Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theranostic Properties of a Survivin-Directed Molecular Beacon in Human Melanoma Cells

Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis overexpressed in different types of tumors and undetectable in most terminally differentiated normal tissues. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the in vitro theranostic properties of a molecular beacon-oligodeoxynucleotide (MB) that targets survivin mRNA. We used laser scanning confocal microscopy to study MB delivery in living cells and real-time PCR and western blot to assess selective survivin-targeting in human malignant melanoma cells. We further assess the pro-apoptotic effect of MB by measuring internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and changes in nuclear morphology. Transfection of MB into A375 and 501 Mel cells generated high signal intensity from the cytoplasm, while no signal was detected in the extracellular environment and in survivin-negative cells (i.e., human melanocytes and monocytes). MB time dependently decreased survivin mRNA and protein expression in melanoma cells with the maximum effect reached at 72 h. Treatment of melanoma cells with MB induced apoptosis by significant changes in MMP, accumulation of histone-complexed DNA fragments in the cytoplasm and nuclear condensation. MB also enhanced the pro-apoptotic effect of standard chemotherapeutic drugs tested at clinically relevant concentrations. The MB tested in the current study conjugates the ability of imaging with the pharmacological silencing activity against survivin mRNA in human melanoma cells and may represent an innovative approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A qualitative study into the protective factors of non-MDMA users who attend trance parties in South Africa

Abstract Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) usage is synonymous with trance culture. Qualitative focus groups were conducted with eight young adults who attended trance parties but did not consume MDMA in order to explore protective factors that prevented participants from consuming MDMA. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed, using thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged from the analysis. These themes were named as follows: knowledge and beliefs relating to MDMA, fear of losing control, fear of sexual contact, learning from others who have consumed MDMA and self-preservation. Participants overwhelmingly stated that one of the main reasons they did not use MDMA was because it was chemical in nature. However, participants admitted to using cannabis and mushrooms and rationalised this by stating that they were natural. The researchers had difficulty in attaining participants for this study as few people attend trance parties and abstain from using MDMA.
Histocompatibility antigens and genetic control of the immune response in guinea pigs. III. Specific inhibition of antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferation by strain-specific anti-idiotypic antibodies

The in vitro T-cell proliferation induced by penicilloylated bovine IgG (BPO-BGG) in sensitized strain 2 and strain 13 guinea pigs could be specifically blocked by strain-specific antisera presumably directed against cell membrane-associated immunoglobulin idiotypes. The anti- idiotypic antisera were prepared in strain 2 and strain 13 guinea pigs against immunoadsorbent purified anti-BPO-BGG antibodies which had been raised in strain 2 and strain 13 animals. Strain 13 antistrain 13 anti- BPO-BGG (a strain 13 BPO-BGG) suppressed the in vitro BPO-BGG response of cells from immunized strain 13 animals but did not inhibit the response of cells from immune strain 2 animals. Conversely, the corresponding antiserum raised in a strain 2 combination (a strain 2 BPO-BGG) only inhibited the in vitro BPO-BGG response of strain 2 cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory activity of the antisera could only be absorbed by immune cells from the syngeneic strain. The activity of the a strain 13 BPO-BGG serum was highly specific; the inhibitory activity could only be absorbed by BPO-BGG-sensitive strain 13 cells. The inhibitory activity of the anti-idiotypic sera was predominantly associated with the 19S fraction. The data suggest that immune cells and in particular T lymphocytes from strain 2 and strain 13 guinea pigs possess strain-specific recognition structures from BPO-BGG with the same idiotypes as the corresponding strain-specific immunoglobulins. Furthermore, the production of such inhibitory anti-idiotypic sera was restricted to syngeneic combinations, which suggests a potential role of autoanti-idiotypic antibodies in the regulation of the immune response. The anti-idiotypic antisera used here are apparently directed against gene products not associated with the strain 2 or strain 13 major histocompatibility complex.
Kroll University of Wuppertal , North Rhine-Westphalia , Germany

We propose1 an experiment to measure the initial state helicity correlation asymmetry A LL in Real Compton Scattering (RCS) by scattering longitudinally polarized photons from a longitudinally polarized proton target at the invariant s= 8 (GeV/c)2for three scattering angles, θ γ = 60 ◦, 90◦ and 136◦. This experiment could potentially run with the b1 experiment (PR12-13-011) to make use of the very similar target setup already in place. Two JLab RCS experiments, E99-114 and E07-002, demonstrated the feasibility of the experimental technique. The experiment utilizes an untagged bremsstrahlung photon beam and the UVA/JLAB polarized target. The scattered photon is detected in the future NPS. The coincident recoil proton is detected in the Hall C magnetic spectrometer HMS. The applicability of QCD, in the moderate energy range, to exclusive reactions is a subject of great interest and any opportunity to test unambiguously its prediction should be taken. Calculations by G. A. Miller in a constituent quark model reproduced the K LL experimental result but revealed a large disagreement with the GPD prediction for A LL . It is but one of the goals of our proposal to test this prediction which could force a modification of our understanding of the high-t photo-induced processes such as RCS, pion photoproduction, and deuteron photo–disintegration. A measure of A LL and the conclusions that can be drawn from the results would give insight into understanding quark orbital angular momentum in the proton. We request 742 hours of 90 nA at 4.4 GeV electron beam to measure the polarization observable A LL to a statistical accuracy better than 0.09. This measurement will significantly increase our experimental confidence in the application of the GPD approach to reactions induced by real photons which will play a major role in nucleon structure physics at JLab. This is a resubmission of a previously approved experiment, E-05-101, that was scheduled to follow SANE in 2009, but delays in the schedule (largely budget driven) did not allow it to run
Gender Differences in Histamine-Induced Depolarization and Inward Currents in Vagal Ganglion Neurons in Rats

Evidence has shown gender differences regarding the critical roles of histamine in the prevalence of asthma, anaphylaxis, and angina pectoris. Histamine depolarizes unmyelinated C-type neurons without any effects on myelinated A-type vagal ganglion neurons (VGNs) in male rats. However, little is known if VGNs from females react to histamine in a similar manner. Membrane depolarization and inward currents were tested in VGNs isolated from adult rats using a whole-cell patch technique. Results from males were consistent with the literature. Surprisingly, histamine-induced depolarization and inward currents were observed in both unmyelinated C-type and myelinated A- and Ah-type VGNs from female rats. In Ah-type neurons, responses to 1.0 μM histamine were stronger in intact females than in males and significantly reduced in ovariectomized (OVX) females. In C-type neurons, histamine-induced events were significantly smaller (pA/pF) in intact females compared with males and this histamine-induced activity was dramatically increased by OVX. Female A-types responded to histamine, which was further increased following ovariectomy. Histamine at 300 nM depolarized Ah-types in females, but not Ah-types in OVX females. In contrast, the sensitivity of A- and C-types to histamine was upregulated by OVX. These data demonstrate gender differences in VGN chemosensitivity to histamine for the first time. Myelinated Ah-types showed the highest sensitivity to histamine across female populations, which was changed by OVX. These novel findings improve the understanding of gender differences in the prevalence of asthma, anaphylaxis, and pain. Changes in sensitivity to histamine by OVX may explain alterations in the prevalence of certain pathophysiological conditions when women reach a postmenopausal age.
Using Focus Groups to Discuss Sensitive Topics with Children

The Children's Health Awareness Project is presented as a case study of the use of focus groups for gathering sensitive information from children. General focus group techniques are described, as are the benefits and limitations of focus group methodology for social science applications. Recommendations are offeredfor other investigators planning to use this methodology to gather information from children, especially when sensitive topics are to be addressed.
Effect of very early skin to skin contact on success at breastfeeding and preventing early hypothermia in neonates.

CONTEXT Birth and immediate postpartum period pose many challenges for the newborn. The neonatal mortality rates are high in India, whereas the breastfeeding rates are still low. Hence, need exists for a simple and easily applicable intervention, which may counter these challenges. AIMS The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of very early skin-to-skin contact (SSC), in term babies with their mothers, on success of breastfeeding and neonatal well-being. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Randomized control trial conducted over 2 years' period in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS Healthy babies delivered normally were included. Very early SSC between mothers and their newborns was initiated in the study group. We studied effective suckling (using modified infant breastfeeding assessment tool [IBFAT]), breastfeeding status at 6 weeks, maternal satisfaction, thermal regulation, baby's weight and morbidity. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS T-test, Pearson Chi-square test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney test were used through relevant Windows SPSS software version 16.0. RESULTS We observed that SSC contributed to better suckling competence as measured by IBFAT score (P < 0.0001). More babies in the SSC group were exclusively breastfed at first follow-up visit (P = 0.002) and at 6 weeks (P < 0.0001). SSC led to higher maternal satisfaction rates, better temperature gain in immediate post-partum period, lesser weight loss was at discharge and at first follow-up (all P < 0.0001) and lesser morbidity than the study group (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION Very early SSC is an effective intervention that improves baby's suckling competence, maternal satisfaction, breastfeeding rates and temperature control and weight patterns.
A cross-cultural study of infant temperament: Predicting preschool effortful control in the United States of America and Russia

Effortful control (EC) has been conceptualized as a dimension of temperament related to self-regulation and associated with the development of executive attention skills. Research has focused on documenting the development of EC, but there has been little systematic study of its precursors. The present study was designed to examine infant temperament characteristics as potential predictors of EC in the toddler/preschool period across two countries: Russia and the USA. Specifically, contributions of negative emotionality (NE), positive affectivity/surgency (PAS), and regulatory capacity/orienting (RCO) measured in the first year of life were expected to explain EC in the preschool period. For the US sample, toddler NE, infant PAS and RCO explained significant amounts of EC variance, whereas infant RCO was the single significant predictor of later EC in the Russian sample. Analyses with the combined sample provided an opportunity to evaluate temperament-by-culture interactions, one of which (PAS×Culture) reached statistical significance. Follow-up analyses indicated that higher levels of infant PAS were related to higher EC scores for US children only, whereas for the Russian youth preschool EC did not vary as a function of infant PAS. Results of this study support the importance of early appearing regulation in contributing to the development of EC and illustrate the value of cross-cultural longitudinal research.
Bladder cancer cells acquire competent mechanisms to escape Fas-mediated apoptosis and immune surveillance in the course of malignant transformation

Mechanisms of resistance against Fas-mediated cell killing have been reported in different malignancies. However, the biological response of immune escape mechanisms might depend on malignant transformation of cancer cells. In this study we investigated different mechanisms of immune escape in 2 well-differentiated low-grade (RT4 and RT112) and 2 poorly differentiated high-grade (T24 and TCCSUP) bladder cancer cell lines. Fas, the receptor of Fas-ligand, is expressed and shedded by human transitional bladder carcinoma cell lines RT4, RT112, T24 and TCCSUP. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays demonstrate that in spite of the Fas expression, poorly differentiated T24 and TCCSUP cells are insensitive towards either recombinant Fas-ligand or agonistic apoptosis-inducing monoclonal antibody against Fas. In poorly differentiated T24 and TCCSUP cell lines we were able to detect marked Fas-ligand protein by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. In grade 1 RT4 and RT112 cells only minor expression of Fas-ligand possibly because of proteinase action. Fas-ligand mRNA translation or post-translational processing seems to be regulated differentially in the cancer cell lines depending on malignant transformation. In co-culture experiments we show that poorly differentiated cells can induce apoptosis and cell death in Jurkat cells and activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This in vitro study suggests that bladder cancer cells can take advantage of different mechanisms of immune evasion and become more competent in avoiding immune surveillance during transformation to higher-grade malignant disease. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign
Altered Memory Circulating T Follicular Helper-B Cell Interaction in Early Acute HIV Infection

The RV254 cohort of HIV-infected very early acute (4thG stage 1 and 2) (stage 1/2) and late acute (4thG stage 3) (stage 3) individuals was used to study T helper- B cell responses in acute HIV infection and the impact of early antiretroviral treatment (ART) on T and B cell function. To investigate this, the function of circulating T follicular helper cells (cTfh) from this cohort was examined, and cTfh and memory B cell populations were phenotyped. Impaired cTfh cell function was observed in individuals treated in stage 3 when compared to stage 1/2. The cTfh/B cell cocultures showed lower B cell survival and IgG secretion at stage 3 compared to stage 1/2. This coincided with lower IL-10 and increased RANTES and TNF-α suggesting a role for inflammation in altering cTfh and B cell responses. Elevated plasma viral load in stage 3 was found to correlate with decreased cTfh-mediated B cell IgG production indicating a role for increased viremia in cTfh impairment and dysfunctional humoral response. Phenotypic perturbations were also evident in the mature B cell compartment, most notably a decrease in resting memory B cells in stage 3 compared to stage 1/2, coinciding with higher viremia. Our coculture assay also suggested that intrinsic memory B cell defects could contribute to the impaired response despite at a lower level. Overall, cTfh-mediated B cell responses are significantly altered in stage 3 compared to stage 1/2, coinciding with increased inflammation and a reduction in memory B cells. These data suggest that early ART for acutely HIV infected individuals could prevent immune dysregulation while preserving cTfh function and B cell memory.
Attitudes towards ICT Integration into Curriculum and Usage among University Lecturers in Vietnam

Although the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) into the curriculum was a crucial process in ensuring the quality of education, it has still not been given greater concern by the administrators and lecturers in some universities in Vietnam. The purpose of this descriptive-survey research is to determine lecturers’ attitudes towards ICT integration into the curriculum and its use in the classroom. The research questions sought to measure the frequency of ICT use in teaching and learning among lecturers and their attitudes towards ICT integration into the curriculum to improve teaching; and to determine if a correlation existed between lecturers’ attitudes towards ICT integration into the curriculum and their ICT use in the classroom. A population of 109 lecturers at a public university in Vietnam participated in this survey. The results of the correlation analysis identified a slightly moderate positive relationship between lecturers’ attitudes towards ICT integration into the curriculum and their ICT use in the classroom. Although ICT was not highly used, lecturers recognized the benefits of ICT that they had chosen to incorporate into their teaching. These findings could be used for future research to promote positive educational changes through the integration of ICT into the curriculum in universities.
Simulation-based minimization

We present a minimization algorithm that receives a Kripke structure M and returns the smallest structure that is simulation equivalent to M. The simulation equivalence relation is weaker than bisimulation but stronger than the simulation preorder. It strongly preserves ACTL and LTL (as sublogics of ACTL*). We show that every structure M has a unique-up-to-isomorphism reduced structure that is simulation equivalent to M and smallest in size. Our Minimizing Algorithm constructs this reduced structure. It first constructs the quotient structure for M, then eliminates transitions to little brothers, and finally deletes unreachable states.Since the first step of the algorithm is based on the simulation preorder over M, it has maximal space requirements. To reduce them, we present the Partitioning Algorithm, which constructs the quotient structure for M without ever building the simulation preorder. The Partitioning Algorithm has improved space complexity, but its time complexity might have worse.
Hepatic effects of duloxetine-II: spontaneous reports and epidemiology of hepatic events.

OBJECTIVE Review spontaneous reports and epidemiology of hepatic events associated with duloxetine. METHODS Spontaneous reports of adverse events potentially associated with hepatic injury were identified. Classification schemes were Clinical Significance and Etiologic Category relative to likelihood of being related to duloxetine. RESULTS Duloxetine has been taken by an estimated 5,083,000 patients, representing approximately 1,551,000 person-years (PY) of worldwide exposure. In the Etiologic categorization of the 406 cases containing event terms potentially related to the liver that have been reported to the manufacturer, 26 were deemed Probable and 127 Possible. Because of scantly-reported information, 182 cases were considered Indeterminate. For Severe Hepatic Injury, the observed spontaneous reporting rate was 0.7/100,000 persons exposed. Of the 406 cases, 225 experienced enzyme elevations to values <500 U/L, most with concentrations well below this level. The calculated cumulative spontaneous reporting rate of all duloxetine hepatic-related events combined was 0.00799%, in the context of other drug-induced hepatic injury rates reported in the literature of 0.7 to 40.6 per 100,000 PY of observation. CONCLUSIONS There were few cases of true hepatic injury possibly or probably related to duloxetine. The calculated cumulative reporting rate is consistent with very rarely reported per the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences.
Identification of algal strains by PCR amplification and evaluation of their fatty acid profiles for biodiesel production

DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my parents Reynaldo Moreno and Carmen Suyapa Uclés de Moreno who provided their never-ending support, love, inspiration, encouragement to achieve my goals in life, and their efforts to provide me with the best preparation and education possible. Likewise, I extend this dedication to my sisters Karen Suyapa, and Gina Maria, and to my brother Carlos Armando for caring as well and for being such outstanding role models, and to my nieces ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank God the creator, as I believe He is the provider of the blessings, the one who has allowed for all of this to happen, for me to be here and be able to accomplish this goal. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor Dr. Giovanna M. Aita, for her financial support, patience, guidance, motivation and inspiration to excel. I am extremely thankful for all the advice I have received from her through these two years and for this opportunity, which allows me to culminate such an important milestone in my professional life. I extend my appreciation to my committee members Dr. Donal Day and Dr. Zhimin Xu for their help and suggestions. knowledge and expertise in molecular biology. Without her guidance, support and patience, I would have not been able to complete this project. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Shaomian Yao for allowing me to perform a significant portion of my research in their facility. and Saeed for their help through these years. iv I would also like to thank Dr's. Jack Losso, Joan King, Subramaniam Sathivel and other faculty members in Food Science Department who had perhaps, inadvertently helped me too. Special thanks go to Terri Gilmer for her advice and support. Alfredo Prudente in the Food Science Department for their help with the fatty acids analysis. who have helped me out with this project in one way or another, and with whom I shared good times, and to all the wonderful people I have been able to meet during the last few years whose support has helped make this project a reality, and finally, to my relatives in the United States for their encouragement and for being there for me at all times. SEWS: Washing solution containing 10-20 % TRIS hydrochloride, less than 1 % TRIS base and 95 % ethanol. TE: 10 mM Tris-HCl and 1 …
Extensional versus intuitive reasoning: the conjunction fallacy in probability judgment

Perhaps the simplest and the most basic qualitative law of probability is the conjunction rule: The probability of a conjunction, P (A&B) cannot exceed the probabilities of its constituents, P (A) and P (B), because the extension (or the possibility set) of the conjunction is included in the extension of its constituents. Judgments under uncertainty, however, are often mediated by intuitive heuristics that are not bound by the conjunction rule. A conjunction can be more representative than one of its constituents, and instances of a specific category can be easier to imagine or to retrieve than instances of a more inclusive category. The representativeness and availability heuristics therefore can make a conjunction appear more probable than one of its constituents. This phenomenon is demonstrated in a variety of contexts including estimation of word frequency, personality judgment, medical prognosis, decision under risk, suspicion of criminal acts, and political forecasting. Systematic violations of the conjunction rule are observed in judgments of lay people and of experts in both between-subjects and within-subjects comparisons. Alternative interpretations of the conjunction fallacy are discussed and attempts to combat it are explored.