Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alemtuzumab in combination with methylprednisolone is a highly effective induction regimen for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and deletion of TP53: final results of the national cancer research institute CLL206 trial.

PURPOSE In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), TP53 deletion/mutation is strongly associated with an adverse outcome and resistance to chemotherapy-based treatment. In contrast, TP53 defects are not associated with resistance to the anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab or methylprednisolone. In an attempt to improve the treatment of TP53-defective CLL, a multicenter phase II study was developed to evaluate alemtuzumab and methylprednisolone in combination. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty-nine patients with TP53-deleted CLL (17 untreated and 22 previously treated) received up to 16 weeks of treatment with alemtuzumab 30 mg three times a week and methylprednisolone 1.0 g/m(2) for five consecutive days every 4 weeks. Antimicrobial prophylaxis consisted of cotrimoxazole, itraconazole, and aciclovir (or valganciclovir for asymptomatic cytomegalovirus viremia). The primary end point was response as assigned by an end-point review committee. Secondary end points were safety, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS The overall response rate, complete response rate (including with incomplete marrow recovery), median PFS, and median OS were 85%, 36%, 11.8 months, and 23.5 months, respectively, in the entire cohort and 88%, 65%, 18.3 months, and 38.9 months, respectively, in previously untreated patients. Grade 3 to 4 hematologic and glucocorticoid-associated toxicity occurred in 67% and 23% of patients, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 infection occurred in 51% of the overall cohort and in 29% of patients less than 60 years of age. Treatment-related mortality was 5%. CONCLUSION Alemtuzumab plus methypredisolone is the most effective induction regimen hitherto reported in TP53-deleted CLL. The risk of infection is age related and, in younger patients, seems only marginally higher than that associated with rituximab, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide.
Alternate Endpoints for Screening Phase II Studies

Phase II trials are screening trials that seek to identify agents with sufficient activity to continue development and those for which further evaluation should be halted. Although definitive phase III trials use progression-free or overall survival to confirm clinical benefit, earlier endpoints are preferable for phase II trials. Traditionally, tumor shrinkage of a predetermined degree (response) has been used as a surrogate of eventual survival benefit based on the observation that high response rates (RR), and particularly complete responses, in the phase II setting resulted in survival benefit in subsequent phase III trials. Recently, some molecularly targeted agents have shown survival and clinical benefit despite very modest RRs in early clinical trials. These observations provide a major conundrum, with concerns of inappropriate termination of development for active agents with low RRs being balanced by concerns of inactive agents being taken to late-phase development with resultant increases in the failure rate of phase III trials. Numerous alternate or complementary endpoints have been explored, incorporating multinomial endpoints (including progression and response), progression-free survival, biomarkers, and, more recently, evaluation of tumor size as a continuous variable. In this review, we discuss the current status of phase II endpoints and present retrospective analyses of two international gastrointestinal cancer studies showing the potential utility of one novel approach. Alternate endpoints, although promising, require additional evaluation and prospective validation before their use as a primary endpoint for phase II trials.
Comparison Of Alternate Glycolysis Inhibitors With Fluoride For Preservation Of Blood For Glucose And Other Common Clinical Chemistry Examinations

Aims: The study aims at comparing observed values of glucose and various common clinical chemistry examinations in sample containers with different glycolysis inhibitor – Glyceraldehyde. Materials And Methods: Prepare sample conainers with alternate glycolysis inhibitors.Collect blood samples in prepared sample containers (systematic sampling of 100 consenting patients admitted at various wards of New civil Hospital,Surat for each perservative). Observe values of various examinations in collected samples. Statistical Analysis Used: Perform two-sample Student's t-test on observed sets of data. Results: Average Glucose concentration in 5 mmol/L DL-Glyceraldehyde, Fluoride and Plain tube each was 118.78 mg/dl, 121.84 mg/dl and 100.24 mg/dl respectively after 8 hours. P-value for glyceraldehyde tube vs. Fluoride tube was 0.64737, P-value for glyceraldehyde tube vs. Plain tube was 0.00796 and P-value for Fluoride tube vs. Plain tube was 0.00187. P-value for Bilirubin, ALT,ALP, Amylase,Electrolytes, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Urea, Uric Acid, Albumin, Total Proteins were unaffected by DL-Glyceraldehyde, while there was negative interferance with Creatinine measurement by Alkaline Picrate method. Conclusions: Use of DL-Glyceraldehyde containers for preservation of blood for Glucose measurement is as good as fluoride containers. Because Glyceraldehyde interfere with creatinine assay by Alkaline Picrate method and pottasium assay by ISE , Glyceraldehyde containers can not replace Plain tube for common routine clinical chemistry analysis. [Mangukiya K et al NJIRM 2013; 4(3) : 97-102]
Changes in isoenzyme patterns of a cloned culture of nonpathogenic Entamoeba histolytica during axenization

The axenization of an Entamoeba histolytica isolate with a nonpathogenic isoenzyme electrophoretic pattern (zymodeme) was recently achieved for the first time (15). Forty days after the cells were transferred to the medium used for axenic cultivation, the amebae developed virulence properties, and the zymodeme converted to a pathogenic pattern. To exclude the possibility that the original isolate consisted of two zymodeme populations and that conditions of growth selected for a particular population, the experiment was repeated with a cloned culture of a nonpathogenic (zymodeme III) strain, E. histolytica SAW 1734R clAR, isolated by and obtained from P. G. Sargeaunt. Axenization was accomplished, as before, by transferring trophozoites to TYI-S-33 medium containing a mixture of antibiotics to suppress the growth of the associated bacterial flora and a nutritional supplement consisting of gamma-irradiated bacteria. A change in the hexokinase and phosphoglucomutase isoenzyme pattern was observed 21 days after the amebae had been transferred to the axenic medium but before complete axenization of the amebae had occurred. The change in zymodeme was accompanied by an increase in virulence, as evidenced by the ability of fewer amebae to induce hepatic abscesses in hamsters. A reverse conversion to a nonpathogenic zymodeme was also accomplished by reassociating and subculturing the newly converted pathogenic trophozoites of strain SAW 1734R clAR with the bacterial flora that accompanied this ameba in the original xenic culture. The electromobilities of the hexokinase isoenzymes changed back to their original pattern 7 days after the amebae were returned to xenic growth conditions. Our in vitro results demonstrate that culture conditions and bacterial flora can cause changes in the zymodeme and virulence of a cloned ameba isolate and raise the concern that this could happen also in vivo. Thus, the finding of a particular zymodeme in a culture of E. histolytica isolated from a carrier should not be used to predict a clinical condition or serve as a basis for the recommendation of therapy.
Regulation of the GABA cell phenotype in hippocampus of schizophrenics and bipolars

GABAergic dysfunction is present in the hippocampus in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). The trisynaptic pathway was “deconstructed” into various layers of sectors CA3/2 and CA1 and gene expression profiling performed. Network association analysis was used to uncover genes that may be related to regulation of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), a marker for this system that has been found by many studies to show decreased expression in SZs and BDs. The most striking change was a down-regulation of GAD67 in the stratum oriens (SO) of CA2/3 in both groups; CA1 only showed changes in the SO of schizophrenics. The network generated for GAD67 contained 25 genes involved in the regulation of kainate receptors, TGF-β and Wnt signaling, as well as transcription factors involved in cell growth and differentiation. In SZs, IL-1β, (GRIK2/3), TGF-β2, TGF-βR1, histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), death associated protein (DAXX), and cyclin D2 (CCND2) were all significantly up-regulated, whereas in BDs, PAX5, Runx2, LEF1, TLE1, and CCND2 were significantly down-regulated. In the SO of CA1 of BDs, where GAD67 showed no expression change, TGF-β and Wnt signaling genes were all up-regulated, but other transcription factors showed no change in expression. In other layers/sectors, BDs showed no expression changes in these GAD67 network genes. Overall, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that decreased expression of GAD67 may be associated with an epigenetic mechanism in SZ. In BD, however, a suppression of transcription factors involved in cell differentiation may contribute to GABA dysfunction.
Depression as a Mediator Between Spousal Bereavement and Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease: Appreciating and Managing the Adverse Health Consequences of Depression in an Elderly Surviving Spouse

Bereavement in the elderly is becoming a more frequent phenomenon as a result of the aging of the population. The death of an elderly spouse increases psychologic morbidity, particularly depressive symptoms, as well as mortality. Depression increases the risk of death independent of age or bereavement, and can thus exacerbate the health effects of losing a spouse. This magnifier effect is especially pernicious because bereavement and depression both tend to increase cardiovascular mortality rates. Primary care physicians should be alert for signs of mood disorders in elderly persons who have recently lost a spouse. Potential therapies for depression in an elderly bereaved individual include pharmacologic agents, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support. Data also support the value of encouraging religious patients to continue with spiritual observances. Although these approaches decrease mood disorders, it is not yet clear whether they also reduce the risk of death or cardiovascular disease.
Preparation, Microanalysis and Performance of Hap/Cs-Cmc Composite Materials

The physical and chemical properties of the materials are generally determined by their microstructure and main components. In this paper, the Hap/Cs-Cmc composite materials with different mass ratios were prepared for the first time through liquid co-precipitation method. The microstructure, phase and performance of the composite materials were investigated by FT-IR, XRD, TG-DTA, SEM, and EDS respectively. The purpose of this work is to establish the relationship between material microstructures and properties. The results showed that the composite materials exhibited excellent mechanical performance and thermal stability. The nano-Hap with relatively good crystallinity were dispersed uniformly in the organic phase Cs and Cmc-combined with relatively closely between Hap particles and Cs-Cmc. The particle size of the material is about 50 nm with spherical shape. The mass ratio of Hap and Cs-Cmc directly influenced the crystallization, particle size, and dispersion of Hap. When mass ratio is 50/50, the uniformity, compactness, and thermal stability were the best and the compressive strength is up to 30.5 MPa. EDS analysis showed that the composite material merely contained trace amount of sodium and the ratio of calcium and phosphorus is around 1.85, belonging to the rich calcium type of Hap, and the physical and chemical performance totally met the requirements of bone tissue engineering materials.
Improved results for non-linear discrete-time systems with time-varying delays

In this paper, complete results for delay-dependent stability, feedback stabilization and linear filtering for a class of non-linear discrete-time systems are developed. The system under consideration has timevarying delays with Lipschitz-type non-linearities and subject to real convex bounded parametric uncertainties in all system matrices. A major thrust of the analysis is the constructive use of an appropriate Lyapunov functionals coupled with ‘Finsler’s lemma’ and free-weighting parameter matrices. We establish a linear matrix inequality (LMI) characterization of delay-dependent conditions under which the non-linear discrete delay system is robustly asymptotically stable with an L2 gain smaller than a prescribed constant level. Feedback stabilization schemes, based on state, static output or by using dynamic output feedback, are designed to guarantee that the corresponding closed-loop system enjoys the delaydependent asymptotic stability with an L2 gain smaller than a prescribed constant level. Finally, the developed approach is applied to linear filtering to design both H∞ andL2 − L∞ filters. All the developed results are expressed in terms of convex optimization over LMIs and tested on several representative examples.
Asymptotic downlink capacity of coordinated cellular networks

This paper explores the fundamental downlink performance limits of multicell networks when cooperation is allowed between all the base station in the network. Toward this end, we infer the asymptotic sum rate of a capacity-achieving technique (known as dirty paper coding) for the broadcast channel in the limit of a large number of transmit antennas and single-antenna users. The users have unequal SNRs characterized by a doubly-regular gain matrix and we show that this condition can be satisfied in a finite cellular network of hexagonal cells where users are placed on corners of hexagons centered on the bases. Under this placement, we can compute the asymptotic rate per user when dirty paper coding is used across base stations in a coordinated network. We extend the analysis to an infinite coordinated network and show that its performance is lower-bounded by that of a single isolated cell. Performance comparisons are also made with conventional cellular networks where coordination among bases is not allowed.
A NON-ITERATIVE , DOMAIN DECOMPOSITION METHOD WITH DIFFERENT TIME STEP SIZES FOR THE EVOLUTIONARY STOKES-DARCY MODEL

This report analyzes a partitioned time stepping algorithm, meaning a non-iterative, domain decomposition method, which allows different time steps in the fluid region and the porous region for the fully evolutionary Stokes-Darcy problem. The method presented requires only one, uncoupled Stokes and Darcy sub-physics and sub-domain solve per time step. Under a time step restriction of the form 4t ≤ C(physical parameters) we prove stability and convergence of the method. Numerical tests are given confirming the convergence theory and demonstrating the computational efficiency of the partitioned method. They also show that in (the expected case) of greater fluid velocities in the free-flow region than in the porous media region, allowing smaller timesteps in the subregion with the faster velocities increases both accuracy and efficiency.
La HbA1c en el diagnóstico y en el manejo de la diabetes

La humanidad enfrenta una epidemia de diabetes que avanza incontenible. De acuerdo con la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud, la poblacion mundial de diabeticos ha pasado de 30 millones en 1985 a 220 millones en 2009 y se espera que para el 2030 esta cifra llegue 336 millones. La diabetes se define como un estado hiperglucemico que con el correr de los anos se manifiesta por dano a multiples organos, siendo la primera causa de ceguera, de falla renal y de amputaciones en los adultos, y una de las principales causas de enfermedad cardiaca y de trombosis. Desde que se descubrio la hemoglobina A1C (HbA1c), esta ha sido el indicador mas fiel para monitorear los pacientes diabeticos y gracias a la estandarizacion alcanzada en la prueba en los ultimos anos, la American Diabetes Association (ADA) la incorporo recientemente como el primer criterio de diagnostico de diabetes en individuos asintomaticos o con sospecha clinica de esta enfermedad. La ADA ha definido tres puntos de corte para la HbA1c: ≤ 5,6%, nivel no diabetico; entre 5,7% y 6,4%, nivel prediabetico; y, ≥ 6,5%, compatible con el diagnostico de diabetes. Igualmente, la ADA mantiene como la meta en el tratamiento del paciente diabetico un nivel de HbA1c ≤ 7%. Ademas de la definicion de los puntos de corte, enfatiza en la necesidad de que las pruebas se hagan en un laboratorio clinico que utilice instrumentos y reactivos certificados por el NGSP (National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program) y estandarizados de acuerdo con las especificaciones del DCCT (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial). En el modulo se analizan los aspectos clinicos y epidemiologicos de la diabetes mellitus y los aspectos historicos de la prueba, las bases de la glicacion como un fenomeno bioquimico no-enzimatico, los metodos disponibles para medir la HbA1c y los factores preanaliticos, analiticos y posanaliticos que podrian afectar la prueba, que tanto el medico como el
High Precision DCT CORDIC Architectures for Maximum PSNR

This paper proposes two optimal Cordic Loeffler based DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform algorithm) architectures: a fast and low Power DCT architecture and a high PSNR DCT architecture. The rotation parameters of CORDIC angles required for these architectures have been calculated using a MATLAB script. This script allows the variation of the angle’s precision from 10-1 to 10-4. The experimental results show that the fast and low Power DCT architecture correponds to the precision 10-1. Its complexity is even lower than the BinDCT which is a reference in terms of low complexity and its power has been enhanced in comparison with the conventional Cordic Loeffler DCT by 12 mW. The experimental results also show that the high PSNR DCT architecture corresponds to the precision 10-3 for which the PSNR has been improved by 6.55 dB in comparison with the conventional Cordic Loeffler DCT. Then, the hardware implementation and the generated RTL of some required Cordics are presented.
Meander formation in supraglacial streams

Meandering streams on the surface of glaciers are similar in planform geometry to meanders in alluvial and bedrock rivers, despite fundamental differences in the mechanisms and timescales of incision. We develop depth‐averaged conservation equations for flow in such supraglacial channels with erodible boundaries and solve the linear stability problem for harmonic perturbations to an initially straight channel. Meander formation in supraglacial streams is driven by channel curvature, which enhances heat production and heat transfer to the surrounding ice at bend apexes. This leads to enhanced melting and lateral channel migration, with near constant channel width maintained by the competition of lateral erosion and broadscale ablation of the glacier surface. We find that meandering occurs for a wide but finite range of hydraulic and thermal parameters in both subcritical and supercritical flows and that meanders usually propagate downstream. Predicted meander wavelengths are in general agreement with an empirical scaling between supraglacial channel width and meander wavelength derived from glacial environments worldwide.
Fabless Prototyping Methodology for the Development of SOI based MEMS Microgripper

In this paper, Fabless Prototyping Methodology is introduced for the design and analysis of MEMS devi ces. Conventionally Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is performed before system level simulation. In our proposed methodology, system level simulation is performed earlier than FEA as it is c omputationally less extensive and low cost. System level simulations ar e based on equivalent behavioral models of MEMS device. Electrostatic actuation based MEMS Microgripper is chosen as case study to implement this methodology. This paper addresses th e behavioral model development and simulation of actuator part of an electrostatically actuated Microgripper. Simulation results show that the actuator part of Microgripper works efficiently for a voltage range of 0-45V with the corresponding jaw displacement of 0-4. 5425µm. With some minor changes in design, this range can b e enhanced to 15µm at 85V. level while at system level, constituent components of the MEMS are integrated to study the dynamic behavior of the complete system under the given operating conditions (1)-(2). Process level is rigorously related to fabrication process simulation. The 3D model of a MEMS device can be generated by using a process definition, an associa ted material properties database and a designer created 2D layou t. Process level is necessary to proceed ahead to physical lev el simulation. ANSYS, COMSOL, CoventorWare Analyzer based on Finite Element Methods (FEM) are usually used at physical level to find the 3D solution. These simul ations take very long time to execute even in days and weeks. T his elongates the design cycle time and increases compu tational cost. Reduce Order Modeling (ROM) can be used to overcome above mentioned problems (3)-(4) but optimization at device
Sequential Subspace Optimization Method for Electromagnetic Devices Design With Orthogonal Design Technique

We present two new sequential optimization strategies, a sequential subspace optimization method (SSOM) and an improved sequential optimization method (SOM) with orthogonal experimental design technique, to deal with optimization design problems of electromagnetic devices in this work. To implement the proposed methods, we first divide the whole design factors into three sets, namely highly-significant, significant, and nonsignificant factors. Then the whole design space can be correspondingly divided into three subspaces with these three sets of factors. Thereafter, SSOM is presented to sequentially optimize those subspaces. In the subspace, we present an improved SOM based on orthogonal experimental design technique to get optimal solutions. Finally, by investigating TEAM benchmark problem 22, we can see that the sampling efficiency can be improved significantly and the computational cost of finite element analysis can be saved remarkably by the proposed methods.
Digital subtraction angiography: fundamental noise characteristics.

Detectability of low-contrast objects (vessels) in subtraction imaging depends on the noise properties of the image. There is a structure imposed upon the quantum noise that is due to the attenuation of the subtracted background object; this structure is referred to as a "noise print. " It is shown to be a function of the manner of presubtraction processing (linear or logarithmic) and the local thickness of the attenuator in the x-ray beam path. The influence of the noise print on the visibility of vessels in subtraction images is demonstrated.
New directions in bereavement research: exploration of gender differences

Psychological research on the phenomena of bereavement has moved from a concern to establish the range and severity of mental and physical health consequences, to the examination of factors that make particular persons or subgroups especially vulnerable, to most recently an investigation of ways of coping with loss that may influence the course of recovery and adjustment. This trend is illustrated by exploring gender differences in reactions to spousal bereavement. Both males and females are vulnerable to ailments and illnesses on becoming bereaved, but research has shown that widowers have even more excessive detrimental consequences than widows. A new framework that has been developed to help understanding of such processes in coping with loss is outlined.