Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment with the Radiolabelled Somatostatin Analog 177Lu-DOTATATE for Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Background: We evaluated the activity and safety profile of 177Lu-DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (Lu-PRRT) in patients with advanced G1-G2 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Patients and Methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients were treated at two different therapeutic dosages of 18.5 or 27.8 GBq in five cycles, according to the patient's kidney function and bone marrow reserve, which are known to be the critical organs in PRRT. Results: Twenty-six patients received a mean full dosage (FD) of 25.5 GBq (range 20.7-27.8) and 26 a mean reduced dosage (RD) of 17.8 GBq (range 11.1-19.9). Both therapeutic dosages resulted in antitumor activity (disease control rate in the entire case series 81%), with 12% complete response, 27% partial response and 46% stable disease in the FD group, whereas we observed 4% complete response, 15% partial response and 58% stable disease in the RD group. Median progression-free survival was not reached in the FD group and was 20 months in the RD group. No major acute or delayed hematological toxicity occurred. Conclusion:177Lu-DOTATATE peptide receptor radionuclide therapy showed antitumor activity in advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors even at a reduced total activity of 18.5 GBq. However, progression-free survival was significantly longer (p = 0.05) after a total activity of 27.8 GBq, which can thus be considered the recommended dosage in eligible patients.
au An Analysis of the Zero-Crossing Method for Choosing Regularisation Parameters

Solving discrete ill-posed problems via Tikhonov regularization introduces the problem of determining a regularization parameter. There are several methods available for choosing such a parameter, yet, in general, the uniqueness of this choice is an open question. Two empirical methods for determining a regularization parameter (which appear in the biomedical engineering literature) are the composite residual and smoothing operator and the zero-crossing method. An equivalence is established between the zero-crossing method and a minimum product criterion, which has previously been linked with the L-curve method. Finally, the uniqueness of a choice of regularization parameter is established under certain restrictions on the Fourier coefficients of the data in the ill-posed problem.
A Noncoherent Differential Transmission Scheme for Multiuser Massive MIMO Systems

A noncoherent multiuser transmission scheme is proposed for massive multiple-input multiple-output (M-MIMO) systems without explicit channel estimation. In particular, each user uses differential PSK modulation and the receiver employs differential detection. First, we propose a simple user selection scheme to optimize the distributions of power space profile (PSP) of individual users which alleviates the overlap of PSPs. Then, each output stream of the weighing filter is fed into a noncoherent successive interference cancellation (N-SIC) processor, and finally into a soft-input soft-output (SISO) multiple-symbol differential detector(MSDD). Employing the autocorrelation receiver (AcR) and the belief propagation(BP) message passing algorithm, the proposed SISO-MSDD framework can be easily integrated with advanced channel coding. The proposed scheme bears the potential to solve the high channel estimation overhead for conventional coherent M-MIMO systems. Simulation results show that the BER performance can be significantly improved within a few iterations of the proposed scheme.
Landscape characteristics influence morphological and genetic differentiation in a widespread raptor (Buteo jamaicensis)

Landscape‐scale population genetic structure in vagile vertebrates was commonly considered to be a contradiction in terms whereas recent studies have demonstrated behaviour and habitat associated structure in several such species. We investigate whether landscape features influence morphological and genetic differentiation in a widespread, mobile raptor. To accurately describe genetic differentiation associated with regional landscape factors, we first investigated subspecies relationships at a continental scale. We used 17 microsatellite loci and five morphological measurements to investigate differentiation between eastern and western subspecies of red‐tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and to identify patterns between differentiation and habitat within western North America. Bayesian and frequency‐based analyses of microsatellite data revealed clear distinctions between B. j. borealis (eastern) and B. j. calurus (western) samples. Furthermore, hawks sampled in Texas were stouter than those collected from the Rocky Mountains and farther west. Among western samples, birds from the Great Basin, Rocky Mountains, and Washington were significantly different in morphology than those from Oregon and California. We identified a pattern of isolation by distance among western breeding sites around the Sierra Nevada. Given the long‐range dispersal capabilities of raptors, this pattern suggests that population‐specific habitat preferences, corresponding with habitat breaks between eastern and western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, and/or regionally variable population densities limit migration between the Mediterranean habitat of central California and the xeric habitats of southern California and interior west. We suggest habitat preferences and regionally disparate population densities may play a role in shaping genetic structure in vagile avian taxa.
Determinantes de la mortalidad y la prevalencia de enfermedades diarreicas agudas en menores de cinco años en Colombia

Este trabajo analiza los efectos que sobre la salud de los ninos menores de cinco anos tienen las caracteristicas sanitarias de sus viviendas en Colombia. Especificamente, se consideran los impactos de estos factores sobre la mortalidad y la prevalencia de enfermedades diarreicas agudas (EDA). Asi mismo, se estima la influencia del origen racial sobre las condiciones de salud de los menores. El estudio utiliza un modelo Probit con informacion de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografia y Salud (ENDS) del ano 2010. Los resultados muestran que las mejoras en el abastecimiento de agua potable, la infraestructura de las viviendas y la educacion de las madres disminuyen la prevalencia de EDA. Asi mismo, las mejoras de la infraestructura sanitaria y de la educacion de las madres tienen el mayor impacto sobre la reduccion de la mortalidad. El analisis indica que el efecto del origen racial es estadisticamente significativo sobre la mortalidad en la ninez, mas no sobre la ocurrencia de EDA.
A computational modelling approach combined with cellular electrophysiology data provides insights into the therapeutic benefit of targeting the late Na+ current

The ventricular action potential plateau is a phase of high resistance, which makes ventricular myocytes vulnerable to small electrical perturbations. We developed a computationally based model of GS‐458967 interaction with the cardiac Na+ channel, informed by experimental data recorded from guinea pig isolated single ventricular myocytes. The model predicts that the therapeutic potential of GS‐458967 derives largely from the designed property of significant potent selectivity for INaL.
Smoking Cessation: An Overview of Treatment Options with a Focus on Varenicline

Tobacco use claims more than 440,000 lives each year, making it one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States. Although nearly half of all people who smoke die prematurely from tobacco‐related illnesses, those who quit may be able to reverse many of the adverse effects of tobacco. Approximately 47.5 million adults use tobacco; nearly 70% of them want to quit, and 42.5% attempt to quit each year. The most effective smoking‐cessation programs involve a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral and/or cognitive counseling to improve abstinence rates. Approved treatments include nicotine replacement therapies and bupropion, a nonnicotine option. Varenicline, the most recent agent approved for tobacco cessation, is the first drug in a new class that binds to the nicotinic receptors to release dopamine and alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It has demonstrated superior efficacy in clinical trials when compared with placebo and bupropion, with minimal adverse effects. It provides smokers and clinicians with an alternative therapy to assist in quitting tobacco.
Photoluminescence of Silicon Nitride-Embedded Silicon Nanocrystallites Prepared by Thermal Annealing of Si-Rich Silicon Nitride

Silicon nanocrystallites embedded in silicon nitride were prepared by high-temperature annealing of silicon-rich silicon nitride (SRN) via the phase separation reaction. Chemical composition and bonding structures of the SRN were explored using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) measurements were also conducted to probe the luminescent properties of the SRN films. We found that the intensities and the energy locations of the SRN films depend strongly on both the deposition and annealing conditions. High-temperature (~ 900 degC) annealing of as-deposited SRN gives rise to a strong PL because of the formation of denser crystalline Si phases as a result of phase separation of the SRN films.
Green synthesis, characterisation and bioactivity of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles using Decalepis hamiltonii root extract.

Consistent search of plants for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) is an important arena in Nanomedicine. This study focuses on synthesis of SNPs using bioreduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) by aqueous root extract of Decalepis hamiltonii. The biosynthesis of SNPs was monitored by UV-vis analysis at absorbance maxima 432 nm. The fluorescence emission spectra of SNPs illustrated the broad emission peak 450-483 nm at different excitation wavelengths. The surface characteristics were studied by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy, showed spherical shape of SNPs and dynamic light scattering analysis confirmed the average particle size 32.5 nm and the presence of metallic silver was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray. Face centred cubic structure with crystal size 33.3 nm was revealed by powder X-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the biomolecules involved in the reduction mainly polyols and phenols present in root extracts were found to be responsible for the synthesis of SNPs. The stability and charge on SNPs were revealed by zeta potential analysis. In addition, on therapeutic forum, the synthesised SNPs elicit antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Neonatal Imitation: Theory, Experimental Design, and Significance for the Field of Social Cognition

Neonatal imitation has rich implications for neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social cognition, but there is little consensus about this phenomenon. The primary empirical question, whether or not neonatal imitation exists, is not settled. Is it possible to give a balanced evaluation of the theories and methodologies at stake so as to facilitate real progress with respect to the primary empirical question? In this paper, we address this question. We present the operational definition of differential imitation and discuss why it is important to keep it in mind. The operational definition indicates that neonatal imitation may not look like prototypical imitation and sets non-obvious requirements on what can count as evidence for imitation. We also examine the principal explanations for the extant findings and argue that two theories, the arousal hypothesis and the Association by Similarity Theory, which interprets neonatal imitation as differential induction of spontaneous behavior through similarity, offer better explanations than the others. With respect to methodology, we investigate what experimental design can best provide evidence for imitation, focusing on how differential induction may be maximized and detected. Finally, we discuss the significance of neonatal imitation for the field of social cognition. Specifically, we propose links with theories of social interaction and direct social perception. Overall, our goals are to help clarify the complex theoretical issues at stake and suggest fruitful guidelines for empirical research.
Changes in polyamine, total protein and total carbohydrate content and peroxidase activity during the lifetime of chrysanthemum faroe

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the changes in polyamine (PA) content, peroxidase (POX) activity and levels of total protein and total soluble carbohydrates throughout the lifetime of leaves and inflorescences of chrysanthemum ‘Faroe’ treated with gibberellic acid (GA3) (used in production practices) and kept at room temperature and cold storage. The treatments were composed of four doses of GA3 (0, 15, 30 and 45 mg L -1 ) applied at the beginning of flower bud formation (28 days after transplanting of seedlings). After harvesting, the stems (95% of the expanded ligule) were stored at 10°C and 95% relative humidity for 48 hrs, or kept at room temperature. For biochemical analysis samples of leaves and inflorescences were collected at the 4 th , 8 th , 12 th and 16 th day after harvest. The application of GA3 in the field and cold storage increased the content of PAs. There was an increase in POX activity in leaves and inflorescences during postharvest and this increase was related to oxidation of the PAs studied. The amount of proteins and carbohydrates in chrysanthemum ‘Faroe’ decreased during storage at 25°C and under cold conditions.
Web development effort estimation using analogy

Although estimating the effort required in developing Web applications is a difficult task, accurate estimates of development effort have an important role to play in the successful management of Web development projects. In software development work to date, emphasis has focused on algorithmic cost models such as COCOMO and function points. Two disadvantages of these models are firstly, the need for calibration of a model for each individual measurement environment and, secondly, the variable accuracy levels achieved even after calibration. The paper describes the use of estimation by analogy to calculate the development effort of Web applications. Two datasets containing empirical Web development data were used in the case study. One set contained data relating to forty-one novice developers, the other to twenty-nine experienced developers. The ANGEL tool supporting the automatic collection, storage and identification of the most analogous projects was used as a basis for estimating effort required for a new project. Results show estimation by analogy to be a promising alternative to algorithmic techniques.
Does South Asia exist? : prospects for regional integration

Does South Asia exist? Globally, regional integration and prominent regional institutions have been on the rise. In South Asia, by contrast, such progress has been slow, despite the recent dynamic growth of India's economy. This broad-based volume examines the prospects for regionalism in South Asia, assessing issues that drive greater regional integration and obstacles that prevent it.
The impact of lesion side on acute stroke treatment

Background: Only a small percentage of patients with acute stroke are treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Objective: To investigate why patients with right-hemisphere strokes seem at high risk of not receiving rt-PA. Methods: This study includes two phases. Phase 1: the authors compared demographic, clinical, and outcome measures between patients with right- and left-hemisphere strokes in the rt-PA Registry of Southwestern Ontario (RSWO); Phase 2: the authors tested the hypotheses generated in Phase 1 using the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network (RCSN). A multiple logistic analysis was applied to detect independent predictors of rt-PA administration. Results: Phase 1: of 179 rt-PA-treated patients, 39% had right-hemisphere syndrome. Patients with right-hemisphere strokes had a longer hospital stay (15 vs 9 days; p = 0.03). Phase 2: of 990 stroke patients in the RCSN, 505 (51%) had a right- and 485 (49%) a left-hemisphere syndrome. Of 110 rt-PA-treated patients, 37 (34%) had a right-hemisphere syndrome (p = 0.0001). Negative independent predictors of rt-PA administration were right-hemisphere stroke (OR, 0.55; CI: 0.31 to 0.96; p = 0.037), onset-to-emergency department time (OR, 0.99; CI 0.98 to 0.99; p = 0.04), and CNS score (OR, 0.78; CI 0.71 to 0.86; p < 0.0001). Neglect predicted rt-PA administration (OR, 2.32; CI 1.29 to 4.16; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Patients with right-hemisphere strokes are 45% less likely to be treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) compared to patients with left-hemisphere strokes. The presence of neglect confers a twofold increased likelihood of rt-PA administration. Prehospital delay and lack of standardized scores for the neglect syndrome may limit accessibility of patients with right-hemisphere stroke to thrombolysis.
Survival in patients with HIV infection and viral hepatitis B or C: a cohort study

Aim: To assess survival in patients with HIV and viral hepatitis co-infection. Methods: A prospective university clinic cohort of 472 patients with HIV infection who were followed for 8343 patient-months. The outcome measures were the survival from HIV or liver disease assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable analysis using a Cox regression model identified variables associated with mortality. Results: Patients were divided into four subgroups: HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV) (n = 72), HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) (n = 256), multiple hepatitides (n = 18) and HIV alone (n = 126). One hundred and thirty-four patients (28.4%) died during follow-up. Liver mortality was noted in 55 patients, representing 12% of the cohort and 41% of the total mortality. Survival curves were similar in patients with HIV alone and those with any viral hepatitis co-infection. Liver deaths were more common in patients with multiple hepatitides (28%) HIV/HBV (15%), HIV/HCV co-infection (13%) versus HIV alone (6%). Liver mortality was comparable in HIV/HBV as in HIV/HCV co-infected patients and was not associated with gender, ethnicity, age, or mode of infection. HIV deaths were similar in patients co-infected with viral hepatitis compared with those with HIV alone. In patients with viral hepatitis co-infection, initial CD4 cell count > 200 × 106 cells/l and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were associated with significantly reduced liver mortality. Conclusions: Patients with HIV and viral hepatitis had greater liver mortality than patients with HIV alone, but had comparable HIV mortality. Co-infection with hepatitis B is associated with hepatic outcomes similar to hepatitis C. Control of immunosuppression with HAART and CD4 counts > 200 × 106 cells/l are associated with better hepatic outcomes and should be the first priority in patients with HIV and viral hepatitis.
Differential diagnostic value of procalcitonin in surgical and medical patients with septic shock

Objective:To assess whether different diagnostic and prognostic cutoff values of procalcitonin should be considered in surgical and in medical patients with septic shock. Design:Prospective observational study. Setting:Intensive care unit of the Avicenne teaching hospital, France. Patients:All patients with septic shock or noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome within 48 hrs after admission. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Patients were allocated to one of the following groups: group 1 (surgical patients with septic shock), group 2 (surgical patients with noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome), group 3 (medical patients with septic shock), and group 4 (medical patients with noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome). Procalcitonin at study entry was compared between group 1 and group 2 and between group 3 and group 4 to determine the diagnostic cutoff value in surgical and in medical patients, respectively. Procalcitonin was compared between survivors and nonsurvivors from group 1 and group 3 to determine its prognostic cutoff value. One hundred forty-three patients were included: 31 in group 1, 36 in group 2, 36 in group 3, and 40 in group 4. Median procalcitonin levels (ng/mL [interquartile range]) were higher in group 1 than in group 3 (34.00 [7.10–76.00] vs. 8.40 [3.63–24.70], p = .01). In surgical patients, the best diagnostic cutoff value was 9.70 ng/mL, with 91.7% sensitivity and 74.2% specificity. In medical patients, the best diagnostic cutoff value was 1.00 ng/mL, with 80% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Procalcitonin was a reliable early prognostic marker in medical but not in surgical patients with septic shock. A cutoff value of 6.00 ng/mL had 76% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity for separating survivors from nonsurvivors. Conclusions:The diagnostic cutoff value of procalcitonin was higher in surgical than in medical patients. Early procalcitonin was of prognostic interest in medical patients.
Modulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system in sepsis: a new therapeutic approach?

Importance of the field: Severe sepsis is characterized by relative hypotension associated with a high cardiac output, peripheral vasodilation, and organ dysfunction. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is primarily activated to increase blood pressure, but recently potential pro-inflammatory effects of angiotensin II have attracted interest because of the reported association between angiotensin II levels and organ failure and mortality in sepsis. RAAS antagonists could represent a new therapeutic option in this setting. Areas covered in this review: The role of RAAS activation in severe sepsis and septic shock, and the potential benefits (and risks) of using RAAS antagonists. What the reader will gain: Insight into RAAS function in severe sepsis and the potential for RAAS inhibitors to be used as an adjunctive therapy in patients with severe sepsis, with discussion of promising results from animal models of sepsis. Take home message: Use of RAAS antagonists is an emerging therapeutic option in severe sepsis because these agents may reduce endothelial damage, organ failure, and mortality. However, timing of administration of RAAS antagonists is important because reduced RAAS function may contribute to refractive hypotension later on in septic shock and benefits of RAAS antagonists seem to be restricted to the early phases of sepsis.
A 1.2-V Highly Linear Balanced Noise-Cancelling LNA in 0.13-$\mu{\hbox{m}}$ CMOS

In this paper, a current-to-voltage combiner is proposed to realize a highly linear, balanced noise-cancelling low-noise amplifier (LNA) capable of low-voltage operation. The current-to-voltage combiner, implemented in the load of the amplifier, converts the output currents of the parallel common-gate (CG) and common-source (CS) stages of the LNA to voltages, equalizes the amplitudes of the voltages, and combines the voltages to a single output voltage. Since only a CS stage and passive components are employed to cancel the noise and distortion due to the CG input impedance matching circuit, high linearity is achieved in spite of the low supply voltage of 1.2 V. The LNA achieves a noise figure (NF) of 3.0 dB at 2.1 GHz with an input-referred third-order intercept point (IIP3) of +10.5 dBm while consuming 10.5 mA from a 1.2-V supply. The amplifier is fabricated in 0.13-mum CMOS process.