Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The cancer nuclear microenvironment: Interface between light microscopic cytology and molecular phenotype

A definitive diagnosis of cancer may be rendered by microscopic assessment of only a few cells in an appropriate clinical setting due to the distinctive nuclear structure of most cancer cells in comparison to nuclei of normal human cells. The molecular architecture of non‐neoplastic human nuclei—of the nuclear matrix and of matrix‐associated proteins and nucleic acids—is being characterized in exquisite molecular detail. What is missing is the application of the findings and tools of molecular biology to understanding the cytological structure of cancer nuclei. This article delves into the basis of nuclear structure at different levels of resolution—light microscopic, electron microscopic, and molecular. J. Cell. Biochem. 104: 1994–2003, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Use of Massage for Improved Symptom Management: Results from a Pilot Randomized Control Trial

Background. Pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is a lifesaving treatment that often results in physical and psychological discomfort. An acupressure-massage intervention may improve symptom management in this setting. Methods. This randomized controlled pilot trial compared a combined massage-acupressure intervention to usual care. Children were offered three practitioner-provided sessions per week throughout hospitalization. Parents were trained to provide additional acupressure as needed. Symptoms were assessed using nurses' reports and two questionnaires, the behavioral affective and somatic experiences scale and the Peds quality of life cancer module. Results. We enrolled 23 children, ages 5 to 18. Children receiving the intervention reported fewer days of mucositis (Hedges' g effect size ES = 0.63), lower overall symptom burden (ES = 0.26), feeling less tired and run-down (ES = 0.86), having fewer moderate/severe symptoms of pain, nausea, and fatigue (ES = 0.62), and less pain (ES = 0.42). The intervention group showed trends toward increasing contentness/serenity (ES = +0.50) and decreasing depression (ES = −0.45), but not decreased anxiety (ES = +0.42). Differences were not statistically significant. Discussion. Feasibility of studying massage-acupressure was established in children undergoing HCT. Larger studies are needed to test the efficacy of such interventions in reducing HCT-associated symptoms in children.
Computability and λ-definability

Several definitions have been given to express an exact meaning corresponding to the intuitive idea of ‘effective calculability’ as applied for instance to functions of positive integers. The purpose of the present paper is to show that the computable functions introduced by the author are identical with the λ-definable functions of Church and the general recursive functions due to Herbrand and Gödel and developed by Kleene. It is shown that every λ-definable function is computable and that every computable function is general recursive. There is a modified form of λ-definability, known as λ-K-definability, and it turns out to be natural to put the proof that every λ-definable function is computable in the form of a proof that every λ-K-definable function is computable; that every λ-definable function is λ-K-definable is trivial. If these results are taken in conjunction with an already available proof that every general recursive function is λ-definable we shall have the required equivalence of computability with λ-definability and incidentally a new proof of the equivalence of λ-definability and λ-K-definability. A definition of what is meant by a computable function cannot be given satisfactorily in a short space. I therefore refer the reader to Computable pp. 230–235 and p. 254. The proof that computability implies recursiveness requires no more knowledge of computable functions than the ideas underlying the definition: the technical details are recalled in §5.
The Relationship of NaOH Molarity, Na2SiO3/NaOH Ratio, Fly Ash/Alkaline Activator Ratio, and Curing Temperature to the Strength of Fly Ash-Based Geopolymer

Geopolymer, produced by the reaction of fly ash with an alkaline activator (mixture of Na2SiO3 and NaOH solutions), is an alternative to the use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in the construction industry. However, there are salient parameters that affecting the compressive strength of geopolymer. In this research, the effects of various NaOH molarities, Na2SiO3/NaOH ratios, fly ash/alkaline activator, and curing temperature to the strength of geopolymer paste fly ash were studied. Tests were carried out on 50 x 50 x 50 mm cube geopolymer specimens. Compression tests were conducted on the seventh day of testing for all samples. The test results revealed that a 12 M NaOH solution produced the highest compressive strength for the geopolymer. The combination mass ratios of fly ash/alkaline activator and Na2SiO3/NaOH of 2.0 and 2.5, respectively, produced the highest compressive strength after seven days. Geopolymer samples cured at 60 °C produced compressive strength as high as 70 MPa.
Acute Changes in the Renin‐Angiotensin System Modify Bradykinin and Angiotensin Reactivity and Metabolism in Conscious Rats

We have shown that angiotensin I (AI) conversion as well as bradykinin (BK) inactivatlon and reactivity are altered in chronic renal hypertensive rats. In the present experiments we tested the possibility that acute renal hypertension or AI and All infusion cause alterations in both systems. Pulmonary inactivation of BK was estimated by comparing intravenous and intraaortic equipressor doses (20 mm Hg), and the extent of AI conversion was assessed by determining the equipressor doses of AI and All that produced a 20 mm Hg rise in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Acute renal hypertension was produced by unclamping the renal pedicle (URP) occluded for 5 hours in conscious rats. Before URP, the MAP was already increased (131 ± 2 mm Hg) and captopril (10 mg/kg, i.v.) produced a fall of 27 ± 8 mm Hg, suggesting that the renin-angiotensin system was overactive. After URP, MAP rose to 151 ± 3 mm Hg, and captopril completely abolished the hypertension. Before URP, reactivity to BK was increased [doses 6 times smaller than control (C), 34 ± 5 ng], and URP produced no further elevation. Pulmonary BK inactivation (97.5% ± 4%) was the same before and after URP. Before URP, doses of AH 5 times greater than C (2 ± 4 pmol) were necessary, and hyporeactivity to All was markedly increased after URP (doses 300 times larger than C). After URP, the conversion was maximal (104% ± 2% vs 49% ± 3% in C), and it was already elevated before URP (82% ± 10%) when six of the nine rats studied had maximal extent of conversion. During infusion of different doses of AI and All in C rats, the vascular reactivity and pulmonary inactivation of BK was increased when compared to control period. Decrease in reactivity to AH was observed during infusion of AI or AH, but the extent of AI to AH conversion remained unchanged. Therefore, hyperreactivity to BK was produced during acute hyperactivity of the renin-angiotensin system (occlusion of the renal pedicle) as well during infusion of AI or All. Hyperreactivity was due to a peripheral potentiation of the BK responses rather than to a decrease in pulmonary inactivation, which remained unchanged or even increased. Hyporeactivity to All was accompanied by a marked increase in AI to AH conversion before and after URP. Infusion of AI or All caused hyporeactivity to AH but did not affect the extent of conversion.
Advertising, Breadth of Ownership, and Liquidity

We provide empirical evidence that a firm's overall visibility with investors, as measured by its product market advertising, has important consequences for the stock market. Specifically we show that firms with greater advertising expenditures, ceteris paribus, have a larger number of both individual and institutional investors, and better liquidity of their common stock. Our findings are robust to a variety of methodological approaches and to various measures of liquidity. These results suggest that the investors' degree of familiarity with a firm may affect its cost of capital and consequently its value. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Navigation support for learners in informal learning environments

This paper offers an extended abstract of a PhD project that focuses on supporting learners in finding most suitable learning activities in informal learning environments. For this purpose we aim to develop a personal recommender system, which will recommend most suitable learning activities to learners regarding their personal needs and preferences. As a theoretical framework for informal learning environments we use the concept of Learning Networks [1]. Learning Networks can be filled with lots of learning activities stemming from different providers. Such networks are dynamic, because each member could add or delete content at any time. A personal recommender system is needed to support learners in selecting learning activities from a Learning Network that will enable them to achieve their learning goals in a specific domain. It is expected that such support will minimize the amount of time learners need for finding suitable learning activities. A better alignment of the characteristics of learners and learning activities is expected to increase both effectiveness and efficiency of learning progress of the learners.
Optimization of macromer density in human MSC-laden hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels

Mesenchymal stem cells are attractive cell type and can undergo chondrogenesis in various 3D platforms. Hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel, a natural constituent of the cartilage extracellular matrix, provides a biologically relevant interface for encapsulated cells. While MSC-laden HA constructs can produce native mechanical properties using cells from animal sources, clinical repair will depend on successful translation of these findings to human MSCs (hMSCs). To optimize chondrogenesis, we assessed the ability of hMSCs to undergo chondrogenesis in varying macromer concentration HA gels. Variation in this parameter influenced construct mechanical and biochemical properties. In 1% methacrylated HA (MeHA), equilibrium modulus and GAG content were higher (86kPa (EY) and 2.16%) than in 2% MeHA constructs (50 kPa, 1.62% GAG). However, greater contractility occurred in 1% MeHA (-36.25%/-24.25%; Thickness/diameter) compared to 2% MeHA (-20.57%/1.02%) constructs. This study provides new insight into optimized macromer densities for hMSC-based cartilage tissue engineering using HA hydrogels.
Design and optimization of surface plasmon resonance fiber sensor based on square gold nano-rod array

Using finite element method (FEM), a D-shaped surface plasmon resonance (SPR) fiber sensor based on square gold nano-rod array was designed and optimized. Here the core radius of single mode fiber is 8μm. The simulations show that the resonant wavelengths of 45th~50th propagation modes and their wavelength redshifts due to the ambient refractive index change are all the same. Among the SPR spectrums for different modes, higher order mode will induce deeper notch and larger extinction ratio. By tracing the wavelength shift of the 45th mode, the sensor was optimized. The optimized sensor has 70nm square gold nano-rods thickness and 50nm distance between square nano-rods coated on D-shaped single mode fiber. Its average sensitivity of 6266 nm/RIU can be attained, which is much higher than 3150 nm/RIU of the single mode SPR fiber sensor in the ref. [1].
Online Diagnostics of HTPEM Fuel Cells Using Small Amplitude Transient Analysis for CO Poisoning

Recent developments in materials have allowed PEM fuel cells to operate at higher temperatures and alleviate some of the problems that occur during operation. High-temperature PEM fuel cells are still under development, and very little has been done to study transient conditions, specifically the application of small amplitude load transients for diagnostic purposes. This paper presents the evolution of the fuel cell voltage transient for small current pulses over a range of operating conditions. A fault mechanism in the form of CO poisoning is introduced to further study and evaluate the transients for diagnostic purposes. A new two-stage diagnostic method is proposed based on the voltage transient. The first stage makes use of the discrete S-transform for fault marker identification and provides fast estimations on the fuel cell state of health. The second stage makes use of a population-based incremental learning (PBIL) algorithm for equivalent circuit parameter extraction, required for detailed diagnostics. The method is evaluated for both the healthy and the faulted CO poisoning condition in order to verify performance.
Designing a framework for assisting depression severity assessment from facial image analysis

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Developing adjunct tools aiding depression assessment is expected to impact overall health outcomes and treatment cost reduction. To this end, platforms designed for automatic and non-invasive depression assessment could help in detecting signs of the disease on a regular basis, without requiring the physical presence of a mental health professional. Despite the different approaches that can be found in the literature, both in terms of methods and algorithms, a fully satisfactory system for the automatic assessment of depression severity has not been presented as yet. This paper describes a proposed algorithm for dynamically analyzing facial expressions using robust descriptors in order to compose a novel feature selection as well as an effective classification process. Additionally a preliminary evaluation of the system is presented, by applying local curvelet binary patterns in three orthogonal planes for depression severity assessment.
Focal cemento-osseous dysplasia: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the principal features of focal cemento-osseous dysplasia (FocCOD) by systematic review (SR) and to compare their frequencies between four global groups. METHODS Alternative names for FocCOD were used as search terms. The databases searched were the PubMed interface of Medline and LILACS (Literature Index for Latin-America and the Caribbean; Biblioteca Regional de Medicina (BIREME)). Only those reports of FocCODs which occurred in a series in the reporting authors' caseload were considered. All cases used radiographs and were confirmed fibro-osseous lesions histopathologically. RESULTS Of the 20 series considered, 10 were included in the SR. Five SR-included series were of East Asian communities. 64% of all SR-included cases were found incidentally. FocCOD predominantly affects females and the mandible. The three predominant radiological presentations varied significantly between reports. CONCLUSIONS The two at-risk global communities appear to be East Asians and those of black African origin. Although there appears to be little difference between East Asians and non-East Asians, the significant differences between them with regards to the predominant radiological presentation could suggest that either all communities vary in their presentation or that most, if not all, did not reflect the true frequency within their communities. Long-term follow-up of large series that would have revealed the long-term outcomes of FocCODs was lacking. This is necessary because of both FocCOD's predilection of edentulous areas, increasingly required for osseointegrated implants, and its wide differential diagnosis, which includes some lesions normally treated by surgery.
A KNN Research Paper Classification Method Based on Shared Nearest Neighbor

The patents cover almost all the latest, the most active innovative technical information in technical fields, therefore patent classification has great application value in the patent research domain. This paper presents a KNN text categorization method based on shared nearest neighbor, effectively combining the BM25 similarity calculation method and the Neighborhood Information of samples. The effectiveness of this method has been fully verified in the NTCIR-8 Patent Classification evaluation.
Protective effects of an aged garlic extract on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in the mouse.

Protective effects of an aged garlic extract on the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) was evaluated using the mouse. DOX (1.5 mg/kg body wt i.p.) was administered three times per week for 40 days. An aged garlic extract, WG-1 (a preserved stock solution; Wakunaga Pharmaceutical) was administered intraperitoneally six times weekly. DOX caused changes in the electrocardiogram. In the control mice, the width of the QRS complex was 20 +/- 2.8 milliseconds, the R-R interval was 130 +/- 2.8 milliseconds, and the P-Q interval was 30 +/- 1.4 milliseconds. In mice treated with DOX for 40 days, the width of the QRS complex was 50 +/- 10 milliseconds (p < 0.05), the R-R interval was 240 +/- 30 milliseconds (p < 0.05), and the P-Q interval was 45 +/- 1.0 milliseconds (p < 0.01). These values were significantly smaller in mice treated with WG-1 + DOX than in mice treated with DOX. The width of the QRS complex was 29.3 +/- 5.8 milliseconds (p < 0.05), the R-R interval was 145.8 +/- 17.9 milliseconds (p < 0.01), and the P-Q interval was 37.8 +/- 3.5 milliseconds (p < 0.05). The lipid peroxidation in the heart homogenates prepared from DOX-treated mice, as measured by thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS, nmol malondialdehyde/100 mg protein) was 332.5 +/- 67.0, which was significantly larger than that in the control mice (186.6 +/- 42.2) (p < 0.05). WG-1 decreased the level of TBARS in DOX-treated mice significantly. In the mice treated with WG-1 + DOX, TBARS was 221.3 +/- 31.6, which was significantly smaller than that of DOX-treated mice (p < 0.05). Histological study demonstrated that the heart treated with DOX had vacuolization in muscle cells, disrupted myofibrils, and swollen mitochondria. Mice that received WG-1 + DOX had no significant pathological lesions in the heart.
Moving Target Search with Intelligence

We previously proposed the moving target search (MTS) algorithm, where the location of the goal may change during the course of the search. MTS is the first search algorithm concerned with problem solving in a dynamically changing environment. However, since we constructed the algorithm with the minimum operations necessary for guaranteeing its completeness, the algorithm as proposed is neither efficient nor intelligent. In this paper, we introduce innovative notions created in the area of resource-bounded planning into the formal search algorithm, MTS. Our goal is to improve the efficiency of MTS, while retaining its completeness. Notions that are introduced are (1) commitment to goals, and (2) deliberation for selecting plans. Evaluation results demonstrate that the intelligent MTS is 10 to 20 times more efficient than the original MTS in uncertain situations.
Very Early Constraint-Induced Movement during Stroke Rehabilitation (VECTORS)

Background: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is among the most developed training approaches for motor restoration of the upper extremity (UE). Methods: Very Early Constraint-Induced Movement during Stroke Rehabilitation (VECTORS) was a single-blind phase II trial of CIMT during acute inpatient rehabilitation comparing traditional UE therapy with dose-matched and high-intensity CIMT protocols. Participants were adaptively randomized on rehabilitation admission, and received 2 weeks of study-related treatments. The primary endpoint was the total Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) score on the more affected side at 90 days after stroke onset. A mixed model analysis was performed. Results: A total of 52 participants (mean age 63.9 ± 14 years) were randomized 9.65 ± 4.5 days after onset. Mean NIHSS was 5.3 ± 1.8; mean total ARAT score was 22.5 ± 15.6; 77% had ischemic stroke. Groups were equivalent at baseline on all randomization variables. As expected, all groups improved with time on the total ARAT score. There was a significant time x group interaction (F = 3.1, p < 0.01), such that the high intensity CIT group had significantly less improvement at day 90. No significant differences were found between the dose-matched CIMT and control groups at day 90. MRI of a subsample showed no evidence of activity-dependent lesion enlargement. Conclusion: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) was equally as effective but not superior to an equal dose of traditional therapy during inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Higher intensity CIMT resulted in less motor improvement at 90 days, indicating an inverse dose-response relationship. Motor intervention trials should control for dose, and higher doses of motor training cannot be assumed to be more beneficial, particularly early after stroke.
Time‐optimal control of flexible systems subject to friction

This paper presents a technique for the determination of time‐optimal control profiles for rest‐to‐rest maneuvers of a mass–spring system, subject to Coulomb friction. A parameterization of the control input that accounts for the friction force, resulting in a linear analysis of the system is proposed. The optimality condition is examined for the control profile resulting from the parameter optimization problem. The development is illustrated on a single input system where the control input and the friction force act on the same body. The variation of the optimal control structure as a function of final displacement is also exemplified on the friction benchmark problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Safety of contralateral submandibular gland sparing in locally advanced oropharyngeal cancers: A multicenter review

Previous groups have shown contralateral submandibular gland sparing to improve xerostomia with safe outcomes, but primarily in early‐stage disease. In this study, we present a large cohort of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer that underwent contralateral submandibular gland‐sparing radiotherapy, to demonstrate feasibility and safety specifically in patients with locally advanced disease.
Simultaneous Growth of MWCNTs at Different Temperatures in a Variable Gradient Furnace

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been grown, simultaneously at different temperatures (600 °C, 700 °C, 725 °C, and 750 °C), by thermal chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of acetylene (C2H2) gas, in ammonia (NH3) atmosphere. The samples have been characterized morphologically by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a structurally by Raman spectroscopy. These analyses show that, when the temperature of substrate increases, the CNT average diameter and the density distribution decrease, and the CNTs are less defective. However there is a temperature limit (725 °C) for CNT growth. We have grown CNTs onto Si3N4/Si substrates with Pt electrodes, in order to realize the gas sensing devices. The CNTs grown at 725 °C, exhibit a fast response and a high sensitivity to NO2 gas.