Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of Biomarkers to Guide Decisions on Systemic Therapy for Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline.

PURPOSE To provide recommendations on the appropriate use of breast tumor biomarker assay results to guide decisions on systemic therapy for metastatic breast cancer. METHODS A literature search and prospectively defined study selection identified systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective-retrospective studies, and prospective comparative observational studies published from 2006 through September 2014. RESULTS The literature search revealed 17 articles that met criteria for further review: 11 studies reporting discordances between primary tumors and metastases in expression of hormone receptors or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), one RCT that addressed the use of a biomarker to decide whether to change or continue a treatment regimen, and five prospective-retrospective studies that evaluated the clinical utility of biomarkers. RECOMMENDATIONS In patients with accessible metastases, biopsy for confirmation of disease process and retesting of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 status should be offered, but evidence is lacking to determine whether changing anticancer treatment on the basis of change in receptor status affects clinical outcomes. With discordance of results between primary and metastatic tissues, the Panel consensus is to use preferentially the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 status of the metastasis to direct therapy if supported by the clinical scenario and patient's goals for care. Carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen 15-3, and cancer antigen 27-29 may be used as adjunctive assessments, but not alone, to contribute to decisions regarding therapy. Recommendations for tumor rebiopsy and use of circulating tumor markers are based on clinical experience and Panel informal consensus in the absence of studies designed to evaluate the clinical utility of the markers. As such, it is also reasonable for clinicians to not use these markers as adjunctive assessments.
Can intracoronary ultrasound correctly assess the luminal dimensions of coronary artery lesions? A comparison with quantitative angiography.

In 62 patients with angina pectoris Canadian Class III and IV, the luminal dimensions of 25 pre-PTCA and 56 post-PTCA lesions without occlusion were examined with a 4.3 F 30 MHz mechanical ultrasound imaging catheter, and analysed off-line using ultrasound cross-sectional area (U-CSA) measurements from s-VHS video images (n = 81). In addition, 42 angiographically normal coronary segments were examined. At the site of the examination, the U-CSA was integrated centrally to the leading edge echo of the inner contour of the vessel wall and the corresponding angiographic cinefilm images were analysed by edge detection using the Cardiovascular Angiography Analysis System. The obstruction diameter (at the lesion) and the mean vessel diameter (at normal sites) were used to calculate the angiographic cross-sectional area (A-CSA) assuming a circular model. U-CSA values were compared with the corresponding A-CSA values using t-test and linear regression analysis. The study showed that larger CSA are measured with ultrasound than with angiography. (P < 0.0001). An acceptable correlation was found between U-CSA and A-CSA values in normal coronary segments (correlation coefficient: r = 0.73, mean diff. = 1.44 +/- 1.22 mm2). However, the correlation was poor at the site of pre-PTCA lesions (r = 0.62, mean diff. = 1.81 +/- 1.14 mm2) and deteriorated following PTCA (r = 0.47, mean diff. = 1.28 +/- 2.20 mm2). No correlation was found between the degree of lumen eccentricity measured with intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) and the individual differences between U-CSA and A-CSA values. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
3D bioprinting of BMSC-laden methacrylamide gelatin scaffolds with CBD-BMP2-collagen microfibers

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting combines biomaterials, cells and functional components into complex living tissues. Herein, we assembled function-control modules into cell-laden scaffolds using 3D bioprinting. A customized 3D printer was able to tune the microstructure of printed bone mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-laden methacrylamide gelatin scaffolds at the micrometer scale. For example, the pore size was adjusted to 282 ± 32 μm and 363 ± 60 μm. To match the requirements of the printing nozzle, collagen microfibers with a length of 22 ± 13 μm were prepared with a high-speed crusher. Collagen microfibers bound bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) with a collagen binding domain (CBD) as differentiation-control module, from which BMP2 was able to be controllably released. The differentiation behaviors of BMSCs in the printed scaffolds were compared in three microenvironments: samples without CBD-BMP2-collagen microfibers in the growth medium, samples without microfibers in the osteogenic medium and samples with microfibers in the growth medium. The results indicated that BMSCs showed high cell viability (>90%) during printing; CBD-BMP2-collagen microfibers induced BMSC differentiation into osteocytes within 14 days more efficiently than the osteogenic medium. Our studies suggest that these function-control modules are attractive biomaterials and have potential applications in 3D bioprinting.
A hot-swap controller amplifier module for active magnetic bearings with supreme reliability – Electronic circuitry and error detection strategies

Active magnetic bearings (AMBs) represent an innovative contact free suspension technology with many advantages such as online adaptability of bearing stiffness and damping which makes AMBs especially suited for high speed rotor applications. Disadvantageous is the rather high system complexity which leads to a reduced overall reliability. To enhance AMB's reliability a new AMB concept has been developed using independently working hot-swap controller amplifier modules (HCA) for bearing control. Within this work the HCA electronic and the developed fault diagnosis is described which allows a complete functional test of all components during system operation as well as a safe deactivation of the HCA even in case of a component fault. Measurement results demonstrate the functionality of the developed HCA prototype.
Mechanical properties of amorphous cellulose using molecular dynamics simulations with a reactive force field

The research objective is to gain a better fundamental understanding of the mechanical behaviour of cellulose structure in wood microfibre for enhancing the mechanical properties of cellulosic-based composites. Molecular static and molecular dynamics simulations were used to both generate and deform the amorphous cellulose structure in a three-dimensional periodic simulation cell. The 14-b-D-glucose structure was chosen along with a reactive force field, ReaxFF, to model the atomic interactions and complex bonding of cellulose. Mechanical properties were calculated for these models and predicted geometric, energetic and elastic material properties were compared to published modelling results and experimental measurements. The significance of the research is that this sets the stage for future polymer-cellulose predictive micromechanical models. These predictive models can be used to elucidate the interfacial compatibility between the cellulose and polymer and how deposited nanoparticles and nanophases on cellulose surfaces affect this interfacial strength.
Effectiveness of Existing CAD-Based Research Work towards Screening Breast Cancer

Accurate detection as well as classification of the breast cancer is still an unsolved question in the medical image processing techniques. We reviewed the existing Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD)-based techniques to find that there has been enough work carried out towards both detection as well as classification of the breast cancer; however, all the existing techniques were implemented in highly controlled research environment. The prime contribution of this paper is it reviews some of the significant journals published during 2005–2016 and discusses its effectiveness thoroughly. The paper finally discusses about the open research issues that require a serious attention from the research community in order to address the existing issues. At the end, the paper makes some suggestion for carrying out future work direction in order to bridge the research gap explored from the existing system.
Fast Statistical Analysis of Process Variation Effects Using Accurate PLL Behavioral Models

Using the behavioral model of a circuit to perform behavioral Monte Carlo simulation (BMCS) is a fast approach to estimate performance shift under process variation with detailed circuit responses. However, accurate Monte Carlo analysis results are difficult to obtain if the behavioral model is not accurate enough. Therefore, this paper proposes to use an efficient bottom-up approach to generate accurate process-variation-aware behavioral models of CPPLL circuits. Without blind regressions, only one input pattern in the extraction mode sufficiently obtains all required parameters in the behavioral model. A quasi-SA approach is also proposed to accurately reflect process variation effects. Considering generic circuit behaviors, the quasi-SA approach saves considerable simulation time for complicated curve fitting but still keeps estimation accuracy. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed bottom-up modeling flow and quasi-SA equations provide similar accuracy as in the RSM approach, using less extraction cost as in the traditional sensitivity analysis approach.
Combinatorial SNARE Complexes Modulate the Secretion of Cytoplasmic Granules in Human Neutrophils1

Mobilization of human neutrophil granules is critical for the innate immune response against infection and for the outburst of inflammation. Human neutrophil-specific and tertiary granules are readily exocytosed upon cell activation, whereas azurophilic granules are mainly mobilized to the phagosome. These cytoplasmic granules appear to be under differential secretory control. In this study, we show that combinatorial soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complexes with vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMPs), 23-kDa synaptosome-associated protein (SNAP-23), and syntaxin 4 underlie the differential mobilization of granules in human neutrophils. Specific and tertiary granules contained VAMP-1, VAMP-2, and SNAP-23, whereas the azurophilic granule membranes were enriched in VAMP-1 and VAMP-7. Ultrastructural, coimmunoprecipitation, and functional assays showed that SNARE complexes containing VAMP-1, VAMP-2, and SNAP-23 mediated the rapid exocytosis of specific/tertiary granules, whereas VAMP-1 and VAMP-7 mainly regulated the secretion of azurophilic granules. Plasma membrane syntaxin 4 acted as a general target SNARE for the secretion of the distinct granule populations. These data indicate that at least two SNARE complexes, made up of syntaxin 4/SNAP-23/VAMP-1 and syntaxin 4/SNAP-23/VAMP-2, are involved in the exocytosis of specific and tertiary granules, whereas interactions between syntaxin 4 and VAMP-1/VAMP-7 are involved in the exocytosis of azurophilic granules. Our data indicate that quantitative and qualitative differences in SNARE complex formation lead to the differential mobilization of the distinct cytoplasmic granules in human neutrophils, and a higher capability to form diverse SNARE complexes renders specific/tertiary granules prone to exocytosis.
Imaging of G protein-coupled receptors in solid-supported planar lipid membranes

This contribution summarizes first some of our efforts in imaging G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) functional inserted into planar tethered lipid bilayer membranes (tBLMs) as a novel platform for biophysical studies. The authors introduced recently a novel approach for the functional incorporation of membrane proteins, i.e., by their cell-free expression and in vitro reconstitution in the presence of tBLMs. By the combination of the corresponding coding DNA with the protein synthesis machinery of a cell-extract (in vitro transcription and translation), the authors observe spontaneous and vectorial insertions of an interesting example of the GPCR family into a tethered bimolecular lipid membrane: the olfactory receptor OR5. After synthesis, imaging of the surface area is performed and the resulting signals are analyzed in order to resolve quantity and lateral mobilities. Ligand-independent aggregation behavior of the GPCRs and quantitative analysis of the fluorescent signals are presented in this work.
LCL filter design for three-phase two-level power factor correction using line impedance stabilization network

This paper presents LCL filter design method for three-phase two-level power factor correction (PFC) using line impedance stabilization network (LISN). A straightforward LCL filter design along with variation in grid impedance is not simply achievable and inevitably lead to an iterative solution for filter. By introducing of fast power switches for PFC applications such as silicon-carbide, major current harmonics around the switching frequency drops in the region that LISN can actively provide well-defined impedance for measuring the harmonics (i.e. 9 kHz- 30MHz). Therefore, LISN can be replaced with unknown grid impedance at high frequency, simplify the model of the filter, and provide repetitive measurements. In this paper, all the filter parameters are derived with analyzing the behavior of the converter at high frequency with presence of LISN impedance. The minimum required filter capacitor is derived using the current ripple behavior of converter-side inductor. The grid-side inductor is achieved as a function of LISN impedance to fulfill the grid regulation. To verify the analyses, an LCL filter is designed for a 5 kW SiC-based PFC. The simulation and experimental results support the validity of the method.
A sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger (sNHE) is critical for expression and in vivo bicarbonate regulation of the soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC)

We previously identified a sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger (sNHE) principally localized to the flagellum. Disruption of the sNHE gene in mice resulted in absolute male infertility associated with a complete loss of sperm motility. Here, we show that the sNHE-null spermatozoa fail to develop the cAMP-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation that coincides with the functional maturation occurring upon incubation in capacitating conditions in vitro. Both the sperm motility defect and the lack of induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation are rescued by the addition of cell-permeable cAMP analogs, suggesting that cAMP metabolism is impaired in spermatozoa lacking sNHE. Our analyses of the bicarbonate-dependent soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) signaling pathway in sNHE-null sperm cells reveal that sNHE is required for the expression of full-length sAC, and that it is important for the bicarbonate stimulation of sAC activity in spermatozoa. Furthermore, both codependent expression and coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that sNHE and sAC associate with each other. Thus, these two proteins appear to be components of a signaling complex at the sperm flagellar plasma membrane. We propose that the formation of this complex efficiently modulates intracellular pH and bicarbonate levels through the rapid and effective control of sAC and sNHE activities to facilitate sperm motility regulation.
Metaphors of information system for e-commerce

Four different metaphors of information technologies are investigated for appropriate understanding of human-computer interaction. These four metaphors can help understand different types of e-commerce. The contexts that are compatible to each metaphor are identified by critical review of activity theory and action theory. Appropriate IS research disciplines and perspectives are discussed according to each different metaphor.
Multi-Channels: The Real Winners in the B2C Internet Wars

This article presents evidence that multi-channel retailers are out-performing online-only (“pure-play”) retailers, and that their success is reflected in their market value. Multi-channel retailers are most successful when they define distinct roles for each channel, use the Web creatively as a customer acquisition tool, and work hard at converting browsers to buyers. To help get this last part right, the authors isolate key defection points – critical moments when retailers are apt to lose customers. They conclude that, for retailers, the key to making the most of the Internet is to correctly determine its strategic role in relation to other channels and invest to play that role excellently.
Regional Selective Assistance in Scotland: Does it make a difference to plant productivity?

This paper examines whether receipt of a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant has a causal impact on plant total factor productivity (TFP). To tackle the problem of self-selection into the treatment group, propensity score matching is employed. In order to control for the endogeneity of other variables in the model, estimations are performed using the system GMM estimator. The results show that for low technology manufacturing, receipt of an RSA grant leads to a fall in TFP.
Burn-in elimination of a high volume microprocessor using I/sub DDQ/

For many years at this conference and others, I/sup DDQ/ has been a subject of much controversy involving its ability to enhance production test. While standard industry methods such as stuck-at functional testing and scan based testing are largely accepted by the global test community, I/sub DDQ/ testing continues to spark debate in the industry. This paper shows that I/sub DDQ/ testing is not only beneficial to production test, but also enabled the i960/sup R/JX Microprocessor to ZOBI the standard production flow. ZOBI is an internal Intel term meaning 'Zero Hour Burn In' which will be explained further in a later section. This paper details the methodology employed for I/sub DDQ/ vector selection, tester manipulation, program flow, limits selection, and production qualification. The effect of I/sub DDQ/ on burn-in elimination and outgoing quality is demonstrated.
Walking During Daily Life Can Be Validly and Responsively Assessed in Subjects With a Spinal Cord Injury

Objective. This study assessed the validity and responsiveness of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM II) items indoor mobility, mobility for moderate distances, and outdoor mobility. Methods. The data of 886 spinal cord injury subjects were derived from the European Multicenter Study for Human Spinal Cord Injury (EM-SCI) and analyzed at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. The SCIM II items were compared using the preferred walking speed and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II). The responsiveness to assess differences over time was determined. The analyses were performed for subjects with varying impairment scales according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). Results. An initially moderate correlation between walking capacity and the SCIM II mobility items improved to excellent at 6 and 12 months after injury. The correlations were higher for indoor mobility compared with outdoor mobility. These correlations increased in ASIA C, but decreased over time in ASIA D subjects. The SCIM II mobility items showed initially positive responsiveness in ASIA A and B subjects. In ASIA C and D subjects, SCIM II responsiveness was significant within the first 6 months. Conclusions . The SCIM II items assess mobility (wheelchair and walking) during daily life. They show good validity and responsiveness, including postdischarge. They can be considered appropriate for evaluating the efficacy of new interventions on ambulatory function. Depending on the severity of the initial lesion and time of assessment, clinically applied walking tests can accurately predict walking performance during daily life.
Efficiency-Equality Trade-off within French and German Couples - A Comparative Experimental Study

We present the results of an experiment measuring social preferences within couples in a context where intra-household pay-off inequality can be reduced at the cost of diminishing household income. We measure social norms regarding this efficiency-equality trade-off by reported beliefs on the behavior of peers, and we implement a cross-country comparison between France and Germany. In particular, we show that German households are more income inequality averse and thus less income-maximizing than French households. Decomposition reveals that diverging sample compositions in the two countries drive less than half of the difference, while over half of the initial French/German difference remains unexplained. Beliefs differ significantly from observed behavior in both countries. Income-maximizing choices are overestimated in the German sample and underestimated in the French.
A Helix-Loop-Helix Peptide at the Upper Lip of the Active Site Cleft of Lysozyme Confers Potent Antimicrobial Activity with Membrane Permeabilization Action*

Recently, we have found that partially unfolded lysozyme exerts broad spectrum antimicrobial action in vitro against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria independent of its catalytic activity. In parallel, an internal peptide (residues 98–112) of hen egg white lysozyme, obtained after digestion with clostripain, possessed broad spectrum antimicrobial actionin vitro. This internal peptide is part of a helix-loop-helix domain (87–114 sequence of hen lysozyme) located at the upper lip of the active site cleft of lysozyme. The helix-loop-helix (HLH) structures are known motifs commonly found in membrane-active and DNA-binding proteins. To evaluate the contribution of the HLH peptide to the antimicrobial properties of lysozyme, the HLH sequence and its secondary structure derivatives of chicken and human lysozyme were synthesized and tested for antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains. We found that the full HLH peptide of both chicken and human lysozymes was potently microbicidal against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the fungus Candida albicans. The N-terminal helix of HLH was specifically bactericidal to Gram-positive bacteria, whereas the C-terminal helix was bactericidal to all tested strains. Outer and inner membrane permeabilization studies, as well as measurements of transmembrane electrochemical potentials, provided evidence that HLH peptide and its C-terminal helix domain kill Gram-negative bacteria by crossing the outer membrane via self-promoted uptake and causing damage to the inner membrane through channel formation. The results are discussed in terms of proposed mechanisms for the catalytically independent antimicrobial activity of lysozyme that offer a new strategy for the design of potential antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of infectious diseases.