Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro High‐Capacity Assay to Quantify the Clonal Heterogeneity in Trilineage Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reveals a Complex Hierarchy of Lineage Commitment

In regenerative medicine, bone marrow is a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for a broad range of cellular therapies. This research addresses a basic prerequisite to realize the therapeutic potential of MSCs by developing a novel high‐capacity assay to quantify the clonal heterogeneity in potency that is inherent to MSC preparations. The assay utilizes a 96‐well format to (1) classify MSCs according to colony‐forming efficiency as a measure of proliferation capacity and trilineage potential to exhibit adipo‐, chondro‐, and osteogenesis as a measure of multipotency and (2) preserve a frozen template of MSC clones of known potency for future use. The heterogeneity in trilineage potential of normal bone marrow MSCs is more complex than previously reported: all eight possible categories of trilineage potential were detected. In this study, the average colony‐forming efficiency of MSC preparations was 55–62%, and tripotent MSCs accounted for nearly 50% of the colony‐forming cells. The multiple phenotypes detected in this study infer a more convoluted hierarchy of lineage commitment than described in the literature. Greater cell amplification, colony‐forming efficiency, and colony diameter for tri‐ versus unipotent clones suggest that MSC proliferation may be a function of potency. CD146 may be a marker of multipotency, with ∼2‐fold difference in mean fluorescence intensity between tri‐ and unipotent clones. The significance of these findings is discussed in the context of the efficacy of MSC therapies. The in vitro assay described herein will likely have numerous applications given the importance of heterogeneity to the therapeutic potential of MSCs. STEM CELLS 2010;28:788–798
Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) Leaky-Wave Antenna With Transverse Slots

A novel slotted substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) leaky-wave antenna is proposed. This antenna works in the TE10 mode of the SIW. Leakage is obtained by introducing a periodic set of transverse slots on the top of the SIW, which interrupt the current flow on the top wall. It is seen that three modes (a leaky mode, a proper waveguide mode, and a surface-wave-like mode) can all propagate on this structure. The wavenumbers of the modes are calculated theoretically and are numerically evaluated by HFSS simulation. The leakage loss, dielectric loss, and conductor loss are also analyzed. A uniform slotted SIW leaky-wave antenna is designed that has good beam scanning from near broadside (though not exactly at broadside) to forward endfire. This type of SIW leaky-wave antenna has a wide impedance bandwidth and a narrow beam that scans with frequency. Measured results are consistent with the simulation and the theoretical analysis.
Structure, dynamics and selectivity in the sulfotransferase family

Abstract Combined structure, function and molecular dynamics studies of human cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULT1A1 and 2A1) have revealed that these enzymes contain a ∼30-residue active-site cap whose structure responds to substrates and mediates their interactions. The binding of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) gates access to the active site by a remodeling of the cap that constricts the pore through which acceptors must pass to enter the active site. While the PAPS-bound enzyme spends the majority (∼95%) of its time in the constricted state, the pore isomerizes between the open and closed states when the nucleotide (PAPS) is bound. The dimensions of the open and closed pores place widely different steric constraints on substrate selectivity. Nature appears to have crafted these enzymes with two specificity settings – a closed-pore setting that admits a set of closely related structures, and an open setting that allows a far wider spectrum of acceptor geometries. The specificities of these settings seem well matched to the metabolic demands for homeostatic and defensive SULT functions. The departure of nucleotide requires that the cap open. This isomerization dependent release can explain both the product bursts and substrate inhibition seen in many SULTs. Here, the experimental underpinnings of the cap-mechanism are reviewed, and the advantages of such a mechanism are considered in the context of the cellular and metabolic environment in which these enzymes operate.
Reverse Causality in the Association Between Whiplash and Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: The HUNT Study

Study Design. Longitudinal population-based cohort study. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of reverse causality, that is, if symptoms of anxiety and depression are associated with incident self-reported whiplash injury. The clinical relevance of self-reported whiplash injury was evaluated by its association with subsequent disability pension award. Summary of Background Data. Whiplash is associated with an increased level of anxiety and depressive symptoms. This increase in psychological distress is generally understood as the consequence of the accident and related whiplash. Methods. Longitudinal data from the HUNT study was used. Baseline measures of symptoms of anxiety and depression were used in prediction of incident whiplash injury self-reported at follow-up 11 years later. Incident disability pension award was obtained from a comprehensive national registry during 2-year follow-up after self-reported whiplash injury. Results. Case-level symptom load of anxiety and depression at baseline increased the likelihood of reporting incident whiplash at follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.22–2.11). Self-reported whiplash increased the chances of a subsequent disability pension award (OR = 6.54), even in the absence of neck pain (OR = 3.48). Conclusion. This is the first published study with a prewhiplash prospective evaluation of psychological status. Our findings are in conflict with previous research suggesting whiplash to be the cause of associated psychological symptoms rather than their consequence. Self-reported whiplash injury was clinically relevant as it independently increased subsequent disability pension award. The strength of this effect, even in the absence of neck pain, suggests the ascertainment of this diagnostic label, or factors associated with this, are important predictors of disability.
A New Anomaly: The Cross-Sectional Profitability of Technical Analysis

Abstract In this paper, we document that an application of a moving average timing strategy of technical analysis to portfolios sorted by volatility generates investment timing portfolios that substantially outperform the buy-and-hold strategy. For high-volatility portfolios, the abnormal returns, relative to the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the Fama-French 3-factor models, are of great economic significance, and are greater than those from the well-known momentum strategy. Moreover, they cannot be explained by market timing ability, investor sentiment, default, and liquidity risks. Similar results also hold if the portfolios are sorted based on other proxies of information uncertainty.
[Age associated survival rate in non small cell lung cancer].

BACKGROUND Worldwide, lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer. Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes 70% of cases. Clinical course and survival differ depending of age at diagnosis OBJECTIVE Determine the epidemiology and survival rate of NSCLC associated with age of onset of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS We carried out a retrospective study between January 1993-January 2007 and included patients with confirmed NSCLC. Three groups were included: group 1: < 49 yrs, group 2: 50-69 yrs, group 3: > 70 yrs. Age, ECOG, comorbidity, family background, smoking, clinical stage, histology, metastatic sites, treatment and overall survival were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive methods, Kruskall-Wallis, ANOVA, chi-2, Student's T-test and Kaplan-Meier tests. RESULTS 183 patients, 23 (12.6%) < 49 years, 108 (59%) from group 2 and 52 cases (28.4%) > 70 yrs. Median age was: 43.2, 61.2 and 75.6 yrs (p < 0.05), respectively. The majority were women (56.4%) in group 1, p= 0.036. Comorbidity: 17.4%, 55.5% and 76.9%, p= 0.000. 52.5% smokers, 87% and 62.9%, p= 0.009. Symptoms included: cough (38.9%, 25%, 43.6%), thoracic pain (33.3%, 41.3%, 30.8%) and dyspnea (33.3%, 16.3%, 38.5%), p > 0.05. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent type (78.2%, 63.9% and 54.5%). Stage IIIB was observed among 17.4% of patients studied, 23.1%, 23.1% and stage IV 52.2%, 44.4%, 50%, respectively. Median overall survival in stages I and II was 21 months, 18 months in stage IIIA (p > 0.05). Stages IIIB-IV the median overall survival was 11, 8.5 and 4 months respectively (p= 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Younger patients displayed a more aggressive disease course yet also displayed a higher survival rate. Patients over 70 years have a higher incidence of comorbidity and ECOG 2.
The Information Content of Dividend Decreases : Earnings or Risk News ?

This paper demonstrates that dividend cut announcements convey new information regarding earnings in the current and subsequent year. While dividend decreases are also associated with an increase in firm risk, the change in risk occurs prior to the dividend announcement. Consistent with these findings, the abnormal stock return during the three-day dividend cut announcement window is approximately equal to the present value of unexpected current and next year’s earnings.
Dietary sources of calcium and the contribution of flour fortification to total calcium intakein the diets of Northumbrian adolescents

Abstract Increased Ca intake by adolescents is desirable. In order to achieve this, information on the current dietary sources of Ca by this age group is essential to enable change to build on existing habits. This paper addresses two issues: first, the dietary sources of Ca for adolescents are reported and, second, the importance of fortification of flour with Ca to present-day Ca intakes was determined. In 1990 the diets of 379 children aged 12 years were assessed using the 3 d dietary diary and interview method. Computerized food tables were used to calculate the contributions of different food groups to total Ca intake. The Ca content of eachfood was subdivided into naturally occurring Ca and Ca from fortification, and data were analysed to give the daily intake of each. The four most important sources of Ca were milk (25%), beverages (12%), puddings (10%) and bread (9%). Fortification of flour accounted for 13% of total Ca intake. When the contribution of fortification was removed, the proportion of subjects with intakes of Ca below the lower reference nutrient intake (Department of Health, 1991) increased more than fourfold, to 10% of girls and 12% of boys. Milk is contributing less to Ca intake than in the past and increased consumption should be encouraged. Ca fortification of flour remains an important source of Ca. Therefore, unless dietary habits are modified to ensure adequate Ca from other sources, increased consumption of unfortified products from outside the UK will lead to a further reduction in Ca intake.
Displaced Fractures of the Radial Neck in Children: Long‐term Results and Prognosis of Conservative Treatment

Fractures of the radial head or neck in children may lead to radial head deformity and loss of pronation and supination. Trauma may not only be caused by the injury itself, but also may occur secondarily to surgical reduction and manipulation of fracture fragments. Thirty-eight children with displaced radial neck fractures were investigated 2 to 20 years after the initial accident. Whereas radial head deformity was present in 83% of cases, functional disorder was found in only four children (11%). These children had either developed secondary growth disturbances, which had led to a radioulnar synostosis in one case, or they had been treated by open surgical reduction. On follow-up radiographs, all conservatively treated fractures with angulation up to 50 degrees had corrected themselves spontaneously. The high complication rate after open reduction and the poor functional results and inconvenience for the pediatric patient makes conservative treatment of radial neck fractures in children preferable.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis

Abstract Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been associated with an autoimmune origin, either per se or favoring the onset of autoimmune diseases, from a stimulatory action on the inflammatory response. Thus, autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) could be more prevalent among women with PCOS. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of AIT in women with PCOS. Study design: It was a cross-sectional study, in a tertiary center, including 65 women with PCOS and 65 women without this condition. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated and a thyroid ultrasound scan was performed. Levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies, and thyroid ultrasound findings were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) in women with PCOS was 16.9% and 6.2% in the non-PCOS group. AIT was more common in the PCOS group compared with the non-PCOS group (43.1% versus 26.2%). But, when it was adjusted by weight and insulin resistance, the difference in the thyroiditis risk was not observed (OR 0.78, CI 0.28–2.16). Conclusion: AIT risk was similar in the PCOS and the non-PCOS group. SCH are more common in women with PCOS, highlighting a need for periodic monitoring of thyroid function. Chinese abstract 前言：多囊卵巢综合征是一种与自身免疫源性相关的疾病，可能从本质上就是一种自身免疫疾病，也可能是受到某种刺激因子的作用而产生的炎性反应促成了自身免疫性疾病。 因此，多囊卵巢综合征患者更容易发生慢性自身免疫性甲状腺炎（AIT）。 目的：评估多囊卵巢综合征患者中慢性自身免疫性甲状腺炎（AIT）的发生率。 研究方法：这是一项由第三方研究中心组织的跨地区的研究，纳入65名多囊卵巢综合征患者和65名非多囊卵巢综合征女性，评估各项临床和实验室参数包括：促甲状腺激素（TSH），游离T4(FT4),游离T3(FT3)，甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体（(anti-TPO),甲状腺球蛋白抗体(anti-TG)，及甲状腺超声扫描。 结果：多囊卵巢综合征患者中亚临床甲状腺功能减退（SCH)的发生率是16.9%，而非多囊卵巢综合征组是6.2%，AIT在多囊卵巢综合征组中更常见（43.1%对26.2%）。 但是，当调整体重和胰岛素抵抗因素后，没有观察到两组甲状腺炎患病风险的差别(OR 0.78, CI 0.28–2.16)。 结论：多囊卵巢综合征组与非多囊卵巢综合征组患AIT的风险是相似的，SCH在多囊卵巢综合征患者中更常见，强调应定期检测多囊卵巢综合征患者的甲状腺功能。 关键词：甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体，甲状腺球蛋白抗体，自身免疫性甲状腺炎，多囊卵巢综合征，亚临床型甲状腺功能减退症
FILARIAL ARTHRITIS IN THE SEPIK DISTRICT OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Nineteen cases of arthritis occurring in the Sepik District of Papua New Guinea are described. These are thought to be caused by infection with the filaria Wuchereria bancrofti. Reference is made to similar findings in other countries. It is suggested that filariasis is a common cause of arthritis in the Sepik District and possibly in other parts of Papua New Guinea. It is suggested that filarial arthritis should be considered more often in the differential diagnosis of arthritis in Papua New Guinea.
Plasma Folate Adequacy as Determined by Homocysteine Level a

The classic vitamin deficiency syndromes are the result of acute and severe enzymatic disfunction resulting from extremely low vitamin levels. In recent years, more interest has been focused on less severe deficiencies that may lead to chronic disease. One such relationship is that of folate and homocysteine (HCY). Folate is a cofactor for methionine synthetase, an enzyme that recycles HCY into methionine. ' If folate levels are insufficient, HCY levels rise. Elevated HCY levels have been associated with the risks of coronary, cerebral, and peripheral vascular The relationship between folate and HCY can be used as a sensitive measure to determine what levels of folate are necessary to avoid increased plasma HCY levels. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the level of plasma folate adequate to prevent an elevation of plasma homocysteine. Plasma folate was measured by microbiological assay, using L . casei as the assay ~rganism. ~. ' Plasma HCY was measured by electrochemical detection after separation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 6.7 The population studied included 108 community-based white males (controls) and 101 patients (cases) with angiographically demonstrated coronary artery disease, with comparable demographic characteristics. The cases had angiographic evidence of at least 50% occlusion of one or more major coronary arteries. All subjects were 50 years of age or younger. Cases were found to have lower plasma folate levels than controls (p < 0.0005). The geometric mean of folate was 10.2 nmol/L for cases and 12.5 nmol/L for controls. Plasma HCY levels were significantly higher among cases than among controls (p < 0.0005). The geometric mean of HCY concentration in pno l /L was 13.5 for cases and 11.9 for controls. Folate levels were inversely associated with HCY levels (p = 0.0001) for both case and control groups. N o difference in the shape or slope of this association was found between cases and controls; thus the groups were combined, and the mean HCY level was plotted by folate level (FIG. I ) . A threshold for low folate can be observed from the FIGURE. Plasma folate levels at the lower range of those considered to be normal in the United States (>6.8 n m ~ l / L ) ~ . ~ were inadequate to prevent elevations in plasma HCY levels. The World Health Organization considered plasma folate levels above 13.6 nmol/ L (6.0 ng/ml) as acceptable.1° The NHANES I1 considered plasma folate levels of less than 6.8 nmol(3.0 ng/mL) as In the NHANES study, the median plasma
A Novel Gate-Sensing and Channel-Sensing Transient Analysis Method for Real-Time Monitoring of Charge Vertical Location in Sonos-Type Devices and its Applications in Reliability Studies

By using poly-gate-sensing in addition to the conventional channel-sensing for Vt (or VFB) presents a novel transient analysis method that is very powerful to monitor the trapped charge vertical location in real time. The sensing in both modes provides two equations that are suitable to solve for two variables - the charge density (Q) and the average charge vertical location (x). Without the second equation (from poly-gate-sensing) Q and x cannot be de-convoluted. The power of this new technique is demonstrated by several examples of reliability studies for SONOS-type devices. The charge trapping efficiency of silicon nitride of different thickness is examined. The charge migration during program/erase cycling and data retention information is observed for the first time using this new tool. The method presented in this work is indeed a powerful tool for detailed understanding of trapping dynamics.
Second-Line Therapy in Refractory Pancreatic Cancer. Results of a Phase II Study

Background: This phase II trial investigated the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin (O), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and folinic acid (FA) (OFF) as second-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma after failure of first-line gemcitabine treatment. Patients and Methods: 37 patients with confirmed progressive disease on gemcitabine therapy were treated with OFF (O 85 mg/m2 days 8, 22; FA 500 mg/m2, followed by 5-FU 2,600mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15, 22) every 6 weeks. Patients were treated on an outpatient basis and remained on treatment until disease progression. Results: All patients were assessable for toxicity and effectiveness. We observed moderate hematotoxicity, the most common non-hematologic toxicity was neurotoxicity. A total of 12 patients had grade 3 nonhematologic toxicities: nausea and vomiting (4 patients), reversible neurotoxicity (5 patients), and diarrhea (3 patients). No grade 4 toxicities were observed. Median time to progression was 12 (1–125) weeks. Survival in second line was 22 (4–326+) weeks. Overall disease control rate was 49% (complete remission = 3%; partial remission = 3%; stable disease > 12 weeks = 43%). Conclusions: This regimen is feasible and active with an acceptable toxicity profile; it can be safely administered in an outpatient setting. There is an urgent need for further investigation in phase III trials.
Infusional paclitaxel and weekly vinorelbine chemotherapy with concurrent filgrastim for metastatic breast cancer: high complete response rate in a phase I-II study of doxorubicin-treated patients.

PURPOSE We investigated 96-hour paclitaxel infusion combined with weekly (days eight and 15) vinorelbine as salvage therapy for metastatic breast cancer in anthracycline-exposed patients. All patients received scheduled support with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; filgrastim). Tumor response, toxicity, time to progression (TTP), and survival were assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS This single-center nonrandomized trial enrolled 32 patients. Anthracycline exposure and subsequent progression were common to all patients. Paclitaxel and vinorelbine were escalated over three dosing levels, stratified by liver function. RESULTS Seven patients (22%) achieved a complete response and nine patients achieved a partial response for an overall response rate of 50%. The median TTP was 6.1 months, and median survival time was 14.1 months. Dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenia, with dose delay or reduction in seven of 32 patients. Febrile neutropenia requiring hospitalization was uncommon (three of 32 patients; 9%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia occurred in two patients (6%), and 13 patients (41%) required RBC transfusions for anemia. Grade 3 nausea and vomiting was seen in one patient, who was found to be Addisonian. Despite potentially overlapping neurologic toxicities of the two agents, only two patients (6%) were removed from the study because of progressive peripheral neuropathy. CONCLUSION Administration of 96-hour paclitaxel infusion and subsequent weekly vinorelbine with G-CSF support is well tolerated. The response rate, TTP, and survival data are encouraging for therapy given to anthracycline pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. If these results can be verified in multi-institution trials, this or a similar combination of drugs would merit investigation as first-line therapy in this patient population.