Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tobacco use and oral HPV-16 infection.

Oral human papillomavirus type16 (HPV16), a sexually transmitted infection, is believed to be responsible for the rise in incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers in the United States.1 An association between self-reported number of cigarettes currently smoked per day and oral HPV prevalence has been observed.2,3 We investigated associations between objective biomarkers reflective of all current tobacco exposures (environmental, smoked and smokeless tobacco) and oral HPV16 prevalence.
COMPARISON OF COMMERCIAL DNA KITS AND TRADITIONAL DNA EXTRACTION PROCEDURE IN PCR DETECTION OF PORK IN DRY/FERMENTED SAUSAGES

In the present study four commercially available DNA extraction kits (Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit, High Pure PCR Template Kit, DNeasy mericon Food and GeneJET PCR Purification Kit), as well as standard phenol/chloroform isolation technique have been evaluated regarding their concentration, purity and suitability for amplification of porcine DNA in dry/fermented sausages. The isolates were assessed for quantity and quality using spectrophotometer (IMPLEN GmbH, Germany). To verify template usability and quality of isolated DNA, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting at porcine cytochrome b by species specific primers was used. The comparison of extraction methods revealed satisfactory efficiency and purity of all extraction kits, while with standard phenol/chloroform isolation method high concentrations of DNA with low A260/280 were obtained. However, all the investigated techniques proved to be suitable for identification of porcine DNA in dry/fermented sausage. Thus, the standard phenol/chloroform DNA extraction method, as the cost- effective one, can be recommended as a good alternative to more expensive isolation kits when investigating the presence of pork DNA in dry/fermented meat products.
Sarcolemmal FAT/CD36 in human skeletal muscle colocalizes with caveolin-3 and is more abundant in type 1 than in type 2 fibers Published, JLR Papers in Press, January 16, 2004. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M300424-JLR200

FAT/CD36 is a transmembrane protein that is thought to facilitate cellular long-chain fatty acid uptake. However, surprisingly little is known about the localization of FAT/CD36 in human skeletal muscle. By confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate high FAT/CD36 expression in endothelial cells and weaker but significant FAT/CD36 expression in sarcolemma in human skeletal muscle. No apparent intracellular staining was observed in the muscle cells. There are indications in the literature that caveolae may be involved in the uptake of fatty acids, possibly as regulators of FAT/CD36 or other fatty acid transporters. We show that in sarcolemma, FAT/CD36 colocalizes with the muscle-specific caveolae marker protein caveolin-3, suggesting that caveolae may regulate cellular fatty acid uptake by FAT/CD36. Furthermore, we provide evidence that FAT/CD36 expression is significantly higher in type 1 compared with type 2 fibers, whereas caveolin-3 expression is significantly higher in type 2 fibers than in type 1 fibers.
Identifying Cortical Lateralization of Speech Processing in Infants Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

We investigate the utility of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as an alternative technique for studying infant speech processing. NIRS is an optical imaging technology that uses relative changes in total hemoglobin concentration and oxygenation as an indicator of neural activation. Procedurally, NIRS has the advantage over more common methods (e.g., fMRI) in that it can be used to study the neural responses of behaviorally active infants. Older infants (aged 6–9 months) were allowed to sit on their caretakers' laps during stimulus presentation to determine relative differences in focal activity in the temporal region of the brain during speech processing. Results revealed a dissociation of sensory-specific processing in two cortical regions, the left and right temporal lobes. These findings are consistent with those obtained using other neurophysiological methods and point to the utility of NIRS as a means of establishing neural correlates of language development in older (and more active) infants.
Minority shareholders ’ protection in Romanian capital markets : evidence on dividends

Recent studies in Finance suggest dividends’ role as monitoring mechanism, which allows minority shareholders to control the managers or larger shareholders’ decisions. This paper tests this hypothesis on listed companies at Bucharest Stock Exchange, in 2000-2003 period, from the legislation perspective, but, also, using dividend ratios. Even the regulations and the enforcement of the law seem to guarantee an effective protection for minority shareholders, dividend policy is different from company to company, depending on shareholders structure. However, companies can fund their operations by banks, which could explain the relative indifference for minority shareholders proper treatment.
Hepatic lipase mediates an increase in selective uptake of HDL-associated cholesteryl esters by cells in culture independent from SR-BI Published, JLR Papers in Press, March 1, 2003. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M300058-JLR200

Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) mediates the selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters (CEs) by the liver. Hepatic lipase (HL) promotes this lipid uptake independent from lipolysis. The role of SR-BI in this HL-mediated increase in selective CE uptake was explored. Baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells were transfected with the SR-BI cDNA yielding cells with SR-BI expression, whereas no SR-BI was detected in control cells. These cells were incubated in medium containing 125I [3H]cholesteryl oleyl ether-labeled HDL3 (d = 1.125–1.21 g/ml) and HL was absent or present. Tetrahydrolipstatin (THL) blocked lipolysis. In control BHK cells and in BHK cells with SR-BI, HDL3 selective CE uptake (3H-125I) was detectable and SR-BI promoted this uptake. In both cell types, HL mediated an increase in selective CE uptake from HDL3. Quantitatively, this HL effect was similar in control BHK cells and in BHK cells with SR-BI. These results suggest that HL promotes selective uptake independent from SR-BI. To investigate the role of cell surface proteoglycans on the HL-mediated HDL3 uptake, proteoglycan deficiency was induced by heparinase digestion. Proteoglycan deficiency decreased the HL-mediated promotion of selective CE uptake. In summary, the stimulating HL effect on HDL selective CE uptake is independent from SR-BI and lipolysis. Proteoglycans are a requisite for the HL action on selective uptake. Results suggest that (a) pathway(s) distinct from SR-BI mediate(s) selective CE uptake from HDL.
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology Open Access Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in Human Trophoblast, Term Placenta and Pregnant Myometrium

To investigate the possible role of nitric oxide (NO) produced locally or intramurally in the quiescence of the pregnant myometrium, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was measured in samples from first trimester (villous, and non villous-trophoblast), term placenta and pregnant myometrium. Trophoblast tissue was obtained from psychosocial termination of pregnancy (9 – 12 weeks' gestation) whereas placenta and myometrium, from the same patient, at deliveries by Caesarean section. NOS activity was measured in both cytosolic and particulate fractions by the formation of 14 C-citrulline from 14 C-arginine. Western immunoblotting was used to identify the endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal (nNOS) isoforms. The activity of NOS in particulate fractions from all preparations was considerably higher than the cytosolic fractions. Activity in all fractions except the myometrium was highly Ca-dependent. More than 50% of particulate NOS from the myometrium was Ca-independent. NOS activity was highest in the villous trophoblast and there was a significant difference between the villous and non-villous trophoblast. In placenta and myometrium, NOS was 2–4 fold and 20–28-fold lower than the villous trophoblast, respectively. Western blot analysis showed clearly eNOS in the particulate fraction and a weak eNOS band in the cytosolic fractions, whereas nNOS was not detectable in any of the fractions. In view of the marginal activity of NOS in the myometrium, NO produced by the trophoblast and placenta could play a significant role in maintaining uterine quiescence by paracrine effect.
Robust mean-squared error estimation in the presence of model uncertainties

We consider the problem of estimating an unknown parameter vector x in a linear model that may be subject to uncertainties, where the vector x is known to satisfy a weighted norm constraint. We first assume that the model is known exactly and seek the linear estimator that minimizes the worst-case mean-squared error (MSE) across all possible values of x. We show that for an arbitrary choice of weighting, the optimal minimax MSE estimator can be formulated as a solution to a semidefinite programming problem (SDP), which can be solved very efficiently. We then develop a closed form expression for the minimax MSE estimator for a broad class of weighting matrices and show that it coincides with the shrunken estimator of Mayer and Willke, with a specific choice of shrinkage factor that explicitly takes the prior information into account. Next, we consider the case in which the model matrix is subject to uncertainties and seek the robust linear estimator that minimizes the worst-case MSE across all possible values of x and all possible values of the model matrix. As we show, the robust minimax MSE estimator can also be formulated as a solution to an SDP. Finally, we demonstrate through several examples that the minimax MSE estimator can significantly increase the performance over the conventional least-squares estimator, and when the model matrix is subject to uncertainties, the robust minimax MSE estimator can lead to a considerable improvement in performance over the minimax MSE estimator.
Challenges and Clinical Decision‐Making in HIV‐to‐HIV Transplantation: Insights From the HIV Literature

Life expectancy among HIV‐infected (HIV+) individuals has improved dramatically with effective antiretroviral therapy. Consequently, chronic diseases such as end‐stage liver and kidney disease are growing causes of morbidity and mortality. HIV+ individuals can have excellent outcomes after solid organ transplantation, and the need for transplantation in this population is increasing. However, there is a significant organ shortage, and HIV+ individuals experience higher mortality rates on transplant waitlists. In South Africa, the use of organs from HIV+ deceased donors (HIVDD) has been successful, but until recently federal law prohibited this practice in the United States. With the recognition that organs from HIVDD could fill a critical need, the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act was passed in November 2013, reversing the federal ban on the use of HIV+ donors for HIV+ recipients. In translating this policy into practice, the biologic risks of using HIV+ donors need to be carefully considered. In this mini‐review, we explore relevant aspects of HIV virology, antiretroviral treatment, drug resistance, opportunistic infections and HIV‐related organ dysfunction that are critical to a transplant team considering HIV‐to‐HIV transplantation.
Radiographic failure and rates of re-operation after acromioclavicular joint reconstruction: a comparison of surgical techniques.

AIMS To compare radiographic failure and re-operation rates of anatomical coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstructional techniques with non-anatomical techniques after chronic high grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed chronic AC joint reconstructions within a region-wide healthcare system to identify surgical technique, complications, radiographic failure and re-operations. Procedures fell into four categories: (1) modified Weaver-Dunn, (2) allograft fixed through coracoid and clavicular tunnels, (3) allograft loop coracoclavicular fixation, and (4) combined allograft loop and synthetic cortical button fixation. Among 167 patients (mean age 38.1 years, (standard deviation (sd) 14.7) treated at least a four week interval after injury, 154 had post-operative radiographs available for analysis. RESULTS Radiographic failure occurred in 33/154 cases (21.4%), with the lowest rate in Technique 4 (2/42 4.8%, p = 0.001). Half the failures occurred by six weeks, and the Kaplan-Meier survivorship at 24 months was 94.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 79.6 to 98.6) for Technique 4 and 69.9% (95% CI 59.4 to 78.3) for the other techniques when combined. In multivariable survival analysis, Technique 4 had better survival than other techniques (Hazard Ratio 0.162, 95% CI 0.039 to 0.068, p = 0.013). Among 155 patients with a minimum of six months post-operative insurance coverage, re-operation occurred in 9.7% (15 patients). However, in multivariable logistic regression, Technique 4 did not reach a statistically significant lower risk for re-operation (odds ratio 0.254, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.3, p = 0.11). CONCLUSION In this retrospective series, anatomical CC ligament reconstruction using combined synthetic cortical button and allograft loop fixation had the lowest rate of radiographic failure. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Anatomical coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using combined synthetic cortical button and allograft loop fixation had the lowest rate of radiographic failure.
Culture, neuroscience, and law

Gerardo Salvato*, Roy Dings and Lucia Reuter 1 Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy 2 Department of Psychiatry, Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK 3 Department of Philosophy, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands 4 Department of Psychiatry, Charite University Hospital of Berlin, Berlin, Germany *Correspondence: gerardosalvato@gmail.com
Factors associated with mortality in transplant patients with invasive aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with mortality in transplant patients with IA. METHODS Transplant patients from 23 US centers were enrolled from March 2001 to October 2005 as part of the Transplant Associated Infection Surveillance Network. IA cases were identified prospectively in this cohort through March 2006, and data were collected. Factors associated with 12-week all-cause mortality were determined by logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Six-hundred forty-two cases of proven or probable IA were evaluated, of which 317 (49.4%) died by the study endpoint. All-cause mortality was greater in HSCT patients (239 [57.5%] of 415) than in SOT patients (78 [34.4%] of 227; P<.001). Independent poor prognostic factors in HSCT patients were neutropenia, renal insufficiency, hepatic insufficiency, early-onset IA, proven IA, and methylprednisolone use. In contrast, white race was associated with decreased risk of death. Among SOT patients, hepatic insufficiency, malnutrition, and central nervous system disease were poor prognostic indicators, whereas prednisone use was associated with decreased risk of death. Among HSCT or SOT patients who received antifungal therapy, use of an amphotericin B preparation as part of initial therapy was associated with increased risk of death. CONCLUSIONS There are multiple variables associated with survival in transplant patients with IA. Understanding these prognostic factors may assist in the development of treatment algorithms and clinical trials.
Using Facebook Activity to Infer Social Ties

Clearly there is a growing omnipresence of social networking sites in particular and social services in general. Given this translation of social relations into the cloud, services are facing the problem of deciding, for every user, what are the really relevant links to provide a social-sensitive response. For this, we postulate that users’ interaction is a real sign of social relationships which can supplement the topological connections in social sites. To this end, this paper provides a model for calculating the strength of social ties based on interaction information collected from various social APIs in the cloud. From this general model, we detail the deployment of an interaction network for the Facebook case.
Effect of Chemical Warm Asphalt Additive on the Rutting Characteristic of Aged Binder Containing Waste Engine Oil

This paper presents a laboratory study on the effect of chemical warm asphalt additive on the rutting characteristic of aged binder containing waste engine oil. The aged binder and waste engine oil were blended with 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% of chemical warm asphalt additive. The samples were tested for rutting characteristics (rutting resistance, G*/sin δ and creep recovery) using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). G*/sin δ was tested at temperature 64°C and creep recovery was tested at temperature 60°C under stress of 50 Pa. The results showed that the chemical warm asphalt additive slightly decreased the rutting resistance of the aged binder containing waste engine oil sample. Meanwhile, the elasticity of asphalt binder was improved with the addition of additive by the reduction of creep compliance. As a conclusion, results of the testing showed that chemical warm asphalt additive could be applied with aged binder and waste engine oil with the satisfactory performance.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of pomalidomide for the treatment of myeloma

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) patients who relapse, or become refractory to currently available novel agents, have limited treatment options with poor outcomes. The introductions of the newer proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib and the immunomodulatory agent pomalidomide have provided new treatment strategies within the relapse setting. Pomalidomide, a novel 4-amino derived from thalidomide, was recently introduced for the treatment of MM. In addition to being immune-adjuvant with anti-inflammatory properties, pomalidomide has shown several biological activities that directly and indirectly inhibit MM cells. Areas covered: Herein, the authors review the chemistry, the mechanism of action and the pharmacokinetic properties of pomalidomide. The data reviewed within this article based on the relevant literature pertaining to pomalidomide's Phase I, II and III clinical trials. Expert opinion: Pomalidomide has shown to be a safe and active agent, both alone and in combination with dexamethasone, in heavily pretreated patients. Furthermore, pomalidomide represents an effective treatment option for relapsed/refractory patients. Results from the ongoing trials evaluating the synergistic activity of pomalidomide combined with conventional chemotherapy or novel agents look promising and may prove to be viable treatment options in the future.
Craniofacial features of children with celiac disease

Background and goals Growth retardation is one of the most important signs of childhood celiac disease (CD); however, it is not very well known whether craniofacial growth is also affected. We aimed to carry out a detailed craniofacial morphological study to derive a conclusion on the craniofacial features of children with CD. Participants and methods Eighty-four 2–16-year-old children with biopsy-proven CD and 84 age-matched and sex-matched healthy children were included. Of these, 37 children (44.0%) had been newly diagnosed and 47 (56.0%) were on a gluten-free diet. Anteroposterior and lateral photographs were evaluated using the Scion Image software program for the measurements of the distances between reference points on the face. Results Except for nasofrontal angle (nfa), nasolabial angle (nla), pronasale height (prnh), nasal dorsum height (ndh), and nasal radix height (nrh), all measurements were significantly greater in patients compared with controls. In celiac children, all facial proportions except forehead/face height (t-gl/t-gn) and nose length/face height (n-ns/t-gn) were significantly different from those of controls. Except for nla, prnh, ndh, nrh, t-gl/t-gn, face height to total face height ratio (sn-gn/t-gn), n-sn/t-gn, ear length to face height ratio (s-sba/t-gn), and face width to face height ratio (z-z/t-gn), all measurements were statistically different in those on a gluten-free diet and newly diagnosed children. Conclusion Most of the facial measurements and proportions of celiac children were different from those of controls. Our data confirm those of a previous study reporting that the forehead proportion is not altered in childhood CD. Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these alterations are not clear but disruptions of growth during certain critical periods may be responsible.
The Boston University-Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory Galactic Ring Survey

The Boston University-Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory Galactic Ring Survey is a new survey of Galactic 13CO J = 1 → 0 emission. The survey used the SEQUOIA multipixel array on the Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory 14 m telescope to cover a longitude range of l = 18°-55. °7 and a latitude range of |b| < 1°, a total of 75.4 deg2. Using both position-switching and On-The-Fly mapping modes, we achieved an angular sampling of 22'', better than half of the telescope's 46'' angular resolution. The survey's velocity coverage is -5 to 135 km s-1 for Galactic longitudes l ≤ 40° and -5 to 85 km s-1 for Galactic longitudes l > 40°. At the velocity resolution of 0.21 km s-1, the typical rms sensitivity is σ(T) ~ 0.13 K. The survey comprises a total of 1,993,522 spectra. We show integrated intensity images (zeroth moment maps), channel maps, position-velocity diagrams, and an average spectrum of the completed survey data set. We also discuss the telescope and instrumental parameters, the observing modes, the data reduction processes, and the emission and noise characteristics of the data set. The Galactic Ring Survey data are available to the community online or in DVD form by request.
Clinicopathologic and electrocardiographic features of Akita dogs with high and low erythrocyte potassium phenotypes.

BACKGROUND Canine RBCs are expected to have high sodium and low potassium (LK) concentrations. However, some dogs have a low sodium and high potassium (HK) phenotype due to a Na-K pump in the mature RBC membrane. Awareness of this particularity avoids misinterpretation of hyperkalemia in affected dogs. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the CBCs, serum biochemistry profiles, urinalysis data, and electrocardiography data in HK and LK Akita dogs. METHODS In this study, the intra-RBC potassium (KRBC) was measured in 48 healthy adult Akita dogs. The HK group included dogs with KRBC concentration at least 5-fold that of plasma, while the LK dogs served as controls. RESULTS The HK phenotype was determined in 10 dogs (21%). With the exception of higher plasma potassium concentrations in the HK group compared with LK controls (6.6 mmol/L vs 4.4 mmol/L, P < .001), there were no other differences in serum biochemistry variables. In hematology, mean HGB concentration (13.5 vs 15.9, P < .001), PCV (42.9 vs 46.7, P = .009), RBC (6.1 vs 7.4, P < .001), and MCHC (31.3 vs 34.0, P < .001) were significantly lower in the HK group, while MCV (70.0 vs 63.4, P < .001) was higher compared with the LK controls. There were no significant differences in urinalysis or electrocardiography data between groups. CONCLUSIONS HK Akita dogs showed significant differences in several hematologic variables, as well as higher plasma potassium concentration. Therefore, the HK phenotype should be considered in the interpretation of these variables in this breed.