Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Palbociclib and Letrozole in Advanced Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND A phase 2 study showed that progression-free survival was longer with palbociclib plus letrozole than with letrozole alone in the initial treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced breast cancer. We performed a phase 3 study that was designed to confirm and expand the efficacy and safety data for palbociclib plus letrozole for this indication. METHODS In this double-blind study, we randomly assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, 666 postmenopausal women with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, who had not had prior treatment for advanced disease, to receive palbociclib plus letrozole or placebo plus letrozole. The primary end point was progression-free survival, as assessed by the investigators; secondary end points were overall survival, objective response, clinical benefit response, patient-reported outcomes, pharmacokinetic effects, and safety. RESULTS The median progression-free survival was 24.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.1 to not estimable) in the palbociclib-letrozole group, as compared with 14.5 months (95% CI, 12.9 to 17.1) in the placebo-letrozole group (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.72; P<0.001). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (occurring in 66.4% of the patients in the palbociclib-letrozole group vs. 1.4% in the placebo-letrozole group), leukopenia (24.8% vs. 0%), anemia (5.4% vs. 1.8%), and fatigue (1.8% vs. 0.5%). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1.8% of patients in the palbociclib-letrozole group and in none of the patients in the placebo-letrozole group. Permanent discontinuation of any study treatment as a result of adverse events occurred in 43 patients (9.7%) in the palbociclib-letrozole group and in 13 patients (5.9%) in the placebo-letrozole group. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with previously untreated ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, palbociclib combined with letrozole resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival than that with letrozole alone, although the rates of myelotoxic effects were higher with palbociclib-letrozole. (Funded by Pfizer; PALOMA-2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01740427 .).
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of liver lesions: histological and cytological assessment.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is used increasingly for the diagnosis of mediastinal, biliopancreatic, and gastric tumors. However, little is known about EUS-FNA in hepatic lesions and the best method for tissue analysis. We assessed EUS-FNA combined with histological and cytological evaluation in selected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS 41 patients (66 +/- 7 years) were prospectively studied, 33 of whom had clinical findings suggestive of liver malignancies. Selection for EUS-FNA was based on an increased risk of bleeding from percutaneous biopsy (coagulopathy, cirrhosis, ascites, aspirin intake; n = 15), presence of small liver tumors < 2 cm (n = 12), or liver lesions found incidentally (n = 14). Transgastric EUS-FNA of lesions located in accessible liver segments was performed using the Hitachi FG-34UX longitudinal echo endoscope and a 22-G aspiration needle. Specimens were submitted separately for standard cytological and histological evaluation. In the case of malignancies, findings at surgery with histological examination, endoscopy, or computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of the primary cancer served as reference results (n = 33), while in benign disorders, a combination of imaging studies (Magnetic Resonance Tomography , scintigraphy) and the clinical follow-up, as summarized in the physician's report, was used as reference. RESULTS EUS-FNA provided appropriate biopsy specimens in 40/41 patients. It was not possible to aspirate sufficient material in one patient. On average, 1.4 needle passes were necessary to obtain sufficient amounts of tissue. With regard to malignancy, the combination of histological and cytological examination had a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 78%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%. Tissue diagnoses were in agreement in 27/41 patients (65%). In the remaining patients, only the cytological examination identified six lesions correctly, while the histological assessment was correct in another seven patients. Malignant lesions were correctly identified by cytology in 24/33 (73%) patients, while histology alone was diagnostic for malignancy in 27/33 (82%) patients. When both modalities were combined, 31 out of 33-malignancies (94%) were correctly diagnosed. Minor complications occurred in two patients and consisted of self-limiting local bleeding. CONCLUSIONS EUS-FNA of liver tumors is a powerful, reliable, and safe procedure for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. Optimal diagnostic results are achieved by combining cytological with histological assessment. Hence, EUS-FNA is an alternative to percutaneous biopsy, particularly in patients at risk of bleeding or with small lesions of the liver.
Hurricane Destructive Power Predictions Based on Historical Storm and Sea Surface Temperature Data

Forecasting destructive hurricane potential is complicated by substantial, unexplained intraannual variation in storm‐specific power dissipation index (PDI, or integrated third power of wind speed), and interannual variation in annual accumulated PDI (APDI). A growing controversy concerns the recent hypothesis that the clearly positive trend in North Atlantic Ocean (NAO) sea surface temperature (SST) since 1970 explains increased hurricane intensities over this period, and so implies ominous PDI and APDI growth as global warming continues. To test this “SST hypothesis” and examine its quantitative implications, a combination of statistical and probabilistic methods were applied to National Hurricane Center HURDAT best‐track data on NAO hurricanes during 1880–2002, and corresponding National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Extended Reconstruction SST estimates. Notably, hurricane behavior was compared to corresponding hurricane‐specific (i.e., spatiotemporally linked) SST; previous similar comparisons considered only SST averaged over large NAO regions. Contrary to the SST hypothesis, SST was found to vary in a monthly pattern inconsistent with that of corresponding PDI, and to be at best weakly associated with PDI or APDI despite strong correlation with corresponding mean latitude (R2= 0.55) or with combined mean location and a ∼90‐year periodic trend (R2= 0.70). Over the last century, the lower 75% of APDIs appear randomly sampled from a nearly uniform distribution, and the upper 25% of APDIs from a nearly lognormal distribution. From the latter distribution, a baseline (SST‐independent) stochastic model was derived predicting that over the next half century, APDI will not likely exceed its maximum value over the last half century by more than a factor of 1.5. This factor increased to 2 using a baseline model modified to assume SST‐dependence conditioned on an upper bound of the increasing NAO SST trend observed since 1970. An additional model was developed that predicts PDI statistics conditional on APDI. These PDI and APDI models can be used to estimate upper bounds on indices of hurricane power likely to be realized over the next century, under divergent assumptions regarding SST influence.
New Varieties of State Capitalism: Strategic and Governance Implications

We analyze the new varieties of state capitalism in the 21st century and explore their implications in terms of both strategic and governance outcomes. We begin by discussing how the current theoretical perspectives conceptualize state-owned enterprises' strategic behavior. Then we introduce a stylized distinction between four broad, new varieties of state capitalism—wholly owned state-owned enterprises, the state as a majority investor, the state as a minority investor, and the state as a strategic supporter of specific sectors—and survey each type within the different theoretical perspectives. Last, we examine firm performance for each type of state capitalism relative to private firms and contingent on country-level institutional contingencies. This article contributes to existing debates on comparative capitalisms and the current role of the state.
Zolmitriptan for treatment of migrainous vertigo: A pilot randomized placebo-controlled trial

Migrainous vertigo (MV) is a frequent vestibular syndrome, but current evidence for both acute1-3⇓⇓ and prophylactic1,3,4⇓⇓ treatment consists only of a few uncontrolled case reports on the successful use of migraine medication. Vestibular suppressants such as promethazine, dimenhydrinate, and meclizine often reduce but do not abort vertigo and have sedating side effects. There is anecdotal evidence that sumatriptan may be effective.2,5⇓ To evaluate the effect of an oral triptan on acute MV we chose zolmitriptan, which is less hydrophilic than sumatriptan, thus facilitating CNS penetration. This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover-after-one-attack trial of 2.5 mg oral zolmitriptan for treatment of acute migrainous vertigo. Criteria6 for MV were (1) episodic vestibular symptoms of at least moderate severity (rotational vertigo, other illusory self or object motion, positional vertigo or head motion intolerance, i.e., sensation of imbalance or illusory motion provoked by head movements). Vestibular symptoms were “moderate” if they interfered with but did not prohibit daily activities, “severe” if patients could not continue daily activities; (2) current or …
Teaching Speaking Skills

Předmětem teto prace je výuka řecových dovednosti v kontextu anglictiny jako ciziho jazyka. Prace nahliži na výuku řecových dovednosti ze sirsi perspektivy, zdůrazňuje rozdilnosti mezi mluvenou a psanou strankou jazyka a zohledňuje vsechny rozměry komunikativni kompetence: lingvistickou, sociolingvistickou, diskurzni a strategickou, a to v kontextu nejnovějsich poznatků vychazejicich z výzkumu osvojovani mateřskeho a ciziho jazyka. Prakticka cast uvadi celou řadu aktivit převažně se zaměřenim na nacvik plynulosti projevu, jež lze využit pro výuku komunikativnich dovednosti. Cilem prace je ověřit hypotezu, ktera vychazi z myslenky autora Scotta Thornburyho uvedene v knize How to teach speaking (vydano r. 2005), tj. že výuka komunikativnich dovednosti v cizim jazyce (v tomto připadě anglictiny) neni casto efektivni z toho důvodu, že v hodinach schazi dostatek skutecně komunikativnich přiležitosti. Zavěrecný výzkum, který zahrnuje srovnavaci studii navyků a nazorů ucitelů anglictiny vyucujicich na střednich skolach a gymnaziich v Ceske republice a Rakousku, mimo jine ukazuje, že řada ceských ucitelů vytvaři při výuce meně komunikativnich situaci a je zaroveň meně uspěsna ve zprostředkovani komunikativnich dovednosti v porovnani s rakouskými uciteli, což výse zminěnou hypotezu podporuje. Použite zdroje zahrnuji převažně odborne publikace a clanky vydane v rozmezi r. 1995–2011, dale pak data ziskana z dotazniků a autorciny zkusenosti s výukou. Přilohy obsahuji glosař použite terminologie, prakticke ukazky aktivit, grafy a tabulky zobrazujici zjistěna data aj.
Solution Validation for a Double Façade Prototype

A Solution Validation involves comparing the data obtained from the system that are implemented following the model recommendations, as well as the model results. This paper presents a Solution Validation that has been performed with the aim of certifying that a set of computer-optimized designs, for a double facade, are consistent with reality. To validate the results obtained through simulation models, based on dynamic thermal calculation and using Computational Fluid Dynamic techniques, a comparison with the data obtained by monitoring a real implemented prototype has been carried out. The new validated model can be used to describe the system thermal behavior in different climatic zones without having to build a new prototype. The good performance of the proposed double facade solution is confirmed since the validation assures there is a considerable energy saving, preserving and even improving interior comfort. This work shows all the processes in the Solution Validation depicting some of the problems we faced and represents an example of this kind of validation that often is not considered in a simulation project.
Service-Oriented Architecture: A Mapping Study

Service-oriented architecture has enjoyed great popularity in industry, academia, and science since its appearance about ten years ago. Many publications have tried to describe it and analyze different aspects of its implementation, adoption, and implication. They have reflected the complexity of the concept of SOA and fuelled the debate about its real contribution. However, there is limited work that studies how the field of research on SOA is evolving. As such, we proposed a mapping study to account for the nature of the research, developed subjects, application domains, standards, and technologies. Based on more than a hundred journal articles selected from the IEEE Xplore and ACM Digital Library databases over the period 2000-2013, our study revealed three themes, including system development and SOA application. A plethora of application domains, standards, and technologies are also identified, and confirm the ever-growing interest in SOA. We concluded by noting that organizational aspects, such as SOA governance, did not emerge, and we propose an extension of this study.
A Comparative Study on Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques for Photovoltaic Power Systems

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques applied to photovoltaic (PV) power system available until January, 2012. A good number of publications report on different MPPT techniques for a PV system together with implementation. But, confusion lies while selecting a MPPT as every technique has its own merits and demerits. Hence, a proper review of these techniques is essential. Unfortunately, very few attempts have been made in this regard, excepting two latest reviews on MPPT [Salas, 2006], [Esram and Chapman, 2007]. Since, MPPT is an essential part of a PV system, extensive research has been revealed in recent years in this field and many new techniques have been reported to the list since then. In this paper, a detailed description and then classification of the MPPT techniques have made based on features, such as number of control variables involved, types of control strategies employed, types of circuitry used suitably for PV system and practical/commercial applications. This paper is intended to serve as a convenient reference for future MPPT users in PV systems.
A Transgenic Mouse Model of OI Type V Supports a Neomorphic Mechanism of the IFITM5 Mutation

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type V is characterized by increased bone fragility, long bone deformities, hyperplastic callus formation, and calcification of interosseous membranes. It is caused by a recurrent mutation in the 5' UTR of the IFITM5 gene (c.‐14C > T). This mutation introduces an alternative start codon, adding 5 amino acid residues to the N‐terminus of the protein. The mechanism whereby this novel IFITM5 protein causes OI type V is yet to be defined. To address this, we created transgenic mice expressing either the wild‐type or the OI type V mutant IFITM5 under the control of an osteoblast‐specific Col1a1 2.3‐kb promoter. These mutant IFITM5 transgenic mice exhibited perinatal lethality, whereas wild‐type IFITM5 transgenic mice showed normal growth and development. Skeletal preparations and radiographs performed on E15.5 and E18.5 OI type V transgenic embryos revealed delayed/abnormal mineralization and skeletal defects, including abnormal rib cage formation, long bone deformities, and fractures. Primary osteoblast cultures, derived from mutant mice calvaria at E18.5, showed decreased mineralization by Alizarin red staining, and RNA isolated from calvaria showed reduced expression of osteoblast differentiation markers such as Osteocalcin, compared with nontransgenic littermates and wild‐type mice calvaria, consistent with the in vivo phenotype. Importantly, overexpression of wild‐type Ifitm5 did not manifest a significant bone phenotype. Collectively, our results suggest that expression of mutant IFITM5 causes abnormal skeletal development, low bone mass, and abnormal osteoblast differentiation. Given that neither overexpression of the wild‐type Ifitm5, as shown in our model, nor knock‐out of Ifitm5, as previously published, showed significant bone abnormalities, we conclude that the IFITM5 mutation in OI type V acts in a neomorphic fashion. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Process development of CdTe solar cells grown at high temperatures on engineered glass

NREL and Corning Incorporated have collaborated on a project to investigate the effect of increasing CdTe deposition temperature on device performance. CdTe deposition temperatures are generally limited by the thermal properties of the glass superstrate. Soda-lime glass is frequently used in commercial production of CdTe, but the low strain point (~515°C) requires deposition temperatures of 550°C or below. While the CdTe industry has enjoyed great success with material grown at these relatively low temperatures, there may be significant benefits to higher deposition temperatures enabled by a high strain point glass. To demonstrate the efficiency benefits of a CdTe cell fabricated at higher deposition temperatures, it is necessary to re-optimize the device fabrication process steps for devices made with CdTe films at each deposition temperature. Using Corning, Inc.'s new engineered high-strain-point glass superstrate, we developed a fabrication process optimized for CdTe films deposited at 550° and 600°C. Here, we report details of the fabrication processes that resulted in an absolute efficiency gain of 1.2% for devices fabricated with 600°C CdTe deposition temperature versus 550°C.
Superparasitism strategy in a semisolitary parasitoid with imperfect self/non‐self recognition, Echthrodelphax fairchildii

To assess the adaptiveness of self‐ and conspecific superparasitism in the parasitoid Echthrodelphax fairchildii Perkins (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae), we measured the rate of superparasitism avoidance and fitness returns from superparasitism for different intervals between the first and second ovipositions. We also tested for any preference in oviposition side and whether any such preference was adaptive. The rate of superparasitism avoidance in both self‐ and conspecific superparasitism was about 10% for oviposition intervals of 2–8 h, and higher for intervals of 1 and ≥24 h (but did not exceed 35%). When conspecifically superparasitizing (but not self‐superparasitizing), females exhibited a slight preference for the side without the first‐comer. Under conspecific superparasitism, the survival rate of second comers was independent of the oviposition side and interval, but slightly lower than that of immature parasitoids for single parasitism. The adult size of second‐comers on the side harboring the first‐comer was larger than that of second‐comers on the side without it, when the oviposition interval was <24 or 96 h. These results explained the overall low rate of avoidance of conspecific superparasitism, but not the variation in avoidance rate or the preference for side without the first‐comer when conspecifically superparasitizing. Assuming that fitness returns are influenced more by offspring quantity than by their quality, self‐superparasitism produced positive fitness returns only when the oviposition interval was <24 h and the side without the first‐comer was selected. This suggests that the observed behavior was not adaptive. Possible reasons for the discrepancies between observed and optimal behaviors, including an imperfect ability for self/non‐self recognition, are discussed.
CHRONIC EFFECTS OF FLUORIDE IN TUJ SHEEP ON SERUM LEVELS OF TOTAL PROTEIN, ALBUMIN, URIC ACID, AND NITRIC OXIDE AND ACTIVITIES OF LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE AND LEUCINE AMINOPEPTIDASE

Twenty healthy yearling Tuj ewe-lambs with a mean body weight of 31±2 kg were divided into two equal groups. Each group of ten sheep was provided with hay and water ad libitum throughout the study. The water for the control group contained 0.49 mg F/L, whereas the water for the experimental group contained 13.8 mg F/L, equivalent for the latter group to an intake of ca. 1.8 mg F/kg bw/day. By the 12th week the urinary fluoride concentration in the experimental group had increased from 0.9 ppm at the start to 1.78 ppm, and by the 24th week it reached 8 ppm, at which point various serum determinations were made and the study was terminated. In the experimental vs. the control groups the results were as follows: total protein 7.41±0.03 vs. 7.67±0.07 g/dL (p<0.01), albumin 3.97±0.36 vs. 4.72±0.28 g/dL, nitric oxide 49.90±3.1 vs. 35.75±2.7 μmol/L (p<0.01), uric acid 0.49±0.03 vs. 0.29±0.02 mg/dL (p<0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 676.7±21 vs. 518±35 U/L (p<0.01), and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) 7.28±0.5 vs. 6.18±0.53 U/L. Changes in the albumin level and the LAP activity were not statistically significant. During and at the end of the study the urine fluoride concentration of the control group was unchanged.
Readability, Content, and Quality Assessment of Web-Based Patient Education Materials Addressing Neuraxial Labor Analgesia

BACKGROUND:Studies in a variety of disciplines have shown that the readability of Web-based patient education materials is above that of the sixth grade reading level recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the readability, content, and quality of English- and Spanish-language patient education materials addressing neuraxial labor analgesia. METHODS:The websites of 122 U.S. academic medical centers with obstetric anesthesia divisions were searched for English- and Spanish-language patient education materials. Readability of English-language patient education materials was assessed with 3 validated indices: Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, and Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook. Readability of Spanish-language patient education materials was assessed using the Spanish Lexile Measure. A 1-sample t test was used to evaluate the mean readability level against the recommended sixth grade reading level. A scoring matrix was developed to evaluate the content of patient education materials. Website quality was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Print. RESULTS:We identified 72 English-language and 29 Spanish-language patient education materials. The mean readability levels of all patient education materials were higher than the recommended sixth grade reading level using all indices (Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 9.1 ± 1.9, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook: 8.6 ± 1.4, Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook: 11.8 ± 2.1; P < 0.001 for all). All patient education materials discussed the benefits of neuraxial analgesia. However, only 14% (upper 95% confidence interval: 24%) discussed contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia. Postdural puncture headache and hypotension were the most commonly addressed complications (92%). All other complications were addressed by less than half of patient education materials. Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Print scores were consistent with poor website understandability (median score, 64%; interquartile range, 64–73). CONCLUSIONS:The mean readability of Web-based patient education materials addressing neuraxial labor analgesia was above the recommended sixth grade reading level. Although most patient education materials explained the benefits of neuraxial analgesia, possible contraindications and complications were not consistently presented. The content, readability, and quality of patient education materials are poor and should be improved to help patients make more informed decisions about analgesic options during labor and delivery.