Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Myeloma Drug Resistance Induced by Binding of Myeloma B7-H1 (PD-L1) to PD-1

B7-H1 suppresses T cells by binding to PD-1, but it is unclear how binding to B7-H1 on cancer cells affects tumors. “Reverse signaling” of B7-H1 on myeloma cells was found to induce drug resistance through the Akt-signaling pathway. B7 homolog 1 (B7-H1)–expressing myeloma cells not only inhibit myeloma-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), but also confer a proliferative advantage: resistance to antimyeloma chemotherapy. However, it remains unknown whether B7-H1 expressed on myeloma cells induces cellular responses associated with aggressive myeloma behaviors. To address this question, we analyzed the proliferation and drug sensitivity of B7-H1–expressing myeloma cells transfected with B7-H1–specific short-hairpin RNA or treated with programmed cell death (PD)-1-Fc–coupled beads. Knockdown of B7-H1 expression in myeloma cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and increased apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic alkylating agent melphalan, with downregulation of the expression of cell cycle–related genes (CCND3 and CDK6) and antiapoptotic genes (BCL2 and MCL1). B7-H1 molecules thus contributed to myeloma cell-cycle progression and suppression of drug-induced apoptosis. B7-H1–expressing myeloma cells had a higher affinity for PD-1 than for CD80. PD-1-Fc bead–treated myeloma cells also became resistant to apoptosis that was induced by melphalan and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Apoptosis resistance was associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway. Both myeloma cell drug resistance and antiapoptotic responses occurred through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, initiated from “reverse” stimulation of B7-H1 by PD-1. Therefore, B7-H1 itself may function as an oncogenic protein in myeloma cells. The interaction between B7-H1 on myeloma cells and PD-1 molecules not only inhibits tumor-specific CTLs but also induces drug resistance in myeloma cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These observations provide mechanistic insights into potential immunotherapeutic benefits of blocking the B7-H1–PD-1 pathway. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(9); 779–88. ©2016 AACR.
Individual variability in the shape and amplitude of the BOLD‐HRF correlates with endogenous GABAergic inhibition

It has previously been demonstrated that there is a negative correlation between the amplitude of the BOLD response and resting γ amino‐butyric acid (GABA) concentration in visual cortex. The work here is the first to empirically characterize individual variability in the haemodynamic response functions (HRFs) in response to a simple visual stimulus and baseline GABA concentration in a population of young adult males (n = 15, aged 20–28 years). The results demonstrate that GABA concentration is negatively correlated with BOLD response amplitude (r = −0.64, P < 0.02) and positively correlated with HRF width (r = 0.67, P < 0.002), that is, individuals with higher resting GABA concentration tend to exhibit smaller and wider HRFs. No correlations were observed with resting cerebral blood flow and GABA concentration and similarly, no correlations were observed between GABA and the proportional tissue content of the MRS voxel. We argue that correlation of the height of the HRF is supportive of the view that the previously observed correlations between BOLD amplitudes and GABA are reflective of differences in neuronal activity. However, the changes in HRF shape in individuals with higher baseline GABA levels are suggestive that differing vascular response characteristics may also make a significant contribution. Our results reinforce the view that variability in endogenous factors, such as neurotransmitter concentration, can have a profound effect on the vascular haemodynamic response. This has important implications for between‐cohort fMRI studies in which variation in parameters such as GABA concentration may lead to group differences in the BOLD signal. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parametric Study of Flexibility Factor for Curved Pipe and Welding Elbows

It is known that thin-walled curved pipes or welded elbows under bending exhibit significantly higher flexibility than straight pipe of the same cross-section. To address this phenomena different piping Codes and Standards based on the elementary beam theory introduce in analysis a so called “flexibility factor” for correction of the bending stiffness of the bend elements. The accuracy of these coefficients used in analyses to a large extent determines the precision of the calculated stresses in piping components and loads on the supporting structures and connected equipment (turbines, pumps, etc.). Despite the fact that behavior of piping bends in operational conditions are well studied, almost all existing piping Codes and Standards establishing flexibility factors for bends do not consider the influence of "end effects" (constraints of the bend ends by the adjacent straight pipes). Chapter NB-3680 of ASME BPVC has for many years contained a note that "The flexibility of a curved pipe or welding elbow is reduced by end effects, provided either by the adjacent straight pipe or by the proximity of other relatively stiff members which inhibit ovalization of the cross section". But nowadays, the only normative document where this effect explicitly is taken into account is the ASME Code Case N-319-3, but its scope is limited by butt welding elbows per ANSI B16.9 and ANSI B16.28 with ratio R/r=2 and 3. This paper presents results of a finite element study performed to determine the flexibility factors for curved pipes under internal pressure and subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane bending. The influence of end effects are considered as well. The study covers the whole range of geometrical parameters of bends used in design for industry, conventional and nuclear power plants (2<R/r<12, 2<r/t<50, and 15°<<180°). Obtained results can be used to improve the existing regulatory documents related to the stress analysis of nuclear and industrial piping.
Music mnemonics aid Verbal Memory and Induce Learning – Related Brain Plasticity in Multiple Sclerosis

Recent research on music and brain function has suggested that the temporal pattern structure in music and rhythm can enhance cognitive functions. To further elucidate this question specifically for memory, we investigated if a musical template can enhance verbal learning in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and if music-assisted learning will also influence short-term, system-level brain plasticity. We measured systems-level brain activity with oscillatory network synchronization during music-assisted learning. Specifically, we measured the spectral power of 128-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) in alpha and beta frequency bands in 54 patients with MS. The study sample was randomly divided into two groups, either hearing a spoken or a musical (sung) presentation of Rey’s auditory verbal learning test. We defined the “learning-related synchronization” (LRS) as the percent change in EEG spectral power from the first time the word was presented to the average of the subsequent word encoding trials. LRS differed significantly between the music and the spoken conditions in low alpha and upper beta bands. Patients in the music condition showed overall better word memory and better word order memory and stronger bilateral frontal alpha LRS than patients in the spoken condition. The evidence suggests that a musical mnemonic recruits stronger oscillatory network synchronization in prefrontal areas in MS patients during word learning. It is suggested that the temporal structure implicit in musical stimuli enhances “deep encoding” during verbal learning and sharpens the timing of neural dynamics in brain networks degraded by demyelination in MS.
On soliton-Mediated Fast Electric conduction in a Nonlinear Lattice with Morse Interactions

Assuming the quantum mechanical "tight binding" of an electron to a nonlinear lattice with Morse potential interactions we show how electric conduction can be mediated by solitons. For relatively high values of an applied electric field the current follows Ohm's law. As the field strength is lowered the current takes a finite, constant, field-independent value.
Relation between in vivo abscess localization and in vitro migration and adherence of neutrophils.

Rabbit peripheral blood and glycogen-stimulated peritoneal neutrophils were labeled with [111In]indium oxine and transfused intravenously into recipient rabbits with experimental abdominal abscesses due to Staphylococcus aureus. Peritoneal neutrophils harvested 4 hr after glycogen infusion localized within the abscesses to a greater extent than did peripheral blood neutrophils (P less than .002). In an in vitro chemotaxis under-agarose assay, peripheral blood neutrophils had greater random migration (P less than .002) and directed migration (P less than .01) than did peritoneal cells. In an in vitro glass slide adherence assay, peritoneal neutrophils were more adherent than were blood neutrophils (P less than .05). The discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro findings may be due to the increased adherence of peritoneal neutrophils. Glycogen-stimulated peritoneal neutrophils have been exposed in vivo to C5a, which is known to decrease migration and increase adherence in vitro of polymorphonuclear neutrophils; consequently, in vivo exposure of neutrophils to C5a may mean in vitro migration data may be misleading in predicting results in vivo.
Biodiversity of Fungi in Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Mounds

Abstract The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, became established in North America more than 70 yr ago, and it currently occupies most of the southeastern United States. Fire ants change the physical and chemical components of soil, which likely influence soil fungi in ant mounds. To determine the effects of fire ants on soil fungi, we sampled soil from fire ant mounds and the surrounding nonmound soil. In addition, we sampled soil from the nests of the native ant Aphaenogaster texana carolinensis Wheeler. We found that both fire ant mounds and native ant nests had greater fungal abundance but lower species richness and diversity than nonmound soil. Fire ant mounds contained 19 times more colony forming units (cfu g−1) than adjacent soil; however, nonmound soil had more than twice the number of fungal species. Two species (Papulaspora byssina Hotson and Penicillium janthinellum Biourge) made up the majority (54.5 and 19.2% relative colony frequencies, respectively) of fungi in fire ant mounds. These high proportions of limited numbers of fungal species in fire ant mounds indicate that only some species are tolerant to and thrive in mound conditions. Alternatively, fire ants might not selectively remove these fungi from their mounds. Given the high densities of fire ants and their frequent mound movements, changes in soil fungal communities might have lasting impacts on soil conditions. In addition, we suggest that differences between fungal communities in soil from native and non-native ant colonies might indirectly influence ant-mediated seed dispersal by affecting seedling survival.
Air-Fluidized Therapy: Physical Properties and Clinical Uses

Since the late 1960s, air-fluidized therapy (AFT) has been effectively used to treat patients with pressure ulcers, burns, and many other clinical problems. Much of the demonstrated efficacy is believed to be associated with the unique fluid environment provided by AFT that is fundamentally different from the support provided by surfaces made up of conventional solid materials. Fluid support maximizes the envelopment of the body while significantly reducing shear, friction, and pressure, and mechanical stress applied to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Additionally, the variable temperature airflow allows the microclimate to be controlled according to needs for both therapy and patient comfort. Clinical benefits of AFT include faster and more cost-effective healing of pressure ulcers, a decreased rate of hospitalizations and emergency room visits for long-term care pressure ulcer patients, decreased mortality of patients with extensive burns and inhalation injury and rapid healing and increased comfort in burn patients. The fluid support also results in a substantial decrease in the amount of caregiver effort required for repositioning patients and increased patient comfort in patients with multiple trauma and external fixation devices or deformities that require a conforming bed, and patients with cancer and bony metastasis. This article seeks to evaluate the physical differences in AFT over other mattress types and to review the published literature for this therapy modality.
Inflated perceptions of physical activity after stroke: pairing self-report with physiologic measures.

BACKGROUND Self-report measures of physical activity have well-known drawbacks, and physiologic measures alone do not account for behavioral variables important in the perception and performance of physical activity. Therefore, we considered multiple measures to quantify physical activity in community-dwelling men and women with chronic stroke. METHODS This analysis included data from a volunteer sample of 87 individuals at least 6 months poststroke. Physical activity was measured using self-report questionnaires, step activity monitors, self-efficacy expectations related to exercise, and VO(2)peak from treadmill testing, and a model of physical activity was tested. RESULTS Most of the variance in objective physical activity was explained by VO(2)peak, and most of the variance in subjective physical activity was explained by self-efficacy expectations. There were significant discrepancies between subjective and objective findings. CONCLUSION This study helps to understand the perspective of stroke survivors with regard to physical activity.
System for collective entity disambiguation

We present an approach and a system for collective disambiguation of entity mentions occurring in natural language text. Given an input text, the system spots mentions and their candidate entities. Candidate entities across all mentions are jointly modeled as binary nodes in a Markov Random Field. Their edges correspond to the joint signal between pairs of entities. This facilitates collective disambiguation of the mentions achieved by performing MAP inference on the MRF in a binary label space. Our model also allows for a natural treatment of mentions that either have no entity attached or have more than one attachments. By restricting cliques to nodes and edges and with a submodularity assumption on their potentials, we get an inference problem that is efficiently solved using graph min cut.
The Chemotaxonomy of Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) Based on the Volatile Constituents

Background: Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is a popular culinary and medicinal herb. A literature survey has revealed that sage oils can vary widely in their chemical compositions. The purpose of this study was to examine sage essential oil from different sources/origins and to define the possible chemotypes of sage oil. Methods: Three different samples of sage leaf essential oil have been obtained and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out on 185 sage oil compositions reported in the literature as well as the three samples in this study. Results: The major components of the three sage oils were the oxygenated monoterpenoids α-thujone (17.2–27.4%), 1,8-cineole (11.9–26.9%), and camphor (12.8–21.4%). The cluster analysis revealed five major chemotypes of sage oil, with the most common being a α-thujone > camphor > 1,8-cineole chemotype, of which the three samples in this study belong. The other chemotypes are an α-humulene-rich chemotype, a β-thujone-rich chemotype, a 1,8-cineole/camphor chemotype, and a sclareol/α-thujone chemotype. Conclusions: Most sage oils belonged to the “typical”, α-thujone > camphor > 1,8-cineole, chemotype, but the essential oil compositions do vary widely and may have a profound effect on flavor and fragrance profiles as well as biological activities. There are currently no studies correlating sage oil composition with fragrance descriptions or with biological activities.
On the Best Rank-1 Approximation of Higher-Order Supersymmetric Tensors

Recently the problem of determining the best, in the least-squares sense, rank-1 approximation to a higher-order tensor was studied and an iterative method that extends the well-known power method for matrices was proposed for its solution. This higher-order power method is also proposed for the special but important class of supersymmetric tensors, with no change. A simplified version, adapted to the special structure of the supersymmetric problem, is deemed unreliable, as its convergence is not guaranteed. The aim of this paper is to show that a symmetric version of the above method converges under assumptions of convexity (or concavity) for the functional induced by the tensor in question, assumptions that are very often satisfied in practical applications. The use of this version entails significant savings in computational complexity as compared to the unconstrained higher-order power method. Furthermore, a novel method for initializing the iterative process is developed which has been observed to yield an estimate that lies closer to the global optimum than the initialization suggested before. Moreover, its proximity to the global optimum is a priori quantifiable. In the course of the analysis, some important properties that the supersymmetry of a tensor implies for its square matrix unfolding are also studied.
Symptom Patterns in Dissociative Identity Disorder Patients and the General Population

The authors used the Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule to compare structured interview symptom patterns in a general population sample (N= 502) and a sample of patients with clinical diagnoses of dissociative identity disorder (N= 303). Based on the Trauma Model, the authors predicted that the patterns would be similar in the 2 samples and that symptom scores would be higher in participants reporting childhood sexual abuse in both samples. They predicted that symptom scores would be higher among women with dissociative identity disorder reporting sexual abuse than among women in the general population reporting sexual abuse, with the clinical sample reporting more severe abuse. These predictions were supported by the data. The authors conclude that symptom patterns in dissociative identity disorder are typical of the normal human response to severe, chronic childhood trauma and have ecological validity for the human race in general.
Self-compensating networks for four terminal-pair impedance definition in current comparator bridges

The four terminal-pair definition of standards allows to reach ultimate accuracy in impedance metrology. The four terminal-pair definition requires dedicated circuitry to be included in the bridge network, and the reach of auxiliary bridge balances during the measurement. A careful choice of the network topology allows the bridge to be self-compensating: the four terminal-pair definition is in large part achieved by the behaviour of the network itself, without any adjustment. The additional circuitry required for impedance definition can therefore be simpler, the balancing procedure becomes easier, and a more robust four terminal-pair definition is achieved. This paper analyses a current comparator bridge network with a topology featuring self-compensation. A digitally-assisted test implementation was realized; test measurements on ac resistance comparison in the 25Ω to 100Ω range, at kHz frequency, are reported.
An inverse model of magnetorheological dampers with optimal neural network architecture

This paper presents an emulation of the inverse dynamics of magnetorheological dampers, using a dynamic model proposed [1], which is modified to describe the actual behavior of the device, also a perceptron neural network is constructed and trained under the method of Lagrange multipliers Levenberg-Marquard to emulate the inverse dynamics of magnetorheological damper, considering the direct neural control techniques for inverse model. Finally it is shown that the optimal neural network architectures presented in this paper provide a substantial improvement of performance in comparison to some neural network architectures reported in the literature.
A Direct Comparison of a Cryocooler-based Automated 10 Volt Josephson Voltage Standard System

A commercially available, complete microprocessor controlled, fully automated 10 Volt Josephson voltage standard system with a liquid helium free cooling was developed in cooperation between the Institute of Photonic Technology and the Supracon AG. The system operates with an array of altogether 19,700 SIS Josephson tunnel junctions installed in a pulse tube cooler. The integration of the voltage standard circuit in the cryocooler as well as the properties of different cooling setups are discussed in terms of a stable operation. A direct comparison at a voltage level of 10 Volt between a cryocooledbased Josephson voltage standard system and a liquid-helium based system was performed with a result of 1.3 nV voltage difference and an uncertainty of 5×10.
First benchmark model for computer simulation of subsynchronous resonance

A benchmark model for the study of subsynchronous resonance is presented along with two test problems for use in computer program comparison and development. Models were developed with the minimum sophistication needed to obtain useful results and with due regard to the kinds of machine characteristics generally obtainable. The machine and circuit parameters are real values taken from the Navajo Project.
Septins may form a ubiquitous family of cytoskeletal filaments

HIS minireview discusses recent information about the septin family of proteins, which suggests that the septins may be elements of a new filament system that functions in all or most eukaryotic cells. Septins are found in a wide variety of eukaryotes, are important for cytokinesis, and may compose or regulate a ubiquitous filament system that has not been previously recognized. A more extensive review of septins was recently published (26). This minireview also presents a new comparison of septin sequences. Actin filaments, microtubules, intermediate filaments, and myosin thick filaments, have been extensively studied over the past several decades, using methodologic advances in electron and light microscopy, detergent extraction of cells, and purification of proteins. This collection of filaments has been assumed to represent a fairly complete picture of the cytoskeletal filaments commonly found in eukaryotes. However, recent work suggests that cells augment these common cytoskeletal elements with additional elements, at least one of which, the septins, appears to be widely expressed and used for essential cell processes.