Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nuclear localization of E-cadherin expression in Merkel cell carcinoma.

CONTEXT Cadherins are cell-cell adhesion proteins that act as tumor suppressor genes and have a critical role in cell sorting and tissue formation during organogenesis. The pattern of cadherin expression constitutes a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool in the evaluation of tumors and for determining the histogenesis of tumor cells. We have previously characterized the cell types of several tumors based on the expression of individual cadherins. OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of cadherins in Merkel cell carcinomas. DESIGN Paraffin immunohistochemical analysis of the 3 best-studied cadherins was performed on 35 cases of Merkel cell carcinoma. RESULTS E-cadherin was expressed in 34 (97%) of 35 Merkel cell carcinomas examined, N-cadherin was expressed in 22 (63%) of 35 cases, and P-cadherin was expressed in 15 (43%) of 35 cases. This frequency of cadherin expression was similar to a group of small cell and neuroendocrine tumors from other primary sites. Interestingly, the localization of E-cadherin expression was unique in Merkel cell carcinomas compared with other primary neuroendocrine tumors. Merkel cell carcinomas showed marked preference for nuclear versus membrane localization, whereas small cell tumors from other sites showed fewer cases of nuclear E-cadherin expression. The nuclear localization of E-cadherin did not correlate with cadherin-associated protein beta-catenin nuclear expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that E-cadherin is the most frequently expressed cadherin in Merkel cell carcinoma, followed in frequency by N-cadherin then P-cadherin. The pattern of nuclear E-cadherin expression is more frequent for Merkel cell carcinoma than small cell tumors of other primary sites. These observations suggest that E-cadherin expression and function are altered in Merkel cell carcinoma, and this finding has potential use in the differential diagnosis of these tumors.
[Association between Bcl-2 gene polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus].

OBJECTIVE To study the association between Bcl-2 gene polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Chinese and detect the synergism between IL-10 and Bcl-2 genotypes in determining susceptibility to SLE. METHODS The peripheral white blood cells from 232 nuclear families of SLE and 106 ethnically matched normal controls were collected and the DNA extracted. The allelic distribution of one microsatellite located in Bcl-2 gene was determined by using fluorescent-labeled primer and genotyping method. RESULTS (1) The distribution frequency of Bcl-2 alleles and its major genotypes were significantly different between SLE group and normal controls (P = 0.001 and 0.0029 respectively). (2) Transmission disequilibrium existed in Bcl-2 alleles. Bcl-2-195 bp allele was preferentially transmitted to affected offspring (t: non-t = 122:82, P = 0.0051) by TDT approach. Individuals carrying both Bcl-2-195 bp allele and IL-10G138 bp allele were at higher risk of developing SLE than those carrying only Bcl-2-195 bp allele or IL-10G138 bp allele (OR = 3.00, 1.77, 1.07 respectively). CONCLUSION Bcl-2 gene polymorphism is associated with SLE and may be directly involved in the process of SLE or in linkage disequilibrium with some susceptibility loci nearby. Synergistic effect may exist between IL-10 and bcl-2 genotypes in determining susceptibility to SLE.
Requirement of p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase for Neuronal Differentiation in PC12 Cells*

Nerve growth factor (NGF) induces sustained activation of classical MAP kinase (MAPK, also known as ERK) and neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells, whereas epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces transient activation of ERK/MAPK and stimulates proliferation of the cells. Although previous studies showed that sustained activation of ERK/MAPK is important for neuronal differentiation of the cells, a recent report revealed that inhibition of the sustained phase of ERK/MAPK activation alone does not block neurite outgrowth caused by NGF. These results suggest requirement for an additional signaling pathway(s) triggered by NGF in neuronal differentiation. Here we show that NGF induces sustained activation of p38, a subfamily member of the MAPK superfamily, and that inhibition of the p38 pathway blocks neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. Surprisingly, expression of constitutively active MAPK/ERK kinase (MAPKK, also known as MEK) results in p38 activation as well as ERK/MAPK activation, and a p38 inhibitor blocks neurite outgrowth caused by the constitutively active MAPKK/MEK. Moreover, constitutive activation of p38 is able to induce neurite outgrowth when combined with EGF treatment. These results reveal an essential role of p38 in neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells.
A comparison of injuries, limited-duty days, and injury risk factors in infantry, artillery, construction engineers, and special forces soldiers.

OBJECTIVES We compared injuries/risk factors in infantry soldiers (I), construction engineers (CE), combat artillery (CA), and Special Forces (SF) during their operational and fitness activities. METHODS Anthropometrics, ethnicity, and fitness data were collected before review of medical records. RESULTS Injury rates for I, CE, and CA were 4.0, 7.2, and 5.5 injuries/100 soldier-months, respectively; over 70% of them resulted from overuse. SF soldiers had an injury rate of 3.5 injuries/100 soldier-months, 50% of them reported as traumatic. Average limited-duty days (LDDs) were threefold higher in SF. Smoking, BMI > or =25, and APFT run time for 3.2 km >14 minutes were risk factors in I. Caucasian ethnicity, height <170.2 cm, weight > or =90 kg, and BMI > or =25 were risk factors in CE and CA. Age >27 years old was a risk factor in SF. CONCLUSIONS Greater emphasis should be placed on risk factor identification and testing strategies to reduce injuries among SF and other troops.
Reperfusion Strategies and Quality of Care in 5339 Patients Age 80 Years or Older Presenting With ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Analysis from Get With The Guidelines‐Coronary Artery Disease

Data regarding reperfusion strategies, adherence to national guidelines, and in‐hospital mortality in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients age ≥80 years are limited. The aim of this study was to determine current reperfusion trends, medical treatment, and in‐hospital mortality during STEMI in older adults.
Optimal protein requirements during the first 2 weeks after the onset of critical illness.

OBJECTIVE To obtain optimal protein requirements in critically ill sepsis or trauma patients during the first 2 wks after admission to the intensive care unit. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Department of critical care medicine at a teaching hospital. PATIENTS Immediate posttrauma patients or severely septic patients. INTERVENTIONS In vivo neutron activation analysis was used to measure changes in total body protein over a 10-day period which began as soon as the patients were hemodynamically stable. The patients (trauma, n=18; sepsis, n=5) were divided into three groups according to the average daily protein intakes. Because the patients were overhydrated (approximately 10 L) and had variable amounts of body fat, the protein intakes were indexed to normally hydrated (corrected) fat-free mass (FFMc): Groups A, B, and C received an average of 1.1, 1.5, and 1.9 g/kg FFMc/day protein, respectively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Overall, the average loss of total body protein was 1.2=0.7 (SD) kg. Changes in total body protein were significantly (p=.011) different between the three groups. The loss of body protein was significantly more in group A compared with groups B (p=.013) and C (p=.023). When the protein intake was increased from 1.1 g/kg FFMc/day to 1.5 g/kg FFMc/day, protein loss was halved. Further increase in protein intake up to 1.9 g/kg FFMc/day resulted in no further improvement. An intake of 1.5 g/kg FFMc/day was equivalent to 1.0 g/day/kg of body weight measured at the beginning of the study. CONCLUSIONS Current recommended protein requirements of 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg of body weight/day are excessive if they are indexed to the body weight measured soon after the onset of critical illness. Because individual patients have varying degrees of overhydration early in the illness onset, we suggest that the intensivist should obtain information on preillness body weight and prescribe 1.2g of protein/kg body weight/day. If information is not available, 1.0g of protein/day/kg of measured body weight will give a fair approximation to optimal protein requirements.
Upper crustal velocity structure and basement morphology beneath the intracontinental Palmyride fold‐thrust belt and north Arabian platform in Syria

An edited version of this paper was published in Geophysical Journal International by Blackwell Publishing. Copyright 1993, Blackwell Publishing. See also: http://www.blackwellpublishing. com/journal.asp? ref=0956-540Xs http://atlas.geo. cornell.edu/syria/seber_gji_1993. htm
Pregnancy intention, demographic differences, and psychosocial health.

OBJECTIVES We explore the psychosocial, demographic, and maternal characteristics across wanted, mistimed, and unwanted pregnancies. METHODS Data from 1321 women from a prospective cohort study of pregnant women in Durham, NC, are analyzed. Psychosocial correlates were obtained through prenatal surveys; electronic medical records were used to ascertain maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS Sixty-two percent of the women indicated an unintended pregnancy, with 44% (578) mistimed and 18% (245) unwanted. Only 38% of the pregnancies were characterized as wanted. Women with unwanted and with mistimed pregnancies were similar demographically, but they differed significantly on psychosocial profiles and maternal characteristics. Women with mistimed and with wanted pregnancies differed in demographics and psychosocial profiles. Wanted pregnancies had the healthiest, mistimed an intermediate, and unwanted the poorest psychosocial profile. Women with unwanted pregnancies had the highest depression, perceived stress, and negative paternal support scores (p<0.05) and the lowest self-efficacy, social support, and positive paternal support scores (p<0.05). In multivariate analyses, women with riskier psychosocial profiles had higher odds of being in the unwanted category. Controlling for psychosocial and demographic variables, perceived stress and positive paternal support remained significant predictors of belonging to the unwanted and mistimed groups. CONCLUSIONS Fully characterizing pregnancy intention and its relationship to psychosocial profiles may provide a basis for identifying women with highest risk during pregnancy and early motherhood. Women with unwanted and mistimed pregnancies may appear similar demographically but are different psychosocially. Women with unwanted pregnancies have multiple risk factors and would benefit from targeted interventions.
Quantitative Evaluation of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Control of Iris Function

The use of quantitative measurements of pupil size as an index of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in normal and diabetic subjects is described. The dual innervation of the iris by the parasympathetic (PNS) and sympathetic (SNS) nervous system was demonstrated by measurement of steadystate pupil size before and after changes in ANS activity by pharmacologic agents. In the presence of total PNS blockade, dark-adapted pupil size was a reliable index of SNS activity to the iris. Latency time (time from light stimulation to initial pupil response) appeared to be a good index of PNS activity. However, increased SNS activity may also prolong the latency time. Thus, consideration of SNS activity is necessary when evaluating the latency time. In 25 diabetic subjects, there was evidence of impaired SNS activity (smaller dark-adapted pupil size during total PNS blockade) and PNS activity (prolonged latency time). In a subgroup of diabetic subjects without clinical manifestations of autonomic neuropathy and normal subjects, both dark-adapted pupil size during PNS blockade (SNS index) and latency time (PNS index) were abnormal. The coefficient of variation for these two indices was less than 5% in glycemic stable diabetic subjects. Thus, these two indices are reliable and sensitive measures of the SNS and PNS activity to the iris in normal and diabetic subjects.
A new DNA vaccine fused with the C3d-p28 molecular adjuvant enhances anti-amyloid-β antibody generation and induces a Th2 immune response in young C57BL/6J mice

Both active and passive Aβ immunotherapy could increase the clearance of Aβ and decrease the progressive cognitive decline. To enhance anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) antibody generation and induce a Th2 immune response, we constructed a new DNA vaccine [p(Aβ3-10)10C3d-p28.3]encoding ten repeats of Aβ3-10 and three copies of C3d-p28 as a molecular adjuvant and administered it intramuscularly in eight to ten week-old female C57BL/6J mice. ELISA was used to detect the titer of serum anti-Aβ antibody, isotypes and splenic T cells cytokines. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation rate of the splenic T cells. Brain sections from a twelve-month-old APP/PS1 transgenic mouse were used for detecting the binding capability of antiAβ antibodies to Aβ plaques. The p(Aβ3-10)10C3d-p28.3 vaccine induced high titers of anti-amyloid-β antibodies which were able to bind to Aβ plaques in APP/PS1 transgenic mouse brain tissue, demonstrating that the vaccine is effective against plaques in a mouse model of AD. Moreover, the vaccine elicited a predominantly IgG1 humoral response and low levels of IFN-γ in ex vivo cultured splenocytes, indicating that the vaccine could shift the cellular immune response towards a Th2 phenotype. This indicated that the vaccine did not elict a detrimental immune response and had a favorble safety profile. Our results indicate that the p(Aβ3-10)10C3d-p28.3 vaccine is a promising immunotherapeutic option for Aβ vaccination in Alzheimer’s disease.
Advances in the Pharmacologic Management of Early Parkinson Disease

Background:Levodopa, in combination with a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, provides the greatest symptomatic benefit with the fewest short-term side effects in the treatment of Parkinson disease (PD). However, the disease continues to progress, and the long-term use of levodopa is associated with the development of motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. Review Summary:Alternatives to the use of levodopa in early PD include monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors, dopamine agonists, and amantadine. Although no medication has been proven to slow the progression of Parkinson disease, preclinical studies have demonstrated neuroprotective effects of MAO-B inhibitors, and a recent study of rasagiline found that PD patients treated with rasagiline for 12 months experienced less progression of symptoms than patients treated with placebo for 6 months followed by rasagiline for 6 months. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that the initial use of a dopamine agonist to which levodopa can be added is associated with fewer motor complications than treatment with levodopa alone. In addition, preclinical studies suggest that adjunctive use of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor entacapone when levodopa is first introduced may be associated with fewer motor complications than treatment with levodopa alone. Conclusion:Treatment of early PD with an MAO-B inhibitor, dopamine agonist, or amantadine, may provide useful alternatives to treatment with levodopa. Adding entacapone at the initiation of levodopa therapy may reduce the development of motor complications. Long-term studies are required to evaluate the potential long-term benefits of these treatment strategies.
What does international co-authorship measure?

We argue that while researchers note that co-authorship is an insufficient metric for international research collaboration there is little understanding about what else international co-authorship represents. Rather than focus on co-authorship solely as an output of research, we focus on the interaction between researchers involved in a co-authored paper. We therefore interview a range of researchers who had co-authored papers in a specific field - bio-fuels. From our interviews we find several factors driving collaboration such as different types of motivations, differences between researchers from the Global North and South, and differences between research rank among others. We then integrate these various factors together to postulate new models for the emergence of international research collaboration.
AIN: Fast and Accurate Sequence Labeling with Approximate Inference Network

The linear-chain Conditional Random Field (CRF) model is one of the most widely-used neural sequence labeling approaches. Exact probabilistic inference algorithms such as the forward-backward and Viterbi algorithms are typically applied in training and prediction stages of the CRF model. However, these algorithms require sequential computation that makes parallelization impossible. In this paper, we propose to employ a parallelizable approximate variational inference algorithm for the CRF model. Based on this algorithm, we design an approximate inference network that can be connected with the encoder of the neural CRF model to form an end-to-end network, which is amenable to parallelization for faster training and prediction. The empirical results show that our proposed approaches achieve a 12.7-fold improvement in decoding speed with long sentences and a competitive accuracy compared with the traditional CRF approach.
Measurement of the silicon (220) lattice spacing.

The (220) lattice spacing of a silicon crystal was measured by combined x-ray and optical interferometry to about 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}8}$ relative accuracy. The value obtained is ${\mathit{d}}_{220}$=192015.551\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.005) fm. After correcting for the impurity-induced lattice contraction, ${\mathit{d}}_{220}$=192015.569\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.006 fm is obtained
Nutritional consequences of folivory in a small-bodied lemur (Lepilemur leucopus): Effects of season and reproduction on nutrient balancing.

OBJECTIVES Small-bodied folivores are rare because processing leaves often requires extensive gut adaptations and lengthy retention times for fiber fermentation. However, the <1 kg nocturnal white-footed sportive lemurs (Lepilemur leucopus) persist on a leaf-based diet. We investigated how extrinsic (i.e., seasonality in temperature and food availability) and intrinsic factors (i.e., reproductive state) influence nutrient intake and explored how nutrient and energy needs are met in this species. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted full night focal follows across all seasons and analyzed nutrients in all items eaten by adults of both sexes to investigate nutrient intake and nutritional priorities in L. leucopus. We estimated digestible protein content, as this is a biologically more meaningful measure than crude protein. RESULTS Protein intake was constant across seasons, while non-protein energy and dry matter intake increased from the hot wet to the cold dry season. Males and females did not differ in their nutrient or apparent energy intake irrespective of female reproductive state. DISCUSSION We conclude that these animals prioritize protein over non-protein energy intake as dietary protein is in limited supply, and that thermoregulation poses higher energetic costs than reproduction in this species. While protein intake did not differ across female reproductive states, the relative protein content of the diet was highest during the lactation period, indicating that the balance of non-protein to protein intake may be more important than absolute intake. Dry matter intake was high compared to other folivorous primates, indicating that L. leucopus follows an intake rather than an efficiency strategy to meet its energy requirements. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:197-207, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perception of circadian variation of symptoms in Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background Although, the variable pattern of asthmatic symptoms is well recognized, little is known about the respiratory symptoms variability in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study evaluated the variability of the respiratory symptoms in a day and their influence on the daily activities in a cohort of Chinese COPD patients. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 medical centers of China. Participants were outpatient ≥40 years old with stable COPD, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) <80% predicted. Overall, data of 1,032 eligible patients were valid for final analysis. Results Mean post bronchodilator FEV1 (predicted %) was 46.5%. Cough, expectoration and dyspnea were the most commonly observed symptoms (73.6%, 68.8% and 61.4%, respectively). Daily symptom variability was experienced by 50.2% of symptomatic patients. The wake up time in the morning was the worst and the most troublesome time during the day (39.3%), followed by the nighttime (21.3%). The morning activities were most affected by COPD symptoms. Multivariate analyses revealed that COPD assessment test (CAT) scores was the only factor correlated with patients' symptom variability [odds ratio (OR) =0.463, P<0.0001]. Conclusions Patient-perceived symptoms vary during the day in Chinese COPD patients. They experience the greatest increase in respiratory symptoms early in the morning. This variation should be considered as a potential new target in the long-term COPD management.
How proprioceptive impairments affect quiet standing in patients with multiple sclerosis

To assess if multiple sclerosis patients with proprioceptive impairment are specifically affected during quiet standing with eyes open and how they can develop motor compensatory processes, 56 patients, classified from sensory clinical tests as ataxo-spastic (MS-AS) or only having spasticity (MS-S), were compared to 23 healthy adults matched for age. The postural strategies were assessed from the centre-of-pressure trajectories (CP), measured from a force platform in the eyes open standing condition for a single trial lasting 51.2 s. The vertical projection of the centre of gravity (CGv) and its vertical difference from the CP (CP-CGv) were then estimated through a biomechanical relationship. These two movements permit the characterization of the postural performance and the horizontal acceleration communicated to the CG and from that, the global energy expenditure, respectively. Both MS-AS and MS-S groups demonstrate larger CGv and CP-CGv movements than healthy individuals of the same age. Whilst similar CGv values are noticed in both MS subgroups, suggesting similar postural performances, statistically significant differences are observed for the CP-CGv component. Biomechanically, this feature expresses the necessity for the MS-AS group to develop augmented neuro-muscular means to control their body movements, as compared to the MS-S group. By demonstrating for both groups of patients similar postural performance accompanied by a varying degree of energy expenditure to maintain undisturbed upright stance, this study reveals that MS-AS patients which are affected by proprioceptive loss can compensate for this deficit with more efficient control strategies, when standing still with their eyes open.