Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatic intra-arterial versus intravenous fotemustine in patients with liver metastases from uveal melanoma (EORTC 18021): a multicentric randomized trial.

BACKGROUND In uveal melanoma (UM) with metastatic disease limited to the liver, the effect of an intrahepatic treatment on survival is unknown. We investigated prospectively the efficacy and toxicity of hepatic intra-arterial (HIA) versus systemic (IV) fotemustine in patients with liver metastases from UM. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to receive either IV or HIA fotemustine at 100 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 15 (and 22 in HIA arm only) as induction, and after a 5-week rest period every 3 weeks as maintenance. Primary end point was overall survival (OS). Response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS) and safety were secondary end points. RESULTS Accrual was stopped after randomization of 171 patients based on the results of a futility OS analysis. A total of 155 patients died and 16 were still alive [median follow-up 1.6 years (range 0.25-6 years)]. HIA did not improve OS (median 14.6 months) when compared with the IV arm (median 13.8 months), hazard ratio (HR) 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-1.50, log-rank P = 0.59. However, there was a significant benefit on PFS for HIA compared with IV with a median of 4.5 versus 3.5 months, respectively (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.45-0.84, log-rank P = 0.002). The 1-year PFS rate was 24% in the HIA arm versus 8% in the IV arm. An improved RR was seen in the HIA (10.5%) compared with IV treatment (2.4%). In the IV arm, the most frequent grade ≥3 toxicity was thrombocytopenia (42.1%) and neutropenia (62.6%), compared with 21.2% and 28.7% in the HIA arm. The main grade ≥3 toxicity related to HIA was catheter complications (12%) and liver toxicity (4.5%) apart from two toxic deaths. CONCLUSION HIA treatment with fotemustine did not translate into an improved OS compared with IV treatment, despite better RR and PFS. Intrahepatic treatment should still be considered as experimental. EUDRACT NUMBER AND CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER 2004-002245-12 and NCT00110123.
Improving information quality of Wikipedia articles with cooperative principle

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of cooperative principle on the information quality (IQ) by making objects more relevant for consumer needs, in particular case Wikipedia articles for students. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed a quantitative study with participants being invited to complete an online survey. Each rater evaluated three selected and re-written articles from Wikipedia by four IQ dimensions (accuracy, completeness, objectivity, and representation). Grice’s maxims and submaxims were used to re-write articles and make them more relevant for student cognitive needs. The results were analyzed with statistical methods of mean, standard deviation, Cronbach’s α, and ICC (two-way random model of single measure). Findings The study demonstrates that Wikipedia articles can be made more relevant for student needs by using cooperative principle with increase in IQ and also achieving higher consistency of students’ scores as recent research. In particular, students in the research perceived the abstract, constructed with cooperative principle, more objective and complete as reported in recent research. Practical implications The work can benefit encyclopedia editors to improve IQ of existing articles as well as consumers that would obtain more relevant information in less reading time. Originality/value This is one of the first attempts to empirically investigate the application of cooperate principle to make objects more relevant for consumer needs and impact of this on IQ. IQ improvement evidence is provided and impacts on IQ dimensions such as objectivity, completeness, accuracy, and representation for research community to validate and compare results.
Operational Based Vision Assessment Cone Contrast Test: Description and Operation

Abstract : The work detailed in this report was conducted by the Operational Based Vision Assessment (OBVA) Laboratory, Aeromedical Research Department, Human Performance Branch, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, with support from SpecPro Technical Services. The report describes the development and operation of an improved version of the Rabin cone contrast test (CCT) currently used by the Air Force for aircrew color vision screening. The new OBVA CCT is differentiated from the Rabin device primarily by hardware, test procedures, and analysis techniques. Like the Rabin CCT, the OBVA CCT uses colors that selectively stimulate the cone photoreceptors of the standard human observer. The OBVA CCT builds on the success of the Rabin CCT through the use of highly accurate color display calibration, use of Landolt C optotypes to simplify response entry, and adoption of adaptive threshold estimation procedures well described in the research literature. This report summarizes the color calibration procedure and operation of the OBVA CCT and presents preliminary data demonstrating the validity of the new test for identifying and classifying protanomalous and deuteranomalous (red/green) color deficient individuals.
Towards a decision support system by the study of cell malfunctions for breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading cause of death for women today and it is the most common cancer in developed countries. The cause and degree of the breast cancer are very much associated with the malfunctions of its tissues and cells. It is very hard and rigorous task for the doctors to observe the clinical records for many affected patients and regulate the therapy manually. Therefore, it is very much necessary to properly process the bulk amount of clinical records (containing cell details) automatically and come with the best possible treatment for the affected patients. In this work we have proposed a decision support system with the help of two data mining techniques; namely, decision tree learning and association rules mining. Clinical data have been studied, pre-processed and analyzed with the help of a data mining tool (e.g., WEKA). Finally, as an outcome we come with the decision support tool for practical purpose.
An efficient parallel algorithm for exact multi-pattern matching

This paper presents a parallel algorithm Parallel Extended Bloom Filter PEBF for exact multi-pattern matching based on Bloom filter. To improve the throughput and parallelism of the algorithm, we divided the pattern set into N subsets where the length of patterns is the same, and different subsets would not intersect each other. We construct an EBF for each subset and use N threads to simultaneously process the subsets in parallel. We implement our solution on the graphics processing unit, called G-PEBF. Experimental results demonstrate that PEBF performs better than the Wu-Manber WM algorithm in terms of time and space. And G-PEBF outperforms the G-WM WM algorithm implemented on graphics processing unit. The speedup of G-PEBF is up to 60 times at peak performance and almost 10 times at worst performance to the PEBF algorithm. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The analgesic efficacy and safety of neuraxial magnesium sulphate: a quantitative review

Eighteen published trials have examined the use of neuraxial magnesium as a peri‐operative adjunctive analgesic since 2002, with encouraging results. However, concurrent animal studies have reported clinical and histological evidence of neurological complications with similar weight‐adjusted doses. The objectives of this quantitative systematic review were to assess both the analgesic efficacy and the safety of neuraxial magnesium. Eighteen trials comparing magnesium with placebo were identified. The time to first analgesic request increased by 11.1% after intrathecal magnesium administration (mean difference: 39.6 min; 95% CI 16.3–63.0 min; p = 0.0009), and by 72.2% after epidural administration (mean difference: 109.5 min; 95% CI 19.6–199.3 min; p = 0.02) with doses of between 50 and 100 mg. Four trials monitored for neurological complications: of the 140 patients included, only a 4‐day persistent headache was recorded. Despite promising peri‐operative analgesic effect, the risk of neurological complications resulting from neuraxial magnesium has not yet been adequately defined.
Discovering emergent shapes using a data-driven symbolic model

This paper presents a model for discovering emergent shapes based on the concept of shape hiding and data-driven search. It is founded on representing polyline bounded shapes using infinite maximal lines, an extension of the concept of maximal lines. A process model of shape emergence is presented and a number of examples given which demonstrate the utility of both the representation and the model.
Cooperative Service Level Agreement

With ever increasing mobility of the workforce and of the communication infrastructure itself, we will continue to see the growth in diversity of network domains and diversity of applications. The global information grid (GIG) is a prime example of such a networking environment. In most networking scenarios, the component network domains are owned and operated by different organizations. This paper discusses how to deliver end-to-end service with requisite quality of service (QoS) to such networks so that overall mission goals are maximally achieved with minimal cost while allowing autonomous operations within each component network. In particular, this paper proposes a cooperative service level agreements (SLA) approach and describes related SLA processes and roles
The utility of napsin‐A in the identification of primary and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma among cytologically poorly differentiated carcinomas

New developments in the treatment of lung cancer have necessitated the further histologic and cytologic subtyping of nonsmall cell lung carcinomas. Thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) long has served as the predominant marker for demonstrating lung origin. However, it is also expressed in a variety of other tumors, particularly neuroendocrine neoplasms and, to a much lesser degree, squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Napsin‐A, which is expressed in lung tissue, is a relatively new marker for lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, the authors examined the utility of napsin‐A compared with TTF‐1 in cytologic specimens of primary and metastatic, poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinomas.
Abnormal indices of autonomic function are no longer predictors of poor outcome in diabetic patients without neuropathy but with coexisting coronary artery disease who receive optimal pharmacological therapy.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and has been regarded as a parameter associated with a poor outcome. AIM We investigated whether indices of cardiovascular autonomic function have prognostic value in the current era of pharmacological therapy recommended for DM patients with coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD), which consists of drugs that affect autonomic balance, i.e. angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), beta-blockers, and statins. METHODS We studied 127 consecutive patients with type 2 DM and angiographically documented stable CAD (age: 64 years, women: 28%, treatment: ACEI/ARBs: 100%, statins: 98%, beta-blockers: 88%, insulin therapy: 46%). The assessment of autonomic balance within the cardiovascular system included heart rate variability (HRV) (time and spectral-domain analyses) and non-invasive evaluation of baroreflex sensitivity (sequence and controlled breathing methods). Primary end-points were cardiovascular mortality and urgent hospital admissions due to cardiovascular symptoms. RESULTS During the mean follow-up of 502 +/- 161 days, 28 patients (22%) experienced a cardiovascular event: 7 died and 21 were admitted to hospital. We found the following predictors of an increased risk of the combined end point (cardiovascular death and hospitalisation): elevated level of N-terminal BNP (for log NT-proBNP - HR = 2.6, p = 0.004), severe CAD (3-vessel disease - HR = 2.4, p = 0.02), renal insufficiency (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 - HR = 2.7, p = 0.008), and female gender (HR = 3.2, p = 0.002). None of the indices of autonomic balance had prognostic value (p > 0.2 for all). CONCLUSION In the population of diabetic patients with stable CAD who receive optimal pharmacological therapy, indices of impaired autonomic function are no longer predictors of poor outcome.
From positivism to generative mechanisms: Raymond Boudon’s path-breaking research programme

Aquest article compara breument dues tradicions de recerca: la de l’empirisme i la dels mecanismes generatius. A mes, tambe recorda breument els arguments de l’empirisme epistemologic i la seva justificacio filosofica, l’expressio paradigmatica de la qual es el positivisme. L’article examina, doncs, les critiques que s’han adrecat contra aquesta tradicio i exposa els principis de l’estrategia dels mecanismes generatius en sociologia limitant-se a les investigacions de Boudon, que son les mes representatives d’aquesta orientacio metodologica.
Spectrum estimation in innovation models by a nuclear norm optimization based algorithm

In this paper, identification of multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) state-space models in the innovation form by a regularized-nuclear norm optimization based subspace algorithm is studied. Parametrization issues are carefully addressed for MIMO state-space models. The optimization problem formulated in this paper allows one to utilize a variety of norms in the objective function including the nuclear and the quadratic norms without affecting the parametrization results. A numerical example illustrates the results derived in the paper.
STUDIES ON THE METABOLISM OF THE RETINA AND LATERAL GENICULATE NUCLEUS. IN VIVO INCORPORATION OF H-3-DL-LEUCINE IN ALBINO RATS.

X/ie in ojuo incorporation of H-3-DL-leucine in the retina and lateral geniculate nucleus has been studied in albino rats by means of radioautography, and the results fully confirm the data of previous investigations on rabbit retina in vitro. Protein metabolism is particularly active in the ganglion cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus and in the centripetal conducting elements of the retina than in the sensory cells. In the latter, leucine incorporation is mainly present in the outer plexiforni layer and in the inner segment.
Responses of vertical soil moisture to rainfall pulses and land uses in a typical loess hilly area, China

Abstract. Soil moisture plays a key role in vegetation restoration and ecosystem stability in arid and semiarid regions. The response of soil moisture to rainfall pulses is an important hydrological process, which is strongly influenced by land use during the implementation of vegetation restoration. In this study, vertical soil moisture variations of woodland (Pinus tabulaeformis), native grassland (Stipa bungeana), shrubland (Hippophea rhamnoides), cropland (Triticum aestivum) and artificial grassland (Onobrychis viciaefolia) in five soil profiles were monitored in a typical loess hilly area during the 2010 growing season. The results demonstrated that rainfall pulses directly affected soil moisture variation. A multi-peak pattern of soil moisture appeared during the growing season, notably in the surface soil layer. Meanwhile, the response of each vegetation type to rainfall was inconsistent, and a time-lag effect before reaching the peak value was detected, following each heavy rainfall event. The response duration of soil moisture, however, varied markedly with the size of rainfall events. Furthermore, higher soil water content was detected in grassland and shrubland. Woodland was characterized by relatively lower soil moisture values throughout the investigation period. Our research suggests that vegetation restoration efforts should give priority to grassland and shrubland at the research site. We suggest that more studies should be focused on the characteristics of community structure and spatial vegetation distribution on soil moisture dynamics, particularly within the grass and shrub ecosystems.
Can accounting-based and market-based indicators predict changes in the risk rating of brazilian banks?

Purpose – This work aims to analyze whether market indicators, in complementarity to accounting indicators, have the ability to anticipate changes (upgrades or downgrades) in the assessments of risk rating (rating) of banks in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach – We used information based on the merger of two databases, Economatica and Standard & Poor’s/Fitch, from 2010 to 2014, and linear regressions based on probit models. Findings – Our results show that market-based indicators as Sovereign Risk and GDP growth, together with accounting-based indicators as asset quality, liquidity, risk, capital and profitability, have predictive power for risk rating changes of banks in Brazil. The results still show that the market did not price changes in Brazilian banks’ ratings in windows ending in the event date. Such evidence suggest that Sovereign Risk and economic-systemic factors can be used to proxy for risk in volatile markets with high uncertainty. Originality/value – Unlike in developed countries, the Brazilian stock market, young and not very representative of the economy, was not able to anticipate changes in the banks' rating. This study anticipates information to investors who aid in the decision to buy, hold or sell securities, and signals that the financial system is more susceptible to macroeconomic shocks in unstable economies.
Single‐shot 3D imaging techniques improve arterial spin labeling perfusion measurements

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) can be used to measure perfusion without the use of contrast agents. Due to the small volume fraction of blood vessels compared to tissue in the human brain (typ. 3–5%) ASL techniques have an intrinsically low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). In this publication, evidence is presented that the SNR can be improved by using arterial spin labeling in combination with single‐shot 3D readout techniques. Specifically, a single‐shot 3D‐GRASE sequence is presented, which yields a 2.8‐fold increase in SNR compared to 2D EPI at the same nominal resolution. Up to 18 slices can be acquired in 2 min with an SNR of 10 or more for gray matter perfusion. A method is proposed to increase the reliability of perfusion quantification using QUIPSS II derivates by acquiring low‐resolution maps of the bolus arrival time, which allows differentiation between lack of perfusion and delayed arrival of the labeled blood. For arterial spin labeling, single‐shot 3D imaging techniques are optimal in terms of efficiency and might prove beneficial to improve reliability of perfusion quantitation in a clinical setup. Magn Reson Med 54:491–498, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Construction of an atlas for global flatness-based parameterization and dynamic feedback linearization of quadcopter dynamics

We provide a global framework for flatness-based motion planning and dynamic feedback linearization of the quadcopter dynamics. It allows us to avoid the singularity difficulty that comes from the use of the yaw angle in flat output construction and dynamic feedback linearization. We construct eight differentially flat charts the union of which covers the entire configuration space of the quadcopter dynamics so that we can do global motion planning without encountering any singularity. In each differentially flat chart we transform the 12-dimensional quadcopter system via dynamic feedback to a 14-dimensional linear controllable system, which makes tracking controller design straightforward, so that we can switch from one controller to another to track a globally planned trajectory. The central theme of this paper is the global approach to the quadcopter motion planning and tracking.
The influence of digital capabilities on customer orientation of service employees (COSE) and its consequences on customer satisfaction and e-WOM within Family Businesses

Customer relations have become a key matter in services businesses daily activities. Due to the intangibility of services, the employee service performance is what customers perceive as the reflection of the service quality. Due to this fact, the customer orientation of front-line employees, primarily in services industry, plays a crucial role in getting positives/negatives results with regards to customer satisfaction. Customer orientation of service employees (COSE) is a key concept within marketing literature. It has been demonstrated by previous authors the positives effects that has in customer satisfaction and customer retention (Hennig-Thurau. 2004: Morales and Ruiz-Alba, 2018).
A study of customers’ perception of Islamic banking in Oman

Purpose The concept of Islamic banking (IB) as a discipline and the introduction of the full-fledged Islamic banks and Islamic windows are relatively newer developments in the banking sector in Oman. This paper aims to assess customers’ perceptions of the Islamic banks and IB windows in Oman. Design/methodology/approach Following the interpretive paradigm and an exploratory research design, data collected through personal interviews with a group of 60 respondents in two of the prominent cities in Oman were analysed qualitatively. Findings The study found that customers in Oman had mixed feelings about the Islamic Banks. While some of them were not sure if the banks follow the Islamic principles, a majority of them had not opened an account with the Islamic banks or Islamic windows. The study revealed some vulnerabilities in the areas of their operations, marketing practices, staff knowledge of products and customer-dealings, as well as customers’ understanding of Islamic banks, their principles and practices. Practical implications As the advent of IB is relatively new to Oman, the insights gained by this study will have wider implications for the growth of IB locally. The outcomes of this study would appraise the officials and regulators of Islamic banks and Islamic windows with customers’ perception of IB. The elimination of the identified weaknesses would help them to improve the knowledge, quality and the marketing and promotion of products and services while competing with the conventional banks. Originality/value This study is a pioneering effort to know the status of IB and customers’ motivations in Oman towards IB.