Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An update on phase I study of dose-escalating imatinib mesylate plus standard-dosed temozolomide for the treatment of patients with malignant glioma.

1560 Background: Imatinib mesylate, a kinase inhibitor of the PDGF receptor has been shown to decrease tumor interstitial pressure resulting in enhanced delivery of cytotoxic therapy. Recent phase II trial demonstrated promising anti-glioma activity of imatinib mesylate in combination with chemotherapy, hydroxyurea. METHODS The current phase I study is designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of imatinib mesylate when combined with temozolomide, a DNA methylator with established efficacy against gliomas. Eligibility criteria include: histologically confirmed malignant glioma; age of at least 18 years; KPS of at least 60%; less than grade 2 intratumoral hemorrhage; adequate hepatic, renal, and bone marrow function and lack of prior failure or significant toxicity following treatment with either imatinib mesylate or temozolomide. Temozolomide is dosed at 200 mg/m2 on days 4-8 of each 28-day cycle. Imatinib mesylate is administered on days 1-8 of each cycle and the dose is escalated in successive cohorts of 3-6 patients via a standard "3+3" dose escalation design. Patients are stratified based on concurrent use of enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants (EIAC) and both strata are independently escalated. RESULTS To date 47 patients have been enrolled including 40 with GBM and 7 with anaplastic gliomas. Median age is 53.9 years (range 28 to 72); 66% are male and 51% are on EIAC. The MTD has yet to be defined for either stratum. To date DLT of ALT elevation has been observed in one patient from non-EIAC stratum. Two patients discontinued therapy due to toxicities with one asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and one severe hematologic toxicity. Pharmacokinetic sampling has been performed in approximately half of the patients. One patient completed the study (12 cycles) with stable disease. Eleven patients remain on study with one partial response and three patients have undergone more than 10 cycles of therapy with stable disease. Twenty-eight patients (59%) have developed progressive disease and discontinued therapy. CONCLUSIONS Combination of imatinib mesylate and temozolomide is safe and well tolerated. Further accrual and dose escalation are ongoing. [Table: see text].
An improved method for the production of antiserum directed against weakly immunogenic tumor antigens

An immunization procedure is presented which enhances the immune respons to weakly immunogenic tumor‐specific cell surface antigens by coupling new helper antigens to tumor cells. Mice were immunized with lyophilized tumor cell membranes to which helper antigen was coupled. Only animals which were so primed against the helper antigen as to induce delayed hypersensitivity showed an increased in vitro immune response. This was not found in mice which were not primed or which exhibited immediate hypersensitivity.
Adsorption of soluble proteins to rumen bacteria and the role of adsorption in proteolysis

1. Following the addition of I4C-labelled casein to mixed rumen bacteria at 39°, some radioactivity was adsorbed to the bacteria before the casein was hydrolysed. At O°, the rate of hydrolysis was greatly diminished but adsorption still occurred, and this enabled a study of the adsorption mechanism to be made. 2. The adsorption of 14C-labelled casein to rumen bacteria was a saturable process. The maximum binding capacity was about 10 μ I4C-labelled casein/mg bacterial protein. 3. The ability of bacteria to adsorb 14C-labelled casein was abolished when they had been boiled for 5 min. Boiling caused the release of material from the bacteria which rendered some undigested protein soluble in 50 g trichloroacetic acid/l. 4. Adsorbed 14C-labelled casein could be partly displaced by the addition of Triton XI00 or an excess of unlabelled casein, or by boiling, or by removal of capsular material by blending. Adsorbed 14C-labelled haemoglobin could similarly be displaced by an excess of cold casein. 5. When an excess of casein was added to bacteria to which glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC I. I.I.49) and glucosephosphate isomerase (EC 5.3. I.9) had been adsorbed, little active enzyme was displaced. 6. The susceptibility of different 14C-labelled proteins to hydrolysis corresponded to their relative adsorption affinities. 7. The pattern of sensitivity to inhibitors of the adsorption mechanism was the same as that for the inhibition of the bacterial hydrolysis of 14C-labelled casein, and the synthetic substrates leucine p-nitroanilide and benzoyl arginine p-nitroanilide. 8. It was concluded that the adsorption site and the catalytic site for proteolysis by rumen bacteria are probably identical and so not likely to be subject to independent manipulation.
TRISS unexpected survivors: an outdated standard?

BACKGROUND Performance improvement is an essential component of the trauma center. TRISS methodology has been applied as a national standard against which trauma centers can compare their outcomes. Earlier reviews of TRISS unexpected survivors sustained the classification of unexpected survivor in the vast majority of cases. Our hypothesis was that the level of care that is currently expected has made the TRISS unexpected survivors a statistical phenomenon only. METHODS Two hundred seventy TRISS unexpected survivors at a Level I trauma center from 1991 to 1995 were reviewed. Each case was reviewed as a blinded abstract by six reviewers (three of whom are directors at other facilities) and classified as clinically unexpected survivor (confirmed TRISS classification) or clinically expected survivor (did not sustain TRISS classification as unexpected survivor). Data are expressed as mean +/- SD. Statistical significance was achieved at p < 0.05. RESULTS Among the 270 patients categorized by TRISS as unexpected survivors, only 10.7% were corroborated as clinically unexpected survivors by this peer review process and 89.3% were reclassified as clinically expected survivors. Confirmed clinically unexpected survivors were more likely to go directly from the emergency department to the operating room (82 vs. 46%; p < 0.05). Age (32 +/- 12 years vs. 40 +/- 19 years; p < 0.05), Injury Severity Score (46 +/- 20 vs. 32 +/- 14; p < 0.05), Revised Trauma Score (2.46 +/- 1.89 vs. 3.11 +/- 1.21; p < 0.05), probability of survival (0.13 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.15; p < 0.05), systolic blood pressure in the emergency department (60 +/- 51 mm Hg vs. 109 +/- 33 mm Hg; p < 0.05), hospital length of stay (39.6 +/- 30.3 days vs. 24.0 +/- 23.0 days; p < 0.05), and intensive care unit length of stay (19.5 +/- 20.6 days vs. 9.6 +/- 10.1 days; p < 0.05) were significantly different comparing confirmed versus unsustained classification as unexpected survivors. CONCLUSION Only 10.7% of survivors classified as unexpected by TRISS were corroborated as unexpected by a blinded, peer-review process. TRISS needs to be updated for meaningful interpretation; modifications need to be made and coefficients need to be revised.
Hemoglobin solutions

ObjectiveTo review current knowledge about cell-free hemoglobin solutions. Data SourceA computerized MEDLINE search was used to retrieve all studies concerning cell-free hemoglobin solutions from 1990 to 2003. The reference lists of all available review articles and primary studies were also reviewed to identify references not identified in the computerized search. Study SelectionAll clinical and experimental studies involving cell-free hemoglobin solutions were included. Data ExtractionFrom the selected studies, information was obtained regarding the experimental model or the study population in which cell-free hemoglobin solutions were investigated, the type of cell-free hemoglobin solution used, their deleterious or beneficial effects, and their possible indications. Data SynthesisIn many studies, hemoglobin solutions were considered as efficient resuscitative agents and good alternatives to red blood cell transfusion, owing to their marked vasopressor effect, coupled with their capacity to improve the microcirculation and rapidly restore metabolic parameters. The main problems identified include excessive systemic vasoconstriction and oxidative damage. Initial enthusiasm in the development of hemoglobin solutions has been tempered recently by the negative results of a U.S. multicenter trial studying the early infusion of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin in trauma patients. Nevertheless, the properties of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (and particularly the strong vasopressor effects) cannot be attributed to all hemoglobin solutions, and results of new clinical studies are eagerly awaited to evaluate the potential benefit of such solutions in the management of trauma patients. ConclusionsToday, we are aware of the effects of the first generation of blood substitutes. Further research is ongoing into newer solutions. One area of interest is the development of new molecular structures to decrease nitric oxide binding, thus minimizing any adverse events and maximizing potential benefits. Nevertheless, possible adverse effects need to be carefully evaluated before these agents can be widely administered.
Core curriculum for transcultural nursing and health care.

The Journal of Transcultural Nursing, the TCNS, and SAGE have collaborated to publish a new concept in journals publishing, a Core Curriculum for Transcultural Nursing and Health Care. The Core Curriculum is the culmination of many years of research, drawing from the fields of social and behavioral science, philosophy, and nursing to establish a core of knowledge that supports transcultural nursing practice. Below is an abbreviated table of contents of the valuable information contained in the Core Curriculum:
In silico docking studies of aldose reductase inhibitory activity of commercially available flavonoids

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the aldose reductase inhibitory activity of flavonoids using in silico docking studies. In this perspective, flavonoids like biochanin, butein, esculatin, fisetin and herbacetin were selected. Epalrestat, a known aldose reductase inhibitor was used as the standard. In silico docking studies were carried out using AutoDock 4.2, based on the Lamarckian genetic algorithm principle. The results showed that all the selected flavonoids showed binding energy ranging between -9.33 kcal/mol to -7.23 kcal/mol when compared with that of the standard (-8.73 kcal/mol). Inhibition constant (144.13 µM to 4.98 µM) and intermolecular energy (-11.42 kcal/mol to -7.83 kcal/mol) of the flavonoids also coincide with the binding energy. All the selected flavonoids contributed aldose reductase inhibitory activity because of its structural properties. These molecular docking analyses could lead to the further development of potent aldose reductase inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes.
Public speaking anxiety: The S.A.D. implications for students, transition, achievement, success and retention

Public speaking anxiety, as an aspect of social anxiety, while not necessarily constituting a social anxiety disorder (S.A.D.) is widespread in society. This paper considers the largely unspoken equity issue of public speaking anxiety, its prevalence, symptomology and potential implications for students in higher education and the future. A small pilot research project was undertaken as a preliminary step to understand local conditions and open up a space for ongoing and extensive research in the Australian context. The preliminary findings suggest the social anxiety and public speaking anxiety may impact negatively on student engagement with oral communication assessments and that further research is needed to develop better support and training. We suggest that to assist students to transition, achieve, succeed and persist we need to adhere to the notion of constructive alignment which takes account of personal competencies and mitigates psychological distress.
Threshold effects in the relationship between inflation and growth: a new panel-data approach

In this paper we use a new approach to throw light on the old question of the super-neutrality of money. Recent theoretical results suggest a threshold model instead of super-neutrality. To ascertain whether or not there is a threshold level of inflation above which the effect of inflation on long-run growth changes, we apply new econometric methods for estimation and inference in non-dynamic, fixed-effects, panel-data models that may contain threshold effects. In the full sample of 138 countries over the period 1950–2000, we find that there is one threshold that is well identified by the data; the estimated value of the threshold is 19.16%. For the industrialized sample, our results indicate that there are two threshold points at 2.57% and 12.61%. In the full sample, if the initial inflation rate is below 19.16%, increases in inflation do not have a statistically significant effect on growth. In contrast, when the initial inflation is above 19.16%, further increases in inflation will decrease long-run growth.
Regulation of ompC and ompF expression in Escherichia coli in the absence of envZ

The expression of the genes encoding the major outer membrane porin proteins OmpF and OmpC in Escherichia coli is regulated by ompR, which encodes the transcriptional activator protein OmpR, and envZ, which encodes a receptorlike protein located in the inner membrane. To examine the role of EnvZ in the expression of the osmoregulated porin genes, we analyzed the production of OmpF and OmpC in cells that lack envZ function. We show that EnvZ is required for the maximal production of OmpC in cells grown in minimal medium but is not essential for the efficient induction of OmpC that occurs during a shift to a high-osmolarity medium. In contrast, the production of OmpF in cells that lack envZ function was similar to that of the parent strain, whereas OmpF repression during a shift to a high-osmolarity medium was incomplete in the absence of EnvZ. These results are discussed in the context of the putative role of EnvZ in the expression of ompF and ompC.
An evaluation of a national breast-feeding promotion programme in Honduras

Summary A significant increase occurred in the initiation and duration of breast-feeding among Honduran women between 1981 and 1987. Changes in population characteristics (e.g. level of education of women) would be expected to lead to a decrease in breast-feeding at each infant age, but these were offset by behavioural changes that led to an increase in the likelihood of initiation and continuation of breast-feeding. An exploration of relevant factors suggests that the PROALMA breast-feeding promotion programme has had a profound effect on the breast-feeding behaviour of Honduran mothers.
Development of the breast cancer education and risk assessment program.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To provide a description of the inception and evolution of the Breast Cancer Education and Risk Assessment Program. DATA SOURCES Computerized database (e.g., Personal Family History Risk Assessment Model, Knowledge Assessment Tool, risk perception, evaluation form) and author experience. DATA SYNTHESIS A total of 749 women participated in the group education and risk-assessment program from March 1999 through March 2002. Advanced practice nurses provided information about calculated risks, corrected misperceptions among participants, and highlighted options available to decrease breast cancer risk. Knowledge scores improved, and, in general, participants were very satisfied with the content and comprehensibility of the educational session. CONCLUSIONS Results from the evaluation of the Breast Cancer Education and Risk Assessment Program suggest that group education is a viable and acceptable way to bring new advances in breast cancer prevention to large groups of women. The data sources support the conclusion that women can be effectively taught general breast cancer risk information in a group setting and be placed into specific risk categories to streamline discussion of risk-management options and relevant research studies. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Advanced practice nurses are a vital link in the assessment of women at high risk for breast cancer, education, and appropriate referrals for management options and relevant clinical trials.
GC/MS Analysis of Some Bioactive Constituents from Carthamus lanatus L.

Abstract Sterols, triterpenes, volatiles, polar and other constituents in aerial parts of Carthamus lanatus were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Over 90 compounds were identified most of them new for the species. Sitosterol and stigmasterol were the most abundant of 10 sterols identified in the sterol fraction. Taraxasterol, α- and β-amyrine prevailed in the triterpene fraction. Volatiles, sterols and a fraction of the dichloromethane extract showed strong cytotoxicity (Artemia salina assay).
Ontology Selection for Semantic Similarity Assessment

The assessment of the semantic similarity between concepts is a key tool to improve the understanding of text. The structured knowledge that ontologies provide has been extensively used to estimate similarities with encouraging results. However, in many domains, several ontologies modelling the same concepts in different ways are available. In such scenarios, the most suitable ontology for similarity calculation should be selected. In this paper we tackle this task by proposing an unsupervised method to select the ontology that seems to enable the most accurate similarity assessments. By studying the ontology features that most influence the similarity accuracy, we propose a score that captures them in a mathematically coherent way. Then, the most suitable ontology can be selected as that with the highest score. We also report the results of the proposed method for several well-known ontologies and a widely-used semantic similarity benchmark.
Test Data Compression with Partial LFSR-Reseeding

The large amount of test data becomes a serious problem in SOC testing. In this paper, we propose a method to improve the LFSR reseeding based compression scheme. This method rearranges a given set of test data by merging and partitioning test cubes so that they can be decompressed with a fixed-length LFSR. The compression is done by eliminating repeated patterns in consecutive seeds. A singlepolynomial LFSR is used, so that the decompression process is simple and fast. Besides, it does not need an on-chip decoder. The compression method is very efficient, as experimental results show that it reduces 23.6% of stored data and 34.8% of transferred data compared with the previous methods.
Sentinel-1 support in the GAMMA Software

Abstract First results using the new Sentinel-1 SAR look very promising but the special interferometric wide-swath data acquired in the TOPS mode makes InSAR processing more challenging than for normal stripmap mode data. The steep azimuth spectra ramp in each burst results in very stringent co-registration requirements. Combining the data of the individual bursts and sub-swaths into consistent mosaics requires careful “book-keeping” in the handling of the data and meta data and the large file sizes and high data throughputs require also a good performance. Considering these challenges good support from software is getting increasingly important. In this contribution we describe the Sentinel-1 support in the GAMMA Software, a high-level software package used by researchers, service providers and operational users in their SAR, InSAR, PSI and offset tracking work.
Tightness of the blood‐brain barrier and evidence for brain interstitial fluid flow in the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis.

Cephalopod molluscs have complex brains and behaviour, yet little is known about the permeability of their blood‐brain interface. The accompanying paper characterized the fluid compartments of the brain and presented evidence for restricted permeability of the blood‐brain interface to albumin. The present paper investigates the permeability of the interface to small non‐electrolytes. [14C]Polyethylene glycol (PEG, mol. wt. 4000), and [51Cr]EDTA (mol. wt. 342) were injected intravenously or intramuscularly, and their penetration into brain and muscle studied up to 48 h. Tracers equilibrated with muscle interstitial fluid (ISF) at relatively short times, but in brain ISF reached only 0.5‐0.65 X their plasma concentration. This is qualitative evidence for the presence in brain of a barrier to these molecules and an efficient drainage mechanism for ISF. Quantitative treatment of the uptake data allows calculation of the permeability X surface area product (PS) and the permeability coefficient (P). For the brain PS and P are in the range 1‐3 X 10(‐4) ml g‐1 min‐1 and 1‐3 X 10(‐8) cm s‐1 respectively, (PEG), and 3 X 10(‐4) ml g‐1 min‐1 and 3‐4 X 10(‐8) cm s‐1 respectively (Cr‐EDTA). The P values are close to those reported for mammalian brain. Assuming that the lack of equilibration in brain is due to ISF flow, the rate of flow can be calculated. Values for vertical and optic lobe are approximately 0.2 microliter g‐1 min‐1, again close to those reported for mammalian brain. It is concluded that the tightness of the Sepia blood‐brain barrier approaches that of mammals, and a flowing ISF system is present. An association between a tight barrier and higher central nervous system integrative function is suggested. The significance of these findings for the evolution of control of the brain microenvironment is discussed.
Effect of Random Modulation of FES Parameters on Muscle Fatigue

Muscle contractions induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES) tend to result in rapid muscle fatigue, which greatly limits activities such as FES-assisted walking. It was hypothesized that muscle fatigue caused by FES could be reduced by randomly modulating parameters of the electrical stimulus. Seven paraplegic subjects participated in this study. While subjects were seated, FES was applied to quadriceps and tibialis anterior muscles bilaterally using surface electrodes. The isometric force was measured, and the time for the force to drop by 3 dB (fatigue time) was determined. As well, the force-time integral during this interval was determined. Four trials were performed for each muscle – one with constant stimulation, and three in which one of the following FES parameters were randomly modulated in a range of +/15%: frequency, current amplitude, and pulse width. A uniform probability distribution was used in the trials with randomization. There was no significant difference observed between the fatigue time measurements for the four modes of stimulation. There was also no significant difference in the FTI measurements. Therefore, we conclude that random modulation of the stimulation frequency, current amplitude and pulse width have no effect on muscle fatigue.
A Plea for Pluggable Programming Language Features

Current programming languages are inflexible regarding their use of language features like typing, access control, contracts, etc. In some languages, the programmer is forced to use them, in others he may not. This article pleads for pluggable programming language features, a concept that allows greater flexibility for application programmers without losing control over the use of those features.