Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Significance of Extramural Deposits and Extracapsular Lymph Node Invasion in Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND: The status of resected lymph nodes in colon cancer determines prognosis and further treatment. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system has designated extramural nodules as nonnodal disease and classified them as extensions of the T category in the sixth edition and as site-specific tumor deposits in the seventh edition. Extracapsular lymph node extension is an established poor prognostic indicator in many cancers. Its significance in colon cancer has not been extensively investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of extramural nodules and extracapsular lymph node extension in colon cancer. DESIGN: A pathological review of 114 stage III and 80 stage II colon cancers was undertaken to analyze for p-T stage, p-N stage (using the fifth, sixth, and seventh editions), and the size and contour of nodal and extramural deposits. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the prognostic significance of clinicopathological parameters on survival estimates. RESULTS: According to the sixth and seventh editions of the guidelines, extramural deposits were present in 29% and 31% of patients with stage III colon cancer and in 5% of patients with stage II colon cancer. Extracapsular lymph node invasion was present in 68% of cases. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that lymph node ratio, extracapsular lymph node extension, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors affecting 5-year disease-free survival. The same 3 variables, in addition to extramural deposits, were independent prognostic factors affecting overall survival. The presence of extramural deposits was associated with an 11% 5-year survival, and extracapsular lymph node invasion was associated with a 33% 5-year survival. CONCLUSIONS: Instead of extramural nodules being included as part of the T category or as site-specific tumor deposits, they should perhaps be classified in the metastasis category. This has major prognostic implications and may broaden the application of a number of adjuvant agents.
Toxic Human IAPP Oligomers are Intracellular , and Vaccination to Induce Anti-toxic Oligomer Antibodies Does not Prevent Human IAPP Induced Beta-Cell Apoptosis in Human IAPP Transgenic Mice

Objective: The islet in Type 2 diabetes is characterized by deficit in beta-cells, increased beta-cell apoptosis and islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). The toxic form of amyloidogenic protein oligomers are distinct and smaller than amyloid fibrils and act by disrupting membranes. Using antibodies that bind to toxic IAPP oligomers (but not IAPP monomers or fibrils) and a vaccination based approach, we sought to establish if IAPP toxic oligomers form intraor extracellularly, and if vaccination to induce anti-toxic oligomer antibodies prevents IAPP induced apoptosis in human IAPP transgenic mice. Methods: Pancreas was sampled from two human IAPP (h-IAPP) transgenic mouse models and examined by immunohistochemistry for toxic oligomers. The same murine models were vaccinated with toxic oligomers of Alzheimer beta protein (AβP1-40) and anti-oligomer titers, blood glucose and islet pathology were monitored. Results: Toxic oligomers were detected intracellularly in ~20-40% h-IAPP transgenic beta-cells. Vaccine induced high titers of anti-h-IAPP toxic oligomers in both transgenic models but beta-cell apoptosis was if anything further increased in vaccinated mice so that neither loss of beta-cell mass, nor diabetes onset was delayed. Conclusions: IAPP toxic oligomers form in h-IAPP transgenic mouse models, and anti toxic oligomer antibodies do not prevent h-IAPP induced beta-cell apoptosis. These data suggest approaches that prevent h-IAPP oligomer formation may be more useful in prevention of type 2 diabetes than a vaccination based approach.
Optimization of bioretention systems through application of ecological theory

Current design of bioretention systems is intended to intercept and retain stormwater, enhance infiltration, and remove organic particulates, nutrients, pathogens, metals, and other contaminants using natural processes that derive from the interactions of water, soil, microbes, plants, and animals. Most bioretention systems function as isolated patches of various shapes and sizes surrounded by impervious surface. A significant body of ecological theory has been developed that addresses the relationships among species composition, diversity, and ecosystem function, and how these vary with spatial structure. Here we highlight how such theories may be applied to improve the efficiency or effectiveness of bioretention systems. We consider (1) the role of plant and animal species that function as ecosystem engineers, (2) biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships, (3) complexity and stability, (4) disturbance and succession, and (5) spatial theory. Future testing of the utility of these theories may occur through incorporation of experiments into the design of bioretention systems or through meta‐analysis of systems that span a range of configurations and biotic features. WIREs Water 2015, 2:259–270. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1072
Time Processing in Schizophrenia

Time is inside as well as outside of ourselves. Time is a perception. It is part of the outside world, but it is also a sensation immediately experi-enced in ourselves. We organize and crystalize the perception of time into the connotation of a continuous flowing time, which we measure by clocks, and we try to apply the same measures to the time experience in ourselves, to what we may call time sensation…. Time is an inherent part of the world of perception, outside and inside the body.
Capillary waves of compressible fluids

The interplay of thermal noise and molecular forces is responsible for surprising features of liquids on sub-micrometer lengths—in particular at interfaces. Not only does the surface tension depend on the size of an applied distortion and nanoscopic thin liquid films dewet faster than would be expected from hydrodynamics, but also the dispersion relation of capillary waves differ at the nanoscale from the familiar macroscopic behavior. Starting with the stochastic Navier–Stokes equation we study the coupling of capillary waves to acoustic surface waves which is possible in compressible fluids. We find propagating ‘acoustic–capillary waves’ at nanometer wavelengths where in incompressible fluids capillary waves are overdamped.
Bowden.vp:CorelVentura 7.0

Treatments other than lithium have recently emerged as equally important in the management of bipolar disorder. The spectrum of efficacy of newer treatments differs from lithium and among the novel drug treatments valproate, generally used as the better tolerated divalproex form, principally benefits manic symptomatology both acutely and in prophylaxis. Atypical antipsychotic drugs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing acute manic symptoms. No controlled evidence of efficacy in prophylaxis has been published. Lamotrigine has demonstrated efficacy in both acute bipolar depression and maintenance efficacy in rapid cycling bipolar patients, especially those patients with bipolar II disorder, which is principally manifested as depression. Randomised, double-blind, placebocontrolled studies provide good evidence that regimens of risperidone or olanzapine in combination with lithium or valproate provide greater improvement in acute mania than the mood stabilisers alone. Similarly, valproate combined with antipsychotics provided greater improvement in mania than antipsychotic medication alone and resulted in lower dosage of the antipsychotic medication. A positive but unclear placebo-controlled study of omega-3 fatty acids added to lithium in bipolar disorder needs confirmation in standard clinical trial paradigms. Several other drugs that were reported as beneficial in various facets of bipolar disorder in open trials have not differed from placebo when studied in randomised, placebo-controlled trials.
Novel hold–release functionality in a P300 brain–computer interface

Assistive technology control interface theory describes interface activation and interface deactivation as distinct properties of any control interface. Separating control of activation and deactivation allows precise timing of the duration of the activation. Objective. We propose a novel P300 brain–computer interface (BCI) functionality with separate control of the initial activation and the deactivation (hold–release) of a selection. Approach. Using two different layouts and off-line analysis, we tested the accuracy with which subjects could (1) hold their selection and (2) quickly change between selections. Main results. Mean accuracy across all subjects for the hold–release algorithm was 85% with one hold–release classification and 100% with two hold–release classifications. Using a layout designed to lower perceptual errors, accuracy increased to a mean of 90% and the time subjects could hold a selection was 40% longer than with the standard layout. Hold–release functionality provides improved response time (6–16 times faster) over the initial P300 BCI selection by allowing the BCI to make hold–release decisions from very few flashes instead of after multiple sequences of flashes. Significance. For the BCI user, hold–release functionality allows for faster, more continuous control with a P300 BCI, creating new options for BCI applications.
Comparing Three Measures of Health Status (Perceived Health With Likert-Type Scale, EQ-5D, and Number of Chronic Conditions) in Chinese and White Canadians

Background:Measures of perceived health status may be vulnerable to ethnic and sociodemographic characteristics. The purpose of this study was to compare self-reported health status in Chinese and whites using 3 measures: physical and mental health status with the 5-point Likert-type scale, the EQ-5D together with a modified health index scale (0–100), and number of chronic conditions. Methods:A cross-sectional telephone survey of Chinese and white Canadians was conducted in a large city in Alberta, Canada. Results:We analyzed 830 Chinese and 789 white respondents. Chinese, compared with whites, reported better health status using the EQ-5D health index (0.94 vs. 0.86) and had fewer chronic conditions surveyed (51.9% vs. 79.2% had one or more conditions). However, Chinese rated their health status fair or poor more often than whites (27.3% vs. 9.7% for physical health and 24.0% vs. 5.0% for mental health) and both groups rated similarly on the health index scale (80.0 for Chinese vs. 77.9 for white). Conclusions:Health status measurements performed inconsistently across ethnic populations. The EQ-5D health index was consistent with the number of chronic conditions, whereas results from the 5-point Likert-type scale and the health index scale were not consistent with the number of chronic conditions. Perceived health status differed by the measures used and ethnicity.
Early-Age Structural and Thermal Performance of GGBS Concrete

A large amount of blast furnace slag is generated in China. Most ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) however ends up in low-grade applications. Blast furnace slag, ground to an appropriate fineness, can be used as a partial replacement of cementitious material in concrete. The potential for using GGBS in structural concrete, e.g. concrete beams and columns is investigated at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). With 50% of CEM I cement replaced with GGBS, peak hydration temperatures determined in a suspended concrete slab reduced by 20%. This beneficiary effect has not been further improved with 70% of CEM I replaced with GGBS. Partial replacement of CEM I with GGBS has a retardation effect on the early-age strength of concrete. More GGBS concrete mixes will be conducted to identify an ‘optimum’ replacement level which will lead to a reduced thermal loading, without significantly compromising the early-age strength of concrete. Keywords—GGBS, thermal effect, sustainable construction, CEM I.
Differential Involvement of Metabotropic and p75 Neurotrophin Receptors in Effects of Nerve Growth Factor and Neurotrophin‐3 on Cultured Purkinje Cell Survival

Abstract: We have examined the role of the p75 neurotrophin receptor in survival‐promoting effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) on cultured Purkinje cells. Previously, we showed that NGF promotes Purkinje cell survival in conjunction with (1S,3R)‐1‐aminocyclopentane‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid (ACPD), an agonist of metabotropic excitatory amino acid receptors, whereas NT‐3 by itself increases cell number. We now present evidence that p75 plays different roles in Purkinje cell responses to the two neurotrophins. A metabotropic receptor of the mGluR1 subtype may interact with p75 function, so as to regulate Purkinje cell responsiveness to neurotrophins. When cerebellar cultures were grown for 6 days in the presence of ACPD and a mutant form of NGF that does not bind to p75, no increase in Purkinje cell number was observed. Moreover, the survival‐promoting effect of wild‐type NGF and ACPD could be inhibited by a neutralizing antiserum to p75 or by a pyrazoloquinazolinone inhibitor of neurotrophin binding to p75. In contrast, the response to NT‐3 was potentiated by anti‐p75 treatment and by the quinazolinone. These data indicate the mediation of p75 in the trophic response to NGF‐ACPD and a negative modulatory role of p75 in the action of NT‐3. To probe the role of ACPD in the p75‐dependent response to NGF, metabotropic receptor subtype‐specific ligands were tested. The pattern of agonist specificity implicated the mGluR1 subtype, a receptor that is expressed at high levels by Purkinje cells and linked to activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Down‐regulation or blockade of PKC abolished the response to NGF‐ACPD. Consistent with the opposite roles of p75 in effects of the two neurotrophins, blockade of mGluR1 or PKC potentiated the survival response elicited by NT‐3. In sum, our data suggest that afferent excitatory transmitters activate specific metabotropic receptors to elicit a p75‐mediated action of NGF. NT‐3 acts on Purkinje cells by a different mechanism that is not absolutely p75‐dependent and that is reduced by neurotrophin access to p75 and metabotropic receptor activity.
Factors Contributing to Spousal and Offspring Caregiver Burden in Parkinson’s Disease

Background/Aims: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with a chronic disease course. The increase in life expectancy of humans worldwide is expected to increase the prevalence and duration of PD; therefore, it is important to determine factors that contribute to the caregiver burden for both clinical and social reasons. Methods: We surveyed 91 main caregivers of patients, and compared factors contributing to caregiver burden between 50 spouses and 41 offspring of patients. We determined Burden Interview, Depression Scale, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Obligation Scale scores, as well as the degree of functional social support of caregivers. Results: Interestingly, the burden scores of the two groups were not significantly different. Correlation analysis revealed that depression, health-related quality of life, social support, subdivided parts of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr Scale, score of Mini-Mental State Examination, and Barthel index were correlated with burden in both spouses and offspring. However, in multiple regression, depression score and part 1 of the UPDRS were more significant predictors of burden in the spousal group, whereas social support of community and part 3 of the UPDRS were more important correlated factors in the offspring group. Conclusions: The caregiver burden of spousal and offspring caregivers of PD patients was not significantly different. However, different factors contributed to caregiver burden according to the caregiver’s relationship with the patient.
Desarrollo seguro de aplicaciones con criptografía

Uno de los ejes principales en torno al cual estan estructurados los planes de estudios relacionados con la seguridad en computo es el estudio de la criptografia. Este campo, si bien es fundamental para la formacion de expertos en seguridad informatica, debe presentarse en conjunto con la parte aplicada: ? Como lo deben integrar los desarrolladores en las aplicaciones? En el presente texto presento varios ejemplos de como los esquemas criptograficos mas seguros han resultado burlados por fallas en la implementacion, abordando brevemente como, por medio de una desmitificacion de la criptografia, podria contribuirse a evitar estas situaciones.
Optimization of speed loop control technology for permanent magnet synchronous motor servo system*

Permanent magnet synchronous motor servo control system includes three control loops: position, speed and current, however, the traditional control methods still cannot adapt to some occasions, such as, position servo of modern high precision and high frequency response. In this paper, we derived the mathematical model and the coordinate transformation that rely on the analysis of permanent magnet synchronous motor working principle and vector control principle. As for the decoupling problem of current loop based on d, q coordinate, this paper analyzed the vector decoupling control factors and their mutual influence, and then proposed decoupling control method. The paper also optimized the speed loop and position loop by speed loop control method with sliding mode variable structure, while adding feed forward controller for speed loop and achieving quite a comprehensive optimization for the three control loops. Finally, simulation results have verified the high feasibility of the proposed servo control method and strategy.
Anomalous binocular depth perception due to unequal image brightness.

DURING the naval battles of World War I, mistakes were made in discrimination of position and direction of movement of a formation of ships. To the lookout the ships appeared to be moving in a straight line, when in reality they were moving obliquely in step formation. Such an error in perception would be typical of anisopia or anisodominance. The anomalies apply especially to aircraft formation flying and landing operations but also to automobile traffic situations, where target and background contrast is unusually high. Anisopia is an anomaly, discovered by Cibis, 1 which may exist from a monocular defect in the brightness or in the focus of one retinal image. It results in an apparent rotation, or "venetian-blind effect," of contrasting surfaces in a frontal plane on their individual central vertical axes. When the phenomenon is elicited in a normal person by reducing the light striking one retina, it may
Student Perceptions of Methylphenidate Abuse at a Public Liberal Arts College

Abstract With the ever-increasing diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, methylphenidate has become readily accessible in the college environment. Several properties of methylphenidate indicate abuse liability. A survey regarding the recreational use of methylphenidate was distributed to the student body at a public, liberal arts college. More than 16% of the students reported they had tried methylphenidate recreationally, and 12.7% reported they had taken the drug intranasally. Use of the drug was more common among traditional students than among nontraditional students. Among traditional-age students, reports of methylphenidate use were roughly equivalent to reports of cocaine and amphetamine use. Environmental conditions characteristic of college student life may influence the recreational use of the drug.
Farmers' Perceptions and Adaptations to Climate Change in Sub-Sahara Africa: A Synthesis of Empirical Studies and Implications for Public Policy in African Agriculture

The problem of climate change in Africa has the potential of undermining sustainable development efforts if steps are not taken to respond to its adverse consequences. This study reviews existing and available literature on farmers’ perceptions and adaptations to climate change in sub-Sahara Africa. It is evident that the majority of farmers in sub-Sahara Africa are aware of warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. To respond to these changes, farmers have adopted crop diversification, planting different crop varieties, changing planting and harvesting dates to correspond to the changing pattern of precipitation, irrigation, planting tree crops,water and soil conservation techniques, and switching to non-farm income activities. Years of farming experience, household size, years of education, access to credit facilities, access to extension services and off-farm income are among the signicant determinants of adopting climate change adaptation measures. To enable sub-Sahara African farmers to develop more effective climate change adaptationstrategies,there is the need for African governments to support farmers by providing the necessary resources such as credit, information and extension workers to train farmers on climate change adaptation strategies and technologies, and investing in climate resilient projects like, improving on existing or building new water infrastructure and building climate change monitoring and reporting stations.
Direct dynamic measurement of intracellular and extracellular lactate in small‐volume cell suspensions with 13C hyperpolarised NMR

Hyperpolarised (HP) 13C NMR allows enzymatic activity to be probed in real time in live biological systems. The use of in vitro models gives excellent control of the cellular environment, crucial in the understanding of enzyme kinetics. The increased conversion of pyruvate to lactate in cancer cells has been well studied with HP 13C NMR. Unfortunately, the equally important metabolic step of lactate transport out of the cell remains undetected, because intracellular and extracellular lactate are measured as a single resonance. Furthermore, typical experiments must be performed using tens of millions of cells, a large amount which can lead to a costly and sometimes highly challenging growing procedure. We present a relatively simple set‐up that requires as little as two million cells with the spectral resolution to separate the intracellular and extracellular lactate resonances. The set‐up is tested with suspensions of prostate cancer carcinoma cells (PC3) in combination with HP [1‐13C]pyruvate. We obtained reproducible pyruvate to lactate label fluxes of 1.2 and 1.7 nmol/s per million cells at 2.5 and 5.0 mM pyruvate concentrations. The existence of a 3‐Hz chemical shift difference between intracellular and extracellular lactate enabled us to determine the lactate transport rates in PC3. We deduced a lactate export rate of 0.3 s−1 and observed a decrease in lactate transport on addition of the lactate transport inhibitor α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Approach to Detect Dolphin Whistle from Underwater Sounds

This paper handles the issue of identifying the whistle of a dolphin in the presence of noise. When a recorded underwater signal containing other sounds is given to a system, it detects and identifies the presence of dolphin whistle. Analyzing the extracted underwater sounds gives meaningful information about the environment. Also, the presence of a particular underwater species and their behavior can be identified from the sounds emitted by them. Dolphins make distinctive calls. This can be analyzed in the post processing stage. Features like Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients are extracted for the detection of dolphin whistle. Here, the classifier Gaussian Mixture Model is used to classify the recordings based on features to identify the presence of dolphin whistle. A complete simulation is done on the recorded underwater signals to detect the presence of dolphin. Index Terms — Underwater, Detection, GMM, Dolphin Whistle ——————————  ——————————