Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying NPM1 MRD in AML patients prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Where to draw the line?

Today, assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) increasingly allows a dynamic risk stratification and informs treatment decisions in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 1 For AML patients with NPM1 gene mutations quantitative PCR methods have proven to be reliable tools for MRD measurement. 1 Detection of mutated NPM1 transcript levels is highly informative at various time points during the disease course, 2 – 4 including before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). 3,5 – 8 Published studies consistently indicate overall survival (OS) differences of approximately 40% – 50% at 2 years after HSCT comparing NPM1 MRD ‐ positive and NPM1 MRD ‐ negative patients. 3,6 – 9 However, the MRD thresholds identified and adapted differ substantially between studies, ranging from the limit of detection of the respective test, often 0.001%, 6,7 to 0.1% 3 or even 1% 8 NPM1 / ABL1 copies. Reasons for these differences are based on characteristics of the respective MRD assays, varying statistical approaches, or different priorities, for example, avoiding “ over-treatment ” versus identifying every patient at risk. This has resulted in distinct proportions of patients identified to be at high risk of adverse outcomes in each study. 2,6 – 8 Additionally, due to still insufficient interlaboratory harmonization
The prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes in ovarian cancer

The prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in ovarian cancer is still in controversial. This study is aimed to assess the impact of different TIL subsets on the progression free survival (PFS)/disease free survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS)/disease specific survival (DSS) in ovarian cancer. A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Medline was performed to identify relevant studies evaluating the prognostic value of TILs in ovarian cancer. Reviews of each study were conducted and data were extracted. The main outcomes analyzed were PFS/DFS and OS/DSS. A total of 21 eligible studies enrolling 2903 ovarian cancer patients were included for the meta-analysis. The overall analysis revealed that intraepithelial CD3+ and CD8+ TILs were strongly associated with improved PFS/DFS (HR=0.53, for CD3+ TILs; and HR=0.50, for CD8+ TILs). Intraepithelial CD8+/Foxp3+ ratios appeared to be associated with improved PFS, though without reaching statistical significance (HR=0.73). Moreover, intraepithelial CD3+, CD8+, and CD103+ TILs were clearly associated with increased OS/DSS (HR=0.50, for CD3+ TILs; HR=0.62, for CD8+ TILs; HR=0.54, for CD103+ TILs). However, intraepithelial FoxP3+ TILs, CD8+/FoxP3+ ratios, CD8+/CD4+ ratios, and stromal TILs had no impact on the OS/DSS (HR=0.98, for FoxP3+ TILs; HR=0.69, for CD8+/FoxP3+ ratios; HR=0.48, for CD8+/CD4+ ratios; HR=0.82, for stromal TILs). In conclusion, the present meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that intraepithelial TILs are predictive biomarkers for the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Future randomized studies are needed to verify these observations.
The Arason invariant of orthogonal involutions of degree 12 and 8, and quaternionic subgroups of the Brauer group

Using the Rost invariant for torsors under Spin groups one may define an analogue of the Arason invariant for certain hermitian forms and orthogonal involutions. We calculate this invariant explicitly in various cases, and use it to associate to every orthogonal involution with trivial discriminant and trivial Clifford invariant over a central simple algebra of even co-index a cohomology class $f_3$ of degree 3 with $\mu_2$ coefficients. This invariant $f_3$ is the double of any representative of the Arason invariant; it vanishes when the algebra has degree at most 10, and also when there is a quadratic extension of the center that simultaneously splits the algebra and makes the involution hyperbolic. The paper provides a detailed study of both invariants, with particular attention to the degree 12 case, and to the relation with the existence of a quadratic splitting field.
Swedish Category Norms

Associations are not random. Semantic memory is structured in a way that when hearing a category name a listener will automatically think of exemplars belonging to this category. The order in which exemplars come to mind and the frequency of retrieval of exemplars across individuals are measures of category-exemplar associative strength. Associative strength affects a broad range of psychological phenomena and has proven to be a useful parameter in many research settings. The aim of the present study was to collect Swedish norm data for category-exemplar associative strength. A category name was read aloud to participants who were instructed to write down as many exemplars as possible during a 30 seconds time window. This procedure was repeated for 80 categories. Frequency and average recall position for all responses that were generated by five percent or more of the participants are presented. (Less)
Enhanced echocardiographic assessment of intracardiac flow in congenital heart disease

Background 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) can assess and measure the complex flow patterns of the right ventricle (RV) in congenital heart diseases, but its limited availability makes the broad application of intracardiac flow assessment challenging. Color Doppler imaging velocity reconstruction from conventional echocardiography is an emerging alternative, but its validity against 4D flow MRI needs to be established. Objective To compare intracardiac flow parameters measured by color Doppler velocity reconstruction (DoVeR) against parameters measured from 4D flow MRI. Methods We analyzed 20 subjects, including 7 normal RVs and 13 abnormal RVs (10 with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot, and 3 with atrial-level shunts). Intracardiac flow parameters such as relative pressure difference, vortex strength, total kinetic energy, and viscous energy loss were quantified using DoVeR and 4D flow MRI. The agreement between the two methods was determined by comparing the spatial fields and quantifying the cross-correlation and normalized difference between time-series measurements. Results The hemodynamic parameters obtained from DoVeR and 4D flow MRI showed similar flow characteristics and spatial distributions. The time evolutions of the parameters were also in good agreement between the two methods. The median correlation coefficient between the time-series of any parameter was between 0.87 and 0.92, and the median L2-norm deviation was between 10% to 14%. Conclusions Our study shows that DoVeR is a reliable alternative to 4D flow MRI for quantifying intracardiac hemodynamic parameters in the RV.
Clinical Ophthalmology Dovepress Dovepress Visual Acuity and Patient Satisfaction at Varied Distances and Lighting Conditions after Implantation of an Aspheric Diffractive Multifocal One-piece Intraocular Lens

hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the visual acuity and patient satisfaction at varied distances under photopic and mesopic lighting conditions in patients bilaterally implanted with aspheric diffractive multifocal one-piece intraocular lenses. Methods: In this retrospective–prospective study, 16 patients with a mean age of 66.2±9.2 years (range: 50–81 years) who had undergone bilateral phacoemulsification surgery with implanta-tion of a Tecnis multifocal one-piece intraocular lens (ZMB00) were evaluated. Monocular and binocular uncorrected and distance-corrected visual acuities were measured at distance (20 ft), intermediate (70–80 cm), and near (35–40 cm) under photopic (85 cd/m 2) and mesopic (3 cd/m 2) lighting conditions and were compared using the paired t-test. All patients also completed a subjective questionnaire. Results: At a mean follow-up of 9.5±3.9 months, distance, near, and intermediate visual acuity improved significantly from preoperative acuity. Under photopic and mesopic conditions, 93.8% and 62.5% of patients, respectively, had binocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and 62.5% and 31.3% of patients had binocular uncorrected near visual acuity of 20/20 or better. All patients were satisfied with their overall vision without using glasses and/or contact lenses when compared with before surgery. A total of 87.5% of patients reported no glare and 68.8% of patients reported no halos around lights at night. Conclusion: Tecnis multifocal one-piece intraocular lenses provide good distance, intermediate , and near visual acuity under photopic as well as mesopic lighting conditions. High levels of spectacle independence with low levels of photic phenomenon were achieved, resulting in excellent patient satisfaction.
Cultures of Intergenerational Transmission in Four-Generation Families

Intergenerational transfers in families are increasingly a topic of interest in the context of reductions in the welfare state and increased longevity. This paper draws upon data from a study of four-generation families which afforded an opportunity to examine the transfer of material and care resources across family generations. It explores ways in which family members from different generations talked about family obligations and the relevance of the concept ‘cultures of transmission’ in classifying these discourses. It addresses the questions: How far are cultures of transmission familial in the sense of typifying particular families? And how far are they shaped by life course phase and by historical context?
Student Success

The University System of Ohio Strategic Plan for Higher Education calls for a diversification of revenue sources for public colleges. Given the status of the state budget, the need for all colleges and universities to become less reliant on state support has never been stronger. The state strategic plan states that private giving can play an integral role in lowering tuition and increasing financial aid. In addition, Lakeland is one of six community colleges in Ohio with local support. Within the time period covered by this strategic plan, Lakeland’s support from local property tax will be determined. Likewise, federal grants and appropriations can be used to supplement tax money. All revenue options need to be examined to reduce the burden on students and the reliance on state support.
Physical activity of adults in households with and without children

This dissertation research responded to needs identified by researchers to better understand factors that influence different domains of physical activity (leisure, transportation, occupational, and household) and sedentary behavior at different life stages. In the context of the Ecological Model of Active Living, the present studies contributed to filling specific gaps in the literature on the effect of parenthood on physical activity. The studies addressed gaps related to sex-specific effects on parents, number and age of children, and how parenthood might interact with psychosocial and environmental factors to impact physical activity. Participants were 909 women and 965 men, aged 20 to 57 years. Paper 1 examined components of the intrapersonal level of the Ecological model, assessing the effect of parenthood on physical activity while controlling for demographic and biological factors and environmental features. Paper 2 explored interpersonal Ecological Model factors to assess whether parent status moderated the association between six psychosocial variables and physical activity outcomes. Paper 3 examined components of the environmental level of the Ecological Model to assess whether parent status moderated the association between eight objectively measured and four reported built environment variables and physical activity outcomes. In general, parents and non parents had similar levels of physical activity and responded similarly to psychosocial and environmental factors. Key differences were found at the individual, interpersonal, and environmental levels that could be helpful in developing parent-targeted interventions and merit further investigation. At the individual level, parents reported higher levels of household activity and less sitting time than non-parents, indicating favorable effects of parenthood. Compared to parents with children aged 0-5, non-parents and parents with children aged 6-17 reported less household activity and more sitting time, indicating the latter may be appropriate physical activity intervention targets. At the interpersonal level, social support was found to be a stronger correlate of physical activity for parents than non-parents, implying that social support-based interventions may be particularly effective for parents. At the environmental level, evidence of a parental disadvantage in access to recreation facilities and walkable neighborhoods supports the use of more broadly-targeted policy approaches to ensure parent access to physical activity resources
The fold of α-synuclein fibrils

The aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibrils is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson's disease it is believed that the aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) from monomers by intermediates into amyloid fibrils is the toxic disease-causative mechanism. Here, we studied the structure of α-syn in its amyloid state by using various biophysical approaches. Quenched hydrogen/deuterium exchange NMR spectroscopy identified five β-strands within the fibril core comprising residues 35–96 and solid-state NMR data from amyloid fibrils comprising the fibril core residues 30–110 confirmed the presence of β-sheet secondary structure. The data suggest that β1-strand interacts with β2, β2 with β3, β3 with β4, and β4 with β5. High-resolution cryoelectron microscopy revealed the protofilament boundaries of ≈2 × 3.5 nm. Based on the combination of these data and published structural studies, a fold of α-syn in the fibrils is proposed and discussed.
Amino Acid and protein metabolism in bermuda grass during water stress.

The ability of Arizona Common and Coastal Bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ] to synthesize amino acids and proteins during water stress was investigated. Amino acids were continually synthesized during the water stress treatments, but protein synthesis was inhibited and protein levels decreased.Water stress induced a 10- to 100-fold accumulation of free proline in shoots and a 2- to 6-fold accumulation of free asparagine, both of which are characteristic responses of water-stressed plants. Valine levels increased, and glutamic acid and alanine levels decreased. (14)C labeling experiments showed that free proline turns over more slowly than any other free amino acid during water stress. This proline is readily synthesized and accumulated from glutamic acid. It is suggested that during water stress free proline functions as a storage compound.No significant differences were found in the amino acid and protein metabolism of the 2 varieties of Bermuda grass.
Different Methods, Different Results

Achievement goal theory is one of the most popular theories of achievement motivation. Techniques researchers have used to assess goals include standardized questionnaires and interviews. One curious finding is that participants whose self-report questionnaire responses strongly indicate they operate with a performance goal do not make performance goal responses in subsequent interviews. In this article, we consider the nature of this divergence using a mixed methods approach and discuss how a third technique, the Implicit Association Test, might help address divergent goal responses. More broadly, we suggest that implicit measures may offer an additional and/or alternative technique for assessing the prevalence of psychological constructs thought to be underpinned by processes involving social cognition.
On artificial autonomy emergence — the foothills of a challenging climb

We set forth a case study using artificial agents ruled by abductive logic and emergent behavior, in order to investigate both the ability of these systems to reach some sense of autonomy relevant to moral philosophy, as well as to help to redefine this notion. Such agents exemplify what we could understand as the bottom of the hill of autonomy as an emergent property of some systems. We specify which aspects should be accounted for in an evaluation of what constitutes autonomy. Following Margaret Boden, we specify three aspects ("Self control", “Adaptivity to the environment" and "Response to environment") that supports a portrayal of autonomy as an emergent property, one that assumes the appearance of a hill with distinct plateaus that could lead to deep changes in a rethought view of Ethics. Although a deeper analysis of those transformations are in our research agenda, here we mostly attempt to show how this reconceptualization of autonomy can serve both as a parameter of classification of different degrees of autonomy and as an indication of where to direct our programming efforts. In summary, our conception is that of, when presented as an emergent characteristic, autonomy could fill the important place given it by elaborations in philosophical ethics and, at the same time, one that leads us to a clearer comprehension to the locus where to direct our efforts in the field of artificial agents. We conclude with the notion that this reevaluation is, in fact, a necessary one for the enhanced comprehension of human morality, once we accept that developments in the very comprehension of ourselves is a necessary aspect of it.
Hotspotting - A Probabilistic Graphical Model For Image Object Localization Through Crowdsourcing

Object localization is an image annotation task which consists of finding the location of a target object in an image. It is common to crowdsource annotation tasks and aggregate responses to estimate the true annotation. While for other kinds of annotations consensus is simple and powerful, it cannot be applied to object localization as effectively due to the task's rich answer space and inherent noise in responses. We propose a probabilistic graphical model to localize objects in images based on responses from the crowd. We improve upon natural aggregation methods such as the mean and the median by simultaneously estimating the difficulty level of each question and skill level of every participant. We empirically evaluate our model on crowdsourced data and show that our method outperforms simple aggregators both in estimating the true locations and in ranking participants by their ability. We also propose a simple adaptive sourcing scheme that works well for very sparse datasets.
Elevated expression of cav-1 in a subset of SSc fibroblasts contributes to constitutive Alk1/Smad1 activation

Previous studies have shown that the transforming growth factor (TGF)β/Alk1/Smad1 signaling pathway is constitutively activated in a subset of systemic sclerosis (SSc) fibroblasts and this pathway is a critical regulator of CCN2 gene expression. Caveolin‐1 (cav‐1), an integral membrane protein and the main component of caveolae, has also been implicated in SSc pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of caveolin‐1 in Smad1 signaling and CCN2 expression in healthy and SSc dermal fibroblasts. We show that a significant subset of SSc dermal fibroblasts has up‐regulated cav‐1 expression in vitro, and that cav‐1 up‐regulation correlates with constitutive Smad1 phosphorylation. In addition, basal levels of phospho‐Smad1 were down‐regulated after inhibition of cav‐1 in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Caveolin‐1 formed a protein complex with Alk1 in dermal fibroblasts, and this association was enhanced by TGFβ. By using siRNA against cav‐1 and adenoviral cav‐1 overexpression we demonstrate that activation of Smad1 in response to TGFβ requires cav‐1 and that cav‐1 is sufficient for Smad‐1 phosphorylation. We also show that cav‐1 is a positive regulator of CCN2 gene expression, and that it is required for the basal and TGFβ‐induced CCN2 levels. In conclusion, this study has revealed an important role of cav‐1 in mediating TGFβ/Smad1 signaling and CCN2 gene expression in healthy and SSc dermal fibroblasts.
Extrinsic Contribution and Instability Properties in Lead-Based and Lead-Free Piezoceramics

Piezoceramic materials generally exhibit a notable instability of their functional properties when they work under real external conditions. This undesirable effect, known as nonlinear behavior, is mostly associated with the extrinsic contribution to material response. In this article, the role of the ferroelectric domain walls’ motion in the nonlinear response in the most workable lead-based and lead-free piezoceramics is reviewed. Initially, the extrinsic origin of the nonlinear response is discussed in terms of the temperature dependence of material response. The influence of the crystallographic phase and of the phase boundaries on the material response are then reviewed. Subsequently, the impact of the defects created by doping in order to control the extrinsic contribution is discussed as a way of tuning material properties. Finally, some aspects related to the grain-size effect on the nonlinear response of piezoceramics are surveyed.
Chronic Immuno-Mediated Inflammation Stromal Cells As Inducers and Targets of Human Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a highly prevalent prostatic condition, could involve an inﬂammatory component in disease pathogenesis. In this study, we show that human stromal prostate cells obtained from BPH tissue can actively contribute to the inﬂammatory process by secreting proinﬂammatory cytokines as well as chemokines able to recruit lymphomonuclear cells and by acting as APCs. BPH cells express all of the TLRs and their ligation leads to the secretion of CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL10, and IL-6. In addition, BPH cells express costimulatory as well as class I and class II MHC molecules, which activate alloreactive CD4 (cid:1) cells that in turn markedly up-regulate IL-12/IL-23p40 and IL-12p75 secretion by BPH cells. Alloreactive CD4 (cid:1) cells activated by BPH cells secrete IFN- (cid:2) and IL-17. These cytokines up-regulate IL-6, IL-8, and CXCL10 production by BPH cells, creating a positive feedback loop that can amplify inﬂammation. IL-8 induces autocrine/paracrine proliferation of BPH cells, indicating also a growth-promoting activity of this chemokine in disease pathogenesis. These results show that human BPH cells represent nonprofessional APCs able to induce and sustain chronic inﬂammatory processes, supporting the relevance of inﬂammation in BPH pathogenesis. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 182: 4056–4064.
Interaction of Relatedness Need Satisfaction and Strengths of Economic Desires at Different Levels of Education and Social Affiliation

It was investigated to what extent dissatisfaction with interpersonal relationships is associated with increased economic desires among the members of samples representing population segments of different educational achievements and social affiliations. M.B.A. students expressed high desires for more items which satisfy existence needs under conditions of both high and low satisfaction with relatedness needs, a minimum of economic desires being observed at intermediate levels of satisfaction with relatedness needs. The same trend was observed when from among respondents of an industrially. employed sample data from those with completed university education were analyzed separately. For the total sample of industrially employed respondents, the expected association between decreasing relatedness satisfaction and increasing desires for items of material value was confirmed. Participative membership in human-relations-oriented organizations eliminated the association between the two variables.