Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High frequency of clonal immunoglobulin or T cell receptor gene rearrangements in acute myelogenous leukemia expressing terminal deoxyribonucleotidyltransferase

Ig and T cell receptor rearrangements have been used as irreversible markers of lineage and clonality in the study of B- and T-lymphoid populations. We have addressed the issue of lymphoid lineage specificity of these rearrangements by analyzing a panel of 25 TdT- acute myelogenous leukemias, 13 TdT+ AMLs, and 4 TdT+ undifferentiated leukemias. We report that while gene rearrangements represent extremely rare events in classical TdT- AML (less than 8%), rearrangements of either the Ig or T beta locus or both were detectable in the majority of the TdT+ AMLs (greater than 60%), and rearrangements of both loci were detectable in all of the TdT+ undifferentiated leukemias. These data demonstrate a significant association between TdT expression and Ig or T beta gene rearrangements even outside the lymphoid lineage, further supporting a role for TdT in Ig and T cell receptor gene assembly. These data also indicate that a coordinated program of lymphoid gene expression involving TdT-CD7-expression and Ig/T beta rearrangements can be activated before myeloid commitment. Whether the activation of this program represents a normal, albeit rare, event in early myelopoiesis or a transformation-related event present only in leukemic cells remains to be determined.
Lipid analogues as potential drugs for the regulation of mitochondrial cell death

The mitochondrion plays an important role in the production of energy as ATP, the regulation of cell viability and apoptosis, and the biosynthesis of major structural and regulatory molecules, such as lipids. During ATP production, reactive oxygen species are generated that alter the intracellular redox state and activate apoptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well‐recognized component of the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer. Understanding mitochondrial function, and how this is dysregulated in disease, offers the opportunity for the development of drug molecules to specifically target such defects. Altered energy metabolism in cancer, in which ATP production occurs largely by glycolysis, rather than by oxidative phosphorylation, is attributable in part to the up‐regulation of cell survival signalling cascades. These pathways also regulate the balance between pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic factors that may determine the rate of cell death and proliferation. A number of anti‐cancer drugs have been developed that target these factors and one of the most promising groups of agents in this regard are the lipid‐based molecules that act directly or indirectly at the mitochondrion. These molecules have emerged in part from an understanding of the mitochondrial actions of naturally occurring fatty acids. Some of these agents have already entered clinical trials because they specifically target known mitochondrial defects in the cancer cell.
Animal-assisted activity among patients with cancer: effects on mood, fatigue, self-perceived health, and sense of coherence.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To identify to what extent an animal-assisted activity (i.e., visits with a dog) affects the mood, self-perceived health, and sense of coherence among patients undergoing radiation therapy. DESIGN Pretest/post-test between and within groups. SETTING Radiation oncology units of two hospitals in a mid-sized, midwestern city. SAMPLE 30 adult patients undergoing nonpalliative radiation therapy. METHODS After giving informed consent, participants were randomly assigned to receive 12 dog visits, 12 human visits, or 12 quiet reading sessions over a four-week period. FINDINGS No statistically significant differences were found; however, compared with others their age, patients receiving dog visits viewed their health as improved over the four-week period. Participants described each of the three activities as beneficial. The study is primarily useful as a basis for planning additional research. CONCLUSIONS The study warrants replication with a larger sample to determine applicability of animal-assisted activity in patients with cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Patients may want and express benefit from animal-assisted activity dog visits, but the outcomes of the visits may not be measureable. Nurses should assess to what extent patients believe that such visits are beneficial by asking them. The visits may be valued by patients as helping to relieve their anxiety and as distractions from their disease and therapy.
Monte Carlo modeling and simulations of the High Definition (HD120) micro MLC and validation against measurements for a 6 MV beam.

PURPOSE The most recent Varian(®) micro multileaf collimator (MLC), the High Definition (HD120) MLC, was modeled using the BEAMNRC Monte Carlo code. This model was incorporated into a Varian medical linear accelerator, for a 6 MV beam, in static and dynamic mode. The model was validated by comparing simulated profiles with measurements. METHODS The Varian(®) Trilogy(®) (2300C/D) accelerator model was accurately implemented using the state-of-the-art Monte Carlo simulation program BEAMNRC and validated against off-axis and depth dose profiles measured using ionization chambers, by adjusting the energy and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the initial electron beam. The HD120 MLC was modeled by developing a new BEAMNRC component module (CM), designated HDMLC, adapting the available DYNVMLC CM and incorporating the specific characteristics of this new micro MLC. The leaf dimensions were provided by the manufacturer. The geometry was visualized by tracing particles through the CM and recording their position when a leaf boundary is crossed. The leaf material density and abutting air gap between leaves were adjusted in order to obtain a good agreement between the simulated leakage profiles and EBT2 film measurements performed in a solid water phantom. To validate the HDMLC implementation, additional MLC static patterns were also simulated and compared to additional measurements. Furthermore, the ability to simulate dynamic MLC fields was implemented in the HDMLC CM. The simulation results of these fields were compared with EBT2 film measurements performed in a solid water phantom. RESULTS Overall, the discrepancies, with and without MLC, between the opened field simulations and the measurements using ionization chambers in a water phantom, for the off-axis profiles are below 2% and in depth-dose profiles are below 2% after the maximum dose depth and below 4% in the build-up region. On the conditions of these simulations, this tungsten-based MLC has a density of 18.7 g cm(- 3) and an overall leakage of about 1.1 ± 0.03%. The discrepancies between the film measured and simulated closed and blocked fields are below 2% and 8%, respectively. Other measurements were performed for alternated leaf patterns and the agreement is satisfactory (to within 4%). The dynamic mode for this MLC was implemented and the discrepancies between film measurements and simulations are within 4%. CONCLUSIONS The Varian(®) Trilogy(®) (2300 C/D) linear accelerator including the HD120 MLC was successfully modeled and simulated using the Monte Carlo BEAMNRC code by developing an independent CM, the HDMLC CM, either in static and dynamic modes.
Excision Repair Properties of Isogenic rec− Mutants of Escherichia coli K-12

We have examined the excision repair properties of isogenic rec− and uvr− strains of Escherichia coli K-12. A recB−recC− strain excises dimers at a rate nearly that of the rec+ parent, reaching the same extent of excision after a 1-hr postirradiation incubation. recA− and recA−recB− strains excise 75 to 80% of the dimers excised by their rec+ parent, whereas a uvrB− strain excises no dimers during a 1-hr incubation. The doses of ultraviolet light (254 nm) required to reduce survival to 37% of the original population are 8 ergs/mm2 for recA or recA recB mutants, 5 ergs/mm2 for the uvrB− strain, 30 ergs/mm2 for the recB recC mutant, and 230 ergs/mm2 for the wild-type parent. From these data one cannot account for the ultraviolet light sensitivity of rec− strains on the basis of their excision repair properties. We conclude that rec gene products play no significant role in the early steps of excision repair. The assay we have used for excision of thymine dimers is a modification of the Carrier-Setlow technique, and is described in detail in the Appendix to this paper. To show the properties and validity of this method, results of experiments with thymine dimers formed in vitro and in vivo in E. coli K-12 are presented. These results show our method to be reproducible and sensitive to 0.005% of the total radioactive thymine present in thymine-containing dimers.
Immunohistochemical correlation of epidermal growth factor receptor and c-erbB-2 with histopathologic grading of mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common salivary gland malignancy with highly variable biologic potential that correlates with the histopathologic grade of the tumor. Therefore, identification of the histopathologic grade of the mucoepidermoid carcinoma is very important in the treatment and determination of the final prognosis. The present study was performed to survey immunohistochemically Epidermal Growth Factor ReceptorEGFR and c-erbB-2 expression in different grades of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 46 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Based on histopathologic parameters, samples were classified into three grades. Then new sections were made and stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) method for EGFR and c-erbB-2. Finally, EGFR and c-erbB-2 expression and their correlation with histopathologic grading were statistically analyzed by ANOVA. Nineteen samples of normal salivary gland tissue were also chosen as control group. RESULTS The means of EGFR and c-erbB-2 were 71%, 71%, respectively. Statistically significant correlation was found between EGFR expression and histopathologic grading of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between histopathologic grading of salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma and c-erbB-2 expression (P = 0.60). CONCLUSION There is a parallelism between an increase in EGFR expression and increase in the histopathologic grading of salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Therefore, the biologic behavior of salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma can be determined by EGFR expression and it is a useful technique for determination of tumor grades and probably their prognosis.
Coordinated collagen and muscle protein synthesis in human patella tendon and quadriceps muscle after exercise

We hypothesized that an acute bout of strenuous, non‐damaging exercise would increase rates of protein synthesis of collagen in tendon and skeletal muscle but these would be less than those of muscle myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins. Two groups (n= 8 and 6) of healthy young men were studied over 72 h after 1 h of one‐legged kicking exercise at 67% of maximum workload (Wmax). To label tissue proteins in muscle and tendon primed, constant infusions of [1‐13C]leucine or [1‐13C]valine and flooding doses of [15N] or [13C]proline were given intravenously, with estimation of labelling in target proteins by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Patellar tendon and quadriceps biopsies were taken in exercised and rested legs at 6, 24, 42 or 48 and 72 h after exercise. The fractional synthetic rates of all proteins were elevated at 6 h and rose rapidly to peak at 24 h post exercise (tendon collagen (0.077% h−1), muscle collagen (0.054% h−1), myofibrillar protein (0.121% h−1), and sarcoplasmic protein (0.134% h−1)). The rates decreased toward basal values by 72 h although rates of tendon collagen and myofibrillar protein synthesis remained elevated. There was no tissue damage of muscle visible on histological evaluation. Neither tissue microdialysate nor serum concentrations of IGF‐I and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP‐3 and IGFBP‐4) or procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide changed from resting values. Thus, there is a rapid increase in collagen synthesis after strenuous exercise in human tendon and muscle. The similar time course of changes of protein synthetic rates in different cell types supports the idea of coordinated musculotendinous adaptation.
Foreign Ownership and Stock Market Liquidity – Evidence from Vietnam

This paper investigates the relationship between level of foreign ownership in a firm and the liquidity of the firm stock in the Vietnam stock markets. We employ a rich and detailed dataset representing foreign portfolio investment, liquidity and other firm attributes in the Vietnamese context. Our dataset ranges from 2006 to 2012 covering most of non-financial firms listed on Ho Chi Minh City stock exchange. Using a wide number of econometric techniques for panel data analysis, the results from our analysis indicate that increased foreign investment in firms is not associated with higher liquidity. The results also confirm the long term buy and hold strategy of foreign investors in Vietnam stock market.
Self phase modulation in highly nonlinear hydrogenated amorphous silicon

We study self phase modulation in submicron amorphous silicon-on-insulator waveguides. We extract both the real and imaginary part of the nonlinear parameter γ from a 1 cm long waveguide with a cross-section of 500×220nm<sup>2</sup>. The real and imaginary part of the nonlinear parameter are found to be 767W<sup>-1</sup>m<sup>-1</sup> and -28W<sup>-1</sup>m<sup>-1</sup> respectively. The figure of merit (FOM) is found to be 3.6 times larger than the FOM in crystalline silicon (c-Si).
Effects of Different Number of Sets of Resistance Training on Flexibility

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of six months of training with three different number of sets of resistance training on flexibility in young men. Forty-seven men (mean ± SD age = 24 ± 1yrs; body mass = 79.39 ± 9.12 kg; height = 174.5 ± 5.6 cm) were randomly divided into three training groups performing either one set (G1S), three sets (G3S), or five sets (G5S) of all exercises in a resistance training session or a control group (CG). All groups were assessed pre- and post-training for Sit-and-Reach test and range of motion of 10 joints using goniometry. The training protocol included three weekly sessions and was composed of nine exercises performed at a moderate intensity (eight to 12RM). The results demonstrated significant differences pre- to post-training for the Sit-and-Reach test for all training groups; however, only the G5S showed significant differences when compared to the CG (31.04 ± 5.94cm vs. 23.56 ± 6.76cm, respectively; p < 0.05). Of the ten joint movements measured, there were range of motion increases only to shoulder flexion (G1S), shoulder extension (G3S), elbow flexion (G3S), and knee flexion (G3S) when comparing pre- to post-training (p < 0.05). In conclusion, different resistance training volumes improved flexibility for some joints of young men. These findings indicate that performing only resistance training can result in increases in flexibility.
HmsC, a periplasmic protein, controls biofilm formation via repression of HmsD, a diguanylate cyclase in Yersinia pestis.

Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague, forms a biofilm in the foregut of its flea vector to enhance transmission. Biofilm formation in Y. pestis is controlled by the intracellular levels of the second messenger molecule cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP). HmsT and Y3730, the two diguanylate cyclases (DGC) in Y. pestis, are responsible for the synthesis of c-di-GMP. Y3730, which we name here as HmsD, has little effect on in vitro biofilms, but has a major effect on biofilm formation in the flea. The mechanism by which HmsD plays differential roles in vivo and in vitro is not understood. In this study, we show that hmsD is part of a three-gene operon (y3729-31), which we designate as hmsCDE. Deletion of hmsC resulted in increased, hmsD-dependent biofilm formation, while deletion or overexpression of hmsE did not affect biofilm formation. Localization experiments suggest that HmsC resides in the periplasmic space. In addition, we provide evidence that HmsC might interact directly with the periplasmic domain of HmsD and cause the proteolysis of HmsD. We propose that HmsC senses the environmental signals, which in turn regulates HmsD, and controls the c-di-GMP synthesis and biofilm formation in Y. pestis.
Treatment of Mandible Fractures Using Low‐Profile Titanium Miniplates: Preliminary Study

This study evaluated the short‐term results of patients treated with low‐profile titanium miniplates for fractures of the mandible. Thirty‐one fractures of the mandible in 23 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using thin, low‐profile miniplates and 1.3‐mm self‐threading screws. Duration of intermaxillary fixation ranged from 0 to 25 days. Patients were evaluated for complications during a follow‐up period ranging from 6 to 24 months. Seven patients (30.4 percent) experienced complications. These included infection (n = 1), premature occlusal contact (n = 1), wound dehiscence (n = 1), temporomandibular joint disorder (n = 1), and paresthesia (n = 3). All complications were minor and adequately managed with incision and drainage, medication, and elastic traction. Low‐profile titanium miniplates can be adequately used for internal fixation in selective mandibular fractures. Advantages of these types of plates include comfort due to the thinness of miniplates and ease of application. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 108: 38, 2001.)
Deciding to fail: Nurse mentors’ experiences of managing a failed practice assessment

Within pre-registration nursing education programmes, clinical competence is verified via continuous assessment in practice. Registered nurses who have undertaken mentor preparation assess competence in practice and have a responsibility to confirm that nursing students are capable of safe and effective practice prior to registration. This requires mentors to identify underperforming students and manage the situation appropriately. Drawing on interview data from 10 mentors who had failed a student in practice this paper will highlight the processes, alongside, the difficulties and dilemmas associated with managing a failed assessment successfully. Three key concepts emerging from the data will provide the framework for this paper, namely: identifying the weak student; creating possibilities for success; deciding to fail. Within the concept of ‘Identifying the weak student’ participants discuss how they recognised the early indicators of possible failure. While, ‘Creating possibilities for success’ reveals the strategies mentors used to attempt to facilitate students’ progress. The final concept ‘Deciding to fail’ exposes the emotional consequences for both the mentor and the student of a failed assessment and the importance of debriefing following the event. The paper concludes by discussing the support needs of mentors as this emerged as crucial in the process of managing a failed assessment.
Executive dysfunction post-stroke: an insight into the perspectives of physiotherapists

Abstract Purpose: To gain an understanding of physiotherapy practice in relation to executive dysfunction (ED) post-stroke. Method: Three focus groups were conducted using semi-structured interview schedules to highlight how ED post-stroke was understood by 12 physiotherapists with greater than 1 year of experience working in the area of stroke care. The focus group data were analysed using qualitative data analysis. Results: The themes extracted from the data on physiotherapists’ self-reported knowledge of ED post-stroke were: physiotherapists’ lack of knowledge of ED post-stroke; current physiotherapy practice regarding ED post-stroke; the negative impact of ED on physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke and the future learning needs of physiotherapists regarding ED post-stroke. Conclusions: Current results demonstrate that ED has negative implications for physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke. Although further interdisciplinary research is warranted, the present results suggest that physiotherapists should be aware of the presence of ED in people post-stroke and develop strategies to minimise the impact of ED on physiotherapy rehabilitation. Implications for Rehabilitation Physiotherapists report a lack of knowledge of ED post-stroke and a requirement for future learning and training regarding the optimal management of people with ED undergoing physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke. ED has negative implications for physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke and physiotherapists should be aware of the presence of ED in people post-stroke and develop strategies to minimise the impact of ED on physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Behavior and Welfare of Domestic Cats Housed in Cages Larger than U.S. Norm

ABSTRACT The effect of providing additional floor space on cat behavior and welfare is not well documented. This study involved replication of an investigation of cats’ responses to enhanced cage and room environments using cages of 0.56 m2 with the same methodology but an increased space allowance of 1.1 m2. Singly housed adult cats (n = 59) were randomly assigned to a treatment group that was a combination of a managed or unmanaged room and an enriched or unenriched cage environment. Cats were observed for 2 days for maintenance, affiliative, and avoidant behaviors using scan sampling and 5-min, continuous focal sampling. At the end of Day 2, cats’ reactions to the approach of an unfamiliar person were assessed. Cats housed in enriched/managed environments exhibited more maintenance and affiliative behaviors and fewer avoidant behaviors than cats in unmanaged/unenriched environments, suggesting that macro and micro environments may be equally relevant to the cat. Increased space did not enhance the cats’ welfare outcomes, suggesting that the provision of additional cage space may not be as important to the cat as a managed housing environment.
Molecular characterization of proteins from porcine spirochetes

Sonicated preparations of Treponema hyodysenteriae and Treponema innocens were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. Treponemal proteins were electrophoresed on a 10% polyacrylamide slab gel in a discontinuous Tris-glycine system and either stained with Coomassie blue dye or transferred electrophoretically at 20 mA for 16 h and 30 mA for 3 h to nitrocellulose paper. Staining of the gels revealed at least 42 distinct T. hyodysenteriae and T. innocens proteins, with molecular sizes ranging from greater than 100 to 14 kilodaltons (kDa). Each species contained 12 to 16 major protein bands; five of the proteins were common to both species. Fourteen major antigens were identified in T. hyodysenteriae isolate B204 by using serum specimens from pigs in the acute stage of swine dysentery. Twelve additional antigens were detected in isolate B204 when convalescent-phase serum specimens were reacted to the blot. A wide band at 16 kDa was identified with convalescent-phase serum specimens in T. hyodysenteriae but not in T. innocens. This 16-kDa antigen was also identified in T. hyodysenteriae with colonic secretions from convalescent pigs.