Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy combined with zidovudine and GM-CSF in human immunodeficiency virus-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE The treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-NHL) is complicated by the underlying acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Patients without adverse prognostic factors (no AIDS prior to lymphoma, CD4+ lymphocyte counts greater than 100 x 10(6)/l and good performance status) can be cured of lymphoma and experience long-term survival. Our previous study with the intensive chemotherapy LNH84 regimen yielded a 63% complete response (CR) rate but median survival was only nine months, half of the patients died of AIDS and the other half of their lymphoma. We report here the results of a phase II study combining the same chemotherapy with zidovudine and GM-CSF. Our goal was to improve the treatment outcome over that of our previous study; GM-CSF was expected to decrease the hematological toxicity of chemotherapy and thus permit a dose intensity increase, while zidovudine was supposed to slow down the evolution of AIDS. DESIGN AND SETTING A phase II non-randomized prospective clinical trial in 7 centres. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-two consecutive adult patients presenting HIV-NHL and performance status of less than three without active opportunistic infection underwent three cycles of doxorubicin 75 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 1,200 mg/m2, vindesine 2 mg/m2 for two days, bleomycin 10 mg for two days and prednisolone 60 mg/m2 for five days (ACVB). Chemotherapy was associated with zidovudine (5 mg/kg/d) and GM-CSF (5 mu g/kg/d). The induction phase was followed by a four-month consolidation phase. RESULTS CR and PR > 75% were observed in 56% of patients; 25% of the patients died during the induction phase. These results were analogous to those of the previous study (63% and 14%, respectively). Neither hematological tolerance nor dose intensity were improved. With a mean follow-up of 23.5 months, median survival was 6.7 months. The rate of non-NHL AIDS-related death during CR was not reduced (22% in our study vs. 16% in our previous one). CONCLUSIONS GM-CSF failed to reduce significantly the cumulative hematological toxicity of chemotherapy and zidovudine. New antiviral agents without hematological toxicity would perhaps be useful in this setting.
Comparison of Visual Field Severity Classification Systems for Glaucoma

PurposeTo compare categorical severity classification systems for glaucoma. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 1,921 eyes (49.5% right eye) from 1,137 participants from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study and African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study. Standard automated perimetry fields were classified using the: (1) Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study scoring system (AGIS), (2) Glaucoma Severity Staging system (GSS), and (3) Enhanced Glaucoma Severity Staging system (eGSS). Systems were characterized using the following continuous measures of severity: mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index. Classifications between systems and with optic disc stereophotograph assessment were compared (&kgr;) and some stages were consolidated to evaluate severity classification across systems (Wilcoxon test). ResultsMean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and visual field index were significantly different between GSS and AGIS, and GSS and eGSS in normal and abnormal fields (P<0.005). Agreement between AGIS and eGSS was substantial (&kgr;=0.715±0.012); agreement between GSS and eGSS (&kgr;=0.559±0.014) and AGIS (&kgr;=0.519±0.016) was moderate. eGSS tended to stage abnormal fields most severely followed by GSS and then AGIS (P<0.001). ConclusionsThe presence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy increases with staging severity for all systems. However, different systems led to different severity staging. Of the systems examined in this study, eGSS may be the better choice for its ease of use for both clinicians and researchers.
Vertical coordination for optimization of the vegetable supply chain.

This study is based on the concept of the vertically coordinated supply chain to produce value for the stake holders in the vegetables supply chain. The primary aim of this study is to measure the impact of vertical coordination concerning to vegetable supply chain industry. The research is descriptive in nature and Delphi technique has been applied to measure the impact of vertical coordinated supply chain on vegetable industry, demand-supply gap and price gap for vegetables, has been obtained through expert opinion. Neural Network Model is used for the prediction of the importance of different variables. The conclusion is based on the 16-614 structure study on independent variables-hidden factor of process-dependent variables or the predictors respectively. The outcome of this research is for the consumer in terms of price and beneficial for the farmers engaged in vegetable cultivation. Largely it can support all the intermediary participants of vegetable supply chain.
Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS To investigate the advantage of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation as an adjunctive therapy in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODOLOGY In a randomized, open-label clinical trial, 76 individuals with NAFLD were randomly assigned to: 1) Chlorella group (n=33), receiving C. vulgaris extract (1200 mg/day) + metformin (750 mg/ day) + vitamin E (200 mg/day) for 3 months, or 2) Metformin group (n=43), receiving metformin (1250 mg/ day) + vitamin E (200 mg/day) for 3 months. Weight, body mass index (BMI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index as well as serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), insulin, total and direct bilirubin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), uric acid, albumin and lipid profile were evaluated at baseline and at the end of trial. RESULTS Weight and BMI were decreased in both groups. Serum ALT, AST, triglycerides, uric acid, HbA1c and HOMA-IR index were reduced only in the Chlorella group whereas significant changes in total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and FBS were only observed in the metformin group. There were also borderline significant reductions in insulin and FBS in the Chlorella group. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present trial indicated that addition of C. vulgaris extract to the therapeutic regimen of NAFLD including metformin and vitamin E, is associated with favorable effects on serum levels of transaminases, triglycerides as well as insulin sensitivity. Therefore, C. vulgaris extract might be a promising hepatoprotective supplement for patients with NAFLD.
Miniaturized UWB antenna with excellent frequency ratio and bandwidth enhancement for wireless applications

A compact planner printed monopole antenna having a geometry of 44 × 42 mm2 is presented. This antenna is composed of a modified shaped patch with a partial slot ground plane and a height of 1.6 mm2 that shields the low-cost substrate material FR-4 with a relative permittivity of 4.6 and loss tangent of 0.02 that makes it suitable for UWB operations. 50Ω microstrip transmission line used as feed current and observe the simulated results in HFSS and CST simulator. With a decent impedance match and constant radiation pattern the presented antenna has comprehensive bandwidth of 8.2 GHz (2.5 GHz to 11.2 GHz) which makes the antenna appropriate for various ultra-wideband applications.
Serum C-reactive protein in asthma and its ability in predicting asthma control, a case-control study

Background: Increased serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in asthma and its association with disease severity has been investigated in many studies. This study aimed to determine serum hs-CRP status in asthma versus healthy controls and to examine its ability in predicting asthma control. Methods: Serum CRP was measured by ELISA method using a high sensitive CRP kit. Severity of asthma was determined using Asthma Control Test. Spearman and chi square tests were used for association and correlation respectively. The predictive ability was determined by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Accuracy was determined by determination of area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results: A total of 120 patients and 115 controls were studied. Median serum hs-CRP in asthma was higher than control (P=0.001. In well controlled asthma the hs-CRP decreased significantly compared with poorly controlled (P=0.024) but still was higher than control (P=0.017). Serum hs-CRP at cutoff level of 1.45 mg/L differentiated the patients and controls with accuracy of 63.5 % (AUC= 0.635±0.037, P=0.001). Serum hs-CRP ≤ 2.15 mg/L predicted well controlled asthma with accuracy of 62.5% (AUC= 0.625±0.056, p=0.025). After adjusting for age, sex, weight and smoking, there was an independent association between serum hs-CRP >1.45 mg/L and asthma by adjusted OR=2.49, p=0.018). Conclusion: These findings indicate that serum hs-CRP in asthma is higher than healthy control and increases with severity of asthma and decreases with. Thus, serum hs-CRP measurement can be helpful in predicting asthma control and treatment response.
Time trends incidence of both major histologic types of esophageal carcinomas in selected countries, 1973–1995

The purpose of our study was to examine the incidence patterns of 2 major histologic types of esophageal cancer, in selected countries world‐wide and to identify components of birth cohort, period and age as determinants of observed time trends using regression modeling. The roles of temporal changes in specification of histology of tumors and of classification of cancers at the gastroesophageal junction as esophageal or gastric in origin were taken into consideration. In all, 56,426 esophageal cancer cases were included. The results indicate that the incidence rate of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus has been relatively stable in most of the countries analyzed, although increasing trends were observed in Denmark and the Netherlands (Eindhoven) among men and in Canada, Scotland and Switzerland among women. There was a significant increase in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinomas in both sexes in the United States (among whites and blacks), Canada and South Australia and in 6 European countries (Scotland, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway). In France the increase was limited to men and in Switzerland the increase was observed only in women. Modeling was unable to distinguish which trends were the results of changes in risk between generations (as cohort effects), or changes in all age groups simultaneously (as a period effect). © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oral clofarabine in the treatment of patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome.

PURPOSE Efficacy and toxicity profile of orally administered clofarabine were evaluated in patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-two patients were treated, of whom 22 had intermediate-2 or high-risk disease (International Prognostic Scoring System). Median age was 70 years (range, 53 to 86), nine patients had secondary MDS, and 20 patients experienced prior therapy failure with hypomethylating agents. Three doses of clofarabine were evaluated: 40 mg/m(2), 30 mg/m(2), and 20 mg/m(2) daily for 5 days. Courses were repeated every 4 to 8 weeks. RESULTS Eight patients (25%) achieved complete remission (CR), three had (9%) hematologic improvement (HI), and three had (9%) clinical benefit (CB; overall response rate, 43%). Responses in patients who experience treatment failure with hypomethylating agents included CR in two (10%), HI in two (10%), and CB in two patients (10%). No patients died within 6 weeks of induction. Renal failure occurred in four patients in the context of myelosuppression-associated infectious complications. Common adverse events were gastrointestinal and hepatic. Myelosuppression was common, but prolonged myelosuppression (> 42 days) was rare. The toxicity profile was better with lower doses of clofarabine, whereas response rates did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION Oral clofarabine has achieved a response rate of 43% in patients with higher-risk MDS. The optimal dose and schedule and the appropriate patient population for such therapy remain to be further defined.
Lehrstuhl für Informatik 10 ( Systemsimulation ) Entropic stabilization of the lattice Boltzmann method

In this thesis, the entropic lattice Boltzmann method is presented. The standard lattice Boltzmann method using a single time relaxation parameter and the Bhattnager-Gross-Krook (BGK) collision operator becomes unstable for low viscosity ows. On the other hand, the entropic lattice Boltzmann method is said to provide enhanced stability by enforcing a discrete H-Theorem. The only di erence in the algorithm of the entropic lattice Boltzmann method from the standard lattice Boltzmann schemes based on the single relaxation time parameter comes in the collision step. Special relaxation parameters are used which ensure that the H-Theorem is never violated. The equilibrium distribution function also takes a di erent form. In order to test the accuracy and stability of the entropic lattice Boltzmann method, three di erent simulations were carried out. The rst set of experiments were based on the Taylor-Green vortex and the results obtained showed that the accuracy of the entropic lattice Boltzmann method is quite similar to the standard lattice Boltzmann method. The next two experiments based on the 1d shock tube and the lid driven cavity ow were intended to test the stability of the entropic lattice Boltzmann method. For both sets of experiments even though the entropic lattice Boltzmann method did not provide entirely accurate results it was clearly more stable than the standard lattice Boltzmann method.
Exploring Dynamic Assessment as a Means of Identifying Children At Risk of Developing Comprehension Difficulties

In this study, the authors explore a newly constructed dynamic assessment (DA) intended to tap inference-making skills that they hypothesize will be predictive of future comprehension performance. The authors administered the test to 100 second-grade children using a dynamic format to consider the concurrent validity of the measure. The dynamic portion of the assessment comprised teaching children to be “reading detectives” by using textual clues to solve what was happening in the story. During the DA children listened to short passages and answered three inferential questions (i.e., one setting, two causal). If children were unable to answer a question, they were reminded what a reading detective would do and given a set of increasingly concrete prompts and clues to orient them to the relevant portion of text until they could answer the question correctly. Results showed that the DA correlated significantly with a standardized measure of reading comprehension and explained a small but significant amount of unique variance in reading comprehension above and beyond vocabulary and word identification skills. In addition, results suggest that DA may be better than the standardized measure of reading comprehension at identifying intraindividual differences in young children’s reading abilities.
DISPARITIES IN THE PHYSICS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ENROLMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN WESTERN PROVINCE: IMPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGY RENEWAL

The topic of unequal outcomes for men and women in math and science has been in the public domain for some time now. This study however had special interest in physics because it is an optional science subject in most schools and taken by those confident enough to take on a third science subject. It is a key science subject expected to drive Kenya’s vision 2030 initiative which aims at making the country a newly industrializing middle income country providing high quality life for all its citizens. The realization of this vision calls for the harnessing of the science and technological ability of both men and women in the country; it is a collective responsibility of both genders. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. This paper presents the findings of the study on disparities in achievement and enrolment in physics in Kenya with a focus in Western Province. This study was conducted in 40 secondary schools in Western Province. Out of the selected 40 schools, responses were obtained from 32 schools giving a response rate of 80%. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. Data on enrolment and performance on physics was obtained from the respective Heads of Departments. The study revealed that there are disparities in enrolment and achievement among the different school categories and gender disparities as well. Boys’ schools have had a steady lead in the enrolment and achievement on physics during the five years. The findings indicate that there is need to have a change in strategies in order to improve performance and enrolment in girls’ and co-education schools. Key words: disparities, gender, harnessing, industrializing, technological and unequal outcomes.
On the Comparison of Family Environment Profiles between Substance-Dependent and Normal Groups towards Providing Family-Based Interventions

Objective: This study was conducted to compare the environment of families with and without substancedependent members to investigate the functioning of families with substance-dependent members and also provide them with appropriate treatment strategies. Method: A causative-comparative method followed by an ex post facto design was used in this study. A sample consisting of 50 persons suffering from substance dependence disorder referring to outpatient treatment centers, located in west and east of Tehran, constituted the participants of the study. Another 50-person group not suffering from the disorder participated in this study as the former group’s counterpart, as well. The participants answered the questions of environment of family scale (EFS) (Moos & Moos, 1986). Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between two groups in dimensions of cohesion, conflict, achievement orientation, intellectual-cultural orientation, religious orientation, organization, and control whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups in dimensions of expressiveness, independency, and recreational orientation. Conclusion: The study recommends the authorities to opt for the application of efficient interventionist treatment strategies appropriate to the characteristics of families with drug-dependent member.
INFREQUENTLY METHYLATED EVENT AT SITES −181 TO −9 WITHIN THE 5′ CpG ISLAND OF E-CADHERIN IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Epigenetic silencing of E-cadherin via aberrant methylation has been investigated in various human tumors, whereas evidence for elucidating mechanism underlying reduction of E-cadherin mRNA remains unclear in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors previously found that reduction of E-cadherin mRNA or protein expression has been frequently observed in NSCLC. In this study, the authors explore the contribution of E-cadherin methylation to the development and progression of NSCLC. The authors directly performed the bisulfite DNA sequencing to examine CpG methylation within the 5′ CpG island of E-cadherin in 35 tumor and paired normal tissue specimens from patients with primary NSCLC. Then, the authors measured the level of E-cadherin mRNA by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Despite of reduction in E-cadherin mRNA by 65.7% (23/35) and presence of methylation by 28.6% (10/35) in tumors, the authors found no association of reduction of E-cadherin mRNA level with methylation of 19 sites from −181 to −9 bp located upstream from the translation start of E-cadherin in NSCLC. In conclusion, the authors provide no evidence for the presence of aberrant methylation sites of E-cadherin in tumors from patients with NSCLC, which can explain decrease of E-cadherin mRNA. Decrease in E-cadherin mRNA may be regulated by methylation-independent pathways in NSCLC.
The Influence of Problem Based Learning Model on Scientific Process Skill and Problem Solving Ability of Student

: This study aims to determine the average influence of science process skills and problem solving students using Problem Based Learning model and conventional learning, knowing whether the influence of conceptual and procedural knowledge of students who are taught by the model of Problem Based Learning is better than students who are taught by Conventional learning. This research is a quasi experimental research. The research population is all students of class X SMA Negeri 1 Bangun Purba semester II academic year 2016/2017. The sample was taken by random class, consist of 2 classes totaling 68 people. Class X-3 as an experimental class taught by Scientific Inquiry model assisted visual media consists of 37 students, class X-2 as control class is taught with conventional learning consists of 31 students. The research instrument uses essay test that is 10 problem of science process skill and 5 problem solving problem. The resulting data were analyzed using t test. The result of the research shows that: the average of the improvement of physics science physics process skill using Problem Based Learning model is in medium category and the average of the improvement of science process skill of students using conventional learning is in low category whereas the average of physics problem solving student use Problem Based Learning model is in the medium category and average problem solving students who use conventional learning is in the category of being, the average increase in students 'science process skills better than the students' science process skills using conventional learning while the average increase in solving The problem of students using Problem Based Learning model of learning is better than solving student problems using conventional learning
THROMBOSIS AND HEMOSTASIS Podoplanin expression in primary brain tumors induces platelet aggregation and increases risk of venous thromboembolism

Clinical Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Clinical Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Clinical Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Institute of Pathology, Department of Surgery, Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, and Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; and Thrombosis and Hemostasis Program, McAllister Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Threats to validity of Research Design

Campbell and Stanley point out that adherence to experimentation dominated the field of education through the 1920s (Thorndike era) but that this gave way to great pessimism and rejection by the late 1930s. However, it should be noted that a departure from experimentation to essay writing (Thorndike to Gestalt Psychology) occurred most often by people already adept at the experimental tradition. Therefore, we must be aware of the past so that we avoid total rejection of any method, and instead take a serious look at the effectiveness and applicability of current and past methods without making false assumptions.