Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
UV-Induced Immune Suppression that Promotes Skin Cancer Development and Progression

Arguably, UV irradiation is one of the most relevant risk factors for the development of skin cancer, including basal and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma (Rigel, 2008). UV-induced DNA damage triggers specific genetic mutations in oncosuppressor genes and/or oncogenes that initiate downstream events for carcinogenesis (de Gruijl & Rebel, 2008). It is increasingly clear that immunity plays a protective role in the detection and elimination of nascent tumors. This process termed “cancer immunosurveillance” has undergone a renaissance with the aid of elegant studies of cancer development in genetically engineered (targeting and/or transgenic) animals, and turned into the refined hypothesis termed “cancer immunoediting” (Vesely et al., 2011). UV radiation suppresses a variety of immune responses that contribute to carcinogenesis. The immunosuppressive effects of UV radiation may be involved in skin cancer development by impairing the antitumor immune responses that can destroy developing skin tumors. Moreover, UV radiation induces antigen-specific immune tolerance, which is largely mediated by regulatory T cells that specifically suppress immune responses against antigens expressed on emerging tumors (Katiyar, 2007). The temporal relationship between UV radiation and carcinogenesis revealed that UV radiation initiates tumor formation followed by suppression of immune responses specific to emerging tumors. Thus, the experiments documenting the immune suppressive effects of UV were conducted using naive animals exposed to UV radiation prior to immunization. Accordingly, the prevailing notion of UVinduced immune suppression places a supportive role of UV radiation for the initiation of tumor development. However, it is equally important to explore the possibility that UV radiation induces antigen-specific immune suppression in hosts that have established immunity toward corresponding antigen, since UV radiation may suppress anti-tumor immune responses against emerging skin tumors wherein UV radiation may play no causative roles but contributes to tumor progression. This notion of UV-induced immunosuppression contributing to the progression of already emerged tumors, has received less attention and is not well corroborated experimentally. It is important to note that some melanomas arise at sites such as palms, soles, and buttocks, which do not have obvious exposure to UV radiation. There is increasing concern for the decreasing stratospheric ozone levels that leads increase in exposure to short wave length UV-B
Thermal analysis of ultra-thin body device scaling [SOI and FinFet devices]

This paper explores the effect of confined dimensions and complicated geometries on the self-heating of ultra-thin body SOI and FinFET devices. A compact thermal model is introduced, incorporating the most advanced understanding of nanoscale heat conduction available. Novel device scaling is analyzed from a thermal point of view. We show device temperatures are very sensitive to the choice of drain and channel extension dimensions, and suggest a parameter design space which can help alleviate thermal problems. ITRS power guidelines below the 25 nm technology node should be revised if isothermal scaling of thin-body devices is desired.
Angiogenesis as a therapeutic target in endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis is a key factor for the successful establishment and growth of endometriotic lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a literature search in PubMed and reviewed the most pertinent studies published until January 2014 and focused on the endometriosis-associated angiogenesis and/or anti-angiogenic strategies for the treatment of this gynecological disorder. RESULTS The present review provides a concise summary of the known molecular mechanisms that promote vascularization of endometriotic lesions and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. We also present a systematic overview of the inclusive and exclusive anti-angiogenic agents that have been already studied in cell cultures, animal models and/or endometriosis patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The integration of anti-angiogenic approaches in the multimodal management strategies for endometriosis patients will be conditioned by the outcomes of future assessments regarding the effectiveness of such treatments, the risk of drug resistance development and the incidence of unacceptable side effects.
Pilot sharing method for uplink OFDMA channel estimation

This paper proposes an orthogonal pilot-aided channel estimation scheme for uplink (UL) orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems. In the proposed method, the users utilizing adjacent UL subchannels in the frequency domain share some common pilot subcarriers by using orthogonal pilot patterns. In this way, each user can effectively use more pilot subcarriers and can improve the quality of channel estimation, especially for the data subcarriers located near the edges of a multiple access (MA) user subchannel in the frequency domain, and can offer a better bit error rate than user dedicated pilot allocations.
Quantitative analysis of the importance of wind‐induced circulation for the spatial structuring of planktonic populations

1. Several studies have shown that wind-induced water movements have an important effect on the spatial distribution of crustacean zooplankton. However, few attempts have been made to quantify the effect of physical processes on these broad-scale patterns. Much of our understanding of this spatial structure has been based on the results of isolated surveys, which do not capture the dynamic nature of the pelagic environment. 2. In this study, we have used a combination of high-speed sampling (at a spatial resolution of 240 m) and spatial data analysis to quantify the factors influencing the horizontal spatial structure of the Daphnia galeata population in Windermere. 3. The results show that lake-wide circulation patterns, as indicated by water temperature, account for 29–47% of the basin-scale spatial variance in D. galeata abundance. However, these patterns are highly dynamic and change in response to the prevailing weather. This lack of temporal persistence means that the results of single-survey sampling campaigns must be interpreted with caution.
Peroxisomal Fatty Acid β-Oxidation Is Not Essential for Virulence of Candida albicans

ABSTRACT Phagocytic cells form the first line of defense against infections by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Recent in vitro gene expression data suggest that upon phagocytosis by macrophages, C. albicans reprograms its metabolism to convert fatty acids into glucose by inducing the enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle and fatty acid β-oxidation pathway. Here, we asked whether fatty acid β-oxidation, a metabolic pathway localized to peroxisomes, is essential for fungal virulence by constructing two C. albicans double deletion strains: a pex5Δ/pex5Δ mutant, which is disturbed in the import of most peroxisomal enzymes, and a fox2Δ/fox2Δ mutant, which lacks the second enzyme of the β-oxidation pathway. Both mutant strains had strongly reduced β-oxidation activity and, accordingly, were unable to grow on media with fatty acids as a sole carbon source. Surprisingly, only the fox2Δ/fox2Δ mutant, and not the pex5Δ/pex5Δ mutant, displayed strong growth defects on nonfermentable carbon sources other than fatty acids (e.g., acetate, ethanol, or lactate) and showed attenuated virulence in a mouse model for systemic candidiasis. The degree of virulence attenuation of the fox2Δ/fox2Δ mutant was comparable to that of the icl1Δ/icl1Δ mutant, which lacks a functional glyoxylate cycle and also fails to grow on nonfermentable carbon sources. Together, our data suggest that peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation is not essential for virulence of C. albicans, implying that the attenuated virulence of the fox2Δ/fox2Δ mutant is largely due to a dysfunctional glyoxylate cycle.
Frequency Correlates in Grapheme-Color Synaesthesia

Individuals with synaesthesia experience certain stimuli in more than one sensory modality. Most common is the linkage of letters and digits (graphemes) to colors. Whereas synaesthesia might be partly genetically determined, the linkages to specific colors are assumed to be learned. We present a systematic statistical analysis of synaesthetic color perception based on subjects' reproduction of individual colors for each grapheme, instead of simple verbal categorizations. The statistical analysis revealed that the color perceptions, measured with the HSL (hue, saturation, and luminance) scale, varied systematically among the different digits and letters. The frequencies of the digits and letters (in the German language) partly explained these systematic variations. However, digit frequency was more strongly related to color perception in the synaesthetes than was letter frequency. The results for digit and letter frequency indicate that experience with graphemes may shape synaesthetic color perception.
Correlation of Inner Retinal Thickness Evaluated by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Contrast Sensitivity in Parkinson disease

Background: To compare inner retinal layer (IRL) thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and contrast sensitivity (CS) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and in healthy control (HC) subjects. Methods: Consecutive patients with and without PD were prospectively analyzed using SD-OCT and Pelli-Robson CS testing. SD-OCT IRL (ganglion-cell complex) thickness, consisting of the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer, was segmented using an RTVue Model-RT100 with an EMM5 scan parameter covering a 5.0 × 5.0 mm cube centered on the fovea. Thickness voxel measurements at 0.25-mm intervals at sequential radial distances from the foveola were acquired horizontally and vertically. SD-OCT thickness raw data files were imported and analyzed within MATLAB (version 7.10.0). A database of CS scores and IRL thickness values by foveal location was constructed and statistically evaluated using JMP 10 (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC). Results: The results were compared between 28 eyes of 14 patients with PD and 28 eyes of 14 HC subjects. Controlling for age, mean CS scores of monocular right and randomized eyes were statistically lower in PD eyes (P < 0.05). IRL was significantly thinner in PD eyes than in HC eyes at several distances from the foveola (P < 0.05). The most numerous and significant thickness differences by diagnosis were located in the superior quadrant at a distance of 1.00–1.75 mm from the foveal center (17 &mgr;m; P < 0.01, maximum significant thickness difference and P value). Correlation was demonstrated between monocular CS and IRL thickness by diagnosis at multiple foveal locations for HC eyes as follows: nasal quadrant, 0.75–1.00 mm (P < 0.02); temporal quadrant, 0.50–1.00 mm (P < 0.05); superior quadrant, 1.00 mm (P < 0.05); and inferior quadrant, 1.00 mm (P < 0.03). No significant correlation was found between monocular CS and IRL thickness within PD subjects (P > 0.05 for each foveal location measured). Conclusion: CS and foveal IRL thickness are decreased in patients with PD. CS and IRL thickness correlated in HC subjects; however, no such correlation was demonstrated in PD. The functional deficit of dopaminergic interneurons, including amacrine cells, may outstrip the anatomic structural changes in the inner retina of PD patients. Inner retinal atrophic changes may underlie the pathogenesis of CS deficit and IRL thinning in PD.
Simultaneous Analog Stimulation Pilot Pediatric Study

The relationships between the children's speech perception score and their map characteristics and performance on the loudness scaling tasks are summarized in the correlation matrix presented in Table 1. All correlations reached significance, but the highest correlations were obtained on the loudness scaling variables. The greater the ability to perceive differences between loudness categories and the smaller the variability in judgments, the higher the child's speech perception score.
The relation between peer social status and self-esteem in middle childhood

The aim of the study was to examine the relation between self-esteem and peer social status. A second aim was to investigate relations between peer descriptions and self-rated descriptions. The participants were 145 children (75 girls, 70 boys). The questionnaire "I think I am" measuring self-esteem, a questionnaire measuring social status through peer nomination, and an 8-item scale for peer description were administered to children in year 4 and year 6. Children were categorized into popular, rejected, neglected, controversial, average, and unclassified social status. Findings supported the hypothesis that different social status was related to different levels of self-esteem. The popular group stood out with the highest mean value on total self-esteem, on the subscale of relations to others, and showed a tendency for significance on the subscale of psychological well-being. The rejected group had the lowest mean value on total self-esteem and psychological well-being, and the neglected had the lowest on relations to others. Further, scores on "I think I am" correlated with peer descriptions of that child. Relations were stronger for negative peer nomination than for positive peer nomination. Implications of self-esteem and peer social status were discussed in relation to previous research.
An Introduction to Statistical Methods Used in Binary Outcome Modeling

Logistic regression is a cornerstone of epidemiology and the method of choice for risk adjustment models in cardiac surgery and critical care. Although linear regression methods may be satisfactory to evaluate relationships between independent (predictor) variables and a outcome that is continuous, a more complex mathematical approach is required when the outcome is binary (yes/no; alive/dead). Although the odds are 4 to 1 that finding an antilogarithm may sound intimidating, once you get past the initial equations and terminology, we go on to discuss how to select variables for a model, how to deal with collinearity and interaction terms, how to use diagnostic tests to ensure the model is not adversely affected by a small number of observations, and how to assess a model's discrimination and calibration. A full understanding of how logistic models are developed is useful when assessing the medical literature on risk assessment.
Cycle Ergometer Tests in Children With Cystic Fibrosis: Reliability and Feasibility

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and feasibility of cycle ergometer tests in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Children with CF aged 6–11 years and with stable lung disease performed two cycle ergometry tests (intermittent sprint and continuous incremental) on two occasions 1 week apart. Reliability was assessed using repeated‐measures ANOVA. Bias was considered to be significant at P < 0.05 level and a coefficient of variation (CV) below 10% was considered acceptable. Feasibility and acceptability data were also collected. Sixteen children with CF completed the study: (9M:7F), 8.7(1.8) years, FEV1%predicted: 88.1(17.4). Power measurements recorded during the intermittent sprint test demonstrated significant bias over days (P < 0.05) and CVs were between 10% and 15%. Peak work capacity recorded during the continuous incremental test was reliable (bias P < 0.05, CV < 10%), as was heart rate and SpO2 recorded during both tests (bias P < 0.05, CV < 10%). No problems were experienced in administering the tests and all children completed both tests on two separate occasions. There was a mixed response to questions on acceptability of tests. This is the first study to provide information on the reliability of performance measures recorded during an intermittent sprint protocol (peak power) and a continuous incremental cycle ergometry (peak work capacity) in children with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:1226–1234. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between low muscle mass, functional limitations and hospitalisation in heart failure: NHANES 1999-2004.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Muscle mass decreases with age, and heart failure (HF) patients may experience greater reductions due to pathophysiological processes associated with this disease. Reduced muscle mass may predispose HF patients to functional limitations and increased morbidity and mortality. This study estimated the associations between HF, low muscle mass (LMM), functional limitations and hospitalisation, as well as the combined effect of HF and LMM on these outcomes in a nationally representative sample. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey. SETTING the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. SUBJECTS A total of 402 HF (weighted 3,994,205) and 7,061 non-HF participants (weighted 91,058,850), ≥45 years with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements. METHODS the 20th percentile of the sex-specific distribution of lean appendicular mass residuals from linear regression with height and fat mass as predictors, served as the LMM cut-point. Logistic regression provided adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of HF and LMM with functional limitations and hospitalisation. RESULTS There were statistically significant adjusted associations between HF and limitations in household chores, walking one-fourth of a mile and hospitalisation (OR (95% CI): 2.5 (1.7 -3.8), 1.9 (1.2 -3.0) and 1.6 (1.1 -2.4), respectively). LMM was significantly associated with limitations in household chores and walking one-fourth of a mile (OR (95% CI): 1.5 (1.2, 1.9) and 1.4 (1.2, 1.7), respectively). Interaction between HF and LMM was noted for the associations with functional limitations. CONCLUSIONS This hypothesis-generating study found a synergistic interaction between HF and LMM; the presence of LMM increased the negative effects of HF. HF patients may experience increased disease burden due to LMM.
Statistical modelling and experimental verification for wideband MIMO mobile-to-mobile channels in urban environments

A three-dimensional reference model for wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mobile-to-mobile (M-to-M) channels is reviewed. To validate the reference model, an experimental MIMO M-to-M channel-sounding campaign was conducted for M-to-M vehicular communication with vehicles travelling along surface streets of a metropolitan area. The measured data is processed and the first- and second-order channel statistics obtained from the reference model and from the empirical measurements are compared. The close agreement between the analytically and empirically obtained channel statistics confirms the utility of the proposed reference model.
Role of high frequency ultrasonography in the evaluation of palpable breast masses in Chinese women: alternative to mammography?

We prospectively assessed the accuracy of high resolution breast ultrasonography in the diagnosis of palpable breast masses in comparison to clinical palpation and x‐ray mammography. Four hundred and eight Chinese women with palpable breast lumps had clinical assessment followed by ultrasonography of the breast, mammography (for women over 35 years), and fine needle aspiration cytology. Excisional biopsy or surgery was performed for suggestive lesions. The clinical, mammographic and ultrasound diagnoses were compared with the final pathologic diagnosis. In the determination of whether a lesion was malignant, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were 97%, 97%, and 85%, respectively, for ultrasonography; 92%, 94%, and 84%, respectively, for mammography; and 88%, 92%, and 67%, respectively, for clinical evaluation. The specificity for combined clinical palpation and ultrasonography was higher (99%) than that for combined clinical palpation and mammography (96%). Addition of ultrasonography to combined clinical palpation and mammography increased specificity. Mammography in addition to combined clinical palpation and ultrasonography did not significantly improve the sensitivity, specificity, or positive predictive value. This limited usefulness raises the question as to whether it should be eliminated in the workup of a palpable mass in the average Chinese patient. Its main advantage is the detection of extended foci of carcinoma in situ related to a palpable mass, which often is undetected by ultrasonography.
Rapid subgenus identification of human adenovirus isolates by a general PCR

In most clinical situations involving adenovirus infection, subgenus (subgroup) identification of an adenovirus isolate is as informative as a finer identification by serotype. A PCR method which allows the identification of human adenovirus isolates as members of subgenera A, B:1, B:2, C, D, E, or F is described. It is based on a simple (nonnested) PCR using primers which bind to regions immediately flanking the VA RNA-encoding regions of human adenovirus genomes. The PCR allows amplification of DNA from all 49 human adenovirus prototype strains so far described. Since there are differences in the lengths of the VA RNA-encoding regions in adenoviruses of different subgenera, it is possible to differentiate some subgenera according to the size of the PCR product determined by electrophoresis. This forms the basis of an initial broad categorization of isolates as belonging to either (i) subgenus B:1, C, D, or E or (ii) subgenus A, B:2, or F. Subgenus identification is completed by a one-step restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. The method was assessed by blind subgenus identification of 200 miscellaneous primate adenovirus isolates prepared by the reference laboratory at Bilthoven, The Netherlands. Identification at the subgenus level by PCR correlated 91.5% with the results of serotyping. A further 5.5% of isolates were correctly identified as belonging to one of two specified subgenera. Six of the 200 identifications (3%) were unsuccessful for various reasons, including weak PCR products, intermediate strains, and mistaken primate host. The method should serve as a rapid means of confirming adenovirus cytopathic effects in laboratories performing virus culture, with simultaneous subgenus identification of the isolate. It will also have relevance as an aid to conventional serotyping for epidemiological purposes, since for all adenoviruses except those belonging to subgenus D, neutralization tests need only involve a maximum of four type-specific antisera.
Synergetic activity of catechin and other antioxidants.

The antioxidant synergy between (+)-catechin and other wine or biological antioxidants (Trolox, ascorbate, SO(2), uric acid) was measured in vitro using the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) and metmyoglobin assays. Although the two assays are based on very different reagents (i.e., metal salts versus organic and biochemical reagents), the individual antioxidants showed similar relative activities in both systems. In addition, interaction studies showed simple additive effects in all cases except with the (+)-catechin/SO(2) mixture, which showed a remarkable synergetic effect in both assays.