Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytogenetic abnormalities and their prognostic significance in idiopathic myelofibrosis: a study of 106 cases

The prognostic significance of cytogenetic abnormalities was determined in 106 patients with well‐characterized idiopathic myelofibrosis who were successfully karyotyped at diagnosis. 35% of the cases exhibited a clonal abnormality (37/106), whereas 65% (69/106) had a normal karyotype. Three characteristic defects, namely del(13q) (nine cases), del(20q) (eight cases) and partial trisomy 1q (seven cases), were present in 64.8% (24/37) of patients with clonal abnormalities. Kaplan‐Meier plots and log rank analysis demonstrated an abnormal karyotype to be an adverse prognostic variable (P < 0.001). Of the eight additional clinical and haematological parameters recorded at diagnosis, age (P < 0.01), anaemia (haemoglobin ≤10 g/dl; P < 0.001), platelet (≤100 × 109/l, P < 0.0001) and leucocyte count (>10.3 × 109/l; P = 0.06) were also associated with a shorter survival. In contrast, sex, spleen and liver size, and percentage blast cells were not found to be significant. Multivariate analysis, using Cox's regression, revealed karyotype, haemoglobin concentration, platelet and leucocyte counts to retain their unfavourable prognostic significance. A simple and useful schema for predicting survival in idiopathic myelofibrosis has been produced by combining age, haemoglobin concentration and karyotype with median survival times varying from 180 months (good‐risk group) to 16 months (poor‐risk group).
Answering the Call: Popular Islamic Activism in Sadat's Egypt

Foreword - Dr. John O. Voll Introduction Chapter One: The Islamic Movement on the Eve of Sadat Chapter Two: The Youth of Islam Chapter Three: Return of the Brothers Chapter Four: Islam on Campus Chapter Five: The Young and the Old Chapter Six: Constructing the Call Conclusion Epilogue Bibliography Notes
Wide-band stacked double annular-ring dielectric resonator antenna at the end-fire mode operation

A novel wide-band stacked double annular-ring dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is numerically investigated in this paper. At either layer, a larger annular-ring dielectric resonator is placed concentrically outside a smaller annular-ring one to form a stacked double annular-ring DRA. The antenna is operating at the end-fire mode. The effects of antenna parameters such as dielectric constant, probe length and air-gaps thickness are investigated. Compared to the obtained 18% bandwidth of the stacked annular-ring DRA, the proposed stacked double annular-ring DRA can offer an impedance bandwidth of /spl sim/42% for the return loss below -10 dB. The radiation patterns are stable in the passband.
Suppression of TNF-α and IL-1 Signaling Identifies a Mechanism of Homeostatic Regulation of Macrophages by IL-27

IL-27 is a pleiotropic cytokine with both activating and inhibitory functions on innate and acquired immunity. IL-27 is expressed at sites of inflammation in cytokine-driven autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and sarcoidosis. However, its role in modulating disease pathogenesis is still unknown. In this study, we found that IL-27 production is induced by TNF-α in human macrophages (Mϕ) and investigated the effects of IL-27 on the responses of primary human Mϕ to the endogenous inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1. In striking contrast to IL-27–mediated augmentation of TLR-induced cytokine production, we found that IL-27 suppressed Mϕ responses to TNF-α and IL-1β, thus identifying an anti-inflammatory function of IL-27. IL-27 blocked the proximal steps of TNF-α signaling by downregulating cell-surface expression of the signaling receptors p55 and p75. The mechanism of inhibition of IL-1 signaling was downregulation of the ligand-binding IL-1RI concomitant with increased expression of the receptor antagonist IL-1Ra and the decoy receptor IL-1RII. These findings provide a mechanism for suppressive effects of IL-27 on innate immune cells and suggest that IL-27 regulates inflammation by limiting activation of Mϕ by inflammatory cytokines while preserving initial steps in host defense by augmenting responses to microbial products.
Localization of muscle damage within the quadriceps femoris induced by different types of eccentric exercises

This study examined localization of muscle damage within the quadriceps femoris induced by different types of eccentric exercises by using transverse relaxation time (T2)‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty‐three young males performed either of the following three exercises: single‐joint eccentric contraction of the knee extensors (KE), eccentric squat (S), or downhill walking (DW) (n=11/exercise). KE and S consisted of 5‐set×10‐lowering of 90% one‐repetition maximum load. DW was performed for 60 minutes with −10% slope, 6 km/h velocity, and 20% body mass load carried. At pre‐ and 24‐, 48‐, and 72‐hours post‐exercise, T2‐MRI was scanned and T2 values for the rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis (VM) at proximal, middle, and distal sites were calculated. Additionally, soreness felt when static pressure was applied to these sites and maximal isometric knee extension torque were measured. Maximal torque significantly (P<.05) decreased (7%‐15%) at 24‐48 hours after all exercises. T2 significantly increased (3%‐9%) at 24‐72 hours after all exercises, with heterogeneities within the muscles found in each exercise. Effect size and peak change of T2, as well as soreness, overall indicated that the proximal RF after KE and middle VM after S and DW were most affected by these exercises. The VL did not show any significant T2 increase after all exercises. These results suggest that muscle damage specifically localizes at the proximal RF by KE and at the middle VM by S and DW, while the VL is least damaged regardless of the exercises.
Hepatic metastases: percutaneous radio-frequency ablation with cooled-tip electrodes.

PURPOSE To assess the feasibility and safety of using cooled-tip electrodes to increase the volume of coagulation necrosis obtained or reduce the number of treatment sessions necessary with percutaneous tumor radio-frequency (RF) ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-nine patients with 44 hepatic metastases (1.3-5.1 cm diameter) from colorectal (n = 22), gastric (n = 5), pancreatic (n = 1), or breast (n = 1) carcinoma were treated with RF ablation using cooled-tip, 18-gauge electrodes with 2-3 cm tip exposure. Each tumor was treated in one or two treatment sessions. RESULTS Technical success, ablation of all visualized tumor, was achieved in 40 (91%) metastases. Findings at computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed 3-6 months after treatment confirmed complete necrosis of the entire metastasis in 66%. Disease-free survival was 50% at 12 months and 33% at 18 months, with localized progression of disease in 34% of treated lesions. Overall survival was 100%, 94%, and 89% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Only one complication, self-limited hemorrhage, was seen. CONCLUSION Use of cooled-tip electrodes was a safe and feasible adjunct for tumor RF ablation therapy that produced larger volumes of coagulation necrosis with fewer electrode insertions than is produced with other RF ablation techniques.
Downward Trend of Goal Scoring in World Cup Soccer Tournaments (1930 to 2010)

Association football is one of the most popular sports with more than 265 million players worldwide and 209 national associations. The climax on the calendar is the FIFA World Cup, an international football competition contested by the men’s national football teams of the member nations. This championship has been held every four years since the first tournament in 1930 with exceptions in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II. Women too have a World Cup tournament that started in 1991 and is held every four years. The purpose of this commentary is to analyze the downward trend in scoring at World Cup tournaments from 1930 to 2010, with the aim of providing coaches, educators and sport scientists with possible reasons for the decline.
A review of continuous vs intermittent androgen deprivation therapy: redefining the gold standard in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Myths, facts and new data on a ″perpetual dispute″.

OBJECTIVES To review the literature and present new data of continuous androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) vs intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) as therapies for prostate cancer in terms of survival and quality of life and clarify practical issues in the use of IAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic search on Medline and Embase databases using ″prostatic neoplasm″ and ″intermittent androgen deprivation″ as search terms. We reviewed meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, reviews, clinical trials and practise guidelines written in English from 2000 and onwards until 01/04/2013. Ten randomized controlled trials were identified. Seven of them published extensive data and results randomizing 4675 patients to IAD versus CAD. Data from the other three randomized trials were limited. RESULTS Over the last years studies confirmed that IAD is an effective alternative approach to hormonal deprivation providing simultaneously several potential benefits in terms of quality of life and cost effectiveness. Thus, in patients with non metastatic, advanced prostate cancer IAD could be used as standard treatment, while in metastatic prostate cancer IAD role still remains ambiguous. CONCLUSIONS Nowadays, revaluation of the gold standard of ADT in advanced prostate cancer appears essential. Recent data established that IAD should no longer be consi¬dered as investigational, since its effectiveness has been proven, especially in patients suffering from non-metastatic advanced prostate cancer.
Antioxidant activities of Swertia decussata xanthones

The lipid peroxidation inhibitory activities of four hydroxyxanthones, isolated from the whole plant Swertia decussata, were evaluated for the first time. The most promising antioxidant among the xanthones, 1,7,8- trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone (swertianine, 4) was also tested for its scavenging potential against DPPH and superoxide radicals. The data clearly revealed good antioxidant activity of the xanthones, especially 4 which also showed strong protection against γ-ray induced pBR322 DNA damage. A comparison of the radioprotecting activities of the monomethylated tetrahydroxyxanthone 4 with that of its congener, 1,3,7-trihydroxy-8-methoxyxanthone (5) revealed that the radioprotecting activity was not affected by the position of methylation.
Artificial urinary sphincter implantation for neurogenic bladder: a multi-institutional study in 107 children.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the outcome of implantation of the AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter in children with neurogenic bladder. PATIENTS AND METHODS The records of 107 children (74 boys and 33 girls) treated for neurogenic urinary incontinence by implantation of the AMS 800 artificial sphincter between 1983 and 1993 were reviewed retrospectively. The underlying cause of incontinence in 92 patients was spina bifida, the mean age at implantation was 13.7 years and 30 patients had undergone previous bladder neck surgery. Implantation was carried out in combination with another surgical procedure in 24.3% of patients. The mean follow-up was 61 months (minimum 12). RESULTS The mean operational life of the sphincter was 56 months. No deaths occurred but removal of the artificial sphincter was necessary in 20 patients (19%). Surgical revision was not required in 44 patients (41%) but at least one revision was performed in 63 and more than one in 42. There were 21 mechanical failures, 40 surgical complications and 39 cases involving changes in the dynamics of bladder function. Of the 87 children (81%) in whom the device is still in place, 72 are completely continent (83%), 10 are slightly wet, and five are incontinent. The overall success rate was 77%. CONCLUSIONS The results emphasize that for successful implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter in children, the pre-operative bladder capacity must be sufficient and previous surgery should not have been performed on the bladder neck, the site of choice for implantation in children. Sphincterotomy is not always necessary in paediatric patients. Children and parents should be informed of the high complication rate and the need for long-term follow-up.
A panel data robust instrumental variable approach: a test of the new Fama-French five-factor model

ABSTRACT Fama and French (FF, 2015) propose a new five-factor asset pricing model that adds profitability and investment patterns to the market, size and value variables used in FF (1992). Our purpose is to investigate this new model using an improved generalized method of moments (GMM)-based robust instrumental variables technique in a fixed-effects panel data framework. To test for measurement errors, we use a modified Hausman artificial regression. We also examine an augmented FF six-factor model that includes the Pástor–Stambaugh (PS, 2003) liquidity factor. Using the FF dataset, our GMM-based panel data approach leads us to conclude that the only consistently significant factor is the market factor.
Perceived work changes between 1981 and 1992 among aging workers in Finland.

OBJECTIVE Perceived changes in mental and physical work demands and work content were evaluated longitudinally. METHODS Municipal workers (N = 924) in the same job from 1981 (mean age 47 years) to 1992 (mean age 58 years) in the work content groups of mental, mixed mental and physical, or physical work responded to a questionnaire in both 1981 and 1992. RESULTS The workers reported that the physical and mental demands of their jobs had mainly increased from 1981 to 1992, especially muscular work and use of knowledge. In 1992 the women still perceived higher physical demands than the men but felt they had greater possibilities to develop. The use of knowledge had increased, especially among the women, and was on the same level for both genders. The perception of changes differed in the 3 work content groups. CONCLUSIONS Perceived work demands increase with age. Although the 3 work content categories differ somewhat as to perceived changes over time, in general, the changes may be more connected to personal factors than work factors. Older persons seem to work at a relatively higher capacity than younger workers, and this higher work load may be a risk factor for early work disability. Work demands and stress factors should therefore be surveyed and balanced according to the capacity of the aging worker. On the other hand, workers' perception of possibilities to develop seem to increase with age. The differences between men and women may especially diminish at a later age.
MRI brain image enhancement using Histogram Equalization techniques

In this era, Computerized field in digital image processing needs efficient MRI image with less noise and improved contrast of image. The main process examined and look at different Histogram based enhancement techniques. Histogram equalization analyze on the bases of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) furthermore calculate the metrics parameter of histogram techniques. Image enhancement is a procedure of changing or adjusting image in order to make it more suitable for certain applications and is used to enhance or improve contrast ratio, brightness of image, remove noise from image and make it easier to identify. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an astounding medical technology provide more appropriate information regarding Human brain soft tissue, cancer, stroke and various another diseases. MRI helps doctors to identify the diseases easily. MRI has very low contrast ratio to improve contrast of MRI image we used Histogram equalization technique. In which, Histogram Equalization, Local Histogram Equalization, Adaptive Histogram Equalization and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization techniques are compared.
Effects of different levels of end-expiratory positive pressure on lung recruitment and protection in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND It is still controversial as to the implementation of higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This study was conducted to compare the lower and higher PEEP in patients with ARDS ventilated with low tidal volume, to investigate the relationship between the recruited lung volume by higher PEEP and relevant independent variables and to provide a bedside estimate of the percentage of potentially recruitable lung by higher PEEP. METHODS Twenty-four patients with ARDS were studied. A lung recruiting maneuver was performed, then each patient was ventilated with PEEP of 8 cmH(2)O for 4 hours and subsequently with PEEP of 16 cmH(2)O for 4 hours. At the end of each PEEP level period, gas exchange, hemodynamic data, lung mechanics, stress index "b" of the dynamic pressure-time curve, intrinsic PEEP and recruited volume by PEEP were measured. RESULTS Fourteen patients were recruiters whose alveolar recruited volumes induced by PEEP 16 cmH(2)O were (425 +/- 65) ml and 10 patients were non-recruiters. Compared with the PEEP 8 cmH(2)O period, after the application of the PEEP 16 cmH(2)O, the PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio and static lung compliance both remained unchanged in non-recruiters, whereas they increased significantly in recruiters. Changes in PaO(2)/FiO(2) and static lung compliance after PEEP increase were independently associated with the alveolar recruitment. Analyzing the relationship between recruiting maneuver (RM)-induced change in end-expiratory lung volume and the alveolar recruitment induced by PEEP, we found a notable correlation. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicated that the potential for alveolar recruitment might vary among the ARDS population and the higher PEEP levels should be limited to recruiters. Improving in PaO(2)/FiO(2), static lung compliance after PEEP increase and the shape of the pressure-time curve could be helpful for PEEP application.
Fabry disease: 20 novel GLA mutations in 35 families

Thirty two mutations have been found in 35 unrelated patients of European origin with Fabry disease, including 8 females. Twenty of the mutations are novel and comprise of 13 missense: H46Y, W47G, R49P, C94S, F113S, G258R, P259R, Q279H, Q280H, R363H, A377D, P409A, P409T; 1 nonsense: L294X; 5 small deletions: 154delT, 520delT, 909‐918del10, 1152‐1153delCA, 1235‐1236delCT and 1 splice site mutation: IVS5+2t→c. The remaining 12 mutations have all been reported previously. All patients with deletions had the classic form of the disease but it was not possible to predict the phenotype from the missense mutations. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of verapamil on intimal thickening and vascular reactivity in the collared carotid artery of the rabbit

1 . Intimal thickening is a common site for atherosclerosis. Therefore, we investigated whether the calcium entry blocker verapamil (10 mg kg−1 body weight day−1, s.c.) can retard intimal thickening and changes in vascular reactivity induced by a non‐occlusive, silicone collar positioned around the left carotid artery of rabbits. The contralateral carotid artery was sham‐operated and served as a control. 2 . Verapamil and placebo (saline 0.1 ml kg−1 day−1, s.c.) treatments were initiated 7 days before placing the collar and lasted 3 weeks. Thereafter, segments were cut from collared and sham‐treated arteries for histology and isometric tension recording. 3 . The intima/media (I/M) ratio increased after 14 days of collar treatment, but intimal thickening was not inhibited by verapamil (I/M ratio placebo 0.31 ± 0.07, verapamil 0.32 ± 0.09). 4 . The collar decreased the capacity to develop force, as indicated by the response to a supramaximal concentration of KC1, decreased the sensitivity (pD2) to acetylcholine (ACh) and phenylephrine (Phe), but increased the sensitivity to 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT). 5 . Although verapamil did not affect intimal thickening, it normalized the hypersensitivity to 5‐HT in collared arteries. 6 . The contraction to the supramaximal concentration of KC1 was not affected by verapamil. Verapamil decreased the Emax of ACh, but this was only seen in collar‐treated arteries. Verapamil also decreased the sensitivity to ACh and Phe, in both sham‐ and collar‐treated arteries. 7 . We conclude that verapamil, without preventing thickening of the intima, can modify collar‐induced changes in vascular reactivity.
Probe configurations for 3D MIMO Over-the-Air testing

This paper discusses probe configurations for three dimensional (3D) anechoic chamber and fading emulator based MIMO Over-the-Air (OTA) testing. Different 3D and 2.5D probe configurations are assessed with IMT-Advanced channel models extended to 3D. The figure of merit of probe configurations is the rms error on spatial correlation function and the synthesis error calculated based on deviation between the target electric field and the resulting field. Synthesized fields depend both on a channel model and a given probe configuration. The simulation results recommend different practical probe configurations for different test volume sizes. A configuration with 16 dual polarized probes could be sufficient for testing of terminals with diameter of 0.75 or even one wavelengths.
Different loop arrangements of intramolecular human telomeric (3+1) G-quadruplexes in K+ solution

Intramolecular G-quadruplexes formed by the human telomeric G-rich strand are promising anticancer targets. Here we show that four-repeat human telomeric DNA sequences can adopt two different intramolecular G-quadruplex folds in K+ solution. The two structures contain the (3+1) G-tetrad core, in which three G-tracts are oriented in one direction and the fourth in the opposite direction, with one double-chain-reversal and two edgewise loops, but involve different loop arrangements. This result indicates the robustness of the (3+1) core G-quadruplex topology, thereby suggesting it as an important platform for structure-based drug design. Our data also support the view that multiple human telomeric G-quadruplex conformations coexist in K+ solution. Furthermore, even small changes to flanking sequences can perturb the equilibrium between different coexisting G-quadruplex forms.
An investigation of the enhancement of biogas yields from lignocellulosic material using two pretreatment methods: Microwave irradiation and steam explosion

Two pretreatment methods, microwave irradiation and steam explosion, were investigated in this work. The aim of the study was to investigate whether these methods would improve the biodegradability of wheat straw as a lignocellulosic feedstock. Microwave pretreatment was carried out on milled straw with an irradiation time of 15 minutes, at a temperature of either 200 or 300 °C in the oven. The steam explosion pretreatment was carried out on milled straw at 210 °C for 10 minutes. To determine the methane production potential, anaerobic digestion batch trials were run under mesophilic conditions for 60 days. The methane yields of the microwave-pretreated straw decreased by 65% for an attained temperature of 200 °C and by 92% for 300 °C. After steam explosion pretreatment, however, the methane yields of the straw increased by approximately 20% when compared to untreated straw samples. These results indicate that microwaving does not optimize methane production from wheat straw, while steam explosion yields positive results.