Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological characteristics of extremely young Korean multiple myeloma patients: therapeutic implications

Background/Aims Although multiple myeloma (MM) is typically a disease of the elderly, a certain subset of extremely young patients exists. It is necessary to establish clinicopathological characteristics for this population. Methods We reviewed the medical records of MM patients whose age was 40 years or younger at diagnosis. Results A total of 32 patients were analyzed (male to female ratio 19:13, median age 37 years). According to International Staging System, 29%, 48%, and 16% were in stage I, II, and III, respectively. Light chain myeloma accounted for 30%. Clinically significant anemia, hypercalcemia, azotemia, and hypoalbuminemia were present in 29%, 28%, 13%, and 28%, respectively. Three or more lytic bone lesions were detected in 45% of the patients, whereas 13% had no lytic bone lesions. Regarding treatment, 79% of patients received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After a median follow-up duration of 64 months, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 84%, 62%, and 54%, respectively. The median OS was 61 months for the entire cohort. Conclusions In our study, MM patients aged 40 years or younger at diagnosis showed no superior survival compared to those of the moderately elderly patients based on historical data.
Pi3K‐mTOR Signaling and AMOG Expression in Epilepsy‐associated Glioneuronal Tumors

Gangliogliomas (GGs) and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) represent the most frequent type of neoplasms in pediatric medically intractable epilepsy. Several data suggest a pathogenetic relationship between GGs and other glioneuronal malformations of cortical development (MCDs), including activation of the Pi3K‐mTOR signaling pathway. To further reveal these pathogenetic similarities, we investigated immunocytochemically the expression of phosphorylated (p)‐PDK1, p‐AKT, p‐mTOR, p‐4E‐BP1, p‐eIF4G, p‐p70S6K and p‐S6, the effector proteins ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) and the pathway regulator AMOG (adhesion molecule on glia) in both GGs and DNTs. Components of the Pi3K‐mTOR signaling pathway were observed in a higher percentage of neuronal cells in GGs compared with control cortex. In DNTs, the expression of these components was low and comparable with the expression in control samples. Strong immunoreactivity for ERM was observed in GGs, but not in DNTs. Additionally, AMOG was strongly expressed within GGs (but not in DNTs) in CD34‐positive precursor cells. These findings support the previously suggested pathogenic relationship between GG and MCDs concerning activation of the Pi3K‐mTOR signaling pathway and suggest a different pathogenetic origin for DNTs. The strong expression of AMOG within the precursor cells of GG may represent an additional marker for the diagnostic evaluation of these glioneuronal lesions.
Antiepileptic Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients with Cortical Malformations: An EEG and Clinical Study

Objective: To study the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on epileptic EEG discharges in patients with refractory epilepsy and malformations of cortical development (MCDs). Methods: Eight patients with MCD and refractory epilepsy underwent 1 session of low-frequency rTMS (0.5 Hz, 600 pulses) focally targeting the MCD. The number of epileptiform discharges (EDs) in the EEG and seizures were measured before (baseline), immediately after as well as 15 and 30 days after rTMS treatment. Results: Stimulation significantly decreased the number of EDs 15 and 30 days after rTMS treatment (mean reduction of 46.4%, 95% CI 12.7–80.2%, and mean reduction of 42.1%, 95% CI 8.2–75.7%, respectively). This was associated with a significant reduction in the number of seizures reported as compared with the 4-week period preceding rTMS (mean reduction of 57.3%, 95% CI 33.1–80.3%, and mean reduction of 51.2%, 95% CI 27.9–74.9%, respectively). Conclusion: This open study shows a significant antiepileptic effect of rTMS based on clinical and electrophysiological criteria and supports the therapeutic utility of rTMS for patients with well-localized epileptogenic cortical malformations.
The direct and indirect effects of temperature on a predator-prey relationship

Abiotic factors may directly influence community structure by influencing biotic interactions. In aquatic systems, where gape-limited predators are common, abiotic factors that influence organisms' growth rates potentially mediate predatorprey interactions indirectly through effects on prey size. We tested the hypothesis that temperature influences interactions between aquatic size-limited insect predators (Notonecta kirbyi) and their larval anuran prey (Hyla regilla) beyond its indirect effect on prey size. Notonecta kirbyi and H. regilla were raised and tested in predatorprey trials at one of three experimentally maintained temperatures, 9.9, 20.7, or 25.7°C. Temperature strongly influenced anuran growth and predator success; mean tadpole mass over time was positively related to temperature, while the number of prey caught was negatively related. At higher temperatures tadpoles attained greater mass more quickly, allowing them to avoid capture by notonectids. However, the probability of capture is a f.
Delirium in elderly people: a study of a psychiatric liaison service in north India

ABSTRACT Background: Very few studies from India have studied the phenomenology of delirium. The aim of the present study was to study the phenomenology as measured using the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R98), the associated etiologies and the outcome of delirium among the elderly participants seen by the consultation-liaison psychiatric service in India. In addition, an attempt was made to study the factor structure of symptoms using principal components analysis. Methods: The case notes of 109 elderly patients referred to psychiatry liaison services were reviewed. Results: The mean age of the sample was 73.35 years (SD: 7.44; range 65–95 years) and two-thirds of the sample had hospital emergent delirium. The mean DRS-R98 severity score was 18.77 and the DRS-R98 total score was 24.81. In 15 patients the DRS-R98 scores were in the subsyndromal range. Among the various symptoms present, most patients had sleep-wake cycle disturbance, disturbance in orientation, attention and short-term memory impairments, fluctuation of symptoms, temporal onset of symptoms and a physical disorder. Principal components analysis identified three factors which explained 43.5% of variance of symptomatology and it yielded a three-factor structure. Endocrine/metabolic disturbances were the commonest associated etiological category with delirium. The mean hospital stay after being referred to psychiatry referral services was 8.89 days, after which delirium improved in 58.7% of cases. The mortality rate during the inpatient stay was 16.5%. Conclusions: Results suggest that the symptoms of delirium as assessed by DRS-R98 separate out into a three-factor structure. Delirium is commonly associated with metabolic endocrine disturbances and about one-sixth of the patients die during the short inpatient stay.
Smoking is associated with reduced cortical regional gray matter density in brain regions associated with incipient Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVES The results of observational studies suggest that smoking increases the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD). The authors designed this study to determine if older people who smoke have decreased gray matter density in brain regions associated with incipient AD. METHODS The authors recruited 39 pairs (N = 78) of smokers/never-smokers 70 to 83 years of age who were matched for age, sex, education, and handedness. Participants were free of clinically significant cognitive impairment, depression, stroke, or other serious medical conditions. Gray matter density was determined by voxel-based morphometry using statistical parametric mapping of T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. RESULTS Smokers had decreased gray matter density in the posterior cingulum and precuneus (bilateral), right thalamus, and frontal cortex (bilateral) compared with never-smokers. CONCLUSIONS Smoking is associated with decreased gray matter density in brain regions previously associated with incipient AD. Longitudinal investigations are required to clarify whether these changes are progressive in nature.
Pseudoinverse-type bi-criteria minimization scheme for redundancy resolution of robot manipulators

SUMMARY In this paper, a pseudoinverse-type bi-criteria minimization scheme is proposed and investigated for the redundancy resolution of robot manipulators at the joint-acceleration level. Such a bi-criteria minimization scheme combines the weighted minimum acceleration norm solution and the minimum velocity norm solution via a weighting factor. The resultant bi-criteria minimization scheme, formulated as the pseudoinverse-type solution, not only avoids the high joint-velocity and joint-acceleration phenomena but also causes the joint velocity to be near zero at the end of motion. Computer simulation results based on a 4-Degree-of-Freedom planar robot manipulator comprising revolute joints further verify the efficacy and flexibility of the proposed bi-criteria minimization scheme on robotic redundancy resolution.
Sex chromosomal rearrangements as putative speciation events in hominid evolution

The origin of the Xq21.3/Yp regions of homology in Homo sapiens by a reduplicative translocation dated at between 3 and 2 million years BP and a subsequent (and presently undated) paracentric inversion that split the translocated block on a hominid Y short arm. Adapted from Schwartz A. et al (Reconstructing hominid Y evolution: X-homologous block, created by XY transposition, was disrupted by Yp inversion through LINE-LINE recombination. Human Molecular Genetics 1998; 7: 1-11) to show the location of the protocadherin XY gene (PCDHX and PCDHY see chapter by Sargent et al). Y
Ceramic Variety, Type Cluster, and Ceramic System in Southwestern Pottery Analysis

During the past 20 years, the number of named pottery types in the Southwest has increased at such a rate that it is now virtually impossible for an archaeologist to know and be familiar with more than a small percentage of them. Some of these types are totally new, but a surprisingly large number represent refinements in terminology or segregations from more inclusive categories, resulting from further study and increasingly complex technological analyses. This proliferation of named types has alarmed many archaeologists. There can, however, be no legitimate doubt that if the intricate ceramic history of the Southwest and other areas of the New World is to be understood, research analysts must be free to break down their material to as fine a point as necessary in order to localize in time and space the infinitesimal variants of pottery which constitute, with other aspects of material culture, the documents of regional prehistory.
Identity and Function of a Large Gene Network Underlying Mutagenic Repair of DNA Breaks

Sewing Up DNA Repair All cells have a battery of DNA-repair pathways to help ensure genome maintenance and stability, including stress-induced DNA break repair in Escherichia coli. Similar pathways—which can be mutagenic—are known in yeast and human cells and have the potential to accelerate evolution. Sixteen proteins are known to be required for the pathway in E. coli.Al Mamun et al. (p. 1344) analyzed the E. coli pathway to determine the full complement of protein contributions to the pathway. Ninety-three genes were found to be required for stress-induced DNA break repair. One-third of the proteins identified in the network were involved in electron transfer, functioning in oxidative phosphorylation, and acting through the σs stress response pathway, which thus represents a critical hub in the network. The complete set of proteins required for a mutagenic DNA-repair pathway is defined in Escherichia coli. Mechanisms of DNA repair and mutagenesis are defined on the basis of relatively few proteins acting on DNA, yet the identities and functions of all proteins required are unknown. Here, we identify the network that underlies mutagenic repair of DNA breaks in stressed Escherichia coli and define functions for much of it. Using a comprehensive screen, we identified a network of ≥93 genes that function in mutation. Most operate upstream of activation of three required stress responses (RpoS, RpoE, and SOS, key network hubs), apparently sensing stress. The results reveal how a network integrates mutagenic repair into the biology of the cell, show specific pathways of environmental sensing, demonstrate the centrality of stress responses, and imply that these responses are attractive as potential drug targets for blocking the evolution of pathogens.
B Cell Allogeneic Responses after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Is It Time to Address this Issue?

To date, B cell responses have retained less attention than T, natural killer or dendritic cell responses in the alloreactive conflict after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Here, we discuss recent clinical and experimental data supporting a role of allogeneic B cell responses in graft-host interactions after HCT. We report results in a murine model of reduced intensity conditioning transplantation (RICT) showing that host B cells can be involved in chronic graft-versus-host disease occurrence. We also describe the control of antidonor alloresponses by intravenous simultaneous infusion of apoptotic cells with allogeneic hematopoietic grafts.
PCR amplification of murine immunoglobulin germline V genes: Strategies for minimization of recombination artefacts

Murine immunoglobulin germline V genes exist as multiple sequences arranged in tandem in germline DNA. Because members of V gene families are very similar, they can be amplified simultaneously using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a single set of primers designed over regions of sequence similarity. In the present paper, the variables relevant to production of artefacts by recombination between different germline sequences during amplification are investigated. Pfu or Taq DNA polymerases were used to amplify from various DNA template mixtures with varying numbers of amplification cycles. Pfu generated a higher percentage of recombination artefacts than Taq. The number of artefacts and their complexity increased with the number of amplification cycles, becoming a high proportion of the total number of PCR products once the ‘plateau phase’ of the reaction was reached. Recombination events were located throughout the ∼ 1‐kb product, with no preferred sites of cross‐over. By using the minimally detectable PCR bands (produced by the minimum number of amplification cycles), recombination artefacts can be virtually eliminated from PCR amplifications involving mixtures of very similar sequences. This information is relevant to all studies involving PCR amplification of members of highly homologous multigene families of cellular or viral origin.
Sexual selection and individual genetic diversity in a songbird

Here, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, a strong correlation between a measure of individual genetic diversity and song complexity, a sexually selected male trait in sedge warblers, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. We also find that females prefer to mate with males who will maximize this diversity in individual progeny. The genetic diversity of each offspring is further increased by means of nonrandom fertilization, as we also show that the fertilizing sperm contains a haplotype more genetically distant to that of the egg than expected by chance. These findings suggest that species' mating preferences may be subject to fine tuning aimed at increasing offspring viability through increased genetic diversity. This includes external and internal mechanisms of selection, even within the ejaculate of a single male.
Measurement of the Width of Attached Gingiva in An Indian Subpopulation

According to Orban and Sicher, oral cavity is lined by three different kind of mucosa. Masticatory mucosa which includes covering of hard palate and gingiva of alveolar process, lining mucosa which include covering of lips, cheeks and vestibular fornix and specialized mucosa covering the dorsum of tongue. Each of this oral mucosa has its own clinical significances. Anatomically gingiva is divided into free, attached and interdental gingiva. Attached ABSTRACT:
A Conceptual Molecular Network for Chemotactic Behaviors Characterized by Feedback of Molecules Cycling Between the Membrane and the Cytosol

Simulations and observations of migrating cells suggest a model for feedback loops that regulate chemotaxis. Understanding Navigation Cells that migrate up a gradient of chemoattractant, a process known as chemotaxis, do so by producing membrane protrusions called pseudopods. Various models have been proposed to describe how pseudopods form and drive cell movement and navigation. Otsuji et al. performed simulations of migrating cells and observed cells undergoing chemotaxis, enabling them to develop a conceptual model to explain pseudopod formation. Their model is based on two interacting molecules, “A” and “B,” such that A promotes membrane protrusion (and pseudopod formation), whereas B promotes membrane retraction. A and B cycle between the membrane and the cytosol, and they have diffusion rates that are slower in the membrane than in the cytosol. Instabilities in the model, based on differential diffusion, combine to promote competition between potential pseudopods, such that one is favored; such instabilities also lead to the periodic splitting of a pseudopod into two “peaks,” only one of which persists. The surviving pseudopods often exhibit an alternating left-right pattern that aids migration. Although the environment through which a cell migrates is likely more complex than the model assumes, this general model suggests a simple explanation for pseudopod formation and cell migration. Cell chemotaxis has been characterized as the formation of a front-back axis that is triggered by a gradient of chemoattractant; however, chemotaxis is accompanied by more complicated behaviors. These include migration in a straight line with a stable axis [the stable single-axis (SSA) pattern] and repeated splitting of the leading edge of the cell into two regions, followed by the “choice” of one of these as the new leading edge [the split and choice (S&C) pattern]. Indeed, transition between these two behaviors can be observed in individual cells. However, the conceptual framework of the network of signaling molecules that generates these patterns remains to be clarified. We confirmed theoretically that a system that has positive and negative feedback loops involving the reciprocal cycling between the membrane and the cytosol of molecules that promote membrane protrusion or retraction generates SSA and S&C patterns of migratory behavior under similar conditions. We also predicted properties of the instabilities of such a system, which are essential for the generation of these behaviors, and we verified their existence in chemotaxing cells. Our research provides a simple model of network structure for chemotactic behaviors, including cell polarization.
Associations Between Profiles of Communication About Aging and Quality of Life for Middle-Aged and Older American Adults

The association between how middle-aged and older adults talk about aging and their quality of life was examined using latent profile analysis and regression techniques. Two-hundred eight-six adults with an average age of 52.82 (range: 45–77) completed an online questionnaire, which assessed participants’ self-reported communication about aging, stress, health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with life. Controlling for social support and demographics, participants’ profile of communication about aging was found to predict satisfaction with life, stress, and mental health but not general or physical health.
Radiation enhancement of gemcitabine in two human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

BACKGROUND Gemcitabine (dFdC) is a new nucleoside analogue with promising activity in different solid tumors. We investigated whether dFdC enhances the effect of irradiation in human squamous carcinoma cells of the oropharynx (#4197) and of the uterine cervix (HeLa) with special regard to the time-dose-relationship concerning dFdC and the dependence upon the timing of irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Under standardized conditions monolayers of cells were exposed to various dFdC concentrations (0.003-10 mumol/l) for different times (4-24 h). Irradiation (0-6 Gy) followed immediately or 12 h after dFdC exposure (0.003-0.03 mumol/l; 4-24 h). RESULTS The cytotoxic effect of dFdC depends on its concentration and the exposure duration. Exposed to non and/or slightly cytotoxic concentrations (> or = 0.003-0.03 mumol/l) for 4, 8, 16 and 24 h and followed by immediate irradiation the radiation enhancement ratio (RER) is 1.03-1.67 in #4197 cells and 1.04-2.47 in HeLa cells, respectively. Irradiated 12 h after 24 h exposure (dFdC 0.01-0.03 mumol/l) the RER is reduced to 1.10-1.17 (#4197) and 1.18-1.72 (HeLa). CONCLUSIONS Depending on the drug concentration, exposure duration, and timing of irradiation, dFdC enhances the irradiation effect on human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (#4197, HeLa).
Effects of testing on service aged XLPE cables

This paper presents the results of a test program on the effects of tests used in condition assessment of XLPE cables nearing the end of their life. The test program was carried out on submarine cables removed from service. The work consisted of two parts: Part 1 (cable evaluation tests to determine the condition of the cable) which included partial discharge, 60 Hz tan δ, AC breakdown tests, dissection and water tree analysis, and failure analysis of the failure site, and Part 2 (Effects of testing) which included lab tests to determine the effects of switching surges, VLF tan δ, and the LIpA test. Partial discharge tests were carried out on samples before and after switching surge tests, VLF tan δ tests, and the LIpA Test (Part 2). In addition some of the samples that were subjected to the different tests were aged at 14.4 kV in salt water for 284.5 days. The test results are discussed in term of the effects of the different test techniques used in condition assessment of XLPE cables suffering from advanced water tree related degradation.
Initiation of non-invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and clinical practice guidelines: Single-centre, retrospective, descriptive study in a national reference centre

Abstract In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), respiratory muscle weakness leads to respiratory failure. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) maintains adequate ventilation in ALS patients. NIV alleviates symptoms and improves survival. In 2006, French guidelines established criteria for NIV initiation based on limited evidence. Their impact on clinical practice remains unknown. Our objective was to describe NIV initiation practices of the main French ALS tertiary referral centre with respect to guidelines. In this retrospective descriptive study, 624 patients followed in a single national reference centre began NIV between 2005 and 2013. We analysed criteria used to initiate NIV, including symptoms, PaCO2, forced vital capacity, maximal inspiratory pressures and time spent with SpO2 <90% at night. At NIV initiation, 90% of patients were symptomatic. Median PaCO2 was 48 mmHg. The main criterion to initiate NIV was ‘symptoms’ followed by ‘hypercapnia’ in 42% and 34% of cases, respectively. NIV was initiated on functional parameters in only 5% of cases. Guidelines were followed in 81% of cases. In conclusion, despite compliance with French guidelines, the majority of patients are treated at the stage of symptomatic daytime hypoventilation, which suggests that NIV is initiated late in the course of ALS. Whether this practice could be improved by changing guidelines or increasing respiratory-dedicated resources remains to be determined.