Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio: A Predictive Marker for Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Rectal Cancer Who Underwent Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Followed by Surgery

Purpose In this study, we investigated the role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of tumor response and as a prognostic factor in patients with rectal cancer who had undergone curative surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). Methods Between January 2009 and July 2016, we collected 140 consecutive patients who had undergone curative intent surgery after nCRT due to rectal adenocarcinoma. We obtained the pre- and post-nCRT NLR by dividing the neutrophil count by the lymphocyte count. The cutoff value was obtained using receiver operating characteristic analysis for tumor response and using maximally selected rank analysis for recurrence-free survival (RFS). The relationship among NLR, tumor response, and RFS was assessed by adjusting the possible clinico-pathological confounding factors. Results The possibility of pathologic complete response (pCR) was significantly decreased in high pre- (>2.77) and postnCRT NLR (>3.23) in univariate regression analysis. In multivariate analysis, high post-nCRT NLR was an independent negative predictive factor for pCR (adjusted odds ratio, 0.365; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.145–0.918). The 5-year RFS of all patients was 74.6% during the median 37 months of follow-up. Patients with higher pre- (>2.66) and post-nCRT NLR (>5.21) showed lower 5-year RFS rates (53.1 vs. 83.3%, P = 0.006) (69.2 vs. 75.7%, P = 0.054). In multivariate Cox analysis, high pre-nCRT NLR was an independent poor prognostic factor for RFS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.300; 95% CI, 1.061–4.985). Conclusion Elevated NLR was a negative predictive marker for pCR and was independently associated with decreased RFS. For confirmation, a large-scale study with appropriate controls is needed.
A Family of Dual-Phase-Combined Zero-Current Switching Switched-Capacitor Converters

A family of dual-phase-combined resonant switched-capacitor (SC) converters with a similar structure is presented in this paper. Comparing with their conventional single-phase version, each of the proposed dual-phase converters is more than just a switched capacitor but also provides the service of two phases operated in the fully complementary manner. This design provides a more stable output voltage with low ripple and significantly reduces the quantity of switches. These converters therefore have the common features of smaller size, lower cost, and higher power density than the conventional multiphase SC converters. With the zero-current switching technique, the proposed converters also possess high-power conversion efficiency. The detailed analysis of the circuit operation and voltage ripples is presented. Experimental results are also provided to confirm the performance of the new family of converters.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Ligands Affect Growth-Related Gene Expression in Human Leukemic Cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors. Three subtypes of PPARs (α, β, and γ) have been identified in different tissues. PPARα and PPARγ ligands inhibit cell proliferation and induce differentiation in several human cell models. We demonstrated that both PPARα (clofibrate and ciprofibrate) and PPARγ ligands (troglitazone and 15 deoxy-prostaglandin J2, 15d-PGJ2) inhibited growth, induced the onset of monocytic-like differentiation, and increased the proportion of G0/G1 cells in the HL-60 leukemic cell line. Moreover, 3 days after the treatment with 2.5 μM 15d-PGJ2, an increase in sub-G0/G1 population occurred, compatible with an induction of programmed cell death. To clarify the mechanisms involved in HL-60 growth inhibition due to the effects of PPAR ligands, we investigated their action on the expression of some genes involved in the control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell cycle progression such as c-myc, c-myb, and cyclin D1 and D2. Clofibrate (50 μM), ciprofibrate (50 μM), and 15d-PGJ2 (2.5 μM) inhibited c-myb and cyclin D2 expression, whereas they did not affect c-myc and cyclin D1 expression. Only troglitazone (5 μM) decreased c-myc mRNA and protein levels, besides decreasing c-myb and cyclin D2. The down-regulations of c-myb and cyclin D2 expression represent the first evidence of the inhibitory effect exerted by PPAR ligands on these genes. Moreover, the inhibition of c-myc expression by troglitazone may depend on a PPAR-independent mechanism.
Insights into a hydration regulating system in Cupressus pollen grains.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hydration, rupture and exine opening due to the sudden and large expansion of intine are typical of taxoid-type pollen grains. A hemispheric outgrowth external to the exine was observed on Cupressus and Juniperus pollen grains before the intine swelling and exine release. However, the actual existence of this permanent or temporary structure and its precise role in pollen hydration is still being debated. The aim of this paper is to collect information on the actual presence of this peculiar outgrowth on the surface of the Cupressus pollen grain, its structure, composition and function. METHODS Pollen grains of several Cupressus species were observed using various techniques and methodologies, under light and fluorescence microscopy, phase-contrast microscopy, confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and an environmental scanning electron microscope. Observations were also performed on other species with taxoid-type pollen grains. KEY RESULTS A temporary structure located just above the pore was observed on Cupressus pollen grains, as well as on other taxoid-type pollens. It is hemispheric, layered, and consists of polysaccharides and proteins. The latter are confined to its inner part. Its presence seems to regulate the entrance of water into the grains at the beginning of pollen hydration. CONCLUSIONS The presence of a temporary structure over the pore of taxoid-type pollen grains was confirmed and its structure was resolved using several stains and observation techniques. This structure plays a role in the first phases of pollen hydration.
Current status of Vitamin-D deficiency in India

Vitamin D Deficiency (VDD) is a major health problem in both the developed and developing countries across the globe. In India, despite of ample sunlight (required for the synthesis of vitamin D endogenously), VDD prevalence has been documented to be in range of 50-90% among all the age groups. Scientific evidence reveals that, in addition to skeletal disorders, Vitamin D is also associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus etc. The factors responsible for VDD can be skin complexion, poor sunlight exposure, vegetarian food habits and lower intake of Vitamin D fortified foods. Adequate sunlight exposure and intake of foods rich in vitamin D along with fortification of foods with vitamin D can prove helpful to prevent VDD.
THE EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF PIGS WITH DIFFERENT NUMBERS OF TAENIA SOLIUM EGGS: IMMUNE RESPONSE AND EFFICIENCY OF ESTABLISHMENT

Three of 4 pigs inoculated with 10 eggs of Taenia solium became infected. In those pigs infected with larger numbers of eggs, all became infected. Specific antibodies against the metacestodes were found in serum at day 30 postinoculation (PI) in animals that received 1,000 or more eggs and at day 60 in those that received 10 or 100 eggs. The concentration and diversity of antibodies increased up to the day of death in pigs that received 10,000 or 100,000 eggs. All pigs infected with 1,000 or more eggs developed antibodies, but only 40% and 75% of pigs that received 10 and 100 eggs, respectively, developed antibodies. Metacestodes were found in the muscles of 23 of the 27 infected animals. In 35.7% of the pigs that received 1,000 or more eggs, metacestodes were also found in the brain. Most of the metacestodes found in pigs infected with 10 or 100 eggs were caseous, whereas in pigs infected with 1,000 or more eggs the majority of metacestodes were vesicular. This study shows that the severity of T. solium infection and the possible regulation of the immune system–evasion mechanisms depend on the number of metacestodes that succeed in establishing themselves and remain vesicular.
Dynamics of biotechnology entrepreneurship in South Africa and Brazil

Biotechnology entrepreneurship is a relatively new and distinct field of entrepreneurship. Most current empirical research is conducted in the developed economies and cannot be directly extrapolated to the developing economies of South Africa and Brazil. This research used a qualitative multiple case studies, in the idiographic philosophical tradition, in two developing economies; South Africa and Brazil. The data collection process included in-depth interviews, documents review and observations, which improved the quality of the research through data triangulation. Ten themes were identified, which formed the basis for developing the proposed theoretical framework. In addition, seven factors that influence the process of biotechnology entrepreneurship in South Africa and Brazil were identified as regulation; funding; infrastructure; skills; entrepreneurial and commercialisation capabilities; market for biotechnology products; and social development. Biotechnology entrepreneurship in Brazil predominantly uses the “system approach” while in South Africa the “individual approach” predominates. The process of biotechnology entrepreneurship in South Africa differs from the process in Brazil due to the differences in the environmental factors that influence biotechnology entrepreneurship, and management strategies, in these two economies. Key words: Biotechnology entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship, biotechnology, management strategies, triple helix, university, industry, government, South Africa, Brazil, qualitative analysis.
The Stability of Passenger Vehicles at Tornado Wind Intensities of the (Enhanced) Fujita Scale

AbstractTwo independent datasets (total n = 959) of tornado-stricken passenger vehicles collected from 12 tornado events over a 15-yr time span are combined and tested to determine whether vehicle movement and/or upset are consistent at various wind speed intensities. Impacted vehicles are classified into three categories of upset motions (no movement, lateral shifting, rolling and lofting motions) for each wind intensity category of the Fujita and Enhanced Fujita scales. Vehicles observed by Schmidlin exposed to F1 and F2 winds are statistically assessed to determine if upset distribution values are consistent with those assessed by Marshall at these respective wind speeds; this same approach is subsequently conducted for vehicles at F3/EF3 and F4/EF4 winds. No statistical differences are found between the two sets of field survey data, which are therefore considered to be of the same population. Passenger vehicles are currently not utilized as damage indicators for rating tornado wind intensities, altho.
Circular RNA expression profiling of human granulosa cells during maternal aging reveals novel transcripts associated with assisted reproductive technology outcomes

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique class of endogenous RNAs which could be used as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of many diseases. Our study aimed to investigate circRNA profiles in human granulosa cells (GCs) during maternal aging and to uncover age-related circRNA variations that potentially reflect decreased oocyte competence. CircRNAs in GCs from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients with young age (YA, ≤ 30 years) and advanced age (AA, ≥ 38 years) were profiled by microarray, and validated in 20 paired samples. The correlation between circRNAs expression and clinical characteristics was analyzed in additional 80 samples. Chip-based analysis revealed 46 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated circRNAs in AA samples (fold change > 2.0). Specifically, circRNA_103829, circRNA_103827 and circRNA_104816 were validated to be up-regulated, while circRNA_101889 was down-regulated in AA samples. After adjustment for gonadotropin treatment, only circRNA_103827 and circRNA_104816 levels were positively associated with maternal age (partial r = 0.332, P = 0.045; partial r = 0.473, P = 0.003; respectively). Moreover, circRNA_103827 and circRNA_104816 expressions in GCs were negatively correlated with the number of top quality embryos (r = -0.235, P = 0.036; r = -0.221, P = 0.049; respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the performance of circRNA_103827 for live birth prediction reached 0.698 [0.570–0.825], with 77.2% sensitivity and 60.9% specificity (P = 0.006), and that of circRNA_104816 was 0.645 [0.507–0.783] (P = 0.043). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that both circRNAs were potentially involved in glucose metabolism, mitotic cell cycle, and ovarian steroidogenesis. Therefore, age-related up-regulation of circRNA_103827 and circRNA_104816 might be potential indicators of compromised follicular micro-environment which could be used to predict IVF prognosis, and improve female infertility management.
Highly Branched Xylan Made by IRREGULAR XYLEM14 and MUCILAGE-RELATED21 Links Mucilage to Arabidopsis Seeds1[OPEN]

Two putative xylosyltransferases produce xylan polymers decorated with unusual side chains, which maintain connections between pectin and cellulose in seed mucilage. All cells of terrestrial plants are fortified by walls composed of crystalline cellulose microfibrils and a variety of matrix polymers. Xylans are the second most abundant type of polysaccharides on Earth. Previous studies of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) irregular xylem (irx) mutants, with collapsed xylem vessels and dwarfed stature, highlighted the importance of this cell wall component and revealed multiple players required for its synthesis. Nevertheless, xylan elongation and substitution are complex processes that remain poorly understood. Recently, seed coat epidermal cells were shown to provide an excellent system for deciphering hemicellulose production. Using a coexpression and sequence-based strategy, we predicted several MUCILAGE-RELATED (MUCI) genes that encode glycosyltransferases (GTs) involved in the production of xylan. We now show that MUCI21, a member of an uncharacterized clade of the GT61 family, and IRX14 (GT43 protein) are essential for the synthesis of highly branched xylan in seed coat epidermal cells. Our results reveal that xylan is the most abundant xylose-rich component in Arabidopsis seed mucilage and is required to maintain its architecture. Characterization of muci21 and irx14 single and double mutants indicates that MUCI21 is a Golgi-localized protein that likely facilitates the addition of xylose residues directly to the xylan backbone. These unique branches seem to be necessary for pectin attachment to the seed surface, while the xylan backbone maintains cellulose distribution. Evaluation of muci21 and irx14 alongside mutants that disrupt other wall components suggests that mucilage adherence is maintained by complex interactions between several polymers: cellulose, xylans, pectins, and glycoproteins.
Preventing repeat victimization: a systematic review

A large proportion of all crimes are committed against crime victims who have been victimized before, a phenomenon known as repeat victimization. There is thus a potential to achieve substantial benefits by focusing crime prevention measures on individuals, institutions or objects that have previously been exposed to crime. Successful strategies of this kind would prevent repeat victimization, and thus also would prevent a substantial proportion of all the crimes committed. The crime prevention measures that are implemented to this end may take several different forms. The strategy is not primarily about specific kinds of measures, but rather involves a way of directing crime prevention measures at relevant targets. An increasing number of crime prevention initiatives have been directed at repeat victimization especially to prevent repeat burglaries. But how well do they work? What does the research tell us? There are never sufficient resources to conduct rigorous evaluations of all the crime prevention initiatives employed in an individual country such as Sweden. For this reason, the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Bra) has commissioned distinguished researchers to conduct a series of international reviews of the research published across a range of fields. This report presents a systematic review, including a statistical meta-analysis, of the effects of initiatives to prevent repeat victimization. The work has been conducted by Lecturer Louise E. Grove of Loughborough University (UK), Senior Research Fellow Graham Farrell of Simon Fraser University (Canada), Professor David P. Farrington of Cambridge University (UK), and Professor Shane D. Johnson of University College London (UK). The study follows the rigorous methodological requirements of a systematic review. The analysis combines the results from a number of evaluations that are considered to satisfy a list of empirical criteria for measuring effects as reliably as possible. The meta-analysis then uses the results from these previous evaluations to calculate and produce an overview of the effects associated with initiatives to prevent repeat victimization. The systematic review and the statistical meta-analysis presented in this report are based on a substantial number of empirical evaluations. Even though important questions remain unanswered, the study provides an accessible and far-reaching overview of the effects of initiatives to prevent repeat victimization. Generally, the results are encouraging; suggesting that appropriately targeted situational prevention measures can significantly reduce repeat burglaries.
Transference of Kettlebell Training to Strength, Power, and Endurance

Abstract Manocchia, P, Spierer, DK, Lufkin, AKS, Minichiello, J, and Castro, J. Transference of kettlebell training to strength, power, and endurance. J Strength Cond Res 27(2): 477–484, 2013—Kettlebells are a popular implement in many strength and conditioning programs, and their benefits are touted in popular literature, books, and videos. However, clinical data on their efficacy are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine whether kettlebell training transfers strength and power to weightlifting and powerlifting exercises and improves muscular endurance. Thirty-seven subjects were assigned to an experimental (EXP, n = 23; mean age = 40.9 ± 12.9 years) or a control group (CON; n = 14; mean age = 39.6 ± 15.8 years), range 18–72 years. The participants were required to perform assessments including a barbell clean and jerk, barbell bench press, maximal vertical jump, and 45° back extensions to volitional fatigue before and after a 10-week kettlebell training program. Training was structured in a group setting for 2 d·wk−1 for 10 weeks. A repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to determine group × time interactions and main effects. Post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted when appropriate. Bench press revealed a time × group interaction and a main effect (p < 0.05). Clean and jerk and back extension demonstrated a trend toward a time × group interaction, but it did not reach significance (p = 0.053). However, clean and jerk did reveal a main effect for time (p < 0.05). No significant findings were reported for maximal vertical jump. The results demonstrate a transfer of power and strength in response to 10 weeks of training with kettlebells. Traditional training methods may not be convenient or accessible for strength and conditioning specialists, athletes, coaches, and recreational exercisers. The current data suggest that kettlebells may be an effective alternative tool to improve performance in weightlifting and powerlifting.
Land issues in Vietnam 2006-14: Markets, property rights, and investment

This paper uses five waves of the Vietnam Access to Resources Household Survey (VARHS) to analyse land issues in Viet Nam from a number of different angles. The VARHS provides panel data at plot as well as household level and I use this rich data set to present descriptive results on landlessness, land fragmentation, land market activities, and land property rights. I use plot level, fixed effects regressions to investigate the effects of land titles (Land Use Certificates) on household investment. Results show that land titling has a strong and statistically significant effect on household investment in irrigation, although this effect is only present in upland areas.
Varying Risk Comparison Elements: Effects on Public Reactions

Expanding a limited empirical base on effects of risk comparisons, a pilot experiment explored how varying elements of such comparisons might influence public response. The scenario used was a hypothetical trial of an asbestos‐installing firm for putting students and staff at a junior high school at “unreasonable risk,” first used by Slovic et al. (1990). Study participants played the role of jurors in the trial, asked to rate the risk, the firm's guilt, whether it should be made liable for future health effects, whether the school should be occupied in its current condition, and whether the asbestos should be removed at a cost of $3 million. Opportunity samples of New Jersey residents (n= 309) received information intended to vary four comparison attributes: number of dimensions of comparison; single versus multiple ways of expressing mortality; a narrative to explain and justify the risk comparison; and the hypothetical role of the participant (juror vs. parent). The dependent variable was a hazard scale constructed from four of the five postcomparison judgments. ANOVA found format variations swamped in their effect by concern about asbestos, with the absence of a narrative and the parental role being the only attributes that increased negative risk reactions. Multiple regression analyses found that multidimensionality, narrative, role, and the presence of any risk comparison at all had significant effects when these (plus death formats) were the only independent variables. However, only multidimensionality (which increased negative reactions) retained significance when asbestos concern, risk beliefs (no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen; any exposure leads to cancer), and demographic variables were added to the analysis. Concern and risk beliefs alone explained 33% of variance in hazard scores; adding demographics and risk comparison variables only raised explained variance to 36% (having children at home and being exposed to multidimensional risk comparisons raised scores; age and income lowered them). The results underline the potentially small effect of risk comparison information on risk views (at least between subjects), but offer some insight into aspects of message design left unexplored in empirical literature to date.
Clinical evaluation of moxalactam

We investigated the clinical efficacy of moxalactam for treatment of a variety of infectious disorders in 50 patients (38 males and 12 females). Patient ages ranged from 8 days to 98 years, with a median of 66 years. Infectious disorders were confirmed by isolation of etiological bacteria in all patients. Thirty-eight patients had gram-negative bacillary disease, nine had pneumococcal infection, and three had disorders caused by staphylococci or streptococci. Twenty-three patients had pneumonia, 17 had bacteremic diseases other than pneumonia, and 10 had miscellaneous infectious diseases. The overall efficacy of moxalactam was excellent. Forty-eight patients were cured by clinical criteria, and 45 were cured by bacteriological criteria. A total of 19 adverse reactions were associated with the use of moxalactam in 18 patients, but none were severe and only one necessitated discontinuation of treatment. Moxalactam promises to be an important addition to our therapeutic armamentarium, especially for therapy of gram-negative bacillary infections.