Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The influence of a polymorphism at position -857 of the tumour necrosis factor alpha gene on clinical response to etanercept therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to test whether polymorphisms in the etanercept target genes TNFA and LTA are associated with clinical responses to etanercept therapy in RA patients. METHODS Clinical responses of 70 patients treated with etanercept were determined according to the ACR criteria. We genotyped 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within TNFA and LTA and tested whether they influenced the responses to 12 weeks of etanercept therapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare allele, genotype and haplotype distributions between responders and non-responders. RESULTS Association of the -857C/T SNP at the TNFA promoter was marginally significant when patients were divided into responders and non-responders according to improvement criteria ACR20 or ACR70. When ACR70 responders (the best responders) were compared with ACR20 non-responders (the worst responders), however, the association was prominent [odds ratio (OR) = 12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-105, P = 0.0077, P(corrected) = 0.054], as the frequency of the T allele was 5% in the ACR20 non-responders but 39% in the ACR70 responders. Moreover, the ratio of ACR70 responder number to ACR20 non-responder number among T-allele carriers was >10-fold higher than in the C-allele homozygotes (OR = 12, 95% CI = 1.2-120, P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS RA patients with the T allele of TNFA -857C/T SNP respond better to etanercept therapy than homozygotes for the C allele, indicating that, when the results have been confirmed, this SNP could become a useful genetic marker for predicting responses.
Covering the Scandal in 140 Characters: A Case Study of Twitter’s Role in Coverage of the Penn State Saga

This case study explored how sports journalists used Twitter to cover allegations about former Penn State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky sexually abusing young boys. A content analysis of 1652 tweets from 151 sports journalists was conducted. Analysis revealed that sports journalists used Twitter in the following ways: a) offering commentary, b) breaking news, c) interactivity, d) linking to content, and e) promotion. The results suggest that Twitter serves as an additional venue for sports journalists to frame stories; however, their behavior in this venue blurs professional and personal boundaries as they mock fans and promote their competitors. The analysis further suggests that the immediacy with which news breaks on Twitter places sports journalists and sports media organizations into a dialectic between “being first” and “being accurate” when reporting news.
Prevalence and impact of cardiovascular risk factors in Bucaramanga, Colombia: results from the Countrywide Integrated Noncommunicable Disease Intervention Programme (CINDI/CARMEN) baseline survey

Background Although cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the region, there are few data on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Latin American. We studied the distribution and impact of cardiovascular risk factors in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in a random sample of 2989 subjects 15–64 years old. Population attributable risks were estimated from Framingham risk scores. Results Smoking prevalence was 16.2% (men 26.3%; women 10.5%). Hypertension prevalence was 9.9% in women and 8.8% in men, but reached 50% in those 60–64 years old. After adjustment for body mass index, men were more likely to be hypertensive, but only if under 40 years old. Obesity was more frequent in women (15.7%) than in men (8.7%), even after age-adjustment. About 46% of the participants were overweight or obese. Women also had higher prevalence of high total cholesterol (19.7 versus 15.7%) and high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (23.9 versus 19.5%), but lower prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (22.2 versus 37.6%). Only low-HDL prevalence was significantly different after body mass index and age-adjustment. The prevalence of diabetes was similar in men and women (4%), but age and body mass index-adjusted impaired fasting glucose prevalence was 60% higher in women. Population attributable risks were larger and similar for high total cholesterol, hypertension, and large waist-to-hip ratio (19%). Conclusions Women had higher prevalence of all risk factors with the exception of smoking and low-HDL. Reduction in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and obesity is a priority to control the ongoing epidemic of cardiovascular diseases in this population.
A new verbal learning and memory test for English- and Spanish-speaking older people

Word-list verbal learning and memory tests with appropriate normative data can be highly sensitive to cognitive decline, but there are significant limitations of such tests available for use with older Hispanic and non-Hispanic people living in the US. The purpose of this study was to (1) create a new word-list learning and memory test in both English and Spanish and, (2) validate it with respect to sensitivity to cognitive impairment, and (3) develop statistical corrections for the effects of significant demographic variables, including ethnicity, language of administration, age, education, and gender. A community dwelling sample of 801 English- and Spanish-speaking older people was employed. Recall on learning trials and the delayed recall trial of the word-list learning test were strongly related to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), moderately related to age, and weakly related to gender and education. The relationship of word-list variables and the MMSE did not significantly differ across ethnicity/language groups. Regression coefficients for demographic variables were used in a statistical correction formula to adjust raw word-list scores, and then to develop specific percentile cut-off values. (JINS, 2001, 7, 544–555.)
Comparison of nasal, rectal, buccal, sublingual and intramuscular insulin efficacy and the effects of a bile salt absorption promoter.

The purpose of this investigation was to develop a method to quantitate insulin absorption, and to compare insulin absorption from various noninjection sites of administration. Log dose/effect curves were established for i.m. insulin in adult male rats. The effects measured were the maximum change in plasma glucose concentration and the cumulative percentage of change in plasma glucose concentrations from 0 to 4 hr. Both log dose/effect curves gave similar results when calculating the efficacy of other routes, relative to i.m. Nasal, buccal, sublingual and rectal absorption sites were isolated by ligation procedures or with physical barriers. Rectal insulin was more efficacious than nasal, buccal and sublingual insulin, when administered without an absorption-promoting adjuvant. However, the efficacy relative to i.m. insulin was low for each route, probably due to a combination of slow membrane permeation and metabolism at the absorption site. Administration in a solution containing 5% sodium glycocholate, an absorption-promoting adjuvant, increased insulin efficacy by each route. The rank order was nasal greater than rectal greater than buccal greater than sublingual, with nasal and rectal insulin being roughly half as efficacious as i.m. insulin. Orally administered insulin, at doses 5 times higher than administered by other routes, and with Na glycocholate, produced no hypoglycemic response.
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: TURKEY AND ITALY AS

Forming half of the world’s population women haven’t achieved to reach the point that they deserve in financial arena, which stands as one of the big obstacles for development in the macroeconomic level. Economic growth projects have evolved on a large scale since 1960s. Recently, much effort has been practiced to integrate women, who were considered as passive beneficiaries of economic growth previously, into economic development process. It has been understood that without the participation of women in economy, realization of social and financial growth is impossible. Various strategies on women and development have been developed. Significantly; the participation of women in labor has increased the momentum of economic development. In this context, no matter various categories exist, three different definitions have been labeled for gender mainstreaming and development which are; women in development (WID), women and development (WAD), gender and development (GAD). This study, addresses the statue of women in EU within the frame of women in development (WID), and compares Italy –as a member of European Union – and Turkey – which is in European Union full membership process. The reason why these two countries are compared is; both Italy’s labor force participation rate and Italy’s a likeness to
Material and Device Characteristics of Metamorphic  ${\rm In}_{0.53}{\rm Ga}_{0.47}{\rm As}$ MOSHEMTs Grown on GaAs and Si Substrates by MOCVD

We report a comparison of material and device characteristics of metamorphic In0.53Ga0. 47As channel metal-oxide-semiconductor high-electron mobility transistors (MOSHEMTs) grown on GaAs and Si substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. A gate-last process was developed to simplify the fabrication of nanoscale channel length devices. Selective source/drain regrowth was incorporated to reduce parasitic resistances. Post-metallization annealing (PMA) was utilized to mitigate the weakened gate electrostatic control in the buried channel. The effect of PMA on the Ti/Al2O3 gate-stack was investigated in detail. Record-low ON-state resistance of 132 and 129 Ω·μm has been achieved in enhancement-mode InGaAs MOSHEMT on GaAs and on Si substrate, respectively. A 120-nm channel length device on GaAs exhibited a figure of merit Q(gm/SS) of 12, whereas a 60-nm channel length In0.53Ga0. 47As MOSHEMT on Si demonstrated Q up to 14.
Selected Aspects of the Interindustry Structure of the State of Washington, 1967

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some facets of the interindustry structure of the State of Washington, using data from the 1967 input-output table for the state [1]. Rather than using traditional approaches to the analysis of regional input-output data, this study will draw upon certain concepts from graph theory, particularly the theory of directed graphs (digraphs). l The view is taken that a digraph serves as a model of the structure of industrial interrela-
Quantifying the exact role of HLA-DRB1 alleles in susceptibility to inflammatory polyarthritis: results from a large, population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To accurately determine the contributions of HLA-DRB1 alleles in explaining susceptibility to inflammatory polyarthritis in a large, true population-based cohort of new-onset cases. METHODS A cohort of 680 consecutive patients with inflammatory polyarthritis, of whom 404 satisfied the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), was recruited from the population-based Norfolk Arthritis Register. All cases were compared with 286 local population controls. A standardized clinical assessment was performed on all patients. HLA-DRB1 phenotypes, including DR4 subtypes, were determined using a semiautomated, reverse dot-blot method. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS There was only a modest association (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4-2.4) between inflammatory polyarthritis and the presence of any shared epitope (SE) allele; the strongest individual risk was with DRB1*0404 (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.8). Comparison of the genotypes demonstrated that the effect of being SE homozygous (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-3.0) was only moderately greater than the effect of being SE heterozygous (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6). The exception to this was genotypic combinations that included HLA-DRB1*0404, which exhibited ORs ranging up to 18.0. There were no differences between either the phenotype or genotype data when the patients were stratified by RA status (defined by the ACR criteria). In contrast, the associations were substantially stronger in patients who were positive for rheumatoid factor. CONCLUSION Previous studies had not been able to clarify whether the influence of HLA-DRB1 on RA was related to disease susceptibility or to disease severity and progression. These data on a unique population-based incident cohort suggest only weak effects on susceptibility, with the exception of the clearly distinct influence of HLA-DRB1*0404.
Processor Accelerator Customization through Data Flow Graph Exploration

To reduce the huge search space when customizing accelerators for the application specific instruction-set processor (ASIP), this paper proposes an automated customization method based on the data flow graph exploration. This method integrates the instruction identification and selection using an iterative improvement strategy, which uses a seed-growth algorithm to select the valid patterns that can bring higher performance enhancement. The search space is reduced by considering the performance factors during the identification stage. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method is feasible enough compared to the previous exhaustive algorithms.
LYSOZYME IN BONE MARROW AND PERIPHERAL BLOOD CELLS

By means of an indirect histochemical technique, the intracellular lysozyme of the formed elements of the peripheral blood and bone marrow was estimated. Evidence is presented that monocytes, as well as mature neutrophils and their precursors extending back to the progranulocyte, contain significant amounts of this enzyme. A rare mature eosinophil demonstrated a trace of lysozyme activity. There was no evidence of lysozyme activity in basophils, erythrocytes, megakaryocytes, platelets, plasma cells, tissue mast cells or bone marrow reticuloendothelial cells.
Hyper-dimensional computing for a visual question-answering system that is trainable end-to-end

In this work we propose a system for visual question answering. Our architecture is composed of two parts, the first part creates the logical knowledge base given the image. The second part evaluates questions against the knowledge base. Differently from previous work, the knowledge base is represented using hyper-dimensional computing. This choice has the advantage that all the operations in the system, namely creating the knowledge base and evaluating the questions against it, are differentiable, thereby making the system easily trainable in an end-to-end fashion.
Testing the Co-movement of BRICS Nations’ Capital Markets

The present study proposes to investigate the short-and long-run integrations and linkages of BRICS countries’ stock markets indices, namely, BSE Sensex, FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index, I BOVESPA, RTS Index and SSE Composite, during the study period April 2004-March 2014. Daily prices of sample indices were collected from Yahoo Finance and FTSE Official Website for the analysis. GARCH (1, 1) Model, Johansen Co-integration test, Vector Error Correction Model and Granger Causality test were used to study the stock market linkages. The results of Johansen Co-integration test indicated that all sample indices of BRICS stock markets were cointegrated with each other. The Vector Error Correction Model revealed that BSE Sensex did not employ shortrun relationship with other sample indices and RTS Index experienced short-run relation with other sample indices, excluding BSE Sensex during the study period. The study concludes that BRICS indices were engaged in long-run relationships and only RTS Index recorded both short-run and long-run relationships with other sample indices. Hence the global investor could use the opportunity for portfolio diversification, both under long-run and short-run periods in BRICS stock markets.
Intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, and preterm birth: adverse pregnancy outcomes and their association with maternal periodontitis.

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that periodontitis is associated with systemic alterations such as adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, some conflicting results have been reported. This case-control study was conducted to determine the association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). METHODS A total of 1,305 Brazilian women from multiethnic groups were enrolled and divided into four groups: control group (1,042 women who gave birth to infants with adequate gestational age and birth weight); PTB group (238 women, gestational age <37 complete weeks); LBW group (235 women, birth weight <2,500 g); and IUGR group (77 women who gave birth to infants with fetal growth retardation). Periodontitis was defined as the presence of at least four teeth with one or more sites with probing depth > or =4 mm and clinical attachment loss > or =3 mm. The effects of variables of interest, confounders, and interaction were tested through univariate and multivariate logistic regression tests. RESULTS After adjusting for variables of interest, maternal periodontitis was retained in the final model for PTB (odds ratio [OR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12 to 2.59), LBW (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.51), and IUGR (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.07 to 4.19). When the interaction between periodontitis and previous PTB was tested, an OR of 5.94 (P <0.001), 9.12 (P <0.001), and 18.90 (P <0.001) was observed for PTB, LBW, and IUGR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Maternal periodontitis is associated with an increased risk for PTB, LBW, and IUGR. Results emphasize the importance of periodontal care in prenatal health programs.
The 3-Hydroxy-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Lyase HCL1 Is Required for Macrophage Colonization by Human Fungal Pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum

ABSTRACT Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungal respiratory pathogen that survives and replicates within the phagolysosome of macrophages. The molecular factors it utilizes to subvert macrophage antimicrobial defenses are largely unknown. Although the ability of H. capsulatum to prevent acidification of the macrophage phagolysosome is thought to be critical for intracellular survival, this hypothesis has not been tested since H. capsulatum mutants that experience decreased phagosomal pH have not been identified. In a screen to identify H. capsulatum genes required for lysis of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), we identified an insertion mutation disrupting the H. capsulatum homolog of 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) lyase (HCL1). In addition to its inability to lyse macrophages, the hcl1 mutant had a severe growth defect in BMDMs, indicating that HMG CoA lyase gene function is critical for macrophage colonization. In other organisms, HMG CoA lyase catalyzes the last step in the leucine catabolism pathway. In addition, both fungi and humans deficient in HMG CoA lyase accumulate acidic intermediates as a consequence of their inability to catabolize leucine. Consistent with observations in other organisms, the H. capsulatum hcl1 mutant was unable to grow on leucine as the major carbon source, caused acidification of its growth medium in vitro, and resided in an acidified vacuole within macrophages. Mice infected with the hcl1 mutant took significantly longer to succumb to infection than mice infected with the wild-type strain. Taken together, these data indicate the importance of Hcl1 function in H. capsulatum replication in the harsh growth environment of the macrophage phagosome.
Circulating CD68 positive (+) leukocytes in blood samples from patients (pts) with breast cancer (BC).

172 Background: Several different CD45 + leukocyte populations are present in primary breast tumors and stroma (Coussens et al, 2011). These include CD4+/CD8+ T cells and myeloid derived cells such tumor associated macrophages/monocytes (TAMs). TAMs are under investigation as prognostic and predictive markers during chemotherapy (CX). The detection of TAMs has been restricted thus far to tumor tissue. We hypothesized that we can detect changes in CD45+ leukocyte populations in blood samples obtained before and during CX from pts with early and advanced BC. METHODS Venous blood samples from BC patients were collected, and were either directly analyzed or further processed using previously described immunomagnetic negative depletion. Multistep, sequential labeling was performed to first label and fix cell surface markers followed by permeablization for cytokeratins, before and after negative depletion, followed by multiparameter flow cytometry analysis for the following basic markers: CD45, cytokeratins, and EpCAM, and for a subset of patients additional markers including: CD13, CD14, CD68, and CD133. RESULTS Forty blood samples were analyzed and study is ongoing. Different CD45+ subpopulations were observed in peripheral blood including: a) CD45+, CK+, CD68 negative (-), b) CD45+, CK+, CD68+, c) CD45+, CK+, CD68+, CD14+, and CD16+. In addition, there was a trend in increasing CD 68+ leukocytes after 1 cycle of CX in pts with poor response to therapy or progression of disease. No abnormal cell subpopulations were present blood samples from healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to report various peripheral blood leukocyte populations in BC that are similar to those observed in primary breast tumor stroma. The precise origin of these CD45 + cells is under investigation, including additional phenotypic characterization for TAMs. Results will be correlated to patient stage, tumor subtype and response to therapy.
Clinical effectiveness and safety evaluation of long-term pioglitazone treatment for erythropoietin responsiveness and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients on hemodialysis

Background: We aimed to assess the effect of long-term pioglitazone treatment on erythropoietin responsiveness and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients on hemodialysis. Methods: We conducted a prospective, open-label, parallel-group, controlled study of 63 type 2 diabetic hemodialysis patients who were randomly assigned to two groups: pioglitazone group (P-group; 15 – 30 mg/day pioglitazone plus conventional oral hypoglycemic agents) and control group (C-group; conventional oral hypoglycemic agents alone). We determined the efficacy of pioglitazone by monitoring anemia, glycemic control, insulin resistance, and levels of inflammatory cytokines and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin for 96 weeks. Results: Pioglitazone effectively reduced erythropoietin dose and maintained the target hemoglobin levels by improving insulin resistance up to the end of the study. In the P-group, hemoglobin A1c, glycated albumin, and triglycerides significantly decreased compared with the C-group. There was a significant reduction in homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and a significant increase in HMW adiponectin level in the P-group; these changes were significantly different compared with values for the C-group. No serious adverse effects such as hypoglycemia, liver impairment, or heart failure were observed in any of the patients. Conclusion: Pioglitazone treatment resulted in better glycemic control, improved lipid levels, an increase in insulin sensitivity and adiponectin levels, and a decrease in inflammatory markers, thus improving the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Erythropoietin responsiveness improved with a reduction in erythropoietin dose and may be associated with the improvement in insulin resistance due to long-term pioglitazone treatment.