Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Granzyme B Expression Is Enhanced in Human Monocytes by TLR8 Agonists and Contributes to Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity

FcγRs are critical mediators of mAb cancer therapies, because they drive cytotoxic processes upon binding of effector cells to opsonized targets. Along with NK cells, monocytes are also known to destroy Ab-coated targets via Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, the precise mechanisms by which monocytes carry out this function have remained elusive. In this article, we show that human monocytes produce the protease granzyme B upon both FcγR and TLR8 activation. Treatment with TLR8 agonists elicited granzyme B and also enhanced FcγR-mediated granzyme B production in an additive fashion. Furthermore, monocyte-mediated ADCC against cetuximab-coated tumor targets was enhanced by TLR8 agonist treatment, and this enhancement of ADCC required granzyme B. Hence we have identified granzyme B as an important mediator of FcγR function in human monocytes and have uncovered another mechanism by which TLR8 agonists may enhance FcγR-based therapies.
TCL‐1, MTCP‐1 and TML‐1 gene expression profile in non‐leukemic clonal proliferations associated with ataxia‐telangiectasia

We analyzed the role of 4 genes, TCL‐1, MTCP‐1, TML‐1 and ATM, in the early pathogenesis of T cell leukemia, with particular interest in the characteristics of long‐standing non‐leukemic clonal proliferations in ataxia‐telangiectasia (A‐T) patients. Five patients were studied: 4 patients had A‐T (2 of whom had non‐leukemic clonal proliferations [ATCP]), 1 had B cell lymphoma and 1 had T‐ALL; a fifth patient with T‐PLL did not have A‐T. We measured the levels of expression for TCL‐1, MTCP‐1 and TML‐1. TCL‐1, not expressed in unstimulated mature T cells, was upregulated in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of the 2 A‐T patients with ATCP. It was also expressed in the malignant cells of the A‐T patient with B cell lymphoma and the T‐PLL cells of the patient without A‐T. In the same cells, MTCP‐1 type A was expressed equally in all 5 patients, as well as in the controls; MTCP‐1 type B transcripts were not observed. TML‐1, also not expressed in unstimulated T cells, was expressed in the PBL of one A‐T patient with ATCP and in the leukemic cells of the non‐A‐T T‐PLL patient. These expression patterns were compared to cellular immunophenotypes. The non‐leukemic clonal T cell populations had the characteristics of immature T cells. We conclude that TCL‐1 and TML‐1 play a role in cell proliferation and survival but are not pivotal genes in the progression to malignancy, even when the ATM gene is mutated. Additional genetic alterations must occur to initiate tumorigenesis. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detecting spatial genetic signatures of local adaptation in heterogeneous landscapes

The spatial structure of the environment (e.g. the configuration of habitat patches) may play an important role in determining the strength of local adaptation. However, previous studies of habitat heterogeneity and local adaptation have largely been limited to simple landscapes, which poorly represent the multiscale habitat structure common in nature. Here, we use simulations to pursue two goals: (i) we explore how landscape heterogeneity, dispersal ability and selection affect the strength of local adaptation, and (ii) we evaluate the performance of several genotype–environment association (GEA) methods for detecting loci involved in local adaptation. We found that the strength of local adaptation increased in spatially aggregated selection regimes, but remained strong in patchy landscapes when selection was moderate to strong. Weak selection resulted in weak local adaptation that was relatively unaffected by landscape heterogeneity. In general, the power of detection methods closely reflected levels of local adaptation. False‐positive rates (FPRs), however, showed distinct differences across GEA methods based on levels of population structure. The univariate GEA approach had high FPRs (up to 55%) under limited dispersal scenarios, due to strong isolation by distance. By contrast, multivariate, ordination‐based methods had uniformly low FPRs (0–2%), suggesting these approaches can effectively control for population structure. Specifically, constrained ordinations had the best balance of high detection and low FPRs and will be a useful addition to the GEA toolkit. Our results provide both theoretical and practical insights into the conditions that shape local adaptation and how these conditions impact our ability to detect selection.
Effects of regular salmeterol on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive airways disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of single and chronic dosing with salmeterol on exercise capacity and lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: Twenty nine patients of mean (SE) age 64 (1.5) years, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 42(3)% of predicted, and 5-15% reversibility to salbutamol 200 micrograms were randomised to receive four weeks treatment with salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily or placebo in a double blind crossover fashion with a one week washout period in between. Measurements of spirometric parameters, static lung volumes, and exercise capacity were made one and six hours after a single dose, and six hours after the final dose of salmeterol or placebo. RESULTS: Salmeterol produced a small increase in FEV1 at one and six hours after a single dose, and this was maintained after chronic dosing (mean difference and 95% CI versus placebo): single dosing at one hour 0.07 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.11) 1, single dosing at six hours 0.16 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.22) 1, chronic dosing at six hours 0.11 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.19) 1. The increase in forced vital capacity (FVC) was greater with salmeterol than with placebo six hours after single but not chronic dosing: single dosing at six hours 0.17 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.29) 1, chronic dosing at six hours 0.02 (95% CI -0.18 to 0.22) 1. Slow vital capacity was increased after treatment with salmeterol compared with placebo one and six hours after single but not after chronic dosing. There were no significant differences in static lung volumes or exercise capacity after single or chronic dosing with salmeterol compared with placebo. Patients reported a significantly lower Borg score for perceived exertion following the six minute walk after chronic treatment with salmeterol compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Salmeterol produced a small improvement in spirometric values compared with placebo consistent with the degree of reversibility originally shown by the subjects to salbutamol 200 micrograms. This was not associated with improvements in static lung volumes or exercise capacity, but there was some symptomatic benefit in that patients were able to walk the same distance in six minutes with less perceived exertion.
Perioperative myocardial ischemia/infarction: study of incidents from Thai Anesthesia Incidence Study (THAI Study) of 163,403 cases.

OBJECTIVES To analyze incidence, risk factors, clinical course, outcomes of PMI. Degree of anesthesia related to PMI, management, precipitating factors and corrective strategies. MATERIAL AND METHOD PMI cases were extracted from the Thai Anesthesia Incidents Study (THAI Study) database conducted between February 1, 2003 and January 31, 2004, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Forty-five cases were recorded as PMI (Suspected myocardial ischemia/infarction) from 20 hospital study centers. The incidence was 2.7:10,000 of all anesthetic services (163,403 cases). PMI occurred more frequently in male, underlying disease of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, ASA class >2, under general anesthesia and during operation. EKG change and hypotension were primary clinical symptoms. PMI caused high mortality (5 cases), high morbidity (6 cases of brain death), high medical cost and change of management plan. CONCLUSION PMI was strongly impact to both anesthetic and surgical outcomes. Improve quality of anesthetic care for patient at risk and surgical risk reflected the whole anesthetic quality of care.
L'impact du stress professionnel sur l'implication organisationnelle, l'absentéisme et l'intention de quitter chez les cadres

L’objectif de cette these est d’etudier l’impact du stress professionnel sur les attitudes et les comportements organisationnels des cadres. Phenomene social complexe, le stress est apprehende par une approche comprehensive. D’abord, une revue de la litterature nous a permis de mieux le cerner en soulignant la variete de ses antecedents et la gravite de ses consequences notamment en termes de « desimplication », d’absenteisme et d’intention de quitter l’entreprise. Ensuite, nous avons mene une etude qualitative exploratoire aupres des cadres afin d’une part, d’identifier les consequences du stress professionnel specifiques a cette population et d’autre part, d’aboutir a un ensemble d’hypotheses de recherche plus ciblees et a un modele conceptuel. Enfin, une etude quantitative aupres de 1154 cadres nous a permis, en recourant a la modelisation par les equations structurelles, de proceder a une verification statistique des hypotheses et a une validation du modele de recherche a travers une Analyse Factorielle Exploratoire et une Analyse Factorielle Confirmatoire. Les principaux resultats revelent d’abord la reciprocite de la relation entre les concepts de stress au travail et d’implication organisationnelle (affective et calculee) dans le sens ou le premier est considere a la fois comme un antecedent et une consequence du deuxieme. Cependant, cette relation est negative avec la dimension normative de l’implication organisationnelle. Les resultats confirment egalement que le stress professionnel des cadres a une incidence sur l’intention de quitter et pas sur l’absenteisme. Par ailleurs, plus les cadres sont impliques dans leur organisation de maniere affective et normative, plus ils sont prets a avoir des comportements et/ou des intentions de retrait. Enfin, notre these montre que les facettes affective et normative de l’implication organisationnelle jouent un role mediateur dans la relation entre le stress au travail et l’intention de quitter l’entreprise.
Distributed Control System of Humanoid Robots based on Real-time Ethernet

In this paper we realize a real-time communication on Ethernet and develop an onbody distributed control system for a humanoid robot, HRP-3P. Real-time communication on Ethernet is realized by (1) a communication method using the data link layer directly and (2) timing control using a real-time operating system ARTLinux. This enables us to reduce the cost of embedded systems and improve developmental efficiency. A CORBA implementation which works on this communication layer is also developed to increase compatibility with existing software. Finally a small-size distributed robot controller is developed for the onbody network of HRP-3P and a distributed I/O system is developed on top of this
Identification of miRNA targets with stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture

miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression. We have used stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to investigate the effect of miRNA-1 on the HeLa cell proteome. Expression of 12 out of 504 investigated proteins was repressed by miRNA-1 transfection. This repressed set of genes significantly overlaps with miRNA-1 regulated genes that have been identified with DNA array technology and are predicted by computational methods. Moreover, we find that the 3′-untranslated region for the repressed set are enriched in miRNA-1 complementary sites. Our findings demonstrate that SILAC can be used for miRNA target identification and that one highly expressed miRNA can regulate the levels of many different proteins.
The Antimicrobial Properties of Cedar Leaf (Thuja plicata) Oil; A Safe and Efficient Decontamination Agent for Buildings

Cedar leaf oil (CLO), derived from the Western red cedar, Thuja plicata, was evaluated as a safe and acceptable broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, with a view to its potential applications in buildings, including the alleviation of sick building syndrome. Various Gram-positive and Gram-negative human bacteria, and two fungal organisms, all known to be common environmental sources of potential infection, were selected and tested quantitatively, and all of them were found to be susceptible to CLO liquid and vapor. Bacterial spores and Aspergillus niger were sensitive, although less so than the vegetative bacteria. Similar tests with cultured human lung cells showed that continuous exposure to CLO vapor for at least 60 minutes was not toxic to the cells. Based on these results, CLO shows promise as a prospective safe, green, broad-spectrum anti-microbial agent for decontamination of buildings.
Phagosome-lysosome fusion inhibited by algal symbionts of Hydra viridis

Certain species of Chlorella live within the digestive cells of the fresh water cnidarian Hydra viridis. When introduced into the hydra gut, these symbiotic algae are phagocytized by digestive cells but avoid host digestion and persist at relatively constant numbers within host cells. In contrast, heat-killed symbionts are rapidly degraded after phagocytosis. Live symbionts appear to persist because host lysosomes fail to fuse with phagosomes containing live symbionts. Neither acid phosphatase nor ferritin was delivered via lysosomes into phagosomes containing live symbionts, whereas these lysosomal markers were found in 50% of the vacuoles containing heat-killed symbionts 1 h after phagocytosis. Treatment of symbiotic algae before phagocytosis with polycationic polypeptides abolishes algal persistence and perturbs the ability of these algae to control the release of photosynthate in vitro. Similarly, inhibition of photosynthesis and hence of the release of photosynthetic products as a result of prolonged darkness and 3-(3,4- dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea (DCMU) treatment also abolishes persistence. Symbiotic algae are not only protected from host digestive attack but are also selectively transported within host cells, moving from the apical site of phagocytosis to a basal position of permanent residence. This process too is disrupted by polycationic polypeptides, DCMU and darkness. Both algal persistence and transport may, therefore, be a function of the release of products from living, photosynthesizing symbionts. Vinblastine treatment of host animals blocked the movement of algae within host cells but did not perturb algal persistence: algal persistence and the transport of algae may be initiated by the same signal, but they are not interdependent processes.
Pipe and cigar smoking and major cardiovascular events, cancer incidence and all-cause mortality in middle-aged British men.

BACKGROUND Pipe and cigar smoking are still regarded by many as less hazardous to health than cigarette smoking. METHODS Prospective study of 7735 men aged 40-59 years drawn from general practices in 24 British towns with mean follow-up of 21.8 years. The outcome measures include major coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke events, cancer incidence, and deaths from all causes. RESULTS There were 1133 major CHD events and 440 stroke events, 919 new cancers and 1994 deaths from all causes in the 7121 men with no diagnosed CHD, stroke, diabetes, or cancer at screening. Compared with never smokers, pipe/cigar smokers (primary and secondary combined) showed significantly higher risk of major CHD events (relative risk [RR] = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.14) and stroke events (RR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.41) and of cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular, and total mortality (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.96, RR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.83 and RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.74, respectively), after adjustment for lifestyle and biological characteristics. They also showed a significantly higher incidence of smoking-related cancers (RR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.70, 4.26), largely due to lung cancer (RR = 4.35, 95% CI: 2.05, 8.94). Overall, the effects in pipe/cigar smokers were intermediate between never-smokers and light cigarette smokers, although risks for lung cancer were similar to light cigarette smokers. CONCLUSION Pipe and cigar smoking, whether primary or secondary, carries significant risk of smoking-related ill health.
A NEW METHOD OF CYSTOCARP DEVELOPMENT IN THE RED ALGAL GENUS CALLOPHYLLIS (KALLYMENIACEAE) FROM CHILE 1

Traditional studies suggest that the Kallymeniaceae can be divided into two major groups, a nonprocarpic Kallymenia group, in which carposporophyte formation involves an auxiliary cell branch system separate from the carpogonial branch system, and a procarpic Callophyllis group, in which the carpogonial branch system gives rise to the carposporophyte directly after fertilization. Based on our phylogenetic studies and unpublished observations, the two groups each contain both procarpic and nonprocarpic genera. Here, we describe a new method of reproductive development in Callophyllis concepcionensis Arakaki, Alveal et Ramírez from Chile. The carpogonial branch system consists of a supporting cell bearing both a three‐celled carpogonial branch with trichogyne and two‐lobed “subsidiary” cells. After fertilization, large numbers of secondary subcortical and medullary cells are produced. Lobes of the carpogonial branch system cut off connecting cells containing enlarged, presumably diploid nuclei that fuse with these secondary vegetative cells and deposit their nuclei. Derivative enlarged nuclei are transferred from one vegetative cell to another, which ultimately cut off gonimoblast initials that form filaments that surround the central primary medullary cells and produce carposporangia. The repeated involvement of vegetative cells in gonimoblast formation is a new observation, not only in Callophyllis, but in red algae generally. These results call for a revised classification of the Kallymeniaceae based on new morphological and molecular studies.
Engaging Teens with Asthma in Designing a Patient-Centered Mobile App to Aid Disease Self-Management.

BACKGROUND Despite the growing market of e-health disease self-management tools, few studies have reported the presence of teen patients in all phases of product design. While rates of American teens using mobile Internet grow, an opportunity to deliver disease self-management targeted for teen patients exists. Building on findings from previous investigations with teens with asthma, we explored teens' insights on the development of a patient-centered asthma management application (app). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two existing asthma apps were used by 16 teen asthmatics for 7-10 days. At the end of the trial period, in-depth interviews were conducted with each participant to gather insights about the user experience. RESULTS Participants requested more asthma-related content that educates them about their condition. Suggested improvements to currently available apps included a longer list of selectable symptoms to track, medication tracking, and more compelling interface features. CONCLUSIONS Participants showed interest in using apps for managing their asthma, yet recommended improvements on current design. Whereas national figures point to a more ubiquitous mobile device environment, implementation efforts must respond to participants' recommendations while minding lingering digital divides. Currently available apps lack appealing components that teens seek or desire. Subsequent development should include teens' participation in component design insights.
On the degrees of freedom of rank deficient interference channels

We analyze the achievable degrees of freedom (DoF) of the time-varying K-user rank deficient (M, N, D) interference channel (IC) in which each transmitter and receiver uses M and N antennas, respectively, and the rank of each channel matrix is equal to D ≤ min (M, N). The proposed achievable schemes are based on zero forcing and interference alignment. We see that the total DoF of min equation is achievable, where equation and ⌊x⌋ denotes the integer part of x. The result shows that the achievable total DoF of the K-user (M, N, D) IC has similar tendency to that of the full rank IC.
Optical Fiber Sensing Using Quantum Dots

Recent advances in the application of semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots, as biochemical sensors are reviewed. Quantum dots have unique optical properties that make them promising alternatives to traditional dyes in many luminescence based bioanalytical techniques. An overview of the more relevant progresses in the application of quantum dots as biochemical probes is addressed. Special focus will be given to configurations where the sensing dots are incorporated in solid membranes and immobilized in optical fibers or planar waveguide platforms.
Acquisition and enrichment of morphological and morphosemantic knowledge from the French Wiktionary

We present two approaches to automatically acquire morphologically related words from Wiktionary. Starting with related words explicitly mentioned in the dictionary, we propose a method based on orthographic similarity to detect new derived words from the entries’ definitions with an overall accuracy of 93.5%. Using word pairs from the initial lexicon as patterns of formal analogies to filter new derived words enables us to rise the accuracy up to 99%, while extending the lexicon’s size by 56%. In a last experiment, we show that it is possible to semantically type the morphological definitions, focusing on the detection of process nominals.
The Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Des-Fluoro-Sitagliptin Regulates Brown Adipose Tissue Uncoupling Protein Levels in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity

Objective Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 is responsible for the degradation of several peptides that contain an alanine or proline at the penultimate position or position P1. DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) have protective effects against type-2 diabetes and several metabolic disorders. Methods In the present study, we examined the effects of des-fluoro-sitagliptin (DFS), a DDP-4i, on body adiposity and levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, PPAR-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1), and uncoupling proteins (UCPs) in mice with diet-induced obesity. Results Treatment with DFS dose-dependently decreased the weight of white adipose tissue and serum levels of glucose, compared with controls, without influencing food intake (P<0.05). Additionally, DFS treatment increased the levels of PPAR-α, PGC-1, and UCPs in brown adipose tissue (BAT), and of PPAR-α and UCP3 in skeletal muscle (P<0.05). Furthermore, the effects on BAT PGC-1 and muscle PPAR-α levels were attenuated by treatment with the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) antagonist exendin (9–39). Interestingly, hypothalamic levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were increased by DFS treatment and the effects of DFS on PPAR-α, PGC-1, and UCP levels were attenuated in melanocortin (MC)-4 receptor-deficient mice. Conclusions In conclusion, high-dose DFS appeared to regulate body adiposity and UCPs in mice with diet-induced obesity, at least partly through a GLP-1 and/or MC-4 pathway.