Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What Is the Clinical Significance of FDG Unexpected Uptake in the Prostate in Patients Undergoing PET/CT for Other Malignancies?

Purpose. To determine the clinical significance of unexpected, abnormal FDG uptake in the prostate in patients undergoing FDG-PET/CT for staging of other primary malignancies without a prior history of prostate carcinoma. Methods. Retrospective search of FDG-PET/CT studies to identify patients with unexpected, abnormal FDG uptake in the prostate gland, who underwent subsequent biopsy, was performed. 26 patients were identified. Images were reviewed to determine the pattern of uptake within the prostate (focal or diffuse) and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). PSA and Gleason scores were recorded. Results. 15/26 (58%) patients were found to have prostate carcinoma. Gleason scores ranged from 6 to 9.9. There was no statistical difference in the pattern of uptake (focal versus diffuse) or the SUVmax. Serum PSA levels with cancer (range, 2–26.8 ng; mean, 10.2 ng) and those without cancer (range, 2–10.5 ng; mean, 2.2 ng) were statistically significant (P < 0.007, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Conclusions. Patients with abnormal uptake in the prostate have a 58% likelihood of occult prostate cancer. In the setting of elevated serum PSA levels, abnormal prostate uptake should therefore be viewed with suspicion and a urology consult should be obtained; however, it is irrelevant in patients with underlying aggressive malignancies.
Receive antenna selection for MIMO spatial multiplexing: theory and algorithms

This paper discusses the problem of receive antenna subset selection in multiple-input multiple-output spatial multiplexing (MIMO-SM) systems. We develop selection algorithms for maximizing the channel capacity. One algorithm in particular allows tractable statistical analysis of performance. We leverage this to prove that the capacity of the system through receive antenna selection is statistically lower bounded by the capacity of a set of parallel independent single input multiple output (SIMO) channels, each with selection diversity. This provides the crucial step in proving the next main result: The diversity order achievable through antenna selection is the same as that of the full system. The result sets up strong motivation for introducing receive selection in MIMO-SM systems. The remainder of the paper discusses selection algorithms for two popular MIMO-SM systems, namely, ordered successive interference cancellation with independently encoded layers and minimum mean square error (MMSE) receiver with joint encoding of data streams. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are presented to validate and demonstrate performance.
Biology of the Marine Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina: Current Status and Future Directions

Heterotrophic dinoflagellates are prevalent protists in marine environments, which play an important role in the carbon cycling and energy flow in the marine planktonic community. Oxyrrhis marina (Dinophyceae), a widespread heterotrophic dinoflagellate, is a model species used for a broad range of ecological, biogeographic, and evolutionary studies. Despite the increasing research effort on this species, there lacks a synthesis of the existing data and a coherent picture of this organism. Here we reviewed the literature to provide an overview of what is known regarding the biology of O. marina, and identify areas where further studies are needed. As an early branch of the dinoflagellate lineage, O. marina shares similarity with typical dinoflagellates in permanent condensed chromosomes, less abundant nucleosome proteins compared to other eukaryotes, multiple gene copies, the occurrence of trans-splicing in nucleus-encoded mRNAs, highly fragmented mitochondrial genome, and disuse of ATG as a start codon for mitochondrial genes. On the other hand, O. marina also exhibits some distinct cytological features (e.g., different flagellar structure, absence of girdle and sulcus or pustules, use of intranuclear spindle in mitosis, presence of nuclear plaque, and absence of birefringent periodic banded chromosomal structure) and genetic features (e.g., a single histone-like DNA-associated protein, cob-cox3 gene fusion, 5′ oligo-U cap in the mitochondrial transcripts of protein-coding genes, the absence of mRNA editing, the presence of stop codon in the fused cob-cox3 mRNA produced by post-transcriptional oligoadenylation, and vestigial plastid genes). The best-studied biology of this dinoflagellate is probably the prey and predators types, which include a wide range of organisms. On the other hand, the abundance of this species in the natural waters and its controlling factors, genome organization and gene expression regulation that underlie the unusual cytological and ecological characteristics are among the areas that urgently need study.
Role of evidence in maternal health policy processes in Vietnam, India and China: findings from the HEPVIC project

This paper explores the role of evidence in maternal health policy processes in Vietnam, India and China. Both formal and informal types of evidence were used; and differences were found between the stages of policy processes. Evidence used mostly covered easily quantifiable issues and clearly identifiable technical solutions. Different policy actors were involved; actors' evidence preferences were affected by their power, agendas, values and perceived characteristics of robust evidence. To enhance evidence role there is a need to: develop culture of evidence-informed policies; value different evidence types; ensure evidence use throughout policy processes; recognise and manage actors' agendas; and develop context-specific strategies.
Phenotypic and functional characterization of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients: influence of neoplastic CD19+ cells in vivo and in vitro

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen‐presenting cells and are therefore an attractive option as antigen carriers in vaccination protocols. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) represents a potential good target for these approaches. The present study was designed to investigate the feasibility of generating in vitro fully functional DCs from peripheral blood (PB) monocytes of CLL patients at different phases of the disease. Although functional DCs could be obtained from CLL samples, in patients with active disease the expression of some co‐stimulatory molecules appeared to be reduced. In contrast, DCs from CLL patients in remission showed no difference from those of normal controls. Moreover, patients with active disease produced DCs with reduced allostimulatory ability when compared with normal ones, whereas the functional capacities appeared to be restored in CLL DCs from remission patients. To more precisely assess the possible inhibitory effect of CLL cells on DC development, the influence of autologous leukaemic CD19+ cells on the generation of monocyte‐derived CLL DCs in vitro was investigated. The addition of CLL neoplastic cells markedly affected monocyte‐derived DC maturation. In conclusion, monocytes from CLL patients with active disease give rise to DCs, which show phenotypic and functional defects that are not observed in remission CLL patients. These results need to be taken into account in the design of DC‐based immunotherapeutic approaches in CLL.
Bovine serum albumin–glutaraldehyde (BioGlue®) tissue adhesive versus standard renorrhaphy following renal mass enucleation: a retrospective comparison

Background: To present the operative and post-operative comparison between patients who underwent tumor-bed closure with sutures compared with bovine serum albumin–glutaraldehyde (BioGlue®) tissue sealant only. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from our ongoing database of 507 eligible patients who underwent open NSS nephron-sparing surgery in our department between January 1995 and May 2014. Patients had tumor-bed closure with sealant adhesive (255 patients) or standard suture technique (252 patients). Demographic, clinical and perioperative data were compared between the two groups, by Chi-square test or by Fisher–Irwin exact test for categorical variables, and by t test for differences in means or by Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. A multivariate analysis was also done. Results: Patients’ baseline characteristics showed similar distribution of the analyzed parameters among both groups, with few differences: younger age in the sealant group (65.4 versus 68.4 years, p = 0.01) and slightly larger mass size in the suture group (4.0 versus 3.9 cm, p = 0.03). Ischemia time was significantly shorter in the sealant group (21.8 versus 27.0 minutes, p = 0001). Blood loss and transfusion rate (0.8% versus 11.9%, p = 0.0001) were significantly less in the sealant group. A multivariate analysis showed date of surgery and blood loss as the major parameters affecting transfusion rate. Conclusions: Closing the tumor bed with BioGlue® tissue adhesive is feasible, safe, can shorten ischemia time and potentially reduce transfusion rate.
Is self-rated health still sensitive for changes in disease and functioning among nonagenarians?

OBJECTIVES With age, there is an increasing gap between relatively stable levels of self-rated health (SRH) and actual health status. This study investigates longitudinal changes in SRH and examines its sensitivity to changes in chronic conditions and functioning among people aged 90 and older. METHODS In the Vitality 90+ Study, questionnaires were sent to all people aged 90 years and older living in Tampere, Finland. Included were respondents who provided data on the 2001 measurement and at least one follow-up measurement in 2003, 2007, or 2010 (N = 334). Generalized Estimating Equations analyses examined longitudinal change in SRH and the predictive value of number of chronic conditions and a functioning score based on 5 activities. RESULTS Within 2 years, most people (56.3%) had unchanged SRH, but declined SRH (22.3%) was associated with worse baseline functioning and declined functioning. Clear declines in SRH after 6 and 9 years were associated with increased chronic conditions (odds ratio [OR] = 1.23) and decreased functioning (OR = 1.28). The impact of chronic conditions and functioning was smaller among institutionalized people (chronic conditions OR = 0.90; functioning OR = 1.18) than among people living independently (chronic conditions OR = 1.30; functioning OR = 1.44). DISCUSSION SRH among nonagenarians was sensitive to changes in the number of chronic conditions and functioning although more pronounced on the longer than on the shorter term.
Muscle and tendon heating rates with therapeutic ultrasound in horses.

OBJECTIVE To (1) determine the temperature change in equine tendon and muscle during therapeutic ultrasound and (2) develop guidelines for treating horses for muscular or tendinous injury using therapeutic ultrasound. STUDY DESIGN Experimental, in vivo study. ANIMALS Adult horses (n = 10). METHODS Thermistors were inserted in the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons (SDFT and DDFT) of the thoracic limbs of 10 adult horses. On the left, 3.3 MHz therapeutic continuous ultrasound was done for 10 minutes at an intensity of 1.0 W/cm(2) and for the right thoracic limb at 1.5 W/cm(2). Thermistors were placed at 1 cm, 4 cm, and 8 cm depths in the epaxial muscles of the same 10 horses, for a 20-minute treatment at a frequency of 3.3 MHz and intensity of 1.5 W/cm(2). Temperature was recorded before, during, and after treatment. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Mean temperature rise was 3.5°C in the SDFT and 2.5°C in the DDFT at the end of the 1.0 W/cm(2) treatment (P = .94) and 5.2°C in the SDFT and 3.0°C in the DDFT at the end of the 1.5-W/cm(2) treatment (P = .48). Mean temperature rise in epaxial musculature was 1.3°C at a depth of 1.0 cm, 0.7°C at 4.0 cm, and 0.7°C at 8 cm. CONCLUSIONS The SDFT and DDFT are heated to a therapeutic temperature using a frequency of 3.3 MHz and intensity of 1.0 W/cm(2). The epaxial muscles are not heated to a therapeutic temperature using a frequency of 3.3 MHz and an intensity of 1.5 W/cm(2).
Human monocytes respond to extracellular cAMP through A2A and A2B adenosine receptors

In this study, we test the hypothesis that cAMP, acting as an extracellular mediator, affects the physiology and function of human myeloid cells. The cAMP is a second messenger recognized as a universal regulator of several cellular functions in different organisms. Many studies have shown that extracellular cAMP exerts regulatory functions, acting as first mediator in multiple tissues. However, the impact of extracellular cAMP on cells of the immune system has not been fully investigated. We found that human monocytes exposed to extracellular cAMP exhibit higher expression of CD14 and lower amount of MHC class I and class II molecules. When cAMP‐treated monocytes are exposed to proinflammatory stimuli, they exhibit an increased production of IL‐6 and IL‐10 and a lower amount of TNF‐α and IL‐12 compared with control cells, resembling the features of the alternative‐activated macrophages or M2 macrophages. In addition, we show that extracellular cAMP affects monocyte differentiation into DCs, promoting the induction of cells displaying an activated, macrophage‐like phenotype with reduced capacity of polarized, naive CD4+ T cells into IFN‐γ‐producing lymphocytes compared with control cells. The effects of extracellular cAMP on monocytes are mediated by CD73 ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase and A2A and A2B adenosine receptors, as selective antagonists could reverse its effects. Of note, the expression of CD73 molecules has been found on the membrane of a small population of CD14+CD16+ monocytes. These findings suggest that an extracellular cAMP‐adenosine pathway is active in cells of the immune systems.
Alcohol, drugs, sex and violence: health risks and consequences in young British holidaymakers to the Balearics.

BACKGROUND Substance use, risky sexual behaviour and violence are among the key youth health issues today. Whilst they are the focus of much prevention work in the UK, relatively little information is available to inform prevention in international holiday resorts, where young people can take the greatest risks with their health. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1033 British holidaymakers aged 16-35 in Ibiza and Majorca airports (Spain). Surveys covered frequency of alcohol and drug use at home and abroad, and drunkenness, sexual activity and experience of a range of negative experiences on holiday. RESULTS Illicit drug use was more common in Ibiza. Over half (53.9%) of visitors to Ibiza reported using at least one drug on holiday (compared with 13.9% in Majorca) and over a third reported using more than one drug. However visitors to Majorca reported more frequent drunkenness and more negative outcomes (arguments, fighting, unintentional injury, illness and requiring medical attention). In both locations, frequency of substance use increased on holiday. A quarter of those travelling without a partner reported having had sex during their holiday, and of these a third did not consistently use condoms. Frequent drunkenness was associated with fighting, unintentional injury and sex with a new partner. Illicit drug use, particularly polydrug use, was associated with fighting and unprotected sex. CONCLUSIONS Young holidaymakers face significant health risks on holiday. Understanding which resorts are associated with which types of health risk behaviour is critical in targeting health promotion and harm reduction measures appropriately.
The Influence of Firm and Industry Characteristics on Returns from Technology Licensing Deals: Evidence from the US Computer and Pharmaceutical Sectors

This study examines the relationships between firm and industry characteristics and firms' abnormal stock market returns accompanying the announcement of technology licensing deals. In particular, I examine the fit among firms' licensing activities, their resource endowments, and their industry context, and develop hypotheses on its impact on abnormal stock market returns after licensing deals. Analyzing 11 years of inward and outward licensing transactions in the US computer and pharmaceutical industries between 1990 and 2000, I find support for my argument that while firms profit from both inward and outward licensing, the magnitude of such profits is determined by licensing firms' resource endowments, and that these determinants have a different impact in different industry contexts. Understanding these relationships helps explain when firms should use licensing to exploit their proprietary technologies and make better predictions about the impact of licensing transactions on firm performance.
Mujerista Mentoring for Chicanas/Latinas in Higher Education

In this article, we suggest that just as there are barriers and challenges that are particular to Chicanas/Latinas in terms of student retention and persistence, so must the mentoring offered to these students take into account their particular social, cultural, and gendered contexts. In response, we argue for a model of mujerista mentoring, building on the work of Chicana/Latina feminist scholars and employing Gloria Anzaldua's notion of mestiza consciousness. Mujerista mentoring provides an alternative to traditional mentoring that focuses on assimilation by the protégé into the dominant culture of an institution of higher education. Instead, we suggest the need to bridge the academic, professional, and the personal in a culturally specific framework in order to create more meaningful and enduring mentoring relationships in the service of Chicana/Latina students' academic success.
Analysis of the Expression, Secretion and Translocation of the Salmonella enterica Type III Secretion System Effector SteA

Many Gram-negative pathogens possess virulence-related type III secretion systems. Salmonella enterica uses two of these systems, encoded on the pathogenicity islands SPI-1 and SPI-2, respectively, to translocate more than 30 effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. SteA is one of the few effectors that can be translocated by both systems. We investigated the conditions affecting the synthesis of this effector, its secretion to culture media and its translocation into host cells. Whereas steA was expressed under a wide range of conditions, some factors, including low and high osmolarity, and presence of butyrate, decreased expression. SteA was efficiently secreted to the culture media under both SPI-1 and SPI-2 inducing conditions. The kinetics of translocation into murine macrophages and human epithelial cells was studied using fusions with the 3xFLAG tag, and fusions with CyaA from Bordetella pertussis. Translocation into macrophages under non-invasive conditions was mainly dependent on the SPI-2-encoded type III secretion system but some participation of the SPI-1 system was also detected 6 hours post-infection. Interestingly, both type III secretion systems had a relevant role in the translocation of SteA into epithelial cells. Finally, a deletion approach allowed the identification of the N-terminal signal necessary for translocation of this effector. The amino acid residues 1–10 were sufficient to direct translocation into host cells through both type III secretion systems. Our results provide new examples of functional overlapping between the two type III secretion systems of Salmonella.
Enhanced vector space models for content-based recommender systems

The use of Vector Space Models (VSM) in the area of Information Retrieval is an established practice within the scientific community. The reason is twofold: first, its very clean and solid formalism allows us to represent objects in a vector space and to perform calculations on them. On the other hand, as proved by many contributions, its simplicity does not hurt the effectiveness of the model. Although Information Retrieval and Information Filtering undoubtedly represent two related research areas, the use of VSM in Information Filtering is much less analzyed. The goal of this work is to investigate the impact of vector space models in the Information Filtering area. Specifically, I will introduce two approaches: the first one, based on a technique called Random Indexing, reduces the impact of two classical VSM problems, this is to say its high dimensionality and the inability to manage the semantics of documents. The second extends the previous one by integrating a negation operator implemented in the Semantic Vectors1 open-source package. The results emerged from an experimental evaluation performed on a large dataset and the applicative scenarios opened by these approaches confirmed the effectiveness of the model and induced to investigate more these techniques.
The IE2 gene products of human cytomegalovirus specifically down-regulate expression from the major immediate-early promoter through a target sequence located near the cap site

The 82-kDa IE2 protein of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) acts as both a powerful nonspecific trans activator of heterologous promoters and a negative autoregulator of HCMV immediate-early gene expression in transient assays. We show here that the highly specific down-regulation effect occurs in permissive diploid human fibroblast cells as well as in nonpermissive Vero cells and that the target sequences are conserved within the major immediate-early promoters of both HCMV and simian cytomegalovirus. The response sequences were localized between -67 and +30 in the simian cytomegalovirus IE94 promoter and upstream of position +9 in the HCMV IE68 promoter. Deletion of sequences downstream of -14 in a target IE68-CAT gene abolished the negative phenotype and resulted in a reporter gene that was stimulated instead of inhibited by cotransfection with IE2 effector DNA. Insertion of an oligonucleotide containing sequences from between -17 and +9 into the IE68-CAT deletion construction restored autoregulation in either orientation. Furthermore, this same oligonucleotide transferred the full down-regulation phenotype when inserted at +10 into the nonresponsive IE175 promoter from herpes simplex virus. Therefore, a specific response signal that acts at the DNA level must lie within these boundaries. Additional analysis with inserted oligonucleotides containing deletions or point mutations revealed that essential components of the signal lie between positions -12 and +5. Therefore, negative autoregulation by HCMV IE2 in DNA cotransfection systems resembles that for simian virus 40 large T antigen and herpes simplex virus IE175 by acting through a signal located near the cap site, but the target sequence itself bears no resemblance to those utilized in these other viral systems.
Transferring Coreference Chains through Word Alignment

This paper investigates the problem of automatically annotating resources with NP coreference information using a parallel corpus, English-Romanian, in order to transfer, through word alignment, coreference chains from the English part to the Romanian part of the corpus. The results show that we can detect Romanian referential expressions and coreference chains with over 80% F-measure, thus using our method as a preprocessing step followed by manual correction as part of an annotation effort for creating a large Romanian corpus with coreference information is worthwhile.