Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and outcome of a cohort of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS Data were retrospectively analyzed by chart review. In 95 cases (72 males and 23 females) sufficient data were available for analysis. Twenty five (29%) of 85 patients were HBsAg or anti HBc positive, 21/85 (25%) were anti HCV positive, and 6/85 (7%) were positive for both HBV and HCV-markers. Age was significantly lower in HBV positive patients than in the other two groups. Thirty one (34%) of 90 patients had histories of alcohol abuse. In 79/94 (84%) patients, cirrhosis was diagnosed. Of these cirrhotic patients, 29/79 (37%) belonged to Child Pugh's group (CHILD) A, 32/79 (40%) to CHILD B, and 18/79 (23%) to CHILD C. AFP was elevated in 61/91 (67%) patients. A single tumor nodule was found in 38/94 (40%), more than one nodule in 31/94 (34%), and 25/94 (26%) had a diffusely infiltrating tumor, i.e. the tumor margins could not be seen on imaging procedures. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 19/94 (20%). Imaging data consistent with lymph node metastases were found in 10/92 (11%), while distant metastases were found in 8/93 (9%). According to Okuda 28/94 (30%) were grouped to stage I, 53/94 (56%) were grouped to stage II, and 13/94 (14%) were grouped to stage II. Survival data were available for 83 patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median survival was 8 4 months. Factors influencing survival were the Okuda score, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and the presence of ascites. The presence of non complicated liver cirrhosis by itself, distant metastases, or infection with hepatitis viruses did not influence survival. AFP positivity by itself did not influence survival, though patients with an AFP value greater than 100 microg/L did experience shortened survival. Treatment besides tamoxifen or supportive care was associated with prolonged survival. The influence of therapy on survival was most pronounced in Okuda stage II patients. There was longer survival in those Okuda stage II patients who were treated with percutaneous ethanol injection. CONCLUSION Even in a low incidence area such as Germany, the majority of HCC is caused by viral hepatitis and therefore potentially preventable. Reflecting the high proportion of advanced stage tumors in our patients, the median survival was poor. Patients who received active therapy had a longer survival.
Screening and Assessment Tools for Determining Fitness to Drive: A Review of the Literature for the Pathways Project

ABSTRACT With a brief introduction, 10 tables summarize the findings from the literature describing screening and assessment tools used with older adults to identify risk or determine fitness to drive. With a focus on occupational therapy's duty to address driving as a valued activity, this paper offers information about tools used by occupational therapy practitioners across practice settings and specialists in driver rehabilitation. The tables are organized into groups of key research studies of assessment tools, screening batteries, tools used in combination (i.e., as a battery), driving simulation as an assessment tool, and screening/assessment for individuals with stroke, vision impairment, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and aging. Each table has a summary of important concepts to consider as occupational therapists choose the methods and tools to evaluate fitness to drive.
Treatment of gingival recessions by combined periodontal regenerative technique, guided tissue regeneration, and subpedicle connective tissue graft. A comparative clinical study.

BACKGROUND Many surgical techniques have been shown to be effective in correcting gingival recessions by covering the exposed root with soft tissue; however, the thickness of the gingival tissue over the root surface probably plays an important role in preventing the recurrence of tissue recession. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of a mucogingival bilaminar technique (BT), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), and a combined periodontal regenerative technique (CPRT) in achieving root coverage and increasing the gingival thickness 1 year after surgical treatment. METHODS In 45 systemically healthy, non-smoking patients aged 33.6 +/- 4.3 years with no periodontal pockets >4 mm, a Miller's Class I or II gingival recession was treated for root coverage: 15 patients underwent BT (connective tissue with partial-thickness double pedicle graft), 15 GTR by a bioabsorbable membrane, and 15 CPRT by a collagen membrane and collagen-incorporated hydroxyapatite. Before and 1 year after surgical treatments, the following clinical parameters were recorded: gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), keratinized tissue width (KT), and gingival thickness (GT); the percentage of root coverage was also calculated and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS All 3 techniques yielded significant improvements in terms of GR decrease, CAL and KT gain, and GT increase compared to baseline values. Mean root coverage was 90.0%, 81.01%, and 87.12% in BT, GTR, and CPRT groups, respectively. Complete root coverage was observed in 60%, 40%, and 53.3% of subjects from the BT, GTR, and CPRT groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed among the 3 techniques in GR or CAL improvements; however, BT produced a significantly (P<0.01) greater increase of KT, and BT and CPRT groups showed a significantly (P<0.01) greater increase of GT compared to the GTR group. CONCLUSIONS BT, GTR, and CPRT successfully treated gingival recession defects, obtaining comparable percentages of root coverage, but BT and CPRT created a thick gingival tissue significantly greater than that achieved with GTR.
Surgical resection after TNFerade therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

CONTEXT Treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a major oncological challenge and survival is dismal. Most patients, present with advanced disease at diagnosis and are not candidates for curative resection. Preoperative chemoradiation may downstage and improve survival in locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This has prompted investigators to look for novel neoadjuvant therapies. Gene therapy for pancreatic cancer is a novel investigational approach that may have promise. TNFerade is a replication deficient adenovirus vector carrying the human tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha gene regulated under control of a radiation-inducible gene promoter. Transfection of tumor cells with TNFerade maximizes the antitumor effect of TNF-alpha under influence of radiation leading to synergistic effects in preclinical studies. CASE REPORT We describe a case of locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with a novel multimodal approach utilizing gene therapy with TNFerade and concurrent chemoradiation that was followed by successful surgical resection. CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant TNFerade based chemoradiation therapy may be a useful adjunct to treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Photovoltaic specialty materials safety

The PV industry uses an assortment of specialty gases and liquids many of which are reactive, pyrophoric or highly toxic, requiring care in handling and special training for emergencies. In addition, some of the PV facilities are being located in countries or regions which have not yet developed the supply or EHS support infrastructure for these materials. Regional expertise is limited, even in the US where facilities are sometimes located in rural areas. The dominant PV technology is crystalline which typically uses silane, phosphine, trimethylboron and ammonia in the process. These gases have a wide variety of hazard characteristics that must be controlled. The dominant specialty gas used is silane, which many users assume will always ignite during an intentional or accidental release. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Tragically, the PV industry suffered two fatal silane accidents in 2005 and 2007 and there have also been numerous fires and explosions. The Integrated Circuit (IC) industry experienced similar problems in the 1970's and 1980's. From 1985 through the 1995, a series of silane technical and safety seminars were conducted in the United States and Europe. These created awareness of potential problems and helped to drastically reduce the number of incidents and/or their severity by establishing industry safe practices and regulations throughout the industry. The PV industry is relearning these lessons learned. This presentation will be a review of the hazard characteristics of the key metal hydride gases used in PV manufacturing. It will also summarize significant incidents involving silane.
Anticytokine treatment of established type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice: a comparative study using anti-TNFalpha, anti-IL-1alpha/beta and IL-1Ra.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), and IL-1 beta in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), immediately after onset and during the phase of established arthritis. METHODS: Male DBA/1 mice with collagen-induced arthritis were treated with antibodies against murine TNF alpha and IL-1 alpha/beta at different time points of the disease. IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) was administered using Alzet osmotic minipumps. The effect of anticytokine treatment was monitored by visual scoring. Histology and cytokine reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses were performed at the end of the treatment period. RESULTS: Anti-TNF alpha treatment showed efficacy shortly after onset of the disease, but had little effect on fully established CIA. Histologic analysis after early treatment revealed that anti-TNF alpha significantly reduced joint pathology, as determined by infiltration of inflammatory cells and cartilage damage. Anti-IL-1 alpha/beta treatment ameliorated both early and full-blown CIA. This clear suppression of established arthritis was confirmed by administration of high doses of IL-1Ra. Dose-response experiments showed that a continuous supply of 1 mg/day was needed for optimal suppression. Histologic analysis showed markedly reduced cartilage destruction both in the knee and the ankle joints. Autoradiography demonstrated full recovery of chondrocyte synthetic function of articular cartilage. In addition, we found that the IL-1 beta isoform plays a dominant role in established CIA. Profound suppression of CIA was observed with anti-IL-1 beta, although elimination of both IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta still gave better protection. Analysis of messenger RNA with RT-PCR revealed that IL-1 beta was highly upregulated in synovium and cartilage at late stages of CIA, whereas anti-IL-1 beta treatment markedly reduced IL-1 beta message in the synovium. CONCLUSION: The present study identified different TNF alpha/IL-1 dependencies in various stages of CIA and revealed that blocking of TNF alpha does not necessarily eliminate IL-1. Continuous, high doses of IL-1Ra are needed to block CIA.
Neural stem cells isolated from amyloid precursor protein-mutated mice for drug discovery.

AIM To develop an in vitro model based on neural stem cells derived from transgenic animals, to be used in the study of pathological mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and for testing new molecules. METHODS Neural stem cells (NSCs) were isolated from the subventricular zone of Wild type (Wt) and Tg2576 mice. Primary and secondary neurosphere generation was studied, analysing population doubling and the cell yield per animal. Secondary neurospheres were dissociated and plated on MCM Gel Cultrex 2D and after 6 d in vitro (DIVs) in mitogen withdrawal conditions, spontaneous differentiation was studied using specific neural markers (MAP2 and TuJ-1 for neurons, GFAP for astroglial cells and CNPase for oligodendrocytes). Gene expression pathways were analysed in secondary neurospheres, using the QIAGEN PCR array for neurogenesis, comparing the Tg2576 derived cell expression with the Wt cells. Proteins encoded by the altered genes were clustered using STRING web software. RESULTS As revealed by 6E10 positive staining, all Tg2576 derived cells retain the expression of the human transgenic Amyloid Precursor Protein. Tg2576 derived primary neurospheres show a decrease in population doubling. Morphological analysis of differentiated NSCs reveals a decrease in MAP2- and an increase in GFAP-positive cells in Tg2576 derived cells. Analysing the branching of TuJ-1 positive cells, a clear decrease in neurite number and length is observed in Tg2576 cells. The gene expression neurogenesis pathway revealed 11 altered genes in Tg2576 NSCs compared to Wt. CONCLUSION Tg2576 NSCs represent an appropriate AD in vitro model resembling some cellular alterations observed in vivo, both as stem and differentiated cells.
Likelihood of financial distress in Canadian oil and gas market: An optimized hybrid forecasting approach

Forecasting models are built on either multivariate parametric or nonparametric methodologies. We attempt to optimize the accuracy of the forecasts combining these approaches to make a robust hybrid forecasting model in predicting the likelihood of financial distress for companies in the Canadian oil and gas market. The proposed approach combined the forecasts out of a multivariate logit model based on the conventional Altman’s Z-score with a nonparametric Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technique. The sample firms are publicly traded and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and span over a period from first quarter of 1999 to the last quarter of 2014. The results of a proposed three-stage estimation process for the period of 2015-2020 indicated that besides the fact that Canadian energy sector will go through ups and downs regarding the likelihood of financial distress, this industry would face a hard time by late 2020. Results show that the forecasting accuracy out of the proposed three-stage forecasting technique is significantly superior to the outcomes of any individual forecasting techniques, i.e. ANN and logit models.
High precision gesture sensing via quantitative characterization of the Doppler effect

This paper presents a high precision gesture recognition system that leverages the Doppler effect of ultrasound to sense in-air hand gestures. The system can precisely identify a wider variety of gestures than other systems without any modification to consumer laptops. The system recognizes quantitatively detailed and complex movements from the signals reflected by a moving body. A Hidden Markov Model is used to construct a library of independent, discrete gestures. The gestures can be mapped to diverse application actions. Our method can distinguish among similar gestures with slight difference by extracting fewer, more effective features. Our proposed system reduces false positives caused by unintended motions and is versatile and adaptable to multiple device. We implemented a proof-of-concept prototype on a laptop and extensively evaluated the system. Our results show that the system recognizes six gestures with an average accuracy of 98.6% and 18 gestures including similar ones with 95% accuracy. The flexibility and robustness on multiple devices highlights its ability to enable future ubiquitous non-contact gesture-based interaction with computing devices.
Effects on Development, Growth Responses and Thyroid-Hormone Systems in Eyed-Eggs and Yolk-Sac Larvae of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Continuously Exposed to 3,3′,4,4′-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-77)

Thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, T3; and thyroxine, T4) play significant roles in development, metamorphosis, metabolism, homeostasis, cellular proliferation, and differentiation, for which the effects are mediated through thyroid hormone receptors (TRα and TRβ). Similarly, the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is involved in growth and development through regulation of somatic growth. This study was designed to examine the effects of the dioxin-like 3,3’,4,4’-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-77) on responses related to growth and thyroid hormone system in eyed eggs and yolk-sac larvae of Atlantic salmon. Salmon eggs were continuously exposed to two waterborne concentrations of PCB-77 (1 or 10 ng/L) over a period of 50 d covering hatching and through yolk-sac absorption stages. Sampling was performed regularly throughout the exposure period and at different time intervals. Gene expression patterns were performed on whole-body homogenate at age 500, 548, 632, 674, and 716 dd (dd: day degrees) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Total T3 (TT3) and total T4 (TT4) were measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA). Data showed that 10 ng PCB-77 increased dioiodinase 2 (Dio2) at 500 dd and both PCB-77 concentrations decreased dio2 expression at 548 dd. PCB-77 elevated cellular TT3 at 500 dd and was lowered at 548 dd only at 10 ng. Otherwise, time-related reduction was not affected by PCB-77 exposure as observed for the rest of the exposure period. For TT4, 1 ng PCB-77 produced a rise at 500 dd, and an apparent concentration decrease at 548 dd, before a total inhibition at 632 dd. The IGF-1 and IGF-1R were variably affected by PCB-77. For IGF-2, PCB-77 produced a concentration-dependent increase at 548 dd, and thereafter an elevation (1 ng) and fall (10 ng) at 632 dd. TRβ mRNA demonstrated PCB-77 related increases during the exposure period, and this effect returned to control levels at 716 dd. For TRα, a rise was noted only after exposure to 10 ng PCB-77 at 500 dd. Overall, the present study demonstrates some possible growth and developmental consequences following exposure to PCB-77 during early life stages of Atlantic salmon.
System modeling for the large-scale diffusion of multiple electricity technologies in an urban distribution network

The popular concept of a “Smart Grid” involves an integration of novel information and communications technologies across an evolving electricity system spanning generation, transmission, distribution and customer networks. For example, distributed generation, energy efficiency, and demand-side management will enable and affect many changes in the electric grid. Drivers for an advanced grid include stresses on the existing system, the attractiveness of new capabilities enabled by technology, and the influence of economic, environmental and security concerns. The rate and form with which these technologies will diffuse are open questions. While there already exists a large body of research which considers the technical potential and local impact of specific “smart” changes to the grid, holistic studies are also needed to assess some of the complex and interrelated effects of adoption across this vast technology set. As part of a larger initiative, a system dynamics model was developed emphasizing the electrical distribution system in an urban context. The model allows for simulation of a wide range of scenarios in order to analyze the diffusion and impact of compound technological changes on the electrical distribution system. For the purposes of this paper we evaluated subsidization policies for select novel technologies and services. This allowed for the identification of a subset of subsidization targets that in our simulation were more effective than others at accelerating the development of a smart distribution system. Our results are discussed within the context of the assumptions and limitations of the model, which suggest directions for future research.
Control of Growth and Differentiation of the Endometrium: The Role of Tissue Interactions

Abstract: Early work with neonatal mice showed that estrogen receptor‐negative uterine epithelium responded to estrogen treatment. Since the underlying mesenchymal cells were estrogen receptor‐positive, it was suggested that these cells mediated the hormonal response through elaboration of a paracrine factor. Cell culture work showed that mesenchymal cells produced soluble factors that stimulate uterine epithelium, but hormonal regulation was absent or minimal. The paracrine hypothesis of estrogen action has been proved by the use of tissue recombinant studies in which epithelium from estrogen receptor‐alpha knockout mice was combined with wild‐type mesenchyme; estrogen stimulated the ERα‐negative epithelium if the underlying stromal cells were receptor‐positive. Also, it is hypothesized that there is a reciprocal paracrine interaction during stimulation with progesterone and estrogen. Accordingly, under progesterone dominance, the epithelium elaborates factors that direct the underlying stroma to proliferate when estrogen is administered. Although this hypothesis needs further testing, it has been shown that the uterine epithelium is required for stromal responsiveness to hormones. The question arises: What are the factors that mediate the effects of the steroid hormones in the uterus? Several peptide growth factors are regulated by estrogen and/or progesterone. Use of knockout animals will allow a determination of the role that these factors play in the uterus. However, ablation of many of these growth factor genes has proved lethal to the newborn animals, making it impossible to study hormonal effects using standard techniques. Tissue xenograft and tissue recombination studies offer a means of defining the role of specific growth factors in uterine physiology.
A 9.2pJ/pulse UWB-IR transmitter with tunable amplitude for wireless sensor tags in 0.18um CMOS

This paper presents a transmitter design for Ultra Wideband Impulse Radio (UWB-IR) communications. The design is targeted towards the implementation of passive Wireless Sensor Tags (WST) where micro-power consumption is required. The transmitter has been implemented in UMC 0. 18µm CMOS and placed inside a QFN lead-less package. It complies with the FCC regulations for Pulse Rate Frequencies (PRF) up to 10MHz using OOK modulation. It is capable of adjusting the Power Spectral Emissions (PSE) modifying the transmitted pulse amplitude to always achieve the best BER/Power performance depending on the application demands. The power emission tunability has been validated implementing a complete communication link using a low sensitivity non-coherent energy receiver. Measurements show a maximum power consumption of 92uW@10MHz PRF having a maximum energy/pulse of 9.2 pJ.
Supplemental Figures and Tables

Figure S1: Optimal use of tests depends on the number of tests available and when they are used. Testing Effectiveness (TE) of RDT and RT-qPCR with 2 day turnaround time, used x days after exposure using y tests once per day is shown for RSV (orange), influenza type A (pink), and SARS-CoV-2 omicron in experienced hosts (green). Darker colors represent higher TE as indicated. In each row, the testing strategy with highest TE is annotated with a white star. Turnaround times: rapid tests, TAT = 0; RT-qPCR TAT = 2. See Supplementary Table S1 for LODs.
Fitness and cognitive processing speed in persons with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional investigation

This cross-sectional study examined associations among aerobic capacity, muscle strength, balance, and cognitive processing speed (CPS) in 31 persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 31 matched controls. Participants completed neuropsychological tests and aerobic capacity (i.e., peak oxygen consumption), muscular strength (i.e., asymmetry between knee muscles), and balance (i.e., postural sway) assessments. Aerobic capacity (r = .27), postural sway (r = −.40), and knee extensor asymmetry (r = −.25) were associated with CPS in those with MS and accounted for differences in CPS between MS and control groups. Such cross-sectional data suggest that aerobic, balance, and resistance training might be avenues for improving CPS in this population. The authors report no conflicts of interest and thank Swathi Balantrapu, Jason Silberman, Stefanie Fitterer, and Rachel Japp for assistance in data acquisition.