Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Volume Cauchy formulas for slice functions on real associative *-algebras

We introduce a family of Cauchy integral formulas for slice and slice regular functions on a real associative *-algebra. For each suitable choice of a real vector subspace of the algebra, a different formula is given, in which the domains of integration are subsets of the subspace. In particular, in the quaternionic case, we get a volume Cauchy formula. In the Clifford algebra case, the choice of the paravector subspace ℝ n+1 gives a volume Cauchy formula for slice monogenic functions.
hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 gene polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to breast cancer in an Iranian population.

AIM Our study aimed to evaluate the possible association between four miRNA polymorphisms, hsa-miR-146a (rs2910164 G>C), hsa-miR-499 (rs3746444 T>C) and hsa-miRNA-196a2 (rs11614913 C>T and rs185070757 T>G), and susceptibility to breast cancer in an Iranian population. MATERIALS & METHODS In this case-control study we enrolled 236 patients with breast cancer and 203 healthy individuals. Tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR was applied for genotyping the four miRNA SNPs. RESULTS Our study indicated that the hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 CC homozygote increased the risk of breast cancer in the dominant (odds ratio [OR]: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.43-4.09; p = 0.001; CC vs TT) and recessive (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.49-4.13; p = 0.004; CC vs TT+TC) inheritance models tested. In addition, the rs3746444 C allele increased the risk of breast cancer (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.27-2.29; p = 0.0004) in comparison with the T allele. However, distribution of the rs2910164 G>C, rs11614913 C>T and rs185070757 T>G genotypes was not statistically different between cases and controls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that the hsa-mir-499 rs3746444 polymorphism is associated with higher risk of developing breast cancer in our population.
Effect of Antenatal Corticosteroids on Fetal Growth and Gestational Age at Birth

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids on neonatal size, controlling for gestational age at birth and other confounders, and to determine whether there was a dose–response relationship between number of courses of antenatal corticosteroids and neonatal size. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth Study, a double-blind randomized controlled trial of single compared with multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk for preterm birth and in which fetuses administered multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids weighed less, were shorter, and had smaller head circumferences at birth. All women (n=1,858) and children (n=2,304) enrolled in the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth Study were included in the current analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were undertaken. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, neonates in the antenatal corticosteroids group were born earlier (estimated difference and confidence interval [CI]: −0.428 weeks, CI −0.10264 to −0.75336; P=.01). Controlling for gestational age at birth and confounding factors, multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids were associated with a decrease in birth weight (−33.50 g, CI −66.27120 to −0.72880; P=.045), length (−0.339 cm, CI −0.6212 to −0.05676]; P=.019), and head circumference (−0.296 cm, −0.45672 to −0.13528; P<.001). For each additional course of antenatal corticosteroids, there was a trend toward an incremental decrease in birth weight, length, and head circumference. CONCLUSION: Fetuses exposed to multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids were smaller at birth. The reduction in size was partially attributed to being born at an earlier gestational age but also was attributed to decreased fetal growth. Finally, a dose–response relationship exists between the number of corticosteroid courses and a decrease in fetal growth. The long-term effect of these findings is unknown. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials. gov, NCT00187382. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
The Dynamics of Hourly Electricity Prices

The dynamics of hourly electricity prices in day-ahead markets is an important element of competitive power markets that were only established in the last decade. In electricity markets, the market micro-structure does not allow for continuous trading, since operators require advance notice in order to verify that the schedule is feasible and lies within transmission constraints. Instead agents have to submit their bids and offers for delivery of electricity for all hours of the next day before a specified market closing time. We suggest the use of dynamic semi-parametric factor models (DSFM) for the behavior of hourly electricity prices. We find that a model with three factors is able to explain already a high proportion of the variation in hourly electricity prices. Our analysis also provides insights into the characteristics of the market, in particular with respect to the driving factors of hourly prices and their dynamic behavior through time.
Activation of K-ras in aflatoxin B1-induced lung tumors from AC3F1 (A/J x C3H/HeJ) mice.

In addition to being a potent hepatocarcinogen, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a pulmonary carcinogen in experimental animals and epidemiological studies have shown an association between AFB1 exposure and lung cancer in humans. Since point mutations at codons 12, 13 and 61 of the K-ras protooncogene are often implicated in chemically induced mouse lung tumors and in human lung adenocarcinomas, we undertook an investigation of the role of K-ras activation in AFB1-induced pulmonary carcinogenesis. Female AC3F1 (A/J x C3H/HeJ) mice were treated with AFB1 (150 mg/kg i.p., divided into 24 doses over 8 weeks), and 6-14 months after the completion of dosing mice were killed and pulmonary adenomas and carcinomas removed. Of the 76 AFB1-induced lung tumors analyzed by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequencing, 75 possessed K-ras codon 12 mutations (46 GTT, 14 GAT, 13 TGT and 2 TTT; normal, GGT) and one had a GGC-->CGC mutation in codon 13. The observation that K-ras mutations occurred only at G:C base pairs is in agreement with N7-guanine being the primary site of AFB1-DNA adduct formation and with guanine residues being targets for AFB1-induced oxidative DNA damage via formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The AFB1-specific nature of the observed K-ras mutation spectrum and the fact that 100% of the tumor samples examined contained K-ras mutations is consistent with K-ras activation being an early, critical event in AFB1-induced pulmonary carcinogenesis in AC3F1 mice. The parental origin of the observed K-ras mutations was determined by allele-specific PCR amplification of AFB1-induced lung tumor DNA followed by SSCP analysis. In the vast majority of tumors (73/76), the mutated K-ras allele was derived from the lung tumor susceptible A/J parent. This finding supports the existence of a link between K-ras and differences in mouse lung tumor susceptibility.
Living AnatoME: Teaching and learning musculoskeletal anatomy through yoga and Pilates

Living AnatoME, a program designed in 2004 by two medical students in conjunction with the Director of Anatomy, teaches musculoskeletal anatomy through yoga and Pilates. Previously offered as an adjunct to the Gross Anatomy course in 2007, Living AnatoME became an official part of the curriculum. Previous research conducted on the program demonstrated its efficacy in providing relaxation and well‐being to students who attended. In 2007, with all 144 gross anatomy students required to participate in a 1.5 hour Living AnatoME session on the upper and lower limbs, the impact of the program on students' comprehension of musculoskeletal anatomy was analyzed through the administration of 25‐question pre‐ and post‐tests, gauging knowledge in the following domains: upper limb, lower limb, muscle function, palpation, attachment/location, clinical correlate, and control (i.e., material not emphasized during the intervention). Analysis of postintervention tests revealed significant improvement in total Living AnatoME scores as well as in the domains of upper limb, muscle function, and palpation, indicating the possible efficacy of Living AnatoME in teaching anatomy. Performance on control questions also improved, although not significantly, which may indicate the role of other variables (e.g., additional study time) in increased performance. Anat Sci Educ. © 2010 American Association of Anatomists.
Bilgi, Bilgi Güvenliği ve Süreçleri Üzerine Bir İnceleme

Bu inceleme calismasinda, bilgi olgusu genis bir acidan irdelenmis, veri, bilgi ve ozbilgi kavramlari aciklanmis, bilisim teknolojilerinin bilgi uzerindeki etkileri ve boyutlari ortaya konulmus, elde edilmesi zor olan bilginin korunmasi ihtiyacindan dogan bilgi guvenligi incelenmis ve bilgi guvenligini olusturan ana unsurlar uzerinde durulmustur. Bilgi guvenligine yonelik saldirilarin, zaman icinde hem sayi hem de cesitlilik acisindan arttigi bir ortamda etkin bir bilgi guvenligi olusturabilmek icin gerekli olan, guvenlik surecleri bu calisma da ozetlenmistir. Sonucta, aciklanan, incelenen, irdelenen ve ozetlenen hususlar genel olarak degerlendirilmistir.
Preliminary Experiments on Using Users’ Post-Editions to Enhance a SMT System Oracle-based Training for Phrase-based Statistical Machine Translation

The aim is to develop an interactive and iterative translation system able to adapt and improve itself rapidly using user’s feedbacks (collected as translation posteditions). We present a preliminary study in which three methods for integrating feedbacks are tested. The results show that, despite the difficulty to measure the system improvement with automatic metrics (given the small size of our collected post-edition corpus) a small-sized subjective analysis reveals the contribution and prospects of such methods.
Double‐pass measurements of retinal image quality in monofocal contact lens wearers

The double‐pass method is applied to determine the optical image quality in monofocal contact lens (CL) wearers. This is an objective non‐invasive technique that permits in vivo testing of the optical performance of CL wearers'eyes. Retinal image quality was measured for three subjects wearing two types of monofocal CLs: a rigid gas permeable (RGP) CL and a soft contact lens (SL), for pupil diameters of 3 mm and 5 mm.
Sex Steroid Hormones, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, and Obesity in Men and Women

Sex steroid hormones in both males and females have been closely related to the regulation of adiposity, either through direct or indirect physiological mechanisms. Evidence also suggests a direct relationship between sex hormones and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In the present review article, we will discuss recent studies that have examined the complex interrelationships between sex hormones, SHBG, obesity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Male obesity and excess abdominal adipose tissue accumulation is associated with reductions in gonadal androgen and low adrenal C19 steroid concentrations. Reduced C19 steroids are also related to an altered metabolic risk factor profile including glucose intolerance and an atherogenic dyslipidemic state. However, the concomitant visceral obese state appears as a major correlate in these associations. In women, menopause-induced estrogen deficiency and increased androgenicity are associated with increased abdominal obesity and with the concomitant alterations in the metabolic risk profile. The accelerated accretion of adipose tissue in the intra-abdominal region coincident with the onset of menopause may explain part of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. In both men and women, plasma levels of sex hormone-binding globulin are strong correlates of obesity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and more importantly, the relationships between low SHBG and altered plasma lipid levels appear to be independent from the concomitant increased levels of visceral adipose tissue. SHBG concentration may, therefore, represent the most important and reliable marker of the sex hormone profile in the examination of the complex interrelation of sex steroid hormones, obesity, and cardiovascular disease risk.
Development of a spatial synoptic classification scheme for western Europe

This paper presents a new spatial air‐mass climatology for western Europe (WE) based upon the analysis of daily data for 48 climate stations for the period 1974–2000. Referred to as the spatial synoptic classification for western Europe (SSCWE), the new air‐mass climatology not only facilitates the examination of both spatial and temporal climate variations but also provides, for the first time, a physically based synoptic classification for a wide variety of applications at the western European scale. The SSCWE is based on the philosophy of the spatial synoptic classification (SSC), which was first introduced to the synoptic climatological community in the mid‐1990s and later refined as the SSC2 for application across North America. As for the SSC2, establishing the physical characteristics for six generic air masses is the basis of the SSCWE. In this paper, the procedures for identifying air‐mass characteristics are described and an analysis of the spatial and temporal variation of the six generic air‐mass types across western Europe is presented. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Risk-scoring system for predicting mucositis in patients of head and neck cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy [rssm-hn].

BACKGROUND One of the most distressing complications of head and neck cancer patients on chemoradiotherapy is mucositis. There is no proper tool to predict its occurrence in these patients. AIM This study was conducted to develop a risk-scoring system to predict probable incidence and severity of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients on chemoradiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective analysis conducted at a tertiary care cancer center with approximately 2,000 new cases of head and neck cancer patients annually. We Hypothesized were age, comorbid conditions, leukocyte count, nutritional status, oral hygiene, tobacco use, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) performance status (PS) and TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) stage as possible risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to predict the cutoff values for risk factors, and a final scoring system was developed with sensitivity and specificity data. RESULTS A total of 218 patients on chemoradiation receiving cisplatin 40 mg/m2 /week along with local radiation of 60-70 Gy depending on primary site were analyzed. Based on ROC analysis, the following cutoff values were selected: age > 40 years, ECOG PS > 2, WBC < 3000/μL, elevated ESR, albumin < 3 gm/dL and > stage III disease. The remaining factors were indicated as present or absent. A score of 1 was assigned for the above risk factors. For patients, the final score of 3 or less there is 17% probability of developing grade 3 or 4 mucositis, while patients having score of 6 or more have 76% probability. CONCLUSION The current tool is fairly accurate in predicting development of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients on chemoradiotherapy. This will further help clinicians to adopt preventive strategies as well as better counseling.
Interventional study to evaluate the impact of an alcohol-based hand gel in improving hand hygiene compliance

Objective. To evaluate the effects of the introduction of an alcohol-based hand gel and multifaceted quality improvement (QI) interventions on hand hygiene (HH) compliance. Design. Interventional, randomized cohort study with four study phases (baseline; limited intervention in two units; full intervention in three units; washout phase), performed in three intensive care units at a pediatric referral hospital. Methods. During 724 thirty-minute daytime monitoring sessions, a nonidentified observer witnessed 12 216 opportunities for HH and recorded compliance. Interventions. Introduction of an alcohol-based hand gel; multifaceted QI interventions (educational program, opinion leaders, performance feedback). Results. Baseline compliance decreased after the first 2 weeks of observation from 42.5% to 28.2% (presumably because of waning of a Hawthorne effect), further decreased to 23.3% in the limited intervention phase and increased to 35.1% after the introduction of a hand gel with QI support in all three units (P < 0.001). The rise in compliance persisted in the last phase (compliance, 37.2%); however, a gradual decline was observed during the final weeks. Except for the limited intervention phase, compliance achieved through standard handwashing and glove use remained stable around 20 and 10%, respectively, whereas compliance achieved through gel use increased to 8% (P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding, implementation of the hand gel with QI support remained significantly associated with compliance (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 1.8). In a final survey completed by 62 staff members, satisfaction with the hand gel was modest (45%). Conclusions. We noted a statistically significant, modest improvement in compliance after introduction of an alcohol-based hand gel with multifaceted QI support. When appropriately implemented, alcohol-based HH may be effective in improving compliance.
Phase I dose-escalation study of the safety and pharmacokinetics of atrasentan: an endothelin receptor antagonist for refractory prostate cancer.

PURPOSE Evidence suggests that endothelin (ET)-1 and its primary receptor, the ET(A) receptor, may contribute to the progression of prostate and other cancers. Atrasentan (ABT-627) is a highly potent, selective ET(A) receptor antagonist. This study assessed safety, maximum tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetics (PK) in patients with refractory adenocarcinomas, primarily prostate cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This 28-day, single-center Phase I trial evaluated the safety and PK of escalating oral atrasentan doses (2.5-95 mg) given daily (except day 2) to eligible patients >/==" BORDER="0">18 years old with an adenocarcinoma proven resistant to standard therapy. Priority was given to patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. After 28 days, patients without objective signs of tumor progression were eligible to continue atrasentan in an extension study. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients (30 of whom had prostate cancer) were treated in cohorts of three patients each with escalating atrasentan doses (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 95 mg). The most common adverse events were rhinitis, headache, and peripheral edema. Anemia consistent with a reversible hemodilution effect was observed. No maximum tolerated dose was found in the dose range studied. Atrasentan PK were characterized by rapid absorption (mean T(max) = 0.9 h), mean +/- SD oral clearance of 24 +/- 15 liters/h, and volume distribution of 726 +/- 477 liters. PK were approximately dose-proportional and time independent across doses. CONCLUSIONS Atrasentan is well tolerated, with no dose-limiting adverse events observed up to 95 mg. Adverse events are consistent with the vasodilatory effect of the drug. PK are linear and dose-proportional; the half-life is appropriate for once-daily dosing.
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the use of a 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide/oxygen in pain relief during suction evacuation for the first trimester pregnancy termination.

BACKGROUND This prospective study assessed the role of a 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen for pain relief during the termination of first trimester pregnancies by suction evacuation under conscious sedation. METHODS Ninety women undergoing suction evacuation up to 12 weeks of gestation were randomized by a computer-generated randomization list and allocated using sealed envelopes to receive the N2O/O2 mixture or air during the operation. Pain scores during and after suction evacuation, post-operative side effects and satisfaction level were compared. RESULTS No statistically significant differences in pain scores, post-operative side effects and satisfaction levels were found between the two groups. CONCLUSION N2O/O2 did not reduce the pain level during suction evacuation for the first trimester pregnancy termination under conscious sedation.
Role of Escherichia coli Curli Operons in Directing Amyloid Fiber Formation

Amyloid is associated with debilitating human ailments including Alzheimer's and prion diseases. Biochemical, biophysical, and imaging analyses revealed that fibers produced by Escherichia coli called curli were amyloid. The CsgA curlin subunit, purified in the absence of the CsgB nucleator, adopted a soluble, unstructured form that upon prolonged incubation assembled into fibers that were indistinguishable from curli. In vivo, curli biogenesis was dependent on the nucleation-precipitation machinery requiring the CsgE and CsgF chaperone-like and nucleator proteins, respectively. Unlike eukaryotic amyloid formation, curli biogenesis is a productive pathway requiring a specific assembly machinery.
Apoptosis in disease

Apoptosis is a ‘programmed’ form of cell death which leads to clearance of ‘unwanted’ cells without disruption of tissue structure or function. Despite being described for the first time in 1972 [l], it is only in the last few years that this active and precisely regulated form of cell death has attracted wide attention in biomedical science. The purpose of this paper is to outline how defects in the ‘program’ of apoptosis may contribute to a number of common disease processes. A selective approach is employed with the objective of stimulating clinically minded investigators to consider perturbed apoptosis in the pathogenesis of disease, and to appreciate that it might be possible to harness apoptosis for therapeutic ends.
Immunomodulation by probiotic lactobacilli in layer- and meat-type chickens

1. The aim of the experiments was to evaluate whether selected probiotic lactobacillus strains have different immunomodulating effects in layer- and meat-type strain chickens. 2. Humoral and cellular specific and non-specific immune responses were studied by experiments on cellular proliferation, entry and survival of Salmonella bacteria in gut and spleen leukocytes, immunoglobulin isotypes and specific immunoglobulin titres. 3. The effects of two different feeding regimes (short and continuous feeding) and doses for administration of lactobacilli were studied. 4. The lactobacillus strains that were evaluated showed modulating effects on the immune system of layer- and meat-type chickens. 5. In meat-type strain chickens the lactobacilli had a stimulating effect when the chickens were young (up to 3 weeks) and the dose was relatively high, whereas in layer-type chickens a lower effective dose and discontinuous administration was also effective. 6. Immunoprobiotic lactobacilli can have a positive effect on humoral and cellular immune responses in layer- and meat-type strain chickens, but the lactobacillus strain to be used, the age of the animals and effective dose of lactobacilli to be administered need to be optimised.