Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide in combination with pulsed dexamethasone and thalidomide (HyperCDT) in primary refractory or relapsed multiple myeloma

Summary. Sixty patients with advanced multiple myeloma received 2–6 monthly treatment courses combining hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide (300 mg/m2 i.v. over 3 h q 12 h × 6, d 1–3) with pulsed dexamethasone (20 mg/m2/d p.o., d 1–4, 9–12, 17–20) and once daily thalidomide at individually escalating doses (100–400 mg/d) depending on tolerability (HyperCDT). Responding patients were maintained on daily thalidomide and monthly dexamethasone pulses. Complete, partial and minor response rates were 4%, 68% and 12% respectively; overall response rate was 84% (efficacy analysis). Median event‐free and overall survival was 11 and 19 months respectively. During at least one treatment cycle, 67% of patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia resulting in 17% grade 3 and 9% grade 4 infections. Side‐effects, presumably related to thalidomide, included neuropathy (40% grade 2, 16% grade 3), constipation (17%), oedema (5%), bradycardia (5%), skin reactions (3%), cerebrovascular events (5%) and deep vein thromboses (8%). Thromboses were not related to known thrombophilic risk factors. Four patients with prior myeloma therapy > 50 months developed myelodysplastic syndrome or secondary acute myeloid leukaemia 2–4 months after study entry. HyperCDT is a highly active and reasonably well‐tolerated salvage regimen in advanced or refractory multiple myeloma.
Classifying direction of the right index finger movement from delta band activity using HMM

This contribution examines the usage of low frequency components (<; 5 Hz) in single trial EEG recordings obtained during right index finger movement for classification of reaching and grasping movements. These components contain delta band activity and Movement Related Potentials (MRPs) associated with the movements. Time-frequency development is used to classify the movements using Hidden Markov Model based classifier. It is shown that in some cases the utilization of these components can lead to a better classification score than the utilization of the previously used oscillatory activity in the μ and β bands, which are used as the reference here. The classification score has changed on average by -1.3% (-11.7% to +16.1%) compared to the referenced 5-40 Hz band. By choosing the newly examined band only for subjects where there is a benefit in it, a score of 90.9% was obtained (+2.9% improvement on reference itself). The examined frequency band is optimized for each subject as the inter-subject variability of EEG plays a role here.
STRESS EXPOSURE ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN CUMULATIVELY INCREASES DEPRESSION RISK AND IS MODERATED BY NEUROTICISM

Even though traumatic stress is a major risk factor for depression, most people do not develop a depression. The effects of stress may particularly emerge after repeated exposure in vulnerable individuals. Therefore, we hypothesized that (1) increased exposure to stress across the life span is associated with an increased depression risk and (2) this effect is the most pronounced in individuals with high levels of neuroticism.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC VS PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN INDONESIA

This paper examines the effectiveness of public versus private schools using the national exit exam of Junior Secondary Schools in Indonesia. Using Indonesian Family Live Survey (IFLS) (1997), IFLS (2000) and IFLS (2007), this study find evidence that graduates of the public school have higher scores on the national exit exam than those of the private school controlling a wide variety of students' characteristics and family background. This finding is robust to several estimates, including Ordinary Least Square (OLS), Fixed Effects (FE), and Instrumental Variable (IV). Using the score of the national exit exam ( Ebtanas ) as a standard score, public school students are higher 0.30, 0.247 and 0.572 of standard deviations for OLS, FE and IV estimates respectively.
Analysis and design of a three-phase PLL structure for utility connected systems under distorted utility conditions

This paper presents a new phase detecting method by using a digital three-phase PLL (phase locked loop) system for utility- connected devices under distorted utility conditions. The PLL systems have been used in several equipment applications such as, UPS systems, active filters, PWM rectifiers, etc, in which phase angle Information of utility voltage is necessary. The PLL system proposed in this work is based on instantaneous power theory. The analysis is performed considering a three-phase stationary reference frame model, which uses the instantaneous active power as the PLL reference. To detect the positive sequence component of the voltage in an unbalance there-phase system, the method of symmetrical coordinates is used. To validate the theoretical analysis a model of the PLL system is presented and its dynamic response, obtained from digital simulation, is discussed considering distorted voltage conditions. Mathematical analysis of the PLL system is made and a design procedure to determine the controller gains is presented.
25-hydroxy-vitamin d metabolism in human colon cancer cells during tumor progression.

RT-PCR analysis showed elevated expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase (1alpha-OHase) and of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (24-OHase) in well differentiated human colon carcinomas in comparison to normal mucosa. Further tumor progression is associated with a rise in 1alpha-OHase but with no significant change in 24-OHase mRNA expression. Accordingly, HPLC analysis of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 metabolism in freshly isolated tumor cells indicated that well to moderately differentiated colon cancers in situ are able to produce 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3) and convert it through 24-OHase activity into side-chain modified metabolites, 1,24,25-(OH)3-D3 and 1,25-(OH)2- 24-oxo-D3. Likewise, 25-(OH)-D3 is metabolized into 24,25-(OH)2D3, 23,25-(OH)2D3, and 23,25-(OH)2-24-oxo-D3. Poorly-differentiated cancers expressed low levels of 1alpha-OHase mRNA, whereas 24-OHase was even over-expressed. RT-PCR and HPLC analysis of vitamin D metabolism in primary culture cell clones strongly suggested that the extent of endogenously produced 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 was inversely related to 24-OHase activity, which could thus limit the antimitotic efficacy of 1alpha,25-(OH)2-D3 particularly at late stages of colon cancer progression.
$ν$-net: Deep Learning for Generalized Biventricular Cardiac Mass and Function Parameters

Background: Cardiac MRI derived biventricular mass and function parameters, such as end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume (EDV), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), and ventricular mass (VM) are clinically well established. Image segmentation can be challenging and time-consuming, due to the complex anatomy of the human heart. Objectives: This study introduces $\nu$-net (/nju:n$\varepsilon$t/) -- a deep learning approach allowing for fully-automated high quality segmentation of right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) endocardium and epicardium for extraction of cardiac function parameters. Methods: A set consisting of 253 manually segmented cases has been used to train a deep neural network. Subsequently, the network has been evaluated on 4 different multicenter data sets with a total of over 1000 cases. Results: For LV EF the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is 98, 95, and 80 % (95 %), and for RV EF 96, and 87 % (80 %) on the respective data sets (human expert ICCs reported in parenthesis). The LV VM ICC is 95, and 94 % (84 %), and the RV VM ICC is 83, and 83 % (54 %). This study proposes a simple adjustment procedure, allowing for the adaptation to distinct segmentation philosophies. $\nu$-net exhibits state of-the-art performance in terms of dice coefficient. Conclusions: Biventricular mass and function parameters can be determined reliably in high quality by applying a deep neural network for cardiac MRI segmentation, especially in the anatomically complex right ventricle. Adaption to individual segmentation styles by applying a simple adjustment procedure is viable, allowing for the processing of novel data without time-consuming additional training.
Altered Pituitary Sensitivity to Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor and Arginine Vasopressin Participates in the Stress Hyporesponsiveness of Lactation in the Rat

The regulation of the activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis is modified during lactation, wherein a blunted stress‐induced adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and glucocorticoid secretion is coupled with elevated basal secretion of these hormones. The involvement of pituitary modifications in lactation‐induced stress hyporesponsiveness has yet to be established. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the pituitary sensitivity to corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) is altered in lactation in the rat. We examined the effect of exogenous CRF (0.1–5 μg/rat), AVP (0.01–0.5 μg/rat), and AVP (0.01–0.5 μg/rat)+CRF (0.1 μg/rat) on the ACTH response of virgin, mid‐lactating (lactation day 10–12) females, as well as nursing females separated from their pups for 48 h. Additionally, to determine if changes in CRF‐ or AVP‐receptor densities might mediate alterations in pituitary sensitivity, we compared pituitary CRF‐ and AVP‐receptor binding by autoradiography in pregnant, mid‐lactating, and virgin female rats. While both virgin and lactating female rats exhibited significant ACTH responses to CRF, the responses to the highest doses of CRF (2.0 and 5.0 μg/rat) were greater in virgin than in lactating females. Separation of the litter for 48 h partially restored pituitary responsiveness to 2.0 μg of CRF. Conversely, whereas lactating females displayed robust ACTH secretion following a high dose of AVP or following a combination of AVP+CRF, the response of virgin females was much smaller. These modifications in pituitary responsiveness were not accompanied by significant differences in pituitary CRF‐and AVP‐receptors levels between female groups. Our results demonstrate that a reduction in pituitary sensitivity to CRF, but not to AVP occur during lactation in the rat which mediates, at least in part, the stress hyporesponsiveness of lactation.
SMR Forum: Corporate Responsibility- Reconciling Economic and Social Goals

Because of the federal government's recent cutbacks in social ser­ vice funding, business is now being called upon to increase its at­ tention to societal needs. To do this, how­ ever, business must first expand and re­ define its obligation to society. Although the traditional view of business responsibility holds that economic and social objectives are incompatible, this paper questions this viewpoint. Instead, the authors describe a newly emerging con­ cept of business re­ sponsibility that many innovative firms are adopting. By docu­ menting how these companies have suc­ cessfully implemented this new concept, the authors show how businesses may satisfy some needs of society while maintaining their own economic well-being. Ed. The concept of corporate social responsibil­ ity has changed substantially over the past two decades. Currently, at least two conflict­ ing forces have made it necessary once again to reevaluate the role of business in society. Cutbacks in the early 1980s in federal fund­ ing for social programs have left a gap which only the states, individuals, or private busi­ nesses can fill. Simultaneously, the economy has struggled through the worst recession in fifty years. Thus, at the very time when busi­ ness is needed to play a greater role in the overall welfare of society, the economic re­ sources it has available are constrained se­ verely. Despite these problems, several firms have found new, creative ways to respond to the needs of society while maintaining, and in some cases improving, their own economic well-being. This paper describes these in­ novative methods and suggests that they might serve as models of corporate social responsiveness for the 1980s. While these methods are not new in the sense that they have never been conceptualized, they are new in that they are now being considered by many corporations.
Mycoplasma imitans sp. nov. is related to Mycoplasma gallisepticum and found in birds.

A mycoplasma designated strain 4229T (T = type strain) was isolated in 1984 from the turbinate of a duck in France, and similar strains were isolated from geese in France and from a partridge in England. All of these strains were originally identified as Mycoplasma gallisepticum by immunofluorescence and growth inhibition tests, but subsequent serological and molecular studies indicated only a partial relationship to this species and DNA-DNA hybridization studies revealed only approximately 40 to 46% genetic homology with M. gallisepticum PG31T. In this study morphological, cultural, and physical investigations were carried out on strain 4229T and partridge strain B2/85, after we first demonstrated the similarity between these organisms by performing a restriction enzyme analysis of their DNAs. Both strains had phenotypic properties very similar to M. gallisepticum properties, including the presence of an attachment organelle. As a result of these investigations, the organisms were assigned to the class Mollicutes, the order Mycoplasmatales, and the genus Mycoplasma. They fermented glucose, reduced triphenyl tetrazolium chloride aerobically and anaerobically, and exhibited hemadsorption and hemagglutination, but other biochemical tests were negative. Apart from a serological cross-reaction with M. gallisepticum, these organisms exhibited no significant relationship with any previously described Mycoplasma species as determined by growth inhibition or immunofluorescence tests or with a number of additional serovars and unclassified avian strains. This Mycoplasma taxon therefore appears to be a new species, for which we propose the name Mycoplasma imitans. The type strain is strain 4229 (= NCTC 11733 = ATCC 51306). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Risk factors for suicide among patients with schizophrenia

ABSTRACT: In order to assess risk factors for suicide among patients with schizophrenia, we compared 32 patients with schizophrenia who committed suicide during an 11 year follow‐up with a control group of 64 schizophrenics who did not commit suicide. A history of previous suicide attempts was the factor most strongly related to suicide. In females we found an increased risk for suicide among unmarried, divorced or widowed and among those living alone. In males we found an increased risk among those with a history of alcohol abuse. In contrast to findings in other studies, distribution of age and sex and a history of depressive episodes were factors not associated with an increased risk for suicide. We conclude that suicidal acts among schizophrenics are often impulsive and difficult to predict. Traditional risk scales are of limited value in the clinical assessment of suicidal risk.
Mistimed wheel running interferes with re‐entrainment of circadian Per1 rhythms in the mouse skeletal muscle and lung

Previously, we showed the acceleration of re‐entrainment to 8‐h phase‐advanced light/dark cycles (LD) in the circadian Per1 expression rhythms of the mouse lung and skeletal muscle by 3‐h wheel running (WR) at the beginning of shifted dark phase. In the present study, the effects of WR at the end of shifted dark phase were examined on the re‐entrainment in mice. LD was advanced by shortening and was delayed by lengthening the first light period in the phase‐advance and phase‐delay protocol, respectively. Shifted LD was continued for 4 days, which was followed by constant darkness (DD). Per1 expression was measured in the cultured tissues obtained on the first day of DD from mice carrying a bioluminescence reporter of Per1 expression. In the phase‐advance protocol, re‐entrainment was not influenced by WR in any circadian rhythm examined. In the phase‐delay protocol, re‐entrainment of the circadian locomotor rhythm was not affected by WR. However, re‐entrainment of circadian Per1 rhythm was significantly decelerated in the skeletal muscle and lung. These findings indicate that the effects of WR on re‐entrainment depend on the time of day and the peripheral tissues. Mistimed WR interferes with re‐entrainment of circadian rhythms in the lung and skeletal muscle.
Investigation on Hyperuricemia in Children with Obesity or Various Pediatric Disorders

The present study aims at investigating the frequency and characteristics of hyperuricemia in both obese and sick children. First, we established our own reference values for serum uric acid (UA), since UA values are highly dependent upon age. In the analysis of 328 samples consisting of six different age groups: <1, 1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12, and 13–15 years, the mean values for UA were found to increase significantly with an increase of age. A significant sex difference was observed only in the age group of 13–15 years. Hyperuricemia was defined as the values over the mean value plus 2 standard deviations for each age group. Next, we examined the frequency of hyperuricemia in 1,687 obese children aged 6–15 years and its relation to metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 328 children (19.4%) were found to have hyperuricemia. Among them, 98 children (29.9%) had MetS, whereas 197 (14.5%) out of 1,359 children without hyperuricemia had MetS. Finally, the frequency of hyperuricemia in sick patients was investigated using 13,675 samples from 9,405 patients. Hyperuricemia was seen in 348 (3.7%) patients after excluding redundant samples. The number of patients with hyperuricemia was higher in males than in females. The most common disorder causing hyperuricemia was gastroenteritis, followed by respiratory tract infection and cardiac diseases. This first comprehensive study of childhood hyperuricemia is useful for considering its relationship with hyperuricemia and life-style-related disorders occurring in adulthood.
Relation of Prematurity and Brain Injury to Crying Behavior in Infancy

OBJECTIVES. The objective of this study was to assess crying behavior during infancy in very preterm infants with or without brain injury. METHODS. A total of 125 very low birth weight infants survived during January 2001 to July 2004 in Turku University Hospital, Finland. They were categorized according to the most pathologic brain finding either in ultrasound or MRI. Baby Day Diary was used to assess crying behavior at term, 6 weeks, and 5 months of corrected age. The behavior of a group of term control infants (n = 49) was assessed at 5 months. RESULTS. Severe brain injuries in very low birth weight infants did not affect the duration of fussing or crying. In very low birth weight infants, brain injuries did not affect the frequency of fussing or crying bouts or the development of circadian rhythm in crying behavior. At 5 months of corrected age, fussing bouts were more frequent in very low birth weight infants compared with term control infants (6.4 per day vs 4.5 per day), and very low birth weight infants were held more (169 minutes [97] vs 130 minutes [69], respectively). CONCLUSIONS. This prospective study using a validated cry diary showed that brain injuries that are related to prematurity do not have major effects on crying behavior or development of circadian rhythm. Prematurity does not increase the duration but increases the frequency of fussing and crying at 5 months of corrected age compared with term control infants. It also seems that prematurity and brain pathology may increase caregiving activity in the form of holding.
The Chinese Version of the Decisional Balance Scale: Further Validation

Background: Although the Decisional Balance Scale (DBS) has been established to have sound psychometric properties, the reliability and validity of this instrument have not been evaluated in different populations. Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct psychometric validations for the Chinese version of the DBS (CDBS). Methods: This research project was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study. The CDBS was administered to children in Grades 5-9 (ages 11-17 years, n = 952) recruited from elementary and junior high schools in northern Taiwan. A random cluster sampling method was used. Results: The pros and cons subscales were supported by Cronbach's &agr; coefficients of . 88 and . 85, respectively. Item-to-subtotal correlation coefficients for the subscales were above . 48. The results from confirmatory factor analysis, used to assess the construct validity of the CDBS, indicated that the two-factor structure was the best fit for the CDBS when it was used with Taiwanese adolescents (comparative fit index = .96). The contrasted group approach affirmed the construct validity of the pros and the cons of the CDBS. The validity and reliability of the CDBS were supported by the psychometric test results of this study. Discussion: The CDBS is congruent with the culture of Taiwanese adolescents. However, to expand the usefulness of this tool across cultures, the CDBS should continue to be tested with other Chinese-speaking populations and settings.
Artisan fishers’ perception of climate change and disasters in coastal Bangladesh

Climate change is affecting fishing communities across Bangladesh. While work has been undertaken to investigate the nature of these impacts, understanding how fishers perceive climate change at a local level, especially within developing countries, is crucial. This paper presents the results of a three-year study of the contextual determinants and dimensions of artisanal fishing community perceptions about climate change in coastal Bangladesh. Results of this study indicate that geographic characteristics, socio-economic status, worldviews, tradition, observations and disaster experiences are important determinants for shaping fishers’ perceptions about climate change. Fishers also demonstrate a long-standing tradition of risk adaptation strategies, but do not link them to climate change. We argue that these perceptions provide ideas for how to form appropriate climate responses at local levels not only in Bangladesh but other developing countries.
Well-being in Alternative Economies

Alternative economies are built on shared commitments to improve subjects’ well-being. Traditional commercial markets, premised upon growth driven by separate actors pursuing personal material gain, lead to exploitation of some actors and to negligible well-being gains for the rest. Through resocializing economic relations and expanding the recognition of interdependence among the actors in a marketing system, economic domination and exploitation can be mitigated. We define shared commitments as a choice of a course of action in common with others. We empirically demonstrate the existence of shared commitments through an in-depth study of a spatially extended alternative food network in Turkey. Finally, we offer an inductive model of how shared commitments can be developed between local and non-local actors to bring new economies into being and improve the well-being of consumers and producers, localities, markets, and society.