Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does long-term finasteride therapy affect the histologic features of benign prostatic tissue and prostate cancer on needle biopsy? PLESS Study Group. Proscar Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study.

OBJECTIVES Finasteride, a common agent used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), inhibits 5-alpha-reductase. Testosterone is converted by 5-alpha-reductase to the more potent dihydrotestosterone, which is the primary androgen in the prostate. Leuprolide is a stronger antiandrogen that is used to downstage prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy. Leuprolide induces marked atrophy of prostate carcinoma cells, which sometimes makes pathologic diagnosis of cancer difficult, although evaluation at radical prostatectomy is easier than at biopsy. It is unknown whether finasteride produces similar changes, which would result in greater diagnostic difficulty because such changes would be seen on biopsy to rule out cancer in men with suspicious clinical findings treated for BPH. The current study investigated the histologic effects of finasteride therapy on human prostate cancer and benign prostatic tissue on needle biopsy. METHODS In blinded manner, we reviewed 53 needle biopsy specimens showing prostate carcinoma (35 treated with finasteride, 18 with placebo). Also reviewed in blinded manner were 50 benign needle biopsy specimens (25 treated with finasteride, 25 with placebo). The Gleason score, number of cores involved, percentage cancer involvement in a core, percentage of atrophic changes in cancer cells, presence of mitoses, blue-tinged mucinous secretions, prominent nucleoli, and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were documented for each case in the cancer group. The percentage of atrophy, basal cell hyperplasia, transitional metaplasia, chronic inflammation, and stromal proliferation was documented for each case in the benign group. RESULTS No significant histologic differences were present in either the benign or cancer group between cases treated with finasteride and placebo. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that finasteride treatment for BPH does not cause difficulty in the diagnosis of cancer in prostate needle specimens. It is possible that there are severely atrophic areas resulting from finasteride treatment that are undersampled. However, the conclusion that cancer seen on needle biopsy in men treated with finasteride is unaltered and readily identified as cancer remains valid.
Role of brainstem adenosine A1 receptors in the cardiovascular response to hypothalamic defence area stimulation in the anaesthetized rat

1 The role of centrally located adenosine A1 receptors in the cardiovascular changes associated with the hypothalamic defence response has been investigated by in vitro autoradiography and the intraventricular application of an A1 receptor antagonist. 2 8‐Cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), a highly selective adenosine A1 antagonist and its vehicle, ethanol, were administered directly into the posterior portion of the fourth ventricle of α‐chloralose anaesthetized, paralysed and artificially ventilated rats. 3 DPCPX (0.01 to 0.3 mg kg−1) caused a dose‐dependent decrease in the magnitude of the evoked pressor response (from −13 to −23 mmHg) elicited on hypothalamic defence area stimulation at a dose 10 fold lower than that required to produce an equivalent effect following systemic administration whilst ethanol, the vehicle, had no effect. 4 In vitro autoradiography revealed a heterogeneous distribution of adenosine A1 binding sites in the lower brainstem of rats. Image analysis showed the ventrolateral medulla to have the highest density of A1 receptors. Intermediate levels of binding were seen in caudal regions of the nucleus tractus solitarii and the hypoglossal nucleus. 5 These data imply that a proportion of the cardiovascular response to hypothalamic defence area stimulation are produced by the activation of adenosine A1 receptors localized close to the surface of, or adjacent to, the fourth ventricle in the immediate vicinity of the injection site.
Video-Based Facial Expression Recognition Using Hough Forest

This paper introduces a new video-based facial expression recognition system. Facial expression analysis encounters two major problems: non-rigid shape deformation and person-specific facial expression appearance. Our method analyzes the video sequence to recognize facial expression and locate the temporal apex of the facial expression by using modified Hough forest and minimizing the influence of person-specific facial expression appearance. Our contributions are (1) random sampling 3-D accumulated spatial-temporal motion map to generate video patches, (2) proposing the correlation filtering for more effective Hough voting, and (3) recognizing and locating the apex of the facial expression. The experimental results show that the performance of our method is better than the other face expression recognition methods.
Increasing Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in the School Cafeteria: The Influence of Active Choice

This study evaluated a setting-level intervention designed to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables among low-socioeconomic status elementary and middle school students participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The NSLP provides students with access to fruits and vegetables; however, food served does not necessarily equal food consumed. High rates of waste, especially of fruits and vegetables, are well documented. The current, low-cost intervention altered the choice architecture of the cafeteria by introducing an active, forced choice into the school lunch service. Consumption was measured by observing (n=2,064) and weighing (n=84) student plate waste over two 10-day periods pre-intervention and during implementation. Results show an average daily 15% increase in consumption of both fruits and vegetables during the intervention period. These findings suggest that local schools can actively encourage students to take advantage of fruits and vegetables offered through the NSLP by implementing setting-level changes to the cafeteria environment.
Construct validity of multiple achievement goals: A multitrait‐multimethod approach

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine three different instruments which have been used in research conducted in the physical domain to measure mastery, performance‐approach, and performance‐avoidance goals. The construct validity of the assessment tools, including a determination of their convergent and discriminant validity as well as a method effect, was tested via several confirmatory factor analyses. Four hundred and fifty athletes from different sport clubs were involved in the present study. Participants were asked to fill out three different multiple achievement goal instruments as well as two external criteria scales. The results based on CFA showed that all of the three instruments measured the same latent construct of multiple achievement goals. The convergent validity as well as the discriminant validity was supported. Evidence for a limited method effect in terms of the different measures was also provided
The dynamics of double slab subduction

S U M M A R Y We use numerical models to investigate the dynamics of two interacting slabs with parallel trenches. Cases considered are: a single slab reference, outward dipping slabs (out-dip), inward dipping slabs (in-dip) and slabs dipping in the same direction (same-dip). Where trenches converge over time (same-dip and out-dip systems), large positive dynamic pressures in the asthenosphere are generated beneath the middle plate and large trench-normal extensional forces are transmitted through the middle plate. This results in slabs that dip away from the middle plate at depth, independent of trench geometry. The single slab, the front slab in the same-dip case and both out-dip slabs undergo trench retreat and exhibit stable subduction. However, slabs within the other double subduction systems tend to completely overturn at the base of the upper mantle, and exhibit either trench advance (rear slab in same-dip), or nearstationary trenches (in-dip). For all slabs, the net slab-normal dynamic pressure at 330 km depth is nearly equal to the slab-normal force induced by slab buoyancy. For double subduction, the net outward force on the slabs due to dynamic pressure from the asthenosphere is effectively counterbalanced by the net extensional force transmitted through the middle plate. Thus, dynamic pressure at depth, interplate coupling and lithospheric stresses are closely linked and their effects cannot be isolated. Our results provide insights into both the temporal evolution of double slab systems on Earth and, more generally, how the various components of subduction systems, from mantle flow/pressure to interplate coupling, are dynamically linked.
Conventional Septoplasty verses Endoscopic Septoplasty: A Comparative Study

The study was carried out to compare the postoperative morbidity among patients of conventional and endoscopic septoplasty and to assess the efficacy and use of endoscopic septoplasty with other endoscopic surgeries. The present prospective study was conducted among 100 patients of deviated nasal septum, admitted in the department of Otorhinolaryngology, of Sawai Man Singh Medical College and hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Patients were selected by simple random sampling procedure and were divided into group A and B, with 50 cases in each group. Group A underwent conventional septoplasty and group B underwent endoscopic septoplasty. Deviated nasal septum was commonly associated with inferior turbinate hypertrophy (75%) and concha bullosa (26%). Postoperatively, a significant relief from the symptoms of nasal obstruction (96%), nasal discharge (88%), headache (100%) and post nasal drip (67%) was observed in endoscopic septoplasty. Posterior deviations were best corrected by endoscopic septoplasty. Complication rate was higher in conventional septoplasty. The endoscopic approach to septoplasty facilitates accurate identification of the pathology. It facilitates realignment by limited and precise resection of the pathological areas.
A QSAR Approach to Physico-Chemical Data for Organophosphates with Special Focus on Known and Potential Nerve Agents

Nerve agents like Sarin, Tabun, Soman, VX, Amiton etc are highly toxic organophosphates (OPs) that exert their toxic effect by inhibition of acetylcholine esterase. These compounds have received considerable interest due their inherent nature as weapons of mass destruction. Since these compounds have been developed for military purposes, data is typically classified material and thus only scarcely available. QSAR modelling is an obvious possibility in order to remedy the lack of data availability. However, a wide variety of structurally related OP insecticides are well known and well characterized. “Noise-deficient” QSARs for physico-chemical properties of nerve agents are based on the use of the EPI Suite. Partial order ranking is an important tool to establish an identity for nerve agents relative to well-know OP insecticides. The development of a simple QSAR model for toxicological properties was unsuccessful. Method. The results described in the paper are obtained using QSAR modeling based on the EPI Suite in comparison with partial order ranking. The concept of “noise deficient” QSARs is introduced. Results. “Noise deficient” QSARs can be obtained using EPI Suite generated data in combination with experimental data for the test set, the data subsequently being applied in the ranking exercise. In the present study it is shown that to a certain extent selected insecticides may act as substitutes for nerve agents in preliminary experimental studies Conclusions. The paper suggests that experimentally well-characterized compounds may be selected as substitutes for highly toxic compounds for preliminary experimental studies. Availability. The reference manual for the EPI Suite: P2 Manual 6-00.pdf' found at http://www.epa. gov/pbt/framwork.htm, The EPI Suite is available at
Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome

Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS) is an inherited marrow failure disorder with varying cytopenia, pancreatic dysfunction, and metaphyseal dysostosis. SDS is also characterized by a risk of myelodysplasia and leukemia in up to one third of the patients. Over the last 5 years, major advances have been made in understanding the bone marrow phenotype. The gene associated with the disease, SBDS, has recently been identified. Herein we provide an update on the clinical features, the hematopoietic defects, and the genetics of the disease as they are currently understood. We also review the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the hematological complications in the syndrome. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Science of Using Science: Towards an Understanding of the Threats to Scaling Experiments

Policymakers are increasingly turning to insights gained from the experimental method as a means of informing public policies. Whether—and to what extent—insights from a research study scale to the level of the broader public is, in many situations, based on blind faith. This scale-up problem can lead to a vast waste of resources, a missed opportunity to improve people’s lives, and a diminution in the public’s trust in the scientific method’s ability to contribute to policymaking. This study provides a theoretical lens to deepen our understanding of the science of how to use science. Through a simple model, we highlight three elements of the scale-up problem: (1) when does evidence become actionable (appropriate statistical inference); (2) properties of the population; and (3) properties of the situation. We argue that until these three areas are fully understood and recognized by researchers and policymakers, the threats to scalability will render any scaling exercise as particularly vulnerable. In this way, our work represents a challenge to empiricists to estimate the nature and extent of how important the various threats to scalability are in practice, and to implement those in their original research.
Gastric and gastro-oesophageal cancer therapy

Gastric and gastro-oesophageal cancers represent a global health problem. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the incidence of proximal gastric and distal oesophageal adenocarcinomas. Surgery is the primary therapy for localised gastric or gastro-oesophageal cancer; however, patients treated with surgery have high rates of local and distant relapse as well as an unacceptably low 5-year survival rate. Chemoradiation and preoperative chemotherapy can play an important role for these patients. The outcome of patients with metastatic disease is very poor but a number of newer chemotherapy agents, such as docetaxel, oxaliplatin and S-1, have been identified and some have shown promising results. This article reviews recent trials on localised and metastatic gastric and gastro-oesophageal cancers.
Applications of the linear algebraic method for control system design

It is shown how to apply the linear algebraic method to the design of control systems with specific characteristics. The method is applied to pole-zero assignment with disturbance rejection and to tracking of a reference input. The problem of choosing overall transfer functions is discussed. In general, the examples show that the method is systematic and general and yields good results. <<ETX>>
Octreotide Ameliorates Intestinal Dysmotility by Interstitial Cells of Cajal Protection in a Rat Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Model

Objectives: Intestinal motility is impaired in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP). The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of octreotide on the small intestinal motor function during experimentally induced ANP. Methods: l-Omithine was intraperitoneally injected to induce ANP. Octreotide was administrated subcutaneously every 8 hours. The small intestine migrating myoelectrical complexes and slow waves in vivo were recorded before and after (24, 48, and 72 hours) ANP induction. The morphological alterations of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in deep muscular plexus were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blots. Results: Disturbed migrating myoelectrical complex cycle length and decreased dominant frequency of slow waves exacerbated gradually with time. The bolus applications of octreotide per 8 hours attenuated these functional abnormalities. The result of morphological study suggested that octreotide might ameliorate the damage of ICCs at 48 and 72 hours after ANP induction. Decreased expression of c-Kit protein at 72 hours was also attenuated by octreotide. Conclusions: The pathogenesis of the ileus in ANP may be related to the sustained deficiencies in ICCs. Octreotide may ameliorate the severity of ileus by minimizing the injury of ICCs.Abbreviations: ANP - acute necrotizing pancreatitis, ICCs - interstitial cells of Cajal, MMCs - migrating myoelectrical complexes, DMP - deep muscular plexus, SAP - severe acute pancreatitis, SOM - somatostatin, IP- intraperitoneal, GAPDH - glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, IR - immunoreactive
Multigroup Discriminant Analysis Using Linear Programming

In this paper we introduce a nonparametric linear programming formulation for the general multigroup classification problem. Previous research using linear programming formulations has either been limited to the two-group case, or required complicated constraints and many zero-one variables. We develop general properties of our multigroup formulation and illustrate its use with several small example problems and previously published real data sets. A comparative analysis on the real data sets shows that our formulation may offer an interesting robust alternative to parametric statistical formulations for the multigroup discriminant problem.
Clinical trial Effect of sulphasalazine in patients with active Crohn's disease: a controlled double-blind study

SUMMARY The response of active Crohn's disease to sulphasalazine (4-6 g per day) has been studied in a placebo-controlled trial. The study was carried out at two hospitals. From August 1977 to August 1979 all patients with established Crohn's disease were examined for their eligibility for the trial. A nine-item index of inflammatory activity was used as the primary measure of response. The variables in this index were serum albumin, ESR, body weight related to height, abdominal mass, temperature, stool consistency, bowel resection, and extraintestinal symptoms related to Crohn's disease. A favourable response to therapy was defined as a decrease of the activity index with 25 0 or more at the end of the trial period, compared with the initial value. Twenty-six patients (13 in each treatment group) have been followed up for six months. The response of active Crohn's disease to sulphasalazine was significantly better than to placebo. Sulphasalazine (SASP) is widely used in the medical treatment of active Crohn's disease but so far only two controlled trials have been published, the results of which are not unequivocal. '2 We therefore undertook a controlled double-blind study to evaluate the efficacy of SASP in the treatment of patients with active Crohn's disease. When the trial was planned there was no evidence that any medical treatment was effective in Crohn's disease, so the effect of SASP was compared with a placebo.
Gender Differences in Adolescent Marijuana Use and Associated Psychosocial Characteristics

Marijuana use in adolescents is associated with many adverse outcomes, including neurobiological and health consequences. Despite this, little is known about gender differences in the correlates of adolescent marijuana use. This study attempted to fill this gap by examining gender differences in the correlates of lifetime and past 30-day marijuana use. Data from a cross-sectional statewide survey of adolescent risk behavior participation in Connecticut were analyzed using &khgr;2 and hierarchical logistic regression methodologies to examine the demographic, psychosocial, and risk behavior correlates of adolescent marijuana use. Gender-by-trait interactions were tested with hierarchical logistic regression. Of the 4523 participants (51.8% females, 75.8% white), 40.4% endorsed lifetime marijuana use and 24.5% endorsed past 30-day marijuana use. Risk behavior participation, particularly other substance use, had the most robust associations with lifetime and past 30-day adolescent marijuana use; participation in extracurricular activities seemed protective. Gender interactions were observed for African American, Asian, or other race and participation in extracurricular activities; in these 3 cases, males had a greater likelihood of use. They were also observed for having a job (lifetime use only), with females having elevated odds, and past 30-day cigarette smoking (past 30-day use only), with males having elevated odds. Finally, there was preliminary evidence of a faster transition from initiation of marijuana use to regular use in females, when compared with males. These results indicate important gender differences in the correlates of marijuana use in adolescents, and these findings may facilitate the development of gender-informed prevention and early intervention programs for adolescent marijuana use.
Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Micafungin and Voriconazole after Separate and Concomitant Dosing in Healthy Adults

ABSTRACT We assessed the pharmacokinetics and interactions of steady-state micafungin (Mycamine) or placebo with steady-state voriconazole in 35 volunteers. The 90% confidence intervals around the least-squares mean ratios for micafungin pharmacokinetic parameters and placebo-corrected voriconazole pharmacokinetic parameters were within the 80%-to-125% limits, indicating an absence of drug interaction.
Selective DRAM cache bypassing for improving bandwidth on DRAM/NVM hybrid main memory systems

Satisfying a demand for higher memory capacity is a major problem for computing systems. Conventional solutions are reaching those limits; instead, DRAM/NVM hybrid main memory systems which consist of emerging Non-Volatile Memory for large capacity and DRAM last-level cache for high access speed were proposed for further improvement. However, in these systems, the two device types share limited memory channels/ranks and NVM channels/ranks are often less utilized than DRAM ones. This paper proposes an OBYST (On hit BY pass to STeal bandwidth) technique to improve memory bandwidth by selectively sending read requests that hit on DRAM cache to NVM instead of busy DRAM. We also propose an inter-device request scheduling policy optimized to OBYST. With negligible area overhead, OBYST improves bandwidth, IPC, and EDP by up to 22%, 21%, and 26% over the baseline without bandwidth optimizations, respectively.
Structural Integrity of the Golgi is Temperature Sensitive in Conditional‐Lethal Mutants with No Detectable GM130

At 39.5 °C in the temperature‐sensitive, conditional‐lethal mutant ldlG, glycoprotein processing is disrupted and secretion is blocked. The ultrastructure of the Golgi apparatus in ldlG cells was examined using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. At 34 °C the structure of the Golgi apparatus was normal, whereas after incubation at 39.5 °C for 12 h it disassembled into dispersed vesicles. These reassembled into stacks when cells were returned to 34 °C for 6 h. At both 34 and 39.5 °C, all Golgi markers examined were present at wild‐type levels except GM130, which was undetectable (<5% of control). Transfection with GM130 corrected the mutant phenotypes. Although the endogenous gene encoding NSF is apparently normal in ldlG cells, all mutant phenotypes were corrected by transfection with NSF, suggesting that NSF functioned as an extragenic suppressor. These findings provide additional support for a role of GM130 in determining the properties of the Golgi apparatus and for NSF in influencing GM130 stability and function. They also suggest that, at 34 °C, detectable levels of GM130 are not required for normal Golgi morphology and function, but that GM130 – or a GM130‐dependent protein(s) – does play a role in protecting the Golgi, and thus the cells, from stress at higher temperatures.