Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Radiotherapy with Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy of Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIM Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of lacrimal gland is a rare tumour with aggressive behaviour. There is sparse data to address optimum therapy for such tumours. So, the present study was aimed at evaluating the role of adjuvant three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in cases of incomplete (R1) resection along with review of literature pertaining to management of lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the demographic and treatment data of 10 biopsy proven ACC of lacrimal gland patients, treated from December 2006 to June 2013. They were treated with radiotherapy following surgical resection. Eight patients underwent gross total excision of the tumour mass (enbloc excision) followed by conformal radiotherapy to a dose of 60 Gray/30fractions/ 6 weeks. Two patients with advanced disease were treated with palliative radiotherapy after biopsy. RESULTS The median age was 32 years. There were equal numbers of male and female patients. The median duration of symptoms was 7 months. At a median follow up of 21 months, eight patients had no evidence of disease and had complete tumour response, two patients worsened, and one of the two had systemic failure with bone metastasis. CONCLUSION Despite a small sample size and short follow, enbloc surgical excision with adjuvant radiotherapy is well tolerated and shows good control in ACC of lacrimal gland.
Microtia-anotia: a global review of prevalence rates.

BACKGROUND There are few published studies on microtia-anotia frequency. METHODS Using data from birth defects surveillance programs around the world, we conducted a systematic review on the frequency of microtia-anotia to further explore the differences in prevalence across countries. Ninety-two birth defects surveillance programs were evaluated with a total of 8917 cases of microtia-anotia. We computed the prevalence per 10,000 births for each surveillance program for total cases of microtia-anotia (microtia types I to IV), microtia (types I to III), and anotia (type IV). Prevalence ratios were calculated by large geographic areas, race/ethnicity, and by surveillance methodologies. RESULTS The overall prevalences were: microtia-anotia, 2.06 (confidence interval [CI], 2.02-2.10); microtia, 1.55 (CI, 1.50-1.60); and anotia 0.36 (CI, 0.34-0.38). Higher prevalences were observed for the Americas, Northern Europe and Asia, among Hispanics and Asians, and among active ascertainment and hospital-based surveillance programs. CONCLUSIONS We observed marked variation in the prevalence of microtia-anotia across surveillance programs and within countries. These results must be interpreted cautiously as this variability may be explained mainly by differences in surveillance methods. However, given the magnitude of some of the differences, other factors may also be involved. This study contributes to the knowledge of the prevalence of microtia-anotia by providing a critical analysis of the existing data. In addition, it supports the need for a coding system that allows complete phenotype characterization of microtia-anotia, including severity and laterality, as well as for further studies on the variation of its frequency related to race and ethnicity.
AWDA: An Adaptive Wishart Discriminant Analysis

Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is widely-used for supervised dimension reduction and linear classification. Classical LDA, however, suffers from the ill-posed estimation problem on data with high dimension and low sample size (HDLSS). To cope with this problem, in this paper, we propose an Adaptive Wishart Discriminant Analysis (AWDA) for classification, that makes predictions in an ensemble way. Comparing to existing approaches, AWDA has two advantages: 1) leveraging theWishart distribution, AWDA ensembles multiple LDA classifiers parameterized by the sampled covariance matrices via a Bayesian Voting Scheme, which theoretically improves the robustness of classification, compared to LDA classifiers using a single (probably ill-posed) covariance matrix estimator; 2) AWDA updates the weights for voting optimally to adapt the local information of each new input data, so as to enable the nonlinear classification. Theoretical analysis indicates that AWDA guarantees a close approximation to the optimal Bayesian inference and thus achieves robust performance on high dimensional data. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets show that our approach outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms by a large margin.
Variable gain adaptive controller based on sensitivity method for DC-DC boost converter

Adaptive controllers are developed to control systems with uncertainties. DC-DC converters are widely used to provide regulated DC voltages. Due to changes in the output load demand and also the input voltage variations, DC-DC converters are subjected to some uncertainties. In this paper, an adaptive controller based on sensitivity method is applied to a boost converter. In addition, a variable adaptive gain corresponding to the output voltage error is proposed to improve the control system performance. Simulation results show that both proposed controllers demonstrate acceptable regulation in presence of the output load changes and the input voltage variations. However, the proposed variable gain method is more effective compared to the fixed one.
Neurofibromin physically interacts with the N‐terminal domain of focal adhesion kinase

The NF1 gene that is altered in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) encodes a neurofibromin protein that functions as a tumor suppressor. In this report, we show for the first time physical interaction between neurofibromin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), the protein that localizes at focal adhesions. We show that neurofibromin associates with the N‐terminal domain of FAK, and that the C‐terminal domain of neurofibromin directly interacts with FAK. Confocal microscopy demonstrates colocalization of NF1 and FAK in the cytoplasm, perinuclear and nuclear regions inside the cells. Nf1+/+ MEF cells expressed less cell growth during serum deprivation conditions, and adhered less on collagen and fibronectin‐treated plates than Nf1−/− MEF cells, associated with changes in actin and FAK staining. In addition, Nf1+/+ MEF cells detached more significantly than Nf1−/− MEF cells by disruption of FAK signaling with the dominant‐negative inhibitor of FAK, C‐terminal domain of FAK (FAK‐CD). Thus, the results demonstrate the novel interaction of neurofibromin and FAK and suggest their involvement in cell adhesion, cell growth, and other cellular events and pathways. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Macrodynamic Implications of Employee Profit Sharing as Effort Elicitation Device

We devise a growth model where the distribution of factor income is affected by the possibility of profit sharing with workers. Firms choose periodically to compensate workers with only a real base wage or a share of profits in addition to this real base wage as alternative effort-elicitation strategies. As validated by empirical evidence, labor productivity is higher in profit-sharing firms than in non-sharing firms. The frequency distribution of effort-elicitation strategies and labor productivity across firms are co-evolutionarily time-varying, which then affects the dynamics of the distribution of income between profits and wages and therefore the savings-determined growth rate. Heterogeneity in effort-elicitation strategies across firms (and hence earnings inequality across workers) can be a stable long-run equilibrium. In such a polymorphic equilibrium, the frequency of profit-sharing firms varies positively (negatively) with the real base wage (profit-sharing coefficient). As shown analytically and with numerical simulations, the micro- and macrodynamics of the economy are crucially affected by the profit-sharing coefficient and the real base wage as bifurcation parameters.
Fondaparinux vs enoxaparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in major orthopedic surgery: a meta-analysis of 4 randomized double-blind studies.

BACKGROUND Orthopedic surgery remains a condition at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Fondaparinux, the first of a new class of synthetic selective factor Xa inhibitors, may further reduce this risk compared with currently available thromboprophylactic treatments. METHODS A meta-analysis of 4 multicenter, randomized, double-blind trials in patients undergoing elective hip replacement, elective major knee surgery, and surgery for hip fracture (N = 7344) was performed to determine whether a subcutaneous 2.5-mg, once-daily regimen of fondaparinux sodium starting 6 hours after surgery was more effective and as safe as approved enoxaparin regimens in preventing VTE. The primary efficacy outcome was VTE up to day 11, defined as deep vein thrombosis detected by mandatory bilateral venography or documented symptomatic deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding. RESULTS Fondaparinux significantly reduced the incidence of VTE by day 11 (182 [6.8%] of 2682 patients) compared with enoxaparin (371 [13.7%] of 2703 patients), with a common odds reduction of 55.2% (95% confidence interval, 45.8% to 63.1%; P<.001); this beneficial effect was consistent across all types of surgery and all subgroups. Although major bleeding occurred more frequently in the fondaparinux-treated group (P =.008), the incidence of clinically relevant bleeding (leading to death or reoperation or occurring in a critical organ) did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION In patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, 2.5 mg of fondaparinux sodium once daily, starting 6 hours postoperatively, showed a major benefit over enoxaparin, achieving an overall risk reduction of VTE greater than 50% without increasing the risk of clinically relevant bleeding.
Topological correlations in cellular structures and planar graph theory.

We study the topological properties of the ensemble of cells with trivalent vertices in the plane. The problem is equivalent to counting planar Feynman diagrams with a cubic interaction. This ensemble is also the equilibrium state of a topological model of cellular structure, obtained by applying repetitively a topological flip transformation to any initial configuration of cells with trivalent vertices. We give analytical expressions for two-cell correlations; in particular, we give the analytical form of the average number m(n) of edges of cells adjacent to an n-sided cell
Plasma Triglycerides as Predictors of Platelet Responsiveness to Aspirin in Patients after First Ischemic Stroke

Background: Although aspirin (ASA) remains the most popular and accepted agent for secondary stroke prevention, its efficacy does not exceed 25%. Platelet function monitoring in ASA users suggests that some individuals exhibit a reduced or even absent antiplatelet response after ASA. This phenomenon, also known as ‘resistance’, is prevalent in stroke survivors. We sought to evaluate the blood lipid profile in poststroke ASA users dependent on their antiplatelet response to ASA. Methods: Ninety-six consecutive ASA users after first-ever ischemic stroke confirmed by imaging were prospectively enrolled. The platelet function analyzer (PFA-100, Dade Behring, USA) was utilized to assess the response after ASA. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides) was measured using the Cardiochek instrument (Polymer Technology, USA) from the autologuos blood samples. Results: The poststroke duration was 3–26 months, and all patients were treated with ASA for at least 3 months. The allowed daily ASA doses were from 75 up to 325 mg, with a mean of 158 mg. The mean age of the patients was 71 years, almost 60% were women, and over 85% of the patients were treated with statins. Thirty-seven patients were identified as low ASA responders, while 59 patients exhibited an adequate response. There were no differences between ASA responders and nonresponders with regard to demographics, clinical characteristics, risk factors and concomitant medications. The lipid profile biomarkers were similar between groups with the exception of triglycerides, which were significantly increased in the patients with ASA resistance, compared with ASA responders. Conclusion: The fact that hypertriglyceridemia affects platelet response to ASA has potential practical implications in light of growing evidence that ASA may exert antiplatelet properties beyond the cyclooxygenase pathway. The mechanism of such an association is unclear but may be related to the diminished platelet membrane fluidity and inability of ASA to downregulate such ‘strong’ protected platelets.
FaRBS: A new PoF based VLSI reliability prediction method

FaRBS (Failure Rate Based Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) is a new physics-of-failure based Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuit reliability prediction method. With multiple failure mechanisms inh erently modeled and analyzed, FaRBS will make reliability engineers' life much easier by directly revealing each stress's acceleration effect at system level, thus helping reliability engineers carry out system level VLSI reliability predictions and derating/uprating analyses. Based on Physics-of-Failure (PoF) models of intrinsic failure mechanisms, FaRBS takes a straightforward top-down, bottom-up approach to reduce both modeling and prediction complexity. Detailed application breakdown from the system level reveals bottom-level device's operation profile. Devicelevel reliability characterization provides accurate operation-ba sed dynamic stress modeling by utilizing the physics-of-failure models. For each failure mechanism, the best-fit lifetime distribution is selected to provide the reliability prediction. With the bottom level device reliability prediction, the application-specific circuit and corresponding system reliability is further predicted by considering the system structure. To demonstrate FaRBS and verify its prediction capability, reliability predictions were performed on a microcontroller, DRAM and microprocessor. The predicted failure rates were compared with field data (from 2002 to 20 09) and demonstrate that the prediction agrees very well with the real failure rates.
Anaplasma marginale Major Surface Protein 2 CD4+-T-Cell Epitopes Are Evenly Distributed in Conserved and Hypervariable Regions (HVR), Whereas Linear B-Cell Epitopes Are Predominantly Located in the HVR

ABSTRACT Organisms in the genus Anaplasma express an immunodominant major surface protein 2 (MSP2), composed of a central hypervariable region (HVR) flanked by highly conserved regions. Throughout Anaplasma marginale infection, recombination results in the sequential appearance of novel MSP2 variants and subsequent control of rickettsemia by the immune response, leading to persistent infection. To determine whether immune evasion and selection for variant organisms is associated with a predominant response against HVR epitopes, T-cell and linear B-cell epitopes were localized by measuring peripheral blood gamma interferon-secreting cells, proliferation, and antibody binding to 27 overlapping peptides spanning MSP2 in 16 cattle. Similar numbers of MSP2-specific CD4+ T-cell epitopes eliciting responses of similar magnitude were found in conserved and hypervariable regions. T-cell epitope clusters recognized by the majority of animals were identified in the HVR (amino acids [aa] 171 to 229) and conserved regions (aa 101 to 170 and 272 to 361). In contrast, linear B-cell epitopes were concentrated in the HVR, residing within hydrophilic sequences. The pattern of recognition of epitope clusters by T cells and of HVR epitopes by B cells is consistent with the influence of protein structure on epitope recognition.
DIVERGENT SELECTION ON FLOWERING TIME CONTRIBUTES TO LOCAL ADAPTATION IN MIMULUS GUTTATUS POPULATIONS

Abstract The timing of when to initiate reproduction is an important transition in any organism's life cycle. There is much variation in flowering time among populations, but we do not know to what degree this variation contributes to local adaptation. Here we use a reciprocal transplant experiment to examine the presence of divergent natural selection for flowering time and local adaptation between two distinct populations of Mimulus guttatus. We plant both parents and hybrids (to tease apart differences in suites of associated parental traits) between these two populations into each of the two native environments and measure floral, vegetative, life-history, and fitness characters to assess which traits are under selection at each site. Analysis of fitness components indicates that each of these plant populations is locally adapted. We obtain striking evidence for divergent natural selection on date of first flower production at these two sites. Early flowering is favored at the montane site, which is inhabited by annual plants and characterized by dry soils in midsummer, whereas intermediate (though later) flowering dates are selectively favored at the temperate coastal site, which is inhabited by perennial plants and is almost continually moist. Divergent selection on flowering time contributes to local adaptation between these two populations of M. guttatus, suggesting that genetic differentiation in the timing of reproduction may also serve as a partial reproductive isolating barrier to gene flow among populations.
Superior effect of isostearyl isostearate on improvement in stratum corneum water permeability barrier function as examined by the plastic occlusion stress test

Dry skin is a major dermatological problem and consumer research indicates that although current moisturizers are effective they are not completely meeting consumer expectation. Several technological approaches have been taken but influencing stratum corneum (SC) lipid phase behaviour as a novel water permeability barrier‐enhancing and moisturizing mechanism has only been started to be investigated recently. Both the long periodicity SC lipid lamellar phase and the orthorhombic lipid packing state have been proposed to define optimal SC water permeability barrier properties. Several lipophillic moisturizers have been tested for their ability to modify SC lipid lateral packing namely glyceryl monoisostearate (GMIS), isopropyl isostearate (IPIS) and isostearyl isostearate (ISIS) of which IPIS and ISIS are reported to induce the orthorhombic phase. Despite the improvements in the lateral packing of SC lipids, these ingredients have been shown not to improve transepidermal water loss. However, using a novel skin surface water loss method we have observed for the first time significant improvements in SC water permeability barrier function for ISIS compared with IPIS, GMIS and petrolatum. However, using synthetic membranes and measuring water vapour transport rates we showed that the isostearyl esters were not occlusive like petrolatum. As the effects of ISIS were not because of what would be considered as true occlusion, we propose that the differences in the SC water permeability barrier properties from use of ISIS to the other ingredients tested are because of its reported effects on SC lipid phase behaviour. Further studies probably using spectroscopic approaches, however, will be needed to specifically test this hypothesis in vivo.
Primary cerebral and cerebellar astrocytes display differential sensitivity to extracellular sodium with significant effects on apoptosis

Central pontine myelinolysis is one of the idiopathic or iatrogenic brain dysfunction, and the most common cause is excessively rapid correction of chronic hyponatraemia. While myelin disruption is the main pathology, as the diagnostic name indicates, a previous study has reported that astrocyte death precedes the destruction of the myelin sheath after the rapid correction of chronic low Na+ levels, and interestingly, certain brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, etc.) are specifically damaged but not cerebellum. Here, using primary astrocyte cultures derived from rat cerebral cortex and cerebellum, we examined how extracellular Na+ alterations affect astrocyte death and whether the response is different between the two populations of astrocytes. Twice the amount of extracellular [Na+] and voltage‐gated Na+ channel opening induced substantial apoptosis in both populations of astrocytes, while, in contrast, one half [Na+] prevented apoptosis in cerebellar astrocytes, in which the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger, NCX2, was highly expressed but not in cerebral astrocytes. Strikingly, the rapid correction of chronic one half [Na+] exposure significantly increased apoptosis in cerebellar astrocytes but not in cerebral astrocytes. These results indicate that extracellular [Na+] affects astrocyte apoptosis, and the response to alterations in [Na+] is dependent on the brain region from which the astrocyte is derived. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Navigational Mapping Practices: Contexts, Politics, Data

Maps communicate meaning to the practices and experiences of navigation in everyday life. This is ever more the case in a world where GPS, geo-spatial and locative mapping technology has become embedded in more devices. And yet such mediations are not neutral. Rather, they are entangled with cultural and political practices, and increasingly with the accumulation of spatial big data. Put together, these elements have an impact on how our experiences and understanding of the world are formed and on how the power of maps is exercised and experienced. This paper draws from an ethnographic study of everyday map use in London to demonstrate how some of these impacts mediate and shape practices of urban navigation. The paper contends that navigational mapping practices are contextual, political and increasingly practices of data collection.
Gene expression changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from multiple sclerosis patients undergoing beta-interferon therapy.

OBJECTIVE Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling idiopathic inflammatory disorder with evidence of immune dysfunction. Current therapies for MS include preparations of beta-interferon (beta IFN). We studied the gene expression patterns in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from relapsing-remitting MS patients undergoing weekly beta IFN-1a therapy (Avonex; 30 mg intramuscular) to identify biomarkers for beta IFN responsiveness. METHODS Oligonucleotide microarrays were used for the comparative analysis of gene expression patterns from longitudinal PBMC samples taken from five patients undergoing beta IFN therapy. RESULTS On the basis of two-fold changes in expression levels and statistical analyses we selected a candidate diagnostic set of 136 genes that were differentially expressed between pretreatment and IFN-beta-1a-treated MS patients. When we applied this gene set to cluster the specimens according to their expression profiles, the pretreatment samples clustered in one branch, and acute and chronic samples following treatment clustered in another branch. However, the chronic samples from the single clinical non-responder clustered with the pretreatment branch, suggesting that a possible reversal of beta IFN-induced gene expression may be contributing to the poor clinical response. CONCLUSIONS These 136 genes represent potential targets for new MS therapeutics and the basis for lack of beta IFN response.