Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ERBB2 Induces an Antiapoptotic Expression Pattern of Bcl-2 Family Members in Node-Negative Breast Cancer

Purpose: Members of the Bcl-2 family act as master regulators of mitochondrial homeostasis and apoptosis. We analyzed whether ERBB2 influences the prognosis of breast cancer by influencing the proapoptotic versus antiapoptotic balance of Bcl-2 family members. Experimental Design: ERBB2-regulated Bcl-2 family members were identified by inducible expression of ERBB2 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and by correlation analysis with ERBB2 expression in breast carcinomas. The prognostic relevance of ERBB2-regulated and all additional Bcl-2 family members was determined in 782 patients with untreated node-negative breast cancer. The biological relevance of ERBB2-induced inhibition of apoptosis was validated in a murine tumor model allowing conditional ERBB2 expression. Results: ERBB2 caused an antiapoptotic phenotype by upregulation of MCL-1, TEGT, BAG1, BNIP1, and BECN1 as well as downregulation of BAX, BMF, BNIPL, CLU, and BCL2L13. Upregulation of the antiapoptotic MCL-1 [P = 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) 1.5] and BNIP3 (P = 0.024; HR, 1.4) was associated with worse prognosis considering metastasis-free interval, whereas clusterin (P = 0.008; HR, 0.88) and the proapoptotic BCL2L13 (P = 0.019; HR, 0.45) were associated with better prognosis. This indicates that ERBB2 alters the expression of Bcl-2 family members in a way that leads to adverse prognosis. Analysis of apoptosis and tumor remission in a murine tumor model confirmed that the prototypic Bcl-2 family member Bcl-xL could partially substitute for ERBB2 to antagonize tumor remission. Conclusions: Our results support the concept that ERBB2 influences the expression of Bcl-2 family members to induce an antiapoptotic phenotype. Antagonization of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members might improve breast cancer therapy, whereby MCL-1 and BNIP3 represent promising targets. Clin Cancer Res; 16(2); 451–60
Biological Variations in Depression and Anxiety Between East and West

Ethnicity and culture represent important factors in shaping psychopathology as well as pharmacotherapeutic responses in psychiatric patients. A large body of literature, accumulated over the past several decades, demonstrates that these factors not only determine the metabolism and disposition of medications (pharmacokinetics), but also their interactions with therapeutic targets (pharmacodynamics). This article focuses on the impact of such variations on the diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders between East and West. Genes controlling the expression of drug metabolizing enzymes as well as the function of the brain are highly polymorphic, and the patterns and distribution of these polymorphisms are typically divergent across ethnic groups. To the extent that these genetic patterns determine drug response, ethnic variations in these genetic dispositions will lead to differential responses in clinical settings. In addition, the expression of these genes is significantly influenced by environmental factors including diet as well as exposure to other natural products. Superimposed on these biological influences, culturally determined beliefs and behavioral patterns also profoundly influence patients’ expectations of treatment response, adherence, and interactions with clinicians. In addition to pharmacotherapeutic responses, emerging data also indicate that significant ethnic variations exist in genetic polymorphisms and neurobiologic correlates (biomarkers) that may be associated with the vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. These considerations argue for the importance of examining biological variations across ethnic groups, especially in the clinical context, in terms of the assessment and treatment of psychiatric patients, and in our understanding of psychiatric phenomenology and nosology.
Maestro: An EMG-driven assistive hand exoskeleton for spinal cord injury patients

In this paper, we present an electromyography (EMG)-driven assistive hand exoskeleton for spinal-cord-injury (SCI) patients. We developed an active assistive orthosis, called Maestro, which is light, comfortable, compliant, and capable of providing various hand poses. The EMG signals are obtained from a subject's forearm, post-processed, and classified for operating Maestro. The performance of Maestro is evaluated by a standardized hand function test, called the Sollerman hand function test. The experimental results show that Maestro improved the hand function of the SCI patients.
Changes in depressive symptoms in the context of disablement processes: role of demographic characteristics, cognitive function, health, and social support.

OBJECTIVES Gerontological research suggests that depressive symptoms show antecedent and consequent relations with late-life disability. Less is known, however, about how depressive symptoms change with the progression of disability-related processes and what factors moderate such changes. METHODS We applied multiphase growth models to longitudinal data pooled across 4 Swedish studies of very old age (N = 779, M age = 86 years at disability onset, 64% women) to describe change in depressive symptoms prior to disability onset, at or around disability onset (the measurement wave at which assistance in personal activities of daily living was first recorded), and postdisability onset. RESULTS Results indicate that, on average, depressive symptoms slightly increase with approaching disability, increase at onset, and decline in the postdisability phase. Age, study membership, being a woman, and multimorbidity were related to depressive symptoms, but social support emerged as the most powerful predictor of level and change in depressive symptoms. DISCUSSION Our findings are consistent with conceptual notions implicating disability-related factors as key contributors to late-life change and suggest that contextual and psychosocial factors play a pivotal role for how well people adapt to late-life challenges.
Naturally Occurring Dominant Drug Resistance Mutations Occur Infrequently in the Setting of Recently Acquired Hepatitis C

Background Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are predicted to transform hepatitis C therapy, yet little is known about the prevalence of naturally occurring resistance mutations in recently acquired HCV. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and frequency of drug resistance mutations in the viral quasispecies among HIV-positive and -negative individuals with recent HCV. Methods The NS3 protease, NS5A and NS5B polymerase genes were amplified from 50 genotype 1a participants of the Australian Trial in Acute Hepatitis C. Amino acid variations at sites known to be associated with possible drug resistance were analysed by ultra-deep pyrosequencing. Results A total of 12% of individuals harboured dominant resistance mutations, while 36% demonstrated non-dominant resistant variants below that detectable by bulk sequencing (that is, <20%) but above a threshold of 1%. Resistance variants (<1%) were observed at most sites associated with DAA resistance from all classes, with the exception of sofosbuvir. Conclusions Dominant resistant mutations were uncommonly observed in the setting of recent HCV. However, low-level mutations to all DAA classes were observed by deep sequencing at the majority of sites and in most individuals. The significance of these variants and impact on future treatment options remains to be determined. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00192569.
Learning and Serving: An Exploratory Action Research Case Study of a Middle School Service Learning Curriculum Project

Service learning, a natural link between community service and standards-bas e education, encourages students to learn about themselves in the context of the world in which they live. In other words, service learning is a method of teaching that enric hes learning by engaging students in meaningful service to their schools and comm unities, and integrating that service with established curricula or learning objecti ves (NYLC Service-Learning Glossary, 2005). Educational service activities can be done directly or indirectly and they can have a varying degree of “involvement” ranging fro m community service, community exploration, community action or advocacy and research. In this study, a service learning project at a rural middle school was evaluated. T he project was a result of a response to a community need and was seen as a way to reinforce acade mic skills for an entire 5 th grade class. The purpose of this study was to describe a middle school service learning project and its influence on student learning and empowerment. Gender differences for both of these areas were also considered. Specifically, the study looked at thre e areas: academic gains, overall perceptions about the project and students’ perceptions about making a difference in their communities. In order to do this effectively, middle leve l arning, motivation, engagement and student voice, as they pertain to the students’ sense of empowerment in helping a community, were taken into account.
The Effect of Correlation and Performances of Base-Experts on Score Fusion

In the field of biometric authentication, it is a promising trend to perform score fusion to improve authentication accuracy. Many empirical studies have shown the effectiveness of score fusion; however, some other researchers assert that fusion is not always beneficial. Despite considerable empirical efforts, to the best of our knowledge, the research devoted to the theoretical analysis of fusion can be found only in the paper by Poh and Bengio published in 2005. Unfortunately, we find that the variance reduction-equal error rate (VR-EER) model, which is the theoretical basis of this reference, is incorrect and the resulting conclusions are arguable. Besides, we find that the conclusions from several other empirical studies are arguable too. In this paper, using Fermat's theorem and the connection between F-ratio and EER, we conduct a systematic theoretical study on how correlation and performances of base-experts affect fusion, giving the underlying reason why VR-EER model and the above conclusions are wrong. Contrary to these existing conclusions, we prove that provided fusion weights are selected according to our proposed criterion, the combined system will definitely be superior to all the base-experts, regardless of correlation, performances, or variances of base-experts. Experiments are carried out to validate the conclusions of ours and construct counter-examples for the existing conclusions.
Use of an inclinometer to measure flexibility of the iliotibial band using the Ober test and the modified Ober test: differences in magnitude and reliability of measurements.

STUDY DESIGN Test-retest design to evaluate the reliability of the measurement of iliotibial (IT) band flexibility using an inclinometer to measure the hip adduction angle. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to determine the intrarater reliability of the Ober test and the modified Ober test for the assessment of IT band flexibility using an inclinometer to measure the hip adduction angle. A secondary objective was to determine if a difference existed between the measurements of IT band flexibility between the Ober and modified Ober test. BACKGROUND The Ober test and the modified Ober test are frequently used for the measurement of IT band flexibility. To date, data documenting the objective measurement of flexibility of the IT band is scarce in the literature. METHODS AND MEASURES Sixty-one subjects, with a mean age of 24.2 (SD = 4.3) years, were measured during 2 measurement sessions over 2 consecutive days. During each measurement session, subjects were positioned on their left side and, with an inclinometer at the lateral epicondyle of the femur, hip adduction was measured during the Ober test (knee at 90 degrees of flexion) and the modified Ober test (knee extended). If the limb was horizontal, it was considered to be at 0 degrees, if below horizontal (adducted), it was recorded as a positive number, and if above horizontal (abducted), it was recorded as a negative number. RESULTS The ICC values calculated for the intrarater reliability of the repeated measurement were 0.90 for the Ober test and 0.91 for the modified Ober test. Results of the dependent t test indicated a significantly greater range of motion of the hip in adduction using the modified Ober test as compared to the Ober test. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The use of an inclinometer to measure hip adduction using both the Ober test and the modified Ober test appears to be a reliable method for the measurement of IT band flexibility, and the technique is quite easy to use. However, given that the modified Ober test allows significantly greater hip adduction range of motion than the Ober test, the 2 examination procedures should not be used interchangeably for the measurement of the flexibility of the IT band.
A Deep-Learning-Based Forecasting Ensemble to Predict Missing Data for Remote Sensing Analysis

The problem of missing data in remote sensing analysis is manifold. The situation becomes more serious during multitemporal analysis when data at various a-periodic timestamps are missing. In this work, we have proposed a deep-learning-based framework (Deep-STEP_FE) for reconstructing the missing data to facilitate analysis with remote sensing time series. The idea is to utilize the available data from both earlier and subsequent timestamps, while maintaining the causality constraint in spatiotemporal analysis. The framework is based on an ensemble of multiple forecasting modules, built upon the observed data in the time-series sequence. The coupling between the forecasting modules is accomplished with the help of dummy data, initially predicted using the earlier part of the sequence. Then, the dummy data are progressively improved in an iterative manner so that it can best conform to the next part of the sequence. Each of the forecasting modules in the ensemble is based on Deep-STEP, a variant of the deep stacking network learning approach. The work has been validated using a case study on predicting the missing images in normalized difference vegetation index time series, derived from Landsat-7 TM-5 satellite imagery over two spatial zones in India. Comparative performance analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed forecasting ensemble.
Contemporary in vivo confocal microscopy of the living human cornea using white light and laser scanning techniques: a major review

In vivo confocal imaging of the cornea has evolved exponentially over the last few decades and it has increasingly emerged from the laboratory to be used in the clinical setting in relation to inherited corneal diseases, corneal infections, contact lens wear and the effects of corneal surgery. This evolution has led to significant enhancement of our knowledge of the living cornea in both its physiological and pathological states. A number of in vivo confocal microscope devices using white, and more recently coherent, light sources have been developed to provide non‐invasive assessment of the corneal microstructure at a lateral resolution of 1–2 µm. The fundamental principles of in vivo confocal microscopy and the key differences between these devices are highlighted in this review. By providing a systematic review of the extensive literature on the human cornea, this perspective paper aims to provide an overview of how in vivo confocal microscopy has contributed to our greater understanding of the human cornea in health, in disease, and following surgery, with a particular emphasis on quantitative data. The utility and limitations of available data are highlighted as are possibilities for the future development of this innovative technology.
Unintended effects of asymmetric return vias and via array design for reduced mode conversion

Return path discontinuities have been shown to have significant impact on high speed signals. Along with gaps in reference structures, return via placement can adversely affect signal integrity and radiated emissions. Of specific concern is mode conversion, often considered an indicator of radiated emission problems. Placing return vias around connectors is complicated by the presence of many signal pairs in a small area. Return vias are generally considered benign, but placing return vias can decrease the mode conversion for some pairs and increase it for others. This paper describes methods for efficiently optimizing via arrays containing many signal pairs. Genetic algorithms and a fast via solver are used for optimization studies to analyze mode conversion over regions around signal vias.
Sensory innervation of the cat knee articular capsule and cruciate ligament visualised using anterogradely transported wheat germ agglutinin–horseradish peroxidase

Wheat germ agglutinin–horseradish peroxidase conjugate (WGA–HRP) was injected into the dorsal root ganglia (L5–S1) of the cat and used as an anterograde tracer substance for intra‐axonal labelling of peripheral nerve endings in joint capsule and cranial (anterior) cruciate ligament (CCL). We believed that the high specificity of WGA–HRP for neural tissue along with the high visibility of its reaction product could help resolve controversies concerning the sensory innervation of the cruciate ligaments. Substantial amounts of WGA–HRP were transported in tibial nerve axons to the level of the knee. However, using standard HRP histochemistry we found that the capsular tissue and ligament synovia disintegrated during the incubation reaction. This problem was avoided by air drying the tissue slices on glass slides prior to reaction. Abundant labelling occurred in the posterior capsule with dense filling of axons and terminal endings. Sensory endings displayed features consistent with Ruffini endings and pacinian corpuscles. Sensory endings were located throughout the CCL in its sagittal plane, in the subsynovial layers and between collagen fascicles. In each CCL we observed 5–17 ovoid and elongated endings with dense terminal arborisations. These endings were between 100 and 150 μm long, were encapsulated, and gave rise to 1 or 2 axons. Large (up to 1.5 mm in maximum extent) elongated regions of dense, inhomogeneous labelling were found in the body of several CCLs. These resembled Golgi tendon‐like endings, with the exception of their large size. We conclude that anterograde transport of HRP to the knee is a useful technique for labelling mechanoreceptors and axons in knee tissue. However, recently developed immunohistochemical analysis of peripheral tissue using protein gene product 9.5 appears to be the method of choice and should be employed for further study of human and animal cruciate ligament innervation.
Investigation of the Presence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in Chickens in Turkey and Determination of the Seroprevalance of the Infection Using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

SUMMARY. In this study, the presence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale infection in the avian population in the Marmara and the Western Black Sea region was investigated. Trachea samples were randomly obtained from 96 chickens sent to slaughterhouses. The seroprevalance of the infection was determined in 384 blood sera. Ninety-six of these 384 samples belonged to animals from which trachea samples were obtained. Eleven (11.46%) O. rhinotracheale were isolated in 96 trachea samples taken from 10 different flocks brought to the slaughterhouse. Serotype A was the predominant serotype among the 11 isolates of O. rhinotracheale. One isolate could not be serotyped. O. rhinotracheale antibodies were detected in 251 (64.4%) of the 384 sera, while 55 (14.3%) and 78 (20.3%) were suspected and negative, respectively.
Novel attenuation-counter-propagating phase modulator for highly linear fiber-optic links

A key to the development of a high-dynamic-range phase-modulation fiber-optic link is a novel integrated photonic-phase-locked-loop (PPLL) linear phase demodulator, which consists of an inloop phase modulator and feedback control. At present, the propagation delay of the inloop phase modulator is the principal bottleneck in the implementation of this device. This paper specifically concerns a novel attenuation-counter-propagating (ACP) phase modulator (PM) that is free of propagation delay and therefore provides the solution. A rigorous theoretical model and an experimental verification of the ACP phase modulator were provided
Kaposi's sarcoma, a South African perspective: Demographic and pathological features.

BACKGROUND The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) has increased dramatically since the onset of the AIDS epidemic. Of the estimated 66 200 cases of KS worldwide, 58 800 are considered to have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES To describe the epidemiology and pathological characteristics of KS at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used. Nine hundred and thirty-eight histopathology reports of KS diagnosed in 901 patients at CHBAH between 2005 and 2009 were reviewed. Age, gender, topographic site, CD4 count, HIV status, KS histological stage, findings of human herpesvirus 8 latency-associated nuclear antigen 1 immunohistochemistry and concomitant pathological findings were recorded. RESULTS The male/female ratio was 1.2:1, the mean age 37 years and the median CD4 count 128 cells/µL. Lower limb skin biopsies accounted for 49.6% of cases. Paediatric, visceral and endemic KS accounted for only limited proportions (1.4%, 1.4% and 1.3% of biopsies, respectively). There were concomitant pathological findings in 4.6% of biopsy specimens, infections and inflammatory dermatoses being the most frequent. CONCLUSION The findings of this study highlight the need for allocation of diagnostic and treatment resources for KS. Documentation of the various demographic aspects of KS will prove to be of historical, clinical and histopathological interest as the long-term outcomes of antiretroviral therapy begin to emerge.
Solute stresses affect growth patterns, endogenous water potentials and accumulation of sugars and sugar alcohols in cells of the biocontrol yeast Candida sake

Aim: To evaluate the effect of modifications of water activity (aw 0·996–0·92) of a molasses medium with different solutes (glycerol, glucose, NaCl, proline or sorbitol) on growth, intracellular water potentials (ψc) and endogenous accumulation of polyols/sugars in the biocontrol yeast Candida sake.