Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcome and patterns of failure in patients with advanced head and neck cancer

Purpose: To access the long-time outcome and patterns of failure in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods and materials: Between 1992 and 2005 127 patients (median age 55 years, UICC stage III n = 6, stage IV n = 121) with primarily inoperable, advanced HNSCC were treated with definite platinum-based radiochemotherapy (median dose 66.4 Gy). Analysed end-points were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), loco-regional progression-free survival (LPFS), development of distant metastases (DM), prognostic factors and causes of death. Results: The mean follow-up time was 34 months (range, 3-156 months), the 3-, 5and 10-year OS rates were 39%, 28% and 14%, respectively. The median OS was 23 months. Forty-seven patients achieved a complete remission and 78 patients a partial remission. The median LPFS was 17 months, the 3-, 5and 10-year LPFS rates were 41%, 33% and 30%, respectively. The LPFS was dependent on the nodal stage (p = 0.029). The median DFS was 11 months (range, 2-156 months), the 3-, 5and 10-year DFS rates were 30%, 24% and 22%, respectively. Prognostic factors in univariate analyses were alcohol abuse (n = 102, p = 0.015), complete remission (n = 47, p < 0.001), local recurrence (n = 71, p < 0.001), development of DM (n = 45, p < 0.001; median OS 16 months) and borderline significance in nodal stage N2 versus N3 (p = 0.06). Median OS was 26 months with lung metastases (n = 17). Nodal stage was a predictive factor for the development of DM (p = 0.025). Cause of death was most commonly tumor progression. Conclusions: In stage IV HNSCC long-term survival is rare and DM is a significant predictor for mortality. If patients developed DM, lung metastases had the most favourable prognosis, so intensified palliative treatment might be justified in DM limited to the lungs.
A Study on the Application of the PREViA Approach in Modeling Education

Creation, interpretation, and evolution of models and diagrams are activities commonly performed in software projects, and the teaching of such activities is fundamental for software engineering education. However, it is difficult to see the changes made in model corrections, evolutions, or maintenance done by the student, as well as by the teacher, comparing templates and different solutions. In this regard, this paper presents the use of the PREViA approach, which aims at visualizing software architecture models. This work focuses on supporting teaching and learning in the modeling education context. A feasibility study was conducted and its results provided positive evidences of the use of the approach in the correction of diagrams.
Increased Soluble CD154 (CD40 Ligand) Levels in Xenograft Recipients Correlate With the Development of De Novo Anti-Pig IgG Antibodies

Background De novo anti-pig antibodies are associated with acute humoral xenograft rejection. We explored the relative efficacy of CD40/CD154-pathway blockade versus CD28/B7-pathway blockade in the prevention of de novo anti-pig IgG antibodies in xenograft recipients. Methods After &agr;1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pig artery patch xenotransplantation, recipient baboons received no immunosuppression (IS; n=3), or anti-CD154mAb-based (n=5) or CTLA4-Ig-based (n=5) IS. CD4+ T-cell and CD20+ B-cell numbers in blood were determined. Serum anti-pig IgG antibodies and serum soluble (s)CD154 levels were measured. In lymph nodes, germinal center formation was examined and numbers of proliferating cells were evaluated by Ki-67 staining. Results After transplantation, with no IS, CD4+ T-cell and CD20+ B-cell numbers were increased, but were reduced by IS. In lymph nodes, with no IS, there was enhanced germinal center formation, which was significantly reduced by anti-CD154mAb-based (P<0.01) or CTLA4-Ig-based (P<0.01) IS. With no IS, there was strong expression of Ki-67-positive cells in lymph nodes, indicating extensive cellular proliferation. Ki-67-positive cells were significantly reduced by anti-CD154mAb-based (P<0.05) but not by CTLA4-Ig-based IS. High mean levels of sCD154 were detected with no IS (3324 pg/mL), in comparison to naive control baboons (214 pg/mL). With anti-CD154mAb-based IS, sCD154 was reduced to less than 1 pg/mL and with CTLA4-Ig-based IS to 65 pg/mL. There was significant positive correlation between sCD154 and anti-pig IgG levels (P<0.01). Conclusions In xenograft recipients, anti-CD154mAb may reduce class-switching of anti-pig antibodies by binding both T-cell surface CD154 and circulating sCD154, thus preventing subsequent stimulation of B cells and activation of lymphoid follicles in secondary lymphoid tissues.
Inferring Alternative Splicing Combinations from Comprehensive Putative-Junction Microarray Data

Research indicates that alternative splicing (AS) is a major source contributing to the cellular and functional complexity of metazoan organisms and an important cause of disease if normal splicing is disrupted. While very recent AS sensing technologies such as microarrays and next generation sequencing can potentially be used to understand how AS operates in a tissue-specific manner, noisy data and the possibility of multiple splicing events in a single gene make analysis difficult. We describe a Bayesian MCMC method that detects combinations of AS in a gene with n exons, using microarray measurements for the n exons, but also all n(n i 1)=2 potential splice junctions. The method incorporates priors over local splicing events and sensor parameters, plus constraints requiring that the numbers of differently-spliced RNA molecules must add up to the total RNA abundance. We report results on recently-acquired mouse and human data.
End user programming/informal programming

The phenomenon we call "programming" is not limited to regular professional programmers. Farthest away are end user programmers, who program just as a means to an end in their own professions. In between are people with very diverse backgrounds, general education, and programming knowledge. Like professional programmers, they write programs for others as their major job activity. Yet they also share characteristics of end user programmers, such as a strong specialization in one application area. All these "informal programmers" need more study and support to help them maximize their contributions.
Ubertagging: Joint Segmentation and Supertagging for English

A precise syntacto-semantic analysis of English requires a large detailed lexicon with the possibility of treating multiple tokens as a single meaning-bearing unit, a word-with-spaces. However parsing with such a lexicon, as included in the English Resource Grammar, can be very slow. We show that we can apply supertagging techniques over an ambiguous token lattice without resorting to previously used heuristics, a process we call ubertagging. Our model achieves an ubertagging accuracy that can lead to a four to eight fold speed up while improving parser accuracy.
Beyond Fractionalization: Mapping Ethnicity onto Nationalist Insurgencies

This paper theorizes the link between ethnicity and conflict. Conventional research relies on the ethnolinguistic fractionalization index (ELF) to explore a possible causal connection between these two phenomena. However, such approaches implicitly postulate unrealistic, individualist interaction topologies. Moreover, ELF-based studies fail to articulate explicit causal mechanisms of collective action. To overcome these difficulties, we introduce the new index N* of ethnonationalist exclusiveness that maps ethnic configurations onto political violence. This formalization is confirmed statistically in regression analysis based on data from Eurasia and North Africa.
Performance of the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale for caregiving research

Objectives: The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) scale has been useful in a broad spectrum of health research on patient and population outcomes. A brief version is used when depressive symptoms are not the primary focus. Rasch (item response) analysis previously demonstrated potential problems with positively worded items. We tested the 10-item CESD (CESD-10) scale and considered an 8-item version with both psychometric and Rasch analyses. Methods: This was a special sample of 2067 caregivers from three existing US databases. We describe item response patterns and internal constancy in addition to Rasch scale results. Results: There were few problems with missing data, and internal consistency was high (alpha = 0.86–0.88) for both CESD versions. Rasch analysis indicated that one of the positive items (“hopeful about future”) could be dropped. Conclusions: We partly confirmed prior work that suggested dropping positive items for the CESD-10. Among caregivers, item-level problems and scaling problems seem minimal. At present, there is not a strong rationale for dropping the CESD-10 positive items: the one poorly performing positive item might be explained by the special caregiver sample.
SNN Input Parameters: How Are They Related?

Nowadays, organizations are facing several challenges when they try to analyze generated data with the aim of extracting useful information. This analytical capacity needs to be enhanced with tools capable of dealing with big data sets without making the analytical process a difficult task. Clustering is usually used, as this technique does not require any prior knowledge about the data. However, clustering algorithms usually require one or more input parameters that influence the clustering process and the results that can be obtained. This work analyses the relation between the three input parameters of the SNN (Shared Nearest Neighbor) algorithm and proposes specific guidelines for the identification of the appropriate input parameters that optimizes the processing time.
Fungal secondary metabolite dynamics in fungus–grazer interactions: novel insights and unanswered questions

In response to fungivore grazing fungi are assumed to have evolved secondary metabolite-based defense mechanisms that harm and repel grazers, and hence provide a benefit to the metabolite producer. However, since research into the ecological meaning of highly diverse fungal secondary metabolites is still in its infancy, many central questions still remain. Which components of the enormous metabolite diversity of fungi act as direct chemical defense mechanisms against grazers? Is the proposed chemical defense of fungi induced by grazer attack? Which role do volatile compounds play in communicating noxiousness to grazers? What is the relative impact of grazers and that of interactions with competing microbes on the evolution of fungal secondary metabolism? Here, I briefly summarize and discuss the results of the very few studies that have tried to tackle some of these questions by (i) using secondary metabolite mutant fungi in controlled experiments with grazers, and by (ii) investigating fungal secondary metabolism as a flexible means to adapt to grazer-rich niches.
Strengthening Passwords by Keystroke Dynamics

This document presents the application of biometrics to strength conventional passwords. We show methods to analyze and compare users' keystroke patterns to be able to verify their identity when entering the password into a computer system. The problem's difficulty arises from the fact that only a very limited amount data is available and that new users can come and others may leave the system meantime. That is we are not allowed to re-evaluate all users' data during the application. We show test results based on 2400 records collected from 25 users of different typing ability.
Performance evaluation of the CM-5 interconnection network

The authors present performance characteristics of the CM-5 (Connection Machine-5) data network with respect to bandwidth and latency. They present the maximum effective network bandwidth as a function of massage size, varying data path through different levels of the network hierarchy, and system load. They also present latency as a function of message size and network hierarchy. The maximum effective network bandwidth is given as a function of data flow pattern (2-D and 3-D mesh, stencils, ring, tree, and hypercube) using several variant embedding schemes. Measurements were obtained using CMMD V 1.3. 1, Thinking Machine Corporation's message-passing library, and CMNF V 1.1, a fast message-passing library. Using CMNF, measurements which were very close to actual hardware capabilities were observed. <<ETX>>
Prognostische Wertigkeit evozierter Potentiale in der neurologischen Frührehabilitation bei Patienten im apallischen Syndrom

In 22 patients with apallic syndrome brainstem auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded, in 8 patients the course during rehabilitation was observed. Clinically the patients were scored with Glasgow-coma scale, Karnofsky-index and Goldenberg-scale. The outcome of rehabilitation was estimated by the "Glasgow-outcome scale". No correlation was found between results of evoked potentials and clinical state. First evoked potentials measurements of apallic patients allowed no prognosis. Evoked potentials are an important prognostic factor after severe head trauma, but have no value for the prognosis of apallic patients.
Superconducting Circuits for Quantum Information: An Outlook

The performance of superconducting qubits has improved by several orders of magnitude in the past decade. These circuits benefit from the robustness of superconductivity and the Josephson effect, and at present they have not encountered any hard physical limits. However, building an error-corrected information processor with many such qubits will require solving specific architecture problems that constitute a new field of research. For the first time, physicists will have to master quantum error correction to design and operate complex active systems that are dissipative in nature, yet remain coherent indefinitely. We offer a view on some directions for the field and speculate on its future.
Développer son modèle de rôle en formation pratique : la contribution d’une communauté de pratique de cliniciens enseignants

Contexte et problematique : Lors de la formation en contexte clinique, le clinicien enseignant joue plusieurs roles parmi lesquels celui de modele de role inspirant. Or, bien qu’on recommande d’exercer ce role de maniere intentionnelle et explicite aupres des etudiants, aucune etude ne s’est interessee aux manieres d’aider le clinicien enseignant a le faire. Objectif : Decrire les impacts de la participation, pendant pres d’une annee, de cliniciens enseignants a une forme de communaute de pratique portant sur le theme de l’exercice du modele de role en formation pratique. Materiel et methodes : Une recherche-action a visee formative a ete realisee aupres d’une communaute de pratique de 10 cliniciens enseignants provenant de divers programmes des sciences sociales et des sciences de la sante affilies a l’Universite Laval. L’enregistrement audio des rencontres, ainsi que des questionnaires aupres des cliniciens enseignants et de leurs etudiants ont servi au recueil et a l’analyse qualitative des informations. Resultats : Cette communaute a eu des retombees tres positives, autant pour les cliniciens enseignants que pour leurs etudiants. Les cliniciens ont demontre qu’ils comprenaient mieux le sens d’etre un modele de role explicite et qu’ils s’etaient approprie cette notion en l’integrant a leur bagage de connaissances et de savoirs pratiques en supervision. De plus, ils ont consolide leur repertoire de strategies pedagogiques, dont une utilisation accrue de la demonstration pratique aupres des etudiants. Ces derniers ont constate les retombees rapportees. Conclusion : Cette etude aura permis de documenter les impacts positifs d’une communaute de pratique pluridisciplinaire de cliniciens enseignants quant a leur maniere d’agir en tant que modeles de role. Les resultats guideront la conduite d’autres communautes de pratique et l’elaboration d’activites de formation pedagogique pour la supervision en contexte clinique.
The neurological basis of visual neglect

Purpose of reviewA recent study has confirmed the enormous impact of visual neglect on the health services of the western world. Neglect was present in 48% of a sample of 166 right hemisphere stroke patients, and the severity of neglect predicted the extent of functional disability and family burden more accurately than did the extent of brain damage. Given the medical significance of neglect and its tantalizing relevance to understanding human conscious experience, it is unsurprising that the neuropsychological literature concerning the syndrome continues to grow rapidly. Recent findingsWe include brief surveys of six topics currently attracting attention in the field: the anatomical focus of neglect; the visual input pathways implicated; impairments of spatial working memory; the nature of visual extinction; perceptual distortions in neglect; studies on healthy subjects using transcranial magnetic stimulation; and the use of prism adaptation for the rehabilitation of neglect. SummaryThere is steady progress in understanding the essential components of neglect and their brain localization. Every step towards clarity, however, seems to be matched by a new discovery of the inherent complexity of the syndrome. The clinical expression of neglect may reflect the interaction of a variety of spatially lateralized and non-lateralized impairments, not all of which are present in all patients. The quest for an effective technique for the clinical rehabilitation of neglect continues, with prism adaptation emerging as the most promising approach to date.
Sex-Specific Association of Sleep Apnea Severity With Subclinical Myocardial Injury, Ventricular Hypertrophy, and Heart Failure Risk in a Community-Dwelling Cohort: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities–Sleep Heart Health Study

Background— Risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the development of subsequent cardiovascular (CV) complications differ by sex. We hypothesize that the relationship between OSA and high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), cardiac structure, and CV outcomes differs by sex. Methods and Results— Seven hundred fifty-two men and 893 women free of CV disease participating in both the Atherosclerosis Risk in the Communities and the Sleep Heart Health Studies were included. All participants (mean age, 62.5±5.5 years) underwent polysomnography and measurement of hs-TnT. OSA severity was defined by using established clinical categories. Subjects were followed for 13.6±3.2 years for incident coronary disease, heart failure, and CV and all-cause mortality. Surviving subjects underwent echocardiography after 15.2±0.8 years. OSA was independently associated with hs-TnT among women (P=0.03) but not in men (P=0.94). Similarly, OSA was associated with incident heart failure or death in women (P=0.01) but not men (P=0.10). This association was no longer significant after adjusting for hs-TnT (P=0.09). Among surviving participants without an incident CV event, OSA assessed in midlife was independently associated with higher left ventricle mass index only among women (P=0.001). Conclusions— Sex-specific differences exist in the relationship between OSA and CV disease. OSA, assessed in midlife, is independently associated with higher levels of concomitantly measured hs-TnT among women but not men, in whom other comorbidities associated with OSA may play a more important role. During 13-year follow-up, OSA was associated with incident heart failure or death only among women, and, among those without an incident event, it was independently associated with left ventricular hypertrophy only in women.
A Capacity Planning Model in the TFT-LCD Production Chain

The paper studies the capacity planning problem in the TFT-LCD production chain. Due to two significant trends, the capacity planning decision gradually becomes an important strategic issue to which TFT-LCD industry paid attention. First is the increase of product types which causes a wide range of product groups, such as mobile, monitor, notebook, TV and industrial display are produced. The second trend is the advances of new technology which cause multiple generations of technologies coexist in each manufacturing stage and production site. This paper proposes a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) to formulate the capacity planning which considers many practical characteristics and constraints in TFT-LCD production chain. A heuristic algorithm is developed to solve the MILP model.
The relationship between metabolic syndrome criteria and preeclampsia in primigravid women

Background: Pregnancy is associated with many physiological changes, which in some cases may cause serious risks such as preeclampsia, and fetal and maternal health threats. Recent research has focused on the relationship between metabolic syndrome and preeclampsia. By identifying appropriate indicators for early diagnosis, maternal–fetal complications can be prevented. The present study aimed to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome indicators and the occurrence of preeclampsia in nulliparous pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted on 220 nulliparous pregnant women (normal metabolic syndrome) from Isfahan health centers, Iran, selected by random quota sampling method. With physical examination and laboratory results, metabolic syndrome and preeclampsia in the second half of pregnancy were identified. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistical tests were used for demographic characteristics, and Chi-square test, Student's independent t-test, and Fisher's exact test were used to determine and compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome indicators and preeclampsia. Results: The relative frequencies of preeclampsia in the group of pregnant women with metabolic syndrome and the healthy group before week 30 (P < 0.001) and after 30 weeks of pregnancy (P < 0.001) were significantly different. The results showed a significant difference in the mean triglycerides and fasting plasma glucose between preeclampsia and control groups; however, the mean high density lipoprotein (HDL) in both groups had no significant differences. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it was found that in subjects with the metabolic syndrome during pregnancy, the risk for preeclampsia in the second half of pregnancy was higher than in the general population. In this respect, with the design of preventive programs, such as weight management and lowering harmful blood lipids, this complication in pregnancy can be prevented to some extent, or its serious complications can be decreased by early diagnosis. Controlling these indicators before pregnancy as preconception care for individuals at high risk of preeclampsia is recommended.