Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Characteristics of Mitochondrial DNA Was Associated with Colorectal Carcinogenesis and Its Prognosis

Clinical value of mitochondrial DNA has been described in colorectal cancer (CRC). To clarify its role in colorectal carcinogenesis, mitochondrial microsatellite instability (mtMSI) and other markers were investigated in CRCs and their precancerous lesions, as a multitier genetic study. DNA was isolated from paired normal and tumoral tissues in 78 tubular adenomas (TAs), 34 serrated polyps (SPs), and 100 CRCs. mtMSI, nucleus microsatellite instability (nMSI), KRAS mutation, and BRAF mutation were investigated in these tumors and their statistical analysis was performed. mtMSI was found in 30% of CRCs and 21.4% of precancerous lesions. Mitochondrial copy number was higher in SPs than TAs and it was associated with mtMSI in low grade TAs. KRAS and BRAF mutations were mutually exclusive in TAs and SPs. CRCs with mtMSI showed shorter overall survival times than the patients without mtMSI. In CRCs without nMSI or BRAF mutation, mtMSI was a more accurate marker for predicting prognosis. The genetic change of mitochondrial DNA is an early and independent event in colorectal precancerous lesions and mtMSI and mitochondrial contents are associated with the tubular adenoma-carcinoma sequence, resulting in poor prognosis. This result suggested that the genetic change in mitochondrial DNA appears to be a possible prognosis marker in CRC.
Caloric Restriction Decreases Orthostatic Tolerance Independently from 6° Head-Down Bedrest

Astronauts consume fewer calories during spaceflight and return to earth with an increased risk of orthostatic intolerance. Whether a caloric deficiency modifies orthostatic responses is not understood. Thus, we determined the effects of a hypocaloric diet (25% caloric restriction) during 6° head down bedrest (an analog of spaceflight) on autonomic neural control during lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Nine healthy young men completed a randomized crossover bedrest study, consisting of four (2 weeks each) interventions (normocaloric bedrest, normocaloric ambulatory, hypocaloric bedrest, hypocaloric ambulatory), each separated by 5 months. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was recorded at baseline following normocaloric and hypocaloric interventions. Heart rate (HR) and arterial pressure were recorded before, during, and after 3 consecutive stages (7 min each) of LBNP (-15, -30, -45 mmHg). Caloric and posture effects during LBNP were compared using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. There was a strong trend toward reduced basal MSNA following caloric restriction alone (normcaloric vs. hypocaloric: 22±3 vs. 14±4 burst/min, p = 0.06). Compared to the normocaloric ambulatory, both bedrest and caloric restriction were associated with lower systolic blood pressure during LBNP (p<0.01); however, HR responses were directionally opposite (i.e., increase with bedrest, decrease with caloric restriction). Survival analysis revealed a significant reduction in orthostatic tolerance following caloric restriction (normocaloric finishers: 12/16; hypocaloric finishers: 6/16; χ2, p = 0.03). Caloric restriction modifies autonomic responses to LBNP, which may decrease orthostatic tolerance after spaceflight.
Reducing PM eddy current rotor losses by partial magnet and rotor yoke segmentation

In order to reduce the losses caused by eddy currents in the magnets and rotor yoke of a PM electric machine, a number of effective methods can be used. One method that imposes the least restrictions on machine performance is segmentation, which can be difficult to implement as magnets need to be cut, insulated and re-glued, which is a laborious and costly process. This paper presents methods of partial segmentation in magnets and the rotor yoke that aim to improve machine performance by reducing eddy current loss, while also suggesting realistic manufacturing possibilities. Results are obtained using analytical, numerical and experimental methods and good agreement is achieved.
7SK RNA, a non-coding RNA regulating P-TEFb, a general transcription factor

Human 7SK RNA is an abundant 331nt nuclear transcript generated by RNA polymerase III. Binding of 7SK RNA to HEXIM1/2 turns these proteins into inhibitors of P-TEFb (Positive transcriptional elongation factor b). P-TEFb is required for RNA polymerase II transcription elongation. 7SK RNA is released from P-TEFb/HEXIM/7SK complexes upon an arrest in transcription and physiological stimulations such as cardiac hypertrophy, leading to P-TEFb activation. The released 7SK RNA associates a subset of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP). 7SK RNA has been evolutionary conserved in vertebrates and homologues are found in annelid, mollusc and insect genomes. 7SK RNA folds into several hairpins that serve as specific platforms for binding proteins. It is stabilized by mono-methylation of its 5’-triphosphate group and binding of a specific La-Related protein, LARP7 at its 3’ end. As the likely best characterized example, 7SK RNA is a paradigm for non-coding RNAs regulating transcription.
NECESSARY CONFLICT ON THE HOMEFRONT: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION RESOURCES USED BY MILITARY COUPLES

As we pass the decade mark of the Global War on Terrorism, the hidden causalities, such as the long-term impact of multiple deployments on marriages, become more apparent. Military couples experiencing repeated combat-related deployments are at an increased risk for marital distress, especially relationships that exhibit negative interaction patterns. Marriage and relationship education programs have the potential to equip military couples with conflict management skills, such as positive reframing and open communication, to increase marital satisfaction. This content analysis examined three relevant marriage and relationship education resources – PREP for Strong Bonds, ScreamFree Marriage, and Marriage LINKS presently utilized by military couples. Each marriage and relationship education program reviewed utilized similar themes found in the research literature. Results of the analysis indicate a combination of their skill sets, accompanied by a concentration on specific challenges unique to military marriages, would be more effective in improving marital satisfaction than the models as they currently stand.
A Review of Perennial Ryegrass Endophytes and Their Potential Use in the Management of African Black Beetle in Perennial Grazing Systems in Australia

The major insect pest of Australian cool temperate pastures is the root-feeding insect Heteronychus arator (African black beetle, ABB). Significant pasture damage can occur even at low ABB densities (11 individuals per square meter), and often re-sowing of the whole paddock is required. Mitigation of the effects of pasture pests, and in particular subterranean species such as the larval form of ABB, can be challenging. Early detection is limited by the ability to visualize above-ground symptoms, and chemical control of insects in soil is often ineffective. This review takes a look at the historical events that molded the pastoral landscape in Australia. The importation route, changes in land management and pasture composition by European settlers may have aided the establishment of ABB in Australia. Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne is discussed as it is one of the most important perennial agricultural grasses and is widely-sown in moderate-to-high-rainfall temperate zones of the world. Endophytic fungi from the genus Epichloë form symbiotic relationships with cool season grasses such as Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass). They have been studied extensively and are well documented for enhancing persistence in pasture via a suite of bioactive secondary metabolites produced by the fungal symbionts. Several well-characterized secondary metabolites are discussed. Some can have negative effects on cattle (e.g., ergovaline and lolitrems) while others have been shown to benefit the host plant through deterrence of insect pests from feeding and by insecticidal activity (e.g., peramine, lolines, ergopeptines). Various control methods for ABB are also discussed, with a focus on the potential role of asexual Epichloë endophytes.
Estimating the Number of Sources in Magnetoencephalography Using Spiked Population Eigenvalues

ABSTRACT Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is an advanced imaging technique used to measure the magnetic fields outside the human head produced by the electrical activity inside the brain. Various source localization methods in MEG require the knowledge of the underlying active sources, which are identified by a priori. Common methods used to estimate the number of sources include principal component analysis or information criterion methods, both of which make use of the eigenvalue distribution of the data, thus avoiding solving the time-consuming inverse problem. Unfortunately, all these methods are very sensitive to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), as examining the sample extreme eigenvalues does not necessarily reflect the perturbation of the population ones. To uncover the unknown sources from the very noisy MEG data, we introduce a framework, referred to as the intrinsic dimensionality (ID) of the optimal transformation for the SNR rescaling functional. It is defined as the number of the spiked population eigenvalues of the associated transformed data matrix. It is shown that the ID yields a more reasonable estimate for the number of sources than its sample counterparts, especially when the SNR is small. By means of examples, we illustrate that the new method is able to capture the number of signal sources in MEG that can escape PCA or other information criterion-based methods. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.
Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of pregabalin for alleviating hot flashes, N07C1.

PURPOSE Hot flashes are a common problem for which effective and safe treatments are needed. The current trial was conducted on the basis of preliminary promising data that pregabalin decreased hot flashes. PATIENTS AND METHODS A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial design was used to compare pregabalin at target doses of 75 mg twice daily and 150 mg twice daily with a placebo. Hot flash frequencies and scores (frequency times mean severity) were recorded daily during a baseline week and for six treatment weeks. The primary end point for this study was the change-from-baseline hot flash score during treatment week 6 between the 150 mg twice daily target pregabalin treatment and placebo. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests, two-sample t tests, and chi(2) tests were used to compare the primary and secondary hot flash efficacy end points between pregabalin treatments and placebo. RESULTS Hot flash score changes available for 163 patients during the sixth treatment week compared with a baseline week decreased by 50%, 65%, and 71% in the placebo, and target 75 mg twice daily and 150 mg twice daily pregabalin arms, respectively (P = .009 and P = .007, comparing respective pregabalin arms to the placebo arm). While some toxicities were significantly more common in the pregabalin arms, being more evident with the higher dose, pregabalin was generally well tolerated by most patients. CONCLUSION Pregabalin decreases hot flashes and is reasonably well tolerated. A target dose of 75 mg twice daily is recommended. Its effects appear to be roughly comparable to what has been reported with gabapentin and with some newer antidepressants.
Moderators of fatigue: the complexity of interactions

Approved: ____________________________________ Thesis Supervisor ____________________________________ Title and Department ____________________________________ Date 1 MODERATORS OF FATIGUE: THE COMPLEXITY OF INTERACTIONS by Keith Gerard Avin A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Physical Rehabilitation Science in the Graduate College of The University of Iowa
Gas exchange in frogs and turtles: how ectothermic vertebrates contributed to solving the controversy of pulmonary oxygen secretion

The mechanisms governing pulmonary gas exchange were heavily debated at the start of the 20th century when Christian Bohr provided measurements of lung and blood gases as well as rational arguments in favour of oxygen being secreted actively from the lung gas to the blood within vertebrate lungs. The concept of active transport was studied by August Krogh in his doctoral dissertation on the partitioning of gas exchange in frogs. In later studies, where Marie and August Krogh provided conclusive evidence that pulmonary gas exchange occurs by diffusion and diffusion alone, the turtle lungs provided an important tool to investigate the role of perfusion in pulmonary gas exchange. Here, I review the early Bohr and Krogh studies on pulmonary and cutaneous gas exchange in frogs as well as the experimental studies on gas exchange and its possible autonomic regulation in turtles. The results are discussed within the context of recent studies on the cardiorespiratory physiology of frogs and turtles.
Three Essays on Credit Risk Models and Their Bayesian Estimation

This dissertation consists of three essays on credit risk models and their Bayesian estimation. In each essay, defaults or default correlation models are built under one of two main streams in credit risk model study: the structural and the intensity models. The first essay studies the usefulness and methods to combine multiple securities information in a single firm asset process and to estimate its parameters under the structural model. The second essay investigates multi-firm correlated defaults, with special focus on industry-specific correlation under the intensity model. The third essay studies the use of multiple securities information to estimate the multi-firm correlated defaults model under both structural and intensity models. In this talk, I will mostly focus on the third essay which combines and extends works of the first two essays by proposing a common model frame for both structural and intensity credit risk models. The common model frame combines the merits of several default correlation studies which are independently developed under each model setting. Following the work of Duffie, Eckner, Horel, and Saita (2009), we apply not only observed common factors, but also unobserved hidden factor to explain the correlated defaults. Bayesian techniques are used for estimation and generalized Gibbs sampling and Metropolis-Hasting (MH) algorithms are developed. More than a simple combination of two model approaches (structural and intensity models), we relax the assumptions of equal factor effect across entire firms in previous studies, instead adopting a random coefficients model. Also, a novelty of the approach lies in the fact that CDS and equity prices are used together for estimation. A simulation study shows that the posterior convergence is improved by adding CDS prices in estimation. Empirical results based on daily data of 125 companies comprising CDS.NA. IG13 in 2009 supports the necessity of such relaxations of assumption in previous studies. In order to demonstrate potential practical applications of the proposed framework, we derive the posterior distribution of CDX tranche prices. Our correlated structural model is successfully able to predict all the CDX tranche prices, but our correlated intensity model results suggest the need for further modification of the model.
Shortening of paced QRS complex and clinical improvement following upgrading from apical right ventricular pacing to bifocal right ventricular or biventricular pacing in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) using biventricular pacing (BVP) has been shown to improve survival in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, BVP cannot be achieved in all patients because of technical problems. In such patients, bifocal right ventricular pacing (BFP) may be an alternative. AIM To analyse the relationship between changes in paced QRS complex width and clinical responses in previously conventionally paced patients, who underwent upgrading to BFP or BVP. METHODS A total of 34 patients (26 male, eight female) aged 53.4 to 84 years (mean age 70.3) with CHF, permanent atrial fibrillation and previous right ventricular apical pacing lasting 35.4-184.2 months (mean duration 92.2 months) due to primary or post-ablation (12 patients) atrioventricular block, were included in the study. The patients were split into two subgroups: in the first (ten patients), the cardiac pacing system was changed to BFP, whereas in the second (24 patients), BVP was performed. Over a 12-month period, the following changes were studied: NYHA classification, brain natriuretic peptide levels (BNP), distance covered in a six-minute walk test (6MWT) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The observation period was divided into two stages: the first six months after the pacing system was changed, and the six months following that. All 34 patients finished the first observation period, and 27 of them completed the second period. RESULTS Clinical improvement was observed in all the patients following the change of pacing system. The greatest clinical improvement occurred during the first stage of observation. At that time, a significant amelioration of HF, according to NYHA classification and improvement in LVEF and 6MWT were noted in both groups. Additionally, a significant improvement (reduction) of BNP level in the BVP subgroup was reported. In the second observation period, a further improvement in the LVEF value was observed in the BVP subgroup. A significant negative correlation between the relative shortening of QRS complex and relative change in LVEF was observed in the whole group, and in the BVP subgroup. CONCLUSIONS In patients with permanent AF the change of pacing site from right ventricular apex to BFP or BVP results in significant improvement in CHF symptoms. During long-term follow-up these changes are more prehounced in BVP than BFP patients. There is a correlation between shortened QRS complex duration and improvement of LVEF in BVP patients.
Marrying words and trees

Traditionally, data that has both linear and hierarchical structure, such as annotated linguistic data, is modeled using ordered trees and queried using tree automata. In this paper, we argue that nested words and automata over nested words offer a better way to capture and process the dual structure. Nested words generalize both words and ordered trees, and allow both word and tree operations. We study various classes of automata over nested words, and show that while they enjoy expressiveness and succinctness benefits over word and tree automata, their analysis complexity and closure properties are analogous to the corresponding word and tree special cases. In particular, we show that finite-state nested word automata can be exponentially more succinct than tree automata, and pushdown nested word automata include the two incomparable classes of context-free word languages and context-free tree languages.
Sleep in cluster headache − beyond a temporal rapid eye movement relationship?

Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disorder characterized by severe attacks of unilateral pain following a chronobiological pattern. There is a close connection with sleep as most attacks occur during sleep. Hypothalamic involvement and a particular association with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have been suggested. Sleep in a large, well‐characterized population of CH patients was investigated.
Latent Policies: An Extended Example

Arnott and Stiglitz (1993) have argued that, in competitive insurance markets with moral hazard, equilibrium may entail firms offering latent policies--policies that are not bought in equilibrium but are kept in place to deter entry. This paper provides an extended example of such an equilibrium, which not only proves that latent policies can be present in equilibrium but also elucidates the mechanism which makes them potentially effective in deterring entry.
Invasive Tubular Carcinoma of the Breast Frequently is Clonally Related to Flat Epithelial Atypia and Low-grade Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Low-grade precursor lesions, such flat epithelial atypia (FEA), low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (lg-DCIS), and lobular neoplasia (LN) often coexist with invasive tubular carcinomas (TCs) of the breast. To evaluate a possible clonal relationship, we have examined a series of 27 TC and the surrounding putative precursor lesions using loss of heterozygosity analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequencing. In these lesions (22 FEA, 10 lg-DCIS, 3 LN), loss of heterozygosity was most frequently observed on the long arm of chromosome 16 as well as at chromosome 8p21, 3p14, 1p36 and 11q14 with a high degree of homology of allelic losses between FEA, lg-DCIS and tubular carcinomas. In the adjacent invasive tubular carcinomas, mitochondrial DNA sequencing revealed identical mutation patterns in 50% of the lg-DCIS and in 12 of 21 (57%) informative cases of FEA. No direct association was seen between TC and LN or columnar cell lesions without nuclear atypia. Our data indicate, that in the majority of cases lg-DCIS and FEA are directly related to tubular breast cancer with a possible precursor role.
Tongue-Tie Assessment and Division: A Time-Critical Intervention to Optimise Breastfeeding

Objectives: Recent reports have highlighted the benefits of surgical division of tongue-tie (frenulotomy) in infants with breastfeeding difficulties. There is no clear consensus defining the appropriate age for this procedure to be undertaken in selected infants. We aimed to evaluate the impact of delays in time between referral and frenulotomy in relation to maternal abandonment of breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study done in out-patient Neonatal Surgery Department, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK, between April 2013 and July 2013. All infants, referred to our tongue-tie clinic between April and July 2013, were studied prospectively. Referral time lags were calculated using computer records; details regarding breastfeeding were collected by an independent interviewer completing a questionnaire. Results: Seventy patients were included. The median infant age at clinic was 28.5 days [range 1-126]. Fifty eight [82%] of mothers had breastfeeding difficulty and their infants were confirmed to have a prominent tongue-tie. By the time of their clinic attendance, breastfeeding had either not been established or abandoned in 21%. Despite difficulty, 61% of mothers persisted breastfeeding and all these mothers consented for frenulotomy. At time of clinic, median age of infants whose mothers had abandoned breastfeeding was 37 days [range 1-80] compared to 27 days [range 1-126] in infants whose mothers had persisted. Conclusions: We demonstrated a time-critical dimension for frenulotomy: delay beyond 4-weeks from referral to assessment of neonatal tongue-tie is more likely to be associated with abandonment of breastfeeding. Timely assessment and division of tongue-tie in selected infants can therefore play an important role in a birthing unit’s breastfeeding strategy.