Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Cognition and Quality of Life in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients One Year Post-Treatment

Objectives: An increasing number of patients with cancer are offered chemotherapy given either alone or in combination with radiotherapy, surgery, or both as neo-adjuvant, concomitant, or adjuvant treatment. Cognitive dysfunction is a prevalent side effect of cancer treatments that may persist for years following treatment and has negative impact on quality of life. Thus, the present study was planned to investigate the prevalence of cognitive impairment, assess the quality of life (QOL) and determine the socioeconomic status in NHL patients one year post chemotherapy treatment. Methods: This was an observational study. All the prospective participants were screened on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria and the participants who met all the study inclusion criteria and had none of the exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Cognitive function was evaluated using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Hindi Mental State Examination (HMSE), socioeconomic status was determined by Kuppuswamy scale and quality of life (QoL) was assessed by EORTC QLQ. Results: A total of 90 subjects (45 cases and 45 controls) were enrolled in the study. The control group scored more on MMSE/HMSE scale than the Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) patient group, suggesting difference in cognitive functioning between the groups (26.6 ± 2.4 vs. 27.8 ± 2.1, p=0.019), respectively. Socio-economic status did not have any impact on the prevalence of cognitive impairment in NHL patients; however, NHL was found to be more prevalent in upper-middle class. No significant difference was found between case and control for QoL. Conclusion: Cognitive dysfunction is a prevalent side effect of cancer treatment that may persist for a year following treatment. Further studies are needed to clarify the effect on quality of life.
The left dorsal striatum is involved in the processing of neutral feedback

In experimental settings, feedback is mostly used to inform about the correctness of a participant's response. Such feedback, however, also provides the information that a response was registered, which is highly significant in any dialog situation. The present functional MRI study investigated the involvement of brain areas in the processing of neutral, verbal feedback. We used an auditory discrimination task with verbal feedback, which immediately informed the participants that their response was registered. We found an increased activation in the left dorsal striatum compared with temporally uncorrelated feedback and the no-feedback condition. Several studies using evaluative feedback suggest that this area participates in reward processing. The present result suggests that it may already be involved in more basic aspects of feedback processing.
The relationship between geographic range size and life history traits: is biogeographic history uncovered? A test using the Iberian butterflies

The geographic range of a species is influenced by past phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns. However, other historical interactions, including the interplay between life history and geography, are also likely involved. Therefore, the range size of a species can be explained on the basis of niche-breadth or dispersal related hypotheses, and previous work on European butterflies suggests that both, under the respective guise of ecological specialisation and colonising ability may apply. In the present study, data from 205 species of butterflies from the Iberian peninsula were processed through multiple regression analyses to test for correlations between geographic range size, life history traits and geographic features of the species distribution types. In addition, the percentage of variance explained by the subsets of variables analyzed in the study, with and without control for phylogenetic effects was tested. Despite a complex pattern of bivariate correlations, we found that larval polyphagy was the single best correlate of range size, followed by dispersal. Models that combined both life history traits and geographic characteristics performed better than models generated independently. The combined variables explained at least 39% of the variance. Bivariate correlations between range size and body size, migratory habits or egg size primarily reflected taxonomic patterning and reciprocal correlations with larval diet breadth and adult phenology. Therefore, aspects of niche breadth i.e. potential larval diet breadth emerged as the most influential determinants of range size. However, the relationships between these types of ecological traits and biogeographic history must still be considered when associations between life history and range size are of interest.
Repeatability and Intercorrelations of Standard Vision Tests as a Function of Age

Purpose We assessed repeatability and intercorrelations of five standard vision tests in subjects with normal vision. Methods Seventy-eight subjects (aged 21 to 68 years) completed five measurements each of high- and low-contrast visual acuity, near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart). Results Except for correlations between high- and low-contrast visual acuity (r = 0.78), intercorrelations between tests were low to moderate (r < 0.5). For each measure, variability for the group was about one line on the chart (one triplet for the Pelli-Robson chart) and the minimum variability for an individual subject was about one third of this. On average, 1 to 2 lines can be expected to be lost over the normal lifespan on each test. Variability in responses did not increase significantly with age for any test. Conclusions The criterion for judging change on commonly used clinical vision tests is about one line for subjects over a wide age range.
Physiological adaptive mechanisms of Leymus chinensis during germination and early seedling stages under saline and alkaline conditions.

Germination and early seedling growth are the most critical periods for plant establishment in saline -alkaline soil, the main factor limiting plant growth and production worldwide. To explore the physiological adaptive mechanisms of the two stages under saline and alkaline conditions, Leymus chinensiswas tested by mixing two neutral salts ( NaCl: Na2SO4) and two alkaline salts ( NaHCO3: Na2CO3). Results showed that reductions of germination and seedling growth were greater under alkaline stress. Nongerminated seeds germinated well after transferring from higher salinity and lower alkalinity to distilled water. The Na + concentration, Na + /K + ratio increased but K + concentration decreased under both stresses, and the changes were greater under alkaline stress. Under saline stress, seedlings mainly accumulated Cl - and soluble sugars to maintain osmotic and ionic balance. But alkaline stress restrained the absorptions of Cl , NO3 – and H2PO4 - , enhanced organic acids, especially malic acid and citric acid to supply the shortage of inorganic anions, and accumulated more soluble sugars to cope with osmotic stress from the high Na + concentration. Thus, our results suggested that the deleterious effects of alkaline stress are more severe than saline stress, high salinities only delay most seeds germination, but high alkalinities cause them lose viability. Accumulating organic acids is the primary different adaptive mechanism to saline and alkaline stresses during early seedling stage of Leymus chinensis. A better understanding of the germination and early seedling processes should facilitate the effective utilization of this species under salt and alkali environments.
Intrinsic properties guide proximal abducens and oculomotor nerve outgrowth in avian embryos

Proper movement of the vertebrate eye requires the formation of precisely patterned axonal connections linking cranial somatic motoneurons, located at defined positions in the ventral midbrain and hindbrain, with extraocular muscles. The aim of this research was to assess the relative contributions of intrinsic, population‐specific properties and extrinsic, outgrowth site‐specific cues during the early stages of abducens and oculomotor nerve development in avian embryos. This was accomplished by surgically transposing midbrain and caudal hindbrain segments, which had been pre‐labeled by electroporation with an EGFP construct. Graft‐derived EGFP+ oculomotor axons entering a hindbrain microenvironment often mimicked an abducens initial pathway and coursed cranially. Similarly, some EGFP+ abducens axons entering a midbrain microenvironment mimicked an oculomotor initial pathway and coursed ventrally. Many but not all of these axons subsequently projected to extraocular muscles that they would not normally innervate. Strikingly, EGFP+ axons also took initial paths atypical for their new location. Upon exiting from a hindbrain position, most EGFP+ oculomotor axons actually coursed ventrally and joined host branchiomotor nerves, whose neurons share molecular features with oculomotor neurons. Similarly, upon exiting from a midbrain position, some EGFP+ abducens axons turned caudally, elongated parallel to the brainstem, and contacted the lateral rectus muscle, their originally correct target. These data reveal an interplay between intrinsic properties that are unique to oculomotor and abducens populations and shared ability to recognize and respond to extrinsic directional cues. The former play a prominent role in initial pathway choices, whereas the latter appear more instructive during subsequent directional choices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 167–185, 2012
Differential depression of inhibitory synaptic responses in feedforward and feedback circuits between different areas of mouse visual cortex

Recordings of synaptic responses of pyramidal neurons to feedback (FB) inputs from higher to lower areas of visual cortex show that excitatory synaptic responses are only weakly opposed by disynaptic inhibition. Whether weak inhibition is preserved at high frequencies remains unknown. Whole‐cell recordings were performed in pyramidal cells of mouse visual cortex to study the frequency dependence of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs, IPSCs) elicited by feedforward (FF) input from the primary visual cortex (V1) to the higher lateromedial area (LM) and by FB input from the LM to V1. EPSCs showed similar frequency dependencies in FF and FB pathways; the amplitudes decreased during stimulus trains, and the depression was larger at higher frequencies. IPSCs decreased during repetitive stimulation, and the depression increased at higher frequencies. At >20 Hz, the depression of IPSCs in the FB pathway was greater than in the FF pathway. Thus, unlike FF circuits, FB circuits provide balanced excitatory and inhibitory inputs across a wide range of frequencies. This property was shown to be critically important in cortical circuits that modulate the gain of pyramidal cell firing (Chance et al. [ 2002 ] Neuron 35:773–782). J. Comp. Neurol. 475:361–373, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of CONDOR, FCI and MAFIA calculations for a 150 MW S-band klystron with measurements

To facilitate the design of high power klystrons an investigation into the reliability and accuracy of three modern particle-in-cell codes was performed. A 150 MW S-band klystron for which measurements were available was used for this comparison. The field calculations of the particle-in-cell codes are based on a finite difference time domain scheme, and use a port approximation to speed up the convergence to steady state. However they differ in many details (e.g. calculation of E, B or A, /spl phi/; space charge correction; 2D or 3D modelling of the output cavity).
In vitro effects of substance P and arginine‐vasopressin on testosterone production in Leydig cells of short and long photoperiodic hamsters

Summary. The aim of the present study was to determine the interaction between substance P (SP) and arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) on basal and LH‐stimulated testosterone production by Leydig cells isolated from hamsters kept under long or short days (LD‐hamsters, SD‐hamsters, respectively). SP inhibited the testosterone production of Leydig cells, its effect being more pronounced in the case of LH‐stimulated steroidogenesis in LD‐hamsters. Similarly, the addition of AVP to the culture medium resulted in a diminution of basal, as well as LH‐stimulated testosterone secretions. When Leydig cells were co‐incubated with SP (10−7 M) and AVP (10−7 M), a strong inhibition of the testosterone production by 50–60% was established in LD‐animals. However, even within the experimental circumstances in SD‐hamsters, the modulation of testosterone production by SP and AVP was evident. The reported results suggest that there is an interference of two regulatory pathways, namely photoperiodic dependence and paracrine control of testicular steroidogenesis in hamsters.
Theory and Simulation Basis for Magnetohydrodynamic Stability in DIII-D

Abstract Theory and simulation have provided one of the critical foundations for many of the significant achievements in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability in DIII-D over the past two decades. Early signature achievements included the validation of tokamak MHD stability limits, beta and performance optimization through cross-section shaping and profiles, and the development of new operational regimes. More recent accomplishments encompass the realization and sustainment of wall stabilization using plasma rotation and active feedback, a new understanding of edge stability and its relation to edge-localized modes, and recent successes in predicting resistive tearing and interchange instabilities. The key to success has been the synergistic tie between the theory effort and the experiment made possible by the detailed equilibrium reconstruction data available in DIII-D and the corresponding attention to the measured details in the modeling. This interaction fosters an emphasis on the important phenomena and leads to testable theoretical predictions. Also important is the application of a range of analytic and simulation techniques, coupled with a program of numerical tool development. The result is a comprehensive integrated approach to fusion science and improving the tokamak approach to burning plasmas.
Austerity, fiscal volatility, and economic growth

This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the relationship between austerity measures and economic growth. We propose a general equilibrium model where (i) agents have recursive preferences; (ii ) economic growth is endogenously driven by investments in RD (iii) the government is committed to a zero-deficit policy and finances public expenditures by means of a combination of labor taxes and R&D taxes. We find that austerity measures that rely on reducing resources available to the R&D sector depress economic growth both in the short- and long-run. High debt EU members are currently implementing austerity measures based on higher taxes and/or lower investments in the R&D sector. This casts some doubts on the real ability of these countries to grow over the next years.
Reflecting on our practice: an evaluation of Balint groups for medical students in psychiatry

Objective: This paper qualitatively evaluates a one-year trial of Balint clinical reflection groups for medical students in psychiatry at a large Australian tertiary referral hospital. The trial considered whether clinical reflection groups following the Balint process would be perceived as useful and relevant to the learning needs of the student participants. Method: A grounded theory approach was undertaken. This included survey data, thematic analysis of written feedback, and facilitator reflection on the process. Facilitators adapted the group process in response to participants’ needs. These modifications included: increased education regarding the Balint process; the introduction of co-presenters; and the inclusion of a didactic summary following each session. Results: The evaluation suggested that fidelity of the Balint group experience was achieved and that student attitudes were neutral to mildly positive regarding the educational experience. Conclusions: Balint groups are potentially useful to medical students in the Australian context. We suggest that Balint groups may be more useful when applied in less alienating learning environments, such as during general practice rotations. Emphasis is placed on the need to maintain a dynamic approach by adapting the group and the educational processes as the work unfolds.
Exploiting molecular self-assembly: from urea-based organocatalysts to multifunctional supramolecular gels.

We describe the self-assembly properties of chiral N,N'-disubstituted urea-based organocatalyst 1 that leads to the formation of hierarchical supramolecular gels in organic solvents at low concentrations. The major driving forces for the gelation are hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions according to FTIR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, as well as quantum-mechanical studies. The gelation scope could be interpreted based on Kamlet-Taft solvatochromic parameters. TEM, SEM, and AFM imaging revealed that a variety of morphologies including helical, laths, porous, and lamellar nanostructures could be obtained by varying the solvent. Experimental gelation tests and computational structural analysis of various structurally related compounds proved the existence of a unique set of molecular interactions and an optimal hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance in 1 that drive the formation of stable gels. Responses to thermal, mechanical, optical, and chemical stimuli, as well as multifunctionality were demonstrated in some model gel materials. Specifically, 1 could be used for the phase-selective gelation of organic solvent/water mixtures. The gel prepared in glycerol was found to be thixotropic and provided a sensitive colorimetric method for the detection of Ag(I) ions at millimolar concentrations in aqueous solution. Moreover, the gel matrix obtained in toluene served as a nanoreactor for the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of 1H-indole with trans-β-nitrostyrene.
Peppermint Oil Improves the Manometric Findings in Diffuse Esophageal Spasm

Background Diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) is an uncommon condition that results in simultaneous esophageal contractions. Current medical treatment of DES is frequently unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that, as a smooth muscle relaxant, peppermint oil may improve the manometric findings in DES. Study Eight consecutive patients with chest pain or dysphagia and who were found to have DES were enrolled during their diagnostic esophageal manometry. An eight-channel perfusion manometry system was used. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and contractions of the esophageal body after 10 wet swallows were assessed before and 10 minutes after the ingestion of a solution containing five drops of peppermint oil in 10 mL of water. Each swallow was assessed for duration (seconds), amplitude (mm Hg), and proportion of simultaneous and multiphasic esophageal contractions. Results Lower esophageal sphincter pressures and contractile pressures and durations in both the upper and lower esophagus were no different before and after the peppermint oil. Peppermint oil completely eliminated simultaneous esophageal contractions in all patients (p < 0.01). The number of multiphasic, spontaneous, and missed contractions also improved. Because normal esophageal contractions are characteristically uniform in appearance, variability of esophageal contractions was compared before and after treatment. The variability of amplitude improved from 33.4 ± 36.7 to 24.9 ± 11.0 mm Hg (p < 0.05) after the peppermint oil. The variability for duration improved from 2.02 ± 1.80 to 1.36 ± 0.72 seconds (p < 0.01). Two of the eight patients had chest pain that resolved after the peppermint oil. Conclusions This data demonstrates that peppermint oil improves the manometric features of DES.
Leaf extracts from Moricandia arvensis promote antiproliferation of human cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and enhance antioxidant activity

The in vitro antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antioxidant activities from leaf extracts of Moricandia arvensis, which are used in traditional cooking and medicines, were investigated. The MTT assay revealed that only TOF (total oligomer flavonoids), ethyl acetate (EA), chloroform (Chl), and petroleum ether (PE) extracts inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells. Apoptosis plays a very important role in the treatment of cancer by promoting the apoptosis of cancer cells and limiting the concurrent death of normal cells. Thus, the possible effects of M. arvensis extracts on the induction of apoptosis in human leukemic cells (K562 cells) were investigated. The electrophoretic analysis of DNA fragmentation confirms that TOF, Chl, PE, and EA extracts provoke DNA fragmentation. Using the lipid peroxidation inhibitory assay, the antioxidant capacity of M. arvensis extracts was evaluated by the ability of each extract to inhibit malondialdehyde formation. It was revealed that EA and TOF extracts are the most active in scavenging the hydroxyl radicals.
Isolation of a Membrane Protein Complex for Type VII Secretion in Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT The ESAT6-like secretion system (ESS) of Staphylococcus aureus promotes effector protein transport across the bacterial envelope. Genes in the ESS cluster are required for S. aureus establishment of persistent abscess lesions and the modulation of immune responses during bloodstream infections. However, the biochemical functions of most of the ESS gene products, specifically the identity of secretion machine components, are unknown. Earlier work demonstrated that deletion of essB, which encodes a membrane protein, abolishes S. aureus ESS secretion. Loss-of-function mutations truncating the essB gene product cause dominant-negative phenotypes on ESS secretion, suggesting that EssB is a central component of the secretion machinery. To test this prediction, we purified native and affinity-tagged EssB from staphylococcal membranes via dodecyl-maltoside extraction, identifying a complex assembled from five proteins, EsaA, EssA, EssB, EssD, and EsxA. All five proteins are essential for secretion, as knockout mutations in the corresponding genes abolish ESS transport. Biochemical and bacterial two-hybrid analyses revealed a direct interaction between EssB and EsaA that, by engaging a mobile machine component, EsxA, may also recruit EssA and EssD. IMPORTANCE Type VII secretion systems support the lifestyle of Gram-positive bacteria, including important human pathogens such as Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Genes encoding SpoIIIE-FtsK-like ATPases and WXG100-secreted products are conserved features of type VII secretion pathways; however, most of the genes in T7SS clusters are not conserved between different bacterial species. Here, we isolate a complex of proteins from the membranes of S. aureus that appears to represent the core secretion machinery, designated ESS. These results suggest that three membrane proteins, EsaA, EssB, and EssA, form a secretion complex that associates with EssC, the SpoIIIE-FtsK-like ATPase, and with EsxA, a mobile machine component and member of the WXG100 protein family.
"Of trials".

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