Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conventional radiotherapy with concurrent weekly Cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck cancers of squamous cell origin - a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND Platinum based concurrent chemo-radiation is the de-facto standard of care in the non-surgical management of locally-advanced head and neck cancer of squamous origin. Three-weekly single agent cisplatin at 100 mg/m2 concurrent with radical radiotherapy has demonstrated consistent improvement in loco-regional control and survival. This improvement is however at the cost of considerable hematologic toxicity and poor overall compliance. The routine use of this regime is improbable in developing countries with limited resources. We therefore aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of an alternative regime of weekly cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy in such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS January-05 and April-12, 188 patients of locally-advanced head and neck cancer of squamous origin were treated with concurrent weekly-cisplatin at 35 mg/m2 and conventional radiotherapy 60-66Gy/30-33 fractions/5 days per week. RESULTS Overall, 95% patients received planned doses of RT while 74% completed within the stipulated overall treatment time of <50 days. Eighty-two percent received at-least 5 weekly cycles. Grade-III/IV mucositis was seen in 58%/9% respectively, which resulted in mean weight loss of 9.2% from a pre-treatment mean of 54.5 kg. Grade-III hematologic toxicity-0.5%; grade II nephrotoxicity-2.5% and grade III emesis-3% were also seen. Grade-III/IV subcutaneous toxicity-10%/1% and grade-III/IV xerostomia-10%/0% were observed. Complete responses at the primary site, regional nodes and overall disease were seen in 86%, 89% and 83% patients respectively. The median and 5-years disease-free survival were 26 months and 39.4% respectively, while the median and overall survival were 27 months and 41.8% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Weekly-cisplatin at 35 mg /m2 when delivered concurrently with conventional radical RT (at-least 66y/33 fractions) in locally-advanced head and neck cancer is well tolerated with minimal hematologic and neprologic toxicity and can be routinely delivered on an out-patient basis. It is an effective alternative to the standard 3-weekly cisplatin especially in the context of developing countries.
Protein-DNA cross-linking reveals dramatic variation in RNA polymerase II density on different histone repeats of Drosophila melanogaster

In Drosophila melanogaster the five histone genes are within a 5-kilobase region which is repeated 100 times at a single chromosomal site. These 5-kilobase repeats are of two distinct classes, short and long, that differ by approximately 200 base pairs of DNA in the spacer region between the H1 and H3 genes. Since the mRNA-homologous regions of the repeats are highly conserved, one cannot examine differential expression of the repeats by classical hybridization methods. In this study, we assessed their transcriptional activity by measuring in vivo the relative amounts of RNA polymerase II that were cross-linked by UV irradiation to the two different histone repeats. The RNA polymerase II density on the long repeat in Schneider line 2 cells was strikingly lower (10-fold) than the density on the short repeat. The magnitude of this difference cannot be accounted for by reduced transcription of only one or two genes of the repeat. The density of topoisomerase I, an indicator of transcriptional activity, was also much higher on the short repeat than on the long repeat of line 2 cells. In contrast, the RNA polymerase II density was slightly higher on the long repeat than on the short repeat in a second cell line, KcH. The major difference between active (KcH) and inactive (S2) long repeats resides in the H1-H3 nontranscribed spacer. This portion of the spacer may contain a component necessary for expression that can act over a moderate distance and affect multiple genes of the repeat.
Disconnection of the hippocampus and amygdala associated with lesion load in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: a structural and functional connectivity study

Background and purpose Little is known about the functional and structural connectivity (FC and SC) of the hippocampus and amygdala, which are two important structures involved in cognitive processes, or their involvement in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In this study, we aimed to examine the connectivity of white-matter (WM) tracts and the synchrony of intrinsic neuronal activity in outer regions connected with the hippocampus or amygdala in RRMS patients. Patients and methods Twenty-three RRMS patients and 23 healthy subjects participated in this study. Diffusion tensor probabilistic tractography was used to examine the SC, the FC correlation coefficient (FC-CC) and combined FC strength (FCS), which was derived from the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging used to examine the FC, of the connection between the hippocampus or the amygdala and other regions, and the correlations of these connections with clinical markers. Results Compared with healthy subjects, the RRMS patients showed significantly decreased SC and increased FCS of the bilateral hippocampus, and left amygdala. Their slightly increased FC-CC was positively correlated with WM tract damage in the right hippocampus (ρ=0.57, P=0.005); an increased FCS was also positively correlated with WM tract damage in the right amygdala. A relationship was observed between the WM lesion load and SC alterations, including the lg(N tracts) of the right hippocampus (ρ=−0.68, P<0.05), lg(N tracts) (ρ=−0.69, P<0.05), and fractional anisotropy (ρ=−0.68, P<0.05) and radial diffusivity of the left hippocampus (ρ=0.45, P<0.05). A relationship between WM lesion load and FCS of the left amygdale was also observed. Conclusion The concurrent increased functional connections and demyelination-related structural disconnectivity between the hippocampus or amygdala and other regions in RRMS suggest that the functional–structural relationships require further investigation.
Hacia una Necesaria Didáctica General.

Con un enfoque analitico y desde la perspectiva de la Psicologia de la Ensenanza se plantea que los topicos del proceso de ensenanza pueden agruparse en cinco categorias, tal como Mantovani planteo tres para la Pedagogia (Idea del hombre, fines y medios). Estas cinco categorias basicas (Modelos, Estrategias, Analisis, Modalidades y Evaluacion) sirven de marco para discutir transdisciplinariamente la plataforma conceptual de una Didactica General que sintetice los conocimientos actuales sobre el proceso de adquisicion de conocimientos, el desarrollo de pericias, el proceso de ensenanza y el aprovechamiento de los recursos tecnologicos, como guia para atender cualquier demanda especifica de contextos particulares, tal como lo ha logrado la fonetica con su emblematico enfoque conceptual y metodologico basado en contrastes. Se inicia senalando cuatro razones que explican la fragmentacion de la didactica, como cuerpo general de conocimientos sobre el proceso de ensenanza y su debilitamiento como disciplina basica del ambito educativo. Abstract From the perspective of the Psychology of Instruction, and assuming an analytical approach, it is proposed that the issues of the instructional process can be grouped into five categories, as Mantovani considered three pedagogical problems(Conception of human being, goals and media). The suggested categories (Models, Strategies, Analysis, Instructional modes and Evaluation) are a convenient frame of reference for a transdisciplinary discussion about a conceptual platform for the general field of Didactics which is able to integrate the present understanding the knowledge acquisition process, the development of expertise, the instructional process, and the use of technological resources to tackle particulars demands, arising from any particular context; the same as Phonetics has done through its emblematic conceptual and methodological approach based on contrasts. Four reasons are given to explain the fragmentation of Didactics, as a general knowledge field of the instructional process and its weakening as a basic discipline.
Advanced Photogrammetry to Assess Lichen Colonization in the Hyper-Arid Namib Desert

The hyper-arid central region of the Namib Desert is characterized by quartz desert pavement terrain that is devoid of vascular plant covers. In this extreme habitat the only discernible surface covers are epilithic lichens that colonize exposed surfaces of quartz rocks. These lichens are highly susceptible to disturbance and so field surveys have been limited due to concerns about disturbing this unusual desert feature. Here we present findings that illustrate how non-destructive surveys based upon advanced photogrammetry techniques can yield meaningful and novel scientific data on these lichens. We combined ‘structure from motion analysis,’ computer vision and GIS to create 3-dimensional point clouds from two-dimensional imagery. The data were robust in its application to estimating absolute lichen cover. An orange Stellarangia spp. assemblage had coverage of 22.8% of available substrate, whilst for a black Xanthoparmelia spp. assemblage coverage was markedly lower at 0.6% of available substrate. Hyperspectral signatures for both lichens were distinct in the near-infra red range indicating that Xanthoparmelia spp. was likely under relatively more moisture stress than Stellarangia spp. at the time of sampling, and we postulate that albedo effects may have contributed to this in the black lichen. Further transformation of the data revealed a colonization preference for west-facing quartz surfaces and this coincides with prevailing winds for marine fog that is the major source of moisture in this system. Furthermore, a three-dimensional ‘fly through’ of the lichen habitat was created to illustrate how the application of computer vision in microbiology has further potential as a research and education tool. We discuss how advanced photogrammetry could be applied in astrobiology using autonomous rovers to add quantitative ecological data for visible surface colonization on the surface of Mars.
Intervehicle-Communication-Assisted Localization

Vehicle localization is a key issue that has recently attracted attention in a wide range of applications. Navigation, vehicle tracking, emergency calling, and location-based services are examples of emerging applications with a great demand for location information. The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been the de facto standard solution for the vehicle-localization problem. Nevertheless, GPS-based localization is inaccurate and unreliable due to GPS' inherent poor performance in vertical positioning and the prevalent horizontal movement, in addition to anomalies caused by line-of-sight occlusions and multipath issues in urban canyons. Although augmenting GPS localization with inertial sensory data has demonstrated significant performance improvements, there remain situations that give rise to degraded localization accuracy-a deficiency that many applications cannot tolerate. In this paper, we propose intervehicle-communication-assisted localization, a localization technique that takes advantage of the emerging vehicle ad hoc networks environments. Communication among vehicles is utilized to compute a relative vehicle location, the integration of which with motion information and GPS location estimates leading to highly accurate vehicle localization. This proposed localization technique is tested in various simulated road-segment scenarios. It is evident from the simulation results that intervehicle communication has the potential to lead to the improvement of the robustness and accuracy of vehicle-location estimation.
Computing Connected Dominated Sets with Multipoint Relays

Multipoint relays offer an optimized way of flooding packets in a radio network. However, this technique requires the last hop knowledge: to decide wether or not a flooding packet is retransmitted, a node needs to know from which node the packet was received. When considering broadcasting at IP level, this information may be difficult to obtain. We thus propose a scheme for computing an optimized connected dominating set from multipoint relays. This set allows to efficiently broadcast packets without the last hop information with performances close to multipoint relay flooding.
The Governance Challenges of Social Enterprises: Evidence from a UK Empirical Study

The social enterprise sector in the UK is going through a period of rapid growth, and is being seen by government as another important vehicle for delivering public services. As a result the issue of public trust in social enterprise is of growing importance. While there is a growing literature on the governance of voluntary and non-profit organizations, with some exceptions (e.g. co-operatives) there has been little research on the governance challenges and support needs of social enterprises. The research reported here aimed to help fill that gap. Based on interviews and focus groups with governance advisers, board members and chief executives it explores the typical governance challenges faced by social enterprises. Based on the research the paper develops a new, empirically-grounded typology of social enterprises based on their origins and development path, and presents findings about some of the governance challenges that are common across the sector and some that are more distinctive to the different types of social enterprise.
MTA and F-doped MTA cements used as sealers with warm gutta-percha. Long-term study of sealing ability.

AIM To evaluate the long-term sealing ability (up to 6 months) of two experimental calcium silicate MTA cements used as root canal sealers in association with warm gutta-percha. METHODOLOGY Calcium silicate (MTA) and calcium-fluoro-silicate powders were prepared. Sodium fluoride was included in FMTA (Fluoride-doped Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) as an expansive and retardant agent. Single-rooted teeth were instrumented with NiTi rotary instruments, filled with warm gutta-percha in association with one of the experimental sealers or with AH Plus as a control (n = 20 for each sealer) and stored at 37 °C. Sealing was assessed at 24, 48 h, 1, 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6 months by a fluid filtration method. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis (SEM/EDX) was used to study the dentine/sealer interface of roots stored for 6 months and the surface of cement disks stored for 24 h. RESULTS All sealers revealed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fluid filtration after the first 2 weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed between FMTA and AH Plus at all analysis times. At short times (24, 48-h), no statistically significant differences were found between the experimental cements and AH Plus. At long-term evaluations (1, 3, 6 months), FMTA and AH Plus sealed significantly better (P < 0.05) than MTA. FMTA was associated with lower fluid filtration rates, and the seal was stable from 48 h to 6 months, thus proving the most effective material. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of root sections filled with calcium silicate sealers revealed the formation of a blend layer of gutta-percha and cement consequent to the warm gutta-percha condensation technique. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of 24-h-stored disks identified a Ca-rich coating on the outer surface consisting of globular particles (calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate), and a deeper internal Ca- and Si-rich region consisting of needle-like ettringite crystals and round formations of calcium silicate hydrate gel. CONCLUSION Fluoride-doped MTA demonstrated stable sealing during a period of up to 6 months and significantly better than conventional calcium silicate MTA cements and comparable to AH Plus. The study supports the suitability of calcium silicate MTA cements as sealers in association with warm gutta-percha for root filling.
La valorisation salariale et professionnelle de la formation en entreprise diffère-t-elle selon le sexe ?

L'objet de cet article est d'evaluer la valorisation salariale et professionnelle des formations continues, formelles et informelles, en centrant l.analyse sur les differences entre sexes. Pour ce faire, les donnees canadiennes de l'Enquete sur le milieu de travail et les employes (EMTE)1999-2000 sont utilisees.On estime, par maximum de vraisemblance simule, un probit trivarie recursif qui modelise simultanement la probabilite de suivre les differentes formations en entreprise et leur influence sur l'obtention d.une promotion. Les rendements salariaux des formations en entreprise et la rentabilite des promotions sont evalues a l'aide d.equation de salaires ou ces variables sont instrumentees.
Impact of Psychological Stress on Pain Perception in an Animal Model of Endometriosis

Purpose: Pain in patients with endometriosis is considered a significant source of stress but does not always correlate with severity of the condition. We have demonstrated that stress can worsen endometriosis in an animal model. Here, we tested the impact of a psychological stress protocol on pain thresholds and pain receptors. Methods: Endometriosis was induced in female rats by suturing uterine horn tissue next to the intestinal mesentery. Sham rats had sutures only. Rats were exposed to water avoidance stress for 7 consecutive days or handled for 5 minutes (no stress). Fecal pellets and serum corticosterone (CORT) levels were measured as an index of anxiety. Pain perception was assessed using hot plate and Von Frey tests. Substance P, enkephalin, endomorphin-2, Mu opioid receptor (MOR), and neurokinin-1 receptor expression in the spinal cord were measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: Fecal pellets and CORT were significantly higher in the endo-stress (ES) group than endo-no stress (ENS; P < .01) and sham-no stress groups (SNS; P < .01). The ES rats had more colonic damage (P < .001 vs SNS; P < .05 vs ENS), vesicle mast cell infiltration (P < .01 vs ENS), and more severe vesicles than ENS. The ES developed significant hyperalgesia (P < .05) but stress reversed the allodynic effect caused by endo (P < .001). The MOR expression was significantly reduced in ENS versus SNS (P < .05) and more enkephalin expression was found in endo groups. Conclusion: Animals subjected to stress develop more severe symptoms but interestingly stress seems to have beneficial effects on abdominal allodynia, which could be a consequence of the stress-induced analgesia phenomenon.
The Myosuit: Bi-articular Anti-gravity Exosuit That Reduces Hip Extensor Activity in Sitting Transfers

Muscle weakness—which can result from neurological injuries, genetic disorders, or typical aging—can affect a person's mobility and quality of life. For many people with muscle weakness, assistive devices provide the means to regain mobility and independence. These devices range from well-established technology, such as wheelchairs, to newer technologies, such as exoskeletons and exosuits. For assistive devices to be used in everyday life, they must provide assistance across activities of daily living (ADLs) in an unobtrusive manner. This article introduces the Myosuit, a soft, wearable device designed to provide continuous assistance at the hip and knee joint when working with and against gravity in ADLs. This robotic device combines active and passive elements with a closed-loop force controller designed to behave like an external muscle (exomuscle) and deliver gravity compensation to the user. At 4.1 kg (4.6 kg with batteries), the Myosuit is one of the lightest untethered devices capable of delivering gravity support to the user's knee and hip joints. This article presents the design and control principles of the Myosuit. It describes the textile interface, tendon actuators, and a bi-articular, synergy-based approach for continuous assistance. The assistive controller, based on bi-articular force assistance, was tested with a single subject who performed sitting transfers, one of the most gravity-intensive ADLs. The results show that the control concept can successfully identify changes in the posture and assist hip and knee extension with up to 26% of the natural knee moment and up to 35% of the knee power. We conclude that the Myosuit's novel approach to assistance using a bi-articular architecture, in combination with the posture-based force controller, can effectively assist its users in gravity-intensive ADLs, such as sitting transfers.
PSEUDO-CUNTZ ALGEBRA AND RECURSIVE FP GHOST SYSTEM IN STRING THEORY

Representation of the algebra of FP (anti)ghosts in string theory is studied by generalizing the recursive fermion system in the Cuntz algebra constructed previously. For that purpose, the pseudo-Cuntz algebra, which is a *-algebra generalizing the Cuntz algebra and acting on indefinite-metric vector spaces, is introduced. The algebra of FP (anti)ghosts in string theory is embedded into the pseudo-Cuntz algebra recursively in two different ways. Restricting a certain permutation representation of the pseudo-Cuntz algebra, representations of these two recursive FP ghost systems are obtained. With respect to the zero-mode operators of FP (anti)ghosts, it is shown that one corresponds to the four-dimensional representation found recently by one of the present authors (M. Abe) and Nakanishi, while the other corresponds to the two-dimensional one by Kato and Ogawa.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and the doubtful promise of an endovascular treatment for multiple sclerosis

Recently, a radically different concept regarding the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been proposed. Termed chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), it suggests that macro occlusive abnormalities of the extracranial venous drainage pathways of the brain and spinal cord can cause or contribute to MS. As a consequence of this theory, it has been suggested that angioplasty and possibly stenting of the internal jugular and/or azygos veins can improve the signs and symptoms of MS. These interventions have been performed sporadically across the globe in an open label fashion and never in the context of a well designed, controlled, randomized and blinded clinical trial. Despite this, the procedure has been labeled by some as ‘liberation procedure’ and caused a firestorm of interest in the medical and MS communities, both for and against its utilization. The arguments on all sides are passionate, ranging from the belief that venous intervention is a miracle cure that must not be withheld from patients, to the feeling that the procedure is ineffective and unwarranted at best and dangerous at worst. The various camps commonly protest that those with differing views are not acting in the best interest of their patients. As neurointerventionalists interested in interventional treatment of neurological disorders, it is time to take a thorough and objective look at CCSVI. This commentary will examine the origin of the CCSVI theory and discuss the data supporting and refuting its existence. An attempt will be made to critically analyze the available data and provide constructive recommendations about whether or not endovascular therapy represents a reasonable option at this point in time for patients with MS. MS is a fearful and unpredictable disease that brings an enormous physical, emotional and financial burden on patients, family, relatives, friends and society in general. It is the most common cause …