP rainbow trout can therefore be applied to the identification of potentially useful molecular markers of germ cells in fish. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 246–254, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Processing Conditions on Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity of Hot-Extruded Aluminum/Graphite Composites

Aluminum/graphite composites have been successfully prepared by a hot-extrusion technique. The effects of processing conditions such as graphite particle size, graphite content, and extrusion temperature on extrusion behavior, microstructure, texture, and thermal conductivity have been systematically investigated. During the hot extrusion, the graphite was subjected to deformation and hence distributed along the extrusion direction in the extruded Al/graphite composites. The (00l) basal planes of the graphite were preferentially orientated along the extrusion direction. The preferred orientation of the graphite resulted in an anisotropy of thermal conductivity in the extruded samples. On the other hand, the utilization of bimodal graphite powder consisting of coarse and fine particles is beneficial to the enhancement of both relative density and thermal conductivity. Moreover, when a pressed green compact was rotated 90° and then subjected to the hot extrusion, the resulting composite exhibited higher thermal conductivity due to its higher density, fewer Al/graphite interfaces, and higher orientation degree of the graphite. [doi:10.2320/matertrans.M2018220]
Evaluating the Differential Electrophysiological Effects of the Focal Vibrator on the Tendon and Muscle Belly in Healthy People

Objective To investigate the electrophysiological effects of focal vibration on the tendon and muscle belly in healthy people. Methods The miniaturized focal vibrator consisted of an unbalanced mass rotating offset and wireless controller. The parameters of vibratory stimulation were adjusted on a flat rigid surface as 65 µm at 70 Hz. Two consecutive tests on the different vibration sites were conducted in 10 healthy volunteers (test 1, the Achilles tendon; test 2, the muscle belly on the medial head of the gastrocnemius). The Hoffman (H)-reflex was measured 7 times during each test. The minimal H-reflex latency, maximal amplitude of H-reflex (Hmax), and maximal amplitude of the M-response (Mmax) were acquired. The ratio of Hmax and Mmax (HMR) and the vibratory inhibition index (VII: the ratio of the Hmax after vibration and Hmax before vibration) were calculated. The changes in parameters according to the time and site of stimulation were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation methods. Results All subjects completed the two tests without serious adverse effects. The minimal H-reflex latency did not show significant changes over time (Wald test: χ2=11.62, p=0.07), and between the two sites (χ2=0.42, p=0.52). The changes in Hmax (χ2=53.74, p<0.01), HMR (χ2=20.49, p<0.01), and VII (χ2=13.16, p=0.02) were significant over time with the adjustment of sites. These parameters were reduced at all time points compared to the baseline, but the decrements reverted instantly after the cessation of stimulation. When adjusted over time, a 1.99-mV decrease in the Hmax (χ2=4.02, p=0.04) and a 9.02% decrease in the VII (χ2=4.54, p=0.03) were observed when the muscle belly was vibrated compared to the tendon. Conclusion The differential electrophysiological effects of focal vibration were verified. The muscle belly may be the more effective site for reducing the H-reflex compared to the tendon. This study provides the neurophysiological basis for a selective and safe rehabilitation program for spasticity management with focal vibration.
Job Satisfaction: Assumptions and Complexities

It has long been assumed that job satisfaction relates to employee turnover and quality of care. In this article the difficulties of measuring job satisfaction are discussed in light of results from a 6-month assessment by nurse employees in a university-affiliated acute care hospital. The authors found that job satisfaction scores were significantly predicted by respondents' job expectations and the importance they placed on various components of the work situation. The authors conclude that job satisfaction measurement is most valid and reliable when these two predictors are taken into account.
The Role of Psychopathy and Exposure to Violence in Rape Myth Acceptance

The main aim of the present study was to specify and test a structural model to examine the relationships between four psychopathy dimensions (Interpersonal Manipulation, Callous Affect, Erratic Lifestyle, and Antisocial Behavior), childhood exposure to violence, and rape myth acceptance while controlling for gender, age, sample type (prisoner vs. non-prisoner), and relationship status. Participants were a sample of non-offending adults (n = 319) recruited from the University of Security in Poznan, and a sample of prisoners (n = 129) incarcerated in Stargard Szczecinski Prison. Results indicated that the model provided a good fit for the data, and that Callous Affect and childhood exposure to violence had a significant positive effect on attitudes toward rape and rape victims. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Novel bifunctional polymer with reactivity and temperature sensitivity

To introduce reactive groups into temperature-responsive polymeric chains of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm), IPAAm is copolymerized with other monomer such as acrylic acid (AAc). IPAAm homopolymer exhibited temperature-responsive properties and phase transition at 32°C, however, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the IPAAm-AAc copolymer shifts to a higher temperature and the phase transition becomes insensitive with increasing AAc content. To achieve a useful bifunctional copolymer containing both reactivity and temperature-sensitivity, we assumed that the homopolymer-like structure in the polymer chain would be required to maintain a sensitive temperature response with functional groups. Therefore, we designed a reactive monomer, 2-carboxyisopropylacrylamide (CIPAAm), and investigated its copolymerization with IPAAm. The important characteristic of the poly(IPAAm-co-CIPAAm) structure is that it was composed of the same polymer backbone and isopropylamide groups and some additional carboxyl groups. The transmittance measurement of the polymer aqueous solution revealed that phase transition of IPAAm-co-CIPAAm random copolymer occurred within a very narrow temperature range in pH 6.4, 7.4, and also even 9.0 phosphate buffered solution. These profiles were almost same as that of IPAAm homopolymer. While, under the same conditions, phase transition properties of poly(IPAAm-co-AAc)s solution were considerably influenced by small AAc content. We succeeded with the preparation of bifunctional polymer that possessed reactive functional groups and very sensitive response to temperature change.
Resurrecting the (C)CAPM: A Cross‐Sectional Test When Risk Premia Are Time‐Varying

This paper explores the ability of conditional versions of the CAPM and the consumption CAPM—jointly the (C)CAPM—to explain the cross section of average stock returns. Central to our approach is the use of the log consumption–wealth ratio as a conditioning variable. We demonstrate that such conditional models perform far better than unconditional specifications and about as well as the Fama‐French three‐factor model on portfolios sorted by size and book‐to‐market characteristics. The conditional consumption CAPM can account for the difference in returns between low‐book‐to‐market and high‐book‐to‐market portfolios and exhibits little evidence of residual size or book‐to‐market effects.