Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 and D2 and Non-Clinical Psychotic Experiences in Childhood

Objective Non-clinical psychotic experiences are common and distressing. It has been hypothesized that early life vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for psychosis-related outcomes, but it is not known if circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) during childhood are associated with psychosis-related outcomes or whether the two different forms of 25(OH)D, (25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2, have similar associations with psychosis-related outcomes. Methods We investigated the association between serum 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2 concentrations and psychotic experiences in a prospective birth cohort study. Serum 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2 concentrations were measured at mean age 9.8 years and psychotic experiences assessed at mean age 12.8 years by a psychologist (N = 3182). Results Higher 25(OH)D3 concentrations were associated with lower risk of definite psychotic experiences (adjusted odds ratio: OR (95% confidence interval: CI) 0.85 (0.75–0.95)). Higher concentrations of 25(OH)D2 were associated with higher risk of suspected and definite psychotic experiences (adjusted odds ratio: OR (95% confidence interval: CI) 1.26 (1.11, 1.43)). Higher 25(OD)D2 concentrations were also weakly associated with definite psychotic experiences (adjusted OR (95% CI) 1.17 (0.96, 1.43), though with wide confidence intervals including the null value. Conclusions Our findings of an inverse association of 25(OH)D3 with definite psychotic experiences is consistent with the hypothesis that vitamin D may protect against psychosis-related outcomes.
DEFORMATION BEHAVIORS OF [110] AND [112] ORIENTED β-Sn SINGLE CRYSTALS

Deformation behaviors of (110) and (112) oriented Sn single crystals were investigated under different temperatures and strain rates. It is shown that there are some differences between (110) and (112) orientations. (110) oriented sample has the higher strain rate sensitivity exponent m≈0.133, strain hardening exponent n≈0.54, activation energy Q≈35 kJ/mol and deforms through multiple- slip. While (112) oriented sample has the lower strain rate sensitivity exponent m≈0.108, lower strain hardening exponent n≈0.46, activation energy Q≈52 kJ/mol and deforms through cross-slip and twins together. The first activated slip system is {010}h 100i in (110) orientation. The critical-resolved shear stress (CRSS) is 3.1 MPa which is depended on temperature. Deformation process is controlled by the cross-slip according to the activation energy and slip observation.
Grounded Theory and Autopoietic Social Systems: Are They Methodologically Compatible?

The paper offers a secondary analysis from a grounded theory doctoral study that reconsiders its “grounded systemic design” (Mitchell, 2005, 2007). While theorists across multiple disciplines fiercely debate the ontological implications of Niklas Luhmann’s autopoietic systems theory (Deflem 1998; Graber and Teubner 1998; King and Thornhill 2003; Mingers 2002; Neves 2001; O’Byrne 2003; Verschraegen 2002, for example), few investigators have yet to adopt his core constructs empirically (see Gregory, Gibson and Robinson 2005 for an exception). Glaser’s (1992, 2005) repeated concerns for grounded theorists to elucidate a “theoretical code” has provided an additional entry point into this project of integrating grounded theory with Luhmann’s abstract conceptual thinking about how global society operates. The author argues that this integration of methodology and systems thinking provides an evolution of grounded theory – rather than its ongoing “erosion” as Greckhamer and Koro-Ljungberg (2005) have feared – and a transportable set of methodological and analytical constructs is presented as a basis for further grounded study.
Parametrization of all internally stabilizing plant and controller pairs via differentially coprime kernel representations

In this paper, we use the notion of a differentially coprime kernel representation to parametrize the set of all internally stabilizing nonlinear plant and controller pairs using a Youla parameter and to unify understanding of some stability concepts for nonlinear systems. The idea of a differential kernel representation allows us to clarify the relationship between three different notions of internal stability available in the literature. Furthermore the parametrization derived here is applicable to nonlinear closed-loop identification problems.
Influence of exposure time, wood species and dimension on the remaining copper and chromium content in CC-treated wood after field and laboratory leaching tests

Abstract Most studies on preservative depletion from treated wood are performed with small samples on a laboratory scale. Although these studies provided repeatable and constant test parameters, the results have little applicability to real conditions. Therefore, a series of laboratory tests were carried out according to CEN/TS 15119 part 1 and part 2 by means of EN 252 and non-standard sized Scots pine sapwood as well as spruce stakes. The stakes were impregnated by vacuum pressure with chromium (Cr)-copper(Cu)-containing wood preservative. For comparison, a set of 18 stakes per test parameter was installed at a test site (in ground use), whereby, every 4 months, three stakes from each series were removed for analysis. Both the time depending losses of metal as well as the remaining element contents were determined for samples exposed under lab conditions, whereas distribution and remaining element contents were measured for samples exposed in the field. The obtained data were evaluated regarding factors influencing the metal leaching, such as exposure time, wood species, or dimension. The results showed that wood species had a significant effect on the Cu depletion, while it had less influence on the Cr loss. Cr and Cu distribution in the standard and non-standard sized pine sapwood significantly changed as compared to spruce. In addition, comparison of the laboratory and field test results indicated that metal depletion is greater in field exposure compared to both laboratory tests.
A Dose-escalation Study of Recombinant Human Interleukin-18 in Combination With Ofatumumab After Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an immunostimulatory cytokine that augments antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by human natural killer cells against antibody-coated lymphoma cells in vitro and that has antitumor activity in animal models. Ofatumumab is a CD20 monoclonal antibody with activity against human B-cell lymphomas. A phase I study of recombinant human (rh) IL-18 given with ofatumumab was undertaken in patients with CD20+ lymphoma who had undergone high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Cohorts of 3 patients were given intravenous infusions of ofatumumab 1000 mg weekly for 4 weeks with escalating doses of rhIL-18 as a intravenous infusion weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Nine male patients with CD20+ lymphomas were given ofatumumab in combination with rhIL-18 at doses of 3, 10, and 30 &mgr;g/kg. No unexpected or dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The mean reduction from predose levels in the number of peripheral blood natural killer cells after the first rhIL-18 infusion was 91%, 96%, and 97% for the 3, 10, and 30 &mgr;g/kg cohorts, respectively. Serum concentrations of interferon-&ggr; and chemokines transiently increased following IL-18 dosing. rhIL-18 can be given in biologically active doses by weekly infusions in combination with ofatumumab after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation to patients with lymphoma. A maximum tolerated dose of rhIL-18 plus ofatumumab was not determined. Further studies of rhIL-18 and CD20 monoclonal antibodies in B-cell malignancies are warranted.
Comparison of the Effects of Telephone Suicide Prevention Help by Volunteers and Professional Paid Staff: Results from Studies in the USA and Quebec, Canada

Research since the 1960s has consistently found that lay volunteers are better at helping suicidal callers than professionals. Yet, professional degrees are increasingly becoming requirements for helpline workers. In our first study, we conducted post hoc comparisons of U.S. helplines with all professional paid staff, all lay volunteers, and a mix of both, using silent monitoring and standardized assessments of 1,431 calls. The volunteer centers more often conducted risk assessments, had more empathy, were more respectful of callers, and had significantly better call outcome ratings. A second study of five Quebec suicide prevention centers used silent monitoring to compare telephone help in 1,206 calls answered by 90 volunteers and 39 paid staff. Results indicate no significant differences between the volunteers and paid employees on outcome variables. However, volunteers and paid staff with over 140 hours of call experience had significantly better outcomes. Unlike the United States, Quebec paid employees were not required to have advanced professional degrees. We conclude from these results and previous research that there is no justification for requiring that suicide prevention helpline workers be mental health professionals. In fact, the evidence to date indicates that professionals may be less effective in providing telephone help to suicidal individuals when compared to trained lay volunteers.
Is alfa a vegetal fiber suitable for making green reinforced structure concrete?

Many studies showed the interest of reinforcing composite materials with biofibers in the last decade. Producing more eco-friendly concretes, replacing synthetic fibers with natural and less expensive materials, is the main reason supporting these studies. Numerous plants have been investigated to reinforce concrete among which alfa has not been considered yet whilst it is made of cellulosic natural fibers with interesting stiffness and strength properties. In addition it is abundant and widely distributed around the Mediterranean basin and it grows without watering or use of any amendment. This study investigates the potential of alfa fibers to produce a green concrete with suitable mechanical properties. The results show that the use of alfa fibers allow to obtain a concrete less expensive, more eco-friendly and better from the mechanical point of view than when using polypropylene fibers, which makes of alfa a good candidate to produce sustainable concrete and green buildings.
Clinical significance of microvessel density and proliferation in prostate cancer core biopsy.

PURPOSE To investigate the microvessel density (MVD) and proliferation in prostate cancer (PC) core biopsies. METHODS Core biopsy samples of PC tissue from 45 patients were routinely processed and embedded in paraffin. The samples of PC formed the investigated group (n=25), while samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) served as controls (n=20). From paraffin blocks, 3-5 μm-thick sections were made and routine hematoxylin-eosin method and immunohistochemical ABC method with Ki67 and CD34 antibodies were applied. Immunohistochemical expression of Ki67 and CD34 was stereometrically quantified. RESULTS The median number of Ki67 and CD34 positive cells per mm2 in PC were significantly higher in comparison to the median of these cells in BHP. The average age and Gleason score in patients with high proliferation index (proIDX) and MVD index (mvdIDX) was significantly greater in comparison to those with low proIDX and low mvdIDX. The absolute values of Ki67 expression were in highly positive and significant correlation with the absolute values of CD34 expression. Highly significant correlation was found between Gleason score and proIDX and mvdIDX. CONCLUSION This study showed that PC expressed significantly higher values of Ki67 and CD34 in comparison to BPH. The values of proIDX and mvdIDX obtained by core biopsy could clearly show the level of cancer progression expressed through highly correlated Gleason score. In this way it is possible to identify the patients at high risk for disease progression.
Circulating Tumor Cell Phenotype Predicts Recurrence and Survival in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Objective: We assessed circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes as a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Background: PDAC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. There is an urgent need to develop biomarkers that predict patient prognosis and allow for better treatment stratification. Methods: Peripheral and portal blood samples were obtained from 50 patients with PDAC before surgical resection and filtered using the Isolation by Size of Epithelial Tumor cells method. CTCs were identified by immunofluorescence using commercially available antibodies to cytokeratin, vimentin, and CD45. Results: Thirty-nine patients (78%) had epithelial CTCs that expressed cytokeratin but not CD45. Twenty-six (67%) of the 39 patients had CTCs which also expressed vimentin, a mesenchymal marker. No patients had cytokeratin-negative and vimentin-positive CTCs. The presence of cytokeratin-positive CTCs (P < 0.01), but not mesenchymal-like CTCs (P = 0.39), was associated with poorer survival. The presence of cytokeratin-positive CTCs remained a significant independent predictor of survival by multivariable analysis after accounting for other prognostic factors (P < 0.01). The detection of CTCs expressing both vimentin and cytokeratin was predictive of recurrence (P = 0.01). Among patients with cancer recurrence, those with vimentin-positive and cytokeratin-expressing CTCs had decreased median time to recurrence compared with patients without CTCs (P = 0.02). Conclusions: CTCs are an exciting potential strategy for understanding the biology of metastases, and provide prognostic utility for PDAC patients. CTCs exist as heterogeneous populations, and assessment should include phenotypic identification tailored to characterize cells based on epithelial and mesenchymal markers.
Longitudinal Relations Among Parenting Styles, Prosocial Behaviors, and Academic Outcomes in U.S. Mexican Adolescents.

This article examined parenting styles and prosocial behaviors as longitudinal predictors of academic outcomes in U.S. Mexican youth. Adolescents (N = 462; Wave 1 Mage = 10.4 years; 48.1% girls), parents, and teachers completed parenting, prosocial behavior, and academic outcome measures at 5th, 10th, and 12th grades. Authoritative parents were more likely to have youth who exhibited high levels of prosocial behaviors than those who were moderately demanding and less involved. Fathers and mothers who were less involved and mothers who were moderately demanding were less likely than authoritative parents to have youth who exhibited high levels of prosocial behaviors. Prosocial behaviors were positively associated with academic outcomes. Discussion focuses on parenting, prosocial behaviors, and academic attitudes in understanding youth academic performance.
Mortality Rates After Posterior C1–2 Fusion for Displaced Type II Odontoid Fractures in Octogenarians

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study Objective. To assess 30-day and 1-year mortality rates as well as the most common complications associated with posterior C1–2 fusion in an octogenarian cohort. Summary of Background Data. Treatment of unstable type II odontoid fractures in elderly patients can present challenges. Recent evidence indicates in patients older than 80 years, posterior C1–2 fusion results in improved survival as compared to other modes of treatment. Methods. Retrospective analysis of 43 consecutive patients (25 female and 18 male; mean age 84.3 yr, range 80–89 yr; mean Charlson Comorbidity Index 1.4, (range 1–6); mean body mass index 24.8 ± 4.2 kg/m2, who underwent posterior C1-C2 fusion for management of unstable type II odontoid fracture by four fellowship trained spine surgeons at a single institution between January 2006 to June 2016. Results. Mean fracture displacement was 5.1 ± 3.6 mm and mean absolute value of angulation was 19.93° ± 12.93°. The most common complications were altered mental status (41.9%, n = 18), dysphagia (27.9%, n = 12) with 50% of those patients (6/12) requiring a feeding tube, and emergency reintubation (9.3%, n = 4). To the date of review completion, 25 of 43 patients expired (58.1%), median survival of 1.76 years from the date of surgery. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality rates were 2.3% and 18.6%, respectively. Patients who developed dysphagia were 14.5 times more likely to have expired at 1 year; dysphagia was also found to be significantly associated with degree of displacement. Fracture displacement was found to be associated with increased odds for 1-year mortality when accounting for age and requirement of a feeding tube. Conclusion. Posterior C1–2 fusion results in acceptably low mortality rates in octogenarians with unstable type II odontoid fractures when compared to nonoperative management mortality rates in current literature. Initial fracture displacement is associated with higher mortality rate in this patient population. Level of Evidence: 4
Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid Restores Estrogen Reduced‐cTnI Expression in Neonatal Hearts of Mice

Diastolic cardiac dysfunction can be caused by abnormality in cTnI expression during cardiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of estrogen on the abnormal expression of cTnI in the hearts of neonatal mice and its potential epigenetic mechanisms. We then evaluated suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a HDAC inhibitor, as a new target treatment of diastolic cardiac dysfunction. Postnatal day 0.5 C57BL/6 mice were injected with estrogen for 1 week, then the hearts of 7‐day‐old neonatal mice were retrieved for examination. The activities of HDAC and HAT were assayed by colorimetry, and the interaction of cTnI with HDAC5 in mice hearts were examined using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The expression of cTnI was tested by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blot. Estrogen treated groups displayed a significantly increased HDAC activity in the hearts of neonatal mice while HAT activity remained unchanged. Additionally, HDAC5 was higher at the cTnI promoter, as compared to the saline treated control groups. The acetylation of histone H3K9ac on cTnI promoter significantly decreased in the hearts of neonatal mice treated with estrogen, and the expression of cTnI at transcriptional and protein levels also decreased. SAHA was shown to increase the acetylation of histone H3K9ac and upregulate the expression of cTnI. The data demonstrated that SAHA can correct cTnI expression abnormality caused by estrogen through inhibiting the binding of HDAC5 to the promoter of cTnI. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2377–2384, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Features and Outcomes of Methamphetamine‐associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Rationale: Although amphetamines are recognized as “likely” agents to cause drug‐ and toxin‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), (meth)amphetamine‐associated PAH (Meth‐APAH) has not been well described. Objectives: To prospectively characterize the clinical presentation, histopathology, and outcomes of Meth‐APAH compared with those of idiopathic PAH (iPAH). Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study of patients with Meth‐APAH and iPAH presenting to the Stanford University Pulmonary Hypertension Program between 2003 and 2015. Clinical, pulmonary angiography, histopathology, and outcomes data were compared. We used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project to estimate the epidemiology of PAH in (meth)amphetamine users hospitalized in California. Measurements and Main Results: The study sample included 90 patients with Meth‐APAH and 97 patients with iPAH. Patients with Meth‐APAH were less likely to be female, but similar in age, body mass index, and 6‐minute‐walk distance to patients with iPAH. Patients with Meth‐APAH reported more advanced heart failure symptoms, had significantly higher right atrial pressure (12.7 ± 6.8 vs. 9.8 ± 5.1 mm Hg; P = 0.001), and had lower stroke volume index (22.2 ± 7.1 vs. 25.5 ± 8.7 ml/m2; P = 0.01). Event‐free survival in Meth‐APAH was 64.2%, 47.2%, and 25% at 2.5, 5, and 10 years, respectively, representing more than double the risk of clinical worsening or death compared with iPAH (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–3.25; P = 0.003) independent of confounders. California data demonstrated a 2.6‐fold increase in risk of PAH diagnosis in hospitalized (meth)amphetamine users. Conclusions: Meth‐APAH is a severe and progressive form of PAH with poor outcomes. Future studies should focus on mechanisms of disease and potential therapeutic considerations.
The environmental impact of gold mines: pollution by heavy metals

The gold mining plant of Oman was studied to assess the contribution of gold mining on the degree of heavy metals into different environmental media. Samples were collected from the gold mining plant area in tailings, stream waters, soils and crop plants. The collected samples were analyzed for 13 heavy metals including vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), aluminium (Al), strontium (Sr), iron (Fe) and barium (Ba). The water in the acid evaporation pond showed a high concentration of Fe as well as residual quantities of Zn, V, and Al, whereas water from the citizens well showed concentrations of Al above those of Omani and WHO standards. The desert plant species growing closed to the gold pit indicated high concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Al, Ni, Fe, Cr, and V), while the similar plant species used as a control indicated lesser concentrations of all heavy metals. The surface water (blue) indicated very high concentrations of copper and significant concentrations of Mn, Ni, Al, Fe, Zn, lead, Co and Cd. The results revealed that some of the toxic metals absorbed by plants indicated significant metal immobilization.
Spatial patterns and climate relationships of major plant traits in the New World differ between woody and herbaceous species

Despite several recent efforts to map plant traits and to identify their climatic drivers, there are still major gaps. Global trait patterns for major functional groups, in particular, the differences between woody and herbaceous plants, have yet to be identified. Here, we take advantage of big data efforts to compile plant species occurrence and trait data to analyse the spatial patterns of assemblage means and variances of key plant traits. We tested whether these patterns and their climatic drivers are similar for woody and herbaceous plants.
Hairy and Enhancer of Split‐Related With YRPW Motif‐Like (HeyL) Is Dispensable for Bone Remodeling in Mice

Notch induces Hairy Enhancer of Split (Hes)1 and Hes‐related with YRPW motif (Hey) Hey1, Hey2 and Hey‐like (HeyL) expression in osteoblasts, but it is not known whether any of these target genes mediates the effect of Notch in the skeleton. We demonstrated that Notch1 activation in osteoblasts/osteocytes induces Hes1, Hey1, Hey2, and HeyL, but HeyL was induced to a greater extent than other target genes. To characterize HeyL null mice for their skeletal phenotype, microcomputed tomography (µCT) and histomorphometric analysis of HeyL null and sex‐matched littermate controls was performed. µCT demonstrated modest cancellous bone osteopenia in 1 month old male mice and normal microarchitecture in 3 month old male HeyL null mice. Female HeyL null mice were not different from controls at either 1 or 3 months of age. Bone histomorphometry did not demonstrate differences between HeyL null mice of either sex and littermate controls. In conclusion, HeyL null mice do not exhibit an obvious skeletal phenotype demonstrating that HeyL is dispensable for skeletal homeostasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1819–1826, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.