Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postinduction dexamethasone and individualized dosing of Escherichia Coli L-asparaginase each improve outcome of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results from a randomized study--Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 00-01.

PURPOSE We assessed the toxicity and efficacy of dexamethasone and a novel dosing method of Escherichia coli L-asparaginase (EC-Asnase) in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients achieving complete remission (CR) on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 00-01 were eligible for random assignment to 1) dexamethasone or prednisone, administered as 5-day pulses, every 3 weeks, and 2) weekly EC-Asnase, administered as a 25,000 IU/m(2) fixed dose (FD) or individualized dose (ID) starting at 12,500-IU/m(2), adjusted every 3 weeks based on nadir serum asparaginase activity (NSAA) determinations. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2004, 492 evaluable patients (ages 1 to 18 years) enrolled; 473 patients (96%) achieved CR. Four hundred eight patients (86%) participated in the corticosteroid randomization and 384 patients (81%) in the EC-Asnase randomization. With 4.9 years of median follow-up, dexamethasone was associated with superior 5-year event-free survival (EFS; 90% v 81% for prednisone; P = .01) but higher rates of infection (P = .03) and, in older children, higher cumulative incidence of osteonecrosis (P = .02) and fracture (P = .06). ID EC-Asnase had superior 5-year EFS (90% v 82% for FD; P = .04), but did not reduce the frequency of asparaginase-related toxicity. Multivariable analysis identified both dexamethasone and ID EC-Asnase as independent predictors of favorable EFS. CONCLUSION There was no overall difference in skeletal toxicity by corticosteroid type; dexamethasone was associated with more infections and, in older children, increased incidence of osteonecrosis and fracture. There was no difference in asparaginase-related toxicity by EC-Asnase dosing method. Dexamethasone and ID EC-Asnase were each associated with superior EFS. Monitoring NSAA during treatment with EC-Asnase may be an effective strategy to improve outcome in pediatric ALL.
L2-Boosting-based dictionary learning for super-resolution

Based on the assumption of sparse representation and the theory of compressed sensing, Yang et al. propose an excellent super-resolution algorithm. However, the process of training coupled dictionaries cannot be perfectly connected with the process of reconstructing super-resolution images in theory. Therefore, a novel dictionary-based super-resolution algorithm is proposed in this paper. Different from Yang's algorithm, the low- and high-resolution dictionaries are separately trained by employing an L2-Boosting algorithm. Extensive experiments validate that our algorithm can surpass Yang's algorithm in both visual perception and statistical performance.
A single weighting approach to analyze respondent-driven sampling data

Background and objectives: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is widely used to sample hidden populations and RDS data are analyzed using specially designed RDS analysis tool (RDSAT). RDSAT estimates parameters such as proportions. Analysis with RDSAT requires separate weight assignment for individual variables even in a single individual; hence, regression analysis is a problem. RDS-analyst is another advanced software that can perform three methods of estimates, namely, successive sampling method, RDS I and RDS II. All of these are in the process of refinement and need special skill to perform analysis. We propose a simple approach to analyze RDS data for comprehensive statistical analysis using any standard statistical software. Methods: We proposed an approach (RDS-MOD - respondent driven sampling-modified) that determines a single normalized weight (similar to RDS II of Volz-Heckathorn) for each participant. This approach converts the RDS data into clustered data to account the pre-existing relationship between recruits and the recruiters. Further, Taylor's linearization method was proposed for calculating confidence intervals for the estimates. Generalized estimating equation approach was used for regression analysis and parameter estimates of different software were compared. Results: The parameter estimates such as proportions obtained by our approach were matched with those from currently available special software for RDS data. Interpretation & conclusions: The proposed weight was comparable to different weights generated by RDSAT. The estimates were comparable to that by RDS II approach. RDS-MOD provided an efficient and easy-to-use method of estimation and regression accounting inter-individual recruits’ dependence.
The membrane-associated protein pKe#192/MAP17 in human keratinocytes.

UNLABELLED In order to isolate genes that are upregulated in human keratinocytes upon loss of cell/matrix contact, a subtractive cDNA library was constructed from dispase-treated versus untreated keratinocytes. Among the cloned cDNAs one was pKe#192 having an open reading frame of 411 bp. By database analysis pKe#192 was found to be identical with the gene "MAP17" previously isolated from human kidney. Kyte-Doolittle hydrophobicity analyzes showed a hydrophobic amino terminus of 13 amino acids, a transmembrane region and a 61 amino acid hydrophilic carboxy-terminus and two potential phosphorylation sites. In order to study regulation of pKe#192/MAP17 expression, RNA was extracted from resting human keratinocytes and from keratinocytes stimulated by dispase-induced detachment from the growth substratum. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction did not reveal specific mRNA in resting keratinocytes, whereas mRNA was detectable after detachment. For further characterization poly- and monoclonal antibodies were generated against a recombinant fusion protein. Immunohistologic studies using the mono- and polyclonal antibodies showed staining of the upper layers of the stratum granulosum in normal human epidermis. The staining was colocalized with involucrin. Immunhistologic staining of frozen sections derived from lesional skin of bullous pemphigoid und pemphigus vulgaris indicated that pKe#192/MAP17 was upregulated in the epidermis adjacent to the blister. Taken together, the data demonstrate that pKe#192/MAP17 is expressed in keratinocytes and may be involved in epidermal physiology and pathology. KEYWORDS bullous diseases/differentiation.
Objectively assessed secondhand smoke exposure and mental health in adults: cross-sectional and prospective evidence from the Scottish Health Survey.

CONTEXT Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure has been related to various somatic health outcomes, although very little is known about the association between SHS exposure and mental health. OBJECTIVE To assess the associations between mental health and SHS exposure, which was objectively measured using the salivary cotinine level as a circulating biochemical marker. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In a cross-sectional and longitudinal study, a representative sample of 5560 nonsmoking adults (mean [SD] age, 49.8 [15.4] years; 45.5% men) and 2595 smokers (mean [SD] age, 44.8 [14.8] years; 50.2% men) without history of mental illness was drawn from the 1998 and 2003 Scottish Health Survey. A priori, study participants with cotinine values of 15.00 microg/L or higher (to convert to nanomoles per liter, multiply by 5.675) were assumed to be smokers and recategorized as such in all analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A score greater than 3 on the 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used as an indicator of psychological distress. Incident psychiatric hospital admissions over 6 years of follow-up were also recorded. RESULTS Psychological distress was apparent in 14.5% of the sample. In logistic regression analyses of the cross-sectional data, after adjustments for a range of covariates, high SHS exposure among nonsmokers (cotinine level >0.70 and <15.00 microg/L) was associated with higher odds of psychological distress (odds ratio = 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.97) in comparison with participants with cotinine levels below the limit of detection (< or = 0.05 microg/L). In prospective analyses, risk of a psychiatric hospital admission was related to high SHS exposure (multivariate adjusted hazard ratio = 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-7.59) and active smoking (multivariate adjusted hazard ratio = 3.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-8.98). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to SHS is associated with psychological distress and risk of future psychiatric illness in healthy adults. These concordant findings using 2 different research designs emphasize the importance of reducing SHS exposure at a population level not only for physical health but also for mental health.
Markov Chain Simulation for Estimating Accelerated Life Model Parameters

In this research, Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method was used to derive posterior knowledge of accelerated life model parameters in a Bayesian inference framework. The concept is discussed through a case study considering the fatigue life of a mechanical component. In the first step a comprehensive model including the relationship among parameters, design variables, material properties and available prior information is constructed. The accelerated life test data are then linked to this representation using a proper likelihood function. At the final stage evolution of model parameters during the Bayesian sequential updating are studied and the convergence of whole process is verified. For further validation, the approach is illustrated with examples using traditional MLE approach
Participation in Home Therapy Programs for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Compelling Challenge

In this grounded theory study, the authors purposed to generate a conceptual model of the experience of parents and therapists involved in home therapy programs for children with cerebral palsy. There were 12 participants: 4 therapists and 8 parents. Through constant comparative method of analysis, a process emerged interpreted as the compelling challenge comprising two time-distinct phases that described the parents’ journey of adjustment and their capacity to participate in activities to improve their child’s abilities. Initially, parents were coming to grips with the diagnosis, and this precluded their full involvement in home activities. However, at a point of breakthrough, they entered a phase of high participation interpreted as striving to maximize. The authors discuss the implications of this process for service providers and therapists.
Methadone and Buprenorphine for Opioid Dependence During Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives:To compare maternal characteristics, prenatal care, and newborn outcomes in a cohort of opioid-dependent pregnant women treated with methadone versus buprenorphine. Methods:In a retrospective cohort study, 609 pregnant, opioid-dependent women were treated with methadone (n = 248) or buprenorphine (n = 361) between 2000 and 2012 at a single institution. Results:Mothers treated with buprenorphine were more likely to start medication before or earlier in pregnancy, had longer gestation, and gave birth to larger infants. Newborns of buprenorphine- versus methadone-maintained mothers required treatment for neonatal abstinence significantly less often and for a shorter duration. Conclusions:These data suggest pregnancy outcomes with buprenorphine to treat opioid dependence during pregnancy in clinical practice are as good and often better than outcomes with methadone. These results are consistent with efficacy data from randomized clinical trials and further support the use of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence during pregnancy.
Risk factors for persistent carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

We determined risk factors associated with persistent carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among 102 patients enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of nasally administered mupirocin ointment. MRSA decolonization was unsuccessful in 77 (79%) of 98 patients who met the criteria for evaluation. By univariate analysis, 4 variables were found to be associated with persistent MRSA colonization (P < .1 for all 4): absence of mupirocin treatment, previous fluoroquinolone therapy, > or = 2 MRSA-positive body sites, and low-level mupirocin resistance. After multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling, the presence of > or = 2 positive body sites (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-2.9) and previous receipt of a fluoroquinolone (AHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0-3.3) were independently associated with MRSA persistence, whereas nasal mupirocin tended to confer protection (AHR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-1.0). Low-level mupirocin resistance was observed in 9 genotypically different MRSA strains and was not independently associated with chronic MRSA carriage (AHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.5). Our findings suggest that multisite MRSA carriage and previous receipt of a fluoroquinolone are independent risk factors for persistent MRSA colonization.
Architecture of a Dynamically Reconfigurable NoC for Adaptive Reconfigurable MPSoC

This paper describes the architecture of our dynamically reconfigurable network-on-chip (NoC) architecture that has been proposed for reconfigurable multiprocessor system-on-chip (MPSoC), as a solution to the increased communication needs, low silicon cost, quality of service and scalability of network in mind. The novelty of the proposed NoC lies in the fact that it dynamically configures itself with respect to routing, switching and data packet size with the changing communication requirements of the system at run time, thus aiming to provide low latency, low power and high data throughput. Simulation results and a prototype implementation of the idea have shown its efficiency when simulated under different traffic condition at a negligible area overhead
Demographically Corrected Norms for the California Verbal Learning Test

The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) is designed to quantify components of verbal learning, retention and retrieval. The present study used multiple regression analyses to correct for demographic characteristics on CVLT performance measures. There were 906 subjects, of whom 549 were Caucasians (61%) and 357 were African Americans (39%). Age, education, ethnicity, and gender were found to be significant predictors of performance on several CVLT indices, including Total Words Recalled, Trial 1, Trial 5, List B, Short Delay Free Recall (SDFR), and Long Delay Free Recall (LDFR). Demographically corrected T-scores were calculated for a base sample of 672 subjects and cross-validated on 234 separate subjects. Tables and regression equations are offered to convert raw scores into T-scores corrected for age, gender, education, and ethnicity. Demographically corrected Recognition Discriminability cutoff scores were calculated for age and education levels. In order to provide some indices of important memory processes, we also computed indices of retrieval, Short-Delay forgetting and Long-Delay forgetting and present normative information for them.
cAMP cascade (PKA, Epac, adenylyl cyclase, Gi, and phosphodiesterases) regulates myelin phagocytosis mediated by complement receptor‐3 and scavenger receptor‐AI/II in microglia and macrophages

The removal by phagocytosis of degenerated myelin is central for repair in Wallerian degeneration that follows traumatic injury to axons and in autoimmune demyelinating diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis). We tested for roles played by the cAMP cascade in the regulation of myelin phagocytosis mediated by complement receptor‐3 (CR3/MAC‐1) and scavenger receptor‐AI/II (SRAI/II) separately and combined in mouse microglia and macrophages. Components of the cAMP cascade tested are cAMP, adenylyl cyclase (AC), Gi, protein kinase A (PKA), exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), and phosphodiesterases (PDE). PKA inhibitors H‐89 and PKI14‐22 amide inhibited phagocytosis at normal operating cAMP levels (i.e., those occurring in the absence of reagents that alter cAMP levels), suggesting activation of phagocytosis through PKA at normal cAMP levels. Phagocytosis was inhibited by reagents that elevate endogenous cAMP levels to above normal: Gi‐inhibitor Pertussis toxin (PTX), AC activator Forskolin, and PDE inhibitors IBMX and Rolipram. Phagocytosis was inhibited also by cAMP analogues whose addition mimics abnormal elevations in endogenous cAMP levels: nonselective 8‐bromo‐cAMP, PKA‐specific 6‐Benz‐cAMP, and Epac‐specific 8‐CPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP, suggesting that abnormal high cAMP levels inhibit phagocytosis through PKA and Epac. Altogether, observations suggest a dual role for cAMP and PKA in phagocytosis: activation at normal cAMP levels and inhibition at higher. Furthermore, a balance between Gi‐controlled cAMP production by AC and cAMP degradation by PDE maintains normal operating cAMP levels that enable efficient phagocytosis. ©2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel model-based path planning method for robot-assisted flexible needle insertion

In needle insertion procedures, path planning is crucial to the success of the operation. In this paper, a preoperative path planning algorithm is proposed that considers the needle-tissue interactions for flexible needle insertion operations. Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element (VFIFE) and Finite Element Method (FEM) are used to calculate the deformation of the needle and tissue, respectively. The non-linearity of the needle and the change of boundary conditions during the insertion process can be integrated easily. The Potential Field-guided Rapidly-Exploring Random Trees (PF-RRT) is applied to generate the initial path set, in which the candidate path will be selected. The needle control sequence that is to generate the optimal path is obtained from the selected candidate path by combining Iteration Learning Control (ILC) method with the needle-tissue interaction model. The simulation results show that the proposed method is effective to generate candidate needle insertion paths that consider needle-tissue interactions.
Assessment of HER-2/neu status in breast cancer using fluorescence in situ hybridization & immunohistochemistry: Experience of a tertiary cancer referral centre in India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Determination of HER2 status in breast cancer has become important to identify potential candidates for anti-HER2 therapy. In this study we compared fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the determination of HER2 status in breast cancer patients referred to a tertiary care referral centre. METHODS A total of 200 cases of invasive breast cancer were evaluated for HER2 status using IHC and FISH and results were compared. RESULTS The IHC 3+ (93.9%) and IHC negative (85.9%) cases showed good concordance with the corresponding FISH results; while 66.6 per cent of IHC 2+ cases showed gene amplification by FISH. In addition, hormone receptor expression and HER2 gene status showed a statistically significant inverse association (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION These findings reaffirm IHC as a prudent first-step to screen tissue samples for HER2 status and to determine suitability for technically demanding FISH test and the dual coloured FISH as a gold standard for determination of HER2/neu status in IHC equivocal cases of breast carcinoma.
Involvement of platelet activation in experimental osteonecrosis in rabbits

Osteonecrosis (ON) was produced experimentally in rabbits by intravenous injection of platelet activating factor (PAF) in combination with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on two occasions separated by a week‐long interval. Eleven of 15 rabbits (73%), with administration of both LPS (50 µg/kg) and PAF (10 µg/kg), exhibited microcirculatory injuries including extravasation of erythrocytes into sinusoidal spaces and formation of microthrombi in arterioles near regions of erythrocyte extravasation. Seven of 15 rabbits (47%), which received both LPS (50 µg/kg) and PAF (10 µg/kg), exhibited necrosis of trabeculae and 8 of 15 (53%) exhibited bone marrow necrosis. In addition, PAF receptor antagonist (0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg) significantly reduced the incidence of trabecular necrosis (0%) in this model. The findings of the present study suggest that platelet activation may play an important role in inducible ON, and that suppression of platelet activation may contribute prevention of ON.
Defense against malicious URL spreading in micro‐blog network with hub nodes

The micro‐blog network is one of the most popular social networking platforms. By calculating the degree centrality, we found that hub nodes play an important role in micro‐blog networks, which is the main power of message forwarding. To improve the security of the micro‐blog network, we proposed a defending scheme against malicious Uniform Resource Locator (URL) diffusing in micro‐blog networks with hub nodes. After a node found a new malicious URL, it will edit a warning massage about the malicious URL. If the normal node obtains malicious URL warning message, it will send private message with the warning message to the hub node and update its blog article. The malicious URL warning messages spread rapidly in the whole networks in a short period because of the influence of Hub nodes. At the same time, we add the comparison mechanism to reduce the redundancy of spreading the warning message in the networks. So the security of entire micro‐blog networks can be improved against malicious URL without increasing the network load. Experiments show that our scheme can effectively defend against the malicious URL in the any scale of micro‐blog networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transnational Protest and The Public Sphere

This article explores the impact of protests against economic globalization in the public sphere. The focus is on two periodical events targeted by transnational protests: the ministerial conferences of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the annual meetings of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Based on a selection of seven quality newspapers published in different parts of the world, we trace media attention, support of the activists, as well as the broader public debate on economic globalization. We find that starting with Seattle, protest events received extensive media coverage. Media support of the street activists, especially in the case of the anti-WEF protests, is however rather low. Nevertheless, despite the low levels of support that street protesters received, many of their issues obtain wide public support.
Contamination Risk of 100% Autologous Serum Eye Drops in Management of Ocular Surface Diseases

Purpose: To evaluate the sterility and safety of 100% nonpreserved, autologous, serum eye drop treatment in patients with ocular surface diseases. Methods: A total of 147 autologous serum bottles (294 samples) from 21 patients with ocular surface diseases were included. Seven bottles with autologous serum were prepared for each patient, and each bottle was used for only 1 day, then discarded. Two samples from each bottle were taken (before use and after 24 hours of use) and then cultured in standard media. The culture plates were held for at least 6 weeks or until no growth could be confirmed. To monitor safety, all patients were admitted and evaluated for the occurrence of infection. Results: In the pretreatment group, 4 samples from 4 patients (1.36%) were positive for bacteria and 7 samples from 7 patients (2.38%) were positive for fungi. In the 24-hour-after-treatment group, 1 culture (0.34%) was positive for bacteria, and 6 samples (2.04%) from 6 patients were positive for fungi. Aspergillus spp and Fonsecaea spp were the most common organisms identified in any of the cultures. Neither clinical nor microbiological evidence of infection was demonstrated in any patient during the treatment or follow-up periods. Conclusions: Although no ocular surface infection was observed, the patients under 100% autologous serum eye drops therapy should be closely monitored for clinical evidence of fungal and bacterial infections.