Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Orthographic familiarity influences initial eye fixation positions in reading

An important issue in the understanding of eye movements in reading is what kind of nonfoveal information can influence where we move our eyes. In Experiment 1, first fixation landing positions were nearer the beginning of misspelled words. Experiment 2 showed that the informativeness of word beginnings does not influence where words are first fixated. In both experiments, refixations were more likely to be to the left of the initial fixation position if the words were misspelled. Also, there was no influence of spelling on prior fixation durations or refixation probabilities, that is, there was no evidence for parafoveal‐on‐foveal effects. The results show that the orthographic familiarity, but not informativeness, of word initial letter sequences influences where words are first fixated.
Treatment of metastatic prostate carcinoma with radiolabeled antibody CC49.

UNLABELLED A Phase II trial of 75 mCi/m2 131I-anti-TAG-72 high-affinity antibody CC49 was studied in 15 patients with hormone-resistant metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS Patients had adequate renal, liver and hematopoietic function. No previous cytotoxic chemotherapy was allowed and previous radiation was limited to 20% of the active bone marrow. RESULTS No acute adverse reactions occurred, but all patients had evidence of an immune response to CC49 by 4 wk. Six of 10 symptomatic patients had bone pain relief, but no patients met the radiographic or PSA criteria for objective response. Positive imaging of bone and/or soft-tissue lesions was noted for 13 of the 15 patients. CONCLUSIONS CC49 had a high frequency of tumor localization with evidence of anti-tumor effects (pain relief).
The management of dysphagia in esophageal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Is invasive tube feeding required?

9613 Background: The dysphagia commonly associated with esophageal cancer often interferes with patient tolerance of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Surgical or endoscopic invasive tube feeding (ITF - gastroscopy/jejunostomy/stent) is a commonly employed strategy to maintain nutritional support however it can cause significant morbidity in its own right. We sought to determine if a strategy of careful dietary counseling and appropriately-timed neoadjuvant chemotherapy can obviate the need for ITF. METHODS Pts undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (TAX/CDDP/5FU Q3 weeks x3) for esophageal or GEJ adenocarcinoma at a single institution from 3/07-7/08 were identified from a prospective database. All received dietary counseling and were closely monitored for signs/ symptoms of malnutrition with serial (baseline, after 1st cycle, pre-surgery) Body Mass Index (BMI), albumin, dysphagia scores (0 best - 4 worse), and quality of life (FACT-E). We assessed the response of dysphagia and nutritional status to neoadjuvant treatment and the need for ITF. Data presented as median (range) or mean (±SD), paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed ranks test determined significance. RESULTS 25 pts received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and significant dysphagia (score 2-4) was found in 14. Dysphagia scores improved in all 14 (all results in Table 1 ), and 10/13 improved after the first cycle. No patient required ITF. QoL as assessed by the FACT-E improved in 13/14 patients. A small decrease in BMI was noted, however serum albumin did not significantly decrease. CONCLUSIONS Appropriately timed neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a highly effective regimen rapidly restores normal swallowing, maintains nutritional status, and obviates the need for ITF in patients with significant dysphagia from esophageal adenocarcinoma. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
A randomized controlled trial of shared decision making for prostate cancer screening.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a patient-educational approach to shared decision making for prostate cancer screening. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial with preoffice visit assessment and 2-week follow-up. SETTING University-based family practice center. PATIENTS Men aged 45 through 70 years with no history of prostate cancer or treatment for prostate disease (N = 160). Two patients were unavailable for follow-up. INTERVENTION Twenty-minute educational videotape on advantages and disadvantages of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A measure of patients' core knowledge of prostate cancer developed for this study, reported preferences for PSA testing, and ratings of the videotape. RESULTS Patients' core knowledge at baseline was poor. At 2-week follow-up, subjects undergoing videotape intervention showed a 78% improvement in the number of knowledge questions answered correctly (P = .001), and knowledge increased about mortality due to early-stage prostate cancer, PSA screening performance, treatment-related complications, and disadvantages of screening. No overall change was observed for control subjects. At follow-up, 48 (62%) of 78 intervention patients planned to have the PSA test compared with 64 (80%) of 80 control patients (18.5% absolute reduction; 95% confidence interval, 4.6%-32.4%; P = .009). Intervention subjects rated favorably the amount of information provided and the clarity, balance, and length of the videotape and would recommend the videotape to others. CONCLUSIONS Patient education regarding the potential benefits and harms of early detection of prostate cancer can lead to more informed decision making. Incorporating the PSA videotape into the periodic health examination for asymptomatic men aged 50 years and older is recommended.
Face Recognition Systems under Spoofing Attack

Face recognition system is one of the most successful application of computer vision, which has been deployed largely in recent years. In last decade, several algorithms for face recognition have been proposed in the literature. To increase reliability of face recognition systems, the systems must be able to differentiate between real genuine faces and fake faces (spoofed faces). In this paper, we investigate the robustness under spoofing attack of the well-known face recognition algorithms: PCA (Principal Component Analysis), LDA (Linear Discriminant Analysis) and EBGM (Elastic Bunch Graph Matching). In particular, we analyze the robustness of fusion of multiple face recognition algorithms with quality of face image samples. Experimental results show that these algorithms are very vulnerable to spoofing attacks. However, robustness can be improved by fusing multiple algorithms. We found that fusion of diverse category based algorithms ameliorate robustness of the system higher than fusion of algorithms of the same category. We also found that utilizing quality information improves the robustness of face recognition systems against spoofing attacks. Robustness increases as the number of sources of information being fused increases.
Artifacts to avoid while taking advantage of top‐down mass spectrometry based detection of protein S‐thiolation

Bottom‐up MS studies typically employ a reduction and alkylation step that eliminates a class of PTM, S‐thiolation. Given that molecular oxygen can mediate S‐thiolation from reduced thiols, which are abundant in the reducing intracellular milieu, we investigated the possibility that some S‐thiolation modifications are artifacts of protein preparation. Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was chosen for this case study as it has a reactive surface cysteine residue, which is readily cysteinylated in vitro. The ability of oxygen to generate S‐thiolation artifacts was tested by comparing purification of SOD1 from postmortem human cerebral cortex under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. S‐thiolation was ∼50% higher in aerobically processed preparations, consistent with oxygen‐dependent artifactual S‐thiolation. The ability of endogenous small molecule disulfides (e.g. cystine) to participate in artifactual S‐thiolation was tested by blocking reactive protein cysteine residues during anaerobic homogenization. A 50‐fold reduction in S‐thiolation occurred indicating that the majority of S‐thiolation observed aerobically was artifact. Tissue‐specific artifacts were explored by comparing brain‐ and blood‐derived protein, with remarkably more artifacts observed in brain‐derived SOD1. Given the potential for such artifacts, rules of thumb for sample preparation are provided. This study demonstrates that without taking extraordinary precaution, artifactual S‐thiolation of highly reactive, surface‐exposed, cysteine residues can result.
REPRODUCTIVE TISSUE RENIN GENE EXPRESSION IN PREECLAMPSIA

Objective: Using an analogy with renin gene overexpression, low-renin hypertension animal models, we wished to test the hypothesis that renin gene expression is increased in decidua basalis in human gestation with preeclampsia. Methods: Human placentas were obtained immediately after delivery from 11 control (C) and 11 preeclamptics (PE). Tissue samples were microdissected and renin gene expression in decidua basalis (DB), chorionic villi (CV), and decidua vera (DV) was measured using dot-blot hybridization. Results: Overall renin gene expression is highest in decidua basalis (mean ± SEM, 2.66 ± 0.69 densitometry area units) compared to chorionic villi (mean ± SEM, 1.85 ± 0.5) or compared to decidua vera (mean ± SEM, 1.63 ± 0.9) (both t- tests p = 0.001 two-tailed and analysis of variance p = 0.0001). Renin gene expression in DB and in CV was similar in both preeclamptic and normal pregnancies (DB mean ± SEM C 2.79 ± 0.96 versus PE 2.54 ± 1.04, and CV mean ± SEM C 2.11 ± 0.91 versus PE, 1.59 ± 0.44). Renin gene expression in DV was approximately threefold higher in tissues from preeclamptics compared to control (mean ± SEM PE 2.44 ± 1.76 versus C 0.82 ± 0.42). Using the median value of 0.5 units for DV as cutoff, the preeclamptics displayed higher renin gene expression (chi square p = 0.033, two tailed). Conclusion: Our data suggest that renin gene expression is increased in preeclampsia in decidua vera. This may explain previously reported increased renin secretion in uterine circulation in preeclampsia.
Failures identification in a linear slot array using a sparse recovery technique

This contribution presents some experimental results carried out in the framework of a joint research between the University of Cassino and the University of Calabria (Italy) regarding a technique for array diagnosis based on sparse recovery technique. The results confirm that the method is able to accurately identify the fault elements using a number of measurements smaller than other techniques based on backpropagation or inverse matrix computation.
Thiopurine methyltransferase activity and the use of azathioprine in inflammatory bowel disease

Background : Azathioprine therapy is discontinued in one‐third of patients with inflammatory bowel disease because of toxicity or a lack of clinical response. Patients with thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) deficiency are intolerant to azathioprine, whilst carriers are at increased risk of side‐effects.
Effects of Chlordane and Lindane on Testosterone and Vitellogenin Levels in Green Neon Shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity of chlordane and lindane as well as their endocrine disruption effect on green neon shrimp (Neocaridina denticulata), a common habitant in freshwater system of eastern Asia and Hawaii. First, the organisms were exposed to chlordane and lindane to estimate the 96-h LC50(96-h median lethal concentration). Then, levels of testosterone and vitellogenin in hemolymph of N. denticulata after exposure to sublethal concentrations of chlordane (1 ng/L and 10 ng/L) and lindane (0.1 μg/L and 1 μg/L) were also examined. The 96-h LC50 values obtained from the results of acute exposure were 127.03 (130.11–122.35) ng/L and 9.36 (8.00–10.96) μg/L for chlordane and lindane, respectively. Furthermore, reductions of testosterone concentration were observed in both chlordane- and lindane-treated shrimps, whereas induction of vitellogenin-like protein was only apparent in chlordane-treated shrimps. Thus, it is concluded that chlordane and lindane may probably show some disruption endocrine functions on N. denticulata.
A Modified Weekly Docetaxel Schedule as First-Line Chemotherapy in Elderly Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Safety Study

Abstract Standard dose docetaxel is burdened by severe toxicity. Weekly schedules have been shown to be active as standard scheme with reduced side effects. In 20-30% of elderly patients (pts) the classic 6-week schedule induces grade 3/4 fatigue and other cumulative toxicities. We carried out this safety study in order to evaluate whether a modified weekly docetaxel schedule would improve the toxicity profile. Twenty-one untreated elderly (≥70 years) pts suffering from metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in the study. Pts were treated with a weekly dose of 35 mg/m2 docetaxel for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest. Further cycles were performed with this modified schedule: docetaxel days 1, 8 and 15 every 29 days. All pts received at least the first cycle (6 weeks). A total of 261 doses were delivered. No toxic deaths occurred. The toxicity was mild: we recorded 1 episode of grade 3neutropenia and severe asthenia in only 2 pts (10%). We recorded an overall response rate of 33% (1 CR, 6 PR). Our data showed a reduced incidence of severe asthenia (2/21), obtained with a light modification of a weekly docetaxel schedule.
Time line visualization of research fronts

Research fronts, defined as clusters of documents that tend to cite a fixed, time invariant set of base documents, are plotted as time lines for visualization and exploration. Using a set of documents related to the subject of anthrax research, this article illustrates the construction, exploration, and interpretation of time lines for the purpose of identifying and visualizing temporal changes in research activity through journal articles. Such information is useful for presentation to members of expert panels used for technology forecasting.
IL10 gene polymorphisms are associated with asthma phenotypes in children

IL10 is an anti‐inflammatory cytokine that has been found to have lower production in macrophages and mononuclear cells from asthmatics. Since reduced IL10 levels may influence the severity of asthma phenotypes, we examined IL10 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for association with asthma severity and allergy phenotypes as quantitative traits. Utilizing DNA samples from 518 Caucasian asthmatic children from the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) and their parents, we genotyped six IL10 SNPs: 3 in the promoter, 2 in introns, and one in the 3′ UTR. Using family‐based association tests, each SNP was tested for association with asthma and allergy phenotypes individually. Population‐based association analysis was performed with each SNP locus, the promoter haplotypes and the 6‐loci haplotypes. The 3′ UTR SNP was significantly associated with FEV1 as a percent of predicted (FEV1PP) (P=0.0002) in both the family and population analyses. The promoter haplotype GCC was positively associated with IgE levels and FEV1PP (P=0.007 and 0.012, respectively). The promoter haplotype ATA was negatively associated with lnPC20 and FEV1PP (P=0.008 and 0.043, respectively). Polymorphisms in IL10 are associated with asthma phenotypes in this cohort. Further studies of variation in the IL10 gene may help elucidate the mechanism of asthma development in children. Genet Epidemiol 26:155–165, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monoclonal antibodies against rat glomerular antigens: production and specificity.

To define the characteristics and target antigens (Ags) of nephrotoxic antibodies (Abs) and to analyze the factors that govern the evolution of Ab-mediated glomerular injury, we have prepared monoclonal Abs against rat glomerular Ags. BALB/c mice were immunized with Lewis rat cortex or glomeruli, and their spleens were removed and fused with hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine supplement-sensitive myelomas. Hybrids were selected for production of Abs against Lewis rat kidney by indirect immunofluorescence. To date, more than 50 positive hybrids have been selected and their tissue reactivity defined by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Of these, 14 are presented here in detail. One of these monoclonal Abs, K9/4, recognizes a unique Ag present exclusively on the cell surface of rat glomerular visceral epithelial cells. Four Abs (K12/2, K17/4, K12/5, and K12/8) recognize sites within the glomerular basement membrane; K12/2 and K17/4 also bind to vascular basement membranes of the rat, whereas K12/5 and K12/8 bind to glomerular basement membrane, tubular basement membranes, and vascular and epithelial basement membranes in all tissues of the rat. Two hybridomas (K6/1 and K6/3) recognize determinant(s) present on cell surfaces of endothelial and epithelial cells as well as within the glomerular basement membrane. All of these previously mentioned Abs are species restricted (i.e., they bind only to rat tissue) and, with the exception of K9/4, bind upon in vivo administration. Several others, however, recognize ubiquitous Ags that are present on intracellular structures in every species tested. The tissue distribution of these Ags suggests that they are present in contractile or cytoskeletal elements and, as expected from their intracellular location, monoclonal Abs directed against these components do not bind upon in vivo administration. Future studies will be directed at defining the antigenic composition of the glomerular capillary wall and the relevance of such Ags in immune-mediated glomerular injury.
Molecular mechanisms of coronary collateral vessel growth.

Growth of coronary collaterals can change markedly the natural history of coronary artery disease: Stenoses and occlusions of the coronary arteries, even of the left main coronary artery, can be survived without infarction provided that the stenosing process has not progressed too fast, since the process of collateral development by growth needs time (a few weeks). 1 2 3 However, in most cases, thrombus formation proceeds faster than vascular growth and infarcts develop. In many cases, collaterals, although they cannot prevent infarction in the majority of cases, may limit the damage and infarcts are smaller than expected from the size of the region at risk.4 Understanding collateral growth may mean to be potentially and eventually able to stimulate it by the injection of drugs, by the injection of growth factors, or by somatic gene therapy in patients at risk of infarction. In the past we have shown that collaterals grow by DNA synthesis and mitosis of endothelial and smooth muscle cells.3 These cells are quiescent in normal adult arteries, with their population kinetics close to zero. Under abnormal conditions a rapid conversion to G1 can occur and the cell cycle can be completed in ≈22 hours.3 With rapidly progressing stenosis in dogs (3 days from the onset of stenosis to complete occlusion), the labeling index of the endothelium of the midzone segment reached 7.5% and was followed by a wave of smooth muscle cell mitosis of only slightly lesser magnitude. Since controlled and regulated growth does not proceed without the presence and action of growth factor peptides and their receptors, several groups have investigated that aspect.5 6 7 8 The growth factors that are potentially involved in the process of cardiac collateralization are aFGF, bFGF, VEGF, IGF-1, and PDGF.7 9 10 11 12 13 …
COMMITTEE REPORT

Läckgren G, Hjälmås K, van Gool J, von Gontard A, de Gennaro M, Lottmann H, Terho P. Nocturnal enuresis: a suggestion for a European treatment strategy. Acta Pædiatr 1999; 88: 679‐90. Stockholm. ISSN 0803‐5253
Phase III study of erlotinib in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: the Tarceva Lung Cancer Investigation Trial.

PURPOSE Erlotinib is a potent inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, with single-agent antitumor activity. Preclinically, erlotinib enhanced the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy. This phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of erlotinib in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as first-line treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received erlotinib (150 mg/d) or placebo, combined with up to six 21-day cycles of chemotherapy (gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 and cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included time to disease progression (TTP), response rate (RR), duration of response, and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS A total of 1,172 patients were enrolled. Baseline demographic and disease characteristics were well balanced. There were no differences in OS (hazard ratio, 1.06; median, 43 v 44.1 weeks for erlotinib and placebo groups, respectively), TTP, RR, or QoL between treatment arms. In a small group of patients who had never smoked, OS and progression-free survival were increased in the erlotinib group; no other subgroups were found more likely to benefit. Erlotinib with chemotherapy was generally well tolerated; incidence of adverse events was similar between arms, except for an increase in rash and diarrhea with erlotinib (generally mild). CONCLUSION Erlotinib with concurrent cisplatin and gemcitabine showed no survival benefit compared with chemotherapy alone in patients with chemotherapy-naïve advanced NSCLC.
Flux-Regulatable Characteristics Analysis of a Novel Switched-Flux Surface-Mounted PM Memory Machine

A novel switched-flux (SF) surface-mounted permanent magnet (PM) memory machine is proposed by incorporating the flux-memorizable concept into the SF structure. It employs a temporary current pulse to magnetize/demagnetize the aluminum-nickel-cobalt (Al-Ni-Co) PMs so that the air-gap flux can be regulated online for extending its high-speed constant-power region. An analytical hysteresis modeling method is formulated and implemented by numerical nonlinear approximation of hysteresis loops, and then coupled with time-stepping finite element method to perform the analyses of both static and transient flux-regulatable characteristics. The preciseness of the coupling solution and the validity of machine design are verified by experimental results.