Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Earlier springs decrease peak summer productivity in North American boreal forests

In the northern high latitudes, alternative hypotheses with regards to how warming-related shifts in seasonality influence ecosystem productivity exist. Increased plant growth associated with a longer growing season may enhance ecosystem productivity, but shifts to earlier springs may also negatively influence soil moisture status and productivity during the peak of the growing season. Here, we analyzed nearly three decades (1982–2008) of observational records and derived products, including satellite microwave and optical imagery as well as upscaled ecosystem flux observations, to better understand how shifts in seasonality impact hydrology and productivity in the North American boreal forests. We identified a dominant adverse influence of earlier springs on peak summer forest greenness, actual evapotranspiration and productivity at interannual time scales across the drier western and central sections of the North American boreal forests. In the vast regions where this spring onset mechanism operates, ecosystem productivity gains from earlier springs during the early portion of the growing season are effectively cancelled through corresponding losses in the later portion. Our results also indicate that recent decadal shifts towards earlier springs and associated drying in the midst of the growing season over western North American boreal forests may have contributed to the reported declines in summer productivity and increases in tree mortality and fire activity. With projections of accelerated northern high-latitude warming and associated shifts to earlier springs, persistent soil moisture deficits in peak summer may be an effective mechanism for regional-scale boreal forest dieback through their strong influence on productivity, tree mortality and disturbance dynamics.
miRNAs in chronic myeloid leukemia: small molecules, essential function

Abstract Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder associated with clonal expansion of cancerous bone marrow stem cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting Bcr-Abl oncoprotein are the first-line therapy for most CML patients, however, some are unresponsive to it or develop resistance. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the progression of CML and the development of TKI resistance based on their important regulatory function in cell homeostasis. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Since microRNAs can function either as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes in leukemogenesis, the potential of using them as therapeutic targets by inhibiting or amplifying their activity, opens up new opportunities for leukemia therapy. In this review, we focus on recent studies on the important roles of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of CML and their relevance as biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and treatment response.
Serum exosomal miR-125b is a novel prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with high mortality. Circulating miRNA has been demonstrated as a novel noninvasive biomarker for many tumors. This study aimed to investigate the potential of circulating miR-125b as a prognostic marker of HCC. Exosomes were extracted from serum samples collected from two independent cohorts: cohort 1: HCC (n=30), chronic hepatitis B (CHB, n=30), liver cirrhosis (LC, n=30); cohort 2: HCC (n=128). We found that miR-125b levels were remarkably increased in exosomes compared to those in serum from patients with CHB, LC, and HCC (P<0.01, respectively). However, miR-125b levels in exosomes and the serum from HCC patients were inferior to that of CHB (P<0.01 and P=0.06) and LC patients (P<0.01 for all). Additionally, miR-125b levels in exosomes were associated with tumor number (P=0.02), encapsulation (P<0.01), and TNM stage (P<0.01). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that HCC patients with lower exosomal miR-125b levels showed reduced time to recurrence (TTR) (P<0.01) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.01). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that miR-125b level in exosomes, but not in serum, was an independent predictive factor for TTR (P<0.001) and OS (P=0.011). Exosomal miR-125b levels predicted the recurrence and survival of HCC patients with an area under the ROC curve of 0.739 (83.0% sensitivity and 67.9% specificity) and 0.702 (82.5% sensitivity and 53.4% specificity). In conclusion, exosomal miR-125b could serve as a promising prognostic marker for HCC.
New insights into the burden and costs of multiple sclerosis in Europe: Results for the United Kingdom

Introduction: In order to estimate the value of interventions in multiple sclerosis (MS) – where lifetime costs and outcomes cannot be observed – outcome data have to be combined with costs. This requires that cost data be regularly updated. Objectives and methods: This study is part of a cross-sectional retrospective study in 16 countries collecting data on resource consumption and work capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and prevalent symptoms for patients with MS. Descriptive analyses are presented by level of disability, from the societal perspective, in EUR (2015). Results: A total of 779 patients (mean age = 57 years) participated; 72% were below retirement age and of these, 36% were employed. Employment was related to disease severity, and MS affected productivity at work for 84% of patients. Overall, 96% and 72% of the patients experienced fatigue and cognition as a problem. Mean utility and annual costs were 0.735 and 11,400GBP at Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) = 0–3, 0.534 and 22,700GBP at EDSS = 4–6.5, and 0.135 and 36,500GBP at EDSS = 7–9. The mean cost of a relapse was estimated at 790GBP. Conclusion: This study illustrates the burden of MS on UK patients and provides current data on MS that are important for development of health policies.
Morphometric evaluation of “dysbacteriosis” in broilers

In consequence of the withdrawal of products that assisted animal production, such as antimicrobial growth promoters, once-controlled enteric diseases have returned and new multifactorial diseases causing gut disorders of unknown origin have emerged in broilers. One of these widespread syndromes causing intestinal health problems in broilers is in the field referred to as “dysbacteriosis”. During the present study, the histopathology of the intestinal tract of broilers affected with dysbacteriosis was analysed. Commercial broilers were given a macroscopic dysbacteriosis score by experienced veterinarians during necropsy. Samples from the duodenum and caecum were taken from each broiler for histopathological analysis. An increase in the macroscopic dysbacteriosis score coincided with increased villus atrophy, a decrease in the thickness of the tunica muscularis and an increase in T-lymphocyte infiltration in the gut mucosa. Also more and larger goblet cells were observed in the animals with high macroscopic dysbacteriosis scores. Although the exact aetiology still remains to be identified, dysbacteriosis in broiler chickens thus coincides with an inflammatory reaction in the gut mucosa.
COMT haplotypes, catecholamine metabolites in plasma and clinical response in schizophrenic and bipolar patients.

AIM We examined the association of COMT haplotypes and plasma metabolites of catecholamines in relation to the clinical response to antipsychotics in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. PATIENTS & METHODS We studied 165 patients before and after four weeks of treatment, and 163 healthy controls. We assessed four COMT haplotypes and the plasma concentrations of HVA, DOPAC and MHPG. RESULTS Bipolar patients: haplotypes are associated with age at onset and clinical evolution. In schizophrenic patients, an haplotype previously associated with increased risk, is related to better response of negative symptoms. CONCLUSION Haplotypes would be good indicators of the clinical status and the treatment response in bipolar and schizophrenic patients. Larger studies are required to elucidate the clinical usefulness of these findings.
Creating transplant tolerance by taming adverse intragraft innate immunity

Certain forms of inflammation of an allograft are highly detrimental to the induction and maintenance of transplant tolerance as they foster stable commitment to graft-destructive, not graft-protective, forms of T-cell immunity. Hence, a reduction in adverse tissue inflammation may prove crucial in facilitating the induction and maintenance of a long-lasting state of transplant tolerance.
In Vitro Antidiabetic Effects and Antioxidant Potential of Cassia nemophila Pods

The antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Cassia nemophila pod (EECNP) was evaluated by three in vitro assays, including yeast glucose uptake assay, glucose adsorption assay, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The result revealed that the extracts have enhanced the uptake of glucose through the plasma membrane of yeast cells. A linear increase in glucose uptake by yeast cells was noticed with gradual increase in the concentration of the test samples. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of the EECNP was directly proportional to the molar concentration of glucose. Also, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the extract was increased to a maximum value of 43.3% at 80 μg/ml, which was then decreased to 41.9% at 100 μg/ml. From the results, it was concluded that EECNP possess good antidiabetic and antioxidant properties as shown by in vitro assays.
Parallelizing Stochastic Approximation Through Mini-Batching and Tail-Averaging

This work characterizes the benefits of averaging techniques widely used in conjunction with stochastic gradient descent (SGD). In particular, this work sharply analyzes: (1) mini-batching, a method of averaging many samples of the gradient to both reduce the variance of a stochastic gradient estimate and for parallelizing SGD and (2) tail-averaging, a method involving averaging the final few iterates of SGD in order to decrease the variance in SGD's final iterate. This work presents the first tight non-asymptotic generalization error bounds for these schemes for the stochastic approximation problem of least squares regression. Furthermore, this work establishes a precise problem-dependent extent to which mini-batching can be used to yield provable near-linear parallelization speedups over SGD with batch size one. These results are utilized in providing a highly parallelizable SGD algorithm that obtains the optimal statistical error rate with nearly the same number of serial updates as batch gradient descent, which improves significantly over existing SGD-style methods. Finally, this work sheds light on some fundamental differences in SGD's behavior when dealing with agnostic noise in the (non-realizable) least squares regression problem. In particular, the work shows that the stepsizes that ensure optimal statistical error rates for the agnostic case must be a function of the noise properties. The central analysis tools used by this paper are obtained through generalizing the operator view of averaged SGD, introduced by Defossez and Bach (2015) followed by developing a novel analysis in bounding these operators to characterize the generalization error. These techniques may be of broader interest in analyzing various computational aspects of stochastic approximation.
Reduced generation of lung tissue–resident memory T cells during infancy

Infants suffer disproportionately from respiratory infections and generate reduced vaccine responses compared with adults, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In adult mice, lung-localized, tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) mediate optimal protection to respiratory pathogens, and we hypothesized that reduced protection in infancy could be due to impaired establishment of lung TRM. Using an infant mouse model, we demonstrate generation of lung-homing, virus-specific T effectors after influenza infection or live-attenuated vaccination, similar to adults. However, infection during infancy generated markedly fewer lung TRMs, and heterosubtypic protection was reduced compared with adults. Impaired TRM establishment was infant–T cell intrinsic, and infant effectors displayed distinct transcriptional profiles enriched for T-bet–regulated genes. Notably, mouse and human infant T cells exhibited increased T-bet expression after activation, and reduction of T-bet levels in infant mice enhanced lung TRM establishment. Our findings reveal that infant T cells are intrinsically programmed for short-term responses, and targeting key regulators could promote long-term, tissue-targeted protection at this critical life stage.
Volumetric‐modulated arc therapy versus intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for large volume retroperitoneal sarcomas: A comparative analysis of dosimetric and treatment delivery parameters

Abstract Purpose To compare dosimetric and treatment delivery parameter differences between volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for large volume retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS). Materials and Methods Both VMAT and IMRT planning were performed on CT datasets of 10 patients with RPS who had been previously treated with preoperative radiotherapy. Plans were optimized to deliver ≥95% dose to the PTV and were evaluated for conformity and homogeneity. Dose to the organs at risk (OARs) (kidney, liver, spinal cord, and bowel space), unspecified tissue, and dose evaluation volumes (DEVs) at 1, 2, and 5 cm from PTV were calculated and compared. Monitor units (MUs) and treatment delivery times were recorded and compared between the two techniques. The deliverability of the large volume RPS VMAT plans was verified by portal dosimetry on a Truebeam™ linac. Results VMAT and IMRT plans were equivalent for PTV coverage and homogeneity (P > 0.05); however, VMAT plans had slightly better conformity index, CI (P < 0.001). Doses to the OARs were not significantly different between VMAT and IMRT plans (P > 0.05). Mean doses to the unspecified tissue as well as at 1, 2, and 5 cm DEVs were lower with VMAT compared with IMRT, P = 0.04 and P < 0.01, respectively. MUs and average beam‐on times were both significantly lower in the VMAT vs IMRT plans, P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively. All VMAT plans passed portal dosimetry delivery verification with an average gamma passing rate of 99.6 ± 0.4%. Conclusions VMAT planning for large volume RPS improved CI, and achieved comparable OAR sparing, as compared with IMRT. As treatment delivery time was lower, the use of VMAT for RPS may translate into improved treatment delivery efficiency.
“We’re Still Here . . . We’re Not Giving Up”

Objective: This study examines masculinity in a manner commensurate with established feminist frameworks to deconstruct a patriarchal system that ill-serves both men and women. Method: We utilized standpoint theory and narrative analysis to examine longitudinal, qualitative data from first-year Black and Latino males as they transition into community college through their second semester. Findings: Positionality is critical to understanding the success of Black and Latino males and their response to institutional structures. In many instances, men leveraged normative constructions of masculinity as aids to their success, and their resilience and confidence were filtered through their perceived development into adults. Conclusion: Implications for practice include the creation of spaces for men to talk about what it means to be a man in college and ways to influence men to make the most of resources when proffered, even if they tend to avoid seeking them out on their own. Further research should seek to understand how men develop and evolve their concepts of masculinity as well as how and to what extent spaces for men actually work to dismantle hegemonic masculinity.
Exploring Differences in the Aspirin–Colorectal Cancer Association by Sex and Race/Ethnicity: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Background: Evidence has accumulated that long-term use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) protects against colorectal cancer. We tested whether the inverse associations between NSAIDs and colorectal cancer is similarly observed across sexes and five racial/ethnic groups (Japanese, Latino, African American, Native Hawaiian, and white) in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study. Methods: During a mean follow-up of 16.1 years, we identified 4,882 invasive incident colorectal cancer cases among 183,199 eligible participants. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Use of aspirin and other NSAIDs was associated with a lower incidence of colorectal cancer in men (HR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.86 for current vs. never users of aspirin) but not in women (Pinteraction = 0.005). Among male current users, a reduced risk was observed with ≥6 years of aspirin or total NSAID use. The inverse association with current NSAID use in men was observed in all racial/ethnic groups, except for Native Hawaiians, and was stronger in whites. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the benefit of NSAIDs for colorectal cancer may be strongest for white men and generalizes to African American, Japanese, and Latino, but not to Native Hawaiian men. The lack of inverse association observed in women and Native Hawaiian men in the MEC should be interpreted with caution. Impact: As only very few ethnic/racial groups are likely to be represented in trials of NSAIDs and colorectal cancer, it is important to conduct prospective observational studies in various populations to test the generalizability of their results. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(2); 162–9. ©2016 AACR.
Preoperative T1 Slope More Than 40° as a Risk Factor of Correction Loss in Patients With Adult Spinal Deformity

Study Design. A retrospective study of surgical outcomes of adult spinal deformity (ASD) cases. Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of high T1 slope (T1S) on surgical outcomes in patients with ASD. Summary of Background Data. Few studies have evaluated the surgical outcomes of patients with ASD with cervical deformities. Methods. Eighty-eight patients with ASD who underwent posterior spinal corrective fusion were assigned to either group A (T1S <40°) or group B (T1S ≥40°). Whole-spine standing radiographs of both groups were preoperatively assessed: at first standing after the surgery and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Results. There were 56 patients in group A and 32 in group B. The preoperative C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) improved from 61 to 41 mm in group A and from 161 to 64 mm in group B at first standing after the surgery. C7 SVA at 2 years after the surgery was, however, 57 mm in group A and 98 mm in group B because of correction loss (P = 0.003). T1S measurements before and immediately after the surgery and 2 years after the surgery were, however, 25°, 23°, and 27° in group A and 53°, 36°, and 41° in group B, respectively. There were no significant differences among measurements in group A. Those in group B were, however, significantly improved in the first standing, but T1S of 40° or higher deteriorated toward 2 years after the surgery. Conclusion. Among patients with T1S of 40° or higher, C7 SVA improved immediately after the surgery but worsened at 2 years after the surgery. These results suggested that cervicothoracic parameters were important predictors of correction loss. Level of Evidence: 4
When does quality of relationships with coworkers predict burnout over time? The moderating role of work motivation

The present prospective study examines the interplay between the quality of relationships with coworkers and work motivation in predicting burnout. Considering self-determined motivation at work as a potential moderator, we investigated whether relationships with coworkers are equally important to all employees in preventing burnout. A total of 533 college employees participated in this study. Data were collected at two time points, two years apart. Results from structural equation modeling indicated negative main effects for high-quality relationships and self-determined motivation on burnout. A significant interaction effect between these two factors on burnout was also revealed, suggesting that high-quality relationships with coworkers is crucial for those employees who exhibit less self-determined work motivation. Implications for burnout research and management practices are discussed (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Analysis Of The Interest Elasticity Of Financial Asset Holdings By Income

A Keynesian money demand model is used to examine the interest elasticity of financial asset holdings by income level. In this model, once an individual receives income, they first make transactions, and any leftover income goes for speculative purposes. Since only speculative balances are assumed to change with interest rates, individuals with income used mainly for transactions purposes are theorized to have asset holdings that are unresponsive to interest rates, while higher income individuals with speculative balances are expected to be more responsive to interest rates. The results support the Keynesian model, as lower income households are found to have the smallest interest elasticity, and the estimated elasticity rises with income.
Contributions of organic and inorganic matter to sediment volume and accretion in tidal wetlands at steady state

A mixing model derived from first principles describes the bulk density (BD) of intertidal wetland sediments as a function of loss on ignition (LOI). The model assumes that the bulk volume of sediment equates to the sum of self‐packing volumes of organic and mineral components or BD = 1/[LOI/k1 + (1‐LOI)/k2], where k1 and k2 are the self‐packing densities of the pure organic and inorganic components, respectively. The model explained 78% of the variability in total BD when fitted to 5075 measurements drawn from 33 wetlands distributed around the conterminous United States. The values of k1 and k2 were estimated to be 0.085 ± 0.0007 g cm−3 and 1.99 ± 0.028 g cm−3, respectively. Based on the fitted organic density (k1) and constrained by primary production, the model suggests that the maximum steady state accretion arising from the sequestration of refractory organic matter is ≤ 0.3 cm yr−1. Thus, tidal peatlands are unlikely to indefinitely survive a higher rate of sea‐level rise in the absence of a significant source of mineral sediment. Application of k2 to a mineral sediment load typical of East and eastern Gulf Coast estuaries gives a vertical accretion rate from inorganic sediment of 0.2 cm yr−1. Total steady state accretion is the sum of the parts and therefore should not be greater than 0.5 cm yr−1 under the assumptions of the model. Accretion rates could deviate from this value depending on variation in plant productivity, root:shoot ratio, suspended sediment concentration, sediment‐capture efficiency, and episodic events.