Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dendritic Cell Regeneration in the Bone Marrow of Children Treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Dendritic cells (DC) play a pivotal role in coordinating functions of the immune system. Little is known about DC levels in the bone marrow (BM) of patients receiving cytostatic treatment. We investigated DC levels by flow cytometry in BM at diagnosis, during and post‐treatment in 76 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The levels of both plasmacytoid DC (pDC) and myeloid DC (mDC) were profoundly reduced at diagnosis. However, the levels of pDC and mDC were significantly higher in T‐precursor ALL patients when compared with B‐precursor ALL patient group (P = 0.044 and 0.041 respectively). Both subsets normalized in both standard‐risk (SR) and high‐risk patients after the end of induction at day 50. Patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) at day 50 had significantly higher pDC levels than MRD‐negative patients (P = 0.021). In B‐precursor SR ALL patients, mDC levels but not pDC levels decreased during prolonged maintenance treatment, remaining reduced at the end of treatment (P = 0.032) and at 6 months post‐treatment (P = 0.028). In conclusion, levels of DC in BM normalize quickly in children treated for ALL. Long‐term treatment may more profoundly affect mDC subset, which shows reduced levels several months after treatment.
Innovation in Austere Times: Louisiana's Call Program

The state budget for public higher education in Louisiana was reduced 55 percent from 2008-2016. Colleges in the state decreased payrolls, eliminated or consolidated 387 degree programs, and dramatically shifted the burden of paying for college from the state to individuals and families through a series of budget cuts and tuition hikes. Despite this depletion of resources available to higher education, interest surged in programs offered through the Center for Adult Learning in Louisiana (CALL). This multi-university consortium began to offer online baccalaureate degrees in a range of social science majors including Sociology, Family and Child Studies and Criminal Justice. This program allowed adult learners to pursue their degree online without putting their lives on hold. The program’s success was due in large part its alignment with a key statewide education goal: to improve the graduation rate among Louisiana’s college student population.
Alternative Economies as Marketing Systems? The Role of Value Creation and the Criticism of Economic Growth

Actors engaged in alternative economies organize resource transfers, exchange resources (with and without the use of money), and create value. As value creation is a definitional attribute of marketing systems, we examine whether alternative economies fall under the concept of marketing systems. That is, the conceptual framework of the marketingsystems approach applicable to alternative economies must help answer this question, and the approach’s empirical claims must hold true in alternative economies. We refer to the distinction between the conceptual framework of a theory and its empirical claims to substantiate our notion that alternative economies are marketing systems. Informed by the theoretical analysis and insights gleaned from interviews, we suggest modifications of the conceptual framework of the marketing-systems approach to improve or extend its applicability to alternative economies.
The 2014 coral bleaching and freshwater flood events in Kāneʻohe Bay, Hawaiʻi

Until recently, subtropical Hawaiʻi escaped the major bleaching events that have devastated many tropical regions, but the continued increases in global long-term mean temperatures and the apparent ending of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) cool phase have increased the risk of bleaching events. Climate models and observations predict that bleaching in Hawaiʻi will occur with increasing frequency and increasing severity over future decades. A freshwater “kill” event occurred during July 2014 in the northern part of Kāneʻohe Bay that reduced coral cover by 22.5% in the area directly impacted by flooding. A subsequent major bleaching event during September 2014 caused extensive coral bleaching and mortality throughout the bay and further reduced coral cover in the freshwater kill area by 60.0%. The high temperature bleaching event only caused a 1.0% reduction in live coral throughout the portion of the bay not directly impacted by the freshwater event. Thus, the combined impact of the low salinity event and the thermal bleaching event appears to be more than simply additive. The temperature regime during the September 2014 bleaching event was analogous in duration and intensity to that of the large bleaching event that occurred previously during August 1996, but resulted in a much larger area of bleaching and coral mortality. Apparently seasonal timing as well as duration and magnitude of heating is important. Coral spawning in the dominant coral species occurs early in the summer, so reservoirs of stored lipid in the corals had been depleted by spawning prior to the September 2014 event. Warm months above 27 °C result in lower coral growth and presumably could further decrease lipid reserves, leading to a bleaching event that was more severe than would have happened if the high temperatures occurred earlier in the summer. Hawaiian reef corals decrease skeletal growth at temperatures above 27 °C, so perhaps the “stress period” actually started long before the bleaching threshold of 29 °C was reached. Hawaiʻi is directly influenced by the PDO which may become a factor influencing bleaching events in subtropical Hawaiʻi in much the same manner as variations in the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences bleaching events at low latitudes in the tropical Pacific. Records show that offshore temperatures measured by satellite will not always predict inshore bleaching because other factors (high cloud cover, high wind and wave action, tidal exchange rate) can limit inshore heating and prevent temperatures in the bay from reaching the bleaching threshold. Low light levels due to cloud cover or high turbidity can also serve to prevent bleaching.
The αvβ6 Integrin Is Transferred Intercellularly via Exosomes*

Background: The αvβ6 integrin is up-regulated in cancer progression and metastasis. Results: This integrin is transferred via exosomes from prostate cancer cells expressing αvβ6 into αvβ6-negative cancer cells. Conclusion: Exosomes containing the αvβ6 integrin impact neighboring cells by enhancing their ability to migrate. Significance: Exosome transfer of αvβ6 integrin among cancer cells may contribute to a horizontal propagation of more aggressive integrin-associated phenotypes. Exosomes, cell-derived vesicles of endosomal origin, are continuously released in the extracellular environment and play a key role in intercellular crosstalk. In this study, we have investigated whether transfer of integrins through exosomes between prostate cancer (PrCa) cells occurs and whether transferred integrins promote cell adhesion and migration. Among others, we have focused on the αvβ6 integrin, which is not detectable in normal human prostate but is highly expressed in human primary PrCa as well as murine PrCa in Ptenpc−/− mice. After confirming the fidelity of the exosome preparations by electron microscopy, density gradient, and immunoblotting, we determined that the αvβ6 integrin is actively packaged into exosomes isolated from PC3 and RWPE PrCa cell lines. We also demonstrate that αvβ6 is efficiently transferred via exosomes from a donor cell to an αvβ6-negative recipient cell and localizes to the cell surface. De novo αvβ6 expression in an αvβ6-negative recipient cell is not a result of a change in mRNA levels but is a consequence of exosome-mediated transfer of this integrin between different PrCa cells. Recipient cells incubated with exosomes containing αvβ6 migrate on an αvβ6 specific substrate, latency-associated peptide-TGFβ, to a greater extent than cells treated with exosomes in which αvβ6 is stably or transiently down-regulated by shRNA or siRNA, respectively. Overall, this study shows that exosomes from PrCa cells may contribute to a horizontal propagation of integrin-associated phenotypes, which would promote cell migration, and consequently, metastasis in a paracrine fashion.
Ultra Low Input Current Consumption Power Supplies under No-Load Condition for Discontinuous Transmission Systems

The present paper focuses on power supplies for communication system devices with discontinuous transmission. The paper studies and analyzes power supplies with high efficiency and low quiescent current consumption under no- load conditions. Linear and switched power supplies with and without isolation are being considered and the trade-offs of different topologies are presented. Finally it recommends solutions for wireless communication applications. To check the conclusions of the study, a practical implementation of an isolated switched power supply for wireless devices is presented, with one of the lowest quiescent current consumptions in the market The practical design reaches the technology limits of the isolated power supplies under no-load conditions. The design has been implemented on a commercial wireless device. This device has three communication modules; EGSM, WiFitrade and ZigBeetrade, and it is intended for the remote control of electromechanical actuators and electronic sensors in harsh environment applications.
Spatial Segregation in Indian Cities

As India transforms into an increasingly urban society, ward-level data from the 2011 Indian Census is analysed to decipher how inequality patterns vary across different scales of urban settlements, highlighting the spatial segregation by gender, caste, socio-economic status (SES) and access to goods, by examining a specific state (Uttar Pradesh) as a microcosm to account for the nation’s enormous socio-political diversity. Caste-based spatial segregation is greater in small and medium cities compared to metropolises, possibly from greater intermingling of socio-cultural identities in larger urban locales that lower caste barriers. This also applies to segregation by SES. Contrastingly, segregation by gender or by access to essential goods is higher in larger and medium cities. Within cities, caste-based segregation is greater than that by SES. A stark spatial segregation in terms of households’ (HHs) access to essential public and private goods exists, often higher than even caste-based segregation. Summary explanations for these differentials in spatial segregation across settlements scales are offered, highlighting probable further research aspects.
A molecular insight into the early events of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (race 1) interaction through cDNA-AFLP analysis.

Wilt of chickpea caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is one of the most severe diseases of chickpea throughout the world. Variability of pathotypes of F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris and breakdown of natural resistance are the main hindrances to developing resistant plants by applying resistant breeding strategies. Additionally, lack of information of potential resistant genes limits gene-transfer technology. A thorough understanding of Fusarium spp. -chickpea interaction at a cellular and molecular level is essential for isolation of potential genes involved in counteracting disease progression. Experiments were designed to trigger the pathogen-challenged disease responses in both susceptible and resistant plants and monitor the expression of stress induced genes or gene fragments at the transcript level. cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism followed by homology search helped in differentiating and analyzing the up- and downregulated gene fragments. Several detected DNA fragments appeared to have relevance with pathogen-mediated defense. Some of the important transcript-derived fragments were homologous to genes for sucrose synthase, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, drought stress response, serine threonine kinases, cystatins, arginase, and so on. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction performed with samples collected at 48 and 96 h postinfection confirmed a similar type of differential expression pattern. Based on these results, interacting pathways of cellular processes were generated. This study has an implication toward functional identification of genes involved in wilt resistance.
Morphology and physiology of neurons in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus in rat brain slices

The ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL) is a prominent neuronal group that lies within the auditory pathway connecting the auditory lower brainstem and midbrain. Previous physiologic studies showed that VNLL neurons respond mainly to contralaterally presented sounds and display various firing patterns. To understand better the role that VNLL neurons play in transmitting and processing of auditory information, we examined the morphology of VNLL neurons and their cellular physiology in young rat brain slices. We made whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings and labeled cells intracellularly with neurobiotin to investigate the relation between morphologic neuronal types, intrinsic membrane properties, and postsynaptic responses. VNLL neurons fell into two distinct morphologic groups, i.e., bushy cells and stellate cells, based on their dendritic patterns. Stellate cells were grouped further into stellate I, II, and elongate cells according to soma shape, dendritic branches, and orientation. Bushy cells showed an onset firing pattern and a nonlinear current–voltage relationship. All three subtypes of stellate cells had a linear current‐voltage relationship, but exhibited different firing patterns. Stellate I cells showed regular and onset‐pause firing patterns, whereas stellate II cells showed adapting and elongate cells showed burst firing patterns. Bushy cells and stellate cells responded to stimulation of the lateral lemniscus with excitatory and/or inhibitory synaptic potentials. These results suggest that the VNLL is a heterogeneous neuronal group and that it contains many channels for processing different kinds of auditory information. Neuronal morphology and intrinsic membrane properties contribute to the behavior of individual neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 433:255–271, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two Types of K+ Channels are Present in the Apical Membrane of the Thick Ascending Limb of the Mouse Kidney

We used the patch–clamp technique to study apical K+ channels in the split–opened thick ascending limb (TAL) of mouse kidneys. We observed a low–conductance K+ channel in 8 patches and an intermediate–conductance K+ channel in 11 patches from a total of 135 cell–attached patches with GΩ seals in the apical membrane of the mouse TAL. Open probability (Po) of the low–conductance K+ channel was 0.85 and was not voltage–dependent between –60 mV and 0 mV. Po of the intermediate–conductance was 0.6 at a spontaneous cell membrane potential and decreased to 0.4 by 40 mV hyperpolarization. Both the low–conductance and intermediate–conductance K+ channels were an inwardly rectifying K+ channel with inward slope conductances of 26 pS and 74 pS between –20 and 20 mV, respectively. The 74–pS K+ channel was inhibited by 1 mM Ba2+ and 10 mM tetraethylammonium when they were applied to the bath facing the cytosolic surface of inside–out patches. Furthermore, addition of 1 mM Mg–ATP reversibly reduced the activity of the 74–pS K+ channel by 90% within 1 min in inside–out patches. A decrease in bath pH from 7.4 to 6.5 completely blocked the 74–pS K+ channel in inside–out patches. We conclude that two types of K+ channels are present in the apical membrane of the mouse TAL and that the biophysical properties of the apical 74–pS K+ channel are identical to those in the rat TAL.
The relationship between red blood cell and reticulocyte indices and serum markers of iron status in the cord blood of newborns

Abstract Background: The aims of this study were to assess the relationship between red blood cell and reticulocyte indices and biochemical iron status measurements, and to define reference values of these markers in the cord blood of newborns. Methods: In cord blood samples from 199 full-term newborns, cellular indices were assessed using an ADVIA 120 hematology system and iron status was analyzed by measurement of serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation (TfSat), transferrin receptor (TfR) and ferritin. Results: Cellular hemoglobin in red blood cells or reticulocytes was independent of serum iron markers such as TfSat, TfR and ferritin. The percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (%HYPOm) and reticulocytes (%HYPOr) correlated significantly with TfSat and TfR-F index (TfR/log ferritin). Importantly, %HYPOm and %HYPOr were also positively correlated with the high immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF-H) and the mean cell volume of red or reticulocytes. Conclusions: In newborns, accelerated erythropoiesis is a major contributor to red blood cell and reticulocyte indices, which provide conflicting results when compared with serum markers of iron status. Apparently, the serum proteins ferritin, transferrin and TfR are more appropriate tools for the diagnosis of iron status in newborns. Clin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1000–3.
Cutaneous malignant melanoma incidences analyzed worldwide by sex, age, and skin type over personal Ultraviolet-B dose shows no role for sunburn but implies one for Vitamin D3

ABSTRACT Because the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) was reported to increase with increasing terrestrial UVR (290–400 nm) doses in the US back in 1975 and a recent publication showed no association exists with UVR exposure at all, we set out to fully elucidate the role of UVR in CMM. To achieve this goal, we analyzed the CMM incidences over latitude and estimated the average personal UVR dose in the US and numerous countries (> 50) on 5 continents around the world. Using data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2005, we performed worldwide analysis of CMM over UVR dose by sex, age group (0–14, 15–29, 30–49, 50–69, 70–85+) and Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI. Surprisingly, increasing UVR doses, which represent erythemally-weighted doses comprised primarily of UVB (290–315 nm) radiation, did not significantly correlate with increasing CMM incidence for people with any skin type anywhere in the world. Paradoxically, we found significant correlations between increasing CMM and decreasing UVB dose in Europeans with skin types I-IV. Both Europeans and Americans in some age groups have significant increasing CMM incidences with decreasing UVB dose, which shows UVB is not the main driver in CMM and suggests a possible role for lower cutaneous vitamin D3 levels and UVA (315–400 nm) radiation. CMM may be initiated or promoted by UVA radiation because people are exposed to it indoors through windows and outdoors through some sunscreen formulations. Thus, our findings may explain why some broad-spectrum sunscreen formulations do not protect against getting CMM.
How do blood cultures sent from a paediatric accident and emergency department influence subsequent clinical management?

Objectives: To determine the clinical impact of positive results from blood cultures sent from a busy paediatric accident and emergency epartment. Methods: All children who attended the department over a seven month period and had blood culture investigations were identified. Case notes of patients who had any growth on blood culture were reviewed to determine whether the organism was felt to be pathogenic and how the result affected clinical management. Results: 1159 children had blood cultures sent, 26 of these grew an organism that was felt to be pathogenic. However, only five significantly influenced clinical management. Conclusions: Blood cultures sent from an accident and emergency department rarely influence clinical management. A more focused approach to bacteriological investigation is recommended.
Tracing criteria of successful aging? Health locus of control and well-being in older patients with internal diseases

To identify differences and similarities in health locus of control (HLC) and well-being between internistic patients, recently diagnosed cancer patients and healthy controls, we examined 110 patients with internal diseases, 196 cancer patients and 80 healthy controls aged 60+ years. HLC was assessed with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales (MHLC), well-being with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Patients with internal diseases scored highest on internal HLC. Scores on social externalism and fatalism MHCL-subscales of internistic patients were similar to cancer patients. Both patient samples reported reduced positive affect. Higher levels of education, more social support, higher self-esteem, internal HLC and daily functioning predicted positive affect in the total sample. In addition, an interaction effect of internal locus of control and daily functioning was found in cancer patients. There were no group-specific predictors of positive affect. Results suggest that high internal HLC is associated with positive affect in each of the three samples. However, an internal HLC only contributes to positive affect in cancer patients when they are in sufficient physical condition to exert control over their health.
Sex Differences in the Effect of Vaccines on the Risk of Hospitalization Due to Measles in Guinea-Bissau

Background: Routine immunizations have non-specific and sex-differential effects on childhood mortality and morbidity in low-income countries; BCG and measles vaccine (MV) may reduce and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP) may increase the mortality of girls relative to boys. Setting: Urban area in Guinea-Bissau, with a demographic surveillance system and registration of all pediatric hospitalizations. Guinea-Bissau experienced a large outbreak of measles infection in 2003–2004. Design: We used hospital and community data to examine the impact of other vaccines on the risk of hospitalizations for measles infection. Vaccine efficacy (VE) against hospitalization for children aged 6 to 59 months of age was examined. We assessed whether VE depended on vaccination status for other vaccines and whether the pattern differed for boys and girls. Main Outcome Measure: Sex-specific vaccine efficacy against hospitalization for children aged 6 to 59 months of age. Results: The VE depended on sex and the sequence of vaccinations. The VE of MV against hospitalization for measles was better for girls than for boys. Among children who had received MV as the most recent vaccine VE against hospitalization was as high as 96% for girls, but only 81% for boys (P = 0.002). Among children who had received DTP simultaneously with MV or DTP after MV, VE declined for girls (91%) and increased for boys (90%). Compared with having received MV as most recent vaccination, DTP simultaneously with MV or DTP after MV improved the efficacy significantly for boys and the effect was significantly different for boys and girls (P = 0.023). The female-male risk ratio of hospitalization varied significantly, depending on the most recent vaccination (P = 0.014); it was 0.28 (0.11–0.68) for MV alone, but 1.21 (0.82–1.77) for DTP but no MV, and 1.13 (0.58–2.18) for DTP simultaneously with MV or after MV. Among MV-unvaccinated children, BCG-vaccinated girls had a lower risk of measles hospitalization than DTP-vaccinated girls (RR=0.0 (0.0–0.99), exact test).