Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of myeloid cell populations during relapse‐preventive immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia

Relapse of leukemia in the postchemotherapy phase contributes to the poor prognosis and survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In an international phase IV trial (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01347996), 84 patients with AML in first complete remission who had not undergone transplantation received immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) and low‐dose IL‐2 with the aim of preventing relapse. The dynamics of myeloid cell counts and expression of activation markers was assessed before and after cycles of immunotherapy and correlated with clinical outcome in terms of relapse risk and survival. During cycles, a pronounced increase in blood eosinophil counts was observed along with a reduction in monocyte and neutrophil counts. A strong reduction of blood monocyte counts during the first HDC/IL‐2 treatment cycle predicted leukemia‐free survival. The HDC component of the immunotherapy exerts agonist activity at histamine type 2 receptors (H2Rs) that are expressed by myeloid cells. It was observed that the density of H2 R expression in blood monocytes increased during cycles of immunotherapy and that high monocyte H2R expression implied reduced relapse risk and improved overall survival. Several other activation markers, including HLA‐DR, CD86, and CD40, were induced in monocytes and dendritic cells during immunotherapy but did not predict clinical outcome. In addition, expression of HLA‐ABC increased in all myeloid populations during therapy. A low expression of HLA‐ABC was associated with reduced relapse risk. These results suggest that aspects of myeloid cell biology may impact clinical benefit of relapse‐preventive immunotherapy in AML.
Proteomic characterization of hierarchical megacomplex formation in Arabidopsis thylakoid membrane

Conversion of solar energy into chemical energy in plant chloroplasts concomitantly modifies the thylakoid architecture and hierarchical interactions between pigment-protein complexes. Here, the thylakoids were isolated from light-acclimated Arabidopsis leaves and investigated with respect to the composition of the thylakoid protein complexes and their association into higher molecular mass complexes, the largest one comprising both photosystems (PSII and PSI) and light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding complexes (LHCII). Because the majority of plant light-harvesting capacity is accommodated in LHCII complexes, their structural interaction with photosystem core complexes is extremely important for efficient light harvesting. Specific differences in the strength of LHCII binding to PSII core complexes and the formation of PSII supercomplexes are well characterized. Yet, the role of loosely bound L-LHCII that disconnects to a large extent during the isolation of thylakoid protein complexes remains elusive. Because L-LHCII apparently has a flexible role in light harvesting and energy dissipation, depending on environmental conditions, its close interaction with photosystems is a prerequisite for successful light harvesting in vivo. Here, to reveal the labile and fragile light-dependent protein interactions in the thylakoid network, isolated membranes were subjected to sequential solubilization using detergents with differential solubilization capacity and applying strict quality control. Optimized 3D-lpBN-lpBN-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system demonstrated that PSII-LHCII supercomplexes, together with PSI complexes, hierarchically form larger megacomplexes via interactions with L-LHCII trimers. The polypeptide composition of LHCII trimers and the phosphorylation of Lhcb1 and Lhcb2 were examined to determine the light-dependent supramolecular organization of the photosystems into megacomplexes.
Interspecific Allometry of the Brain and Brain Regions in Parrots (Psittaciformes): Comparisons with Other Birds and Primates

Despite significant progress in understanding the evolution of the mammalian brain, relatively little is known of the patterns of evolutionary change in the avian brain. In particular, statements regarding which avian taxa have relatively larger brains and brain regions are based on small sample sizes and statistical analyses are generally lacking. We tested whether psittaciforms (parrots, cockatoos and lorikeets) have larger brains and forebrains than other birds using both conventional and phylogenetically based methods. In addition, we compared the psittaciforms to primates to determine if cognitive similarities between the two groups were reflected by similarities in brain and telencephalic volumes. Overall, psittaciforms have relatively larger brains and telencephala than most other non-passerine orders. No significant difference in relative brain or telencephalic volume was detected between psittaciforms and passerines. Comparisons of other brain region sizes between psittaciforms and other birds, however, exhibited conflicting results depending upon whether body mass or a brain volume remainder (total brain volume – brain region volume) was used as a scaling variable. When compared to primates, psittaciforms possessed similar relative brain and telencephalic volumes. The only exception to this was that in some analyses psittaciforms had significantly larger telencephala than primates of similar brain volume. The results therefore provide empirical evidence for previous claims that psittaciforms possess relatively large brains and telencephala. Despite the variability in the results, it is clear that psittaciforms tend to possess large brains and telencephala relative to non-passerines and are similar to primates in this regard. Although it could be suggested that this reflects the advanced cognitive abilities of psittaciforms, similar studies performed in corvids and other avian taxa will be required before this claim can be made with any certainty.
A precise control algorithm for single-span roll-to-roll web system using the back-stepping controller

There are many important applications in printed electronics and publishing industries that use the principle of roll-to-roll manufacturing to make devices at high speeds with lower cost. Web velocity and tension control algorithm plays an important role in improving the quality of product in mass processing of using roll-to-roll web technology. Most algorithms proposed in recent years use PI or PID controllers and disturbance compensation schemes to increase the precision and the stability. Due to the increasing demand of high accuracy in printed electronics industry at micrometer-level, it is necessary to have a precise control scheme of web velocity and tension in the presence of disturbances. In this paper, a precise control algorithm is proposed for non-linear single-span roll-to-roll web control system using the back-stepping controller with the design parameters chosen optimally by using the modified genetic algorithm. The outcome of this study proves the reliability throughout simulation results in Matlab/Simulink and comparison with the existing results employed by PI controllers.
Dyshormonogenetic Goitre with High Circulating Levels of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone

R F Harvey MRCP andD Doniach MD MRCP (The Middlesex Hospital, London WI) Mr C S, aged 43. Social worker History: First noted to have a symptomless goitre in hospital at the age of 28. Progressive enlargement occurred from the age of 39 with no other symptoms. The patient denied feeling cold or slowed down. There was no constipation or tiredness, in fact he had an unusual sleep requirement of only 3 to 6 hours a night. There was no story of drug intake or other illnesses, and no family history of thyroid disease or deafness. The patient had no siblings and was unmarried.
Long-Term Effects of Interferon Alpha 2A Treatment in Behçet’s Disease

Background: Between May 1995 and April 1996, 20 patients with Behçet’s disease were successfully treated with interferon α2a (IFN-α2a) 9 million IU/day three times a week and 16 patients with colchicine 1.5 mg/day orally for 3 months. Objective: To study the long-term effects of IFN treatment in Behçet’s disease. Methods: Between the years of 1996 and 1999, the patients were followed up every 3 months or whenever indicated. Retrospective evaluation was performed. Results: In 56% of the patients with complete remission or partial remission at the end of IFN-α2a treatment, long-term remissions ranging from 36 to 48 months were observed. Conclusion: IFN-α2a treatment is an effective treatment modality in Behçet’s disease with the advantage of inducing prolonged remissions.
Binge drinking: an exploration of a confused concept

Binge drinking is a matter of current social, media and political concern, and the focus of much policy activity in the UK. Binge drinking is associated with causing a wide range of harm to individuals (e.g. accidents), and the wider community (e.g. crime and disorder). Within the current discourse, binge drinking is seen primarily as a youth issue. Binge drinking is sometimes portrayed as a recent phenomenon, but we know from history that heavy drinking has been endemic in British society over many centuries. Using a contemporary history perspective, this paper explores the concept of binge drinking. It considers the definitions in use, recent shifts in meaning and also the way in which different definitions of binge drinking impact on perceptions of the extent and nature of binge drinking. The paper concludes with some thoughts and questions about the usefulness of the concept of binge drinking as it currently used, and areas for further research.
Alterations at Chromosome 17 Loci in Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

Little is known about the molecular genetic changes in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Inactivation of the TP53 gene in 17p has been reported in a few tumors. The MPNST is one of the manifestations of neurofibromatosis I (NF1), suggesting that the NFI gene in 17q might be important. We present a study of 15 neurofibromas and MPNST from nine individuals. Seven patients had NFI, and six of these developed MPNST. Genetic alterations at nine polymorphic loci on chromosome 17 were examined. Allelic imbalance was detected only in the malignant tumors from NFI patients (4/6). Complete loss of heterozygosity of 17q loci was found in three of these tumors, all including loci within the NFI gene. Two of the malignant tumors also showed deletions on 17p. No mutations were detected within exon 5–8 of the TP53 in any of the MPNST, and none of them were TP53 protein-positive using immunostaining with mono- and polyclonal antibodies against TP53. The numbers of chromosome 17 present in each tumor were evaluated by use of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on interphase nuclei with a centromere-specific probe. A deviation from the disomic status of chromosome 17 was observed in two of the MPNST from NFI patients. These results support the hypothesis of inactivation of both NFI gene alleles during development of MPNST in patients with NFI. In contrast to other reports, we did not find evidence for a homozygous mutated condition of the TP53 gene in the same tumors. Finally, FISH analysis was in accordance with the DNA analysis in the deduction of the numbers of chromosome 17 in these tumors.
History repeats itself: genomic divergence in copepods

Press stop, erase everything from now till some arbitrary time in the past and start recording life as it evolves once again. Would you see the same tape of life playing itself over and over, or would a different story unfold every time? The late Steven Jay Gould called this experiment replaying the tape of life and argued that any replay of the tape would lead evolution down a pathway radically different from the road actually taken (Gould 1989). This thought experiment has puzzled evolutionary biologists for a long time: how repeatable are evolutionary events? And if history does indeed repeat itself, what are the factors that may help us predict the path taken? A powerful means to address these questions at a small evolutionary scale is to study closely related populations that have evolved independently, under similar environmental conditions. This is precisely what Pereira et al. ( ) set out to do using marine copepods Tigriopus californicus, and present their results in this issue of Molecular Ecology. They show that evolution can be repeatable and even partly predictable, at least at the molecular level. As expected from theory, patterns of divergence were shaped by natural selection. At the same time, strong genetic drift due to small population sizes also constrained evolution down a similar evolutionary road, and probably contributed to repeatable patterns of genomic divergence.
Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic resistance in children with atopic dermatitis: A New Zealand experience

Background/Objectives: Children with atopic dermatitis often have infective exacerbations which are treated with antibiotics and/or antiseptics. The most common infective cause is Staphylococcus aureus with a worldwide trend towards antibiotic resistance. This prospective observational audit aimed primarily to establish the prevalence of S. aureus colonisation in New Zealand children with atopic dermatitis attending a specialised paediatric dermatology clinic. Secondary aims were to assess whether S. aureus colonisation correlated to clinical severity, the sensitivity patterns to antibiotics (in particular methicillin‐resistant S. aureus, and to identify any demographic or management risk factors.
Stable isotopes in precipitation

In chapter 2 the isotopic fractionation of water in some simple condensation-evaporation processes are considered quantitatively on the basis of the fractionation factors given in section 1.2. The condensation temperature is an important parameter, which has got some glaciological applications. The temperature effect (the 6’s decreasing with temperature) together with varying evaporation and exchange appear in the “amount effect” as high 6’s in sparse rain. The relative deuterium-oxygen-18 fractionation is not quite simple. If the relative deviations from the standard water (S.M.O.W.) are called 6, and 6,,, the best linear approximation is 6, = 8 6,,. Chapter 3 gives some qualitative considerations on non-equilibrium (fast) processes. Kinetic effects have heavy bearings upon the effective fractionation factors. Such effects have only been demonstrated clearly in evaporation processes, hut may also influence condensation processes. The quantity d = 6, 8 is used as an index for non-equilibrium conditions. The stable isotope data from the world wide 1.A. E.A. -W.M. O. precipitation survey are discussed in chapter 4. The unweighted mean annual composition of rain at tropical island stations fits the line 6, = 4.6 6,, indicating a first stage equilibrium condensation from vapour evaporated in a non-equilibrium process. Regional characteristics appear in the weighted means. The Northern hemisphere continental stations, except African and Near East, f i t the line 6 , = 8.0 a,, + 10 as far as the weighted means are concerned (6, = 8.1 a, + 11 for the unweighted) corresponding to an equilibrium Rayleigh condensation from vapour, evaporated in a non-equilibrium process from S.M. O.W. The departure from equilibrium vapour seems even higher in the rest of the investigated part of the world. At most stations the 6, and varies linearily with a, with a slope close to 8, only at two stations higher than 8, at several lower than 8 (mainly connected with relatively dry climates). Considerable variations in the isotopic composition of monthly precipitation occur at most stations. At low latitudes the amount effect accounts for the variations, whereas seasonal variation at high latitudes is ascribed to the temperature effect. Tokyo is an example of a mid latitude station influenced by both effects. Some possible hydrological applications are outlined in chapter 5.
Predicting maximum voluntary ventilation in normal healthy individuals using indirect inspiratory muscle strength measurements: a correlation study

Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV), one of the components of Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), has multiple uses. Various factors including the inspiratory muscle strength (IMS) influence its magnitude. Our aim was to quantify the IMS indirectly using an economical and non invasive bedside assessment tool, determine its association with MVV and then develop a predictive equation for MVV. 41 healthy non-athletic physical therapy students participated in the study. IMS measurement was performed with a sphygmomanometer. Average of the three net deflections in sphygmomanometer following deepest possible breaths was taken as indirect measurement of IMS in mm of Hg. MVV was measured according to ATS guidelines using a spirometer. Results from the data analysis revealed a significant correlation between IMS and MVV(r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and the coefficient of determination = 0.68. So, we developed a regression equation: Y = 1.9669(X) + 49.838 with SEE: 13.02L/min and ANOVA for the equation was (F=68.9, p < 0.001). Hence, it can be concluded that a strong correlation between the indirect IMS and MVV was established and a predictive equation to estimate MVV was developed. This equation proved to have a high predictive value with a small error of estimation. This indicates that the value of the indirect IMS measurement obtained using the sphygmomanometer can be used to estimate MVV in normal healthy individuals without the use of a conventional spirometer.
Wiki-induced Cognitive Elaboration in Project Teams: An Empirical Study

Researchers have exerted increasing efforts to understand how wikis can be used to improve team performance. Previous studies have mainly focused on the effect of the quantity of wiki use on performance in wiki-based communities; however, only inconclusive results have been obtained. Our study focuses on the quality of wiki use in a team context. We develop a construct of wiki-induced cognitive elaboration, and explore its nomological network in the team context. Integrating the literatures on wiki and distributed cognition, we propose that wiki-induced cognitive elaboration influences team performance through knowledge integration among team members. We also identify its team-based antecedents, including task involvement, critical norm, task reflexivity, time pressure and process accountability, by drawing on the motivated information processing literature. The research model is empirically tested using multiple-source survey data collected from 46 wiki-based student project teams. The theoretical and practical implications of our findings are also discussed.
Attentional processing in cervical spine syndromes

Fifty‐four patients suffering from “common whiplash” were compared with 28 patients complaining of cervical spine syndrome caused by rheumatism (Barré‐Lieou syndrome). All patients underwent clinical interview and formal testing. Formal testing included personality profile, self ratings of cognitive impairment and well‐being, and tasks on divided attention and speed of information processing. In the “common whiplash” group higher relative incidences of adjustment disorder were found. In both groups scoring for divided attention was low. With regard to self‐ratings, the group suffering from Barré‐Lieou syndrome hardly indicated any problems while the “common whiplash” group showed significant impairment. This difference of self‐ratings was assumed to reflect the different modes of development of the investigated syndromes: in the group with cervical syndrome due to rheumatism the condition gradually developed giving the patient the possibility to adapt, while in the “common whiplash” group cervical pathology emerged abruptly by impact injury. Adaptation in the latter group was inadequate which in particular explains the appearance of adjustment disorders amongst “common whiplash” patients. Results indicated that headache due to cervical pathology is likely to be responsible for impaired attentional functioning of “common whiplash” patients.
Efecto de la suplementación de probióticos sobre los parámetros productivos de cuyes

Determinar el efecto de la suplementacion de probioticos en los parametros productivos de cuyes fue el objetivo de este trabajo de investigacion. Se emplearon 48 cuyes machos destetados de 14 ± 2 dias de edad, linea Peru. Se utilizo un diseno completamente al azar con 4 tratamientos, 4 repeticiones y 3 animales por repeticion. Los tratamientos fueron: (T1) Alfalfa verde + Concentrado, (T2) Alfalfa verde + Concentrado + Lactobacillus , (T3) Alfalfa Verde + Concentrado + Levaduras y (T4) Alfalfa verde + Concentrado + Lactobacillus + levadura. Tuvo una duracion de 42 dias. Los resultados mostraron que el consumo de alimento fue mayor en los cuyes del T2 (2201,0 g), seguido de los cuyes del T4 (2164,9 g), luego los cuyes del T3 (2120,8 g) y el menor consumo los cuyes del T1 (2.114,4 g) . La mayor ganancia de peso presentaron los cuyes del T3 con 493,67 g, seguido de los cuyes del T1 (480,75 g), luego los cuyes del T2 (480,33 g) y la menor ganancia los cuyes del T4 con 474,25 g. La mejor conversion del alimento se observo en los cuyes del T3 (4,4), seguido de del T1 (4,5) y los cuyes del T2 y T4 presentaron 4,6. Estos parametros no fueron estadisticamente diferentes entre los grupos. El mayor rendimiento de carcasa se observo en los cuyes del T1 con 71,2%, seguido de los cuyes del T3 con T3 65,9%, luego los cuyes del T4 con 65,7% y el menor rendimiento los cuyes del T2 con 62,5%. Se observo diferencia estadistica altamente significativa.
Protocols and Mechanisms to Recover Failed Packets in Wireless Networks: History and Evolution

The emergence of multihop wireless networks and the increase in low-latency demands of error tolerant applications, such as voice over internet protocol, have triggered the development of new protocols and mechanisms for recovering failed packets. For example, recovering partially corrupt packets instead of retransmission has emerged as an effective way to improve key network performance metrics, such as goodput, latency, and energy consumption. A number of similar and interesting solutions have been proposed recently to either reconstruct or process corrupt packets on wireless networks. The proliferation of multimedia services on 3G and long term evolution networks, and the stringent quality of service requirements for these applications have given birth to robust codes and new error tolerant mechanisms for packet delivery. Despite years of active research in the field, we lack a comprehensive survey that summarizes recent developments in this area and highlights avenues with potential for future growth. This survey tries to fill in this void by providing a comprehensive review of the evolution of this field and underscoring areas for future research.
The Impact of Purpose for Web Use on User Preferences for Web Design Features

A web site that appeals to all audiences is the “holy grail” of developers, but is not likely to be found. Therefore, organisations must decide what groups of users they want to target and gain a thorough knowledge of their needs and preferences. In this pilot study, we grouped users according to their purpose for using the Web and examined their preferences for web design features. We found that a user’s preference for web design features changed according to the user’s purposes for using the web. People using the web for entertainment valued enjoyability, accessibility and content quality most highly. People using the web for information acquisition ranked content quality, accessibility, and navigation and structure in the top three places.