Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Significance of Pretreatment Serum Cytokines in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Purpose: Although the International Prognostic Score (IPS) is the gold standard for risk-stratifying patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), these criteria do not accurately predict outcome. As cytokines are critically involved in driving cHL, we tested whether pretreatment serum cytokine levels could provide additional prognostic information. Experimental Design: Thirty cytokines were measured in pretreatment serum from 140 patients with cHL and compared with 50 nonlymphoma controls. Patients were followed for event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association of individual cytokines and the cytokine profiles with outcome via unadjusted and IPS-adjusted HR. Results: Twelve cytokines (EGF, bFGF, G-CSF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-2R, IP-10, MIG, TNF-α, and VEGF) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in patients with cHL than controls; elevated levels of HGF, IL-6, IL-2R, IP-10, and MIG were all associated with poorer EFS. Only interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R; P = 0.002) and interleukin (IL)-6 (P < 0.001) were independently prognostic. Patients with increased IL-6 and IL-2R had a significantly higher risk of early relapse and death, a finding that remained significant even after IPS-based risk stratification. Although elevated IL-6 and IL-2R correlated with the IPS, soluble CD30 (sCD30), and thymus and activation-related chemokine (TARC) levels, the two-cytokine model remained independently predictive of prognosis. Conclusions: Elevated pretreatment serum cytokines are associated with increased disease relapse and inferior survival in cHL. Thus, the pretreatment cytokine profile, particularly serum levels of IL-6 and IL-2R, may be used to identify patients with cHL at high risk for early-disease relapse. Clin Cancer Res; 19(24); 6812–9. ©2013 AACR.
Interferon α-Enhanced Clearance of Group A Streptococcus Despite Neutropenia.

BACKGROUND Neutrophils and monocytes are crucial for controlling bacterial infections. More-frequent bacterial infections are accordingly encountered in neutropenic patients undergoing chemotherapy. This is not the case for pegylated interferon α (IFN-α)-induced neutropenia. We hypothesized that IFN-α induces a compensatory innate antibacterial state that prevents bacterial infections despite the neutropenia. METHODS To investigate whether patients with hepatitis C virus infection treated with IFN-α killed group A Streptococcus (GAS) better than before initiating therapy, whole blood was used to perform ex vivo GAS killing assays before, during, and after IFN-α therapy. RESULTS We found that IFN-α therapy enhanced GAS killing in whole blood ex vivo despite the decreased neutrophil and monocyte numbers during IFN-α therapy. IFN-α also boosted neutrophil- and monocyte-mediated GAS killing in vitro. Underlying mechanisms included increased production of the antibacterial properdin, a regulator of the complement activation, as well as reactive oxygen species. CONCLUSIONS These findings help to explain the rather discrepant facts of neutropenia but preserved antibacterial immune defenses in patients treated with IFN-α.
Cross-Sectional Investigations of Oxide Scale Nanocrystalline FeCr Alloys after High-Temperature Oxidation Test at 900°C

The cross-sectional examinations of oxide films formed by oxidation on the surface of FeCr alloys with various crystallite sizes were observed and investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to characterize the oxide scale morphology and to identify the phases and oxidation products. Furthermore, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) have been used to study the cross-sectional oxides produced by specimens after oxidation process. The cross-sectional investigation shows that the oxide scale formed on the surface of FeCr alloys consisted roughly of Cr2O3 with a small amount of FeO mixture. The outward diffusivity of Chromium to form Cr2O3 protective layers vary significantly occurrences on the surface of FeCr alloy with smallest crystallite size (38.51 nm), the scale had an enriched Cr content which improves the adherence of the oxide scale to the substrate, in another word, it increases the oxidation resistance. While the oxide scale formed on the surface of FeCr alloy with largest crystallite sizes (76.60 nm) had an enriched Fe content which reduces the resistance to oxidation, and adherence to the substrate. The thickness of oxide scale formed on nanocrystalline FeCr alloy with smallest crystallite sizes was found around 8 μm thick, which three-time thinner than FeCr alloy with largest crystallite sizes.
Plasma and red blood cell zinc in cystic fibrosis

The objectives of this study were to measure plasma and red blood cell (RBC) zinc concentrations in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and examine their relationship to nutritional status and pulmonary function. Plasma and RBC zinc levels were compared in 53 CF patients ranging in age from 0.5–46 years. Their relationships to weight (% ideal weight) and forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1) (% predicted value) were examined. After excluding improperly handled specimens, RBC zinc levels in 51 patients and plasma zinc concentrations in 40 patients were included for analysis. Sixteen of 51 (31%) patients had low RBC zinc levels compared to 4 of 40 (10%) with low plasma zinc concentrations (P < 0.01). Thirteen of 38 patients (34%) in whom both values were obtained had low RBC zinc concentrations compared to 4 of 38 (11%) with low plasma zinc levels (P < 0.022). Neither low RBC nor plasma zinc levels correlated with nutritional status or lung function.
Novel coupling schemes for microwave resonator filters

The paper presents novel coupling schemes for microwave resonator filters. Some of these solutions contain more than one main path between the input and output. These paths may be interacting or non-interacting. In other solutions, only some of the direct (main) couplings are zero. It is shown that higher-order filter characteristics can be obtained from lower-order sections, which are connected in parallel between the source and the load, by proper superposition of the individual lower-order responses. Possible applications of these solution to actual design problems are discussed.
The Economy and Enlisted Retention in the Navy. Volume 1: Main Report

Abstract : At the end of their service obligations, sailors decide whether to reenlist or enter the civilian workforce. Their decisions depend on many factors, including the opportunities that they expect to find in the civilian economy. The implications of their decisions are important for the Navy, which relies on retention to maintain and grow its ranks. Retention forecasts are thus crucial for effective planning. This report focuses on the relationship between the economy and reenlistment decisions. Our goal is to identify changing external conditions that will inform Navy leaders about when to adjust retention budgets and policies.
Antisense Suppression of a (+)-δ-Cadinene Synthase Gene in Cotton Prevents the Induction of This Defense Response Gene during Bacterial Blight Infection But Not Its Constitutive Expression1[w]

In cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) the enzyme (+)-δ-cadinene synthase (CDNS) catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthesis of cadinane-type sesquiterpenes, such as gossypol, that provide constitutive and inducible protection against pests and diseases. A cotton cDNA clone encoding CDNS (cdn1-C4) was isolated from developing embryos and functionally characterized. Southern analysis showed that CDNS genes belong to a large multigene family, of which five genomic clones were studied, including three pseudogenes and one gene that may represent another subfamily of CDNS. CDNS expression was shown to be induced in cotton infected with either the bacterial blight or verticillium wilt pathogens. Constructs for the constitutive or seed-specific antisense suppression of cdn1-C4 were introduced into cotton by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Gossypol levels were not reduced in the seeds of transformants with either construct, nor was the induction of CDNS expression affected in stems of the constitutive antisense plants infected with Verticillium dahliae Kleb. However, the induction of CDNS mRNA and protein in response to bacterial blight infection of cotyledons was completely blocked in the constitutive antisense plants. These results suggest that cdn1-C4 may be involved specifically in the bacterial blight response and that the CDNS multigene family comprises a complex set of genes differing in their temporal and spatial regulation and responsible for different branches of the cotton sesquiterpene pathway.
Comparison of in vitro dialysis release methods of loperamide-encapsulated liposomal gel for topical drug delivery

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the most appropriate dialysis equilibrium method to assess liposomal gel formulations containing hydrophobic drugs, to give the most accurate indication of drug release. Methods Loperamide hydrochloride-encapsulated liposomes, composed of L-α-phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol (molar ratio of 2:1), were prepared according to the method of dried lipid film hydration. The liposomes were incorporated into a carbopol gel (0.5%, weight/weight). The release of the drug from the nanoparticles was assessed using a number of variations of the dialysis technique, taking into account solubility parameters and formulation. Method 1 (below saturation point) and Method 2 (above saturation point) used a dilution method to evaluate how drug concentration and solubility affects the in vitro drug-release profile of loperamide hydrochloride, while Methods 3 (below saturation point) and 4 (above saturation point) evaluated how drug concentration and the gel base affect the release profile. Results In Method 1, the liposomes showed a rapid release of just over 60% in the first 3 hours and then a slower, sustained release to just over 70% at 24 hours. Method 2 showed a gradual, sustained release profile with the liposomes with 55% release at 24 hours. In Method 3, the liposomes showed a rapid burst release of 98% at 2 hours. In Method 4, the liposomal gel had a rapid release of 60% within 3 hours and then a more gradual, sustained release with 86% release at 24 hours. The free drug suspension in Methods 2 and 4 showed a limited release across the dialysis membrane, in comparison to Methods 1 and 3, which showed a complete release in a timely manner. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that the actual method used for equilibrium dialysis plays a significant role in determining the true characteristics of a topical nanoformulation, with Method 3 providing the most accurate indication of the release of a hydrophobic drug from a topical liposomal formulation.
Individual differences in response to positive and negative stimuli: endocannabinoid-based insight on approach and avoidance behaviors

Approach and avoidance behaviors—the primary responses to the environmental stimuli of danger, novelty and reward—are associated with the brain structures that mediate cognitive functionality, reward sensitivity and emotional expression. Individual differences in approach and avoidance behaviors are modulated by the functioning of amygdaloid-hypothalamic-striatal and striatal-cerebellar networks implicated in action and reaction to salient stimuli. The nodes of these networks are strongly interconnected and by acting on them the endocannabinoid and dopaminergic systems increase the intensity of appetitive or defensive motivation. This review analyzes the approach and avoidance behaviors in humans and rodents, addresses neurobiological and neurochemical aspects of these behaviors, and proposes a possible synaptic plasticity mechanism, related to endocannabinoid-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression that allows responding to salient positive and negative stimuli.
Microfossils in calculus demonstrate consumption of plants and cooked foods in Neanderthal diets (Shanidar III, Iraq; Spy I and II, Belgium)

The nature and causes of the disappearance of Neanderthals and their apparent replacement by modern humans are subjects of considerable debate. Many researchers have proposed biologically or technologically mediated dietary differences between the two groups as one of the fundamental causes of Neanderthal disappearance. Some scenarios have focused on the apparent lack of plant foods in Neanderthal diets. Here we report direct evidence for Neanderthal consumption of a variety of plant foods, in the form of phytoliths and starch grains recovered from dental calculus of Neanderthal skeletons from Shanidar Cave, Iraq, and Spy Cave, Belgium. Some of the plants are typical of recent modern human diets, including date palms (Phoenix spp.), legumes, and grass seeds (Triticeae), whereas others are known to be edible but are not heavily used today. Many of the grass seed starches showed damage that is a distinctive marker of cooking. Our results indicate that in both warm eastern Mediterranean and cold northwestern European climates, and across their latitudinal range, Neanderthals made use of the diverse plant foods available in their local environment and transformed them into more easily digestible foodstuffs in part through cooking them, suggesting an overall sophistication in Neanderthal dietary regimes.
Listeria monocytogenes 6-Phosphogluconolactonase Mutants Induce Increased Activation of a Host Cytosolic Surveillance Pathway

ABSTRACT Infection with wild-type Listeria monocytogenes activates a host cytosolic surveillance response characterized by the expression of beta interferon (IFN-β). We performed a genetic screen to identify L. monocytogenes transposon insertion mutants that induced altered levels of host IFN-β expression. One mutant from this screen induced elevated levels of IFN-β and harbored a Tn917 insertion upstream of lmo0558. This study identified lmo0558 as the 6-phosphogluconolactonase gene (pgl), which encodes the second enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway. pgl mutant L. monocytogenes accumulated and secreted large amounts of gluconate, likely derived from labile 6-phosphogluconolactone, the substrate of Pgl. The pgl deletion mutant had decreased growth in glucose-limiting minimal medium but grew normally when excess glucose was added. Microarray analysis revealed that the pgl deletion mutant had increased expression of several β-glucosidases, consistent with known inhibition of β-glucosidases by 6-phosphogluconolactone. While growth in macrophages was indistinguishable from that of wild-type bacteria, pgl mutant L. monocytogenes exhibited a 15- to 30-fold defect in growth in vivo. In addition, L. monocytogenes harboring an in-frame deletion of pgl was more sensitive to oxidative stress. This study identified L. monocytogenes pgl and provided the first link between the bacterial pentose phosphate pathway and activation of host IFN-β expression.
Geologic Drivers of Late Ordovician Faunal Change in Laurentia: Investigating Links between Tectonics, Speciation, and Biotic Invasions

Geologic process, including tectonics and global climate change, profoundly impact the evolution of life because they have the propensity to facilitate episodes of biogeographic differentiation and influence patterns of speciation. We investigate causal links between a dramatic faunal turnover and two dominant geologic processes operating within Laurentia during the Late Ordovician: the Taconian Orogeny and GICE related global cooling. We utilize a novel approach for elucidating the relationship between biotic and geologic changes using a time-stratigraphic, species-level evolutionary framework for articulated brachiopods from North America. Phylogenetic biogeographic analyses indicate a fundamental shift in speciation mode—from a vicariance to dispersal dominated macroevolutionary regime—across the boundary between the Sandbian to Katian Stages. This boundary also corresponds to the onset of renewed intensification of tectonic activity and mountain building, the development of an upwelling zone that introduced cool, nutrient-rich waters into the epieric seas of eastern Laurentia, and the GICE isotopic excursion. The synchronicity of these dramatic geologic, oceanographic, and macroevolutionary changes supports the influence of geologic events on biological evolution. Together, the renewed tectonic activity and oceanographic changes facilitated fundamental changes in habitat structure in eastern North America that reduced opportunities for isolation and vicariance. They also facilitated regional biotic dispersal of taxa that led to the subsequent establishment of extrabasinal (=invasive) species and may have led to a suppression of speciation within Laurentian faunas. Phylogenetic biogeographic analysis further indicates that the Richmondian Invasion was a multidirectional regional invasion event that involved taxa immigrating into the Cincinnati region from basins located near the continental margins and within the continental interior.
Research in higher education.

Research in Higher Education publishes studies that examine issues pertaining to postsecondary education. The journal is open to studies using a wide range of methods, but has particular interest in studies that apply advanced quantitative research methods to issues in postsecondary education or address postsecondary education policy issues. Among the topics of interest to the journal are: access and retention; student success; equity; faculty issues; institutional productivity and assessment; postsecondary education governance; curriculum and instruction; state and federal higher education policy; and financing of postsecondary education. The journal encourages submissions from scholars in disciplines outside of higher education, and studies from outside the United States that address issues that are of interest to the readership. The journal will on occasion publish short notes of a methodological nature, literature reviews of topics pertaining to postsecondary research, and “research and practice” studies illustrating how postsecondary research can inform decision making.
Widespread Intracoronary Cardiopoietic Cell Infusion: Treating at the Time of Myocardial Reperfusion to Prevent Rather Than Reverse Established Left Ventricular Dysfunction Moves Us Closer to Practical Clinical Translation.

The acute management of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction is now primarily focused on rapid restoration of myocardial perfusion to reduce myocardial infarct size, improve systolic function, and attenuate long-term postinfarction left ventricular (LV) remodeling. Indeed, in the contemporary reperfusion era, LV systolic function is now relatively preserved with postinfarction ejection fractions averaging 50%. As a result, postinfarction heart failure after primary coronary intervention now develops in fewer than ≈5% of patients and most have only New York Heart Association functional class I or II symptoms.1 In addition to early reperfusion, blockade of the neurohormonal axis with pharmacological therapies including angiotensin inhibition, β-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and now neprilysin inhibitors have significantly improved prognosis. These therapies further limit postinfarction remodeling and variably increase LV systolic function, resulting in improved functional capacity and increased survival. Yet, despite these significant therapeutic successes, a minority of patients go on to develop progressive LV dysfunction as well as recurrent myocardial infarction. This has motivated approaches to regenerate the myocytes and myocardium lost using cardiac cell therapies, which has become the focus of considerable preclinical and clinical investigation during the last 15 years. Although much research has focused on directly injecting cells into the myocardium, intra-arterially infused cardiopoietic stem cell therapies delivered at the time of myocardial reperfusion are emerging as promising candidates to improve LV dysfunction.2,3 Article, see p 1091 The feasibility of global intracoronary cell infusion without interrupting coronary flow was initially demonstrated over 10 years ago by Dawn et al.4 They showed that 1 million intra-arterially administered cKit+/lin− cardiac stem cells (CSCs) delivered to the entire heart could attenuate LV remodeling in rats after ischemia and reperfusion. Not only was systolic function improved but EGFP labeled CSCs produced increased adult appearing myocytes in as little as 35 …
Mortality among pilots and cabin crew in Greece, 1960-1997.

BACKGROUND Specific health hazards, among them radiation of cosmic origin, have caused some concern among aircrew in civil aviation in recent years. Several cohort studies in Northern countries have investigated mortality and cancer incidence among aircrew. Our goal was to study the pattern of mortality among Greek commercial airline cockpit and cabin crew. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including 843 Olympic Airways cockpit crew and 1835 cabin attendants. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated based on death rates of the Greek population. Duration of employment as a proxy for occupational exposure was used to stratify the cohort. RESULTS For cockpit crew, the overall SMR was 0.7 (n = 65, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). The SMR for all cancers was also significantly decreased (n = 17; SMR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9). Most of this reduction was due to a large deficit in lung cancer deaths (SMR = 0.1; 95% CI: 0.0-0.5). Slight but non-significant increases were noted for brain and liver cancer. The SMR for cardiovascular death was close to unity. Among female cabin attendants the SMR for all causes was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.4-1.3). The SMR for all cancers was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.3-1.7). Mortality from breast cancer was not increased. Among male cabin crew, SMR for all causes was 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3-0.9). Analyses according to duration of employment showed no pattern. CONCLUSIONS In this first-ever occupational cohort study in Greece, Greek aircrew had a low overall and cancer mortality. Due to the small number of events, the strength of our study is limited. The Greek data will be included in a pooled analysis of European studies.
POSITIVE POLYNOMIALS IN SCALAR AND MATRIX VARIABLES, THE SPECTRAL THEOREM AND OPTIMIZATION

We follow a stream of the history of positive matrices and positive functionals, as applied to algebraic sums of squares decomposi- tions, with emphasis on the interaction between classical moment prob- lems, function theory of one or several complex variables and modern operator theory. The second part of the survey focuses on recently dis- covered connections between real algebraic geometry and optimization as well as polynomials in matrix variables and some control theory prob- lems. These new applications have prompted a series of recent studies devoted to the structure of positivity and convexity in a free -algebra, the appropriate setting for analyzing inequalities on polynomials having matrix variables. We sketch some of these developments, add to them and comment on the rapidly growing literature.