Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations of chromosome arms 1p and 19q as predictors of survival in oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas, and mixed oligoastrocytomas.

PURPOSE A recent report suggests that alterations of chromosome arms 1p and 19q are associated with chemotherapeutic response and overall survival in anaplastic oligodendroglioma patients treated with procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine chemotherapy. We set out to further clarify the diagnostic and prognostic implications of these alterations in a broader set of diffuse gliomas, including astrocytic neoplasms and low-grade oligodendrogliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) signals from DNA probes mapping to 1p and 19q common deletion regions were enumerated in 162 diffuse gliomas (79 astrocytomas, 52 oligodendrogliomas, and 31 mixed oligoastrocytomas), collected as part of an ongoing prospective investigation of CNS tumors. RESULTS The oligodendroglial phenotype was highly associated with loss of 1p (P =.0002), loss of 19q (P <.0001), and combined loss of 1p and 19q (P <.0001). Combined loss of 1p and 19q was identified as a univariate predictor of prolonged overall survival among patients with pure oligodendroglioma (log-rank, P =.03) and remained a significant predictor after adjusting for the effects of patient age and tumor grade (P <.01). This favorable association was not evident in patients with astrocytoma or mixed oligoastrocytoma. CONCLUSION Combined loss of 1p and 19q is a statistically significant predictor of prolonged survival in patients with pure oligodendroglioma, independent of tumor grade. Given the lack of this association in patients with astrocytic neoplasms and the previously demonstrated chemosensitivity of oligodendrogliomas, a combined approach of histologic and genotypic assessment could potentially improve existing strategies for patient stratification and management.
Using Dialogue Acts in dialogue strategy learning : optimising repair strategies

A Spoken Dialogue System’s (SDS’s) dialogue strategy specifies which action it will take depending on its representation of the current dialogue context. Designing it by hand involves anticipating how users will interact with the system, and/or repeated testing and refining, and so can be a difficult, time-consuming task. Since SDSs inevitably make understanding errors, a particularly important issue is how to design “repair strategies”, the parts of the dialogue strategy which attempt to get the dialogue “back-on-track” following these errors. To try to produce better dialogue strategies with less time and effort, previous researchers have modelled a dialogue strategy as a sequential decision problem called a Markov Decision Process (MDP), and then applied Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms to example training dialogues to generate dialogue strategies automatically. More recent research has used training dialogues conducted with simulated rather than real users and learned which action to take in all dialogue contexts, (a “full” as opposed to a “partial” dialogue strategy) simulated users allow more training dialogues to be generated, and the exploration of new dialogue contexts not present in an original dataset. As yet however, limited insight has been provided as to which dialogue contextual features are important to include in the MDP and why. Indeed, a full dialogue strategy has not been learned from training dialogues with a realistic probabilistic user simulation derived from real user data, and then shown to work well with real users. This thesis investigates the value of adding new linguistically-motivated contextual features to the MDP when using RL to learn full dialogue strategies for SDSs. These new features are recent Dialogue Acts (DAs). DAs indicate the role or intention of an utterance in a dialogue e.g. “provide-information”, an utterance being a complete unit of a speaker’s speech, often bounded by silence. An accurate probabilistic user simulation learned from real user data is used for generating training dialogues, and the recent DAs are shown to improve performance in testing in simulation and with real users. With real users, performance is also better than other competing learned and handcrafted strategies. Analysis of the strategies, and further simulation experiments show how the DAs improve performance through better repair strategies. The main findings are expected to apply to SDSs in general indeed our strategies are learned and tested on real users in different domains, (flight-booking versus tourist information). Comparisons are also made to recent research which focuses on handling understanding errors in SDSs, but which does not use RL or user simulations.
Power-Flow Model and Steady-State Analysis of the Hybrid Flow Controller

This paper introduces a hybrid flow controller (HFC) as a new member of flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) controllers for steady-state and power-flow control of power transmission lines. HFC is a hybrid compensator (i.e., provides series and/or shunt compensation). Structurally, an HFC unit is composed of a mechanically switched phase-shifting transformer, a mechanically switched shunt capacitor, and multimodule, series-connected, thyristor-switched capacitors and inductors. This paper describes the steady-state operation, single-phase equivalent circuit, power-flow model, and V-I and P-Q characteristics of the HFC. This paper highlights the steady-state technical features of the HFC for power-flow control of a study system and also provides a quantitative comparison of the HFC, UPFC, and PST.
Calculation of backflashover outage rate of transmission lines: A discussion on traditional methodologies and recent advances

This work presents a discussion on the traditional methodologies presented by CIGRE and IEEE to calculate the lightning outage rate of high voltage transmission lines in terms of backflashover occurrence. The main aspects of such methodologies are reviewed. The simplifications and approximations adopted to determine the outage rate are discussed. Systematic simulations are developed considering a typical 138-kV line configuration. The obtained results in terms of peak overvoltage, critical current and backflashover rate are compared with those obtained by an advanced methodology composed by an accurate electromagnetic model (HEM) to calculate the overvoltage across insulator strings and an elaborate model (Disruptive effect - DE) to evaluate the flashover occurrence across insulators. Very distinct backflashover outage rates were presented. In general, CIGRE and IEEE methodologies yield large and lower outage rate, respectively, in comparison to those estimated by the advanced methodology. The results indicate the need of incorporating the recent advances of the area in the calculation of outage rate, aiming the improvement of the quality of the results given by traditional methodologies.
Effusion Immunocytochemistry as an Alternative Approach for the Selection of First-Line Targeted Therapy in Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Tumor tissue is often not obtainable or suitable for molecular-based epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational analysis in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective and single-institution study was conducted to evaluate the role of effusion immunocytochemistry using two EGFR mutant-specific antibodies for the detection of relevant EGFR mutations in NSCLC, along with the selection of candidates for first-line therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Methods: Immunocytochemistry using two antibodies binding specifically to the major forms of mutant EGFR, L858R, and E746-A750 deletion (delE746-A750), was performed on cell blocks of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) from 78 patients with lung adenocarcinoma, who received first-line EGFR TKIs. The yield of EGFR-mutation detection and prediction of response rate and progression-free survival to TKI treatment by immunocytochemistry were compared with those by clinical characteristics and EGFR sequencing using cell-derived RNA from MPEs. Results: Of the 78 MPE samples, direct sequencing using cell-derived RNA identified L858R mutation in 42 cases, deletions in exon 19 in 12 cases (delE746-A750 in eight cases), other types of mutations in three cases, and wild-type EGFR in 21 cases. Effusion immunocytochemistry with these two mutant-specific antibodies exhibited a sensitivity of 71% and 88% and a specificity of 86% and 96% for identifying predefined L858R and delE746-A750 mutations, respectively. Effusion immunocytochemistry provided a superior prediction of tumor response and progression-free survival to first-line EGFR TKIs than did clinical characteristics like sex and smoking status. Patients whose effusion immunocytochemistry showed a reaction to either of the two antibodies had a comparable TKI response rate (67% versus 72%) to those with EGFR mutations assessed by direct sequencing from cell-derived RNA. Conclusions: Effusion immunocytochemistry could be introduced into clinical practice to identify more NSCLC patients likely to have benefit from first-line TKI treatment, especially for those without adequate tissue for molecular-based EGFR analysis.
Current status of alcohol marketing policy--an urgent challenge for global governance.

AIMS To review research literature and available information on the extent and impacts of marketing, current policy response and the interests engaged in the policy debate in order to inform recommendations for policy change on alcohol marketing. METHODS Relevant literature, including systematic reviews and publicly available information (websites and participant observation) is reviewed and synthesized. RESULTS Alcohol marketing has expanded markedly in the past 50 years and, while there remains uncertainty about the impact across the population, there is now clear evidence of its impact on the consumption of young people. Few countries have effective policy in place restricting alcohol marketing, and there is a lack of an international response to alcohol marketing which crosses national boundaries. The protection of alcohol marketing has been a major focus for vested interest groups and this has affected governmental response at national and international levels. There has been a lack of non-governmental organization engagement. The policy response to tobacco marketing provides a clear contrast to that of alcohol marketing policy and provides a model for alcohol marketing policy. CONCLUSION The global exposure of young people to alcohol marketing requires an urgent policy response. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides an appropriate model for global governance to control alcohol marketing. There are extant examples of national level legislation achieving comprehensive bans with France's Loi Evin providing a feasible model. Resources from philanthropic organizations to allow non-governmental organization engagement are urgently required, as is engagement by the governmental sector independent of commercial influence.
The acute effects of noninvasive ventilatory support during exercise on exercise endurance and dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review.

PURPOSE The objective of this study was to review studies systematically, in which the acute effects of noninvasive ventilatory support (NIVS) during exercise were evaluated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, a quantitative analysis was performed on the effects of NIVS on exertional dyspnea and exercise endurance. METHODS Literature was searched in electronic databases, and by scanning lists of references of studies and abstract books of annual congresses of the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society. Preliminary data of a study by our own group into the effects of NIVS on exercise endurance in patients with COPD were added. The systematic review was carried out on the basis of a validated methodological screening list. For the quantitative analysis, Glass delta of individual studies were pooled to aggregate a summary effect size. RESULTS Fifteen studies were identified. Seven of these studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 65 patients with COPD. The methodological quality of the included studies varied from 31% to 54% of the maximum score of 13 points. Statistically significant summary effect sizes were found in the analysis of exertional dyspnea (P <.05) as well as in the analysis of exercise endurance (P <.001), indicating improvements in these outcomes in favor of NIVS. CONCLUSIONS The present systematic review suggests that NIVS during exercise may acutely reduce exertional dyspnea and improve exercise endurance, in patients with COPD.
Etodolac-Liquid-Filled Dispersion into Hard Gelatin Capsules: An Approach to Improve Dissolution and Stability of Etodolac Formulation

ABSTRACT The formation of melt dispersion is an effective method of increasing the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs, and hence, of improving the bioavailability. The carrier fusion method was used to prepare different dispersion of etodolac using Gelucire 44/14 and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS). The physical characteristics of the binary systems were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR). The release rate from the resulting dispersion was determined from dissolution studies by use of USP dissolution apparatus II (paddle method). The dissolution rate of etodolac is increased in all the dispersion systems compared to that of pure drug. A liquid dispersion system of etodolac (20%) and Gelucire 44/14: TPGS blend (80%), in different ratios, was also prepared. The capsule formulation was subjected to stability studies at different temperature and humidity conditions as per ICH guidelines. Physical and chemical properties of the dispersion didn't change during a period of storage at room temperature and at 4°C, 0% RH. It was found that etodolac was chemically stable against the effects of temperature and humidity. However, the relative humidity and storage time exerted an effect on the dissolution behavior of etodolac. The changes in dissolution behavior after storage under conditions of high humidity and temperature might be related to the formation of etodolac microcrystal and to water absorption by the carrier during storage. It is predicted that acceptable shelf-lives should result when moisture-resistant packaging is used for pharmaceutical formulations of this type.
The Versatile Role of microRNA-30a in Human Cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNA molecules of 20-23 nucleotides length that negatively regulate gene expressions in numerous cellular processes. Through complementary paring with target mRNAs, miRNAs have frequently emerged as dual regulators of cancer development by acting on multiple signaling pathways, thereby act as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of response to treatment. As one of them, miR-30a has been found to act as an onco-suppressor of tumorigenesis pathways through inhibition of cellular proliferation, migration and invasion. Simultaneously, miR-30a plays a progressing role in several types of cancer, determined by relevant target genes as well. In the present review, we summarize recent research regarding miR-30a, including its biological function, expression and regulation, especially focusing on its role in cancer development and progression. Clinically, miR-30a may serve as a potential target in the diagnosis and therapy of human cancer.
Supporting medication adherence in renal transplantation (SMART): a pilot RCT to improve adherence to immunosuppressive regimens

Abstract: Background: Although non‐adherence to an immunosuppressive regimen (NAH) is a major risk factor for poor outcome after renal transplantation (RTx), very few studies have examined non‐adherence intervention in this context. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) tested the efficacy of an educational–behavioural intervention to increase adherence in non‐adherent RTx patients. We also assessed how NAH evolves over time.
Respiratory pressures in boys from 11–17 years old: A semilongitudinal study

We hypothesized that in children, maximal respiratory pressures increase with age and more during the pubertal growth spurt. The aim of this work was to follow maximal respiratory pressures, with a semilongitudinal study, in three groups of prepubertal, peripubertal, and postpubertal children in order to specify pressure changes with age and determine the contributions of growth and puberty. A semilongitudinal study was conducted in 44 boys assigned to three overlapping age groups: from 11–13 (prepubertal stage), from 13–15 (pubertal stage), and from 15–17 years (postpubertal stage). The children underwent annual testing for maximal respiratory pressures and spirometric values. Body mass, height, lean body mass assessed from four skinfold thicknesses, and stage of development were also evaluated. Maximal respiratory pressure increased significantly with growth from 11–17 years for maximal inspiratory pressure, and from 11–15 years for maximal expiratory pressure. We observed an increase in the slope of the regression lines between age and lean body mass during the pubertal growth spurt, without an increase in the slopes of the regression lines between age and respiratory pressures. In conclusion, the relationships between age and respiratory pressures are not modified by the growth spurt, indicating that anthropometric characteristics have little role in determining respiratory pressures. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:368–374. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current challenges and future prospects in management of neuropathic pain

Management of neuropathic pain is a challenge, as the currently available drugs usually do not target the multiple underlying mechanisms. This article will briefly review the currently available therapies for neuropathic pain as an introduction to those in clinical trials. The two most common conditions in clinical trials of neuropathic pain are diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Central neuropathic pain remains a challenge in management. Future prospects of finding suitable drugs for neuropathic pain depend on an improved understanding of pain mechanisms. Biomarkers will facilitate the development of novel pain therapies. Molecular approaches to neuropathic pain include cell and gene therapies as well as RNAi-based treatments. Some of the novel targets for developing therapies for neuropathic pain include chemokine receptors, glial cells and cytokines. The review includes various suggestions for management of neuropathic pain, including multidisciplinary and personalized approaches. Considerable improvements are anticipated in the management of neuropathic pain in the next 5 years, although it is difficult to predict the chances of success of any particular product in development, considering the high rate of failures of previous trials.
Possible mechanisms responsible for absence of a retrotransposon family on a plant Y chromosome.

Some transposable elements (TEs) show extraordinary variance in abundance along sex chromosomes but the mechanisms responsible for this variance are unknown. Here, we studied Ogre long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons in Silene latifolia, a dioecious plant with evolutionarily young heteromorphic sex chromosomes. Ogre elements are ubiquitous in the S. latifolia genome but surprisingly absent on the Y chromosome. Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to determine Ogre structure and chromosomal localization. Next generation sequencing (NGS) data were analysed to assess the transcription level and abundance of small RNAs. Methylation of Ogres was determined by bisulphite sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was used to determine mobilization time and selection forces acting on Ogre elements. We characterized three Ogre families ubiquitous in the S. latifolia genome. One family is nearly absent on the Y chromosome despite all the families having similar structures and spreading mechanisms. We showed that Ogre retrotransposons evolved before sex chromosomes appeared but were mobilized after formation of the Y chromosome. Our data suggest that the absence of one Ogre family on the Y chromosome may be caused by 24-nucleotide (24-nt) small RNA-mediated silencing leading to female-specific spreading. Our findings highlight epigenetic silencing mechanisms as potentially crucial factors in sex-specific spreading of some TEs, but other possible mechanisms are also discussed.
Safety and Efficacy of Concurrent Cisplatin and Radiotherapy in Inoperable or Metastatic Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer

Between August 1996 and May 1999, 50 consecutive, previously untreated patients with carcinoma of the esophagus and who were inoperable for various reasons were treated with weekly doses of cisplatin (35 mg/m 2 , maximum 7 cycles) concurrent with either 66 Gy/33 fractions external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) (n=42) or 50 Gy/25 fractions EBRT and two insertions of high-dose-rate intraluminal radiotherapy of 6 Gy each, spaced a week apart (n=8). Eighty-two percent (41/50) of the patients received the stipulated radiotherapy (RT) dose. Seventy-six percent (38/50) received at least 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Neutropenia in the form of WHO grade II-12% (6/50) and grade III-2% (1/50) was observed. Grade III emesis was seen in 8% (4/50). Improvement in the swallowing status was seen in 84% (42/50). Median duration of dysphagia relief was 6 months. The median overall survival was 9 months with 17% estimated to be alive after 4 years. Combined treatment with single agent cisplatin and definitive radiotherapy for inoperable cancer of the esophagus is safe, well tolerated and reasonably efficacious.
Comparison of stereo-extracted DTM from different high-resolution sensors: SPOT-5, EROS-a, IKONOS-II, and QuickBird

Digital elevation models (DEMs) extracted from high-resolution stereo-images (SPOT-5, EROS-A, IKONOS-II, and QuickBird) using a three-dimensional multisensor physical model developed at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Canada were evaluated. In a first step, the photogrammetric bundle adjustment was setup for the stereo-images with few accurate ground control points. In a second step, DEMs were generated using an area-based multiscale image matching method and then compared to 0.2-m accurate light detection and ranging (LIDAR) elevation data. Elevation linear errors with 68% confidence level (LE68) of 6.5, 20, 6.4, and 6.7 m were achieved for SPOT, EROS, IKONOS, and QuickBird, respectively. The poor results for EROS are mainly due to its asynchronous low orbit, which generated large geometric and radiometric differences. However, when such differences were not large, LE68 of 10 m (four pixels) was achieved. Since the SPOT, IKONOS, and QuickBird DEMs were in fact digital surface models, where the height of land covers was included, elevation accuracy was performed only on bare surfaces (soils and lakes), where there was no difference between the stereo-extracted elevations and the LIDAR data. LE68 of 2.2, 1.5, and 1.2 m were then obtained for SPOT, IKONOS, and QuickBird, respectively. When compared to sensor resolution, multidate across-track SPOT with a smaller base-to-height (B/H) ratio of 0.77 achieved three to four times better results than same-date in-track IKONOS and QuickBird with B/H of around 1: 0.5 pixels versus 1.5 or 2 pixels.