Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sub-Classification of Lateral Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma by Pathologic Criteria

Background Lateral cervical lymph node (LCLN) metastasis, or pathologic N1b disease, is an important risk factor in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, many patients have favorable prognosis even with pathologic N1b patients in clinical practice. The study aims to identify high- and intermediate-risk groups based on initial pathologic characteristics in these patients. Patients This study included 518 classical PTC patients confirmed as pathologic N1b at initial surgery between 2001 and 2010. All patients underwent a single fixed activity (5.6 GBq) of radioactive I-131 remnant ablation. Results Patients with a primary tumor larger than 4 cm, gross extrathyroidal extension, metastatic LN larger than 3 cm, or greater than 10 metastatic LCLN were classified as high-risk group. These comprehensive pathologic criteria were retrieved from cox proportional hazard models. Twenty two percent of patients (n = 113) were classified as high-risk and 78% (n = 405) as intermediate-risk group. Successful ablation was identified in only 32% of the patients in the high-risk group and 61% in the intermediate-risk group (p < 0.001). The difference between the two risk groups was independent to gender. There was a significant difference in disease-free survival between the high- and intermediate- risk N1b groups during 5.1 years of median follow-up (84% vs. 59%, p < 0.001). Distant metastasis was more prevalent in the high-risk group (20%) than in the intermediate-risk group (4%, p < 0.001). Conclusions The prognosis of PTC patients with LCLN metastasis varies depending on initial pathologic characteristics. We proposed the comprehensive pathologic criteria for sub-classification of N1b into high- and intermediate-risk groups and this sub-classification may permit personalized management of N1b PTC patients.
cells with HIV-based lentiviral vectors Efficient transduction of pigtailed macaque hematopoietic repopulating

http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary. org/content/111/12/5537.full. html Updated information and services can be found at: (517 articles) Gene Therapy  Articles on similar topics can be found in the following Blood collections http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary. org/site/misc/rights.xhtml#repub_requests Information about reproducing this article in parts or in its entirety may be found online at: http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary. org/site/misc/rights.xhtml#reprints Information about ordering reprints may be found online at: http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrary. org/site/subscriptions/index.xhtml Information about subscriptions and ASH membership may be found online at:
Structure-variable Hybrid Dynamic Bayesian Networks and its inference algorithm

Structure-variable Discrete Dynamic Bayesian Networks can model under the situation n of the process of mutation and the change of discrete network structure and parameters, but can't model and reason the system containing both continuous variables and discrete variables. Focusing on this question the concept of Structure-variable Hybrid Dynamic Bayesian Networks is proposed, introduce the algorithm of the discrete forward-backward into Discrete Dynamic Bayesian Network inference to get inference algorithm of more hidden nodes in Structure-variable Discrete Dynamic Bayesian Networks, and combine with the forward-backward reasoning algorithm of continuous variables, propose inference algorithm for Structure-variable Hybrid Dynamic Bayesian Networks. The simulation background is the assessment of UAV under dynamic environment situation and validates the algorithm . The results of simulation demonstrates the validity of the proposed concepts and reasoning algorithm for Variable Structure Hybrid Dynamic Bayesian Networks.
Risk assessment of violence in offenders with learning disability

Methods to predict dangerousness (recidivism and institutional violence) in mentally disordered offenders are well established in the research literature. In stark contrast there have been fewer developments in the prediction of violence in offenders with learning disabilities (LD), a subgroup of mentally disordered offenders. Chapter 1 reviewed the prevalence of offending and recidivism in offenders with LD and concluded that risk assessment of violence was an area that required further research. The literature regarding the risk factors for offending in this population illustrated that it was unclear if the risk factors for offending are qualitatively different to other mentally disordered offenders without LD. This was tested in Chapter 2 and it was found that the factors related to offending in offenders with LD were not different to other mentally disordered offenders. This provided evidence for the criterion validity of 'best practice' risk assessment instruments, the VRAG, the PCL-R and the HCR- 20, already validated in mentally disordered offenders (the predictive efficacy of these instruments was also reviewed in Chapter 1). Chapter 3 and 4 tested the predictive efficacy of the VRAG, the PCL-R (and its variants) and the HCR-20 in offenders with LD by evaluating the ability of the risk assessment instruments to predict long-term re-convictions (Chapter 3) and institutional violence (Chapter 4) in offenders with LD in comparison to a control group of other mentally disordered offenders. It was found that the VRAG, the PCL- R (and its variants) and the HCR-20 have comparable or superior predictive efficacy in offenders with LD. Chapter 5 served to complement these findings with the development of a screening tool for risk of violence in offenders with LD. The research contained in this thesis has extended the evidence base on risk assessment in offenders with LD and should hopefully serve to improve evidence based practice and service provision in forensic services for people with LD.
Assessment of Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors of Dementia as Early Diagnostic Blood Based Biomarkers in Western Indian Population

Background: Worldwide prevalence of dementia is growing rapidly. Epidemiology of dementia consists of both the modifiable as well as non-modifiable risk factors and there is a dearth of knowledge about use of these as early diagnostic biomarkers. Hence our study aimed at assessment of these risk factors which can be used as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis of dementia. Methods: The study population consisted of patients with Dementia (n=33), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI; n=30) and elderly age-matched Controls (n=30). All the participants were subjected to medical history, psychological, clinical and biochemical evaluations, serum biomarker estimations like vitamin B12, Folic acid and homocysteine and genetic studies which included gene expression and polymorphism of APOE and MTHFR genes. Findings and conclusion: Our study showed significant difference in various biomarkers including modifiable metabolic factors (serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and homocysteine) and non-modifiable genetic factors (APOE & MTHFR) across the three study groups. Thus, if validated at early stages of ageing or before start of cognitive decline, together these biomarkers and Psychological assessment will help in early diagnosis of dementia risk.
Heavy metals inflow into Lake Muhazi, Rwanda.

Most tropical African lakes are facing pollution problems due to the rapid population growth and industrializa- tion in their riparian communities. Lake Muhazi in Rwanda is one of such lakes which has experienced a dramatic decrease in fish production since the eighties, with also reports of low water transparencies and high turbidities. The lakeshores are now being developed for ecotourism and this requires sound environmental management to make the planned activities viable. The purpose of this study was to assess heavy metal pollution in the tributary rivers of Lake Muhazi. The concentration of heavy metals in major tributaries was monitored for the period July to October 2007. The parameters studied are cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, zinc, pH and temperature. Fourteen sampling stations on the Inflow Rivers and the spillway were monitored fortnightly. The samples collected for heavy metal analysis were preserved and stored in cooler boxes and analyzed in the laboratory using Standard Methods. Temperature and pH were measured in the field using HACH field testing kits. The concentration (mean ± standard deviation) of Zn was found to be 0.040±0.103 mg/L, Cd 0.031±0.007 mg/L, Pb 0.487±0.452 mg/L, Fe 7.53±13.34 mg/L, Mn 1.01±1.31 mg/L, chromium 0 mg/L and copper 0 mg/L. The concentrations of measured parameters deviate much from the recommended ones thus posing serious problems to aquatic life. It has also been shown that the high metal concentration levels in Lake Muhazi are related to landuse activities in the catchment. It is thus recommended that farming practices and erosion be controlled in the catchment to contain pollutant discharges into the lake. Lead is the main anthropogenic pollutant which has been found in the watershed of Lake Muhazi.
The Parkinson’s disease death rate: carbidopa and vitamin B6

The only indication for carbidopa and benserazide is the management of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa)-induced nausea. Both drugs irreversibly bind to and permanently deactivate pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, and PLP-dependent enzymes. PLP is required for the function of over 300 enzymes and proteins. Virtually every major system in the body is impacted directly or indirectly by PLP. The administration of carbidopa and benserazide potentially induces a nutritional catastrophe. During the first 15 years of prescribing L-dopa, a decreasing Parkinson’s disease death rate was observed. Then, in 1976, 1 year after US Food and Drug Administration approved the original L-dopa/carbidopa combination drug, the Parkinson’s disease death rate started increasing. This trend has continued to the present, for 38 years and counting. The previous literature documents this increasing death rate, but no hypothesis has been offered concerning this trend. Carbidopa is postulated to contribute to the increasing Parkinson’s disease death rate and to the classification of Parkinson’s as a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It may contribute to L-dopa tachyphylaxis.
Post-secondary educational practices for individuals with mental retardation and other significant disabilities: A review of the literature

Providing opportunities for individuals with mental retardation and other significant disabilities to participate in educational, vocational, and recreational activities on college campuses has been a topic of interest among educators and adult service providers for the past 30 years. We reviewed the literature on post-secondary programs and supports for these individuals to (a) identify a philosophical basis for providing such opportunities, (b) identify practices, and (c) summarize research on the efficacy of these efforts. The literature from the 1970’s to 1990’s provided descriptions of programs or advocated for the inclusion of adults with mental retardation on college campuses in position papers. Limited empirical data supported the efficacy of these programs. The literature during the 1990’s shifted to providing post-secondary programs or individual supports to students with mental retardation and other significant disabilities, ages 18–22, who were still enrolled in public schools. Implications for emerging trends, research and program evaluation, and replication of practices are discussed.
Ventricular Phosphodiesterase-5 Expression Is Increased in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure and Contributes to Adverse Ventricular Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction in Mice

Background— Ventricular expression of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), an enzyme responsible for cGMP catabolism, is increased in human right ventricular hypertrophy, but its role in left ventricular (LV) failure remains incompletely understood. We therefore measured LV PDE5 expression in patients with advanced systolic heart failure and characterized LV remodeling after myocardial infarction in transgenic mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of PDE5 (PDE5-TG). Methods and Results— Immunoblot and immunohistochemistry techniques revealed that PDE5 expression was greater in explanted LVs from patients with dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathy than in control hearts. To evaluate the impact of increased ventricular PDE5 levels on cardiac function, PDE5-TG mice were generated. Confocal and immunoelectron microscopy revealed increased PDE5 expression in cardiomyocytes, predominantly localized to Z-bands. At baseline, myocardial cGMP levels, cell shortening, and calcium handling in isolated cardiomyocytes and LV hemodynamic measurements were similar in PDE5-TG and wild-type littermates. Ten days after myocardial infarction, LV cGMP levels had increased to a greater extent in wild-type mice than in PDE5-TG mice (P<0.05). Ten weeks after myocardial infarction, LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were larger in PDE5-TG than in wild-type mice (57±5 versus 39±4 and 65±6 versus 48±4 &mgr;L, respectively; P<0.01 for both). LV systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction were more marked in PDE5-TG than in wild-type mice, associated with enhanced hypertrophy and reduced contractile function in isolated cardiomyocytes from remote myocardium. Conclusions— Increased PDE5 expression predisposes mice to adverse LV remodeling after myocardial infarction. Increased myocardial PDE5 expression in patients with advanced cardiomyopathy may contribute to the development of heart failure and represents an important therapeutic target.
Antibodies as leading tools to unlock the therapeutic potential in human disease

This article introduces a series of reviews covering Immunoglobulins: from genes to therapies appearing in Volume 270 of Immunological Reviews. A plethora of major discoveries over the last century has significantly advanced our knowledge of antibodies and B lymphocyte lineage biology. Both scientific breakthroughs and technological revolutions have advanced the field from the ‘magic bullet’ concept developed by Paul Ehrlich to biopharmaceutical applications that save and improve the lives of millions of patients today. The discovery of B-cell/T-cell divergence, the ability to immortalize antibody-producing cells through hybridoma technology, the elucidation of the molecular structure of antibodies, and the ability to generate, express, and engineer these proteins have all contributed to the therapeutic revolution. Over the last four decades, progress made through unprecedented collaborations between the academic community and industry has enabled translation of antibodies into the most versatile large molecule therapeutic platform currently known. We now have a detailed map of immunoglobulin gene composition in numerous species and understand the processes that drive their recombination and shape them further through somatic mutations and isotype switching. The signals and processes involved in normal B lymphocyte and plasma cell biology in rodents and humans are being mapped in detail. In parallel, therapeutic applications of antibodies and antibody scaffold-based molecules are making their way forward in major human disease areas, from inflammation, infectious diseases, and oncology to metabolic diseases and neuroscience. This volume of Immunological Reviews: ‘Immunoglobulins: from genes to therapies’ summarizes recent contributions to the field. It spans progress in our understanding of B-cell lineage and antibody functions in humans, to advanced antibody engineering that has improved the therapeutic properties of antibodies as human medicines. The selection of topics and contributors is far from comprehensive, but attempts to provide a diversity of areas that continue to energize and expand the field. Immunological Reviews 2016 Vol. 270: 5–7
Knowledge management for Chinese medicines: a conceptual model

Purpose – In the twenty‐first century and under the knowledge economy, knowledge is regarded as an important asset for many organizations. In the area of Chinese medicines, be it a research center, a pharmacy, a drug manufacturer, a government supervision authority, a medical doctor or even a patient, the mastering and application of knowledge are an essential factor for success. However, there is very little research on knowledge management for Chinese medicines, which has its own special characteristics. This paper aims to study this problem and to propose a conceptual model for knowledge management of Chinese medicines.Design/methodology/approach – This paper first analyses the requirements of knowledge management in Chinese medicines. Then, making reference to Nonaka's knowledge transformation model, the application of information technology in different stages of knowledge transformation for Chinese medicines is reviewed. Based on the above studies, a conceptual model of knowledge management for Chin.
Learning Predictive State Representations for planning

Predictive State Representations (PSRs) allow modeling of dynamical systems directly in observables and without relying on latent variable representations. A problem that arises from learning PSRs is that it is often hard to attribute semantic meaning to the learned representation. This makes generalization and planning in PSRs challenging. In this paper, we extend PSRs and introduce the notion of PSRs that include prior information (P-PSRs) to learn representations which are suitable for planning and interpretation. By learning a low-dimensional embedding of test features we map belief points of similar semantic to the same region of a subspace. This facilitates better generalization for planning and semantical interpretation of the learned representation. In specific, we show how to overcome the training sample bias and introduce feature selection such that the resulting representation emphasizes observables related to the planning task. We show that our P-PSRs result in qualitatively meaningful representations and present quantitative results that indicate improved suitability for planning.
Emerging views about the molecular structure of the spliceosomal catalytic center

Pre-mRNA splicing occurs in two chemical steps that are catalyzed by a large, dynamic RNA-protein complex called the spliceosome. Initially assembled in a catalytically inactive form, the spliceosome undergoes massive compositional and conformational remodeling, through which disparate RNA elements are re-configured and juxtaposed into a functional catalytic center. The intricate construction of the catalytic center requires the assistance of spliceosomal proteins. Recent structure-function analyses have demonstrated that the yeast-splicing factor Cwc2 is a main player that contacts and shapes the catalytic center of the spliceosome into a functional conformation. With this advance, corroborated by the atomic structure of the evolutionarily related group IIC introns, our understanding of the organization and formation of the spliceosomal catalytic center has progressed to a new level.
Speed Perception: An objective measure of presence in virtual environments

Traditionally, there has been a relatively small cohort of industries making use of simulator technology. Improvements in fidelity, affordability and industry awareness have seen that number increase dramatically, but often without a good understanding of how best to maximize its effectiveness. In choosing a suitable platform for conducting simulator-based training, a company must consider simulator design including the range of sensory feedback, levels of interaction supported, and mobility. But which simulator type will produce the best learning outcomes? RailCorp utilize three simulators: a high-fidelity, large-screen system; an in-cab simulator; and a portable, video-based system. Previous research indicates that learning outcomes are constrained by the extent to which trainees feel immersed or ‘present’ in the simulated environment. Measurement of this variable primarily relies on subjective self-reports, longitudinal studies of safety outcomes, or physiological measures hypothesized to corroborate presence. This paper describes some preliminary work undertaken to obtain a direct, objective measure of presence and hence training efficacy. Nine expert train drivers participated in 48 trials conducted with the three simulators, during which, their ability to estimate their simulated speed was measured. Preliminary results suggest striking differences between the simulators. The large-screen and in-cab simulators produced similarly accurate results, but there was a clear tendency to underestimate speed using the large screen. Speed estimates based on video images were less accurate and actually revealed the opposite trend, i.e. a tendency to overestimate speeds. Estimates from the large-screen versus video differed significantly (p<0.05). Overall, the results indicate that the speed perception measure is sensitive to differences in a user’s simulated experience. It can, therefore, provide an objective guide to a simulator’s limitations, and help motivate future modifications.
Conduction block in micropatterned cardiomyocyte cultures replicating the structure of ventricular cross-sections.

AIMS Structural and functional heterogeneities in cardiac tissue have been implicated in conduction block and arrhythmogenesis. However, the propensity of specific sites within the heart to initiate conduction block has not been systematically explored. We utilized cardiomyocyte cultures replicating the realistic, magnetic resonance imaging-measured tissue boundaries and fibre directions of ventricular cross-sections to investigate their roles in the development of conduction block. METHODS AND RESULTS The Sprague-Dawley neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were micropatterned to obtain cultures with realistic ventricular tissue boundaries and either random or realistic fibre directions. Rapid pacing was applied at multiple sites, with action potential propagation optically mapped. Excitation either failed at the stimulus site or conduction block developed remotely, often initiating reentry. The incidence of conduction block in isotropic monolayers (0% of cultures) increased with the inclusion of realistic tissue boundaries (17%) and further with realistic fibre directions (34%). Conduction block incidence was stimulus site-dependent and highest (77%) with rapid pacing from the right ventricular (RV) free wall. Furthermore, conduction block occurred exclusively at the insertion of the RV free wall into the septum, where structure-mediated current source-load mismatches acutely reduced wavefront and waveback velocity. Tissue boundaries and sharp gradients in fibre direction uniquely determined the evolution, shape, and position of conduction block lines. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that specific micro- and macrostructural features of the ventricle determine the incidence and spatiotemporal characteristics of conduction block, independent of spatial heterogeneities in ion channel expression.