Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myelodysplastic syndrome as a late complication following autologous bone marrow transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PURPOSE To determine the incidence, natural history, and risk factors associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occurring as a late complication following autologous bone marrow transplantation for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all 262 patients who underwent autologous bone marrow transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from 1982 through 1991. Although patients received a variety of treatments before they were eligible for transplant, identical myeloablative therapy (cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg/d for 2 days plus total-body irradiation twice daily for 3 days) was administered in each case. By collecting data on pretransplant and early posttransplant variables, we attempted to identify risk factors for the development of MDS. RESULTS The crude overall incidence of posttransplant MDS or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was 7.6%. The actuarial risk at 6 years was 18% +/- 9%. The median time of onset was 31 months (range, 10 to 101) after transplant or 69 months (range, 27 to 141) after initial treatment for lymphoma. Pretreatment variables predictive for the development of MDS (univariate analysis) included prolonged interval between initial treatment and the transplant procedure (P = .003), increased duration of exposure to chemotherapy (P = .019) or to alkylating agents (P = .045), and use of radiation therapy (P = .032) or pelvic radiation (P = .003) before transplant. CONCLUSION MDS is a potential complication of autologous bone marrow transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; bone marrow stem-cell damage sustained before the transplant may be the most important risk factor.
Evaluation of early interventional treatment opportunity of the elderly & high-risk patients with non-ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

Objective: To investigate the effect of treatment on prognosis of patients with different timing of early interventional treatment for non-ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods: Forty two cases above 75 years old, diagnosed with high-risk on NSTEMI, were selected in cardiology department of Xinxiang central hospital. They were randomly divided into two groups: 22 in group A and 20 in group B. Group A was performed PCI surgery within 12 hours after the onset while group B from 12 to 24 hour after the onset. Major adverse cardiovascular events (including death, heart failure readmission rates after ischemia, malignant arrhythmias, again target vessel revascularization) and bleeding data were recorded at the three terms of hospitalization, one month after the onset and six months after the onset. Results: Angina, malignant arrhythmia and heart failure during hospitalization can be reduced after interventional treatment carried out within 12 hours after the onset. Readmission rates after ischemia, heart failure and the incidence of death can be significantly reduced after interventional treatment carried out during 1-6 month after the onset with no significant increase in bleeding rate. Conclusion: In the treatment of elderly patients with NSTEMI, early interventional treatment is safe and effective.
Fault Ride-Through Enhancement of DFIG-Based Wind Generation Considering Unbalanced and Distorted Conditions

A control strategy is proposed to enhance the operation, under network disturbances, of a wind turbine driven doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The scheme allows us to overcome low voltages, imbalances, and harmonic distortions at the point of common coupling. The control law is designed using a feedback linearization approach plus resonant filters; this law directly controls the DFIG stator powers from the rotor voltages, unlike the most used nested two-loop approaches. An accurate control of the active and reactive powers delivered to the grid permits us to fulfill severe grid code requirements and to improve the fault ride-through capability. Under unbalanced conditions, the reference currents of both grid- and rotor-side converters are coordinately chosen to simultaneously eliminate the double-frequency pulsations in the total active power and electromagnetic torque. Several tests and disturbances to provide a realistic assessment and validation have been performed, showing the adequacy of the proposed controller. Comparisons with other control approaches with different objectives are also presented to illustrate the advantages regarding elimination of the double-frequency ripples and harmonic rejection capability.
Window photopolymer hologram for solar applications

The progress of holographic technology depends upon the development of better recording medium. Of the available recording media for holography, photopolymer is proved to be a highly versatile medium and it plays a vital role in recording and reading holograms in real time with good efficiencies and has contributed significantly to the recent growth of holography. It is multifaceted due to its rapid dry processing, low cost, high optical quality and resolution, low diffusivity, easy preparation techniques, high diffraction efficiency and angular selectivity, transparency in the visible spectral region etc. However, availability of commercial grade photopolymer material is very limited due to its strategic importance. We developed a research grade red sensitive photopolymer in our laboratory and a window hologram (holographic concentrator in a window pane) was recorded successfully in the material using off-axis geometry. The fabricated window hologram was placed vertically at an angle to the illuminating plane of the solar simulator (just as a window positioned vertically to the solar irradiance) and then coupled to a dye sensitized solar cell. The enhancement in the energy conversion efficiency of the solar cell was found and hence the experiment investigates a simple proposal to make use of holograms in window panes of a house as a solar energy concentrator.
Predictive Control of a helicopter model with tolerance to actuator faults

Predictive Control formulations can be designed with nominal asymptotic stability guarantees, provided that the associated optimization problem is feasible at each sampling time. However, model-plant mismatches, external perturbations or faults may cause the optimization to become infeasible. Such a problem motivates the development of techniques aimed at recovering feasibility without violating hard physical constraints imposed by the nature of the plant. This paper investigates the possible advantages of employing a policy of setpoint management to circumvent infeasibility problems in a Predictive Control framework. The investigation is mainly concerned with robustness of the controller regarding actuator faults that can be modelled as a change in the allowed excursion of the control signal. The results obtained with the proposed setpoint management technique are compared to the default solution provided by the adopted computational toolbox in case of infeasibility. An application involving a nonlinear simulation model of a laboratory helicopter with three degrees of freedom is presented.
Congenital Intrahepatic Bile Duct Dilatation is a Potentially Curable Disease: Long-Term Results of a Multi-institutional Study

Objective:To report clinical presentation, perioperative outcome, and long-term results of surgical management of congenital intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) dilatations (including Caroli disease) in a multi-institutional setting. Summary Background Data:Congenital IHBD dilatations are a rare congenital disorder predisposing to intrahepatic stones, cholangitis, and cholangiocarcinoma. The management remains difficult and controversial for bilobar forms of the disease or when concurrent congenital hepatic fibrosis is associated. Methods:From 1976 to 2004, 33 patients (range 11 to 79 years) were retrospectively enrolled. Disease extent into the liver was unilobar in 26 patients and bilobar in 7 patients (21%). Cholangiocarcinoma, congenital hepatic fibrosis, and intrahepatic stones were present in 2, 10, and 20 patients, respectively. Transplantations or liver resections were performed in 5 and 27 patients, respectively, whereas 1 asymptomatic patient was managed conservatively. Results:Postoperative mortality was nil. Postoperative complications occurred in 16 of 32 operated patients (50%) and additional procedures for residual stones were required in 5 patients. During a median follow-up of 80 months (1 patient being lost for follow-up) no patient developed metachronous carcinoma. Six patients (30%) developed recurrent intrahepatic stones but satisfactory late outcome was achieved in 27 patients (87%). Conclusions:Partial or total liver resection achieves satisfactory late outcome in congenital IHBD dilatations, when the affection is treated at an early stage and when the extent of liver resection is tailored to intrahepatic disease extent and takes into consideration the presence and severity of underlying chronic liver and renal diseases.
Quantifying the natural history of biofilm formation in vivo during the establishment of chronic implant‐associated Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in mice to identify critical pathogen and host factors

While it is well known that Staphylococcus aureus establishes chronic implant‐associated osteomyelitis by generating and persisting in biofilm, research to elucidate pathogen, and host specific factors controlling this process has been limited due to the absence of a quantitative in vivo model. To address this, we developed a murine tibia implant model with ex vivo region of interest (ROI) imaging analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Implants were coated with Staphylococcus aureus strains (SH1000, UAMS‐1, USA300LAC) with distinct in vitro biofilm phenotypes, were used to infect C57BL/6 or Balb/c mice. In contrast to their in vitro biofilm phenotype, results from all bacteria strains in vivo were similar, and demonstrated that biofilm on the implant is established within the first day, followed by a robust proliferation phase peaking on Day 3 in Balb/c mice, and persisting until Day 7 in C57BL/6 mice, as detected by SEM and bioluminescent imaging. Biofilm formation peaked at Day 14, covering ∼40% of the ROI coincident with massive agr‐dependent bacterial emigration, as evidenced by large numbers of empty lacunae with few residual bacteria, which were largely culture negative (80%) and PCR positive (87.5%), supporting the clinical relevance of this implant model. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1311–1319, 2015.
Identification of activity‐dependent gene expression profiles reveals specific subsets of genes induced by different routes of Ca2+ entry in cultured rat cortical neurons

Neuronal activity‐dependent gene transcription is a key feature of long‐lasting synaptic strengthening associated with learning and memory, as well as activity‐dependent neuroprotection. To comprehensively determine the molecular alterations, we carried out genome‐wide microarray analysis in cultured rat cortical neurons treated with specific pharmacological agents, a model with alterations in neuronal activity, which were monitored by multi‐site electrophysiological recordings. Of the approximately 27,000 genes, the expression of 248 genes was strongly changed in response to enhanced activity. These genes encompass a large number of members of distinct families, including synaptic vesicle proteins, ion channels, signal transduction molecules, synaptic growth regulators, and others. Two subsets of these genes were further confirmed to be specifically induced by Ca2+ influx through N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). In addition, those genes dynamically regulated by the enhanced activity were also elucidated, as well as those candidate genes associated with synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. Our findings therefore would help define the molecular mechanisms that occur in response to neuronal activity and identify specific clusters of genes that contribute to activity‐dependent and Ca2+‐inducible modulation of brain development and function. J. Cell. Physiol. 212: 126–136, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simultaneous quantification of 14 bioactive constituents in Forsythia suspensa by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry.

INTRODUCTION Forsythia suspensa is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine including phenylethanoid glycosides, lignans, flavonoids, terpenes and volatile oils. Quantification of multi-components is important for the quality control of Forsythia suspensa. OBJECTIVE To establish a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of 14 bioactive constituents of Forsythia suspensa in different places of China and different parts of this herb. METHODOLOGY The optimal chromatographic conditions were achieved on a Kromasil C(18) column (150 yen 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with gradient elution of methanol, acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in 27 min. Detection was performed in negative ionisation mode by monitoring the precursor-product combination in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The validation of the method included tests of linearity, sensitivity, precision, repeatability, stability and accuracy. RESULTS All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r > 0.9990) within test ranges. The established method showed good precision and accuracy with overall intra-day and inter-day variations of 0.7-4.3 and 1.1-3.9% respectively, and overall recoveries of 96.65-101.2% for the compounds analysed. CONCLUSION The proposed method was successfully applied for the quantitative analysis of 14 constituents in 12 Forsythia suspensa samples.
An assessment of the consistency of ASA physical status classification allocation

The American Society of Anesthesiologists’(ASA) Physical Status Classification was tested for consistency of use by anaesthetists. A postal questionnaire was sent to 113 anaesthetists of varying experience working in the Northern Region of England. They were asked to allot ASA grades to 10 hypothetical patients. Ninety‐seven (85.8%) responded to two mailings. In no case was there complete agreement on ASA grade, and in only one case were responses restricted to two of the five possible grades. In one case there was a significant difference in answers between anaesthetists with the FRCA (or equivalent) qualification, and those without. So much variation was observed between individual anaesthetist's assessments when describing common clinical problems that the ASA grade alone cannot be considered to satisfactorily describe the physical status of a patient.
A randomized phase III trial of combined paclitaxel, carboplatin, and radiation therapy followed by either weekly paclitaxel or observation in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer.

7076 Background: This study investigates the efficacy and safety of additional consolidation chemotherapy delivered after standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy (XRT) in stage III NSCLC. The goal was to increase the median survival time beyond the standard of 12 months and the 5-year survival rate by 8%. METHODS Eligible patients (N=220) had confirmed stage IIIA or IIIB NSCLC, and an ECOG performance status 0-1. All patients were initially treated with induction chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 + carboplatin AUC=6 every 3 weeks for 2 cycles. Patients then received weekly paclitaxel 45 mg/m2 plus carboplatin AUC=2 for 7 weeks, with concurrent daily XRT to a cumulative dose of 66.6 Gy in 37 daily fractions. After initial standard therapy, 101 were not randomized, due to: progressive disease (34), toxicity (33), patient request (13), death (7), or other (14). Following completion of this standard therapy, the remaining 119 patients were randomly assigned to either non-consolidation or 6 months of additional consolidation weekly paclitaxel (70mg/m2IV). In the consolidation arm, a median of 7 weekly cycles were delivered. RESULTS For the non-consolidation vs. consolidation arms, the overall response rate was 71% vs. 63%, the estimated 3-year PFS was 19% vs. 7% (median 9.5 months vs. 8.2 months), and the estimated 3-year survival was 34% vs. 23% (median 26.9 months vs. 16.1 months). The frequency of grade 3 (71% vs. 66%) and grade 4 (17% vs. 15%) toxicity was similar in the non-consolidation vs. the consolidation arms. CONCLUSION In this trial, the median survival in both arms surpassed the standard, most notably the 26.9 month survival in the non-consolidation arm. Consolidation chemotherapy when added to a regimen of both induction and concurrent chemoradiotherapy did not improve clinical outcomes, with clinical endpoints favoring the non-consolidation arm. Supported by Bristol-Myers Squibb, Plainsboro, NJ. [Table: see text].
Molecular Mechanisms of Transactivation and Doxorubicin-mediated Repression of survivin Gene in Cancer Cells*

Human maintenance DNA cytosine methyltransferase (DNMT1) regulates gene expression in a methylation-dependent and -independent manner. Anti-apoptotic survivin gene down-regulation is mediated by p53 recruitment of DNMT1 to its promoter. Survivin inhibits programmed cell death, regulates cell division, and is expressed in cancer cells. The survivin gene promoter is CG-rich containing several Sp1 canonical, Sp1-like, cell cycle-dependent element/cell cycle gene homology region, and p53-binding sites. Here we demonstrate that Sp1 transcription factor(s) play a role in transcriptional activation of the survivin promoter in Drosophila and human cells. Sp1 inhibition in vivo by mithramycin A leads to down-regulation of a luciferase reporter driven by the human survivin promoter in transfected cells. Mithramycin A or Sp1-specific short interfering RNA down-regulated the endogenous survivin gene expression, confirming Sp1 as the primary determinant for transcriptional activation. Furthermore, immobilized DNMT1 ligand bound to seven consensus amino acids corresponding to the N-terminal region of the Sp class of transcription factors in a phage display analysis. In the co-immunoprecipitation assay, the endogenous Sp1 or Sp3 pulled down DNMT1 and methyltransferase activity. Similarly, a glutathione S-transferase pulldown assay between DNMT1 and Sp1 demonstrates a direct interaction between the two proteins. Fluorescent fusions of DNMT1 and Sp1 co-localized in the mammalian nucleus, thus supporting binary complex formation between both the proteins. The kinetics of survivin promoter occupancy via chromatin immunoprecipitation following doxorubicin treatment show the presence of Sp1 and gradual accumulation of transcriptional repressors p53, DNMT1, histone methyltransferase G9a, and HDAC1 onto the promoter along with histone H3K9me2. These data suggest that the Sp1 transcription factor acts as a platform for recruitment of transcriptional repressors.
A longitudinal minimum safety distance model based on driving intention and fuzzy reasoning

Longitudinal minimum safety distance (LMSD) is a key indicator to determinate the probability of longitudinal vehicular collision. A novel LMSD model based on fuzzy reasoning was designed with consideration of driver's intention and driving circumstance. The model simulation was realized in MATLAB/Simulink and the experimental tests were performed under various driver's intentions, weather conditions and pavement conditions. Based on the comparisons of safety distances achieved from the model simulations, the vehicular collision tendency can be estimated and some dedicated precautionary measures can thus be performed in advance. The experiential results show that this model can effectively reveals the influence of the driver's intentions and driving circumstance on the longitudinal minimum safety distance, and can improve the reliability, timeliness and accuracy of collision warning.
Broadband near-field scanning microwave microscopy investigation of fullerene exposure of breast cancer cells

Fullerene C60 is a nanoparticle being actively investigated for possible applications in biology and medicine since, owing to its lipophilicity, it should be able to be incorporated in or to permeate across a cellular membrane. Once exposing cells to such nanoparticles, the problem becomes how to assess the actual presence of fullerene in cells. Here we used a home-made broadband near-field scanning microwave microscope, in both time and frequency domains, and a commercial scanning capacitance microscope to investigate the ability of fullerene to permeate MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We found that, while the electromagnetic properties of the cell membrane are changed by fullerene exposure, surface roughness is a more reliable indicator of fullerene exposure.
Motor planning in congenital hemiplegia

Purpose. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a broad definition of a neurological condition in which disorders in movement execution and postural control limit the performance of activities of daily living. In this paper, we first review studies on motor planning in hemiplegic CP. Second, preliminary data of a recent study on eye-hand coordination in participants with hemiplegic CP are presented. Here, the potential role of vision for online and prospective control of action was examined. Method. Review and presentation of preliminary data of an eye- and hand movement registration experiment in hemiplegic CP. Results. Deficits in motor planning in hemiplegic CP contribute to limitations of activities of daily living. In the second part, exemplary plots of eye-hand coordination are presented for the affected and unaffected hand in one participant with hemiplegic CP, and for the preferred hand in controls, both as an illustration of the research methodology and to give an impression of the observed gaze patterns. Conclusion. Research on CP should not solely focus on low-level aspects of action execution, but also take into account the more high-level aspects of motor control, such as planning. Possible deviations therein may be sought in altered gaze patterns as illustrated in the paper.
CircularCache: Scalable and Adaptive Cache Management for Massive Storage Systems

In order to enhance the performance of HDD-based storage systems, low-latency and high-IOPS SSDs are usually deployed as a cache above HDDs. With explosive data growth, a large-scale SSD-based cache tend to adopt partition management for overall cached data distribution across multiple cache nodes. We proposed an adaptive and scalable SSD- based cache called CircularCache, which distributes hot data across multiple cache nodes. The hotter virtual disks deserve more allocated free space in the SSD-cache. This paper exploited a dynamic replacement algorithm called VBQ(VDI-Based Queues) to manage the SSD-cache. The VBQ scheme manages the SSD-cache by dynamically manipulating the upper- bounds and lower-bounds of multiple queues based on the total access number of virtual disks. To mitigate negative impacts of destaging on overall storage performance, the dirty data in the cache will be written back to data nodes during idle time. At the same time, we utilize the redundant storage space in the data nodes as logging area to retain reliability of the dirty data on the SSDcache. The prototype of CircularCache is implemented based on Sheepdog. Experimental results show that CircularCache offers a performance improvement by up to 270% compared with the standard distributed storage system without an SSD-based cache.