Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain metastases: current management and new developments

Purpose of review To review the state-of-the-art and new developments in the management of patients with brain metastases. Recent findings Treatment decisions are based on prognostic factors to maximize neurologic function and survival, while avoiding unnecessary therapies. Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is the treatment of choice for patients with unfavorable prognostic factors. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or surgery is indicated for patients with favorable prognostic factors and limited brain disease. In single brain metastasis, the addition of either stereotactic radiosurgery or surgery to WBRT improves survival. The omission of WBRT after surgery or radiosurgery results in a worse local and distant control, though it does not affect survival. The incidence of neurocognitive deficits in long-term survivors after WBRT remains to be defined. New approaches to avoid cognitive deficits following WBRT are being investigated. The role of chemotherapy is limited. Molecularly targeted therapies are increasingly employed. Prophylaxis with WBRT is the standard in small-cell lung cancer. Summary Many questions need future trials: the usefulness of new radiosensitizers; the role of local treatments after surgery; and the impact of molecularly targeted therapies on subgroups of patients with specific molecular profiles. Quality of life and cognitive functions are recognized as major endpoints in clinical trials.
A Comprehensive Dataset of Genes with a Loss-of-Function Mutant Phenotype in Arabidopsis

Despite the widespread use of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) as a model plant, a curated dataset of Arabidopsis genes with mutant phenotypes remains to be established. A preliminary list published nine years ago in Plant Physiology is outdated, and genome-wide phenotype information remains difficult to obtain. We describe here a comprehensive dataset of 2,400 genes with a loss-of-function mutant phenotype in Arabidopsis. Phenotype descriptions were gathered primarily from manual curation of the scientific literature. Genes were placed into prioritized groups (essential, morphological, cellular-biochemical, and conditional) based on the documented phenotypes of putative knockout alleles. Phenotype classes (e.g. vegetative, reproductive, and timing, for the morphological group) and subsets (e.g. flowering time, senescence, circadian rhythms, and miscellaneous, for the timing class) were also established. Gene identities were classified as confirmed (through molecular complementation or multiple alleles) or not confirmed. Relationships between mutant phenotype and protein function, genetic redundancy, protein connectivity, and subcellular protein localization were explored. A complementary dataset of 401 genes that exhibit a mutant phenotype only when disrupted in combination with a putative paralog was also compiled. The importance of these genes in confirming functional redundancy and enhancing the value of single gene datasets is discussed. With further input and curation from the Arabidopsis community, these datasets should help to address a variety of important biological questions, provide a foundation for exploring the relationship between genotype and phenotype in angiosperms, enhance the utility of Arabidopsis as a reference plant, and facilitate comparative studies with model genetic organisms.
Prevalence and Screening of Mental Health Problems Among U.S. Combat Soldiers Pre- and Post- Deployment

Abstract : Mental disorders are some of the most common and disabling medical conditions among military service members. Deployment, particularly to combat zones, has been associated with a variety of mental health, social, and occupational effects, including PTSD (15-40% lifetime rate after combat), depression, substance abuse, job loss, unemployment, divorce, and spouse abuse. To better provide early intervention for mental health problems, the U.S. military has been conducting routine psychological screening since 1996 before and after operational deployments, and has included mental health screening in the post deployment health assessment mandated for troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite these efforts, little research has been done to determine the prevalence of mental health problems among combat / operational units, the validity and benefits / risks of screening, or the optimal delivery of mental health services.
Antenatal diagnosis of placental infarcts by ultrasonography

Placental infarcts are similar to infarcts observed in any other organ and are the result of obstruction of a uteroplacental artery. ' The relation existing between placental infarcts and materno-fetal complications has been well documented in pathologic studies. '-3 However, we did not find antenatal description of these placental lesions. Three cases presenting with unusual placental features on sonographic examination that corresponded to placental infarcts after delivery are presented.
Isolation of Acid‐Fast Organisms Resembling Mycobacterium vaccae from a Lesion of Bovine Nodular Thelitis

The incidence of bovine nodular thelitis in Japan was reported by Shimizu et al (2) and Yachida et al (8). Although many acid-fast organisms were found microscopically in lesions of nodular thelitis, no culturable acid-fast organisms could be isolated at that time. Recently, only four isolates resembling but differing from Mycobacterium gordonae were obtained from one of seven cows suffering from nodular thelitis (3). More recently, nine new cases of the same disease were found. From one of them, two isolates resembling Mycobacterium vaccae were obtained. The present paper describes the properties of these organisms. In all nine cases, the lesions were found in the teat. One case showed lesions also in the eyelid and near the anus, and another one also in the escutcheon. The lesions in all cows were histologically similar to tuberculosis and contained many acid-fast organisms. All cows showed positive reactions to tuberculin (PPD, 50 iug)
Time Changes of the Brownian Motion: Poincaré
 Inequality, Heat Kernel Estimate and
 Protodistance

In this paper, time changes of the Brownian motions on generalized Sierpinski carpets including n-dimensional cube [0, 1] are studied. Intuitively time change corresponds to alteration to density of the medium where the heat flows. In case of the Brownian motion on [0, 1], density of the medium is homogeneous and represented by the Lebesgue measure. Our study includes densities which are singular to the homogeneous one. We establish a rich class of measures called measures having weak exponential decay. This class contains measures which are singular to the homogeneous one such as Liouville measures on [0, 1] and self-similar measures. We are going to show the existence of time changed process and associated jointly continuous heat kernel for this class of measures. Furthermore, we obtain diagonal lower and upper estimates of the heat kernel as time tends to 0. In particular, to express the principal part of the lower diagonal heat kernel estimate, we introduce “protodistance” associated with the density as a substitute of ordinary metric. If the density has the volume doubling property with respect to the Euclidean metric, the protodistance is shown to produce metrics under which upper off-diagonal subGaussian heat kernel estimate and lower near diagonal heat kernel estimate will be shown. 2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary , 31E05, 60J35, 60J60; Secondary 28A80, 30L10, 43A99, 60J65, 80A20.
Mean Bit Error Rate Evaluation of MC-CDMA Cellular Systems Employing Multiuser-Maximum-Likelihood Detector

In this paper, we evaluate the uplink bit error rate (BER) of multicarrier-code-division-multiple-access (MC-CDMA) cellular systems with multiuser-maximum-likelihood detector (MU-MLD). The scenario considers perfect power control, own-cell interference (or multiple access interference—MAI), interference from co-cells (or co-cell interference—CCI), additive white Gaussian noise, exponential path-loss and slow frequency-selective Rayleigh fading. Upper bound expressions to evaluate the mean BER are obtained, which are functions of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the number of users, the spreading factor, and the channel reuse factor. For BPSK and 4-QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation), closed-form expressions involving the analytical calculation of pairwise error probabilities are obtained. For 16-QAM and 64-QAM, we show that the number of pairwise error probabilities needed to obtain the BER can be simplified through the constellations symmetry. The procedure for obtaining this simplification is detailed. Also, by considering BER asymptotes, expressions for the SNR penalty due to MAI are derived. Monte Carlo simulations verify the analytical expressions accuracy. In the simulations, the MU-MLD is implemented through the sphere decoder algorithm with MMSE QR factorization. Results show that MC-CDMA does not lose diversity due to MAI. Moreover, CCI significantly affects the system performance. As a consequence, it produces floors in the BER curves.
A performance evaluation of fusion techniques for spatio-temporal saliency detection in dynamic scenes

Visual saliency is an important research topic in computer vision applications, which helps to focus on regions of interest instead of processing the whole image. Detecting visual saliency in still images has been widely addressed in literature. However, visual saliency detection in videos is more complicated due to additional temporal information. A spatio-temporal saliency map is usually obtained by the fusion of a static saliency map and a dynamic saliency map. The way both maps are fused plays a critical role in the accuracy of the spatio-temporal saliency map. In this paper, we evaluate the performances of different fusion techniques on a large and diverse dataset and the results show that a fusion method must be selected depending on the characteristics, in terms of color and motion contrasts, of a sequence. Overall, fusion techniques which take the best of each saliency map (static and dynamic) in the final spatio-temporal map achieve best results.
Vascular Protection by Natural Product-Derived Polyphenols: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

Epidemiological studies have indicated that regular intake of fruit and vegetables and beverages such as red wine and tea, which contain high levels of polyphenols, is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The beneficial effect of polyphenol-rich natural products has been attributable, at least in part, to their direct effect on blood vessels, and in particular on endothelial cells. Indeed, polyphenols from tea, grapes, berries, and plants have been shown to activate endothelial cells to increase the formation of potent vasoprotective factors including nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. Experimental and clinical studies have also indicated that chronic intake of several polyphenol-rich natural products is able to improve endothelial dysfunction and to decrease vascular oxidative stress associated with major cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. Altogether, these observations suggest that polyphenol-rich sources of natural products have the potential to improve the function of blood vessels and, hence, to protect the vascular system.
Dapagliflozin: an evidence-based review of its potential in the treatment of type-2 diabetes

Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor that lowers plasma glucose by decreasing its renal reabsorption. The resulting excretion of glucose in the urine (glucosuria) has transformed what was once solely regarded as an adverse facet of diabetes into a potential novel therapeutic strategy. Glucosuria leads to weight loss, due to a reduction in calories, which is thought to rehabilitate insulin sensitivity, at least partially. By acting independently of insulin action or secretion, dapagliflozin appears to avert or minimize two key barriers to optimal glycemic control: hypoglycemia and weight gain. From the clinical studies conducted thus far in patients with type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin significantly decreases HbA1c (by ~0.5%–1%, from a baseline of 8%–9%), as well as body weight (~2–3 kg), without increased risk of hypoglycemia. Dapagliflozin thus represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of diabetes. While long-term data on safety and efficacy are forthcoming, the results published to date suggest that this agent has the potential to be another option in the treatment of diabetes treatments. This article examines the evidence currently available on the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin.
MicroRNA-665 inhibits the oncogenicity of retinoblastoma by directly targeting high-mobility group box 1 and inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Purpose: Previous studies have revealed that microRNA-665 (miR-665) is dysregulated in a variety of human cancers. However, little is known regarding its expression profiles and functions in retinoblastoma (RB). Therefore, the aims of our study were to evaluate miR-665 expression in RB and determine the precise roles of miR-665 in the progression of RB. Patients and methods: Herein, RT-qPCR was used to determine miR-665 expression levels in RB tissues and cell lines, and a series of functional experiments were performed to explore the influence of miR-665 on RB cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion as well as tumor growth. The molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor-suppressive action of miR-665 in RB were also explored. Results: We found that miR-665 was markedly reduced in RB tissues and cell lines and that lower miR-665 expression was strongly associated with tumor size, TNM stage, and differentiation in patients with RB. Exogenous expression of miR-665 suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in RB cells, while silencing miR-665 expression had the opposite effects. In addition, upregulation of miR-665 decreased the tumor growth of RB cells in vivo. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was identified as a direct target of miR-665 in RB cells, and decreasing the expression of HMGB1 simulated the regulatory effects of miR-665 overexpression in RB cells, while knockdown of HMGB1 expression counteracted the miR-665-mediated antitumor effects in RB cells. Moreover, miR-665 was shown to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting HMGB1 in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo results suggest that miR-665 acts as a tumor-suppressive miRNA in RB by directly targeting HMGB1 and inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Hence, this miRNA is a candidate prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with RB.
Comparative study of calculated lipid indices viz atherogenic index of plasma, atherogenic coefficient and lipid accumulation product over conventional lipid profile parameters as better predictors of atherosclerosis in obesity: A cross sectional study

Introduction: Rising prevalence of obesity represents rapidly growing threat for Indian subcontinent. Dyslipidemia in obesity accelerates the process of atherogenesis; though its occurrence can’t be underestimated in apparently normal individual lipids. This warrants need of precise measures to predict dyslipidemia beyond routine lipid parameters. Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Atherogenic Coefficient & Lipid Accumulation Product have gained attention in this regard. Aims and Objectives: This cross sectional study aimed at assessing usefulness of calculated lipid indices over individual lipids as potential predictors of atherosclerosis in obesity. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 100 apparently healthy overweight & obese cases and 100 healthy controls. Fasting blood sample was collected for lipid profile parameters. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software. Results: The levels of TC(211.4+ 36.2/173.9+21.4), TAG (162.9+41.5/124.6+26.3), AIP (0.23+0.11/0.08+0.03), AC (4.3+1.4/2.7+1.1) & LAP (31.3+8.6/24.3+6.2) were elevated while HDL (41.7+9.2/ 52.2+8.3) levels were founder to be low in cases compared to controls (pCases having raised AIP and LAP outnumbered than those with atherogenic dyslipidemia. Conclusion: Calculated lipid indices proved to be better than conventional lipid parameters as simple, sensitive & independent tools to screen high risk individuals for atherogenesis in obesity especially in Indian scenario with limited resources. Keywords: Obesity, Atherogenic index of plasma, atherosclerosis, Lipid accumulation product, Atherogenic coefficient.
The development of the representation of conceptual knowledge in memory and the design of instruction

Knowledge comprises facts, concepts and principles. Skills are categorized as either cognitive or motor skills, which are essential for solving problems. The acquisition of knowledge and skills is guided by instructions and by presenting problems to students. Firstly, the instructions for acquiring concepts, based on principles, are discussed and a model for teaching is presented. Further, the integration of class and relational concepts, together with principles, is shown to be necessary for solving problems.
Thermotolerance and heat shock proteins in mammalian cells.

One of the more intriguing aspects of thermal biology is the response of heated cells to subsequent exposures at elevated temperatures. It has been clearly demonstrated by Gerner and Schneider (1) and Henle and Leeper (2) that an initial heat dose can induce a temporary state of heat resistance. This state has been termed thermotolerance. If the initial heat dose is at temperatures greater than about 43? C, the transient resistance manifests itself only if an intervening period at 37? C is permitted. Maximum thermotolerance is reached around 6 hr after transfer to 37? C; tolerance maintains itself for some time, decays slowly, and disappears by perhaps 100 hr. Alternatively, if the initial heating is at temperatures lower than 43? C, thermotolerance can develop during the heating period. The crucial role of protein synthesis in the development of thermotolerance has been recognized for some time (3). Protein synthesis is inhibited at temperatures of 43? C or higher, but goes on at lower temperatures. Thermotolerance also cannot develop if protein synthesis is inhibited by means other than heat itself, as, for example, during incubation in medium in which water has been replaced by deuterium oxide (4) or if cells are at low temperature (1, 2). It has been known for a considerable time that heat induces synthesis of a family of proteins, usually referred to as heat shock proteins (hsp) (5). These proteins, perhaps as many as 20 or more, range in molecular weight from less than 20,000 to more than 100,000. Because of the important role that protein synthesis appears to play in the development of thermotolerance, as discussed in the previous paragraph, it is not surprising that experiments were performed to determine whether or not hsp may play a role in conferring heat resistance on cells. Indeed, several studies have now shown that in mammalian cells there is a good temporal correlation between the induction of heat shock proteins and the development of thermotolerance (6, 7). Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that thermotolerance can be
Protein-Rich Fraction of Cnidoscolus urens (L.) Arthur Leaves: Enzymatic Characterization and Procoagulant and Fibrinogenolytic Activities

Proteolytic enzymes are important macromolecules in the regulation of biochemical processes in living organisms. Additionally, these versatile biomolecules have numerous applications in the industrial segment. In this study we have characterized a protein-rich fraction of Cnidoscolus urens (L.) Arthur leaves, rich in proteolytic enzymes, and evaluated its effects on the coagulation cascade. Three protein-rich fractions were obtained from the crude extract of C. urens leaves by precipitation with acetone. Fraction F1.0 showed higher proteolytic activity upon azocasein, and thus, was chosen for subsequent tests. The proteolytic activity of F1.0 on fibrinogen was dose-dependent and time-dependent. The extract demonstrated procoagulant activity on citrated plasma and reduced the APTT, not exerting effects on PT. Despite the fibrin(ogen)olytic activity, F1.0 showed no defibrinogenating activity in vivo. The fraction F1.0 did not express hemorrhagic nor hemolytic activities. The proteolytic activity was inhibited by E-64, EDTA and in the presence of metal ions, and increased when pretreated with reducing agents, suggesting that the observed activity was mostly due to cysteine proteases. Several bands with proteolytic activity were detected by zymography with gelatin, albumin and fibrinogen. The optimal enzymatic activity was observed in temperature of 60 °C and pH 5.0, demonstrating the presence of acidic proteases. In conclusion, these results could provide basis for the pharmacological application of C. urens proteases as a new source of bioactive molecules to treat bleeding and thrombotic disorders.
Growing Up in a Recession 1 September 2013

Does the historical macroeconomic environment affect preferences for redistribution? We find that individuals who experienced a recession when young believe that success in life depends more on luck than effort, support more government redistribution, and tend to vote for left-wing parties. The effect of recessions on beliefs is long-lasting. We support our findings with evidence from three different datasets. First, we identify the effect of recessions on beliefs exploiting time and regional variation in macroeconomic conditions using data from the 1972–2010 General Social Survey. Our specifications control for nonlinear time-period, life-cycle, and cohort effects, as well as a host of background variables. Second, we rely on data from the National Longitudinal Survey of the High School Class of 1972 to corroborate the age-period-cohort specification and look at heterogeneous effects of experiencing a recession during early adulthood. Third, using data from the World Value Survey, we confirm our findings with a sample of 37 countries whose citizens experienced macroeconomic disasters at different points in history. JEL Classification Numbers: P16, E60, Z13 Authors’ Email Addresses: paola.giuliano@anderson.ucla. edu; aspilimbergo@imf.org 1 The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or its board of directors. We thank Marco Ottaviani and five anonymous referees for comments that substantially improved the paper. We also thank Antonio Ciccone, Claudia Goldin, Larry Katz, Bob Margo, Sarah Reber, David Romer, Jason Snyder, Romain Wacziarg, and Fabrizio Zilibotti, as well as participants at various conferences and seminars. We are very grateful to David Card, Liz Cascio, and Sarah Reber for providing data on the quality of education in the United States. Paola Giuliano gratefully acknowledges support from the Center for American Politics and Public Policy at UCLA and thanks the Russell Sage Foundation for its wonderful hospitality.