Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Statin Treatment on Early Outcomes and Restenosis after Carotid Stenting

Introduction: The benefits of statin treatment in patients undergoing carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) have not been well established. This study aimed to determine the short-term effect of statins on periprocedural cerebrovascular complications and on the restenosis rate following CAS. Methods: The medical records of 59 consecutive patients who underwent CAS from December 2010 to December 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were recorded before and after the CAS, and the periprocedural cerebrovascular complications and restenosis rates were also recorded. Results: Of the 59 CAS patients included in the study, 74.6% were male (mean age, 67.3 years; 84.7% symptomatic), and 27 (46.6%) patients were actually undergoing statin treatment. Minor stroke developed in three patients undergoing statin treatment prior to CAS (p=0.09). Major stroke developed within 24 h after CAS in one patient who did not undergo statin treatment prior to CAS (p=0.54). Twenty-two patients had follow-up examinations, and only one patient who did not undergo statin treatment developed remarkable restenosis (p=0.219). Discussion: No significant associations were observed between the patients who underwent statin treatment prior to CAS and experiencing periprocedural cerebrovascular complications or restenosis. Future studies with larger patient groups are needed confirm the effects of statins on periprocedural cerebrovascular complications and restenosis after carotid stenting.
The Impact of Teacher Training on Student Achievement: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from School Reform Efforts in Chicago

While there is a substantial literature on the relationship between general teacher characteristics and student learning, school districts and states often rely on in-service teacher training as a part of school reform efforts. Recent school reform efforts in Chicago provide an opportunity to examine in-service training using a quasi-experimental research design. In this paper, we use a regression discontinuity strategy to estimate the effect of teacher training on the math and reading performance of elementary students. We find that marginal increases in-service training have no statistically or academically significant effect on either reading or math achievement, suggesting that modest investments in staff development may not be sufficient to increase the achievement of elementary school children in high poverty schools.
Modeling gene regulatory networks based on nonlinear state-space model

In the gene regulatory networks(GRNs), gene expression is usually regulated by some regulatory factors (or transcription factors), but the regulatory factors' activity is difficult to measure, and the regulatory effect among genes is typically nonlinear. This paper uses nonlinear Gaussian state-space model to construct gene regulatory networks. In the model, genes are considered as observation variables and regulatory factors are considered as internal state variables, it is more consistent with the actual biological systems. To identify the system, the unscented Kalman filter(UKF) algorithm is applied to estimate the states and parameters, Bayes information criterion (BIC) is applied to determine the dimension of the state variables. We model the regulatory networks of yeast genes' expression data with the method, the results show that the nonlinear state-space model can improve the accuracy of constructing regulation networks, and UKF algorithm can effectively estimate the parameters and states of nonlinear state-space model.
HIV Controllers Are Distinguished by Chemokine Expression Profile and HIV-Specific T-Cell Proliferative Potential

Background:HIV controllers demonstrate a natural ability to control HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of inflammation and T-cell activation in a demographically unique cohort of HIV controllers and noncontrollers. Methods:Plasma concentrations of 22 cytokines and chemokines were evaluated using a multiplex bead array approach. Multicolor flow cytometry was used to measure baseline levels of T-cell activation and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and HIV-specific T-cell cytokine (interferon &ggr;, interleukin 2) and proliferation responses. Results:HIV controllers were characterized by elevated macrophage inflammatory protein 1&agr; and low levels of interferon &ggr;–induced protein 10, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and Transforming growth factor beta. Activated (CD38+ HLA DR+) CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were reduced in HIV controllers relative to noncontrollers. HIV controllers and noncontrollers had comparable proportions of Tregs within the CD4+ T-cell compartment, but absolute Treg counts were depleted in noncontrollers. Absolute Treg counts correlated inversely with T-cell activation. Proliferative CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses directed against HIV gag epitopes were found most frequently among HIV controllers with the lowest viral loads (elite controllers) and were rarely detected among noncontrollers, supporting a relationship between HIV-specific T-cell proliferation and viral control. Conclusions:Collectively, these data suggest a model in which HIV controllers maintain low levels of viral replication through robust HIV-specific T-cell responses in an environment of low inflammation and reduced availability of activated target cells.
Matching Forces: Constant Errors and Differential Thresholds

A contralateral limb-matching procedure was used to study the perception of forces generated by the elbow flexor muscles. Subjects were required to generate forces ranging from 15 to 85% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC range: 169–482 N), and after achieving the target force to produce a force of the same perceived intensity with their contralateral arm. Under these conditions, subjects consistently overestimated the amplitude of the two lowest forces, and the most accurate matching of forces occurred in the middle of the response range (around 50% MVC). This pattern of constant errors could be explained in terms of an artifact of the starting position, which has been shown to influence the accuracy of judgements of stimulus magnitude. The Weber fraction for force calculated from the matching data was 0.07, which is within the range reported previously for weight. These thresholds are, however, considerably lower than those described for friction and the moment of inertia, the perception of which also involves the proprioceptive system.
Increased serum levels of soluble l‐selectin (CD62L) in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

The adhesion molecule l‐selectin (CD62L) mediates lymphocyte recirculation and leucocyte rolling on vascular endothelium at sites of inflammation. Serum levels of soluble l‐selectin (sl‐selectin) were measured in patients with SLE in order to relate these levels to clinical activity and immunological parameters. An ELISA was used to detect the soluble form of human l‐selectin (CD62L) in 42 patients with SLE and in 33 healthy individuals. The mean ± s.e. m. values of sl‐selectin were 1285 ± 121 ng/ml for patients with SLE and 986 ± 180 ng/ml for healthy blood donors, but there was no significant difference. When patients with active SLE were analysed, higher levels of circulating sl‐selectin were found when compared with patients without activity (1497 ± 167 ng/ml versus 941 ± 150 ng/ml; P = 0.028). We found a significant correlation between the levels of sl‐selectin and of dsDNA antibodies (r = 0.36, P = 0.044) and between levels of sl‐selectin and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score (r = 0.42, P = 0.003). Patients with active SLE studied cross‐sectionally showed significant elevations of sl‐selectin (CD62L) compared with controls. Thus, the levels of this soluble adhesion molecule correlated with active disease and levels of anti‐dsDNA antibodies.
Failing but Learning: Writing the Wrongs after Redford and Taber

Nobody enjoys failure, particularly scientists. The competition for funding is fierce and the importance of reputation paramount. Conservation scientists also bear the added burden of knowing that although successes may directly contribute toward stemming the ongoing environmental crisis, failures probably mean fewer resources and even more significantly, less time available for nature conservation. Although failure is usually considered best avoided, Redford and Taber’s (2000) insightful paper highlights the vital importance of acknowledging and sharing failures for learning to “do” effective conservation. They call upon conservation organizations to willingly admit and document failures so as to promote the “safe-fail” culture essential for establishing adaptive resource management systems. Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, no conservation organizations have heeded their call. Reading Redford and Taber’s (2000) editorial proved a seminal moment in my evolution as a conservation professional. I felt challenged and compelled to heed their call for “writing the wrongs;” my own experience concurred with their wisdom. So, I offer an account of failure in conservation, along with a few hard-won lessons, in the hope this small contribution triggers the snowballing of a safefail culture within the conservation community. Learning to do conservation better depends on it. Between 1995 and 2000 the Australian Nature Conservation Agency funded the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to pilot a bioregional approach to the expansion of the National Reserve Sys-
Produção de farinha de carne e ossos: regulamentações sanitárias e ambientais

A industria de carnes gera inumeros residuos e e dever da mesma destina-los a locais apropriados que nao causem impactos nem afetem o meio ambiente. Observa-se que o estabelecimento destinado ao abate bovino apresenta um sistema de tratamento de residuos solidos completo. Outrora considerado “residuos animais” torna-se, entao, “materia-prima” para producao de farinha de carne e ossos (FCO). Pode ser amplificada com algumas implementacoes no processo produtivo, agregando valor aos subprodutos animais, no sentido de sustentabilidade economica, social e ambiental, o que reduz o impacto ambiental da atividade e os riscos das mas condicoes higienicas. Neste trabalho sao contextualizadas as etapas de fabricacao de FCO, desde o processo de registro da industria ate o controle de qualidade do produto acabado, com enfoque nas regulamentacoes sanitarias e ambientais do processo. Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE
La gobernanza mundial y los debates sobre la seguridad alimentaria

corporacionestrasnacionales,quenocuentanconigual enfoquehumanitarioenlosobjetivosquepersiguenni tienenlamismatransparenciayrendiciondecuentasque la FAO . Finalmente,desdesucreacion,esteorganismoha ganadounalegitimidadquelehapermitidoactuarglobalmente y acordar con los gobiernos nacionales acciones especificas para el mejoramiento del sistema agricola y
The Reiteration Effect in Hindsight Bias

Repetition of an assertion increases the degree of belief in that assertion. This reiteration effect is used to explain two puzzling findings in research on hindsight bias. First, the reiteration effect explains the asymmetry in hindsight bias for true and false assertions. This striking asymmetry has often been observed in experimental studies, but no rationale has yet been found. Second, the reiteration effect predicts a novel finding: Recalled confidence will increase in hindsight bias studies even if no feedback is given. The authors have checked both predictions against results reported in the literature; with some exceptions, the evidence supports them.
Quality control and assurance in functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) experimentation

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a rapidly developing neuroimaging modality for exploring cortical brain behaviour. Despite recent advances, the quality of fNIRS experimentation may be compromised in several ways: firstly, by altering the optical properties of the tissues encountered in the path of light; secondly, through adulteration of the recovered biological signals (noise) and finally, by modulating neural activity. Currently, there is no systematic way to guide the researcher regarding these factors when planning fNIRS studies. Conclusions extracted from fNIRS data will only be robust if appropriate methodology and analysis in accordance with the research question under investigation are employed. In order to address these issues and facilitate the quality control process, a taxonomy of factors influencing fNIRS data have been established. For each factor, a detailed description is provided and previous solutions are reviewed. Finally, a series of evidence-based recommendations are made with the aim of improving consistency and quality of fNIRS research.
Herbivory affects male and female reproductive success differently in dioecious Silene latifolia

In dioecious plants, reproductive efforts of male and female plants can be differentially affected by herbivory due to sex‐specific allocation and re‐modulation of resources. Here, we investigate the effects of foliar herbivory by the polyphagous species Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on male and female reproductive traits of Silene latifolia (Poir.) (Caryophyllaceae). We set up experimental populations of male and female control and Spodoptera‐infested plants and estimated flower morphology and phenology, and plant reproductive success. Herbivory did not affect floral traits involved in visual signalling to pollinators (flower size). Female reproductive success did not differ between Spodoptera‐infested and control plants in terms of seed set and seed germination. On the other hand, Spodoptera‐infested male plants produced fewer flowers than male control plants and maintained fewer flowers during flowering peaks. By experimental reduction in male flower number, we showed that male flower number is directly correlated with male reproductive success (pollen export to female flowers). This strongly suggests that male reproductive success is reduced after herbivory, whereas female reproductive success remains unaffected. The fact that females are more tolerant against herbivory is in accordance with sexual selection theory, which predicts that females, in contrast to males, are not selected for maximum investment in reproductive traits such as floral signalling, and should thus be more flexible in the allocation of resources.
IL‐6‐induced anaemia in rats: possible pathogenetic implications for anaemia observed in chronic inflammations

Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) is frequently found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the pathogenesis of ACD both cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), IL‐1 and Il‐6 as well as a relative deficiency of erythroprotein (EPO), are thought to play a key role. In the present study the role of IL‐6 in the pathogenesis of this anaemia was investigated. IL‐6 was administered intraperitoneally to rats for 14 sequential days. It appeared that IL‐6 was able to induce anaemia. No evidence for suppression of bone marrow erythropoiesis or enhanced sequestration of erythrocytes in the liver was found. However, decreased plasma and bone marrow iron contents were observed in anaemic rats. Blood loss in intestinal tissue was demonstrated using erythrocyte labelling with 99mtechnetium. Histologically this was associated with inflammatory cell infiltration, oedema and bleeding in the intestinal wall. In conclusion, IL‐6 induced anaemia in rats. This anaemia was caused by intestinal blood loss.
PATIENT RADIATION EXPOSURE MEASUREMENTS DURING INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

This is a prospective study with the purpose of assessing patient radiation dose and stochastic risk (risk for fatal cancer) in a patient population undergoing interventional radiological (IR) procedures. Measurements were performed on 36 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA, n = 18), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS, n = 3), diagnostic angiography (DA, n = 6), arterial embolization (AE, n = 3), and hepatic neoplasm chemoembolization (HCE, n = 6). Kerma area product (KAP) was used as a measure of x-ray exposure to the patient. Mean KAP value per procedure was 79 ± 50 Gy cm−2 for PTA, 139 ± 55 Gy cm−2 for TIPS, 110 ± 44 Gy cm−2 for DA, 325 ± 145 Gy cm−2 for AE, and 150 ± 76 Gy cm−2 for HCE. Forty-six percent of total KAP value was attributed to fluoroscopy. In conclusion, we showed that a linear correlation between effective dose and KAP was found (r2 = 0.84), which could be used for estimating patient effective dose using KAP measurements. Small changes to the number of digital frames acquired result in substantial change of the total KAP in interventional radiological procedures. Stochastic risk from IR procedures is quite low for the patient. Measuring KAP is a simple and accurate method, which provides the interventional radiologist with a good estimation of the patient’s relative risk for stochastic effects.
Intensive blood pressure treatment: beneficial for all but the smoking hypertensives?

In 1987, Cruickshank et al. [1] maintained that a Jshaped curve was present when mortality was related to diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients on drug treatment. In the highest pressure levels, from approximately 120–80 mmHg, mortality fell with a fall in blood pressure, but below approximately 80 mmHg it increased again, producing a ‘hockey-stick’ or J-curve [2]. This paradoxical increase in risk at the lowest diastolic blood pressure levels was assumed to be due to the presence of diseased, sclerotic and partially stenotic arteries in these hypertensive patients. Too drastic a reduction in perfusion pressure by antihypertensive drugs caused a reduction in blood flow to vital areas, possibly resulting in myocardial infarction or a cerebral stroke. In particular, elderly hypertensives would be at risk for this unwanted effect of blood pressure reduction.
Detecting uncertain input using physiological sensing and behavioral measurements

Interactive systems, such as online search interfaces, require appropriate input if they are to produce accurate information. Without this, they can be inaccurate if the user is uncertain about the keywords. Current systems do not have the means to detect uncertainty, which may lead to a negative user experience. We explore physiological and behavioral measurements as tools to implicitly detect users' uncertainty, and provide a method to integrate input variability in interactive systems. We conducted a laboratory study where participants answered questions of varying difficulty, recording physiological data via a key logger, an eye tracker, and a heart rate sensor. Our results show that participants spent significantly more time on difficult questions and looked longer at their answers before submitting them. Based on our results, we provide initial insights on how data from physiological sensors and logged user behavior can be utilized to enrich interactive systems and evaluate a user's uncertainty level.
COMPARISON OF RESPONSE OF PASSIVE DOSIMETRY SYSTEMS IN SCANNING PROTON RADIOTHERAPY—A STUDY USING PAEDIATRIC ANTHROPOMORPHIC PHANTOMS

Proton beam therapy has advantages in comparison to conventional photon radiotherapy due to the physical properties of proton beams (e.g. sharp distal fall off, adjustable range and modulation). In proton therapy, there is the possibility of sparing healthy tissue close to the target volume. This is especially important when tumours are located next to critical organs and while treating cancer in paediatric patients. On the other hand, the interactions of protons with matter result in the production of secondary radiation, mostly neutrons and gamma radiation, which deposit their energy at a distance from the target. The aim of this study was to compare the response of different passive dosimetry systems in mixed radiation field induced by proton pencil beam inside anthropomorphic phantoms representing 5 and 10 years old children. Doses were measured in different organs with thermoluminescent (MTS-7, MTS-6 and MCP-N), radiophotoluminescent (GD-352 M and GD-302M), bubble and poly-allyl-diglycol carbonate (PADC) track detectors. Results show that RPL detectors are the less sensitive for neutrons than LiF TLDs and can be applied for in-phantom dosimetry of gamma component. Neutron doses determined using track detectors, bubble detectors and pairs of MTS-7/MTS-6 are consistent within the uncertainty range. This is the first study dealing with measurements on child anthropomorphic phantoms irradiated by a pencil scanning beam technique.
A Double-Blind Randomized Discontinuation Phase-II Study of Sorafenib (BAY 43–9006) in Previously Treated Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study E2501

Introduction: Sorafenib is a raf kinase and angiogenesis inhibitor with activity in multiple cancers. This phase-II study in heavily pretreated non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (≥ 2 prior therapies) used a randomized discontinuation design. Methods: Patients received 400 mg of sorafenib orally twice daily for two cycles (2 months) (step 1). Responding patients on step 1 continued on sorafenib; progressing patients went off study, and patients with stable disease were randomized to placebo or sorafenib (step 2), with crossover from placebo allowed upon progression. The primary endpoint of this study was the proportion of patients having stable or responding disease 2 months after randomization. Results: There were 299 patients evaluated for step 1; of these, 81 eligible patients were randomized on step 2 and received sorafenib (n = 50) or placebo (n = 31). The 2-month disease control rates after randomization were 54% and 23% for patients initially receiving sorafenib and placebo, respectively, p = 0.005. The hazard ratio for progression on step 2 was 0.51 (95% [confidence interval] CI 0.30, 0.87, p = 0.014) favoring sorafenib. A trend in favor of overall survival with sorafenib was also observed (13.7 versus 9.0 months from time of randomization), hazard ratio 0.67 (95% CI 0.40–1.11), p = 0.117. A dispensing error occurred, which resulted in the unblinding of some patients, but not before completion of the 8-week initial step 2 therapy. Toxicities were manageable and as expected. Conclusions: The results of this randomized discontinuation trial suggest that sorafenib has single-agent activity in a heavily pretreated, enriched patient population with advanced NSCLC. These results support further investigation with sorafenib as a single agent in larger, randomized studies in NSCLC.
Conformational flexibility in the chromatin remodeler RSC observed by electron microscopy and the orthogonal tilt reconstruction method

Chromatin remodeling complexes (remodelers) are large, multisubunit macromolecular assemblies that use ATP hydrolysis to alter the structure and positioning of nucleosomes. The mechanisms proposed for remodeler action on nucleosomes are diverse, and require structural evaluation and insights. Previous reconstructions of remodelers using electron microscopy revealed interesting features, but also significant discrepancies, prompting new approaches. Here, we use the orthogonal tilt reconstruction method, which is well suited for heterogeneous samples, to provide a reconstruction of the yeast RSC (remodel the structure of chromatin) complex. Two interesting features are revealed: first, we observe a deep central cavity within RSC, displaying a remarkable surface complementarity for the nucleosome. Second, we are able to visualize two distinct RSC conformers, revealing a major conformational change in a large protein “arm,” which may shift to further envelop the nucleosome. We present a model of the RSC-nucleosome complex that rationalizes the single molecule results obtained by using optical tweezers and also discuss the mechanistic implications of our structures.