Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Origin and functional significance of large-scale chromosomal imbalances in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is characterized by numerous recurrent large-scale chromosomal imbalances and gene amplifications which are associated with poor clinical outcome. The most common include MYCN amplification, loss of 1p, 3p and 11q, and gain of 17q genomic regions. Two of these abnormalities, MYCN amplification and loss of 11q, define different genetic subtypes of the disease with vastly different global gene expression profiles. The progress towards the identification of the genes and genetic pathways that have been affected by these abnormalities is reviewed and high resolution mapping of the chromosomal breakpoint regions using oligonucleotide array CGH (oaCGH) is discussed. oaCGH analysis is proving useful for both defining minimal regions of overlap of imbalances, as well as providing information on the molecular mechanisms that generate the chromosomal imbalances. These high resolution analyses have also permitted the detection of micro-deletions in the tumors that further assist in identifying genes important for neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
Usability Evaluation of a Mobile Monitoring System to Assess Symptoms After a Traumatic Injury: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background Victims of trauma are at high risk for mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Regular assessment of mental health symptoms in the post-trauma period is necessary to identify those at greatest risk and provide treatment. The multiple demands of the acute post-trauma period present numerous barriers to such assessments. Mobile apps are a method by which to overcome these barriers in order to regularly assess symptoms, identify those at risk, and connect patients to needed services. Objective The current study conducted a usability evaluation of a system to monitor mental health symptoms after a trauma. The system was developed to promote ease of use and facilitate quick transmission of data. Methods A sample of 21 adults with a history of trauma completed a standardized usability test in a laboratory setting followed by a qualitative interview. Results Usability testing indicated that the app was easy to use and that patients were able to answer several questions in less than 1 minute (mean [SD] 29.37 [7.53]; range 15-57). Qualitative analyses suggested that feedback should be included in such an app and recommendations for the type of feedback were offered. Conclusions The results of the current study indicate that a mobile app to monitor post-trauma mental health symptoms would be well received by victims. Personalized feedback to the user was identified as critical to promote the usability of the software.
Uptake of radiolabeled alpha-fetoprotein by mouse mammary carcinomas and its usefulness in tumor scintigraphy.

The ability to internalize alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and serum albumin, which is characteristic of embryonic and fetal elements undergoing differentiation, may reappear in some cultured neoplastic cells (i.e., the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line). The in vivo uptake of AFP by spontaneous carcinomas of the CH3/Bi mouse was investigated. Nineteen mice were given i.v. injections of approximately 10 muCi of mouse 125I-AFP (0.6 to 4 micrograms of AFP according to the specific ratio of the preparation used). Four to 7 days later, the animals were sacrificed. The radioactivity concentration in the tumor was the highest among all solid tissues examined. Tumor:liver radioactivity ratios were clearly positive [3.6 +/- 0.3 (S.E.)] in 27 of 31 specimens studied. Microscopy examination of autoradiograms from various tissue sections confirmed the selective accumulation of radioactive AFP in the tumors. In order to assess the specificity of AFP uptake by mammary tumors, 4 mice were given simultaneous injections of 125I-AFP and 131I-ovalbumin, respectively. Compared to AFP, the retention of ovalbumin was very low in all tissues studied, including the tumor. The possibility of tumor localization of radiolabeled AFP by external photoscanning was also explored. Two mice were given injections of 131I-AFP, one mouse received 131I-serum albumin, and one was given 131I-ovalbumin. Images were obtained 6 days after with a standard gamma-camera linked to a computer with data display. About 50% of the total radioactivity retained was concentrated in the tumor areas of mice given injections of iodinated AFP, while it was only 15% in the mouse that received 131I-serum albumin. No tumor image could be detected in the mouse given ovalbumin. These results show that the ability to internalize AFP, common to many tissues during ontogenesis, may also be shared by neoplastic cells which develop later in life. They also prove the preferential uptake of AFP by the tumors compared to normal tissues and the usefulness of AFP as a radiotracer for mammary carcinomas. The latter represents a novel approach to tumor detection.
Mapping the Dissemination of the Theory of Social Representations via Academic Social Networks

This chapter examines the role of academic social networks in the dissemination of the social representations literature. In particular, it takes into account 9414 entries filed in the specialized SoReCom “A.S. de Rosa” @-library. Each entry was assessed concerning the presence of the publication in the three academic social networks (Academia.edu, ResearchGate, and Mendeley), which amounted to 2956 total entries. The publications on social representations found in academic social networks have undergone some of the comparative analyses based on “big data” and “meta-data” filed in the SoReCom “A.S. de Rosa” @-library repositories, concerning authors' countries and institutional affiliations, years of publication by year, type of publication, etc. This allowed presenting the geo-mapping of the wider scientific production in social representations and comparative results with different types of publications. Overall, the academic social networks constitute excellent allies in spreading knowledge in spite of their still relatively modest use.
Involvement of seminal leukocytes, reactive oxygen species, and sperm mitochondrial membrane potential in the DNA damage of the human spermatozoa

Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing leukocytes in semen has been a standard component of the semen analysis, but its true significance remains still unknown. In this study, we have correlated the number of seminal leukocytes to various semen parameters. We found a negative correlation between the leukocyte number and sperm concentration (rs = −0.22; p = 0.01) and motility (rs = −0.20; p = 0.02). In contrast, a positive correlation between the number of leukocytes and both seminal ROS (rs = 0.70, p < 0.001; n = 125) and the number of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation (rs = 0.43, p = 0.032; n = 25) was found. However, only a trend of positive correlation between ROS and the number of spermatozoa with TUNEL‐detected DNA fragmentation was observed. Moreover, this latter was not correlated with loss of sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (10% vs 35%, rs = 0.25, p = 0.08; n = 50). Overall these results indicate that the presence of high number of leukocytes in the ejaculate negatively affects key semen parameters, as sperm concentration and motility, associated with infertility conditions. Moreover, they suggest that leukocytes are the major source of the seminal ROS and cause of sperm DNA fragmentation. However, the absence of a clear correlation between ROS and sperm DNA fragmentation, and spermatozoa with damaged DNA and MMP loss, suggest that ROS produced by leukocytes might be not the only cause of DNA damage in spermatozoa and that intrinsic mitochondrial‐dependent apoptotic pathways might not have a major impact on sperm DNA fragmentation.
The Events Industry Managing Corporate Social Responsibility in a Global Context

Abstract This paper addresses the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and seeks to add to the literature on stakeholder theory and corporate sustainability in an era of globalization. Companies are obliged to develop strong cultures of CSR because it is the ‘right’ thing to do and not simply to enhance their strategic objectives. CSR should be based on a genuine virtuosity and a desire to engage with the moral values of society. As events are on the increase globally, and thousands of specialist events are happening, CSR will enable events management companies to achieve new levels of reach and brand awareness. Where communities of practice exist and where companies interact with societal players on an ongoing basis, CSR initiatives will be more meaningful. Organisations generally exist within a wider context and need to become more closely engaged with society and use organisational as well as personal employee knowledge in the pursuit of greater business value and societal benefit.
Effects of System Characteristics on Geomagnetically Induced Currents

The geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) produced in power systems during magnetic storms are a function of the electric-field amplitude and direction, and the characteristics of the power system. This paper examines the influence of a number of power system characteristics, which include the resistances and structures of the conductors; the length of the transmission lines; the number, type, and resistances of transformers, the substation grounding resistances, and the topology of the network. It is shown that GIC grows with increasing line length but approaches an asymptotic constant value, and a more relevant parameter than the individual line length is the length of the entire system. This paper also derives the effective GIC for a conventional transformer and an autotransformer, and analyzes the behavior of GIC when the network topology changes illustrated with the GIC-Benchmark Model. The results of these studies provide a guide to estimating GIC impacts on a power network.
Quantifying genotyping errors in noninvasive population genetics

The use of noninvasively collected samples greatly expands the range of ecological issues that may be investigated through population genetics. Furthermore, the difficulty of obtaining reliable genotypes with samples containing low quantities of amplifiable DNA may be overcome by designing optimal genotyping schemes. Such protocols are mainly determined by the rates of genotyping errors caused by false alleles and allelic dropouts. These errors may not be avoided through laboratory procedure and hence must be quantified. However, the definition of genotyping error rates remains elusive and various estimation methods have been reported in the literature. In this paper we proposed accurate codification for the frequencies of false alleles and allelic dropouts. We then reviewed other estimation methods employed in hair‐ or faeces‐based population genetics studies and modelled the bias associated with erroneous methods. It is emphasized that error rates may be substantially underestimated when using an erroneous approach. Genotyping error rates may be important determinants of the outcome of noninvasive studies and hence should be carefully computed and reported.
Noncanonical role of transferrin receptor 1 is essential for intestinal homeostasis

Significance Transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1) facilitates cellular iron acquisition by binding to and internalizing iron-loaded transferrin. Although this function is essential for red blood cell precursors, the role of Tfr1 in nonhematopoietic tissues has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we investigated the role of Tfr1 in the intestine by developing mutant mice in which Tfr1 is inactivated specifically in the intestinal epithelium. We discovered that inactivation of Tfr1 has pleiotropic consequences leading to the loss of intestinal epithelial proliferation and homeostasis and induction of genes involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition. These effects are not related to the iron uptake, revealing a surprising role for this ubiquitous membrane protein. Transferrin receptor 1 (Tfr1) facilitates cellular iron uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis of iron-loaded transferrin. It is expressed in the intestinal epithelium but not involved in dietary iron absorption. To investigate its role, we inactivated the Tfr1 gene selectively in murine intestinal epithelial cells. The mutant mice had severe disruption of the epithelial barrier and early death. There was impaired proliferation of intestinal epithelial cell progenitors, aberrant lipid handling, increased mRNA expression of stem cell markers, and striking induction of many genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Administration of parenteral iron did not improve the phenotype. Surprisingly, however, enforced expression of a mutant allele of Tfr1 that is unable to serve as a receptor for iron-loaded transferrin appeared to fully rescue most animals. Our results implicate Tfr1 in homeostatic maintenance of the intestinal epithelium, acting through a role that is independent of its iron-uptake function.
Behavior Matching as fundamental feature to obtain a modified dual-stage inverter

This paper presents a PV grid-connected system in centralized configuration and constructed with a three-phase dual-stage inverter. In this topology, usually, a DC-DC converter performs the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and an inverter is responsible for controlling of the grid-current. For the DC-DC stage the three-phase series resonant converter (SRC3) is chosen thanks to the very advantages that it exhibit. However, it is inadequate for the accomplishment of MPPT, due that its efficiency extremely depends on the implemented deadtime and switching frequency. Then, this paper proposes a conceptual modification, i.e., a dual-stage inverter in which the inverter stage is responsible for the MPPT and the grid-current control. In addition, the DC-DC converter operates with constant duty cycle and frequency. Such configuration requires a new concept, introduced as behavior matching. It serves as fundamental feature for the DC-DC converter to reproduce the PV array I-V characteristic when they are connected, without control action. The maximum power operating point (MPOP) is finding maximizing the direct axis current, obtained by Parkpsilas transformation from the inverter, through the perturbation and observation algorithm (P&O). Any specific measurement to MPPT is made. The isolation is performed by a high-frequency transformer becoming the system most compact. The structure is appropriate for high power applications, above 10 kW.
Spotlight on brigatinib and its potential in the treatment of patients with metastatic ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer who are resistant or intolerant to crizotinib

In the last decade, there have been major therapeutic advances in the management of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Crizotinib was the first approved ALK inhibitor with significant benefits over chemotherapy. However, patients inevitably develop disease progression especially in central nervous system and acquire resistance to crizotinib. Several next-generation ALK inhibitors have been developed to overcome these resistance mechanisms and have demonstrated clinical benefits in crizotinib-refractory non-small cell lung cancer including in central nervous system. Brigatinib is a second-generation ALK inhibitor with high level of activity against ALK and several other targets. It is active in vitro against many ALK kinase domain mutations including L1196M, E1210K, and G1202R which may mediate acquired resistance to other ALK inhibitors. In Phase I/II and ALTA clinical studies, brigatinib has demonstrated substantial and durable responses and intracranial responses after progression on crizotinib. It has acceptable safety profile, but early pulmonary toxicity has been observed prompting to pursue daily dosing of 180 mg (with lead-in). Overall, 180 mg (with lead-in) has showed consistently better efficacy than 90 mg. In this review, we will discuss in detail these two pivotal trials that led to the accelerated approval for brigatinib and its future directions.
Characterization of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Isolate US/Iowa/18984/2013 Infection in 1-Day-Old Cesarean-Derived Colostrum-Deprived Piglets

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was first recognized in North America in April 2013 and has since caused devastating disease. The objective of this study was to characterize disease and viral detection associated with an original North American PEDV isolate inoculated in neonatal piglets. Thirty-six 1-day-old cesarean-derived and colostrum-deprived piglets were randomly assigned to the control (n = 16) or challenged group (n = 20); the latter were orogastrically inoculated with 1 ml of US/Iowa/18984/2013 PEDV isolate titered at 1 × 103 plaque-forming units per milliliter. Rectal swabs were collected from all piglets prior to inoculation and every 12 hours postinoculation (hpi) thereafter, with 4 control and 5 challenged piglets euthanized at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hpi. One piglet had a positive real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction test on rectal swab at 12 hpi, and all remaining piglets were positive thereafter, with highest viral quantities detected at 24 and 36 hpi. Diarrhea was evident in 30% and 100% of challenged piglets at 18 and 24 hpi, respectively. Viral antigen was detected in enterocytes by immunohistochemistry in the duodenum and ileum of piglets euthanized at 12 hpi and was apparent throughout the small intestine of all piglets thereafter, with villus height:crypt depth ratios consistently below 4:1. Viremia was confirmed in 18 of 20 pigs at euthanasia. Clinical disease was severe and developed rapidly following infection with an original North American PEDV isolate, with lesions, viremia, and antigen detection possible by 12 hpi.
Ultrafast compound imaging for 2-D motion vector estimation: application to transient elastography

This paper describes a new technique for two-dimensional (2-D) imaging of the motion vector at a very high frame rate with ultrasound. Its potential is experimentally demonstrated for transient elastography. But, beyond this application, it also could be promising for color flow and reflectivity imaging. To date, only axial displacements induced in human tissues by low-frequency vibrators were measured during transient elastography. The proposed technique allows us to follow both axial and lateral displacements during the shear wave propagation and thus should improve Young's modulus image reconstruction. The process is a combination of several ideas well-known in ultrasonic imaging: ultra-fast imaging, multisynthetic aperture beamforming, 1-D speckle tracking, and compound imaging. Classical beamforming in the transmit mode is replaced here by a single plane wave insonification increasing the frame rate by at least a factor of 128. The beamforming is achieved only in the receive mode on two independent subapertures. Comparison of successive frames by a classical 1-D speckle tracking algorithm allows estimation of displacements along two different directions linked to the subapertures beams. The variance of the estimates is finally improved by tilting the emitting plane wave at each insonification, thus allowing reception of successive decorrelated speckle patterns.
Development of expressed sequence tag‐derived microsatellite markers for the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus

The first set of 15 expressed sequence tag‐simple sequence repeat markers was developed in sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. Number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 17. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.022 to 0.911 and from 0.022 to 0.916, respectively. These informative marker loci will be useful for the assessment of genetic variation and population structure of this species.
Describing the learning curve for bulbar urethroplasty

Background Learning curves have been described for a number of urological procedures including radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic nephrectomy but rarely for urethroplasty. We describe the learning curve for bulbar urethroplasty in a single surgeon series. Methods A retrospective case note review was performed of 91 consecutive men median age 32 years (range, 15–66 years) having bulbar urethroplasty performed by a single surgeon. Data was collected on type of urethroplasty, restricture rate (as defined by urethrogram and/or flow rate) and duration of follow up. The restricture rates were compared by quartiles and statistical analysis was by ¦Ö2 between the first and fourth quartiles. Results The 91 men had 42 dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft (Dorsal BMG), 20 BMG augmented bulbobulbar anastomotic (Augmented Rooftop) and 29 bulbobulbar anastomotic (BBA) urethroplasties performed. Median follow up was 39 months for the first quartile, 42 months for the second, 36 months for the third, and 35 months for the fourth. The restricture rate was 17% in the first quartile, 8.7% in the second and third quartiles and 4.5% in the fourth quartile. There were no restrictures noted after 24 months. There were 4 restrictures in the first quartile and 1 restricture in the fourth quartile (¦Ö2 P<0.01). Conclusions There is a statistically and clinically significant difference in restricture rates between first and fourth quartiles with rates falling from 17% to 4.5%. There is a learning curve for bulbar urethroplasty with a reduced restricture rate each quartile and it may take as many as 90 cases to reach optimum restricture rates.
Dendritic cell vaccination induces cross-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for wild-type and natural variant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 epitopes in HLA-A*0201/Kb transgenic mice.

Dendritic cells (DC) are highly efficient at inducing primary T cell responses. Consequently, DC are being investigated for their potential to prevent and/or treat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. In the current study, we examined the capacity of DC to elicit CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) reactivity against an HLA-A*0201-restricted HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (pol) epitope (residues 476-484) and two naturally occurring variants. Previous work demonstrated that the wild-type pol epitope is recognized by CTLs from HIV-1-infected individuals, whereas the variant pol epitopes are not, despite binding to HLA-A*0201. In agreement with these observations, parenteral administration of wild-type pol peptide induced HLA-A*0201-restricted CTL activity in A2Kb transgenic mice. In contrast, similar treatment with the two variant pol peptides failed to stimulate CTL reactivity, and this lack of immunogenicity correlated with reduced peptide:HLA-A*0201 complex stability. However, CTL responses were induced in A2Kb transgenic mice upon adoptive transfer of syngeneic bone marrow DC pulsed with the variant pol peptides. Furthermore, DC pulsed with the wild-type pol peptide elicited CTLs that cross-reacted with the variant pol epitopes. These results demonstrate that DC effectively expand the T cell repertoire of a given epitope to include cross-reactive T cell clonotypes. Accordingly, DC vaccination may aid in immune recognition of HIV-1 escape variants by broadening the T cell response.