Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian bivariate meta-analysis of correlated effects: Impact of the prior distributions on the between-study correlation, borrowing of strength, and joint inferences

Multivariate random-effects meta-analysis allows the joint synthesis of correlated results from multiple studies, for example, for multiple outcomes or multiple treatment groups. In a Bayesian univariate meta-analysis of one endpoint, the importance of specifying a sensible prior distribution for the between-study variance is well understood. However, in multivariate meta-analysis, there is little guidance about the choice of prior distributions for the variances or, crucially, the between-study correlation, ρB; for the latter, researchers often use a Uniform(−1,1) distribution assuming it is vague. In this paper, an extensive simulation study and a real illustrative example is used to examine the impact of various (realistically) vague prior distributions for ρB and the between-study variances within a Bayesian bivariate random-effects meta-analysis of two correlated treatment effects. A range of diverse scenarios are considered, including complete and missing data, to examine the impact of the prior distributions on posterior results (for treatment effect and between-study correlation), amount of borrowing of strength, and joint predictive distributions of treatment effectiveness in new studies. Two key recommendations are identified to improve the robustness of multivariate meta-analysis results. First, the routine use of a Uniform(−1,1) prior distribution for ρB should be avoided, if possible, as it is not necessarily vague. Instead, researchers should identify a sensible prior distribution, for example, by restricting values to be positive or negative as indicated by prior knowledge. Second, it remains critical to use sensible (e.g. empirically based) prior distributions for the between-study variances, as an inappropriate choice can adversely impact the posterior distribution for ρB, which may then adversely affect inferences such as joint predictive probabilities. These recommendations are especially important with a small number of studies and missing data.
Closing achievement gaps with a utility-value intervention: Disentangling race and social class.

Many college students abandon their goal of completing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) when confronted with challenging introductory-level science courses. In the U.S., this trend is more pronounced for underrepresented minority (URM) and first-generation (FG) students, and contributes to persisting racial and social-class achievement gaps in higher education. Previous intervention studies have focused exclusively on race or social class, but have not examined how the 2 may be confounded and interact. This research therefore investigates the independent and interactive effects of race and social class as moderators of an intervention designed to promote performance, measured by grade in the course. In a double-blind randomized experiment conducted over 4 semesters of an introductory biology course (N = 1,040), we tested the effectiveness of a utility-value intervention in which students wrote about the personal relevance of course material. The utility-value intervention was successful in reducing the achievement gap for FG-URM students by 61%: the performance gap for FG-URM students, relative to continuing generation (CG)-Majority students, was large in the control condition, . 84 grade points (d = .98), and the treatment effect for FG-URM students was . 51 grade points (d = 0.55). The UV intervention helped students from all groups find utility value in the course content, and mediation analyses showed that the process of writing about utility value was particularly powerful for FG-URM students. Results highlight the importance of intersectionality in examining the independent and interactive effects of race and social class when evaluating interventions to close achievement gaps and the mechanisms through which they may operate. (PsycINFO Database Record
Prospective evaluation of an indwelling esophageal balloon dilatation feeding tube for treatment of benign esophageal strictures in dogs and cats

Background Despite multiple dilatation procedures, benign esophageal strictures (BES) remain a recurring cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs and cats. Objective Investigate the use of an indwelling Balloon Dilatation esophagostomy tube (B‐Tube) for treatment of BES in dogs and cats. Animals Nine dogs and 3 cats. Methods Animals with BES were recruited for our prospective study. Endoscopic and fluoroscopic evaluation of the esophagus and balloon dilatation were performed under general anesthesia, followed by placement of an indwelling B‐Tube. The animals' owners performed twice daily at‐home inflations for approximately 6 weeks. Repeat endoscopy was performed before B‐Tube removal. Animals were reevaluated for changes in modified dysphagia score (MDS) after B‐Tube removal. Results The B‐Tube management was relatively well tolerated and effective in maintaining dilatation of a BES while in place. These animals underwent a median of 2 anesthetic episodes and were monitored for a median of 472 days (range, 358‐1736 days). The mean MDS before treatment was 3.1 ± 0.5/4.0 and final follow‐up MDS were significantly (P < .0001) improved at 0.36 ± 0.65/4.0. Eleven of 12 animals (91.7%) had improved MDS at the end of the follow‐up period, with 8/12 (66.7%) having an MDS of 0/4, 2/12 (16.7%) an MDS of 1/4, and 1/12 (8.3%) an MDS of 2/4. One dog died. Conclusions and Clinical Importance The B‐Tube offers an effective, and more economical method, and often decreased anesthetic time to repeated balloon dilatation procedures for the treatment of BES in dogs and cats.
Inhibiting Sulphate Attack on Concrete by Hydrophobic Green Plant Extract

Organic base (Amine) and inorganic base (Nitrite) have been known for protection of concrete structures but are not commercially indigenous to most developing economies due to manufacturing difficulties and are toxic to the environment. Also inhibitors are not known to stop sulphate attack in concrete. Hence, the objective of the present investigation was to study a novel, eco-friendly and hydrophobic green plant extracts inhibitor and compares its effectiveness with established calcium nitrite and ethanolamine inhibitors. Bambusa Arundinacea (Green plant extracts), calcium nitrite and ethanolamine corrosion inhibitors were selected for the present investigation. Compressive strength of 100×100×100mm concrete cubes after 7, 28 and 90 days of curing test was used. The results of the inhibitors studied showed that Bambusa Arundinacea has superior compressive strength compared to calcium nitrite and ethanolamine. Bambusa Arundinacea may be considered a better substitute for nitrite and amine- based corrosion inhibiting admixtures for durable concrete structures due its pore blocking effects.
Single mother–daughter pair analysis to clarify the diffusion properties of yeast prion Sup35 in guanidine‐HCl‐treated [PSI+] cells

The yeast prion [PSI+] is a protein‐based heritable element, in which aggregates of Sup35 protein are transmitted to daughter cells in a non‐Mendelian manner. To elucidate the mechanism of the transmission, we have developed methods to directly analyse the dynamics of Sup35 fused with GFP in single mother–daughter pairs. As it is known that the treatment of yeast cells with guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) cures [PSI+] by perturbing Hsp104, a prion‐remodelling factor, we analysed the diffusion profiles of Sup35–GFP in GuHCl‐treated [PSI+] cells using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). FCS analyses revealed that Sup35–GFP diffusion in the daughter cells was faster; that is, the Sup35–GFP particle was smaller, than that in the mother [PSI+] cells, and it eventually reached the diffusion profiles in [psi−] cells. We then analysed the flux of Sup35–GFP oligomers from mother to daughter [PSI+] cells in the presence of GuHCl, using a modified fluorescent recovery after photobleaching technique, and found that the flux of the diffuse oligomers was completely inhibited. The noninvasive methods described here can be applied to other protein‐based transmissible systems inside living cells.
From adaptation to complete vehicle design: a case study of product development capabilities in a carmaker in Brazil

The paper is concerned with the technological activities accomplished in multinational subsidiaries of carmakers in Brazil, particularly with their involvement in Product Development (PD) and the related acquisition of technological capabilities. It has been found that carmakers have been following different PD strategies, presenting a variation of PD capabilities that justified the definition of a specific typology according to their levels of complexity. An in-depth case study has been carried out about the Meriva project (GM Brazil), which has been one of the most complex cases of PD performed by a Brazilian automotive unit ever. Amongst its findings, there has been a change on the quality, complexity and responsibility of the activities the Brazilian engineering has carried out, qualifying some of the subsidiaries to play a major role on automotive global PD.
Prolyl isomerase Pin1 shares functional similarity with phosphorylated CTD interacting factor PCIF1 in vertebrate cells

The carboxy‐terminal domain (CTD) of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) largest subunit undergoes reversible phosphorylation during transcription cycle. The phosphorylated CTD plays critical roles in coordinating transcription with chromatin modification and RNA processing by serving as a scaffold to recruit various proteins. Recently, we identified a novel human WW domain‐containing protein PCIF1 as a phosphorylated CTD‐interacting factor and demonstrated that PCIF1 negatively modulates Pol II activity in vivo. In the present study, to explore cellular functions of PCIF1, we generated PCIF1‐deficient chicken DT40 cell lines. We observed significant up‐regulation of WW domain‐containing prolyl isomerase Pin1 in two independently established PCIF1‐deficient mutant clones. As reconstitution of PCIF1 in the mutants did not reduce Pin1 expression, PCIF1 may not be a negative regulator of Pin1 expression. We assume that Pin1 over‐expression might suppress defects caused by PCIF1 deficiency in DT40 cells. We furthermore compared PCIF1 and Pin1 for their functional properties and found that these two proteins exhibit most similar target specificity among other CTD‐binding WW proteins, overlapping subcellular localization and comparative inhibitory effects on transcriptional activation by Pol II in human cultured cells. These results suggest that Pin1 may have overlapping cellular function with PCIF1 in vertebrate cells.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Bortezomib in Pediatric Leukemia Patients: Model‐Based Support for Body Surface Area‐Based Dosing Over the 2‐ to 16‐Year Age Range

This population analysis described the pharmacokinetics of bortezomib after twice‐weekly, repeat‐dose, intravenous administration in pediatric patients participating in 2 clinical trials: the phase 2 AALL07P1 (NCT00873093) trial in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the phase 3 AAML1031 (NCT01371981) trial in de novo acute myelogenous leukemia. The sources of variability in the pharmacokinetic parameters were characterized and quantified to support dosing recommendations. Patients received intravenous bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 twice‐weekly, on days 1, 4, and 8 during specific blocks or cycles of both trials and on day 11 of block 1 of study AALL07P1, in combination with multiagent chemotherapy. Blood samples were obtained and the plasma was harvested on day 8 over 0‐72 hours postdose to measure bortezomib concentrations by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Concentration‐time data were analyzed by nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling. Covariates were examined using forward addition (P < .01)/backward elimination (P < .001). Data were included from 104 patients (49%/51% acute lymphoblastic leukemia/acute myelogenous leukemia; 60%/40% aged 2‐11 years/12‐16 years). Bortezomib pharmacokinetics were described by a 3‐compartment model with linear elimination. Body surface area adequately accounted for variability in clearance (exponent 0.97), supporting body surface area‐based dosing. Stratified visual predictive check simulations verified that neither age group nor patient population represented sources of meaningful pharmacokinetic heterogeneity not accounted for by the final population pharmacokinetic model. Following administration of 1.3 mg/m2 intravenous bortezomib doses, body surface area–normalized clearance in pediatric patients was similar to that observed in adult patients, thereby indicating that this dose achieves similar systemic exposures in pediatric patients.
High proportion of smaller ranged hummingbird species coincides with ecological specialization across the Americas

Ecological communities that experience stable climate conditions have been speculated to preserve more specialized interspecific associations and have higher proportions of smaller ranged species (SRS). Thus, areas with disproportionally large numbers of SRS are expected to coincide geographically with a high degree of community-level ecological specialization, but this suggestion remains poorly supported with empirical evidence. Here, we analysed data for hummingbird resource specialization, range size, contemporary climate, and Late Quaternary climate stability for 46 hummingbird–plant mutualistic networks distributed across the Americas, representing 130 hummingbird species (ca 40% of all hummingbird species). We demonstrate a positive relationship between the proportion of SRS of hummingbirds and community-level specialization, i.e. the division of the floral niche among coexisting hummingbird species. This relationship remained strong even when accounting for climate, furthermore, the effect of SRS on specialization was far stronger than the effect of specialization on SRS, suggesting that climate largely influences specialization through species' range-size dynamics. Irrespective of the exact mechanism involved, our results indicate that communities consisting of higher proportions of SRS may be vulnerable to disturbance not only because of their small geographical ranges, but also because of their high degree of specialization.
Decrease in invasion of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells by interferon gamma involves cross-communication of STAT1 and BATF2 that regulates the expression of JUN

ABSTRACT Trophoblast invasion is one of the critical steps during embryo implantation. IFNG secreted during pregnancy by uterine NK cells acts as a negative regulator of invasion. IFNG in a dose dependent fashion inhibits invasion of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells. It phosphorylates STAT1 both at tyr 701 and ser 727 residues. Silencing of STAT1 significantly increases invasion (∼59%) of the cells. Based on NGS data, out of 207 genes, BATF2 expression was significantly increased after IFNG treatment. Silencing of BATF2 significantly increases the invasion of cells with (∼53%) or without (∼44%) treatment with IFNG. Expression of BATF2 and STAT1 is dependent on each other, silencing of one significantly inhibit the expression of other. Interestingly, phosphorylated JUN is also regulated by BATF2 and STAT1. Collectively, these findings showed that decrease in the invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells after IFNG treatment is controlled by STAT1 and BATF2, which further regulates the expression of JUN.
Monitoring fatigue famage and crack healing by ultrasound wave velocity

This paper presents the possibilities of using a simple ultrasonic method to estimate the fatigue life and crack healing of hot-mix asphalt (HMA). The ultrasound pulse velocity (UPV) was measured on cylindrical HMA specimens prepared using 60/70 asphalt cement and crushed limestone at three different aggregate gradations (maximum nominal aggregate size equal to 12.5, 19.0 and 25.0 mm). The UPV measurements were performed before and after first stage fatigue tests, after rest periods, and after a second stage fatigue tests that followed the rest period. The collected data were analyzed for the possibility of using UPV to predict fatigue life and crack healing of HMA. The results indicated that UPV can be used to predict fatigue life and crack healing especially after a relatively long rest period. The UPV was found to decrease consistently with an increasing number of constant stress fatigue cycles. UPV showed good capability in evaluating crack healing. The relationship between the percent of increase in UPV and the extended fatigue life caused by a rest period was much better than those between UPV and fatigue life before healing or between UPV and the type of aggregate used in preparing the HMA. Increasing of the rest period temperature caused an increase in both UPV and extended fatigue life. However, the percent of increase in UPV may be less than the percent of increase in fatigue life. Also, it can be noticed that the percent increase in UPV due to the use of different aggregate gradations is compatible to the percent increase in fatigue life due to the same reason. UPV was found to be higher in HMA prepared using higher sizes of aggregate. Based on the collected data, statistical models have the capability to predict fatigue life and crack healing in terms of measured UPV, healing temperature, rest period length and aggregate gradation used in preparing HMA were developed.
Sequencing effects of object control and locomotor skill during Integrated Neuromuscular Training in 6-7 year old children.

This study examined whether scheduling of object control (e.g., throwing, catching) and locomotor skills (e.g., running, jumping), within an integrated neuromuscular training (INT) program, results in different responses in motor competence, muscular fitness and perceived motor competence in 6-7 year old children. Seventy seven boys and 63 girls (n = 140) from 3 primary schools were randomised into three, 10-week interventions, Loco First (n = 50) where locomotor skills were performed first followed by object control skills; Object First (n =48) where object control skills were performed first followed by locomotor skills or a control group (n =42, CON) who undertook school Physical Education. Results indicated greater total motor competence in Loco First and Object First vs CON (P = 0.001) with the increases in motor competence being greater for Object First vs Loco First (P = 0.001). Sprint speed (10m) was lower for Object First vs CON (P = .024). Standing long jump distance was greater in Loco First vs CON (P .0001) and Object First (P = .0001). Seated medicine ball throw distance was greater for Loco First and Object First vs CON (Both P = .001). Perceived motor competence was also higher for Object First vs Loco First (P = .005) and CON (P = .001). This study suggests that scheduling object control skills before locomotor skills within school-based strength and conditioning has a greater effect on motor competence, muscular fitness and perceived motor competence in 6-7 year old children.
Adenovirus-based strategies enhance antitumor capability through p53-mediated downregulation of MGMT in uveal melanoma

ABSTRACT Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intractable disease with a low survival rates, despite adequate local treatment, as a result of its metastatic characteristics. Thus, new therapeutic strategies, including combinations of novel gene therapy and traditional chemotherapy, are under investigation to improve long-term prognosis. Dacarbazine or DTIC, an alkylating agent which results in DNA methylation, is most commonly used to treat melanoma but the response is very limited. The O6-methylguanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT), a DNA repair protein, is involved in chemoresistance in DTIC treatment. We previously investigated a combination of oncolytic adenovirus H101 and the alkylating agent DTIC in the treatment of UM cells in vitro and observed a synergistic antitumor effect. In this study, we validated this result and report an enhanced therapeutic effect in vivo. Our findings also demonstrated that the oncolytic adenovirus H101 decreased MGMT levels via accumulation of p53 overcoming DTIC chemoresistance. Therefore, the clinical therapeutic efficacy of DTIC in the treatment of UM might be improved using this adenovirus-based combination therapy.
The gut microbiome of hooded cranes (Grus monacha) wintering at Shengjin Lake, China

Gut microbes of animals play critical roles in processes such as digestion and immunity. Therefore, identifying gut microbes will shed light on understanding the annual life of animal species, particularly those that are threatened or endangered. In the present study, we conducted nucleotide sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA genes of gut microbiome of the hooded cranes (Grus monacha) wintering at Shengjin Lake, China, by Illumina high‐throughput sequencing technology. We acquired 503,398 high‐quality sequences and 785 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from 15 fecal samples from different cranes, representing 22 phyla that were dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. A total of 305 genera were identified that were dominated by Clostridium, Lysinibacillus, and Enterobacter. The core gut microbiome comprised 26 genera, including many probiotic species such as Clostridium, Bacillus, Cellulosilyticum, and Cellulomonas that could catabolize cellulose. The findings reported here contribute to our knowledge of the microbiology of hooded cranes and will likely advance efforts to protect waterbirds that inhabit Shengjin Lake Reserve during winter.
Historical perspectives and future directions in the surgical management of retroperitoneal sarcoma

Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) have fascinated and intrigued physicians both past and present. Operative mortality rates were historically very high and complete resection was not possible for the majority of patients until only the last 2 decades. More recently, changes to the surgical approach and clinical decision‐making in RPS have improved patient outcomes. With select integration of nonsurgical therapies, continued RPS‐specific research, and ongoing collaborative efforts among major referral centers, the future appears promising.
Implications of semi-quantitative HPV viral load estimation by Hybrid capture 2 in colposcopy practice

Objective High viral load of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) significantly increases risk of CIN 2 or worse (CIN 2+) lesions. Semi-quantitative estimation of oncogenic HPV viral load by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) correlates well with viral load estimated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We correlated viral load estimated by HC2 with colposcopy and histology diagnosis, to determine if high viral load could detect the CIN 2+ lesions missed by colposcopy in HPV positive women. Methods Using HPV testing by HC2, 39,728 women were screened. Positive results were categorized into low-positive, intermediate, and high viral load groups, based on relative light unit/cut-off ratios. HPV-positive and some HPV-negative women underwent colposcopy and biopsy. Results A total of 278 CIN 2+ lesions were detected. Detection rate of CIN 2+ was significantly higher in intermediate and high viral load groups. Nearly half (48.3%) of CIN 2+ and 80.4% of CIN 3+ lesions missed or under-diagnosed by colposcopy had viral load in intermediate to high ranges. Risk of CIN 2+ in the high viral load group was 46 times higher than HPV-negative women, even when colposcopy was apparently normal. Discussion Women with intermediate or high viral load should have multiple punch biopsies, even if colposcopy is apparently normal or suggests low grade lesions. Women with high viral load and suspected low grade lesion on colposcopy may be considered for ‘see-and-treat’, as their risk of CIN 2+ is nearly 200 times higher than HPV-negative women.