Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Second malignant tumors in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and their association with Epstein‐Barr virus

Since previous published studies about second malignant tumors (SMTs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients usually included a limited sample size and did not attain consistent results, we conducted a large retrospective study in a cohort of 1,549 patients to assess the risk of SMT in NPC patients following radiotherapy (RT) in Taiwan. The follow‐up period ranged from 2 to 16 years, with a median of 7 years. Thirty‐nine patients developed SMTs during the 7,145 person‐year follow‐up [standardized incidence ratio (SIR): 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0 to 3.9]. Increased risks of developing SMTs were observed for head and neck (H/N) cancer (SIR: 16.5; 95% CI: 10.0 to 26.8), gastric cancer (SIR: 5.5; 95% CI: 2.2 to 11.4) and leukemia (SIR: 9; 95% CI: 1.9 to 26.3). Paraffin‐embedded specimens of secondary H/N cancer (11), secondary gastric cancer (6) and their corresponding NPC specimens were examined by EBER in situ hybridization to assess the association between Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) and these SMTs. Twenty‐six primary H/N and 5 gastric cancer specimens were chosen as the control groups. In H/N cancer, EBV was detected in 3.8% of the primary cancers and 9.1% of the secondary cancers. All the positive specimens resulted from hypopharyngeal cancer. Of the secondary gastric cancers, only 1 case (16.6%) was associated with EBV. None of the primary gastric cancers was associated with EBV. Our results indicate an increased risk of developing SMTs, with a preference for head and neck cancer, gastric cancer and leukemia, in NPC patients after RT in Taiwan. Only a small proportion of the secondary H/N and gastric cancers was associated with EBV. Int. J. Cancer 87:228–231, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Low Power Injection Locked $LC$-Tank Oscillator With Current Reused Topology

This letter presents a new current reused LC-tank injection locked oscillator (ILO), which is implemented by using a standard TSMC 0.18-mum CMOS process. The ILO, used as a divide-by-two (divide2) divider, is consisted of two switching transistors stacked in series. The injection locking is performed by adding an injection nMOS between the differential outputs of the divider. The divider can operate with a lower power due to the reuse of dc current. The measurement results show that at the supply voltage of 1.5V, the divider free-running frequency is tunable from 2.11 to 2.42GHz, and at the incident power of 0dBm the locking range of the divider in the divide2 mode is about 0.9GHz (19.8%), from the incident frequency 4.1 to 5GHz. The core power consumption is 0.97mW
The role of leadership in academic professional development.

Leadership is one of the most comprehensively researched topics of the 21 st century; as it plays a vital role in student learning and whole school improvement, effective leadership is critical to student achievement. Academic staff morale at Mnambithi TVET College is low as the disjoint between the leadership and academic staff is evident. The throughput rate is very low and absenteeism among the learners registered at the College is very high. This research was based on the premise that in order for the College to perform better, a greater investment with regard to academic professional development has to be made in the lecturing staff to ensure success. Only with a motivated and committed workforce will the College be in a position to deliver improved pass rates and better articulation of students. The aim of the research was to determine the role of leadership in academic professional development. The leadership at the College is directly responsible for training and development, therefore it was necessary to gain an insight into their role to ensure that effective training is taking place. The objectives of the research were to determine whether academic professional development is taking place and if this development is adding value to the organisation; to determine the role and involvement of leadership towards academic professional development; to establish if there are any opportunities or any issues hindering academic professional development at the College; and to identify strategies that could be introduced to improve academic professional development. A qualitative research approach was taken as this helps to understand exactly how people feel or think about a particular topic or question. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the 15 management staff at Mnambithi TVET College and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the research revealed that academic professional development is imperative to student success, however due to ineffective leadership, training and development has been neglected at the College. The recommendations made are for leadership to put in place various systems such as the revival of the training committee, to employ additional staff in the human resource division, to increase funding for training and development, and to establish partnerships to improve academic professional development at the College. v
Testing the safety of clinical-grade mature autologous myeloid DC in a phase I clinical immunotherapy trial of CML.

BACKGROUND We conducted a phase I clinical immunotherapy trial of CML to evaluate the safety of a clinical-grade leukemic DC product standardized for purity and mature phenotype. METHODS We injected autologous DC into patients in late chronic or accelerated phases of CML. The patients received mature CD83+ and bcr-abl+ DC prepared from CD14+ cells. Two cohorts of three patients received four injections each of 3 x 10(6) DC and 15 x 10(6) DC/injection, respectively. The first patient was studied before imatinib mesylate (IM) was available, four patients were treated concurrently with IM therapy and one did not tolerate the IM and was off the drug at the time of DC therapy. IM effects on WBC counts precluded DC preparation in numbers sufficient for further dose escalation. The first patient received DC s.c. and all subsequent patients received DC into a cervical lymph node under ultrasound guidance. RESULTS DC injections were well tolerated. We observed no clinical responses. T cells drawn later in the course of therapy were more sensitive to stimulation by CML DC in vitro. DISCUSSION The increase in T-cell sensitivity to CML-specific stimulation that accompanied active immunization by CML DC justifies further clinical studies, possibly with modifications such as an increased frequency and number of DC injections.
Detecting Spatial and Temporal House Price Diffusion in the Netherlands: A Bayesian Network Approach

Following the 2007-08 Global Financial Crisis, there have been a growing research interest on the spatial interrelationships between house prices in many countries. This paper examines the spatio-temporal relationship between house prices in the twelve provinces of the Netherlands using a recently proposed econometric modelling technique called Bayesian graphical vector autoregression (BG-VAR). This network approach enables a data driven identification of the most dominant provinces where house price shocks may largely diffuse through the housing market and it is suitable for analysing the complex spatial interactions between house prices. Using temporal house price volatilities for owner-occupied dwellings, the results show evidence of house price diffusion pattern in distinct sub-periods from different provincial housing sub-markets in the Netherlands. We observed particularly prior to the crisis, diffusion of temporal house price volatilities from Noord-Holland.
Modulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Dispersal by a Cyclic-Di-GMP Phosphodiesterase with a Putative Hypoxia-Sensing Domain

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes many enzymes that are potentially associated with the synthesis or degradation of the widely conserved second messenger cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP). In this study, we show that mutation of rbdA, which encodes a fusion protein consisting of PAS-PAC-GGDEF-EAL multidomains, results in decreased biofilm dispersal. RbdA contains a highly conserved GGDEF domain and EAL domain, which are involved in the synthesis and degradation of c-di-GMP, respectively. However, in vivo and in vitro analyses show that the full-length RbdA protein only displays phosphodiesterase activity, causing c-di-GMP degradation. Further analysis reveals that the GGDEF domain of RbdA plays a role in activating the phosphodiesterase activity of the EAL domain in the presence of GTP. Moreover, we show that deletion of the PAS domain or substitution of the key residues implicated in sensing low-oxygen stress abrogates the functionality of RbdA. Subsequent study showed that RbdA is involved in positive regulation of bacterial motility and production of rhamnolipids, which are associated with biofilm dispersal, and in negative regulation of production of exopolysaccharides, which are required for biofilm formation. These data indicate that the c-di-GMP-degrading regulatory protein RbdA promotes biofilm dispersal through its two-pronged effects on biofilm development, i.e., downregulating biofilm formation and upregulating production of the factors associated with biofilm dispersal.
The molecular genetics of central nervous system tumors

Summary Over the past few years, although much has been learned about the molecular genetics of central nervous system (CNS) tumors, researchers and pathologists are only beginning to understand the scientific basis of the development of these tumors. Data accumulated so far support the division of glioblastoma into two clinical and molecular subsets. Primary or de novo glioblastomas occur in older patients, are clinically aggressive and exhibit epidermal growth factor receptor amplification or overexpression. Secondary glioblastomas develop from pre‐existing low‐grade astrocytomas, have a more protracted clinical course, and frequently contain p53 mutations. Both types of tumors show deletions of chromosome 10 and possibly mutations of the PTEN/MMAC1 gene as an endstage event. Oligodendrogliomas have been shown to have genetic abnormalities distinct from those of the astrocytic tumors, commonly involving chromosomes 1p and 19q. As regards meningiomas, loss of chromosome 22q and mutations of the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene are frequent events and loss of chromosome 14q and 10q may be seen in atypical or malignant transformation. Such genetic findings, apart from providing a better understanding of neoplastic transformation in brain tumors, are beginning to form the basis of a new approach to neuro‐oncology.Abbreviations: EGFR, Epidermal growth factor receptor; LOH, loss of heterozygosity; PDGF, Platelet‐derived growth factor.
Mesenchyme with fgf-10 expression is responsible for regenerative capacity in Xenopus limb buds.

A young tadpole of an anuran amphibian can completely regenerate an amputated limb, and it exhibits an ontogenetic decline in the ability to regenerate its limbs. However, whether mesenchymal or epidermal tissue is responsible for this decrease of the capacity remains unclear. Moreover, little is known about the molecular interactions between these two tissues during regeneration. The results of this study showed that fgf-10 expression in the limb mesenchymal cells clearly corresponds to the regenerative capacity and that fgf-10 and fgf-8 are synergistically reexpressed in regenerating blastemas. However, neither fgf-10 nor fgf-8 is reexpressed after amputation of a nonregenerative limb. Nevertheless, nonregenerative epidermal tissue can reexpress fgf-8 under the influence of regenerative mesenchyme, as was demonstrated by experiments using a recombinant limb composed of regenerative limb mesenchyme and nonregenerative limb epidermis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the regenerative capacity depends on mesenchymal tissue and suggest that fgf-10 is likely to be involved in this capacity.
Activity patterns and osmosensitivity of rat supraoptic neurones in perfused hypothalamic explants.

Extracellular recordings were obtained in vitro from supraoptic neurones in an explant of rat hypothalamus maintained viable through intravascular perfusion with artificial media. The spontaneous activity observed from 64% of cells included continuously active neurones (mean frequency 3.2 +/‐ 0.8 Hz) located throughout the nucleus, and phasically active neurones (8.6 +/‐ 0.6 Hz) located predominantly in the caudal half of the nucleus. Supraoptic neurones displayed antidromic activation (latency range 6.5‐18.2 ms) following stimulation of the pituitary stalk and orthodromic excitatory or inhibitory responses following stimulation in the anteroventral third ventricular (AV3V) region. Synaptic responses were reversibly abolished during perfusion with media containing 12 mM‐Mg2+. A 15‐40 mosmol/l increase in the osmotic pressure of the perfusion media, through addition of NaCl, sucrose or mannitol, prompted nineteen of twenty‐three cells to increase their discharge frequency. The patterns of response included the induction or simple increase in continuous firing frequency, the induction or enhancement of phasic or bursting activity and a change from continuous to phasic activity. Similar responses to an osmotic stimulus were obtained from thirteen of twenty‐one supraoptic neurones, including two phasic neurones, where synaptic activity had been abolished during perfusion with 12 mM‐Mg2+. Osmosensitivity appeared to be selective for supraoptic cells; no significant change in firing frequency was observed from any of six cells recorded in the lateral hypothalamus or thirteen cells recorded in the medial hypothalamus during exposure to a change in osmotic pressure of +20 to +40 mosmol/l, using either control media (seven cells) or media containing 12 mM‐Mg2+ (twelve cells). These observations indicate that supraoptic neurones maintained in vitro can display spontaneous, antidromie , orthodromic and osmotically induced activity patterns identical to those observed with in vivo recordings. The persistence of a reduced osmosensitivity among supraoptic neurones in the absence of synaptic transmission indicates that although these cells can function as osmoreceptors, their osmosensitivity may be enhanced through synaptic input from adjacent neurones, possibly located in the AV3V area. The presence of phasic activity among supraoptic neurones maintained in media where synaptic transmission has been abolished suggests that the mechanisms responsible for such activity patterns are endogenous membrane properties of a subpopulation of supraoptic neurones.
Livelihoods, care and the familial relations of orphans in eastern Africa

Abstract Although the impact of AIDS-induced mortality and morbidity is well-researched, few studies explore the interaction and reciprocity of care between children and their households. Drawing on participatory research methods (interviews, focus groups, photo-essays, story writing and observations), we bring together the findings of two qualitative studies from rural communities in Ethiopia and Kenya involving 94 orphans and their households. We argue that children's contributions to household livelihoods are pivotal to the coping of households affected by AIDS. Despite various socio-economic constraints placed on their childhood, orphans' access to the household-based resources of extended families enhances their ability to obtain long-term means for their livelihoods. Care for orphaned children is also influenced by reciprocity in terms of household labour contributions, the care of sick family members and generating and contributing income in return for adult protection and provisions. We conclude that a one-dimensional view of orphans as “burdens” not only overshadows the meaningful contributions they make to their families, but also diverts attention away from interventions grounded in their felt needs and capacities.
Mechanisms of modulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by chronic Trichinella spiralis infection in Dark Agouti rats

Trichinella spiralis is a helminth that provokes Th2 and anti‐inflammatory type responses in an infected host. Our previous studies using Dark Agouti (DA) rats indicated that T. spiralis infection reduced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) severity in rats. The aim of this study was to analyse the mechanisms underlying EAE suppression driven by T. spiralis infection. Reduced clinical and histological manifestations of the disease were accompanied by increased IL‐4 and IL‐10 production and decreased IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production in draining lymph node cells. This indicates that T. spiralis infection successfully maintains a Th2 cytokine bias regardless of EAE induction. High IL‐10 signifies parasite‐induced anti‐inflammatory and/or regulatory cell responses. Transfer of splenic T cell‐enriched population of cells from T. spiralis‐infected rats into EAE immunized rats caused amelioration of EAE and in some cases protection from disease development. This population of cells contained higher proportion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory cells and produced high level of IL‐10 when compared with uninfected rats.
Reported Distribution of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in the United States, 1995-2016 (Diptera: Culicidae).

Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) transmit arboviruses that are increasing threats to human health in the Americas, particularly dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Epidemics of the associated arboviral diseases have been limited to South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean in the Western Hemisphere, with only minor localized outbreaks in the United States. Nevertheless, accurate and up-to-date information for the geographical ranges of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the United States is urgently needed to guide surveillance and enhance control capacity for these mosquitoes. We compiled county records for presence of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the United States from 1995-2016, presented here in map format. Records were derived from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ArboNET database, VectorMap, the published literature, and a survey of mosquito control agencies, university researchers, and state and local health departments. Between January 1995 and March 2016, 183 counties from 26 states and the District of Columbia reported occurrence of Ae. aegypti, and 1,241 counties from 40 states and the District of Columbia reported occurrence of Ae. albopictus During the same time period, Ae. aegypti was collected in 3 or more years from 94 counties from 14 states and the District of Columbia, and Ae. albopictus was collected during 3 or more years from 514 counties in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Our findings underscore the need for systematic surveillance of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the United States and delineate areas with risk for the transmission of these introduced arboviruses.
Overexpression of myosin IB in living Entamoeba histolytica enhances cytoplasm viscosity and reduces phagocytosis

The human parasite Entamoeba histolytica is an ancient protozoan that expresses only one unconventional myosin, which has homology with myosin IB from other amoebae. Myosin IB is involved in phagocytosis of human cells by E. histolytica. In this work, we developed a microrheological technique, analysing magnetic phagosomes, which allowed us to probe the density of the F-actin network in living cells. Using this technique, we showed that overexpression of myosin IB led to an increase in cytoplasm viscosity, which correlated with a delay in initiating human cell phagocytosis. To investigate which myosin IB domains sustain cell viscosity changes, we overexpressed truncated forms of the protein. Our results demonstrate that both actin-binding sites that are present in the heavy chain but not the SH3 domain are required to modulate the density of the actin network. These data suggested that, as well as the motor activity, myosin IB in E. histolytica plays a structural role on the actin network owing to its ability to cross-link filaments. The gelation state of cell cytoplasm and the dynamics of cortical F-actin during phagocytosis seem to be modulated by the myosin IB structuring cytoskeleton activity.
Familiarity Bias in Asset Allocation of Brazilian Investors

This article analyzes the portfolio allocation of investors in their employer's shares in order to verify whether it exists a version of home bias. Our sample comprises investors of a Brazilian broker. The proportion of allocation on the shares of their employer is statistically higher and economically significant when compared to a control sample of non-employees. To assure that our results are robust to the fact that investors may have been granted employers’ shares as a bonus compensation, we identified firms that explicitly do not use this compensation strategy. This finding shows the potential increase in risk exposure in the investment portfolios despite the rational concept of diversification.
The burden, trends, and demographics of mortality from subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the recent epidemiology of mortality from subarachnoid hemorrhage in the United States. Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is distinct from other forms of stroke in its risk factors, demographics, and treatment. However, it is often clustered with other stroke subtypes, obscuring its unique epidemiology. Methods: We analyzed subarachnoid hemorrhage mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics of the United States for the years 1979 to 1994 and compared it with other stroke subtypes. Results: Age-adjusted mortality rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage were 62% greater in females than in males and 57% greater in blacks than in whites. The median age of death from subarachnoid hemorrhage was 59 years compared with 73 years for intracerebral hemorrhage and 81 years for ischemic stroke. Mortality rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage have decreased by approximately 1% per year since 1979, and the mean age of death has steadily increased from 57 years in 1979 to 60 years in 1994. Subarachnoid hemorrhage accounted for 4.4% of stroke mortality but 27.3% of all stroke-related years of potential life lost before age 65, a measure of premature mortality. The proportion of years of potential life lost due to subarachnoid hemorrhage was comparable with ischemic stroke (38.5%) and intracranial hemorrhage (34.2%). Conclusions: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is an uncommon cause of stroke mortality but occurs at a young age, producing a relatively large burden of premature mortality, comparable with ischemic stroke.