Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Emerging molecular predictive and prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities have provided the backbone for prognosticating acute myeloid leukemia and predicting response to consolidative therapies for decades. However, more than 45% of acute myeloid leukemia patients have normal cytogenetics on both karyotype and fluorescence in situ hybridization at diagnosis. Increasingly utilized next-generation sequencing has led to the discovery of numerous recurrent molecular mutations in acute myeloid leukemia, which can currently be identified in 97.3% of patients. Despite the prevalence of dozens of these recurrent lesions, only NMP1, CEBPA, KIT, FLT3-ITD, and TP53 have been incorporated into widely accepted risk-stratification schemas, such as the 2017 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Here we review the most frequent molecular genetic abnormalities, their utility in predicting relapse and survival, and their function as markers of minimal residual disease. We also provide a summary of sixteen common recurrent molecular abnormalities about which sufficient data exists (Table 1).
Two Basic Amino Acids in the Second Inner Loop of the Interleukin-8 Receptor Are Essential for Gα16 Coupling*

The involvement of basic residues of interleukin(IL)-8 receptors in coupling to the Gi and G16 proteins was investigated by using a series of IL-8 receptor mutants. Substitution of the basic amino acids in the third inner loop of the receptor does not alter the abilities of the receptor mutants to activate recombinant Gα16 or phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) β2 expressed in COS-7 cells. However, an IL-8 receptor mutant with double mutations at residues Lys158 and Arg159of the second inner loop loses its abilities to activate Gα16 but retains its ability to activate PLC β2. The activation of PLC β2 by an IL-8 receptor that is sensitive to pertussis toxin has been previously demonstrated to be mediated through Gβγ. Surprisingly, the IL-8 receptor mutants with substitution of Ala for either residue Lys158 or Arg159 can still activate Gα16, which suggests that either of the two basic residues in the second inner loop of the IL-8 receptor is sufficient for Gα16 coupling.
Diversity in mammalian chiasmatic architecture: Ipsilateral axons are deflected at glial arches in the prechiasmatic optic nerve of the eutherian Tupaia belangeri

Permanent ipsilaterally projecting axons approach the chiasmatic midline in rodents but are confined to lateral parts of the optic chiasm in marsupials. Hence, principally different mechanisms were thought to underlie axon pathway choice in eutherian (placental) and marsupial mammals. First evidence of diversity in eutherian chiasmatic architecture came from studies in the newborn and adult tree shrew Tupaia belangeri (Jeffery et al. [ 1998 ] J. Comp. Neurol. 390:183–193). Here, as in marsupials, ipsilaterally projecting axons do not approach the midline. The present study aims to clarify how the developing tree shrew chiasm is organized, how glial cells are arranged therein, and the extent to which the tree shrew chiasm is similar to that of marsupials or other eutherians. By using routinely stained serial sections as well as immunohistochemistry with antibodies against glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, and medium‐molecular‐weight neurofilament protein, we investigated chiasm formation from embryonic day 18 (E18) to birth (E43). From E22 onward, ipsilaterally projecting axons diverged from contralaterally projecting axons in prechiasmatic parts of the optic nerve. They made sharp turns when arriving at glial arches found at the transition from the optic nerve to the chiasm. Thus, during the ingrowth period of axons, Tupaia belangeri and marsupials have specialized glial arrays in common, which probably help to deflect ipsilaterally projecting axons to lateral parts of the chiasm. Our observations provide new evidence of diversity in eutherian chiasmatic architecture and identify Tupaia belangeri as an appropriate animal model for studies on the mechanisms underlying axon guidance in the developing chiasm of higher primates. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:437–457, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Voice of the Voiceless: Reflections on Science Practical Work in Rural Disadvantaged Schools

This article articulates the unsatisfactory conditions for doing practical work in science subjects in secondary schools. It explores how teachers teach science without having the necessary equipment to do such work. I shall attempt to show that practical work has many benefits to the teaching and learning of science and every learner should be afforded an opportunity to do it. Often teachers try to explain a practical experiments theoretically to learners. This is done in the hopes that learners will understand the science concepts, even though the teacher and the learners have to "imagine" as if science concepts were reality. My argument is that, during the examination period, all learners are assessed on the same level irrespective of whether the practical activity was done on not. Many learners do practical work for the first time at tertiary level, without having had the proper training and background for doing practical work. Consequently, the results in Physical Science continue to be below par, as evidenced in the Grade 12 results. This study is a reflection on the experiences of teachers and that of the author at 30 schools in the rural areas of South Africa. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013. v4n14p165
TRANSLOCATION OF ULTRAFINE INSOLUBLE IRIDIUM PARTICLES FROM LUNG EPITHELIUM TO EXTRAPULMONARY ORGANS IS SIZE DEPENDENT BUT VERY LOW

Recently it was speculated that ultrafine particles may translocate from deposition sites in the lungs to systemic circulation. This could lead to accumulation and potentially adverse reactions in critical organs such as liver, heart, and even brain, consistent with the hypothesis that ultrafine insoluble particles may play a role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases, as growing evidence from epidemiological studies suggests. Ultrafine 192 Ir radio-labeled iridium particles (15 and 80 nm count median diameter) generated by spark discharging were inhaled by young adult, healthy, male WKY rats ventilated for 1 h via an endotracheal tube. After exposure, excreta were collected quantitatively. At time points ranging from 6 h to 7 d, rats were sacrificed, and a complete balance of 192 Ir activity retained in the body and cleared by excretion was determined gamma spectroscopically. Thoracic deposition fractions of inhaled 15- and 80-nm 192 Ir particles were 0.49 and 0.28, respectively. Both batches of ultrafine iridium particles proved to be insoluble (<1% in 7 d). During wk 1 after inhalation particles were predominantly cleared via airways into the gastrointestinal tract and feces. This cleared fraction includes particles deposited in the alveolar region. Additionally, minute particle translocation of <1% of the deposited particles into secondary organs such as liver, spleen, heart, and brain was measured after systemic uptake from the lungs. The translocated fraction of the 80-nm particles was about an order of magnitude less than that of 15-nm particles. In additional studies, the biokinetics of ultrafine particles and soluble 192 Ir was studied after administration by either gavage or intratracheal instillation or intravenous injection. They confirmed the low solubility of the particles and proved that (1) particles were neither dissolved nor absorbed from the gut, (2) systemically circulating particles were rapidly and quantitatively accumulated in the liver and spleen and retained there, and (3) soluble 192 Ir instilled in the lungs was rapidly excreted via urine with little retention in the lungs and other organs. This study indicates that only a rather small fraction of ultrafine iridium particles has access from peripheral lungs to systemic circulation and extrapulmonary organs. Therefore, the hypothesis that systemic access of ultrafine insoluble particles may generally induce adverse reactions in the cardiovascular system and liver leading to the onset of cardiovascular diseases needs additional detailed and differentiated consideration.
Conformationally Sensitive Reactivity to Permeant Sulfhydryl Reagents of Cysteine Residues Engineered into Helical Hairpin 1 of the Glutamate Transporter GLT-1

In the central nervous system, glutamate transporters terminate the actions of this neurotransmitter by concentrating it into cells surrounding the synapse by a process involving sodium and proton cotransport followed by countertransport of potassium. These transporters contain two oppositely oriented helical hairpins 1 and 2. Hairpin 1 originates from the cytoplasm, but its tip is close to that of hairpin 2, which enters the transporter's lumen from the extracellular side. Here we address the question of whether hairpin 1 and/or domains surrounding it undergo conformational changes during the transport cycle. Therefore, we probed the reactivity of cysteines introduced into hairpin 1 and the cytoplasmic ends of transmembrane domains 6, 7, and 8 of the GLT-1 transporter to membrane-permeant N-ethylmaleimide. In each domain, except for transmembrane domain 6, cysteine mutants were found in which the inhibition of d-[3H]aspartate transport by the sulfhydryl reagent was increased when external sodium was replaced by potassium, a condition expected to increase the proportion of cytoplasmic-facing transporters. Conversely, the nontransportable blocker kainate protected against the inhibition in several of these mutants, presumably by locking the transporter in an outward-facing conformation. Moreover, external potassium decreased the oxidative cross-linking of two cysteines, each introduced at the tip of each hairpin. Our results are consistent with a model based on the crystal structure of an archeal homolog. According to this model, the inward movement of hairpin 1 results in the opening of a pathway between the binding pocket and the cytoplasm, lined by parts of transmembrane domains 7 and 8.
Long term treatment of acromegaly with a long acting analogue of somatostatin.

Since the study of Arima et al,1 several reports have confirmed that enlarged parathyroid glands can be located preoperatively using ultrasound. A general problem has been the difficulty of distinguishing nodular thyroid lesions from enlarged parathyroid glands.2 3 We report two cases in which parathyroid adenoma was correctly diagnosed using ultrasonically guided fine needle aspiration for determination of parathyroid hormone concentration.
Effects of psychoeducation for Korean Americans with chronic mental illness.

OBJECTIVE Korean Americans' access to mental health services may be limited because of differences in their views of mental illness compared with Westerners, unfamiliarity with treatment methods, and cultural associations of social stigma with mental problems. This study used data from an urban outpatient clinic to assess the effects of a ten-week psychoeducational intervention for Korean Americans with chronic mental illness. METHODS Forty-eight Korean-American adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either an experimental group that provided a culturally sensitive psychoeducational group program in addition to individual supportive therapy or a control group that offered only individual supportive therapy. The two groups were compared on pre- and posttreatment measures of psychiatric symptoms, attitudes about and understanding of mental illness, and coping skills. The experimental psychoeducational treatment group was expected to show lower symptom severity, greater understanding of mental illness leading to a decreased perception of stigma, and greater coping skills after the intervention than the control group. Comparisons were made with repeated-measures analysis of covariance with the effects of gender and education controlled for. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the psychoeducational group showed significantly reduced symptom severity and perception of stigma and greater coping skills immediately after treatment. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a culturally sensitive psychoeducational intervention is a useful short-term treatment modality for Korean Americans with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Tissue Doppler, strain, and strain rate echocardiography for the assessment of left and right systolic ventricular function

Tissue Doppler (TDE), strain, and strain rate echocardiography are emerging real time ultrasound techniques that provide a measure of wall motion. They offer an objective means to quantify global and regional left and right ventricular function and to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of conventional echocardiography studies. Radial and longitudinal ventricular function can be assessed by the analysis of myocardial wall velocity and displacement indices, or by the analysis of wall deformation using the rate of deformation of a myocardial segment (strain rate) and its deformation over time (strain). A quick and easy assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction is obtained by mitral annular velocity measurement during a routine study, especially in patients with poor endocardial definition or abnormal septal motion. Strain rate and strain are less affected by passive myocardial motion and tend to be uniform throughout the left ventricle in normal subjects. This paper reviews the underlying principles of TDE, strain, and strain rate echocardiography and discusses currently available quantification tools and clinical applications.
Consanguinity and the transmission/disequilibrium test for allelic association

Consanguineous marriages, usually between first cousins or between uncle and niece, are common in certain societies. The transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) compares the transmission from parents to an affected child of alleles at a marker locus, and differential transmission indicates linkage and allelic association between the marker locus and a disease locus. We investigate the consequences for the TDT, as a test for allelic association, of consanguineous marriages. For each parental marker mating type, we calculate the frequency of each disease mating type, and the associated probability that an offspring is affected. We use Bayes’ Theorem to estimate the probability that an affected child inherits the given allele from a heterozygous parent, then combine our results across marker mating types. The effect of consanguineous marriage is usually small. For candidate genes, the effects were greater for uncle‐niece marriages, for rare disease alleles, and for high genotype relative risk. For markers, the effects were generally negligible. The Type I error probability of the TDT is essentially unchanged by intermarriage, except for a purely recessive disease allele. The power of the TDT is increased for a recessive allele and decreased for a dominant allele. However, consideration of levels of consanguinity that arise in practice indicates that standard power calculations for the TDT will usually need only minor modification. Genet. Epidemiol. 21:68–77, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Effect of carbon disulfide on menopause in women].

The authors examined clinically 1710 women. Among them 199 women with symptoms of menopause were selected and divided into two groups: group I (control) included 80 women without contact with carbon disulphide and group II (examined) included 119 women chronically exposed to carbon disulphide at a concentration of 9.36-23.4 mg/m3. Menopause was present in 16.59% of women chronically exposed to CS2 as compared with 8.05% of the normal population. The mean age at menopause was 48.1 years in group I and 43.9 in group II. Significantly more frequent headaches, weight gain and loss of libido (p < 0.01) were observed in women chronically exposed to CS2. While in the control group fatigue, palpitations and hot flushes were more often (p < 0.001). The concentrations of estrone (p < 0.01), estradiol, progesterone, 17-hydroxy-progesterone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) were significantly decreased in women chronically exposed to CS2 (p < 0.001). No difference in the level of dehydroepiandrosterone was found. The daily excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline in urine and concentrations of dopamine in plasma of women chronically exposed to CS2 were lower (p < 0.001), while the concentrations of serotonin and prolactin in plasma were higher (p < 0.001). No differences in the level of FSH or LH were noted between the two groups. Significant negative linear correlations between serotonin and FSH (r = -0.45; p < 0.01) serotonin and daily excretion of adrenalin (r = -0.43; p < 0.01) or noradrenalin (r = -0.58; p < 0.001) were found in the exposed group. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Concurrent Error Detection in Montgomery Multiplication over GF(2m)

Because fault-based attacks on cryptosystems have been proven effective, fault diagnosis and tolerance in cryptography have started a new surge of research and development activity in the field of applied cryptography. Without magnitude comparisons, the Montgomery multiplication algorithm is very attractive and popular for Elliptic Curve Cryptosystems. This paper will design a Montgomery multiplier array with a bit-parallel architecture in GF(2m) with concurrent error detection capability to protect it against fault-based attacks. The robust Montgomery multiplier array with concurrent error detection requires only about 0.2% extra space overhead (if m = 512 is as an example) and requires four extra clock cycles compared to the original Montgomery multiplier array without concurrent error detection.
Diffraction properties of transmission binary blazed grating

The properties of binary blazed grating were theoretically analyzed with finite-difference time -domain (FDTD) method. The diffraction efficiencies and diffraction angles of –1, 0, and +1 order for the grating varying with wavelength, grating structure, and the etch depth were studied when the incident angle was 30°. The numerical simulations revealed that the binary blazed grating presented high stability of diffraction efficiencies with wavelength shift.
A cell type‐specific allele of the POU gene Oct‐6 reveals Schwann cell autonomous function in nerve development and regeneration

While an important role for the POU domain transcription factor Oct‐6 in the developing peripheral nerve has been well established, studies into its exact role in nerve development and regeneration have been hampered by the high mortality rate of newborn Oct‐6 mutant animals. In this study we have generated a Schwann cell‐specific Oct‐6 allele through deletion of the Schwann cell‐specific enhancer element (SCE) in the Oct‐6 locus. Analysis of mice homozygous for this allele (ΔSCE allele) reveals that rate‐limiting levels of Oct‐6 in Schwann cells are dependent on the SCE and that this element does not contribute to Oct‐6 regulation in other cell types. We demonstrate a Schwann cell autonomous function for Oct‐6 during nerve development as well as in regenerating nerve. Additionally, we show that Krox‐20, an important regulatory target of Oct‐6 in Schwann cells, is activated, with delayed kinetics, through an Oct‐6‐independent mechanism in these mice.
Lenslet-based plenoptic camera compensation and efficient depth map estimation for mobile applications

In this paper, we present a depth reconstruction method for lenslet-based plenoptic cameras. Previous work in depth reconstruction from light field data was focused on synthetic or non lenslet-based plenoptic cameras. Lenslet-based plenoptic camera uses microlenses to obtain the 4D light field and results in a large non-uniformity across the sensor. A novel correction was applied to shading due to the microlenses by flat field correction. Results using commercially available lenslet-based plenoptic camera are presented with feasibility of real time applications.
Research, part of a Special Feature on Implementing Participatory Water Management: Recent Advances in Theory, Practice and Evaluation Supporting the Shift from State Water to Community Water: Lessons from a Social Learning Approach to Designing Joint Irrigation Projects in Morocco

This paper focuses on the evaluation of a participatory approach aimed at supporting groups of small-scale farmers in the design of joint drip irrigation projects. Our idea was to create a sustainable social learning environment in which they could acquire adaptive knowledge about new irrigation technology and about designing and managing a joint irrigation project while at the same time improving their negotiation capacities. We developed a framework to evaluate the process as well as the outputs and outcomes of the use of our approach with four groups of smallholder farmers in the Tadla irrigation scheme in Morocco. Our findings showed that the learning environment made it possible to compensate for the knowledge differential among stakeholders and to co-produce knowledge that can be mobilized by small- scale farmers to help them make better informed decisions when choosing whether or not to engage in a joint irrigation project and when developing and implementing such a project. We expect that this will ultimately contribute to supporting the shift from state water to community water through a shared understanding of the technical, economic, and social issues and options related to the management of irrigation water.
Optimizing CUDA Shared Memory Usage

CUDA shared memory is fast, on-chip storage. However, the bank conflict issue could cause a performance bottleneck. Current NVIDIA Tesla GPUs support memory bank accesses with configurable bit-widths. While this feature provides an efficient bank mapping scheme for 32-bit and 64-bit data types, it becomes trickier to solve the bank conflict problem through manual code tuning. This paper presents a framework for automatic bank conflict analysis and optimization. Given static array access information, we calculate the conflict degree, and then provide optimized data access patterns. Basically, by searching among different combinations of interand intraarray padding, along with bank access bit-width configurations, we can efficiently reduce or eliminate bank conflicts. From RODINIA and the CUDA SDK we selected 13 kernels with bottlenecks due to shared memory bank conflicts. After using our approach, these benchmarks achieve 5%-35% improvement in runtime. Keywords— shared memory; CUDA; bank conflict
Attentional modulation of perceptual organisation in schizophrenia

Introduction. Previous studies indicated impaired perceptual organisation in schizophrenia. This study investigated lateral connection and attentional modulation in early visual cortex of schizophrenia patients. Methods. Contrast threshold was measured for a central Gabor patch, flanked with orthogonal and collinear Gabor patches. In the attended condition, participants performed a concurrent vernier task by determining the spatial offset of the flankers. Results. The controls (n=25) had lower contrast thresholds in the collinear condition than in the orthogonal condition, whereas the schizophrenia patients (n=43) did not benefit from the presence of collinear flankers. This deficit was not ameliorated by attentional modulation. Antipsychotic medication did not affect the performance. Conclusions. These results suggest that lateral connections are impaired in early visual cortex of schizophrenia patients. This deficit cannot be restored by top-down attentional modulation of target-flanker interactions.