Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advantages of concurrent biochemotherapy modified by decrescendo interleukin-2, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and tamoxifen for patients with metastatic melanoma.

PURPOSE Concurrent biochemotherapy results in high response rates but also significant toxicity in patients with metastatic melanoma. We attempted to improve its efficacy and decrease its toxicity by using decrescendo dosing of interleukin-2 (IL-2), posttreatment granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and low-dose tamoxifen. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-five patients with poor prognosis metastatic melanoma were treated at a community hospital inpatient oncology unit affiliated with the John Wayne Cancer Institute (Santa Monica, CA) between July 1995 and September 1997. A 5-day modified concurrent biochemotherapy regimen of dacarbazine, vinblastine, cisplatin, decrescendo IL-2, interferon alfa-2b, and tamoxifen was repeated at 21-day intervals. G-CSF was administered beginning on day 6 for 7 to 10 days. RESULTS The overall response rate was 57% (95% confidence interval, 42% to 72%), the complete response rate was 23%, and the partial response rate was 34%. Complete remissions were achieved in an additional 11% of patients by surgical resection of residual disease after biochemotherapy. The median time to progression was 6.3 months and the median duration of survival was 11.4 months. At a maximum follow-up of 36 months (range, 10 to 36 months), 32% of patients are alive and 14% remain free of disease. Decrescendo IL-2 dosing and administration of G-CSF seemed to reduce toxicity, length of hospital stay, and readmission rates. No patient required intensive care unit monitoring, and there were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION The data from this study indicate that the modified concurrent biochemotherapy regimen reduces the toxicity of concurrent biochemotherapy with no apparent decrease in response rate in patients with poor prognosis metastatic melanoma.
DEM analysis of angular ballast breakage under cyclic loading

Railway ballast particles undergo significant amount of breakage under repeated train load. Breakage of ballast particles, especially highly angular fresh ones, causes an increase in settlement, contributing to track degradation. The quantitative analysis of the influence of breakage on the stress-strain properties of ballast can be performed either experimentally or numerically. Numerical modeling has the advantage of simulating ballast breakage subject to various types of loading and different boundary conditions for a range of material properties. In this paper, ballast breakage under cyclic loading is simulated using a 2D discrete element method (DEM) utilizing the software PFC2D . A new subroutine is developed and incorporated in the PFC2D analysis to study ballast breakage and to quantify breakage in relation to particle size distribution. The influence of confining pressure on both breakage and permanent deformation is also studied and compared with laboratory observations. The findings of this paper provide an insight into the true ballast behavior under cyclic loading and are expected to assist railway practitioners in developing suitable design criteria for track stability.
Impairments in working memory associated with spontaneous dieting behaviour

Background. The current study investigated the fundamental nature of the cognitive processing deficit that has been demonstrated to be associated with dieting to lose weight. Previous work has characterized this deficit as being primarily one of a reduction in working-memory capacity. The present study investigated the particular components of the working-memory system affected during dieting. Method. A sample of female subjects was classified as either low/medium restrained eaters (N=34), highly restrained eaters (N=18) or current dieters (N=19), based on their responses to a modified version of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ). Each subject completed tasks that assessed the Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad (mental rotation), Phonological Loop (effect of phonological similarity on recall) and the Central Executive (Tower of London Task) components of working memory. Results. Those subjects who reported themselves to be currently dieting displayed poorer recall on the Phonological Loop task and slower planning times on the Tower of London Task. Performance on both these tasks correlated significantly with a self-report measure of body shape concern. Conclusions. These results support the hypothesis that the mediating variable in this deficit is that of preoccupying cognitions concerning food and body shape.
Influence of nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharges on the stability of a swirled propane/air burner representative of an aeronautical combustor

This paper reports on an experimental study of the influence of a nanosecond repetitively pulsed spark discharge on the stability domain of a propane/air flame. This flame is produced in a lean premixed swirled combustor representative of an aeronautical combustion chamber. The lean extinction limits of the flame produced without and with plasma are determined and compared. It appears that only a low mean discharge power is necessary to increase the flame stability domain. Lastly, the effects of several parameters (pulse repetition frequency, global flowrate, electrode location) are studied.
Composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars as influenced by chemical fertilization and tillage in Cameroon

Objectives: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form root symbiotic relationships with higher plants, but their abundance and symbiotic effectiveness may be influenced by agricultural practices. This study investigated the effect of N-K fertilization and tillage on soil’s AMF composition and root colonization of some selected cassava varieties in Eastern and Southern Cameroon. Methodology and results: Three cassava varieties were grown in Eastern Cameroon in tilled and non-tilled plots. In Southern Cameroon, five varieties were grown in non-tilled plots, with half of them receiving NPK (10-10-20) fertilization. Collected soil and root samples were analyzed to quantify and describe the AMF communities. AMF root colonization was 35% regardless to the variety and farming system in Eastern region, while it reached 45% in Southern Cameroon. Root colonization varied among varieties within and between locations. Fertilized plots displayed lesser microbial density than non-fertilized plots and the tillage highly reduced the root colonization as well as the density of spores. Conclusions and application of findings: In Eastern and Southern parts of Cameroon, the identified AMF communities in a symbiotic relationship with cassava were ascribed to the three genera Glomus, Gigaspora and Acaulospora. Among these three genera, Glomus was predominant in all the sites; indicating its wide geographical distribution in Cameroon and affinity with cassava. Species of the genus Glomus may therefore be used during mycorrhizal inoculations of cassava. However, AMF root colonization varies in relation to the variety type and the environment; with the southern region of Cameroon showing the higher colonization levels. This study revealed that to obtain higher AMF spores densities in soil and maximize root colonization, cultivation systems with a lesser soil disturbance and fertilization is recommendable in cassava cultivation. Keywords: Arbuscular mycorrhiza funji (AMF), Cameroon, Cassava cultivation, Chemical fertilization, Tillage
An assessment of patient-related economic costs in an outbreak of salmonellosis.

LITTLE information is available on the economic cost of infectious diseases such as salmonellosis. Although animal salmonellosis has a major financial effect, human salmonellosis is often considered only an inconvenience.1 Except for one study2 most data on costs of human salmonellosis are projections.1 , 3 , 4 In July and August, 1976, thousands contracted salmonellosis from eating contaminated cheddar cheese served primarily in Mexican-style restaurants in Denver and Pueblo, Colorado.5 Patients experienced diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps and fever for several days to several weeks. Severe diarrhea, volume depletion, enteric fever and other complications caused at least 68 to be hospitalized. The outbreak was detected .
Palifermin reduces diarrhea and increases survival following irinotecan treatment in tumor‐bearing DA rats

Mucositis is a common side effect of cancer chemotherapy for which there is currently no treatment. Irinotecan is a commonly used effective chemotherapeutic agent, causing severe gastrointestinal mucositis and diarrhea. Previous research suggests that palifermin is potentially antimucotoxic. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether palifermin was effective in ameliorating irinotecan‐induced gastrointestinal mucositis. We also determined the protective effects of single large and multiple small doses of palifermin. Tumor‐bearing DA rats were treated with a single large (10 mg/kg) dose of palifermin 3 days prior to, or multiple small (3 mg/kg day for 3 days) doses of palifermin or vehicle control prior to, receiving 2 doses of 150 mg/kg irinotecan. Animals were killed at 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, or 144 hr after treatment. The primary endpoints were diarrhea and mortality. Gastrointestinal morphometry, histopathology and apoptosis were assessed. Tumor weights and mitoses were measured to ensure palifermin did not promote tumor growth. Data were analyzed using Peritz' F‐test, Student's t‐test and Tukey‐Kramer multiple comparison test. Animals pretreated with palifermin tolerated irinotecan treatment better than control animals with less severe diarrhea (5% in animals receiving 10 mg/kg palifermin, 11% in animals receiving 3 × 3 mg/kg palifermin and 28% in animals receiving irinotecan only) and reduced mortality (2% in animals receiving 10 mg/kg palifermin, 11% in animals receiving 3 × 3 mg/kg palifermin and 28% in animals receiving irinotecan only). Small and large intestinal weights were maintained. Intestinal morphometry was not maintained in palifermin‐pretreated rats despite being increased prior to irinotecan treatment. Palifermin pretreatment did not prevent apoptosis that peaked at 6 hr in the jejunum or colon, but prevented apoptosis at 96 hr in the small intestine. Palifermin pretreatment in both treatment regimens significantly reduces diarrhea and mortality following irinotecan administration without adversely affecting tumor growth. This positive response warrants further investigation, particularly in humans. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes of osteopontin in the aqueous humor of the DBA2/J glaucoma model correlated with optic nerve and RGC degenerations.

PURPOSE To identify age-dependent regulated aqueous humor (AH) factors in DBA2/J (D2J) mice and to correlate them with optic nerve degeneration and intraocular pressure (IOP) by population and individual analysis. METHODS AH samples of D2J mice aged 2 (n = 3), 7 (n = 5), and 10 months (n = 14) were analyzed by mouse cytokine antibody array. Ten-month samples were classified into eyes with (D2J+) or without (D2J-) optic neuropathy. Ten-month-old C57/Bl6 (B6; n = 13) and DBA2/Rj (D2Rj; n = 15) mice served as controls. IOP was recorded from 2 to 10 months. Individual AH osteopontin (OPN) was determined in 31 D2J eyes (10 months) and was correlated with optic neuropathy and IOP. OPN mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization. OPN blood plasma content of D2J and B6 was monitored from 8 to 10 months. Effect of OPN on cell survival in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) or metabolism was tested in ex vivo-cultured D2Rj eyes and murine neuronal precursors. RESULTS In array analysis, OPN was detected in 10-month-old D2J mice only. They significantly differed between D2J- and D2J+ (P = 0.006). By Western blot analysis, a sevenfold OPN increase in D2J+ was determined compared with B6. Individual analysis confirmed the positive correlation of OPN with optic neuropathy. IOP was not correlated with OPN. OPN blood plasma contents steadily increased with age in D2J. OPN(+) cells were detected within the ciliary body of D2J, and OPN(+) RGCs were ≈30% reduced. OPN treatment inhibited cell degeneration within the GCL in ex vivo-cultured D2Rj eyes and increased the metabolic activity of neuronal precursor cells. CONCLUSIONS OPN is an age-dependent increased AH factor associated with degeneration of the optic nerve in D2J mice. By modulating the metabolism of neuronal cells, deregulated levels of OPN could be involved in degenerative processes affecting RGCs or optic nerve axons in the D2J model.
Cell‐Mediated and Monoclonal Antibody‐Dependent Killing of Onchocerca volvulus Microfilariae *

To identify the target antigens implicated in the adherence and killing of microfilariae (mf) by leucocytes, we incubated nodular mf and leucocytes in the presence of anti‐cuticular monoclonal antibodies (MOVs)and fresh scrum. Leucocyte donors were patients with a mean age of 37 years (with 0‐1 mf snip), who had lived in the endemic village studied rural least 10 yean After 16‐20h of incubation, up to 74% of the mf could be seen with 10 or more cell adhering, to them. By 36‐40 h up to 54% of the mf had been killed by the leucocytes in the presence of cocktail of monoclonal antibodies termed MOV GI V. The degree of killing in control experiments with the monoclonal antibody MOV I remained lower (P 0.05), ranging from 0.0 to 4.5% of mf with initial viability of 90‐95%. Western blotting revealed MOV GIV prominent target antigens of 10.5, 18.0. 23.5 and 27;kDa in crude surface of female O. volvulus. The detected antigens may play a role m host protection.
Rapamycin has paradoxical effects on S6 phosphorylation in rats with and without seizures

Purpose: Accumulating data have demonstrated that seizures induced by kainate (KA) or pilocarpine activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and that mTOR inhibitor rapamycin can inhibit mTOR activation, which subsequently has potential antiepileptic effects. However, a preliminary study showed a paradoxical exacerbation of increased mTOR pathway activity reflected by S6 phosphorylation when rapamycin was administrated within a short period before KA injection. In the present study, we examined this paradoxical effect of rapamycin in more detail, both in normal rats and KA‐injected animals.
Investigation of seakeeping characteristics of high-speed catamarans in waves

This paper presents the motion characteristics for high-speed catamarans travelling in waves. Two mathematical models, threedimensional translating-pulsating source distribution technique and three-dimensional pulsating source distribution technique, are used for predicting the motions of the wave-piercing catamaran in oblique waves. The comparison between numerical predictions and experimental data carried out in SSPA shows a good agreement except the one around the resonance regions of pitch motion. It may be due to the nonlinear effects of centre bow with large pitch motions in waves. The phase angles show some scatters in the high frequencies region at stern waves. The dynamic motions of the wave-piercing catamaran have been investigated by means of short-term statistical analysis with three-dimensional pulsating source distribution technique. The comparison of seakeeping performance between the conventional catamaran and the wave-piercing catamaran has been discussed.
RAT RENAL FUNCTION FOUR DAYS AFTER BILE-DUCT LIGATION: EFFECTS OF INDOMETHACIN AND VASOACTIVE AGENTS

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, and some vasoactive agents on the renal functional parameters during the early liver injury induced by four days bile duct ligation (BDL). Wistar rats with four days-BDL and control-sham operated were used. Renal function was measured in anesthetized rat treated with a single dose of indomethacin (control, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg b.w.; i.v.) one hour before clearance studies. Sulindac effects were also evaluated (5 mg/kg b.w., i.p). Isolated rat kidney preparations from control and BDL donor rats were used to study renal vascular response to noradrenaline, carbachol or sodium nitroprusside. The bile duct ligation promoted a diminished renal cortical plasma flow (RCPF) on the fourth day post surgery accompanied with a diminution in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), increased filtration fraction and increased fractional excretion of water and sodium. Indomethacin 0.3 mg/kg induced an increase in GFR and RCPF, maintaining the high filtration fraction in BDL rats. The other doses did not alter these parameters as compared with bile duct ligated rats without treatment, but indomethacin 3 mg/kg caused a significant increase in filtration fraction. Indomethacin induced dose-dependent diminution in natriuresis in sham and BDL groups. Sulindac did not modify hemodynamic parameters, but induced antinatriuresis and antidiuresis in both experimental groups. Maximal vascular responses to noradrenaline measured in isolated rat kidneys were statistically diminished in BDL-rats as compared with controls (C, n = 7; 35.0 ± 2.3 mmHg ml−1 min; BDL-rats, n = 5; 23.8 ± 0.7 mmHg ml−1 min; p<0.02), without changes in EC15. Maximal relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside in the phenylephrine (PHE)-pre-constricted renal vasculature in control preparations did not differ from that observed in BDL group (C: n = 6; 49.5 ± 2.3%). Values of EC50 were 1.26 ± 0.07 µM (n = 6) in control preparations and 0.34 ± 0.03 µM (n = 4) in kidneys from BDL-rats (p<0.001). Carbachol induced a biphasic relaxation of PHE-pre-constricted renal vasculature. No differences in maximal responses were found. EC50 value of the second phase in BDL group was significantly decreased compared to control preparations (C: n = 6, 0.47 ± 0.05 µM; BDL: n = 6, 0.22 ± 0.03 µM; p<0.001). The present results show that the altered renal function after a short time post bile duct ligation is determined, at least in part, by increased release of arachidonic derivatives in vascular bed and tubular cells. At this stage of liver injury, the alteration in the renal vascular response to different vasoactive agents is remarkable.
Pleomorphism of fusobacteria isolated from the cockroach hindgut

Fusobacteria are commonly isolated from the hindgut of the cockroach Eublaberus posticus . Eleven strains isolated from E. posticus by us were keyed to four species, Fusobacterium necrophorum, F. varium , F. gonidiaformans , and F. prausnitzii , using current taxonomic criteria. With the exception of F. gonidiaformis , all species showed rods with swollen centers and large bodies. The pleomorphism of F. varium was examined by phase microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The pleomorphic process begins with a gradual swelling at the center of the rod until a large round body is formed. Some of these round bodies then fragment, giving rise to rod-shaped cells. When 10% yeast extract was added to growth media, pleomorphism was not induced. A dialyzable factor was found to account for this observation. Fermentation of [1-14C]glutamic acid gives rise to butyrate labeled in the carboxyl carbon, indicating that butyrate is formed by the hydroxyglutarate pathway which may be characteristic for the genus Fusobacterium.
Frequent and difficult problems perceived by nurses caring for the dying in community, hospice and acute care settings

A total of 167 practising nurses from three practice settings-community, hospice and acute care - were asked to identify the five most common problems encountered when caring for the dying and the five most difficult problems to manage. Nine main categories of problems were elicited, including physical, work-related, nurse-related, death-related and spiritual problems. Key categories have been selected for discussion in this paper. Specific differences in the responses obtained from the three practice settings may be related to differences in the ethos of care of the dying patient in each area, particularly between hospice/community care and acute care. The findings of the survey will serve as a basis for planning initiatives in education and research in palliative care nursing.
Polyarthritis due to Mycoplasma bovis infection in adult dairy caftle in Northern Ireland

The minimum legal requirement is that the pen width be at least 75 per cent of sow length, and this is shown by the dotted line in Fig 1. While all the animals tested were able to turn within 75 per cent of their body length, some of the predicted population of gilts and small sows would fail (shaded area in Fig 1). However, a pen large enough for longer sows to turn would satisfactorily accommodate gilts. If any pig has difficulty turning, an offence is committed under the 1994 Regulations. Using the average sow dimensions to work out pen width could result in pens only being large enough for small to average sows. Baxter and Schwaller (1983) suggested using the 95th percentile of the population to estimate requirements, but this could still pose problems for the largest animals. An improved approach is to take account of sow length or, preferably, weight using the regression equations provided here, but it still leaves the problem that there is variation about the regression line. Using the 99 per cent prediction interval, as in Fig 1, only one in 100 of the largest animals would be expected to have difficulty turning if the data follow a normal frequency distribution. This seems a reasonable compromise between the requirements of welfare and the exigencies of economics. This criterion applied to the population of heavily pregnant sows tested yields a pen width of 140 cm.
Comparison of the chip area usage of 2-level and 3-level voltage source converter topologies

In the low voltage converter range, 3-phase 3-level VSC topologies are not wide spread in industry because of the increased part count and higher costs, although they are more efficient for higher switching frequencies. In this paper an alternative 3-level topology referred to as T-type is presented, which is very high efficient for medium switching frequencies (4–20 kHz). Additionally, it is shown that the total silicon chip area of a 3-level topology can be lower than in a 2-level topology since the losses are distributed over more components leading to only a small increase in the junction temperature. This allows for the design of a chip area and cost optimized 3-level bridge leg module for the mass market.
A method for producing cellular dedifferentiation by means of very small electrical currents.

In a phylogenetic study of the mechanisms involved in the healing of fractures, we have determined that in the amphibia this process involves primarily the dedifferentiation of the nucleated erythrocytes in the fracture hematoma into cells with fibroblastic potential (FIGURE 1). This mechanism is quite at variance with current concepts of fracture healing; however, these have been largely determined by experimentation on mammalian species, in which fracture healing is accomplished primarily by a process of periosteal stem cell proliferation. It should be noted that of all vertebrates the mammals alone have nonnucleated erythrocytes and that their periosteum is considerably thicker than that of other vertebrates. Since fracture healing is basically a process of tissue regeneration, both stem Cell proliferation and mature nucleated red cell dedifferentiation a re equally competent to produce the necessary blastema. The question to which we addressed ourselves was, “What i s the nature of the trigger or induction stimulus that initiates the cellular event-in this case, the dedifferentiation of the mature erythrocyte? ” Previous studies on another bone growth phenomenon the growth response to mechanical stress have indicated that this process was governed by a control s stem based upon specific solid state properties of the bone matrix itself.Ty2 In brief, the collagen fiber-apatite crystal relationship i n the matrix constitutes a semiconducting PN junction diode3-5 which acts a s a transducer, converting