Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of radiation-induced changes to parotid glands following conventional radiotherapy in patients with nasopharygneal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES Xerostomia is a common post-radiotherapy (post-RT) complication in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. This study evaluated the relation of post-RT parotid gland changes with the dose received. METHODS Data from 18 NPC patients treated by radiotherapy between 1997 and 2001 were collected. Parotid gland volumes were measured and compared between their pre-RT and post-RT CT images; both sets of CT were conducted with the same scanning protocol. Doppler ultrasound was used to assess the haemodynamic condition of the glands after radiotherapy. Doppler ultrasound results were compared against 18 age-matched normal participants. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the patients' comments of xerostomia condition. Radiotherapy treatment plans of the participants were retrieved from the Eclipse treatment planning system from which the radiation doses delivered to the parotid glands were estimated. The correlations of parotid gland doses and the post-RT changes were evaluated. RESULTS The post-RT parotid glands were significantly smaller (p<0.001) than the pre-RT ones. They also demonstrated lower vascular velocity, resistive and pulsatility indices (p<0.05) than normal participants. The degree of volume shrinkage and subjective severity of xerostomia demonstrated dose dependence, but such dependence was not definite in the haemodynamic changes. CONCLUSION It was possible to predict the gland volume change and subjective severity of xerostomia based on the dose to the parotid glands for NPC patients. However, such prediction was not effective for the vascular changes. The damage to the gland was long lasting and had significant effects on the patients' quality of life.
A Broad-Spectrum Antibiofilm Peptide Enhances Antibiotic Action against Bacterial Biofilms

ABSTRACT Biofilm-related infections account for at least 65% of all human infections, but there are no available antimicrobials that specifically target biofilms. Their elimination by available treatments is inefficient since biofilm cells are between 10- and 1,000-fold more resistant to conventional antibiotics than planktonic cells. Here we describe the synergistic interactions, with different classes of antibiotics, of a recently characterized antibiofilm peptide, 1018, to potently prevent and eradicate bacterial biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) pathogens. Combinations of peptide 1018 and the antibiotic ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, or tobramycin were synergistic in 50% of assessments and decreased by 2- to 64-fold the concentration of antibiotic required to treat biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, in flow cell biofilm studies, combinations of low, subinhibitory levels of the peptide (0.8 μg/ml) and ciprofloxacin (40 ng/ml) decreased dispersal and triggered cell death in mature P. aeruginosa biofilms. In addition, short-term treatments with the peptide in combination with ciprofloxacin prevented biofilm formation and reduced P. aeruginosa PA14 preexisting biofilms. PCR studies indicated that the peptide suppressed the expression of various antibiotic targets in biofilm cells. Thus, treatment with the peptide represents a novel strategy to potentiate antibiotic activity against biofilms formed by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Nonparametric Tests for Conditional Treatment Effects with Duration Outcomes ∗

This paper proposes new nonparametric tests for treatment effects when the outcome of interest, typically a duration, is subjected to right censoring. Our tests are based on Kaplan-Meier integrals, and do not rely on distributional assumptions, shape restrictions, nor on restricting the potential treatment effect heterogeneity across different subpopulations. The proposed tests are consistent against fixed alternatives and can detect nonparametric alternatives converging to the null at the parametric n−1/2-rate, n being the sample size. Finite sample properties of the proposed tests are examined by means of a Monte Carlo study. We illustrate the use of the proposed policy evaluation tools by studying the effect of labor market programs on unemployment duration based on experimental and observational datasets. JEL: C12, C14, C21, C24, C41.
Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer : Dynamically Modified Outcomes Analysis ( DYNAMO ) of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose. This paper applies the Dynamically Modified Outcomes (DYNAMO) model to a clinical trial of two chemotherapeutic regimens on global health-related quality of life (GHRQL) in hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Methods. DYNAMO identifies the causal influences operating in a clinical trial and their mediation, moderation, and modulation by uncontrolled variables. Southwest Oncology Group Trial S9916 randomized assignment to mitoxantrone plus prednisone (M+P) versus docetaxel plus estramustine (D+E) treatments. In this application, we examine baseline-adjusted impacts of Worst Pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire) on GHRQL (EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30)at 10 weeks. Results. Average treatment levels of Pain did not differ, hence the average mediated effect of treatment on GHRQL was zero. Nonetheless, M+P reduced the impact (the relational outcome) of Pain on GHRQL by 54% relative to D+E. Individual variation in the relational outcome (modulation) was of the same magnitude as the average difference between arms. Performance status moderated the direct effects of treatment, with D+E more effective in good, but not poor, performance strata. Conclusions. The DYNAMO approach comprehensively accounted for treatment effects. Rather than a single average effect, there were three distinct treatment effects: one direct effect for each performance status level, and a direct effect on the relationship between pain and GHRQL. The original publication is available at www.springerlink. com abstract Click here to download abstract: Application Abstract.doc
Testosterone and body functions

Testosterone supplementation can help reduce many of the symptoms associated with androgen deficiency in the aging male by its effects on various parts of the body. Bone mineral density can decrease in the hypogonadal man and this may contribute to the increased fracture rate in the elderly. Testosterone therapy can improve bone mineral density and bone architecture by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption – the possible benefits on fracture rate are unknown. Testosterone also improves body composition by reducing body fat mass and increasing lean body mass, and by increasing epidermal thickness, but its effects on muscle strength are still debated. In patients with diabetes and androgen deficiency, testosterone supplementation appears to reduce blood glucose and this could have important implications for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome. The wide-ranging benefits of testosterone therapy in young and old men are clear and it appears that the route of administration (intramuscular, oral, or transdermal) does not alter this fact, but future work could illustrate even more profound effects of testosterone (e.g., in reducing cardiovascular risk) that could result in its recommended use in a wider range of patients.
Postural control in women with premenstrual symptoms during oral contraceptive treatment

Objective. This study investigates postural control among women with and without premenstrual symptoms (PMS) on oral contraceptive (OC) treatment. Design. Prospective repeated measures design. Setting. Women's health clinical research unit at a university hospital. Population. Fifteen women using low‐dose monophasic oral contraceptives participated in the study. Depending on premenstrual symptoms, the women were divided into one PMS group and one non‐PMS group. Methods. Postural control (displacement area) was measured using an AMTI® force platform during the active hormone phase (OC phase) and the hormone‐free phase (non‐OC phase) of the pill chart. Premenstrual symptoms were evaluated prospectively using the Cyclicity Diagnoser. Main Outcome Measures. Displacement area as a measure of postural control. Results. Six of 15 women showed premenstrual symptoms (primarily negative mood symptoms) between the phases and were considered having premenstrual symptoms. When analyzing postural control, the PMS group displayed a significantly greater displacement area in the OC‐phase compared to the non‐OC phase. In contrast, the non‐PMS group did not show any significant difference between the phases. Furthermore, the PMS group had significantly greater displacement area during the OC phase compared to the non‐PMS group. Conclusions. The present study shows that women with premenstrual symptoms have greater displacement area than those without premenstrual symptoms during the active phase of oral contraceptive treatment. Negative mood symptoms may affect the maintenance of postural control by central interactions. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise mechanism for altered postural control in women with premenstrual symptoms.
The Extravert Advantage

Extraverts are better than introverts at building rapport, but it remains unknown what they do behaviorally to better connect with other individuals. We hypothesized that extraverts mimic more than introverts as a way to build rapport; however, we predicted that this social skillfulness of extraverts emerges only when they are motivated to affiliate. In Study 1, we found that extraversion predicted increased mimicry when an affiliation goal was present, but not when an affiliation goal was absent. In Study 2, we found that mimicry mediates the relationship between extraversion and rapport, but only when an affiliation goal is present. Our findings are the first to identify a behavior that extraverts engage in that helps them build rapport. Furthermore, our studies show that this skillfulness of extraverts emerges only when they are motivated to affiliate, providing evidence in favor of the reward-sensitivity-as-core model of extraversion over the sociability-as-core model of extraversion.
Drug hypersensitivity in clonal mast cell disorders: ENDA/EAACI position paper

Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of mast cells (MC) in different tissues, with a preferential localization in skin and bone marrow (BM). The excess of MC in mastocytosis as well as the increased releasability of MC may lead to a higher frequency and severity of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Mastocytosis in adults is associated with a history of anaphylaxis in 22–49%. Fatal anaphylaxis has been described particularly following hymenoptera stings, but also occasionally after the intake of drugs such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, opioids and drugs in the perioperative setting. However, data on the frequency of drug hypersensitivity in mastocytosis and vice versa are scarce and evidence for an association appears to be limited. Nevertheless, clonal MC disorders should be ruled out in cases of severe anaphylaxis: basal serum tryptase determination, physical examination for cutaneous mastocytosis lesions, and clinical characteristics of anaphylactic reaction might be useful for differential diagnosis. In this position paper, the ENDA group performed a literature search on immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions in clonal MC disorders using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, reviewed and evaluated the literature in five languages using the GRADE system for quality of evidence and strength of recommendation.
Experimental determination of the rate constants for spin exchange between optically pumped K, Rb, and Cs atoms and 129Xe nuclei in alkali-metal-noble-gas van der Waals molecules.

By analyzing the measured spin-relaxation transients of $^{129}\mathrm{Xe}$ nuclear spins and alkali-metal-atomic spins in mixtures of alkali-metal-atom vapors, Xe gas, and larger amounts of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ gas, we have determined the three-body formation rates and the spin-transfer probabilities for alkali- metal\char21{}noble-gas van der Waals molecules. Three parameters, in addition to the spin quantum numbers of the alkali-metal and noble-gas nuclei, are needed to predict the spin-transfer rates. These parameters, which we have determined from experimental measurements, are x=\ensuremath{\gamma}N/\ensuremath{\alpha}, the ratio of the spin-rotation interaction \ensuremath{\gamma}N to the spin-exchange interaction \ensuremath{\alpha}; ${p}_{0}$, the third-body pressure for which the molecular breakup rate ${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ is equal to the spin-rotation frequency \ensuremath{\gamma}N/h; and Z, the three-body rate constant for forming van der Waals molecules.
Italian VerbNet: A Construction-based Approach to Italian Verb Classification

This paper proposes a new method for Italian verb classification -and a preliminary example of resulting classes- inspired by Levin (1993) and VerbNet (Kipper-Schuler, 2005), yet partially independent from these resources; we achieved such a result by integrating Levin and VerbNet’s models of classification with other theoretic frameworks and resources. The classification is rooted in the constructionist framework (Goldberg, 1995; 2006) and is distribution-based. It is also semantically characterized by a link to FrameNet’ssemanticframesto represent the event expressed by a class. However, the new Italian classes maintain the hierarchic “tree” structure and monotonic nature of VerbNet’s classes, and, where possible, the original names (e.g.: Verbs of Killing, Verbs of Putting, etc.). We therefore propose here a taxonomy compatible with VerbNet but at the same time adapted to Italian syntax and semantics. It also addresses a number of problems intrinsic to the original classifications, such as the role of argument alternations, here regarded simply as epiphenomena, consistently with the constructionist approach.
AUC study of energy detection based spectrum sensing over η-μ and α-μ fading channels

Cognitive radio is regulated to permit efficient access to leftover licensed bands by unlicensed users in an opportunistic manner. Spectrum sensing is aimed to protect the primary users from interferences of the secondary users. Energy detection constitutes the most dominant method for spectrum sensing in cognitive radio and many other systems owing to its non-coherent structure as well as its simplicity and applicability. The sensing capability of wireless detectors in unreliable environments is challenged by adverse effects of multipath fading. Motivated by this, in the presented work the performance analysis of the energy detector is investigated over η-μ and α-μ fading channels. Novel closed-form expressions are derived for the detector using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) measure. The derived analytical results are verified by numerical computations and Monte Carlo simulations.
Comparison of the Proinflammatory and Procoagulant Properties of Nuclear, Mitochondrial, and Bacterial DNA

ABSTRACT Purpose: Cell-free DNA (CFDNA) is elevated in sepsis and correlates with mortality. This DNA may come from nuclear, mitochondrial, or bacterial sources. Cell-free DNA from all three sources may play a pathogenic role in sepsis via activation of coagulation through the contact pathway, whereas CpG motifs on bacterial and mitochondrial DNA may additionally stimulate inflammatory responses via Toll-like receptor 9. This study elucidates the relative effects of nuclear, mitochondrial, and bacterial DNA on inflammatory and procoagulant pathways with relevance to sepsis. Methods: DNA was extracted from plasma of septic patients and control subjects, and nuclear and mitochondrial CFDNA concentrations were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Viability of primary cultured human neutrophils was measured by flow cytometry for phosphatidyl serine exposure and cell permeability to propidium iodide. Continuous thrombin generation was measured with a fluorogenic substrate (Technothrombin, Vienna, Austria). Interleukin 6 secretion was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Platelet activation was measured by flow cytometry for P-selectin and activated &agr;IIb&bgr;3. Results: Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA were elevated in plasma from septic patients compared with control subjects. Both mitochondrial and bacterial DNA prolonged neutrophil viability. Bacterial DNA increased neutrophil interleukin 6 secretion, but mitochondrial and nuclear DNA did not. Nuclear, mitochondrial, and bacterial DNA increased thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma to a similar degree in a FXI- and FXII-dependent manner, indicating dependence on the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. Independently of coagulation, DNA from all three sources was capable of causing activation of platelet integrin &agr;IIb&bgr;3. Conclusions: Cell-free DNA from nuclear, mitochondrial, and bacterial sources have varying proinflammatory effects, although all three have similar procoagulant and platelet-stimulating potential. The pathophysiological effects of CFDNA in sepsis may vary with the source of DNA.
Growth of Candida albicans in saliva: stimulation by glucose associated with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and diabetes mellitus.

the advent of broad-spectrum antibiotics has been commented upon by many authors [1-5], but the precise cause has not yet been defined. It has been suggested that antibiotics may suppress phagocytosis and production of anticandidal antibody [6, 7] or may directly stimulate fungal growth [8]. However, the most widely accepted explanation has been the alteration in flora of the host which normally inhibit fungal growth [9-11]. This study was undertaken to investigate the factors that stimulate and inhibit candidal growth in normal human saliva. Saliva was also obtained
Antifungal activity of wogonin

The antifungal activity of the wogonin isolated from Holmskioldia sanguinea Retz was determined on four different fungal organisms. The pure compound wogonin signiﬁcantly inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium frequentance, P. notatum and Botrytis cinerea, in a concentration dependent fashion, when tested by turbidity and spore germination methods. The effects produced by the compound were compared with the standard antifungal agent griseofulvin. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of the ingestion of whole colostrum or cell-free colostrum on the capacity of leukocytes in newborn calves to stimulate or respond in one-way mixed leukocyte cultures.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of colostral cells on the ability of neonatal leukocytes to respond in a mixed leukocyte response (MLR) as a means of evaluating specific immune responsiveness. ANIMALS 10 Holstein calves, their respective dams, and 10 unrelated adult Holstein cows. PROCEDURE Soon after birth, their calves were fed maternal whole colostrum or colostrum after cells were removed by centrifugation. Responses for leukocytes obtained from calves during the first 5 weeks after birth, their dams, and unrelated cows were measured by use of 1-way MLR as an indicator of immune development. An internal control treatment, proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), was also measured. RESULTS Transfer of colostral leukocytes had a significant effect on the MLR and SEB-induced response in calves. Calves receiving whole colostrum had enhanced responses to maternal and unrelated leukocytes 24 hours after ingestion of colostrum. These responses decreased quickly, indicating direct modulation of the neonatal immune response. Calves receiving whole colostrum effectively stimulated the MLR by 24 hours after ingestion of colostrum. In contrast, calves receiving acellular colostrum did not effectively stimulate the MLR until 2 to 3 weeks after birth. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Ingestion of maternal colostral leukocytes immediately after birth stimulates development of the neonatal immune system. These maternal leukocytes enhance development of antigen-presenting capacity as indicated by their ability to stimulate the MLR and SEB response. The influence of ingested maternal cells on neonatal immunity was also indicated by a reduction in reactivity of neonatal cells to maternal alloantigens.
Endoscopic Ultrasonography Features of Colonic Muco-Submucosal Elongated Polyp

Figure 2 Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) demonstrated an elongation of the first to third layers, revealingmucosal and submucosal colonic layers. The layer structure was intact, and there were no gross lesions in the polyp. The features were compatible with colonic muco-submucosal elongated polyp (CMSEP), which was first reported by Matake et al. [1]. The resected specimen revealed a polyp with a smooth surface and covered with normal colonic mucosa, representative of CMSEP. We suggest that, from now on, a small polyp diagnosed as a CMSEP by EUS could be followed up without polypectomy Figure 1 A 52-year-old man presented at our hospital with continuous back pain. Colonoscopy revealed a small polyp 1 cm in length in the transverse colon. Its surface was smooth and covered with normal colonic mucosa Im ag es in Fo cu s
Torque and Loss Calculation of Rotating Machines Considering Laminated Cores Using Post 1-D Analysis

A post 1-D analysis of laminated cores is developed for estimating the torque and loss in rotating machines. The 1-D nonlinear eddy-current analysis along the thickness of electrical steel sheets is carried out at each element in the main finite-element analysis in order to estimate the loss and the harmonic torques caused by the eddy currents and the hysteresis phenomenon in the core. The proposed method is applied to several kinds of rotating machines. It is revealed that the accuracies of the torque and loss are significantly improved by the proposed method as compared to those of the conventional finite element method without notable increase in the computation time.
Cocaine Causes Atrial Purkinje Fiber Damage

Comparisons of atrial tissues from Syrian hamster offspring born from cocaine-treated mothers during the last days of pregnancy with sham-treated ones demonstrate irreversible focal ischemic damage in the Purkinje myofibers and minor endocardial damages as well as minute cardiomyocyte vacuolization. These defects are consistent with the pharmacotoxicity of cocaine or its metabolites. The damaged Purkinje myocytes apparently remain in contact with adjacent cardiomyocytes but undergo autolytic process similar to that found in autoschizic cell death. Adjacent cell type(s) appear to segregate or engulf the injured cells. Data collected in this report demonstrate why clinical bradyarrhythmias, arrhythmias, or sudden death as cardiac arrest can be found in pre- and postnatal cocaine-abused babies as well as those found in young individuals caused by acute or chronic cocaine abuse.
Differentiation of Temperature Variants of Influenza A2 Viruses on the Basis of Plaque Formation

The ability of temperature variants of influenza A2 virus to produce plaques in chick embryo kidney tissue culture was studied at different temperatures. Definite differences in efficiency of plaque formation by cryophilic and thermophilic strains were observed at low and high temperatures. Differentiation of the temperature variants appears to reside in a number of genetic markers, designated rct-40, rct-28, and plaque size (S). Virulence of influenza A2 virus, enhanced after prolonged cultivation at high temperature, is probably related to its greater efficiency of plating at 40 C (rct-40+), formation of larger plaques at optimal (36 C) and high (40 C) temperatures, and to loss of ability to form plaques at 28 C (rct-28−).