Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum levels of the angiogenic cytokines basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in multiple myeloma

Abstract: Angiogenesis is a crucial process in growth and progression of cancer and there is growing evidence that neovascularisation is important in hematological malignancies. Since an increased angiogenic potential has been identified in multiple myeloma, we simultaneously measured circulating serum levels of the cytokines bFGF, VEGF, HGF and IL‐6 by ELISA in 67 patients with multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS) and in 20 controls. Median values of bFGF were 4.7 pg/ml in healthy volunteers, 6.2 in MGUS, 6.3 in myeloma stage I, 13.4 in stage II and 21.7 in stage III. Myeloma patients had significantly higher bFGF serum levels than controls (p<0.001). Pretreatment bFGF levels differed significantly in the Salmon and Durie stages I–III (p=0.02) and were significantly elevated in stage II–III compared to stage I myeloma (p=0.02). In patients responding to chemotherapy according to the CLMTF criteria, a significant decrease in serum bFGF, VEGF and HGF levels occurred (median pretreatment values for bFGF 23.9 pg/ml, post‐treatment 6.5 pg/ml; p<0.001, for VEGF 223 pg/ml versus 105 pg/ml; p=0.02 and for HGF 1429 pg/ml versus 1077 pg/ml; p=0.02, respectively). In 11 patients who did not achieve a remission, there was no significant decrease in bFGF, VEGF and HGF levels. These data show that myeloma in stages II and III is associated with an increase in serum bFGF concentrations and give the first report that effective chemo‐therapy is accompanied by a significant decrease in the angiogenic factors bFGF, VEGF and HGF, while no decrease of these factors could be found in nonresponders.
Optimality as an epistemological organizing principle

of the original article: This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of one of science's most pervasive and flexible metaprinciples; optimality is used to explain utility maximization in economics, least effort principles in physics, entropy in chemistry, and survival of the fittest in biology. Fermat's principle of least time involves both teleological and causal considerations, two distinct modes of explanation resting on poorly understood psychological primitives. The rationality heuristic in economics provides an example from social science of the potential biases arising from the extreme flexibility of optimality considerations, including selective search for confirming evidence, ex post rationalization, and the confusion of prediction with explanation. Commentators are asked to reflect on the extent to which optimality is (1) an organizing principle of nature, (2) a set of relatively unconnected techniques of science, (3) a normative principle for rational choice and social organization, (4) a metaphysical way of looking at the world, or (5) something else still. Optimality as an epistemological organizing principle
Application of monadic substitution to recursive type containment

In this paper, we present a computer-checked, constructive soundness and completeness result for prototypic recursive type containment with respect to containment of nonwellfounded (finite or infinite) trees. The central role is played by formalisation of substitution of recursive types as a monad, with a traverse function implementing a strategy for potentially infinite recursive unfolding. In the rigorous setting of constructive type theory, the very definition of subtyping should be scrutinised to allow a prover to accept it. As a solution, we adapt the method of weak bisimilarity by mixed induction-coinduction recently introduced to Coq by Nakata and Uustalu. However, our setting is different in that we work with a notion of weak similarity that corresponds to subtyping. We accomplish the task of representing infinitary subtyping in the Calculus of (Co-)Inductive Constructions. Our technique does not require extensions of the Calculus and therefore can be ported to other dependently typed languages.
Floating zone growth and scintillation characteristics of cerium-doped gadolinium pyrosilicate single crystals

Growth of cerium-doped gadolinium pyrosilicate (Gd<sub>2</sub>Si<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub>:Ce) single crystals, which show 2.5 times greater light output for gamma-rays and five times greater light output for alpha particles than GSO single crystals, is accomplished using floating zone growth method (FZ method). Although growth of Gd<sub>2</sub>Si<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub> (GPS) single crystal is considered to be difficult because it melts incongruently according to the phase diagram in a Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-SiO<sub>2</sub> system, we attempted crystal growth of Ce:GPS because the possibility exists that heavy Ce doping changes the phase diagram. Transparent single crystals were obtained, but cracks were observed in the crystals. The crystal structure was triclinic with space group P<sub>/1</sub> and density of 5.5 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. Two peaks were observed by photoluminescence spectrum measurement at 374 nm and 394 nm caused by 5d-4f transition in Ce<sup>3+</sup> ion. Decay times of Ce:GPS were 46 ns for gamma-ray and 39 ns for alpha particles; its density was 5.5 g/cm<sup>3</sup>. We consider that the energy resolution of 23% will be improved by fabrication of large crystals and improvement of crystal perfectability.
Dissection of the interferon gamma‐MHC class II signal transduction pathway reveals that type I and type II interferon systems share common signalling component(s).

We have used a herpes virus thymidine kinase (HSV‐TK) based metabolic selection system to isolate mutants defective in the interferon gamma mediated induction of the MHC class II promoter. All the mutations act in trans and result in no detectable induction of MHC and invariant chain (Ii) gene expression. Scatchard analysis indicates that the mutants have a normal number of surface IFN gamma receptors with the same affinity constant. The mutants fall into two broad categories. One class of mutants is still able to induce MHC class I, IRF‐1, 9–27, 1–8 and GBP genes by IFN gamma. A second class of mutants is defective for the IFN gamma induction of all the genes tested; surprisingly, the IFN alpha/beta induction of MHC class I, 9–27, ISG54 and ISG15 genes is also defective in these mutants, although different members of this class can be discriminated by the response of the GBP and IRF‐1 genes to type I interferons. These data demonstrate that the signalling pathways of both type I and type II interferon systems share common signal transduction component(s). These mutants will be useful for the study of IFN gamma regulation of class II genes and Ii chain, and to elucidate molecular components of type I and type II interferon signal transduction.
An investigation on the relationship between the occurrence of CMV DNAemia and the development of invasive aspergillosis in the allogeneic stem cell transplantation setting

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection might increase the risk of fungal superinfection in allogeneic stem cell transplant patients. The potential association between the occurrence of CMV DNAemia and the development of invasive aspergillosis in this clinical setting was investigated. The current retrospective observational study included 167 patients undergoing T cell‐replete allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Virological monitoring of active CMV infection was performed by the pp65 antigenemia assay and/or by a plasma real‐time PCR assay. A total of 109 out of 167 patients developed CMV DNAemia. Twenty‐three patients had proven (n = 4) or probable (n = 19) invasive aspergillosis. The occurrence of CMV DNAemia was not significantly associated with the subsequent development of invasive aspergillosis (P = 0.38). Overall, the duration of the episodes of active CMV infection and the peak level of CMV DNAemia within the episodes were comparable, irrespective of whether invasive aspergillosis developed subsequently or not (P = 0.99; P = 0.70, respectively). Peak CMV DNA load in patients with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis who died was higher (median, 5,461 copies/ml) than that in those who survived (median 1,179 copies/ml) (P = 0.41). The data argue against the existence of an association between the occurrence of CMV DNAemia and the development of invasive aspergillosis, however, CMV replication, particularly at high levels, might aggravate the prognosis of this disease. J. Med. Virol. 86:568–575, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing the Impact of Exposure Time and Incapacitation on Longitudinal Trajectories of Criminal Offending

The authors examine the potential effect of accounting for exposure time by examining the arrests of 272 serious offenders who were paroled at age 18 and followed through age 33. The authors describe the overall change in the arrest rate over the 16-year period, with and without adjustments for exposure time. The authors also estimate latent class models that decompose the heterogeneity of arrest rate trends, with and without variation in exposure time. Two results are noteworthy: (a) conclusions about the level of arrest activity did depend on adjustments for exposure time, but the overall trend in arrest activity did not depend on these adjustments; and (b) latent class analysis without exposure time adjustments suggested that more than 92% of the sample exhibited their highest level of arrest activity in late teens and early 20s; then offending declined during the late 20s and early 30s. When adjusted for exposure time, the analysis revealed that about 72% of the sample exhibited this decline; the remainder remained quite active in offending.
Is there a lexical bias effect in comprehension monitoring?

Event-related potentials were used to investigate if there is a lexical bias effect in comprehension monitoring. The lexical bias effect in language production (the tendency of phonological errors to result in existing words rather than nonwords) has been attributed to an internal self-monitoring system, which uses the comprehension system, and which employs lexical status as a monitoring criterion. It has been suggested that we monitor language comprehension too, and that the P600 reflects comprehension monitoring processes. If both production and comprehension monitoring rely on the comprehension system it is plausible that both processes are very similar. Hence the lexical bias effect is expected in comprehension monitoring. We presented high-cloze sentences that could contain a correct word, a lexical error, or a nonlexical error. There was a larger N400 in the lexical error and the nonlexical error conditions compared with the correct word condition. Importantly, the P600 was the largest in the nonlexical error condition, intermediate in the lexical error condition, and the smallest in the correct condition. Apparently, the comprehension monitor is sensitive to lexicality, suggesting that production and comprehension monitoring use similar criteria for error detection.
Development of sex‐trait stereotype awareness among Korean children

Assumptions regarding the development of Korean children's awareness of sex‐trait stereotypes derived with the SSM II, a measurement device developed on the basis of American stereotypes, were tested using a Korean Sex‐Trait Stereotype Measure (KSSM), developed on the basis of Korean stereotypes. Subjects included 180 first‐, third‐, and sixth‐grade Korean children, with an equal number of boys and girls at each grade level. As with previous findings using the SSM II, the KSSM revealed that Korean children's awareness of their cultural sex‐trait stereotypes increased with age from the first‐ to the sixth‐grades. Moreover, while boys were more aware of the male‐ than female‐trait stereotypes, girls were equally aware of both. Findings were discussed relative to the similarity in which sex‐trait stereotype awareness develops among children across cultures, and the occurrance of some common sex‐trait stereotypes among them. As such, they lend some credence to the SSM II as a measure of sex‐trait stereotypes .
Deprived of touch

In 1943, a distinguished child psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University, Leo Kanner, published what would become a landmark article: a description of 11 children who suffered from a distinct disorder he called ‘infantile autism’. While initially quite obscure, in the early 1950s Kanner’s report garnered much attention, as clinicians and researchers interpreted these case studies as exemplifying the ill-effects of maternal deprivation, a new theory that rapidly gained currency in the United States. Sensory deprivation experiments, performed in the mid-1950s, further complicated the picture, as experts debated whether maternal deprivation was unique or simply a form of environmental stimulation. As experts strove to make sense of this new disorder, they relied on concepts of maternal and sensory deprivation, both to promote their own theories and to critique or refute those of their colleagues. This interplay between the two theories also informed new forms of intervention, including ‘rage reduction therapy’, which served as a precursor for controversial forms of therapy today termed as the ‘attachment therapies’. This article sheds light on a little-known aspect of the history of autism, and examines the far-reaching effect popular etiological theories have in shaping debates over emerging medical concerns.
Occurrence of Lysogenic Bacteria in Marine Microbial Communities as Determined by Prophage Induction

Viruses are abundant and dynamic members of the marine microbial community, and it is important to understand the11 role in the ecology of natural microbial populations We have previously found lysogenic bacteria to be a significant proportion (43%) of the cultivable heterotrophic microbial population. As the majority of marine bacteria are not cultivable using standard plating methods, we measured the proportion of marine lysogenic bacteria in natural communities by prophage ~nduction. Mitomycin C, UV radiation, sunlight, temperature and pressure were used to induce prophage in lysogenlc bacteria from estuarine, coastal and oligotrophic offshore environments. To determine ~f hydrocarbon pollutants may cause the induction of marine lysogens, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons (including Bunker C #6 fuel oil, phenanthrene, naphthalene, pyrene, and trichloroethylene) were also used as inducing agents. Induct~on was most often found in estuarine environments, where viral direct counts increased from 128.8 to 345% of the uninduced control, resulting in mortality of 10.5 to 67.3% (average 34%) of the bacterial population. Up to 38% of the bacterial population was lysogenized in estuanne environments, as calculated from an average burst size. Microbial populations from oligotrophic offshore environments were inducible at 3 of 11 stations sampled. Eight of the 11 samples (73 %) treated with polyaromatic hydrocarbons resulted in prophage induction in natural populations. Time series analysis was also conducted in 2 samples induced by mitomycin C from the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of North Carolina, USA. For both samples, significant decreases in bacterial numbers were detected in treated samples after 8 h of incubation. A significant increase of viruses was detected a t 8 h at one station and at 24 h at the other station after induction. This study indicates that natural lysogenic populations are sensitive to a variety of ~nduc ing agents, and induction occurs more frequently in coastal and estuanne environments than offshore environments.
The Role of Iron in Diabetes and Its Complications Published ahead of print at http://care.diabetesjournals.org on 11 April 2007. DOI: 10.2337/dc06-2625. A table elsewhere in this issue shows conventional and Système International (SI) units and conversion factors for many substances.

The central importance of iron in the pathophysiology of disease is derived from the ease with which iron is reversibly oxidized and reduced. This property, while essential for its metabolic functions, makes iron potentially hazardous because of its ability to participate in the generation of powerful oxidant species such as hydroxyl radical (1). Oxygen normally accepts four electrons and is converted directly to water. However, partial reduction of oxygen can and does occur in biological systems. Thus, the sequential reduction of oxygen along the univalent pathway leads to the generation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and water (1,2). Superoxide and hydrogen peroxide appear to be the primary generated species. These species may then play a role in the generation of additional and more reactive oxidants, including the highly reactive hydroxyl radical (or a related highly oxidizing species) in which iron salts play a catalytic role in a reaction. This reaction is commonly referred to as the metal catalyzed Haber-Weiss reaction (1): \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \[\frac{\mathrm{Fe}^{3{+}}{+}\mathrm{O}\_{{\dot{2}}}^{{\mbox{--}}} \mathrm{Fe}^{2{+}}{+}\mathrm{O}\_{2}\ \mathrm{Fe}^{2{+}}{+}\mathrm{H}\_{2}\mathrm{O}\_{2} \mathrm{Fe}^{3{+}}{+}{\cdot}\mathrm{OH}{+}\mathrm{OH}{-}}{\mathrm{O}\_{{\dot{2}}}^{{\mbox{--}}}{+}\mathrm{H}\_{2}\mathrm{O}\_{2} \mathrm{O}\_{2}{+}{\cdot}\mathrm{OH}{+}\mathrm{OH}{-}}\] \end{document} Because iron participates in the formation of reactive oxygen species, organisms take great care in the handling of iron. Indeed, iron sequestration in transport and storage proteins may contribute to antioxidant defenses. It is now well established that oxidants can cause the release of catalytic iron (1); thus, a vicious cycle is initiated that leads to the formation of more reactive oxygen species. In this review, we discuss the role tissue iron and elevated body iron stores play in causing type 2 diabetes and the pathogenesis of its important complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In addition, we emphasize that iron overload is not a prerequisite for iron to mediate either diabetes or its complications. Important in its pathophysiology is the availability of so-called catalytic iron or iron that is available to …
Division of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry , Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology Coadaptation : A Unifying Principle in Evolutionary Thermal Biology

Over the last 50 yr, thermal biology has shifted from a largely physiological science to a more integrated science of behavior, physiology, ecology, and evolution. Today, the mechanisms that underlie responses to environmental temperature are being scrutinized at levels ranging from genes to organisms. From these investigations, a theory of thermal adaptation has emerged that describes the evolution of thermoregulation, thermal sensitivity, and thermal acclimation. We review and integrate current models to form a conceptual model of coadaptation. We argue that major advances will require a quantitative theory of coadaptation that predicts which strategies should evolve in specific thermal environments. Simply combining current models, however, is insufficient to understand the responses of organisms to thermal heterogeneity; a theory of coadaptation must also consider the biotic interactions that influence the net benefits of behavioral and physiological strat* This paper was prepared as an overview of a symposium session presented at “Animals and Environments,” the Third International Conference for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry, Ithala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 2004 (http://www.natural-events.com/ithala/default-follow_2.asp). Corresponding author; e-mail: m-angilletta@indstate.edu. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79(2):282–294. 2006. 2006 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. 1522-2152/2006/7902-4148$15.00 egies. Such a theory will be challenging to develop because each organism’s perception of and response to thermal heterogeneity depends on its size, mobility, and life span. Despite the challenges facing thermal biologists, we have never been more pressed to explain the diversity of strategies that organisms use to cope with thermal heterogeneity and to predict the consequences of thermal change for the diversity of communities.
Identification of IL-17-producing FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in humans

IL-17–producing CD4+ T helper (Th17) cells have recently been defined as a unique subset of proinflammatory helper cells whose development depends on signaling initiated by IL-6 and TGF-β, autocrine activity of IL-21, activation of STAT3, and induction of the orphan nuclear receptor RORγt. The maintenance, expansion, and further differentiation of the committed Th17 cells depend on IL-1β and IL-23. IL-17 was originally found produced by circulating human CD45RO+ memory T cells. A recent study found that human Th17 memory cells selectively express high levels of CCR6. In this study, we report that human peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue contain a significant number of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells that express CCR6 and have the capacity to produce IL-17 upon activation. These cells coexpress FOXP3 and RORγt transcription factors. The CD4+FOXP3+CCR6+ IL-17–producing cells strongly inhibit the proliferation of CD4+ responder T cells. CD4+CD25high-derived T-cell clones express FOXP3, RORγt, and IL-17 and maintain their suppressive function via a cell-cell contact mechanism. We further show that human CD4+FOXP3+CCR6− regulatory T (Treg) cells differentiate into IL-17 producer cells upon T-cell receptor stimulation in the presence of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-21, IL-23, and human serum. This, together with the finding that human thymus does not contain IL-17–producing Treg cells, suggests that the IL-17+FOXP3+ Treg cells are generated in the periphery. IL-17–producing Treg cells may play critical roles in antimicrobial defense, while controlling autoimmunity and inflammation.
Quantitation of axon loss and conduction block in peroneal nerve palsies

We compared conduction in motor fibers supplying the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and anterior lateral compartment (AL) muscles. The object was to determine whether there were any differences in the relative proportions of degenerated and blocked nerve fibers between the longer EDB and shorter AL fibers. In almost every case the percentage of motor fibers undergoing axonal degeneration was greatest in EDB fibers. Conversely, the percentage of conduction block was greatest in the AL motor fibers. As clinical recovery is dependent on AL muscles rather than EDB, electrophysiological study of the relative proportions of degenerated and blocked fibers in the former should provide a more reliable measure of outcome than similar studies of EDB. Conduction velocity distal to the fibular head was not slowed despite the large loss of EDB motor fibers. Evidence for selective involvement of the larger myelinated fibers is, therefore, lacking. The location of the major conduction abnormalities was in almost every case between the mid‐fibular head and popliteal fossa.