Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An open-label study of lapatinib in women with HER-2-negative early breast cancer: the lapatinib pre-surgical study (LPS study).

BACKGROUND This phase II, open-label, multicentre study aimed to evaluate changes in cell proliferation and biomarkers, as well as efficacy of lapatinib in treatment-naïve patients with HER-2-negative primary breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received 1500 mg lapatinib for 28-42 days before surgery with repeat biopsies and measurements. The primary end point was inhibition of cell proliferation measured by Ki67; the secondary end points included clinical response, adverse events and changes in FOXO3a, FOXM1, p-AKT and HER-3. RESULTS Overall, there was no significant reduction in Ki67 with treatment (assessment carried out in 28 of 31 subjects enrolled). However, four patients (14%) showed a reduction in Ki67 ≥50%. Four of 25 patients (16%) had a partial response to treatment judged by sequential ultrasound measurements. Response, in terms of either Ki67 or ultrasound, did not relate to changes in any biomarker assessed at baseline, including the estrogen receptor (ER) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, all four clinical responders were HER-3 positive, as were three of four Ki67 responders. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a pre-surgical course of lapatinib monotherapy had little effect on this group of patients; however, in subsets of patients, especially those with HER-3-positive tumors, we observed either reduction in proliferation (Ki67) or tumor size; EGFR/ER status had no impact.
Online blind speech extraction based on a locally quadratic kurtosis criteria and a preprocessing Automatic Gain Controller

This paper focuses on realtime speech extraction using blind adaptive beamforming. The speech extraction is carried out using an approximation of the kurtosis measure in a subband domain. The introduced kurtosis approximation is an improvement of a recently proposed approximation technique where a locally quadratic criterion was solved at each iteration. The improvement introduced in this paper regards an approach to normalize this same criterion using a pre-processing automatic gain control unit, and thereby making the algorithm invariant to input signal scales. The proposed method outperforms the recent technique in terms of signal to interference ratio improvement. In addition, the increased memory consumption and processing load due to the proposed improvement is comparably low and this is often desirable in a realtime digital signal processor (DSP) implementation. Further, a real-time implementation of the method is conducted and results with real data is presented.
Acoustic Stapedius Reflex Function in Man Revisited

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the role of the acoustic stapedius reflex in the protection of speech recognition from the upward spread of masking arising from low-frequency background noise. Design: Speech recognition scores were measured for nine control participants (19–34 years) and six patients with transected stapedius tendons poststapedotomy (39–57 years) as a function of the amplitude of a low-frequency masker, presented at nominal signal to noise ratios of +5 dB, –5 dB, and –15 dB. All participants had pure-tone hearing thresholds in the normal range. Continuous high-pass noise was present in all conditions to avoid ceiling effects; this reduced performance in quiet to approximately 85% for all participants. Scores were measured for soft and loud nonsense syllables (average third octave band levels of 35 and 65 dB SPL), so that a comparison of the low-frequency noise masking functions at the two levels would provide information about the effects of the reflex on speech intelligibility in noise. A third group of nine control participants (19–22 years) listened in the presence of a low-frequency masker gated to come on 1 sec before stimulus onset, to reduce the likelihood of reflex adaptation. The Speech-Intelligibility Index was used to quantify the amount of speech information available in each condition. Results: Patients with transected tendons performed more poorly than control participants as a function of Speech-Intelligibility Index in all conditions, even at levels that were too soft for reflex activation. This could be because of postsurgical differences in sensitivity, the more advanced age of poststapedotomy group, or differences in medial olivocochlear inhibition. For loud speech, patient performance fell nearly linearly with increases in the low-frequency masker, but control participants’ performance declined little as the signal to noise ratio declined from +5 to –5 dB, and then fell rapidly as the ratio declined to –15 dB. This plateau in the masking function did not occur for the patients. Masking functions obtained with the gated low-frequency masker were either highly similar or poorer to those obtained with a continuous masker, suggesting that the use of a continuous low frequency masker did not result in significant reflex adaptation. Conclusions: The stapedius reflex appears to offer some protection from the upward spread of masking of speech by background low-frequency noise at moderate levels, but not at high levels.
Anti-inflammatory effect of Artemisiae annuae herba in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells

Background: Artemisiae annuae herba (AAH) has been traditionally used as a drug for the treatment of malaria, heat stroke, bacterial infection, and fever in East-Asia. Although AAH has been used for the treatment of inflammation-related symptoms, the underlying mechanism of antiinflammatory activity of AAH is still unknown. Objective: We investigated whether AAH have an inhibitory effect on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Materials and Methods: The investigation was forced on the inhibitory effect of AAH on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide (NO), and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in macrophages. Furthermore, we examined the effect of AAH on the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways. Results: We found that AAH suppresses NO production and TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS gene expression. Moreover, AAH inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65 and IκBα degradation in NF-κB pathway and decreased the extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase phosphorylation in MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Consequently, these results indicate that AAH contains antiinflammatory activity and this effect is derived from the repression on the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways. We first demonstrated that antiinflammatory effect of AAH and its underlying mechanism in macrophage cells.
Mast cells, which interact with Escherichia coli, up‐regulate genes associated with innate immunity and become less responsive to FcεRI‐mediated activation

Mast cells, which are associated with T helper cell type 2‐dependent inflammation, have now been implicated in the innate immune response. To further characterize how mast cells are programmed to respond to infectious organisms, we used expression profiling using DNA microarray analysis of gene expression by human mast cells (huMC) during ingestion of Escherichia coli and examined immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated degranulation. Analysis of data revealed that specific groups of genes were modulated, including genes encoding transcription factors, cell signaling molecules, cell cycle regulators, enzymes, cytokines, novel chemokines of the CC family, adhesion molecules, and costimulatory molecules. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis confirmed the production of tumor necrosis factor and the chemokines CC chemokine ligand (CCL)‐1/I‐309, CCL‐19/macrophage‐inflammatory protein‐3β (MIP‐3β), and CCL‐18/MIP‐4; flow cytometry confirmed the up‐regulation of carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1, the integrin CD49d, and CD80. Coincubation with E. coli down‐regulated Fc receptor for IgE I (FcεRI) expression and FcεRI‐mediated huMC degranulation. These data are consistent with the concept that bacterial exposure directs mast cell responses toward innate immunity and away from IgE‐mediated effects.
Production Contracts and Productivity in the U.S. Hog Sector

This article measures the impact of contracting on partial and total factor productivity and the production technology of U.S. hog operations. A sample selection model accounts for the fact that unobservable variables may be correlated with both the operators' decision to contract and farm productivity. Results indicate that the use of production contracts is associated with a substantial increase in factor productivity, and represents a technological improvement over independent production. Results also identify determinants of farmers' decisions to contract and other factors influencing farm productivity. Copyright 2003, Oxford University Press.
Attractive regions in the environment [motion planning]

In general, it is believed that the sensor-less manipulation can only achieve low-precision or simple tasks. However, it is not always true. We point out that there are two attractive regions. In the motion space of the dynamic system with an active control system, which bases on sensory feedback, there is an attractive region, which forces the system to follow the nominal trajectory with the uncertainty of the system. At the same time, there is another attractive region, which widely exists in the configuration space of the dynamic system under constraints from environment. Both of these two attractive regions can be used to eliminate the uncertainty of the system states in order to achieve high-precision tasks. This paper focuses on the effective use of attractive regions in the environment to eliminate the uncertainty. However, in general, sensors are still useful and play an important role in many systems. Thus this work is related to the approach on the relationship between required information and strategy investigation.
Sequential curing of off-stoichiometric thiol–epoxy thermosets with a custom-tailored structure

A new dual-curing system based on sequential thiol–epoxy click polycondensation and epoxy anionic homopolymerization was studied. Formulations of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) with 1-methylimidazole as a base catalyst and excess of epoxy groups were prepared and characterized. The curing process is sequential: fast thiol–epoxy polycondensation takes place first, followed by slower homopolymerization of excess epoxy groups. This makes it possible to define curing sequences with easy time–temperature control for both curing stages. The network build-up process during the first curing stage can be easily modelled assuming ideal polycondensation, which allows tailoring the structure and properties of the intermediate materials. The homopolymerization of the excess epoxy groups in the second curing stage results in a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) in comparison with the stoichiometric thiol–epoxy material, thus extending the application of thiol–epoxy thermosets to wider temperature ranges.
The Joint Estimation of Child Participation in Schooling and Employment: Comparative Evidence from Three Continents

This paper uses data from Peru, Pakistan and Ghana to analyse simultaneously child labour and child schooling, and compares them between these countries. We use a multinomial logit estimation procedure that analyses the participation and non-participation of children in schooling and in employment and, in particular, allows the possibility that a child combines schooling with employment or does neither. We also use an ordered probit estimation procedure based on a ranking of the various child schooling/employment/non-schooling/non-employment outcomes. The results point to both similarities and striking dissimilarities in the nature of child labour and child schooling between the chosen countries. For example, in Pakistan, but not in Peru, the girl child's ordering of schooling/employment outcomes shows her at a position of extreme disadvantage. Household poverty discourages a child from achieving superior outcomes, but the effect varies markedly across the three countries.
Barefoot and High-Heeled Gait: Changes in Muscles Activation Patterns

Most women like wearing high-heeled shoes for the benefit of sensuous attractiveness and self-esteem while musculoskeletal problems and gait patterns changes are often associated. The present study aimed to identify changes during the gait stance and swing phases in some lower limb muscles. In addition, abdominal muscle was included due to its importance in dynamic trunk stability, and lack of studies on the subject. Here, we found that the use of high-heeled shoes elicited not only the increasing of the electrical activity from the muscles involved in the gait cycle, but also altered the temporal sequence of their recruitment. As practical applications, these changes may be strategies to maintain stability and minimize risks of falling, but they are often associated to diseases. Women that use high-heeled shoes for prolonged time must apply specific muscle exercises to minimize its long-term effects.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Panama: identification of novel hantaviruses and their likely reservoirs.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a severe respiratory disease with high mortality caused by rodent-borne hantaviruses, has previously been identified in the United States and Canada as well as central and southern South America. In late 1999 and early 2000, an outbreak of acute illness compatible with HPS was reported in Los Santos, Panama, with the death of 3 of the 12 (25%) suspected cases. Hantavirus-specific antibodies were detected in patient sera, and virus RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Sequence analysis of virus genome N-, G1-, and G2-encoding fragments showed this to be a novel hantavirus, Choclo virus. Serologic and virus genetic analyses of rodents trapped in the area showed Oligoryzomys fulvescens to be the likely reservoir for the HPS-associated Choclo virus. In addition, Zygodontomys brevicauda rodents were shown to harbor another genetically unique hantavirus, Calabazo virus.
Modeling the Demand Reduction Input‐Output (I‐O) Inoperability Due to Terrorism of Interconnected Infrastructures *

Interdependency analysis in the context of this article is a process of assessing and managing risks inherent in a system of interconnected entities (e.g., infrastructures or industry sectors). Invoking the principles of input‐output (I‐O) and decomposition analysis, the article offers a framework for describing how terrorism‐induced perturbations can propagate due to interconnectedness. Data published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis Division of the U.S. Department of Commerce is utilized to present applications to serve as test beds for the proposed framework. Specifically, a case study estimating the economic impact of airline demand perturbations to national‐level U.S. sectors is made possible using I‐O matrices. A ranking of the affected sectors according to their vulnerability to perturbations originating from a primary sector (e.g., air transportation) can serve as important input to risk management. For example, limited resources can be prioritized for the “top‐n” sectors that are perceived to suffer the greatest economic losses due to terrorism. In addition, regional decomposition via location quotients enables the analysis of local‐level terrorism events. The Regional I‐O Multiplier System II (RIMS II) Division of the U.S. Department of Commerce is the agency responsible for releasing the regional multipliers for various geographical resolutions (economic areas, states, and counties). A regional‐level case study demonstrates a process of estimating the economic impact of transportation‐related scenarios on industry sectors within Economic Area 010 (the New York metropolitan region and vicinities).
Pachydermoperiostosis vs. Acromegaly in a Patient with Cutis Verticis Gyrata

Cutis Verticis Gyrata (CVG) is a rare condition associated with thickening of the skin folds of the scalp and forehead that resembles the appearance of gyri of the brain cortex. These skin lesions can lead to local skin infections as well as cosmetic complaints. Primary CVG has no obvious cause and is often associated with neurological conditions while secondary CVG is due to inflammation or infiltration of the scalp and is associated with endocrine or neoplastic conditions including acromegaly and pachydermoperiostosis. We discuss a complicated case of a 34 year-old male with cutis verticis gyrata presenting simultaneously with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy and a pituitary macroadenoma. The patient was initially suspected of having acromegaly secondary to the pituitary adenoma but further workup showed normal insulin growth factor-1 and growth hormone levels inconsistent with acromegaly. Subsequent workup was consistent with a diagnosis of the complete form of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy also known as pachydermoperiostosis.
Pharmacological Screening of Annona Muricata : A Review

Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae family) is a tropical plant and most prominently known for its edible fruit which has more medicinal properties but some effects are toxic. This review most commonly represents the phytochemical contents, pharmacological and biological actions and at some extent toxicological effects which depends on dose, solvent for extraction and part of plant used. More than 200 compounds have been isolated and identify from different parts of this plant. Phenols, alkaloids and acetogenins are the most important and effective compounds. Traditionally, Annona muricata is being used to treat diverse ailments such as inflammation, fever, pain, hypertension, diabetes, liver damage, bacterial infection and cancer. Pharmacologically, plant possessed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-nociceptive, anxiolytic, anti-pyretic, wound healing, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiviral phyto-chemicals and extracts of this plant have been characterized as hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and wound healing activities and cytotoxic, insecticidal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral activities. It could be concluded that the use of Annona muricata fruit would be beneficial for having good health.
The Dilemma of Retention in the Context of Rapidly Growing Economies Based on the Effectiveness of HRM Policies: A Case Study of Qatar

In 2009, the new HRM policy was implemented in Qatar for public sector organisations. The purpose of this research is to examine how Qatar’s 2009 HRM policy was significant in influencing employee retention in public organisations. The conducted study utilised quantitative methodology to analyse the data on employees’ perceptions of such HRM practices as Performance Management, Rewards and Promotion, Training and Development associated with the HRM policy in public organisations in comparison to semi-private organisations. Employees of seven public and semi-private organisations filled in the questionnaire based on the 5-point Likert scale to present quantitative results. The data was analysed with the correlation and multiple regression statistical analyses. It was found that Performance Management had the relationship with Employee Retention, and Rewards and Promotion influenced Job Satisfaction in public organisations. Relationship between Job Satisfaction and Employee Retention was also observed. However, no significant differences were observed in the role of HRM practices in public and semi-private organisations. Keywords—Performance management, rewards, promotion, training and development, job satisfaction, employee retention, SHRM, configurationally perspective.
Spatial Structure of the Focusing Singularity of the Nonlinear Schr[o-umlaut]dinger Equation: A Geometrical Analysis

The cubic nonlinear Schrodinger equation has solutions that become singular in finite time for spatial dimension $d \geq 2$. Numerical simulations demonstrate that in three dimensions, the blowup is self-similar and symmetric, with the structure described by a nonlinear, nonautonomous “profile equation. ” In two dimensions, the blowup is again believed to be symmetric, but the self-similarity is weakly broken, with structure described by the profile equation in the limit as d tends to 2 from above. This paper gives a proof of the existence of a locally unique solution to the profile equation, for $d > 2$ and sufficiently close to 2, satisfying the boundary and global conditions associated with the blowup solution. Dynamical systems methods are used to transform previously derived asymptotic analysis into constructions of manifolds of solutions satisfying the relevant boundary conditions, and to follow these manifolds to show that they have a transverse intersection.
The 6dF Galaxy Survey : peculiar velocity field and cosmography

We derive peculiar velocities for the 6dF Galaxy Survey (6dFGS) and describe the velocity field of the nearby ( z< 0.055) Southern hemisphere. The survey comprises 8885 galaxies for which we have previously reported Fundamental Plane data. We obtain peculiar velocity probability distributions for the redshift-space positions of each of these galaxies using a Bayesian approach. Accounting for selection bias, we find that the logarithmic distance uncertainty is 0.11 dex, corresponding to 26 per cent in linear distance. We use adaptive kernel smoothing to map the observed 6dFGS velocity field out to cz ∼ 16000 km s −1 , and compare this to the predicted velocity fields from the PSCz Survey and the 2MASS Redshift Survey. We find a better fit to the PSCz prediction, although the reduced χ 2 for the whole sample is approximately unity for both comparisons. This means that, within the observational uncertainties due to redshift-independent distance errors, observed galaxy velocities and those predicted by the linear approximation from the density field agree. However, we find peculiar velocities that are systematically more positive than model predictions in the direction of the Shapley and Vela superclusters, and systematically more negative than model predictions in the direction of the Pisces-Cetus Supercluster, suggesting contributions from volumes not covered by the models.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4

NOVEL MODULATOR OF MELANOGENESIS Mina Yaar*, Christina Wu*, Hee-Young Park, Izabela Panova, Gunther Schutz and Barbara A. Gilchrest* Boston University School of Medicine, Departments of Dermatology, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118; USA Running title: Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 Affects Melanogenesis Address correspondence to: Barbara A. Gilchrest, M.D., Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology J-508, 609 Albany Street, Boston, MA 021182394, Tel: (617) 638-5538, Fax: (617) 638-5550, E-mail: bgilchre@bu.edu * MY and CW contributed equally to this manuscript