Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Epidemiological Survey of Cachexia in Advanced Cancer Patients and Analysis on Its Diagnostic and Treatment Status

Recently, an international consensus diagnostic criterion for cancer cachexia was proposed. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of cachexia in patients with advanced cancer and to assess the current status of the diagnosis and management of cancer cachexia. A total of 390 patients with advanced cancer were included. There were 140 patients with cachexia and the prevalence was 35.9%. The prevalence was highest in pancreatic cancer (88.9%), followed by gastric cancer (76.5%) and esophageal cancer (52.9%). Sixty-three patients with cancer cachexia have CT scans available for muscle mass evaluation and 98.4% were sarcopenic. Cachectic patients have a significantly lower overall quality of life and a higher symptom burden. According to oncology physicians, only 33 patients were considered to have cancer cachexia. The false negative rate amounted to 76.4%. The positive rate was related to the body mass index and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of the patients. There were few types of pharmacological approaches for cancer cachexia and more than half of cachectic patients did not receive any anticachexia treatment. These results indicate that the prevalence of cachexia in advanced cancer patients was high. However, cancer cachexia was rarely recognized and clinical management for cancer cachexia was very inadequate.
The effects of modified exponential tapering technique on perceived exertion, heart rate, time trial performance, VO2max and power output among highly trained junior cyclists.

BACKGROUND The present study investigated the effects of a 2-week modified exponential taper on physiological adaptation and time trial performance among junior cyclists. METHODS Participants (N.=27) with the mean age of 16.95±0.8 years, height of 165.6±6.1 cm and weight of 54.19±8.1 kg were matched into either modified exponential taper (N.=7), normal exponential taper (N.=7), or control (N.=7) groups using their initial VO2max values. Both experimental groups followed a 12-week progressive endurance training program and subsequently, a 2-week tapering phase. A simulated 20-km time trial performance along with VO2max, power output, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were measured at baseline, pre and post-taper. One way ANOVA was used to analyze the difference between groups before the start of the intervention while mixed factorial ANOVA was used to analyze the difference between groups across measurement sessions. When homogeneity assumption was violated, the Greenhouse-Geisser Value was used for the corrected values of the degrees of freedom for the within subject factor the analysis. RESULTS Significant interactions between experimental groups and testing sessions were found in VO2max (F=6.67, df=4, P<0.05), power output (F=5.02, df=4, P<0.05), heart rate (F=10.87, df=2.51, P<0.05) rating of perceived exertion (F=13.04, df=4, P<0.05) and 20KM time trial (F=4.64, df=2.63, P<0.05). Post-hoc analysis revealed that both types of taper exhibited positive effects compared to the non-taper condition in the measured performance markers at post-taper while no different were found between the two taper groups. CONCLUSIONS It was concluded that both taper protocols successfully inducing physiological adaptations among the junior cyclists by reducing the volume and maintaining the intensity of training.
Respiration gating beam steering to break moving stones by shock wave lithotripsy: Experimental results

In this study, a mask, which is made of a pair of fan-shaped closed-cell foam barriers, is used to elongate the beam width in the focal plane of a shock wave lithotripter, generating a steerable and non-axisymmetric acoustic field, and a beam steering strategy is proposed to revolve the elongated acoustic focal zone (beam), concomitant with the mask, and allows the sound wave energy to focus on moving stone, or spreading and spalling fragments, caused by patient respiratory motion and radiation force. The elongated beam is steered to cover as much as possible the stone moving trajectory, so that more shock wave energy contributes to stone fracture, but not to the peripheral tissues, in clinics. In vitro fragmentation tests have been conducted using artificial stones sited in a tube model, and the collection of quantitative data show that beam steering is able to improve stone comminution (SC) efficacy, compared with no steering. Meanwhile, patient respiration excursion and stone spreading thresholds were found distinctive correlation to SC efficacy during SWL.
Cognitive Development in Schizophrenia: Follow-Back from the First Episode

Despite consensus that schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive deficits, objective data documenting the course of cognitive development remain sparse. We conducted a follow-back study of patients ascertained at the time of their initial episode of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and a group of demographically matched healthy volunteers. We obtained school records containing standardized achievement test scores from the 1st through 12th grades, and scholastic aptitude test results from the 11th and 12th grades, and examined the developmental trajectories of cognitive performance with respect to prospective examinations conducted following participants’ enrollment in our study. We found significant differences in academic achievement tests as early as the first grade, with scores from participants who would later develop schizophrenia lagging behind their peers by 0.8 to 1.1 grade equivalents. This gap widened resulting in a difference between groups of 1.5 to 1.8 grade equivalents by the 12th grade. In the subset of patients for whom SAT scores were available, we found that WAIS-R Full Scale IQ was 11.5 points lower than predicted from earlier SAT scores, suggesting a substantial decline in cognitive ability accompanying the initial episode of illness. These findings suggest that schizophrenia is marked by substantial cognitive deficits in the first grade, that there may be additional subtle decline preceding the overt onset of psychotic symptoms, and that the initial episode of illness is marked by additional decline. These observations may help advance concepts of premorbid cognitive ability in the schizophrenia syndrome and constrain models of pathophysiology.
Characterizing Concepts in Taxonomy for Entity Recommendations

Cheekula, Siva Kumar. M.S. Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Wright State University, 2017. Characterizing Concepts in Taxonomy for Entity Recommendations. Entity recommendation systems are enormously popular on the Web. These systems harness manually crafted taxonomies for improving recommendations. For example, Yahoo created the Open Directory Project for search and recommendation, and Amazon utilizes its own product taxonomy. While these taxonomies are of high quality, it is a labor and time-intensive process to manually create and keep them up to date. Instead, in this era of Web 2.0 where users collaboratively create large amounts of information on the Web, it is possible to utilize user-generated content to automatically generate good quality taxonomies. However, harnessing such taxonomies for entity recommendations has not been well explored. We exploit the Wikipedia category structure as a taxonomy and explore three prominent characteristics of concepts in the taxonomies for entity recommendations. The three characteristics we explore are: 1) Specificity, 2) Priority, and 3) Domain Relatedness of concepts in the taxonomy. We demonstrate the utility of specificity and priority of concepts in the taxonomies in achieving high quality recommendations by evaluating our recommender system on two diverse datasets.
Long Term Stimulation Changes the Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Content of Chromaffin Granules (*)

Bovine chromaffin cells cultured for 5 days in the presence of depolarizing concentrations of K ions show a decreased number of secretory (chromaffin) granules per cell. These cells were still capable of exocytosis. Their contents in catecholamine and chromogranin A, components of the granule matrix, and cytochrome b, a major protein of the granule membrane, were decreased to 35, 30, and 50% of control cells, respectively. However, in the same cells, the number of [3H]dihydrotetrabenazine binding sites, a specific ligand of the vesicular monoamine transporter, was increased to 180% of controls. In situ uptake of noradrenaline in permeabilized cells indicated that [3H]dihydrotetrabenazine binding sites were associated with a functional vesicular monoamine transporter. When analyzed by isopycnic centrifugation, these sites cosedimented with catecholamine, chromogranin A, and cytochrome b, in a peak with a density lighter than that from controls. The composition of this peak suggests that it contains incompletely matured secretory granules, with a 3-5-fold increase in the vesicular monoamine transporter content of this membrane. This increase might indicate that an adaptative process occurs which allows a faster filling of the granules in continuously secreting cells.
Evaluation of follow-up investigations in osteosarcoma patients: suggestions for an effective follow-up program.

BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE Follow-up programs for cancer patients aim at improving the overall prognosis by early detection of relapse. In this study, follow-up data from 72 osteosarcoma patients were received in order to determine the value of clinical examination (CE), lung CT-scan (CTL), chest X-ray (CXR), local X-ray (LXR), and bone scintigraphy (BS) in the detection of tumor recurrence. PROCEDURE Twenty-eight of 72 osteosarcoma patients presented with a total of 61 relapse sites. A continuous remission after relapse treatment could be achieved in 2/16 patients with first lung metastases, in 2/6 patients with local relapse, and in 3/19 patients with more than one lung metastasis. More than 90% of all relapses occurred within 3 years off primary therapy, respectively, within 3 years after detection of relapse. Local relapse and lung metastases were primarily diagnosed by CXR, CTL and CE. BS was the most important investigation to detect distant metastases. No relapse was found by routine X-ray of the primary tumor site. CONCLUSIONS To improve efficacy of follow-up programs and to reduce radiation load of nonrelapsed patients, the prognosis of patients with lung metastases or local recurrences and the time of high risk for a relapse should be taken into consideration. Since the number of patients who benefit from relapse therapy is still low, it remains to be shown whether an increased frequency of lung CT-scans or MRIs of the primary tumor site will improve early detection of relapse; and if so, whether that will enhance the chance for successful relapse treatment. CXR, CTL and CE should be performed routinely for at least 3 years after completion of therapy or relapse diagnosis. In contrast, BS and LXR appear not to be useful as routine investigations.
Portfolio Optimization and Stochastic Control under Transaction Costs

This thesis is concerned with stochastic control problems under transaction costs. In particular, we consider a generalized menu cost problem with partially controlled regime switching, general multidimensional running cost problems and the maximization of long-term growth rates in incomplete markets. The first two problems are considered under a general cost structure that includes a fixed cost component, whereas the latter is analyzed under proportional and Morton-Pliska transaction costs. For the menu cost problem and the running cost problem we provide an equivalent characterization of the value function by means of a generalized version of the Ito-Dynkin formula instead of the more restrictive, traditional approach via the use of quasi-variational inequalities (QVIs). Based on the finite element method and weak solutions of QVIs in suitable Sobolev spaces, the value function is constructed iteratively. In addition to the analytical results, we study a novel application of the menu cost problem in management science. We consider a company that aims to implement an optimal investment and marketing strategy and must decide when to issue a new version of a product and when and how much to invest into marketing. For the long-term growth rate problem we provide a rigorous asymptotic analysis under both proportional and Morton-Pliska transaction costs in a general incomplete market that includes, for instance, the Heston stochastic volatility model and the Kim-Omberg stochastic excess return model as special cases. By means of a dynamic programming approach leading-order optimal strategies are constructed and the leading-order coefficients in the expansions of the long-term growth rates are determined. Moreover, we analyze the asymptotic performance of Morton-Pliska strategies in settings with proportional transaction costs. Finally, pathwise optimality of the constructed strategies is established.
Characterization of the carbohydrate fragments obtained from Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan by alkaline degradation.

Abstract Mild alkaline degradation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae X2180 wild type mannan, under conditions that effect β elimination of the substituted serine and threonine residues, releases mannose, mannobiose, mannotriose, and mannotetraose. Methylation analysis demonstrated that these fragments have the same structures as those that are obtained by acetolysis of the polysaccharide component of the yeast mannan. Similar treatment of a mutant mannan that lacks the mannotetraose unit in the polysaccharide component produced only mannose, mannobiose, and mannotriose. Thus, the single mutation alters both the tetrasaccharide units in the polysaccharide component of the mannan and those that are attached to serine and threonine. Because these studies were carried out on the total cell wall mannan, rather than a single molecular species, we cannot say that both the polysaccharide chains and the shorter oligosaccharides linked to serine and threonine are present in the same molecule. Strong alkaline degradation in the presence of sodium borotritide of the mannan residue recovered from the β elimination reaction yielded a protein-free polysaccharide that gave radioactive N-acetylglucosaminitol on acetolysis. Thus, the mannose-containing polysaccharide of the mannan is attached to glucosamine, and it is probable that the linkage to protein is through a di-N-acetylchitobiose to asparagine as in many other glycoproteins. The mannan isolated from the wild type and mutant strains of S. cerevisiae by procedures that avoid exposure to alkali had a molecular weight of 133,000. On treatment with 0.1 n sodium hydroxide at room temperature, the molecular weight was reduced to about 40,000. These conditions could saponify acyl ester bonds but are unlikely to break phosphodiester linkages or any other linkages except those of the oligosaccharides attached to serine and threonine.
Expression profiling of CC531 colon carcinoma cells reveals similar regulation of β‐catenin target genes by both butyrate and aspirin

The CC531 cell line has been widely used to study different aspects of tumor growth and metastasis and provides an excellent experimental platform to develop novel antitumor strategies. To characterize the CC531 model at the molecular level, we screened for mutations in genes covering important signal‐transduction pathways that are known to play major roles during colon carcinogenesis, the wnt and the ki‐ras signaling pathways. We found both a prototypic β‐catenin (Ctnnb1) mutation (Thr41Ile) and a ki‐ras (G12D) mutation, providing unambiguous evidence for the constitutive activation of these pathways in CC531 cells. We further established comprehensive gene expression profiles of CC531 cells and investigated the molecular response to 2 antitumor drugs, butyrate and aspirin. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we screened the expression levels of 7,700 genes and identified a total of 398 genes whose expression was significantly changed upon treatment with butyrate. When using aspirin, 121 genes were significantly altered. Interestingly, 36 genes were regulated by both butyrate and aspirin and 35 of them were regulated in the same direction. We found 7 differentially expressed genes, cyclin D1, cyclin E, c‐myc, Fosl1, c‐fos, Cd44 and follistatin, which are known targets of the β‐catenin and/or the ras pathway. In all cases, butyrate and aspirin reversed the changes in expression normally found in response to active signaling of these oncogenic pathways. The microarray data are available (http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/). © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The State of Sleep Among College Students at a Large Public University

Abstract Objective: Data about college student sleep were collected and used to develop an education campaign to improve sleep. Participants: On-campus residents at a large state university were surveyed on 4 occasions, October 2005 to April 2007. Sample size was 675 to 1,823 students. Fall 2005 mean age = 18.5 years, SD = 1.03 (range 18–30) years. Initial survey included 935 males and 1,859 females (2005–2006). Matched pairs data (2006–2007) included 91 males and 107 females. Twenty-six males and 22 females participated in interviews. Methods: A survey administered online included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, along with an 8-question in-person interview. Results: Poor sleep interacted with academics and mental health, and an education campaign positively affected student sleep. Conclusions: Teaching students how to effectively manage sleep can improve their well-being. Sleep may also be a gateway topic for health care professionals to address sensitive health issues such as depression.
Rapid recovery of power output in females.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the magnitude of the changes in the concentration of muscle metabolites influences the recovery of power output following short-term maximal intensity cycle exercise performed at different average pedalling rates. In part A of the study eight female subjects performed four trials on a cycle ergometer. Two trials involved maximal sprints of 30- and 6-s duration separated by a very short (2-3 s) recovery period. Average pedal rate during the first 30-s sprint was manipulated by employing resistances of either 7.5 or 10.1% of body weight; the second sprint always being performed against 7.5% BW. In two further trials subjects performed only a single 30-s sprint against the two resistances with pre- and post-exercise muscle biopsies and blood samples being taken. Peak power in the second sprint was significantly higher (442 +/- 31W vs. 402 +/- 33W; P < 0.05) following prior exercise against the greater resistance during which average pedal rate was lower (approximately 26%; P < 0.01) compared with the lesser resistance. However, despite this the muscle metabolite responses to the first sprint were similar (delta PCr (7.5 vs. 10.1% applied resistance) -55 vs. -59 mmol kg dry muscle-1: delta Lactate + 104 vs. +107 mmol kg dry muscle-1: both P > 0.05). In part B of the study six female subjects performed 19 trials in which the recovery interval between a maximal 30-s sprint (where average pedalling rate was manipulated in a manner similar to part A) and a 6-s sprint ranged from 0 to 300 s. The rate of restoration of power output was influenced by the average pedal rate in sprint 1 only for recovery durations of up to 3 s. These findings suggest that the recovery of power is not exclusively determined by muscle metabolites, in particular PCr, when the recovery duration is very short (< or = 3 s). As it has been previously shown that the pattern of muscle activation influences ionic balance it is speculated that ionic factors may be very important in the early and rapid recovery of power.
The Interaction of Skewness and Analysts' Forecast Dispersion in Asset Pricing

I develop a new asset pricing theory that bridges two seemingly unrelated pricing effects from separate literatures: (1) the negative relationship between ex-ante return skewness and expected returns and (2) the negative relationship between dispersion in financial analysts' earnings forecasts and expected returns. I show that both effects arise intrinsically from market clearing of stochastic demand in a standard noisy rational expectations economy that incorporates skewed assets followed by financial analysts. Positive correlation between forecast dispersion and investor heterogeneity arises endogenously. The theory generates several novel testable predictions regarding the interaction of ex-ante skewness and forecast dispersion on asset prices.
Comparison of population growth and photosynthetic apparatus changes in response to different nutrient status in a diatom and a coccolithophore

In many marine ecosystems, diatoms dominate in nutrient‐rich coastal waters while coccolithiophores are found offshore in areas where nutrients may be limiting. In lab‐controlled batch cultures, mixed‐species competition between the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the coccolithophore Emiliana huxleyi and the response of each species were examined under nitrate (N) and phosphate (P) starvation. Based on the logistic growth model and the Lotka–Volterra competition model, E. huxleyi showed higher competitive abilities than P. tricornutum under N and P starvation. For both species, cell growth was more inhibited by P starvation, while photosynthetic functions (chl a fluorescence parameters) and cellular constituents (pigments) were impaired by N starvation. The decline of photosynthetic functions occurred later in E. huxleyi (day 12) than in P. tricornutum (day 9); this time difference was associated with greater damage of the photosynthetic apparatus in P. tricornutum compared with E. huxleyi. Xanthophyll cycle pigment accumulation and the transformation from diadinoxanthin to diatoxanthin was more active in E. huxleyi than P. tricornutum, under similar N and P starvation. We concluded that E. huxleyi and P. tricornutum have different mechanisms to allocate resources and energy under nutrient starvation. It appears that E. huxleyi has a more economic strategy to adapt to nutrient depleted environments than P. tricornutum. These findings provided additional evidence explaining how N versus P limitation differentially support diatom and coccolithophore blooms in natural environments.
The variability of diesel demand in Cameroon

ABSTRACT In this study, we use cointegration techniques to investigate the determinants of diesel demand in Cameroon over the period 1994–2014. Our model produces robust and significant estimates of price and income elasticities. We find that short run elasticity is smaller than long run elasticity, showing that consumers are inelastic in the short run whereas elasticities are greater than unity in the long run. This confirms the assertion that diesel demand in the long run is principally determined by the pace of economic activity. Earlier elasticities reports for Cameroon show deviations that are acceptable in relation to the time span taken into account. Our estimates are in accordance with findings in other African countries that share similarities with Cameroon in their economic background and demographics. The results are useful in guiding tax and regulatory policies aimed at stabilizing diesel consumption through price changes.