Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive clinical staging modalities for lung cancer.

Clinical staging of lung cancer helps to determine the extent of disease and stratify patients into similar therapeutic and prognostic categories. A primary goal of clinical staging is to separate patients with potentially resectable disease from those that are unresectable. Initial assessment of the patient by history and physical examination combined with laboratory values can suggest metastatic spread of the disease. When abnormal, these clinical factors may have value in terms of predicting prognosis, but their use in early stage lung cancer is limited because of the low prevalence of symptoms, physical exam findings, and laboratory abnormalities in this group. For clinical staging, patients almost always undergo a postero-anterior and lateral chest radiograph and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and upper abdomen to include the liver and adrenal glands. Although CT scanning provides exquisite anatomic information, it is less than optimal for determining lymph node status. Over the last several years, CT scanning combined with positron-emission tomography (PET) using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has significantly improved the accuracy of clinical staging. The use of FDG-PET continues to be defined in the non-invasive evaluation of the primary tumor, nodal involvement, and metastatic disease. Despite the recent advancements in radiologic assessment of lung cancer, invasive sampling is still often performed for pathologic confirmation.
Essays in financial economics

Volatility is not directly observable and must be estimated. Estimator based on daily close data is imprecise. Range-based volatility estimators provide significantly more precision, but still remain noisy volatility estimates, something that is sometimes forgotten when these estimators are used in further calculations. First, we analyze properties of these estimators and find that the best estimator is the Garman-Klass (1980) estimator. Second, we correct some mistakes in existing literature. Third, the use of the Garman-Klass estimator allows us to obtain an interesting result: returns normalized by their standard deviations are approximately normally distributed. This result, which is in line with results obtained from high frequency data, but has never previously been recognized in low frequency (daily) data, is important for building simpler and more precise volatility models.
Suppression of C6 Gliomas via Application of Rat Hyperplasia Gene

Background Among all neurological tumors, tumor incidence of the neuroepithelial tissue is the highest, where 50% are gliomas. Treatment for gliomas has traditionally included surgery and adjuvant therapy. With advancements in medicine, gene therapy has entered the clinical setting, in which control of tumor growth, tumor volume and decrease of supply of blood to the tumor have been observed. Rat hyperplasia suppressor gene (rHSG) has been proven to inhibit the injury-mediated proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods A recombinant adenovirus, Adv-rHSG-GFP, was constructed and characterized by in vitro and in vivo studies. The function of rHSG on cell proliferation was determined in vitro by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) exclusion assay and plate clone formation, while a C6/Sprague Dawley rat glioma model was established to observe the effect of rHSG in vivo. Results Overexpression of rHSG displayed a strong effect on suppressing C6 cells proliferation in vitro and growth of glioma in vivo, which suggests the use of rHSG as a possible treatment strategy for glioma. p21Cip1, p27Kip1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were found to be involved in the tumor suppression mechanism of rHSG. Conclusions rHSG can markedly inhibit of the growth of rat glioma cells. The suppression mechanism of rHSG may be related to cell cycle regulation, which shows that rHSG is a potential therapeutic target of glioma tumor. This preclinical study supports a further in-depth study on the effect of rHSG on cell proliferation, migration and change in the extracellular matrix component of glioma cells.
2H-1 In Vivo 3D Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Strain Estimation

In this study, BiPlane imaging was adapted for measuring strain in actively deforming tissue in three orthogonal directions. BiPlane imaging assures a sufficient frame rate (75-120 Hz) for accurate strain estimation. A coarse-to-fine iterative 2D strain algorithm using spatial correction and local stretching was implemented. Considering the huge amount of generated data, a fast interpolation scheme was implemented for measuring sub-sample and sub-line displacements. Assuming a 2D parabolic shape of the cross-correlation function, a straightforward and direct calculation of the displacements is possible. The strain estimation method was validated by means of a simulation study and phantom experiments. Rf-data were acquired with a 3D X4 matrix array transducer (Philips Sonos 7500) in BiPlane mode. In vivo verification in human skeletal muscle was performed. Furthermore, cardiac strain imaging was conducted using cardiac BiPlane data of dogs. In a pilot animal study, beagles with an induced valvular aortic stenosis were monitored. The Field II simulation was used for determining the accuracy and detectibility of the algorithm and revealed excellent correlation between applied and measured axial strain (SNR = 43 dB) for a window of 0.60 mm. Obviously, a lower SNR was found in lateral and elevational direction. The in vivo verification experiment in the skeletal muscles revealed similar cumulative axial strain curves (up to 8%) in both the azimuth and elevational direction. The shape of the strain curve matched perfectly with the curve of the measured force. The lateral strain values parallel to the direction of the muscle fibers matched the axial strain curves, whereas the shape of the lateral strain in the perpendicular plane differed due to anisotropy. Finally, strain images of the beagles were calculated. The beagle with the most excessive pressure gradient revealed a decrease of the radial strain. Furthermore, an elongated plateau in the radial strain indicated hypertrophy. In conclusion, 3D cardiac and strain estimation is feasible using a real-time 3D scanner. Additional validation studies of full 3D imaging modes are required to fully validate the technique
Genomic imbalances are involved in miR-30c and let-7a deregulation in ovarian tumors: implications for HMGA2 expression

The High-mobility group AT-hook 2 protein (HMGA2) is involved in different processes during tumorigenesis. High expression levels of HMGA2 are found in various types of cancer, with recent studies highlighting the important role of miRNAs in the regulation of HMGA2 expression. We report a study of 155 ovarian tumors (30 sex-cord stromal tumors, 22 borderline tumors, and 103 carcinomas) analyzed for HMGA2 expression as well as the expression of two miRNAs targeting this gene, let-7a and miR-30c. We also evaluated the expression of the fragile histidine triad (FHIT) and lin28 homologues (LIN28A/B) genes which are known to be an enhancer of miR-30c expression and a repressor of let-7a, respectively. HMGA2 was found expressed at high levels in most samples analyzed, with clear cell carcinomas as the only exception. let-7a and miR-30c were highly deregulated in all tumor types. LIN28A and FHIT were found overexpressed in all examined tumor types. The chromosomal imbalances that might lead to loss of the genes expressing let-7a and miR-30c could be evaluated on the basis of previously generated karyotypic and high resolution comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) data on 103 tumors. 76% of the samples with an imbalanced genome had at least one chromosomal aberration leading to a deletion of a miRNA cluster for let-7a and miR-30c. FISH using locus specific probes for these clusters validate the aberrations at the gene level. Our study shows that genomic imbalances are involved in miR-30c and let-7a deregulation. One can reasonably assume that dysregulation of these miRNAs is a cause leading to HMGA2 upregulation in ovarian tumors.
Activated Platelets Interfere with Recruitment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Apoptotic Cardiac Cells via High Mobility Group Box 1/Toll-like Receptor 4-mediated Down-regulation of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor MET*

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) contribute to cardiac repair after myocardial injury. Underlying molecular mechanisms remain unexplored. Results: Activated platelets inhibit recruitment of MSC to apoptotic cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts via HMGB1/TLR-4-mediated down-regulation of HGF receptor MET. Conclusion: We identify a novel mechanism by which platelets impair MSC migration to damaged cardiac cells. Significance: The cross-talk between platelets and MSC might be critical for myocardial repair. Recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) following cardiac injury, such as myocardial infarction, plays a critical role in tissue repair and may contribute to myocardial recovery. However, the mechanisms that regulate migration of MSC to the site of tissue damage remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate in vitro that activated platelets substantially inhibit recruitment of MSC toward apoptotic cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. The alarmin high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was released by platelets upon activation and mediated inhibition of the cell death-dependent migratory response through Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 expressed on the MSC. Migration of MSC to apoptotic cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts was driven by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and platelet activation was followed by HMGB1/TLR-4-dependent down-regulation of HGF receptor MET on MSC, thereby impairing HGF-driven MSC recruitment. We identify a novel mechanism by which platelets, upon activation, interfere with MSC recruitment to apoptotic cardiac cells, a process that may be of particular relevance for myocardial repair and regeneration.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND To date, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of major depression. OBJECTIVE This analysis examined the antidepressant efficacy of rTMS in patients with treatment-resistant unipolar depression. METHODS A literature search was performed for RCTs published from January 1, 1994, to November 20, 2014. The search was updated on March 1, 2015. Two independent reviewers evaluated the abstracts for inclusion, reviewed full texts of eligible studies, and abstracted data. Meta-analyses were conducted to obtain summary estimates. The primary outcome was changes in depression scores measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), and we considered, a priori, the mean difference of 3.5 points to be a clinically important treatment effect. Remission and response to the treatment were secondary outcomes, and we calculated number needed to treat on the basis of these outcomes. We examined the possibility of publication bias by constructing funnel plots and by Begg's and Egger's tests. A meta-regression was undertaken to examine the effect of specific rTMS technical parameters on the treatment effects. RESULTS Twenty-three RCTs compared rTMS with sham, and six RCTs compared rTMS with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Trials of rTMS versus sham showed a statistically significant improvement in depression scores with rTMS (weighted mean difference [WMD] 2.31, 95% CI 1.19-3.43; P < .001). This improvement was smaller than the pre-specified clinically important treatment effect. There was a 10% absolute difference between rTMS and sham in the rates of remission or response. This translates to a number needed to treat of 10. Risk ratios for remission and response were 2.20 (95% CI 1.44-3.38, P = .001 and 1.72 [95% CI], 1.13-2.62, P = .01), respectively, favouring rTMS. No publication bias was detected. Trials of rTMS versus ECT showed a statistically and clinically significant difference between rTMS and ECT in favour of ECT (WMD 5.97, 95% CI 0.94-11.0, P = .02). Risk ratios for remission and response were 1.44 (95% CI 0.64-3.23, P = .38) and 1.72 (95% CI 0.95-3.11, P = .07), respectively, favouring ECT. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the body of evidence favoured ECT for treatment of patients who are treatment-resistant. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation had a small short-term effect for improving depression in comparison with sham, but follow-up studies did not show that the small effect will continue for longer periods.
Family Personalization Service

User centricity is important when designing new products and services. Automatic personalization emerges as key feature to prevent users from being bothered by complex management tasks, allowing them to get the most from their devices. However, devices within home environments are shared among family members, making personalization complex. This article describes a system that uses presence detection through several low cost cameras. It uses a centralized repository for personalization and an event based protocol for configuring devices surrounding users. The system addresses privacy-based filtering and group preference modeling.
Reliability of bioelectrical impedance methods in detecting body fluids in elderly patients with congestive heart failure

Objective. To investigate the reliability of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in estimating total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) in elderly patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF). Material and methods. In 72 elderly subjects, 34 with CHF (aged 83.9±6.9 years) and 38 healthy controls (78.7±7.5 years), TBW and ECW values were assessed using dilution methods, and bioelectrical variables were measured using single frequency BIA (SF‐BIA) at 1 and 50 kHz, and bioelectrical spectroscopy (BIS). Results. In CHF patients, Ht2/R1 correlated weakly with TBW (r = 0.56) and ECW (0.47). In both healthy controls and CHF patients, TBW correlated strongly with Ht2/R50, Ht2/R0, Ht2/R∞ and Ht2/Zc. Using multiple regression analysis and the Bland–Altmann approach, SF‐BIA at 50 kHz and BIS proved similar in predicting TBW for both the explained variance (R2∼0.89) and the limits of agreement. In all subjects, ECW was estimated best by including height, weight and Ht2/R0 (R2 0.75) or Ht2/Zc (R2 0.77) in multivariate models, while SF‐BIA at 50 kHz did not explain more than 71 % of ECW variability. The SEE % was nonetheless about twice the SEE % for estimating TBW. Conclusions. SF‐BIA at 1 kHz is unreliable in predicting body fluids in elderly people with CHF. SF‐BIA at 50 kHz and BIS are useful for estimating TBW in healthy elderly people and in cases of water imbalance, but both methods are less reliable in estimating ECW, particularly in conditions of fluid overload.
The relationship of ethics education to moral sensitivity and moral reasoning skills of nursing students

This study described the relationships between academic class and student moral sensitivity and reasoning and between curriculum design components for ethics education and student moral sensitivity and reasoning. The data were collected from freshman (n = 506) and senior students (n = 440) in eight baccalaureate nursing programs in South Korea by survey; the survey consisted of the Korean Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire and the Korean Defining Issues Test. The results showed that moral sensitivity scores in patient-oriented care and conflict were higher in senior students than in freshman students. Furthermore, more hours of ethics content were associated with higher principled thinking scores of senior students. Nursing education in South Korea may have an impact on developing student moral sensitivity. Planned ethics content in nursing curricula is necessary to improve moral sensitivity and moral reasoning of students.
Automated Extraction of Information from the Literature on Chemical-CYP3A4 Interactions

A text mining system is presented for automatically extracting information from the literature on chemical-CYP3A4 interactions (i.e., substrate, induction, inhibition). The system identifies chemicals and CYP3A4 forms according to a combination of name dictionaries and context features. In addition, it transforms sentences into multiple simple clauses each containing a single event and extracts information on chemical-CYP3A4 interactions using a simple but effective pattern matching method based on the order of three keywords (chemicals, CYP3A4, key verbs). Using this system, 2990 relations including 2700 identified interactions with CYP3A4 for 600 chemicals were extracted from a corpus of 2900 PubMed abstracts. In an evaluation test using 100 randomly selected abstracts, it achieved 87.4% recall and 92.3% precision for identification of the chemical name and 85.2% recall and 92.0% precision for the extraction of chemical-CYP3A4 interactions, respectively. This system will be applicable to interactions of chemicals with any functional proteins, such as enzymes and transporters, simply by changing the list of key verbs.
Calculation algorithm for motion control target for the platooning of autonomous heavy vehicles

In this study, we develop an algorithm for the realtime generation of a trajectory for a control target to realize the autonomous steering control needed to realise a platooning system for heavy trucks. The proposed algorithm consists of a driver model, which considers the risk potential, and a vehicle dynamics model. This algorithm was validated through simulations using a vehicle dynamics model with multiple degrees of freedom. In addition, the feasibility of real-time processing for the control target was determined through field tests in which the proposed algorithm was implemented on the control hardware of an experimental vehicle.
Higher serum ferritin level and lower femur neck strength in women at the stage of bone loss (≥ 45 years of age): The Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV)

ABSTRACT Purpose: Despite the clear effect of iron on bone metabolism, most clinical studies related to bone health have only focused on bone mineral density (BMD). In the present study, we investigated the relationship between serum ferritin and composite indices of femur neck strength via a population-based, cross-sectional study using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Our study series included 693 women at the stage of bone loss (≥ 45 years of age), defined based on the observed patterns of age-related BMD changes in the KNHANES. Geometric bone structure properties, including hip axis length (HAL) and femur neck width (FNW), were measured using hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and were combined with BMD, body weight, and height to create composite indices of femur neck strength relative to load in three different failure modes: compression (CSI), bending (BSI), and impact strength indices (ISI). Results: After adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium and phosphorus intake, diabetes, and menopause status, multiple regression analyses revealed that serum ferritin was inversely associated with the BMD values at the lumbar spine and femur neck, and the femur neck cortical thickness. Importantly, in all adjustment models, higher serum ferritin was consistently associated with the lower values for all three femur neck composite indices, such as CSI, BSI, and ISI.Conclusions: These data provide the first clinical evidence that increased total body iron stores reflected by higher serum ferritin may be associated with the decrease of bone strength relative to load.
Inclusive Values: Exploring the Perspectives of Pre-Service Teachers.

Free to read Since the turn of the century there has been an increasing focus on inclusive education in Australian schools, and growing interest in understanding how the values of pre-service teachers impact on their willingness to implement inclusive principles in their future classrooms. The current qualitative study explored the values and views toward diversity and inclusion of pre-service teachers at one university in Queensland, Australia. Results showed that first and fourth year pre-service teachers held similar ideas about the values that teachers should have, and showed congruence between their own personal values and teacher values. Fourth year students who had undertaken an inclusive education minor placed greater emphasis on the importance of inclusion, and felt more confident about supporting this diversity in their future classrooms, than those fourth years who had not undertaken this minor. The findings from this study will inform future planning in preparing teachers for inclusive work in schools.
The duval pentagon-a new complementary tool for the interpretation of dissolved gas analysis in transformers

Several methods are available for the interpretation of dissolved gas analysis (DGA) results in oil-filled electrical equipment. These methods use ratios of the five main hydrocarbon gases formed, namely H<sup>2</sup>, CH<sup>4</sup>, C<sup>2</sup>H<sup>6</sup>, C<sup>2</sup>H<sup>4</sup>, and C<sup>2</sup>H<sup>2</sup>, either 2-gas ratios, e.g., in IEEE [1] and IEC [2]; 3-gas ratios, in Duval Triangles 1 to 7 [3]; or 4-gas ratios in [4]. In this article a new method is presented using 5-gas ratios in a "pentagon" representation applicable to mineral oil-filled equipment. Carbon oxides CO and CO<sub>2</sub> are examined separately as in other methods.
Evaluation of Methods to Determine Excessive Decline of Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second in Workers Exposed to Diacetyl-Containing Flavorings

Objective: To evaluate methods for determining excessive short-term decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in diacetyl-exposed workers. Methods: We evaluated five methods of determining excessive longitudinal FEV1 decline in diacetyl-exposed workers and workers from a comparative cohort: American Thoracic Society (ATS), ACOEM an 8% limit, and a relative and absolute longitudinal limit on the basis of spirometry data variability. Relative risk and incidence of excess decline were evaluated. Results: Incidence of excessive FEV1 decline was 1% in the comparative cohort using ATS and ACOEM criteria, 4.1% using relative limit of longitudinal decline, 4.4% with absolute longitudinal limit of decline, and 5.6% by using the 8% limit. Relative risk of abnormal FEV1 decline in diacetyl-exposed workers was elevated in all evaluated methods. Conclusion: Alternative methods for respiratory surveillance in diacetyl-exposed workers may be preferable to ATS or ACOEM.