Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy in Korean men with high-risk prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy with or without standard pelvic lymphadenectomy in Korean men with high-risk prostate cancer. METHODS The clinical and pathologic data of 199 patients with high-risk features were reviewed retrospectively. High-risk features were prostate-specific antigen level >20 ng/ml, biopsy Gleason score ≥8 or clinical tumor category ≥2c. All patients were followed up by measuring their prostate-specific antigen levels every 3 months. The median follow-up period was 37.0 months (range: 1.0-143.0). RESULTS During the follow-up period, biochemical recurrence was observed in 68 patients (34.2%). The 1-, 3- and 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates were 79.6, 61.9 and 49.2%, respectively. Surgical Gleason score ≥8, positive surgical margin, extracapsular extension, and seminal vesicle invasion correlated significantly with biochemical recurrence-free survival (all P < 0.05), but pelvic lymphadenectomy did not. Multivariate Cox's proportional hazard analysis revealed that the only significant independent prognostic factor of biochemical recurrence-free survival was seminal vesicle invasion (P = 0.035, relative risk = 1.81). CONCLUSIONS Men with seminal vesicle invasion appear to have a significantly higher biochemical recurrence risk in patients with high-risk prostate cancer. However, since the natural history of prostate cancer is variable and accurate means of identifying those who will progress are currently available, it will be necessary to conduct further studies to find prognostic parameters that will allow the early identification of high-risk patients who could benefit from early salvage or adjuvant therapy.
The effect of a finite mass reservoir on the collapse of spherical isothermal clouds and the evolution of protostellar accretion

Motivated by recent observations that detect an outer boundary for starless cores, and evidence for time-dependent mass accretion in the Class 0 and Class I protostellar phases, we re-examine the case of spherical isothermal collapse in the case of a finite mass reservoir. The presence of a core boundary, implemented through a constant-volume approximation in our simulation, results in the generation of an inward-propagating rarefaction wave. This steepens the gas density profile from r -2 (self-similar value) to r -3 or steeper. After a protostar forms, the mass accretion rate M evolves through three distinct phases: (1) an early phase of decline in M, which is a non-self-similar effect due to rapid and spatially non-uniform infall in the pre-stellar phase; (2) for large cores, an intermediate phase of near-constant M from the infall of the outer part of the self-similar density profile, which has low (subsonic) infall speed in the pre-stellar phase; and (3) a late phase of rapid decline in M when accretion occurs from the region affected by the inward-propagating rarefaction wave. Our model clouds of small to intermediate size make a direct transition from phase (1) to phase (3) above. Both the first and second phase (if the latter is indeed present) are characterized by a temporally increasing bolometric luminosity L bol , while L bol is decreasing in the third (final) phase. We identify the period of temporally increasing L bol with the Class 0 phase, and the later period of terminal accretion and decreasing L bol with the Class I phase. The peak in L bol corresponds to the evolutionary time when 50 ± 15 per cent of the cloud mass has been accreted by the protostar. This is in agreement with the classification scheme proposed in the early 1990s by Andre et al.; our model adds a physical context to their interpretation. We show how our results can be used to explain tracks of envelope mass M env versus L bol for protostars in Taurus and Ophiuchus. We also develop an analytic formalism that successfully reproduces the protostellar accretion rate from profiles of density and infall speed in the pre-stellar phase. It shows that the spatial gradient of infall speed that develops in the pre-stellar phase is a primary cause of the temporal decline in M during the early phase of protostellar accretion.
On Network formation , ( Sybil attacks and Reputation systems ) ( Position Paper )

We propose a model of network formation in peer-to-peer networks, that allows us to observe their suseptibility to sybil attacks against routing security. Peers try to selfishly fulfill their communication needs, by connecting directly to communication partners (‘friends’) or indirectly through stranger nodes. We assess the strategies nodes will follow depending on the topology of the friendship graphs, and the number of links nodes are allowed. We show that it is common to connect to friends, therefore automatically foiling exogenous attacks. A roadmap of further work, including realistic networks, adversaries and using reputation systems is discussed.
The interleukin-12 and interleukin-12 receptor system in normal and transformed human B lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine that induces interferon-g (IFN-g) production by natural killer and T-lymphocytes. IL-12 also activates human B-cells through the IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) complex. Here we review the expression and function of IL-12 and IL-12R in human B-cells and in their malignant counterparts. EVIDENCE AND INFORMATION SOURCES The information provided derives from results both published and unpublished obtained in the laboratories of the Authors, and from a comprehensive review of all the pertinent articles published so far in Medline. STATE OF ART The two components of the IL-12R, i.e. the b 1 and b 2 chains, were found to be constitutively expressed in human naive, germinal center and memory tonsil B-cells; however, only naive B-cells were activated following interaction with IL-2. Here we show that the IL-12Rb2 gene is not expressed in EBV-transformed normal B-lymphocytes and in Burkitt's lymphoma B-cell lines. IL-12 p35 and p40 transcripts were detected in all tonsil B-cell subsets, but only naive and memory B-cells produced IL-12. In this study, biosynthesis of IL-12 was investigated in tonsil B-cells, showing that the molecular weight of the mature heterodimeric IL-12 was similar to that of monocyte-derived IL-12, with minor differences possibly related to glycosylation. Finally, malignant B-cells from follicular and marginal zone lymphomas expressed IL-12 p35 and p40 transcripts, whereas only p35 mRNA was detected in mantle cell lymphoma. PERSPECTIVES Taken together, the studies herein reviewed indicate that human B-cells, at variance with their murine counterparts, can produce IL-12 following CD40 ligation. IL-12 p35 and p40 transcripts are found in B-cells from different lymphoproliferative disorders, but the evidence that the cytokine is produced at the protein level is poor. IL-12R is expressed in the main human B-cell subsets, but it is functional only in naive B-cells. Finally, the failure of transformed B-cell lines to express IL-12Rb2 mRNA opens up new perspectives in the investigation of B-cell malignant transformation.
Lower Bounds on Black-Box Ring Extraction

The black-box ring extraction problem is the problem of extracting a secret ring element from a black-box by performing only the ring operations and testing for equality of elements. An efficient algorithm for the black-box ring extraction problem implies the equivalence of the discrete logarithm and the Diffie-Hellman problem. At the same time this implies the inexistence of secure ring-homomorphic encryption schemes. It is unknown whether the known algorithms for the black-box ring extraction problem are optimal. In this paper we derive exponential-time lower complexity bounds for a large class of rings satisfying certain conditions. The existence of these bounds is surprising, having in mind that there are subexponential-time algorithms for certain rings which are very similar to the rings considered in this work. In addition, we introduce a novel technique to reduce the problem of factoring integers to the black-box ring extraction problem, extending previous work to a more general class of algorithms and obtaining a much tighter reduction.
Perceived stress in HIV-infected individuals: Physiological and psychological correlates

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation of perceived stress with selected physiological and psychological factors in an HIV-infected, predominantly African American population and to assess the multivariable effects on perceived stress. The variables that correlated significantly with perceived stress were entered into a backward stepwise regression model. Pearson's r analysis showed significant correlations between perceived stress and state and trait anxiety, depression, HIV-related symptoms, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and fatigue. State and trait anxiety, depression and fatigue retained significance (p<0.1) in the final regression model. These factors explained approximately 80% of the variance in perceived stress. The significant interactions of multiple physiological and psychological correlates suggest that perceived stress is a complex outcome with a multifactorial etiology. Further, the model suggests that psychological factors may contribute to perceived stress in this population more than physiological factors such as HIV-related symptomatology or stage of disease.
Design study for a thick-film piezoelectric actuator in an LTCC structure

In this paper we present the results obtained in the early design phase of a ceramic micro-electro-mechanic system (CMEMS) with an integrated piezoelectric actuator providing a valve function for the regulation of pressure. Different constructions of thick-film piezoelectric displacement actuators integrated in a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate implemented using conventional thick-film technology were considered. The characteristics of the thick-film piezoelectric ceramics printed and fired on appropriate ceramic substrates are similar to those of bulk materials, only certain material parameters are degraded to some extent for thinner layers. The preliminary FE analyses revealed the influence of selected technology-dependent parameters, e.g., the thickness of the thick films and the degradation of the piezoelectric material properties, on the characteristics of the actuator.
The Dynamic Limits of Specialization: Vertical Integration Reconsidered

Existing studies, largely based in transaction cost economics, approach the issue of vertical scope as the decision of the individual firm about whether to make or buy, given the set of existing markets and well defined vertical segments. However, recent research has shown that the ability to make or buy should not be taken for granted. We argue that this applies not only to dis-integration, but also to re-integration, which often demands new ‘all-in-one’ markets. Drawing on the British building industry, we develop an inductive framework to explain why, after long periods of vertical specialization, industries shift to vertical reintegration. We observe that various groups, including professionals, play an active role in shaping the nature and the boundaries of the industry, facilitating the onset of vertical specialization, which, in turn, shapes a number of increasingly distinct knowledge bases in the industry, defining the trajectories along which capabilities evolve over time. As specialization in scope begets specialization in knowledge, difficulties in managing technical and organizational interdependencies arise, especially in the face of changing environmental conditions. The gap between what the vertically specialized system can produce, and what a changing environment demands, sets in motion a process of experimentation with integrated service provision, which is strengthened by broader social forces such as the deinstitutionalization of professions, or changes in demand structure. Reintegration is advanced by firms seeking to protect their position; enter new, related markets; or find new ways of leveraging their capabilities: Firms strategize to change their institutional environment, helping to create new all-in-one, integrated markets.
Biological Effects of Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

The biological effects of low frequency electric and magnetic fields 2 (EMF) have become a topic of considerable scientific scrutiny during the past two decades. The flurry of research in this area has contributed greatly to our understanding of the complex electromagnetic environment to which we are exposed but it has not abated the controversy associated with the harmful effects of electromagnetic fields. If anything it has polarized scientists into two camps, those who think exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields causes health effects and those who do not. Those who believe there is a causal association are trying to find the mechanism responsible and those who question the concept of causality think this research is a waste of time and money.
Outcome differences in patients with precursor B cell acute lymphocytic leukemia over time: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a rare disease with a poor outcome in adults. Over the years different protocols have been developed with the aim of improving the outcome. The German study group protocols (GMALL), which are the most frequently used in our institutions, changed significantly between the periods 1989-93 and 1999-2003. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether the change in protocols over the years resulted in an outcome difference at two hospitals in Israel. METHODS We thoroughly reviewed the records of 153 patients from Sheba Medical Center and Soroka Medical Center, of whom 106 comprised the study group. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment protocol used: 40 patients with the 1989/93 protocol and 66 with the 1999/2003 protocol. Outcome was analyzed for the two groups. RESULTS We found a significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups for B cell-ALL (B-ALL) patients who achieved complete remission after induction. There was no difference in overall survival. We did not find any difference in outcome for T cell-ALL patients or for CD20-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS In our retrospective analysis, GMALL 99/2003 led to a better DFS for B-ALL patients who were in complete remission after induction. This is possibly related to the differences in medications between the protocols but may also be due to better supportive care. Despite the proven advantage of the newer protocols regarding overall survival, in our experience there was no other significant difference between the two regimens.
Multiview depth map enhancement by variational bayes inference estimation of Dirichlet mixture models

High quality view synthesis is a prerequisite for future free-viewpoint television. It will enable viewers to move freely in a dynamic real world scene. Depth image based rendering algorithms will play a pivotal role when synthesizing an arbitrary number of novel views by using a subset of captured views and corresponding depth maps only. Usually, each depth map is estimated individually by stereo-matching algorithms and, hence, shows lack of inter-view consistency. This inconsistency affects the quality of view synthesis negatively. This paper enhances the inter-view consistency of multiview depth imagery. First, our approach classifies the color information in the multiview color imagery by modeling color with a mixture of Dirichlet distributions where the model parameters are estimated in a Bayesian framework with variational inference. Second, using the resulting color clusters, we classify the corresponding depth values in the multiview depth imagery. Each clustered depth image is subject to further sub-clustering. Finally, the resulting mean of each sub-cluster is used to enhance the depth imagery at multiple viewpoints. Experiments show that our approach improves the average quality of virtual views by up to 0.8 dB when compared to views synthesized by using conventionally estimated depth maps.
From faith to race? ‘Mixed marriage’ and the politics of difference in Imperial Germany

ABSTRACT Intermarriage was a key site for testing politics of difference within the multicultural German Empire. Across the German states in the mid-nineteenth century, marriage between members of different religions frequently proved impossible. Until various civil marriage laws were introduced between the 1840s and 1870s, marriage remained within the remit of the church. As a consequence, marrying across confessional lines was rarely permitted. The implications were clear: marriage was seen as the embodiment of one’s culture – defined primarily in confessional (alongside socio-economic) terms, and it was also viewed as a key transmitter of culture by producing new generations of faithful observers of particular denominations. As a country divided between three confessions, religion in mid- to late nineteenth-century Germany proved an important aspect of difference within the new German nation state. By the end of the nineteenth century, following the introduction of civil marriage, mass waves of migration, the growth of urbanization and the expansion of the German overseas empire, the connotation of ‘mixed marriage’ in Germany appeared to have shifted. It remained a code for crossing confessional lines, but its resonance had changed. By the late nineteenth century, ‘mixed marriage’ had come to characterize another kind of cultural mixing as well: that between races, both at home within Germany and abroad within its colonies and diasporic outposts. And, between 1905 and 1912, ‘mixed marriage’ between Germans and ‘natives’ had been banned in German Southwest Africa, East Africa and Samoa. Why and how was intermarriage a flashpoint in debates on German identity politics at the turn of the twentieth century? As this article shows, intermarriage in the German Empire mattered to families, broader communities, and legislators because it was a pivotal means through which social groups formed, interacted and maintained boundaries at a time when visions of Germany were expanding.
Effects of selenium on cell proliferation in rat liver and mammalian cells as indicated by cytokinetic and biochemical analysis.

Studies were conducted in vivo with regenerating liver and in vitro with mammalian cells to determine the effects of selenium on cell proliferation and the stages of the cell cycle affected by selenium. Six ppm selenium as Na2SeO3 fed to weanling male F344 rats for 6 wk significantly reduced the percentage of 3H-labeled hepatocyte nuclei by one-half compared to 0.1 ppm selenium when [methyl-3H]thymidine was injected at 23 h post-two-thirds hepatectomy. Sampling was done at 30 h post-hepatectomy. A trend towards decreased 3H per DNA per labeled cell was also observed, suggesting that selenium decreased the rate of DNA synthesis as well as delaying the entry of cells into S phase (i.e., increasing the duration of G0-G1). Studies in vitro with H-4 "minimal deviation" hepatomas and 3T3 mouse fibroblasts demonstrated that selenium decreased the growth of these cells in a dose-dependent manner, and this inhibition was reversible upon removal of selenium from the growth medium. Cytokinetic analysis using fluorescence flow cytometry and microscopic techniques indicated that selenium treatment increased the duration of G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle, while having no effect on mitosis under the conditions of our experiments. Biochemical analyses of H-4 cells demonstrated that selenium treatment caused a significant dose-dependent increase in oxidized and reduced glutathione (GSSG and GSH) as well as in the GSSG:GSH ratio as was previously observed in liver in vivo. In addition, glutathione reductase activity as well as the oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate:reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate ratio was significantly increased with selenium treatment. These results indicate that selenium affects all "synthetic" stages of the cell cycle, and elevated GSSG or the GSSG:GSH ratio may explain the antiproliferative effects of selenium on cells.
Pseudo Bounds for Deterministic Maximum Likelihood ( DML ) Direction Finding Errors in Correlated Noise Environments June 1999

Model based array parametric direction nding algorithms are among the most accurate techniques known of determining the direction to a source. The deterministic 1 maximum likelihood (DML) algorithm is one such technique that determines the direction of a set of narrow-band sources by tting the received sensor data to a statistical model. For many algorithms such as DML, the sensor data is modeled as a uniform and continuous spatial background with a set of discrete point sources. When the assumed model is a good characterization of the received data, the model is said to be matched. In practice there is often, if not always, some degree of model mismatch encountered with real data because models are inherently idealized constructions. The e ects of mismatch on parameter estimation algorithms is an important issue to system designers. In this paper we speci cally examine model mismatch in DML when the background noise is spatially correlated and unknown. In correlated background noise we do not assume (or expect) that an unbiased bearing estimator exists. As a basis to examine mismatch e ects, we chose a variation of the Ziv-Zakai lower bound (ZZLB). The ZZLB is directly applicable in situations where an unbiased estimator does not exist. The other advantage of the ZZLB is that it captures large error (low SNR) minimum mean square error (MMSE) performance. The CramerRao (CRLB) is known to be tighter for small error operating regions but does not predict threshold e ects as does the ZZLB. In this paper, we develop an approximate, or pseudo, bound of mismatched DML MMSE performance. We call this bound the pseudo Ziv-Zakai (PZZ) bound. Monte Carlo experimental results of the mean squared error (MSE) of DML for two cases of spatial autoregressive (AR) noise and for two cases of isotropic noise agreed well with the predicted PZZ. In some instances the PZZ was overly pessimistic in that the experimental MSE results could be 3 dB lower than the PZZ prediction. In e ect, the PZZ is not a bound but more of a MSE neighborhood. The PZZ was particularly useful in predicting threshold region MSE. The practical utility of the PZZ is to characterize the MSE of DML when used without a prewhitening algorithm. In situations where there is unknown colored noise, DML can be used in conjunction with a background noise estimation algorithm. A joint signal and background estimator is a much more computationally intensive algorithm. With PZZ we can determine the dB penalty of DML without estimated prewhitening. For the near-signal AR noise model the threshold PZZ signal-to -noise ratio (SNR) predicted performance degraded by nearly 15 dB than for a matched white noise environment. This result was in close agreement with that observed. 1We use the convention deterministic as presented in [1] as opposed to conditional advocated in [2].
Transplacentally induced neuronal migration disorders: An animal model for the study of the epilepsies

Recent clinical and laboratory data suggest that there is a link between neuronal migration disorders (NMD) and increased seizure threshold. To characterize an animal model with features similar to human NMD and to assess seizure susceptibility, NMD were induced in the rat at the time of neuroblastic division (PG15) and three other gestational ages (PG 13, PG14, PG16) by transplacental exposure to methylaxozymethanol (MAM, 25 mg/kg). Offspring pups were monitored for spontaneous and electrographic seizures. At postnatal day 14, randomly selected rat pups were sacrificed for histological examination. In other MAM‐exposed pups and controls, status epilepticus was induced by intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid.