Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolated central nervous system relapses in primary mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma after CHOP‐like chemotherapy with or without Rituximab

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with primary mediastinal large B‐cell (PMLBCL) lymphoma is a rare event, occurring in approximately 6% of patients, on the basis of the review of the literature prior to induction of Rituximab. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the incidence of CNS relapse among 100 consecutive patients with PMLBCL who were treated with R‐CHOP ± RT in comparison to patients treated with CHOP ± RT (n = 45) in 11 hospitals in Greece. Two patients experienced a CNS relapse, representing an overall frequency of 2.0% in R‐CHOP treated patients and a 2‐year actuarial incidence of 2.3%. Both patients had isolated CNS relapses. The incidence of CNS relapse after CHOP without Rituximab was 2/45 (4.4%) for a 2‐year actuarial incidence of 7.5% (p = 0.29). Again, both patients had isolated CNS relapses. Parenchymal‐only localizations accounted for 3/4 cases. Risk factors for CNS involvement could include leukocytosis, poor performance status and higher age‐adjusted International Prognostic Index, although their impact was weakened by competing risk survival analysis. Both patients relapsing after R‐CHOP required CNS radiotherapy to achieve a complete remission and be forwarded to high‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation: They are both alive and disease‐free 18 and 23 months after CNS relapse. Both cases relapsing after CHOP without Rituximab were salvaged by CNS radiotherapy (one also received intrathecal chemotherapy) entering long‐term remissions. In conclusion, CNS relapses are rare in PMLBCL tending to be isolated in the CNS, probably reflecting the persistence of latent CNS disease than dissemination of resistant disease. The impact of Rituximab in reducing CNS relapses remains unknown. Established risk factors for CNS involvement in aggressive lymphomas may not be helpful in assessing the risk of CNS recurrence in this disease. Routine CNS prophylaxis is not probably required in PMLBCL. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of microglial activities by glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor

Much attention has been paid to the ability of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to protect neurons from neurotoxic insults in the central nervous system (CNS). However, little is known about GDNF action on CNS glia that also can express GDNF receptor systems. In this study, we examined the effects of GDNF on primary rat microglia that function as resident macrophages in the CNS and as the source of proinflammatory mediators upon activation. We found that treatment of primary rat microglia with GDNF had no effect on the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), but it increased the nitric oxide (NO) production to some extent. In addition, GDNF increased the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the gene expression of surface antigen intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), the production of the integrin α5 subunit, and the phagocytotic capability in primary rat microglia. Furthermore, inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (Erk‐MAPK) in the mouse microglial cell line BV2 by U0126 indicated that the MAP kinase signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of NO and integrin α5 production by GDNF. In vivo evidence also showed that amoeboid cells with integrin α5 or with ED1 immunoreactivity appeared in GDNF‐treated spinal cord tissues at the lesion site 1 week post spinal cord injury (SCI). Furthermore, inhibition of Erk‐MAPK in the mouse microglial cell line BV2 by U0126 indicated that the MAP kinase signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of NO and integrin α5 production by GDNF. Taken together, our results indicate that GDNF has a positive regulatory effect on microglial activities, such as phagocytosis and the upregulation of adhesion molecules. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects with the new self-centering Amplatzer Septal Occluder.

AIMS The study was set up to find out whether a new self-centering prosthesis for transcatheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects could overcome the disadvantages of previously described devices. METHODS AND RESULTS Fifty-two consecutive patients with a significant atrial septal defect were considered for transcatheter closure with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder. The device, made of a Nitinol and polyester fabric mesh, provides a different approach to defect occlusion by stenting the atrial septal defect up to a stretched diameter of 26 mm. Three infants whose large defects were demonstrated on a transthoracic echocardiogram were excluded from transcatheter treatment. On transoesophageal echocardiography, 49 defects ranged from 6-26 mm, in one adult the defect measured 28 mm and this patient was excluded from attempted transcatheter closure. At cardiac catheterization in five further patients, devices were not implanted, in two because the stretched diameter exceeded 26 mm and in three the device was withdrawn because it was unstable or compromised the mitral valve. Thus, device closure was performed in 43 patients. At follow-up after 3 months the complete closure rate was 97%. CONCLUSION The self-centering Amplatzer Septal Occluder is very efficient and user-friendly and offers interventional closure in 83% of an unselected group of patients presented with an atrial septal defect.
Developmental expression of δ‐opioid receptors during maturation of the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart: Early targets for opioid regulation of autonomic control

Evidence is accumulating regarding the local opioid regulation of heart function. However, the exact anatomical location of δ‐opioid receptors (DORs) and expression during maturation of the autonomic and sensory innervations of the neonatal heart is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to characterize target sites for opioids in neonatal rat heart intracardiac ganglia at postnatal day (P)1, P7 and adulthood (P56–P84). Rat heart atria were subjected to reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, radioligand binding, and immunofluorescence confocal analysis of DORs with the neuronal markers vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), and substance P (SP). Our results demonstrated DOR mRNA, protein, and binding sites that gradually increased from P1 toward adulthood. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy showed DOR co‐localized with VAChT in large‐diameter principal neurons, TH‐immunoreactive (IR) small intensely fluorescent (SIF) catecholaminergic cells, and CGRP‐ or SP‐IR afferent nerve terminals arborizing within intracardiac ganglia and atrial myocardium. Co‐expression of DOR with VAChT‐IR neurons was observed from the first day of birth (P1). In contrast, DORs on TH‐IR SIF cells or CGRP‐IR fibers were not observed in intracardiac ganglia of P1, but rather in P7 rats. The density of nerve fibers in atrial myocardium co‐expressing DORs with different neuronal markers increased from neonatal age toward adulthood. In summary, the enhanced DOR expression parallel to the maturation of cardiac parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory innervation of the heart suggests that the cardiac opioid system is an important regulator of neonatal and adult heart function through the autonomic nervous system. J. Comp. Neurol. 519:957–971, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fundamental Role of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase 677 C → T Genotype and Flavin Compounds in Biochemical Phenotypes for Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Psychosis

The Mental Health Biomarker Project (2010–2016) explored variables for psychosis in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Blood samples from 67, highly characterized symptomatic cases and 67 gender and age matched control participants were analyzed for methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C → T gene variants and for vitamin B6, B12 and D, folate, unbound copper, zinc cofactors for enzymes in the methylation cycle, and related catecholamine pathways. Urine samples were analyzed for indole-catecholamines, their metabolites, and oxidative-stress marker, hydroxylpyrolline-2-one (HPL). Rating scales were Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Global Assessment of Function scale, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score, and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS). Analysis used Spearman’s correlates, receiver operating characteristics and structural equation modeling (SEM). The correlative pattern of variables in the overall participant sample strongly implicated monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme inactivity so the significant role of MAO’s cofactor flavin adenine nucleotide and its precursor flavin adenine mononucleotide (FMN) within the biochemical pathways was investigated and confirmed as 71% on SEM of the total sample. Splitting the data sets for MTHFR 677C → T polymorphism variants coding for the MTHFR enzyme, discovered that biochemistry variables relating to the wild-type enzyme differed markedly in pattern from those coded by the homozygous variant and that the hereozygous-variant pattern resembled the wild-type-coded pattern. The MTHFR 677C → T-wild and -heterozygous gene variants have a pattern of depleted vitamin cofactors characteristic of flavin insufficiency with under-methylation and severe oxidative stress. The second homozygous MTHFR 677TT pattern related to elevated copper:zinc ratio and a vitamin pattern related to flavin sufficiency and risk of over-methylation. The two gene variants and their different biochemical phenotypes govern findings in relationship to case-identification, illness severity, duration of illness, and functional disability in schizophrenia and schizoaffective psychosis, and establish a basis for trials of gene-guided precision treatment for the management of psychosis.
Data validation and anomaly detection techniques for smart substations

Smart substation data quality has been a big concern for utilities since large scale Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) deployments. Data quality directly impacts the validity of the applications based on such data. This paper proposes a system including a model-less pre-screening step, a model-based SLSE step, and data-driven statistical method to detect anomalies. The pre-screening step serves as pre-filtering process validating the raw PMU data and setting the data quality flag. The modelbased SLSE uses the quality flags to determine which data to use. The SLSE makes use of the three-phase voltage and current phasors to do three-phase current LSE and three-phase zero-impedance voltage LSE. The SLSE estimates values for the measurements and performs error analysis to be sure they are good values. The statistical analysis includes 5 main processes. The implementation of these steps is explored in this paper. The proposed solution has been validated with simulated substation data. The work addresses data quality issues and hence benefits downstream synchrophasor applications, such as oscillation detection, voltage stability, and system control.
Novel Heidelberg retina tomograph-based morphological parameters derived from optic disc cupping surface processing.

PURPOSE To explore new features of the optic nerve head morphology using the Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) and to assess their discriminating power between glaucomatous patients and normal subjects. METHODS HRT reports, exported as TIFF images, from 97 normal subjects and 97 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients were used. For each image the contour of the dominant region of the optic disc cupping surface (dROCS) was transformed into a data series by calculating the distance of each contour pixel from the centroid. The length of contour (LC) and SD of contour (SDC) along with the dROCS area divided by the disc area (DA) HRT parameter were examined as novel parameters. RESULTS The means of LC and SDC, after adjustment for cup area (CA) and DA HRT parameters, and dROCS/DA, after adjustment for CA, presented statistically significant differences (ANCOVA, P < 0.001) between the two groups. Using LC and SDC together in discriminant analysis with leave-one-out cross-validation, 75.3% of cases were correctly classified. Using dROCS/DA together with SDC, the correct classification percentage was 80.6%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.782 for LC, 0.725 for SDC, 0.861 for dROCS/DA, and 0.879 for the linear discrimination function that combines dROCS/DA and SDC. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that LC, SDC, and dROCS/DA can be exploited to the discrimination between glaucomatous and normal subjects. LC and SDC seem to arise from the difference in the shape of the contour of dROCS between the groups, suggesting bigger deviations and irregularities in the POAG group.
A Device for Functional Residual Capacity Controlled Biofeedback of Respiratory Resistance - Ein Meßaufbau zur Rückmeldung des Atemwiderstandes unter Kontrolle der funktionellen Residualkapazität

A computer-aided procedure is presented providing subjects with analogous visual feedback of respiratory resistance, which is continuously measured using the forced oscillation method. Simultaneous pneumotachographical control of the breathing volume curve makes it possible to prevent reinforcement for decreases of respiratory resistance which are due to increases of functional residual capacity (FRC). Lung hyperinflation is an unsuitable way to reduce respiratory resistance; if it occurs, feedback is interrupted until the subject decreases his FRC to its initial level. Analysis of the data of 15 adult asthmatic subjects which underwent a 12-sessions feedback training showed that no substantial changes of FRC appeared within feedback trials. Advantages of this new biofeedback technique compared to other procedures are discussed with regard to volume control and feedback signal.
Relationships of Circulating Concentrations of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)-I and -II to Egg Production and Growth Rate in the Korean Native Ogol Chicken

Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs) and IGF-binding protein act as intra-ovarian regulators that modulate the proliferation and differentiation of the granulosa and theca cells. Moreover, the IGF system is involved in metabolism by modulating the synthesis and degradation of glycogen and protein in animals. However the effect of the IGF system on egg productivity or body growth in KNOC has not been studied in depth. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate differences of serum IGFs and binding protein expressions between two groups showing high and low egg production or body weight and to elucidate the relationship of IGFs with egg productivity and body growth. KNOCs were divided into high and low groups depending on their egg productivity or body growth, and sera were collected every 10 wk from 20 till 60 wk. Serum IGF-I and -II concentration were measured by RIA using human and mouse antiserum and chicken standards. IGFBP was detected by Western ligand blotting. IGF-I concentrations were significantly greater in the high egg production group compared with those in the low egg production group (30 wk, p<0.01; 20 and 40 wk, p<0.05). Also, differences in IGF-II amounts between the two groups were detected at 60 wk (p<0.05). But IGFBPs in the low egg production group were more intense than that in the high egg production group through the egg laying period. The correlation between IGF-I concentration and number of egg production is significantly positive (20 wk, r=0.2729: p<0.05; 40 wk, r=0.3500: p<0.01), while IGF-II shows no correlation with egg productivity. In male KNOC, IGF-I and -II concentrations in the high body weight group are lower than that in the low body weight group. Body weight also shows a negative correlation with the serum IGF-II concentration in male chickens (20 wk, r=-0.5901: p<0.01). Consequently, we suggest that IGFs and binding protein are (in)directly involved in the egg productivity and body growth in KNOC. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 4 : 481-488)
EDGE-MEDIATED DISPERSAL BEHAVIOR IN A PRAIRIE BUTTERFLY

Animal responses to habitat boundaries will influence the effects of habitat fragmentation on population dynamics. Although this is an intuitive and often observed animal behavior, the influences of habitat boundaries have rarely been quantified in the field or considered in theoretical models of large scale processes. We quantified movement behavior of the Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi) as a function of distance from host-plant patches. We measured the butterfly's tendency to move toward habitat patches (bias) and their tendency to continue to move in the direction they were already going (correlation). We found that butterflies significantly modify their behavior within 10–22 m from the habitat boundary. We used these data to predict large scale patterns of residence time as a function of patch size, using three dispersal models: homogeneous response to habitat, heterogeneous response to habitat, and heterogeneous response to habitat with edge-mediated behavior. We simulated movement for males and females in eight patch sizes (0.1–8 ha) and asked how residence time varies among the models. We found that adding edge-mediated behavior significantly increases the residence of Fender's blue butterflies in their natal patch. Only the model with edge-mediated behavior for females was consistent with independent mark–release–recapture (MRR) estimates of residence time; other models dramatically underestimated residence times, relative to MRR data.
The elusive crypt olfactory receptor neuron: evidence for its stimulation by amino acids and cAMP pathway agonists

SUMMARY Crypt olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) are a third type of chemosensory neuron along with ciliated and microvillous ORNs in the olfactory epithelium of fishes, but their functional role is still unknown. To investigate their odorant response properties and possible transduction pathways, we recorded crypt ORN activity with calcium imaging and the patch clamp technique in its cell-attached mode in combination with odorant and agonist stimulation. Bile salts and putative fish pheromones did not elicit responses with either method, but the cells frequently responded to amino acids, with excitation and intracellular calcium signals. 8Br-cAMP and IBMX plus forskolin stimulated over 40% of crypt ORNs and triggered calcium signals in a similar percentage. Furthermore, crypt ORNs were immunoreactive to an antiserum against adenylate cyclase III. Together, these data suggest the presence of a cAMP transduction pathway, which might transduce odorants such as amino acids.
Effects of the beta-adrenergic agonist L644,969 on muscle protein turnover, endogenous proteinase activities, and meat tenderness in steers.

Eight MARC III composite (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Pinzgauer, and 1/4 Red Poll) steers weighing approximately 350 kg were fed 0 or 3 ppm of the beta-adrenergic agonist L644,969 (Merck Sharp and Dohme Laboratories, Rahway, NJ) for 6 wk in a high-concentrate diet. Feed efficiency was higher (P less than .05) in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 1, 3, 5, and 6 wk on trial. Average daily gain was greater (P less than .05) in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 3, 5, and 6 wk on treatment. Fractional degradation rate (percentage/day) of skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein was 27.1% lower (P less than .05) in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 3 wk on trial. Fractional accretion rate (percentage/day) of skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers was higher (P less than .05) at 1, 3, 5, and 6 wk on trial. The beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers had heavier (P less than .05) carcasses (9.6%), larger (P less than .05) longissimus muscle areas (24.3%), and lower (P less than .05) USDA yield grades (43.8%). Marbling degree, USDA quality grade, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat percentage, and 12th rib fat thickness were not different (P greater than .05). Calpastatin activity was higher (P less than .05) in muscle from the beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 0 and 7 d postmortem. There were no differences (P greater than .05) in mu- or m-calpain or in cathepsins B or B+L or cystatin(s) between beta-adrenergic agonist-fed and control steers. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hidden aspects in CISPR 16-1-1 full compliant fast fourier transform EMI receivers

With the introduction of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) EMI receivers, the time required to perform electromagnetic interference (EMI) measurements has been drastically reduced. In theory, these instruments allow measuring the whole band at once. However, aspects related to (i) the level and band of input interference, (ii) prescriptions in EMI normative (i.e., CISPR 16-1-1), and (iii) achievable performance with today's state-of-the-art A/D converters, undermine the actual benefit of FFT receivers and pose limitations for their indiscriminate use for CISPR 16-1-1 full compliant measurements. In this article, we treat in detail the dynamic range in FFT receivers, discussing possible measurement errors in case of insufficient dynamic range. Through a Lab test we show that CISPR 16-1-1 full compliance requirements challenge dynamics in EMI measurements. We also show by means of simple examples that, in contrast to claims of some manufacturers, there are no A/D approaches that can improve the dynamic range of FFT receivers, other than the use of more advanced converters (higher effective number of bits). Instead, we advise the use of preselection as the only mean to achieve sufficient dynamics. Finally, we discuss the measurement error that FFT receivers may introduce during the processing of the digitalised signal if the related windowing is not accurately designed.
Clutter Modeling for Ground-Penetrating Radar Measurements in Heterogeneous Soils

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurement and its interpretation/analysis are challenging when soil is heterogeneous. Soil heterogeneity causes unwanted reflections (i.e., clutter) that disturb reflections from objects of interest. Thorough investigations on soil heterogeneity and clutter are important in order to understand the influence on GPR and assess the performance. In order to observe the influence of heterogeneous soil, an irrigation test was carried out and GPR data were collected after the irrigation and while the distribution of soil water content varied. The correlation length and variability of the dielectric constant of soil were determined by geostatistical analyses of the GPR data. These two parameters were built into a simple model and the Mie solution was theoretically calculated. From this, the power of the backscattered field due to soil heterogeneity was modeled. The results were in agreement with the power of the clutter extracted from the GPR data. Therefore, clutter can be predicted from soil heterogeneity with a simple model using the Mie solution. Furthermore, the result exhibits that scattering by heterogeneous soil is dominated by Mie scattering, rather than Rayleigh scattering, in the studied frequency range.