Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilia in chronic childhood sinusitis.

OBJECTIVES To quantify eosinophilia in sinus tissues obtained from children with chronic sinusitis and to correlate the degree of eosinophilia with history of asthma, allergy, cystic fibrosis, and preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans. DESIGN Examination of surgical specimens from children who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery and controls. SETTING Tertiary care medical center. PATIENTS Thirty-four children who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis refractory to medical treatment were divided into three groups: 13 with asthma, 11 without asthma, and 10 with cystic fibrosis. Normal sphenoid sinus mucosa was also obtained from six adults undergoing transsphenoidal hypophysectomies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number of lamina propria and intraepithelial eosinophils in surgical specimens, allergic status, presence or absence of asthma, and CT scans obtained preoperatively. RESULTS There were significantly more lamina propria and intraepithelial eosinophils in the tissue of children with chronic sinusitis compared with normal sphenoid sinus mucosa. More eosinophils were counted in the tissues of patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis compared with patients without concomitant disease, but this did not reach statistical significance. Allergy status did not affect the degree of tissue eosinophilia. Eosinophilia did not correlate with severity of mucosal disease as assessed by CT scans. CONCLUSIONS Tissue eosinophilia is a characteristic histologic feature of chronic sinusitis in children, especially those with asthma. The presence of allergy does not predict tissue eosinophilia. Furthermore, the degree of tissue eosinophilia does not correlate with the severity of mucosal thickening seen on CT scans.
Dynapenic-obesity and physical function in older adults.

BACKGROUND Dynapenia (low muscle strength) and obesity are associated with an impaired physical function. It was hypothesized that older individuals with both conditions (dynapenic-obesity) would have a more impaired physical function than individuals with dynapenia or obesity alone. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 2,039 men and women aged 55 years and older from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Fat mass was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and leg strength by dynamometer. Based on fat mass and leg strength tertiles, four independent groups were identified: non-dynapenic and non-obese, obese alone, dynapenic alone, and dynapenic-obese. An objective physical function measure was obtained from a 20-foot walking speed test, whereas subjective physical function measures were obtained from five self-reported questions. RESULTS Within both sexes, the dynapenic-obese group had a slower walking speed than the non-dynapenic and non-obese and obese-alone groups (p <or= .01) but not the dynapenic-alone group. Similarly, with the exception of the dynapenic-alone group in men, the global subjective score was lower in the dynapenic-obese group than in the non-dynapenic and non-obese and obese-alone groups (p <or= .01). By comparison to the dynapenic-obese group, the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for walking disability were 0.21 (0.12-0.35) in the non-dynapenic and non-obese, 0.34 (0.20-0.56) in the obese-alone, and 0.54 (0.33-0.89) in the dynapenic-obese groups. The corresponding odds ratios for a disability based on the global subjective score were 0.20 (0.09-0.42), 0.60 (0.30-1.21), and 0.41 (0.19-0.87). CONCLUSION Dynapenic-obesity was associated with a poorer physical function than obesity alone and in most cases with dynapenia alone.
Assessment of Global and Regional Diffusion Changes along White Matter Tracts in Parkinsonian Disorders by MR Tractography

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) in parkinsonian disorders using a recently developed method for normalization of diffusion data and tract size along white matter tracts. Furthermore, the use of DTT in selected white matter tracts for differential diagnosis was assessed. Methods We quantified global and regional diffusion parameters in major white matter tracts in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive nuclear palsy (PSP), idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) and healthy controls). Diffusion tensor imaging data sets with whole brain coverage were acquired at 3 T using 48 diffusion encoding directions and a voxel size of 2×2×2 mm3. DTT of the corpus callosum (CC), cingulum (CG), corticospinal tract (CST) and middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP) was performed using multiple regions of interest. Regional evaluation comprised projection of fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD) and the apparent area coefficient (AAC) onto a calculated mean tract and extraction of their values along each structure. Results There were significant changes of global DTT parameters in the CST (MSA and PSP), CC (PSP) and CG (PSP). Consistent tract-specific variations in DTT parameters could be seen along each tract in the different patient groups and controls. Regional analysis demonstrated significant changes in the anterior CC (MD, RD and FA), CST (MD) and CG (AAC) of patients with PSP compared to controls. Increased MD in CC and CST, as well as decreased AAC in CG, was correlated with a diagnosis of PSP compared to IPD. Conclusions DTT can be used for demonstrating disease-specific regional white matter changes in parkinsonian disorders. The anterior portion of the CC was identified as a promising region for detection of neurodegenerative changes in patients with PSP, as well as for differential diagnosis between PSP and IPD.
FORCE ANALYSIS FOR GRINDING WITH SEGMENTAL WHEELS

This paper describes a force model for grinding with segmental wheels. Both experimental and analytical results show that average grinding force decreases and peak force increases using segmental wheels as compared to conventional wheels. Larger spaces between segments further reduce the average force and increase the peak force. The reduction in average force is due to the size effect whereby the specific energy decreases at higher instantaneous material removal rates. An investigation of surface roughness and wheel wear reveals that modest amounts of segmentation reduce average force without increasing surface roughness or wheel wear.
A mathematical model of the regulation of the G1 phase of Rb +/+ and Rb —/— mouse embryonic fibroblasts and an osteosarcoma cell line

A mathematical model integrating the roles of cyclin D, cdk4, cyclin E, cdk2, E2F and RB in control of the G1 phase of the cell cycle is described. Experimental results described with murine embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), either Rb +/+ or Rb —/—, and with the RB‐deficient osteosarcoma cell line, Saos‐2, served as the basis for the formulation of this mathematical model. A model employing the known interactions of these six proteins does not reproduce the experimental observations described in the MEFs. The appropriate modelling of G1 requires the inclusion of a sensing mechanism which adjusts the activity of cyclin E/cdk2 in response to both RB concentration and growth factors. Incorporation of this sensing mechanism into the model allows it to reproduce most of the experimental results observed in Saos‐2 cells, Rb —/— MEFS, and Rb +/+ MEFs. The model also makes specific predictions which have not been tested experimentally.
Cancer Stem Cells in Multiple Myeloma

Over the last few years, the hypothesis that rare stem cell-like cells are responsible for tumor initiation and maintenance, namely the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, has remarkably changed the way to approach cancer biology. The scientific relevance of this theory is based, in fact, not only on the existence of hierarchically organized, self-renewing malignant progenitor cells within each tumor, but also on the assumption that their drug resistance may account for the high frequency of relapse that renders incurable most tumors despite their treatment with specific cytotoxic drugs. The view that CSCs may descend from normal stem cells finds its historical background in studies on acute myeloid leukemia where the leukemic clone is organized according to a defined hierarchy in which the majority of tumor cells rapidly proliferate, while quiescent “ leukemic stem cells” resembling early hematopoietic progenitors remain as a potential reservoir of cancer propagation due to their chemoresistance to specific cytotoxic protocols. Recently, however, a large number of studies have turned the CSC theory into more than an idea, since clear experimental evidence has demonstrated the existence of CSCs in a number of tumors. Indeed, brain (Singh et al., 2004), intestinal (O'Brien et al., 2007) and breast cancers (Al-Hajj et al., 2003) have been shown to arise from rare cells, organized in a precise hierarchy resembling that of stem cells, which are capable of generating a differentiated progeny by repetitive asymmetric divisions. In most of these tumors, however, the earliest event driving the malignant transformation remains elusive and the original cell is far from being defined, since both histological and cell-surface marker profiles of the bulk tumor cells do not necessarily resemble those of the lineage-related stem cell. These observations, moreover, have been interpreted to suggest that CSCs could derive either from normal stem cells or from committed progenitor cells that have acquired the ability to self-renew due to specific genetic mutations (Visvader, 2011). Similar controversies have arisen with hematological malignancies of both myeloid and lymphoid origin, including multiple myeloma (MM). In fact, differently from acute leukemia, in the initial phases of most chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, neoplastic cells do not resemble early hematopoietic stem cells, but rather cellular elements in late maturation phases, as clearly demonstrated in chronic myeloid leukemia (Jamieson et al., 2004). In MM, malignant plasma cells are characterized by unique patterns of immunoglobulin (Ig) and surface antigen expression, thus suggesting that the tumor bulk is exclusively composed of terminally differentiated cells with high proliferation potential.
Committed, Unmarried Same-Sex Couples and their Social Networks in the United States: Relationships and Discursive Strategies

ABSTRACT This study examines two aspects of the experiences that committed, unmarried same-sex couples have with social network members (friends and family members). The study examines how remaining unmarried affected the couples’ relationships with social network members and the discursive strategies couples use when discussing their relationship with social network members. Twenty-seven committed, unmarried U.S. same-sex couples were interviewed. Couples described two challenges in their relationships with social network members as a result of not marrying: others perceived their commitment level as lessened because they did not marry, and others supported their relationship less because they did not marry. Couples used four discursive strategies to establish and maintain their family identity when interacting with social network members. Couples’ relational experiences and discursive strategies were consistent with previous descriptions of discourse-dependent families.
CLINICAL REVIEW 86 Euthyroid Sick Syndrome: Is It a Misnomer?

T HE TERM euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) identifies abnormalities in thyroid function tests observed in patients with systemic nonthyroidal illnesses (NTIs) and those undergoing surgery or fasting (1, 2). The term nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) has also been employed to describe these abnormalities (3). These abnormalities result from vari-able, usually reversible, disturbances in the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis, thyroid hormone binding to serum proteins, tissue uptake of thyroid hormones, and/or thyroid hormone metabolism. Several recent reviews have addressed these issues (3–6). I shall focus mainly on the clinical diagnosis, significance, and treatment of ESS.
Differential involvement of NF‐κB and MAP kinase pathways in the generation of inflammatory cytokines by human neutrophils

The ability of human neutrophils to express a variety of genes encoding inflammatory mediators is well documented, and mounting evidence suggests that neutrophil‐derived cytokines and chemokines contribute to the recruitment of discrete leukocyte populations at inflammatory sites. Despite this, our understanding of the signaling intermediates governing the generation of inflammatory cytokines by neutrophils remains fragmentary. Here, we report that inhibitors of the p38 MAPK and MEK pathways substantially diminish the release of (and in the case of p38 inhibitors, the gene expression of) several inflammatory cytokines in neutrophils stimulated with LPS or TNF. In addition, various NF‐κB inhibitors were found to profoundly impede the inducible gene expression and release of inflammatory cytokines in these cells. The MAPK inhibitors did not affect NF‐κB activation; instead, the transcriptional effects of the p38 MAPK inhibitor appear to involve transcriptional factor IID. Conversely, the NF‐κB inhibitors failed to affect the activation of MAPKs. Finally, the MAPK inhibitors were found to prevent the activation a key component of the translational machinery, S6 ribosomal protein, in keeping with their post‐transcriptional impact on cytokine generation. To our knowledge, this constitutes the first demonstration that in neutrophils, the inducible expression of proinflammatory cytokines by physiological stimuli largely reflects the ability of the latter to activate NF‐κB and selected MAPK pathways. Our data also raise the possibility that NF‐κB or MAPK inhibitors could be useful in the treatment of inflammatory disorders in which neutrophils predominate.
Prediction of Functional Outcome in Axonal Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Objective To identify the factors that could predict the functional outcome in patients with the axonal type of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Methods Two hundred and two GBS patients admitted to our university hospital between 2003 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. We defined a good outcome as being "able to walk independently at 1 month after onset" and a poor outcome as being "unable to walk independently at 1 month after onset". We evaluated the factors that differed between the good and poor outcome groups. Results Twenty-four patients were classified into the acute motor axonal neuropathy type. There was a statistically significant difference between the good and poor outcome groups in terms of the GBS disability score at admission, and GBS disability score and Medical Research Council sum score at 1 month after admission. In an electrophysiologic analysis, the good outcome group showed greater amplitude of median, ulnar, deep peroneal, and posterior tibial nerve compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) and greater amplitude of median, ulnar, and superficial peroneal sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) than the poor outcome group. Conclusion A lower GBS disability score at admission, high amplitude of median, ulnar, deep peroneal, and posterior tibial CMAPs, and high amplitude of median, ulnar, and superficial peroneal SNAPs were associated with being able to walk at 1 month in patients with axonal GBS.
Morphology of Tumor Cell Nuclei Is Significantly Related with Survival Time of Patients with Glioblastomas

Purpose: To investigate whether histomorphology of tumor cell nuclei has a significant and independent relation to survival time of patients with glioblastomas. Experimental Design: Seventy-two tumors from 72 patients were investigated by means of digital image analysis. Proliferating and nonproliferating nuclei were separately measured and parameters of nuclear size, shape, texture, and spatial relationships (topometric parameters) were detected. Survival analysis was done regarding morphometric data together with the patients' age, the amount of resection (total or subtotal), and the classification of the tumor as a “primary” (de novo) or “secondary” glioblastoma. Results: The overall relation of all morphometric data to the time of survival was highly significant (Cox analysis, P < 0.0001). Apart from the extent of surgical resection, parameters of nuclear shape and topometric variables, such as the distance between two nuclei lying nearest to each other, showed an independent and significant relation to survival time. The patients' age had also a significant but comparably slight relation to survival time. Conclusions: The morphology of tumor cell nuclei, as represented by morphometric data, shows a significant relation to survival time of patients with glioblastomas. This relation is statistically independent from the amount of surgical resection, from the patients' age and from the classification of the glioblastoma as being primary or secondary. The results support the view that histomorphometry of tumor cell nuclei is a valuable prognostic marker for patients with glioblastomas. We believe that such a marker ought to be incorporated into the formation of individual therapeutic decisions.
Does Anyone Know the Answer to that Question? Individual Differences in Judging Answerability

Occasionally people may attempt to judge whether a question can be answered today, or if not, if it can be answered in the future. For example, a person may consider whether enough is known about the dangers of living close to a nuclear plant, or to a major electricity cable, for them to be willing to do so, and state-authorities may consider whether questions about the dangers of new technologies have been answered, or in a reasonable future can be, for them to be willing to invest money in research aiming develop such technologies. A total of 476 participants, for each of 22 knowledge questions, either judged whether it was answerable today (current answerability), or judged when it could be answered (future answerability). The knowledge questions varied with respect to the expected consensus concerning their answerability: consensus questions (high expected consensus), non-consensus questions (lower expected consensus), and illusion questions (formulated to appear answerable, but with crucial information absent). The questions’ judged answerability level on the two scales was highly correlated. For both scales, consensus questions were rated more answerable than the non-consensus questions, with illusion questions falling in-between. The result for the illusion questions indicates that a feeling of answerability can be created even when it is unlikely that somebody can come up with an answer. The results also showed that individual difference variables influenced the answerability judgments. Higher levels of belief in certainty of knowledge, mankind’s knowledge, and mankind’s efficacy were related to judging the non-consensus questions as more answerable. Participants rating the illusion questions as answerable rated the other answerability questions as more, or equally, answerable compared to the other participants and showed tendencies to prefer a combination of more epistemic default processing and less intellectual processing.
Determinants of Firms' Backward- and Forward-Looking R&D Search Behavior

This study develops and operationalizes a behavioral forward-looking search model by incorporating prospect theory, organizational risk literature, and the logic of the behavioral theory of the firm. With recognition of the bounded rationality of decision makers and the goal-directed, rule-based nature of organizations, this model suggests that a comparison between firms' performance expectation and performance target translates the cognitive representation of the firms' future into their subsequent actions. By examining the research and development (R&D) expenditures of U.S. manufacturing firms from 1980 to 2001, this study explores how performance, aspirations, expectations, and slack affect decision making about firms' R&D search investments. The findings show that both performance feedback and performance prospect are important determinants of firms' search behavior after controlling for firm, industry, and time effects. In addition, backward-and forward-looking determinants have interactive effects on search behavior. Firms' problem-driven search activity further increases when firms feel unlikely to achieve the performance target for another year. In contrast, search intensity is reduced when firms expect to improve their performance from an underperforming situation to an outperforming situation. The findings suggest that future research on performance feedback and experiential learning should also consider the effect of forward-looking prospects on firm behavior.
Biological Sequence Analysis: Probabilistic Models of Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Probablistic models are becoming increasingly important in analyzing the huge amount of data being produced by large-scale DNA-sequencing efforts such as the Human Genome Project. For example, hidden Markov models are used for analyzing biological sequences, linguistic-grammar-based probabilistic models for identifying RNA secondary structure, and probabilistic evolutionary models for inferring phylogenies of sequences from different organisms. This book gives a unified, up-to-date and self-contained account, with a Bayesian slant, of such methods, and more generally to probabilistic methods of sequence analysis. Written by an interdisciplinary team of authors, it is accessible to molecular biologists, computer scientists, and mathematicians with no formal knowledge of the other fields, and at the same time presents the state of the art in this new and important field.
Heart rate and performance parameters in elite cyclists: a longitudinal study.

PURPOSE This study was designed to evaluate the stability of target heart rate (HR) values corresponding to performance markers such as lactate threshold (LT) and the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2) in a group of 13 professional road cyclists (VO2max, approximately 75.0 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1)) during the course of a complete sports season. METHODS Each subject performed a progressive exercise test on a bicycle ergometer (ramp protocol with workload increases of 25 W x min(-1)) three times during the season corresponding to the "active" rest (fall: November), precompetition (winter: January), and competition periods (spring: May) to determine HR values at LT, VT1 and VT2. RESULTS Despite a significant improvement in performance throughout the training season (i.e., increases in the power output eliciting LT, VT1, or VT2), target HR values were overall stable (HR at LT: 154 +/- 3, 152 +/- 3, and 154 +/- 2 beats x min(-1); HR at VT1: 155 +/- 3, 156 +/- 3, and 159 +/- 3 beats x min(-1); and at VT2: 178 +/- 2, 173 +/- 3, and 176 +/- 2 beats x min(-1) during rest, precompetition, and competition periods, respectively). CONCLUSION A single laboratory testing session at the beginning of the season might be sufficient to adequately prescribe training loads based on HR data in elite endurance athletes such as professional cyclists. This would simplify the testing schedule generally used for this type of athlete.