Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Significance of serum golgi protein 73 (GP73), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and lectin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) expresssion in primary hepatic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE To explore the alone and joint diagnostic value of serum golgi protein 73 (GP73), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and the percentage of lectin-reactive aipha-fetoprotein (AFP-L3) of primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC), and provide a novel method for diagnosis for PHC and screening for high-risk population. METHODS ELISA was used to detect the serum level of GP73, AFP and AFP-L3% in 81 cases of PHC,176 cases chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, 30 cases other tumber cancer and 40 cases of health people. RESULTS The sensitivity of GP73, AFP and AFP-L3% in PHC is 77.78%, 62.69% and 51.85%, and the specificity is 84.55%, 86.99% and 96.34%, respectively. Joint detection could increase the sensitivity up to 88.89%. CONCLUSION GP73 was a high sensitivity mark for dignosis of PHC, while AFP-L3% was a high specificity mark for dignosis of PHC. The joint detection could improve PHC diagnostic performance.
Modulation of CD112 by the alphaherpesvirus gD protein suppresses DNAM-1–dependent NK cell-mediated lysis of infected cells

Significance Herpesviruses have developed fascinating mechanisms to evade elimination by key elements of the host immune system, allowing these pathogens to cause lifelong infections with periods of recurrent virus spread. Natural killer (NK) cells are central in the innate antiviral response. Here, we report that the gD glycoprotein of the alphaherpesviruses, pseudorabies virus and herpes simplex virus-2, displays previously uncharacterized immune evasion properties toward NK cells. Expression of the gD protein leads to degradation of CD112/nectin-2, a ligand for the NK-activating receptor DNAX accessory molecule 1 (DNAM-1). This impairs binding of DNAM-1 to the cell surface, thereby suppressing NK-mediated killing of virus-infected (or gD-transfected) cells. Identification of this previously unidentified immune evasion mechanism may contribute to the design of improved herpesvirus vaccines and herpesvirus-based therapeutic vectors. Natural killer (NK) cells are key players in the innate response to viruses, including herpesviruses. In particular, the variety of viral strategies to modulate the recognition of certain herpesviruses witnesses the importance of NK cells in the control of this group of viruses. Still, NK evasion strategies have remained largely elusive for the largest herpesvirus subfamily, the alphaherpesviruses. Here, we report that the gD glycoprotein of the alphaherpesviruses pseudorabies virus (PRV) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) displays previously uncharacterized immune evasion properties toward NK cells. Expression of gD during infection or transfection led to degradation and consequent down-regulation of CD112, a ligand for the activating NK receptor DNAX accessory molecule 1 (DNAM-1). CD112 downregulation resulted in a reduced ability of DNAM-1 to bind to the surface of both virus-infected and gD-transfected cells. Consequently, expression of gD suppressed NK cell degranulation and NK cell-mediated lysis of PRV- or HSV-2–infected cells. These data identify an alphaherpesvirus evasion strategy from NK cells and point out that interactions between viral envelope proteins and host cell receptors can have biological consequences that stretch beyond virus entry.
3-T MRI in the preoperative evaluation of depth of myometrial infiltration in endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3-T MRI in determining the depth of myometrial infiltration in patients with endometrial cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifty-two patients (43 postmenopausal) with histopathologically proven endometrial carcinoma underwent preoperative 3-T MRI. The following sequences were performed: axial T1 fast spin-echo (FSE); axial, parasagittal, and paracoronal T2 FSE; paracoronal 3D T1 inversion recovery gradient-echo after contrast administration; and parasagittal fat-suppressed T1 FSE. All patients underwent a hysterectomy. The MRI findings were compared with histopathology results. The quantity and degree of artifacts were evaluated. RESULT . MRI performed on a 3-T unit was in agreement with histopathology in assessing the depth of invasion in 86.4% (44/52) of the patients with a mean sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of 83.5%, 93.9%, 77.8%, 92.2%, and 89.7%, respectively. Performance values were also assessed for single stages of myometrial infiltration. For the detection of an intramucosal lesion (MRI, 12/52; histopathology, 6/52), sensitivity was 100%; specificity, 86.9%; PPV, 50%; NPV, 100%; and accuracy, 88.5%. For the detection of myometrial infiltration that was less than 50% (MRI, 12/52; histopathology, 16/52), sensitivity was 62.5%; specificity, 94.4%; PPV, 83.3%; NPV, 85%; and accuracy, 84.6%. For the detection of myometrial infiltration that was greater than 50% (MRI, 28/52; histopathology, 30/52), sensitivity was 93.3%; specificity, 100%; PPV, 100%; NPV, 91.7%; and accuracy, 96.2%. The following artifacts were found: abdominal wall movement, nine patients (not affecting image quality); peristalsis, 16 patients (two deeply affecting, one affecting, and 13 scarcely affecting); magnetic susceptibility artifact, four patients (not affecting); chemical shift, 20 patients (four scarcely affecting and 16 not affecting); and dielectric effect, six patients (four deeply affecting and two affecting). CONCLUSION In evaluating the depth of myometrial infiltration in patients with endometrial cancer, 3-T MRI showed high diagnostic accuracy-equivalent to that of 1.5-T MRI reported in the literature. Artifacts did not significantly affect image quality.
Fractional-order diffusion for image reconstruction

In this paper, a general framework based on fractional-order partial differential equations allows to solve image reconstruction problems. The algorithm presented in this work combines two previous notions: a fractional derivative implementation by Discrete Fourier Transform and the edge detection by topological gradient. The purpose of the paper is to extend some existing results in image denoising problem with fractional-order diffusion equations and presents new results in image inpainting. The results emphasize the importance of particular fractional-orders.
Improved global routing through congestion estimation

In this paper, we present a new method to improve global routing results. By using an amplified congestion estimate to influence a rip-up and reroute approach, we obtain substantial reductions in total congestion. In comparisons with recently published tool on publicly available benchmarks, our new router is roughly twice as fast, obtains 15.1% reductions in total wire length, and 65.2% reductions in the number of overcongested graph edges. A direct implementation of an old approach also performs well, indicating that some known techniques have been overlooked.
Bias-Induced Hole Mobility Increase in Narrow [111] and [110] Si Nanowire Transistors

We report on the phonon-limited hole mobility of ultra-narrow Si nanowire (NW) channel transistors as a function of inversion charge density. We employ atomistic bandstructure calculations and linearized Boltzmann transport theory and examine NWs of 12 nm in diameter in [100], [110], and [111] transport orientations. We show that the curvature of the bands in the [110] and [111] NWs increases significantly as the channel is driven into inversion, which results in a ~ 50% mobility increase. In the case of the [100] NW, on the other hand, such feature is not observed.
The effect of angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibition on insulin action in healthy volunteers.

Acute hyperinsulinaemia, achieving insulin levels within the physiological range, induces sodium retention. At the same time an activation of the renin-angiotensin system occurs, with a rise in plasma renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin-II level but no change in plasma aldosterone. After administration of higher, pharmacological doses of insulin an increase in systolic blood pressure and heart rate can also be observed, while further increases in PRA and angiotensin-II are noted. To determine whether angiotensin-II is involved in observed insulin actions, we studied the renal and cardiovascular effects of three dosages of insulin (50 (Ins I), 300 (Ins II) and 500 (Ins III) mU kg-1 h-1) in healthy subjects after one week of treatment with the angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril (10 mg twice a day), using the euglycaemic clamp technique. Control data were obtained from two previously conducted experiments in the same subjects, one with infusion of insulin and one with the insulin solvent only. The effect of insulin on fractional sodium excretion, blood pressure and heart rate was unaffected by enalapril, which precludes any involvement of the renin-angiotensin system with regard to these aspects of insulin action. Insulin sensitivity increased significantly during treatment with enalapril (with enalapril: Ins I: 11.3 +/- 3.0, Ins II: 20.0 +/- 3.4 and Ins III: 20.6 +/- 3.9 mg kg-1 min-1 glucose (mean +/- SD); without enalapril: Ins I: 8.7 +/- 2.3, Ins II: 13.7 +/- 3.0 and Ins III: 15.5 +/- 3.1 mg kg-1 min-1 glucose; P less than 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adding salmeterol to an inhaled corticosteroid: long term effects on bronchial inflammation in asthma

Background: Addition of the long acting β2 agonist salmeterol to inhaled corticosteroids leads to better symptomatic asthma control than increasing the dose of inhaled corticosteroids. However, little is known about the long term effects of adding salmeterol on the asthmatic inflammatory process, control of which is considered important for the long term outcome of asthma. Methods: After a 4 week fluticasone run-in period, 54 patients with allergic asthma were randomised to receive twice daily treatment with fluticasone 250 μg with or without salmeterol 50 μg for 1 year in a double blind, parallel group design (total daily dose of fluticasone 500 μg in both treatment groups). Primary outcomes were sputum eosinophil numbers and eosinophil cationic protein concentrations. Secondary outcomes were neutrophil associated sputum parameters and a respiratory membrane permeability marker. The effects on allergen induced changes were determined before and at the end of the treatment period. Results: Adding salmeterol to fluticasone resulted in improved peak expiratory flow, symptom scores, rescue medication usage, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (p<0.05 for all). There was no sustained effect on sputum cell differential counts and cytokine concentrations during the treatment period or on changes induced by allergen challenge at the end of treatment (p>0.05). However, adding salmeterol significantly reduced sputum ratios of α2-macroglobulin and albumin during the treatment period (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The addition of salmeterol to fluticasone produces no sustained effect on allergen induced cellular bronchial inflammation but leads to a significant improvement in size selectivity of plasma protein permeation across the respiratory membrane. This may contribute to the improved clinical outcome seen in patients with allergic asthma when a long acting β2 agonist is combined with inhaled corticosteroids.
Proton Irradiation Experiment for X-ray Charge-Coupled Devices of the Monitor of All-Sky X-ray Image Mission Onboard the International Space Station: I. Experimental Setup and Measurement of the Charge Transfer Inefficiency

We have investigated the radiation damage effects on a charge-cloupled device (CCD) to be employed in the Japanese X-ray astronomy mission including the monitor of all-sky X-ray image (MAXI) onboard the international space station (ISS). Since low-energy protons release their energy mainly at the charge transfer channel, resulting in a decrease of the charge transfer efficiency, we focused on low-energy protons in our experiments. A 171 keV to 3.91 MeV proton beam was irradiated onto a given device. We measured the degradation of the charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) as a function of incremental fluence. A 292 keV proton beam degraded the CTI critically. Taking into account the proton energy dependence of the CTI, we confirmed that the transfer channel has the lowest radiation tolerance. We have also developed different device architectures to reduce the radiation damage in orbit. Among them, the “notch” CCD, in which the buried channel implant concentration is increased, resulting in a potential well deeper than outside, has a three times higher radiation tolerance than that of the normal CCD. We then estimated the CTI of the CCD in the orbit of the ISS, considering the proton energy spectrum. The CTI value is estimated to be 1.1 ×10-5 per transfer after two years of mission life in the worst case analysis if the highest radiation tolerant device is employed. This value is well within the acceptable limit and we have confirmed the high radiation-tolerance of CCDs for the MAXI mission.
Prognostic value of podoplanin expression in intratumoral stroma and neoplastic cells of uterine cervical carcinomas

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological significance of podoplanin expression in the intratumoral stroma and neoplastic cells of early stage uterine cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 143 patients with clinical stage I and IIA uterine cervical carcinomas underwent surgery between 2000 and 2007. Clinicopathological data and slides associated with these cases were retrospectively reviewed. Immunodetection of podoplanin expression in histologic sections of tissue microarray blocks was performed using the monoclonal antibody D2‐40. RESULTS: Expression of podoplanin was detected in neoplastic cells in 31/143 (21.6%) cases, with 29/31 (93.5%) of these cases diagnosed as squamous carcinoma. For all of the cases examined, the strongest signal for podoplanin expression was observed at the proliferating edge of the tumor nests. The rate of positive podoplanin expression for node‐positive cases was lower than that of node‐negative (18.9% vs. 22.6%, respectively). Furthermore, the rate of positive podoplanin expression in fatal cases was 10.5% vs. 21.6%, respectively. In 27/143 (18.8%) cases, podoplanin expression was detected in fibroblasts of the intratumoral stroma, and this expression did not correlate with patient age, clinical stage, tumor size, histologic type, depth of infiltration, or vascular involvement. Moreover, expression of podoplanin in intratumoral stroma fibroblasts was only negatively associated with nodal metastasis. A greater number of fatal cases was observed among negative intratumoral stroma fibroblasts (15.5% vs. 3.7%, respectively), although this difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that podoplanin may have a role in host‐tumor interactions and, as a result, may represent a favorable prognostic factor for squamous cervical carcinomas.
Effects of Ball Milling on the Properties of (Ba1-xCax)(Ti0.92Sn0.08)O3 Lead-Free Ceramics

The (Ba1-xCax)(Ti0.92Sn0.08)O3 (x = 0 and 0.02) lead-free ceramics were prepared by using different ball-milling method and time (common ball milling 24 h, high energy ball milling 1 and 3 h). The two-step sintering method was used for sintered the samples. The densification, structure, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were investigated. The results showed that Ca addition could reduce sintering temperature effectively and enhanced densification at lower temperature when using the common ball-milling type. The XRD patterns of (Ba1-xCax) (Ti0.92Sn0.08)O3 ceramics revealed the change in crystal symmetries from tetragonal to cubic phase with increasing Ca content from 0 to 0.02. However, the crystal structure did not change due to the effect of ball-milling method. Ca incorporation caused a decrease of the grain size and Curie temperature. Moreover, the largest grain size was found in the x = 0 ceramics with 24 h-common ball-milling, whereas the small size (< 5 µm) was obtained for the x = 0.02 ceramics. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties were also affected to Ca addition and ball-milling. High piezoelectric coefficient of d33 = 173 pC/N, dielectric constant εr ~ 3200 and dissipation factor tand ~ 0.05 were obtained for the x = 0 sample with high energy ball-milling for 1 h.
Fiber pathways and cortical connections of preoccipital areas in rhesus monkeys

An understanding of visual function at the cerebral cortical level requires detailed knowledge of anatomical connectivity. Cortical association pathways and terminations of preoccipital visual areas were investigated in rhesus monkeys by using the autoradiographic tracing technique. Medial and adjacent dorsomedial preoccipital regions project via the occipitofrontal fascicle to the frontal lobe (dorsal area 6, and areas 8Ad, 8B, and 46); via the dorsal portion of the superior longitudinal fascicle (SLF) to dorsal area 6, area 9, and the supplementary motor area; and via the cingulate fascicle to area 24. In addition, medial and dorsomedial preoccipital areas send projections to parietal (areas PGm, PEa, PG‐Opt, and POa) and superior temporal (areas MST and MT) regions. In contrast, connections from the dorsolateral, annectant, and ventral preoccipital regions are conveyed via the inferior longitudinal fascicle (ILF) to the parietal lobe (areas POa and IPd), superior temporal sulcus (areas MT, MST, FST, V4t, and IPa), inferotemporal region (areas TEO and TE1–TE3), and parahippocampal gyrus (areas TF, TH, and TL). The central‐lateral preoccipital region projects via an ILF‐SLF pathway to frontal area 8Av. The preoccipital areas also have caudal connections to occipital areas V1, V2, and V3. Finally, preoccipital regions are interconnected via different intrinsic pathways. These findings provide further insight into the nature of preoccipital fiber pathways and the connectional organization of the visual system. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:3725–3751, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nerve growth factor induces development of connective tissue-type mast cells in vitro from murine bone marrow cells

The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on proliferation/differentiation of mast cells was investigated in vitro. Although NGF alone neither supported colony formation of bone marrow- derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC) nor induced development of mast cell colonies from nonadherent bone marrow cells (NBMC), addition of NGF to the suboptimal dose of interleukin 3 (IL-3) significantly increased the numbers of mast cell colonies produced by BMCMC or NBMC in methylcellulose. When stimulated by IL-3 alone, cells in mast cell colonies were not stained by berberine sulfate, a fluorescent dye. In contrast, mast cells developing in methylcellulose cultures obtaining both IL-3 and NGF were stained by berberine sulfate. The fluorescence was abolished by the treatment of heparinase but not of chondroitinase ABC, suggesting that mast cells stimulated by IL-3 and NGF produced and stored heparin proteoglycan. The histamine content of BMCMC maintained by IL-3 was also increased by addition of NGF. Since BMCMC showed mucosal mast cell-like phenotype, NGF appeared to induce the phenotypic change to connective tissue-type mast cells (CTMC). In the culture containing BMCMC, 3T3 fibroblasts, and IL-3, the phenotypic change of BMCMC to CTMC was observed as well. Since NGF was detected in this coculture and since addition of anti-NGF monoclonal antibody suppressed the phenotypic change, NGF produced by fibroblasts appeared to induce the phenotypic change. Neither BMCMC alone nor IL-3 alone increased the concentration of NGF. Therefore, there is a possibility that BMCMC stimulated by IL-3 may induce the production and/or release of NGF by fibroblasts.
Novel Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) Viruses Are Potently Inhibited by DAS181, a Sialidase Fusion Protein

Background The recent emergence of a novel pandemic influenza A(H1N1) strain in humans exemplifies the rapid and unpredictable nature of influenza virus evolution and the need for effective therapeutics and vaccines to control such outbreaks. However, resistance to antivirals can be a formidable problem as evidenced by the currently widespread oseltamivir- and adamantane-resistant seasonal influenza A viruses (IFV). Additional antiviral approaches with novel mechanisms of action are needed to combat novel and resistant influenza strains. DAS181 (Fludase™) is a sialidase fusion protein in early clinical development with in vitro and in vivo preclinical activity against a variety of seasonal influenza strains and highly pathogenic avian influenza strains (A/H5N1). Here, we use in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models to evaluate the activity of DAS181 against several pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses. Methods and Findings The activity of DAS181 against several pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus isolates was examined in MDCK cells, differentiated primary human respiratory tract culture, ex-vivo human bronchi tissue and mice. DAS181 efficiently inhibited viral replication in each of these models and against all tested pandemic influenza A(H1N1) strains. DAS181 treatment also protected mice from pandemic influenza A(H1N1)-induced pathogenesis. Furthermore, DAS181 antiviral activity against pandemic influenza A(H1N1) strains was comparable to that observed against seasonal influenza virus including the H274Y oseltamivir-resistant influenza virus. Conclusions The sialidase fusion protein DAS181 exhibits potent inhibitory activity against pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses. As inhibition was also observed with oseltamivir-resistant IFV (H274Y), DAS181 may be active against the antigenically novel pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus should it acquire the H274Y mutation. Based on these and previous results demonstrating DAS181 broad-spectrum anti-IFV activity, DAS181 represents a potential therapeutic agent for prevention and treatment of infections by both emerging and seasonal strains of IFV.
Algorithms for center and Tverberg points

We present a near-quadratic algorithm for computing the center regionof a set of n points in three dimensions. This is nearly tight inthe worst case since the center region can have Ω(n2) complexity. We then consider the problem of recognizing whether a given point q is a colored Tverberg point of a set of n colored points in the plane, and present the first polynomial-time algorithm for this problem.
Improving user comfort in haptic virtual environments through gravity compensation

Our experience with a Haptic Workstation/spl trade/ has shown that this device is uncomfortable to use during long sessions. The main reason is the uncomfortable posture of the arms, which must be kept outstretched horizontally while supporting the weight of an exoskeleton. We describe Zero-G, a real-time weight compensation system aimed at improving user comfort by compensating for the weight of both the exoskeleton and arms (zero gravity illusion). We present experimental results complemented with electro myography measures (EMG) as an indicator of muscular activity/fatigue. Our tests show how Zero-G exerts a positive influence on the reduction of muscular fatigue when using a Haptic Workstation/spl trade/.