Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of RCK/p54 expression by RNAi inhibits proliferation of human colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women around the world. Although much progress of the mechanism of colorectal carcinogenesis has been made, the studies centering on the mechanisms of tumorigenesis are much needed to be further exploited. The overexpression of RCK/p54 gene, a member of the DEAD box protein/RNA helicase family, has been found in this malignancy. Roles of RCK in the development of colon cancer, however, are unknown. In this report, we explored whether RCK/p54 plays a role in maintaining the malignant phenotype and functions in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway of colorectal cancer cells harboring an APC mutation. The ectopic overexpression of RCK/p54 gene in colorectal cancer cells by transfection with RCK/p54 cDNA could lead to a significant increase of Tcf transcriptional activity and expression levels of Wnt target genes. By RNAi assay, we also observed that the Tcf transcriptional activity in LoVo-shRNA cells was significantly decreased by approximately 61.3%, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt target genes were also obviously decreased. Furthermore, the anti-tumour effects and its possible mechanisms of actions in LoVo cells elicited by a decrease in the level of RCK/p54 by RNAi were examined. Results showed that RCK/p54 downregulation could significantly reduce the viability of LoVo cells, increased cell number of S phase, led to cell apoptosis induction, and inhibited tumor growth in nude mice. Taken together, RCK/p54 might be a determinant of colorectal cancer proliferation by activating the canonical Wnt pathway and RCK/p54-shRNA might be a potential strategy for colorectal cancer gene therapy
Effects of Aging on Subjective Workload and Performance

Demographics indicate that the population in the United States and other industrialized nations is growing older, and that the number of older workers and systems users can be expected to increase substantially over the next several decades. In order to assess possible differences between age groups the mental workload experienced by older adults as compared to that experienced by younger adults was investigated. Two tasks were utilized to assess short term memory (continuous recognition) and psychomotor (first-order unstable tracking) performance. The workload of each task was assessed with the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT). Memory task performance measures and subjective workload ratings indicated a decrement in performance and an increase in workload for the older group relative to the younger group. Psychomotor task performance measures and subjective workload ratings indicated no difference between the age groups. It is hypothesized that the memory task makes greater demands on central processing resources than the psychomotor task used in this study. In support of this hypothesis, an analysis of the changes in ratings on the individual SWAT dimensions of time, mental effort and psychological stress revealed that an increase occurred only on the mental effort dimension for the memory task. This study implies that designers should 1) reduce or provide design features that lessen memory laden task performance for older workers, and 2) give more weight to the reduction of central processing resource requirements in trade-off studies.
A Note on the Excess Entry Theorem in Spatial Models with Elastic Demand

This paper revisits the excess entry theorem in spatial models a la Vickrey (1964) and Salop (1979) while relaxing the assumption of inelastic demand. Using a demand function with a constant demand elasticity, we show that the number of firms that enter a market decreases with the degree of demand elasticity.We find that the excess entry theorem does only hold when demand is sufficiently inelastic. Otherwise, there is insufficient entry. In the limiting case of unit elastic demand, the market is monopolized. We point out when and how a public policy can be desirable and broaden our results with a more general transportation cost function.
99mTc-DTPA volume of distribution, half-life and glomerular filtration rate in normal adults

Background and aimAssessment of volume of distribution (VD) and half-life (T1/2) values during glomerular filtration rate (GFR) investigations is a useful quality control check. The aim of this study was to derive reference data for VD and T1/2 and also to provide reference data for GFR from studies performed using 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (99mTc-DTPA). MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 126 healthy potential kidney donors (age range 18–59 years). The GFR was evaluated from 99mTc-DTPA plasma clearance using the 2004 British Nuclear Medicine Society guidelines. The association between VD and body surface area (BSA) was assessed. T1/2 was correlated with age and GFR. The correlation between the Brochner-Mortensen-corrected GFR (BM-GFRCorr) and age was evaluated. ResultsThe uncorrected VD value (l) was 10.1×BSA±40.6% (P<0.01). The corrected VD value (l) was 8.19×BSA±34.4% (P<0.01). In individuals under the age of 40 years, the mean T1/2 was 95.0 min±36.2%. In individuals aged 40 years and above, the T1/2 increased at a rate of 0.49 min/year (P=0.04); the T1/2 (min) was 9480×(1/BM-GFRCorr)±35.1% (P<0.01). In individuals younger than 40 years of age, the correlation between BM-GFRCorr and age was not statistically significant (P=0.45), and the mean GFR was 108 ml/min/1.73 m2±27.5%. In individuals aged 40 years and above, the BM-GFRCorr was 170−(1.55×age) ml/min/1.73 m2±36.7% (P<0.001). ConclusionWell-defined reference data for VD and T1/2 can be used for quality control checks in GFR investigations. In addition to these, reference data for GFR using 99mTc-DTPA have been defined. This will enhance the interpretation of adult 99mTc-DTPA GFR measurements.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF WINE ECONOMISTS AAWE WORKING PAPER No . 33 Economics THE EFFECT OF FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS ON OBESITY

We investigate the health consequences of changes in the supply of fast food using the exact geographical location of fast food restaurants. Specifically, we ask how the supply of fast food affects the obesity rates of 3 million school children and the weight gain of over 1 million pregnant women. We find that among 9 grade children, a fast food restaurant within a tenth of a mile of a school is associated with at least a 5.2 percent increase in obesity rates. There is no discernable effect at . 25 miles and at . 5 miles. Among pregnant women, models with mother fixed effects indicate that a fast food restaurant within a half mile of her residence results in a 2.5 percent increase in the probability of gaining over 20 kilos. The effect is larger, but less precisely estimated at . 1 miles. In contrast, the presence of non-fast food restaurants is uncorrelated with obesity and weight gain. Moreover, proximity to future fast food restaurants is uncorrelated with current obesity and weight gain, conditional on current proximity to fast food. The implied effects of fast-food on caloric intake are at least one order of magnitude smaller for mothers, which suggests that they are less constrained by travel costs than school children. Our results imply that policies restricting access to fast food near schools could have significant effects on obesity among school children, but similar policies restricting the availability of fast food in residential areas are unlikely to have large effects on adults. The authors thank John Cawley and participants in seminars at the NBER Summer Institute, the 2009 AEA Meetings, the ASSA 2009 Meetings, the Federal Reserve Banks of New York and Chicago, The New School, the Tinbergen Institute, the Rady School at UCSD, and Williams College for helpful comments. We thank Cecilia Machado, Emilia Simeonova, Johannes Schmeider, and Joshua Goodman for excellent research assistance. We thank Glenn Copeland of the Michigan Dept. of Community Health, Katherine Hempstead and Matthew Weinberg of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Craig Edelman of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Health, Rachelle Moore of the Texas Dept. of State Health Services, and Gary Sammet and Joseph Shiveley of the Florida Department of Health for their help in accessing the data. The authors are solely responsible for the use that has been made of the data and for the contents of this article.
In vitro regeneration of witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) from leaf explants and accumulation of esculin

SummaryAn efficient protocol has been developed for the regeneration of plantlets from leaf explants of witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). Regeneration via callus was obtained on modified Murashige and Skoog semisolid medium (MS) containing 2.0 μM indole-3-acetic acid +5.0 μM 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin), and 1000 mgl−1 casein hydrolyzate. At least five or more shoots regenerated from each callus. The shoots were rooted on MS +0.2 μM indole-3-butyric acid. The plantlets thus obtained were successfully established in soil after bardening. Esculin accumulation was recorded in plant tissues at different stages of differentiation in in vitro cultures and compared with in vivo-grown, plants. The esculin accumulation was higher in in vitro plants.
Evolutionary history of partible paternity in lowland South America

Partible paternity, the conception belief that more than one man can contribute to the formation of a fetus, is common in lowland South America and characterized by nonexclusive mating relationships and various institutionalized forms of recognition and investment by multiple cofathers. Previous work has emphasized the fitness benefits for women where partible paternity beliefs facilitate paternal investment from multiple men and may reduce the risk of infanticide. In this comparative study of 128 lowland South American societies, the prevalence of partible paternity beliefs may be as much as two times as common as biologically correct beliefs in singular paternity. Partible paternity beliefs are nearly ubiquitous in four large language families—Carib, Pano, Tupi, and Macro-Je. Phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that partible paternity evolved deep in Amazonian prehistory at the root of a tentative Je-Carib-Tupi clade. Partible paternity often occurs with uxorilocal postmarital residence (males transfer), although there are exceptions. Partible paternity may have benefits for both sexes, especially in societies where essentially all offspring are said to have multiple fathers. Despite a decrease in paternity certainty, at least some men probably benefit (or mitigate costs) by increasing their number of extramarital partners, using sexual access to their wives to formalize male alliances, and/or sharing paternity with close kin.
Isolation and structure elucidation of ligustroflavone, a new apigenin triglycoside from the leaves of Ligustrum vulgare L.

A new flavone, apigenin-7-O-beta-(2",6"-di-alpha-rhamnopyranosyl)-glucopyranoside , named ligustroflavone, was isolated from the leaves of common privet (Ligustrum vulgare L., Oleaceae), whose popular use was well known in the Mediterranean historical medicine and ethnomedicine as anti-inflammatory. The structures of other five apigenin and luteolin derivates, isolated from the polar fractions of the methanolic leaf extracts, were elucidated.
A requirement for antigen-specific helper T cells in the generation of cytotoxic T cells from thymocyte precursors

Thymocytes cultured with irradiated, allogeneic stimulator cells yield no cytotoxic effector cells after a period in culture. If, however, a population of irradiated spleen cells syngeneic to the responder cells are added to these cultures, cytotoxicity is generated. The helper activity present in the irradiated syngeneic spleen cells was found to be mediated by a cell bearing theta antigens. Furthermore, it was found to be antigen specific; helper cells which were tolerant of the stimulator cell antigens were unable to help the thymocyte responder cells, although these tolerant cells did contain helpers specific for a third party antigen. These experiments are consistent with a requirement for associative recognition of linked determinants in the induction of killer precursors which is thus strictly analogous to the induction of B-cell precursors via collaboration with helper T cells. In more extensive studies, it was found that histoincompatible helper cells (H-2b, H-2p, H-2q) were able to help a cytotoxic T cell (H-2k) response to a third party stimulator cell antigen (H-2d); that is, the helper T cells which interact with cytotoxic T-cell precursors are not strain specific. It seems likely that the histocompatible helper cells induce killer precursors in an antigen-specific cooperation event similar or identical to normal syngeneic cooperation.
Therapeutic Synergy Between Irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil against Human Tumor Xenografts

Purpose: Although the combination of irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil is clinically active, it is associated with significant toxicity and resistance. Studies were carried out to define the optimal dosage, sequence, and timing for the combination in mice bearing xenografted human tumors. Experimental Design: The maximum tolerated dose of irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil in combination was determined in nude mice. Therapeutic efficacy against established human colon carcinoma xenografts, HCT-8 and HT-29, and human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts, FaDu and A253, was determined using the rugs individually, simultaneously, and in sequence with various intervals in between. Treatments were i.v. weekly × 4. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-PCR measurements of relevant drug-metabolizing enzymes, apoptosis-related proteins, cell cycle distribution, cyclin A, and S phase fraction expression were carried out and compared with the therapeutic outcome. Results: The maximum tolerated dose of irinotecan resulted in cure rates of 30% or less in all xenografts. No cures were achieved with FUra alone. Concurrent administration of irinotecan and FUra, or of FUra 24 h before irinotecan, resulted in cure rates of <20%, except for FaDu (60%). Administration of irinotecan 24 h before FUra resulted in the highest cure rates, 80% in HCT-8, 0% in HT-29, 100% in FaDu, and 10% in A253. Conclusions: The optimal therapeutic synergy was achieved when irinotecan was administered 24 h before 5-Flurouracil. Sensitivity to this combination was associated with poor differentiation status, higher cyclin A index, recruitment of cells into S phase, and induction of Bax expression and apoptosis.
Current issues and new directions in Psychology and Health : ‘Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose’

This issue of Psychology and Health marks the editorial handover from Paul Norman and his team of co-editors to ourselves and our team. The journal has continued to go from strength to strength over recent years, reaching a record impact factor of 1.80 for 2005 that confirms the journal as one of the top international health psychology publications. This achievement is not only a testament to the previous editor’s vision and hard work, but is also due to the members of his editorial team, who have provided authors with careful, expert and sensitive consideration of their articles, and have provided readers with an assurance of the high quality of the research that has been published. Thanks are also due to the European Health Psychology Society and to Taylor and Francis for all the support and encouragement they have given the past and incoming editorial teams, and their work in promoting the journal. It is in the light of this past record of the ever-growing popularity of the journal that we chose the title for our editorial. The title reflects our wish to retain the existing spirit and excellence of the journal by building steadily on its past success, while also introducing some changes that we hope that authors and readers will welcome, and that will capitalise on and create new opportunities for the development and dissemination of health psychology research. One exciting new opportunity that we are sure that authors and readers will welcome is the introduction of electronic submission to the journal. This will help our editorial team to ensure that manuscripts can be processed quickly and efficiently, giving authors rapid feedback and readers rapid access to new research. In addition, the handover has provided the opportunity for new people to become co-editors and members of the editorial board, providing a wide variety of perspectives on health psychology. A further change is that book reviews will no longer appear in this journal. In their place, we are introducing a series of invited editorials entitled ‘Current Issues and New Directions in . ’. Each editorial will highlight and critically debate a different issue or trend in health psychology that is of current interest. This editorial, therefore, commences the series by considering some current trends in published research in Psychology and Health, and some issues these developments raise.
Tumorigenesis by Human Herpesvirus 8 vGPCR Is Accelerated by Human Immuodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat

ABSTRACT Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also called Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) herpesvirus, can cause KS but is inefficient. Untreated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coinfection is a powerful risk factor. The HHV-8 chemokine receptor, vGPCR (ORF74), activates NF-κB and NF-AT, and their levels of activation are synergistically increased by HIV-1 Tat. Transgenic vGPCR mice develop KS-like tumors. A cell line derived from one such tumor expresses vGPCR and forms tumors in nude mice. Here we show that transfection of DNA encoding HIV-1 tat (but not a transactivation-defective mutant) into these tumor cells increases NF-κB and NF-AT activation levels and accelerates tumor formation. Tumorigenesis was also accelerated when Tat DNA was transfected into normal cells and the transfected cells were mixed with the tumor cells and injected into a single site. Tumorigenesis was also increased when the two cell types were injected at separate sites, suggesting that tumorigenesis is accelerated by Tat through soluble factors.
Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, and Syphilis in Women at Their First Visit to Public Antenatal Clinics in Vitória, Brazil

Background In some countries, HIV infection in pregnancy has become a common complication of pregnancy. Goal To determine the seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis among pregnant women, and to assess risk factors for these infections. Study Design A cross-sectional study was performed. Methods Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of Vitória Municipality from March to December 1999 were included in this study after giving written informed consent. The women were systematically interviewed. During the interview, their demographics and patterns of risk behavior were explored. A blood sample was collected for testing HIV, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis. Results The participants in this study were 1608 pregnant women. The prevalence of HIV infection was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4–1.2), hepatitis B virus carriers 1.1% (95% CI, 0.8–1.3), and syphilis 3% (95% CI, 2.6–3.5). The potential risk behaviors were found to be a history of STDs (6.5%), condoms never used (52.8%), prostitution (0.5%), noninjection drug use (6.3%), blood transfusion (1.5%), and intravenous drug abuse (0.7%). Conclusion These results show the necessity of implementing programs aimed at preventing transmission of these infections in women and their children.
Insights into Interactions of Mycobacteria with the Host Innate Immune System from a Novel Array of Synthetic Mycobacterial Glycans

An array of homogeneous glycans representing all the major carbohydrate structures present in the cell wall of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria has been probed with a panel of glycan-binding receptors expressed on cells of the mammalian innate immune system. The results provide an overview of interactions between mycobacterial glycans and receptors that mediate uptake and survival in macrophages, dendritic cells, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. A subset of the wide variety of glycan structures present on mycobacterial surfaces interact with cells of the innate immune system through the receptors tested. Endocytic receptors, including the mannose receptor, DC-SIGN, langerin, and DC-SIGNR (L-SIGN), interact predominantly with mannose-containing caps found on the mycobacterial polysaccharide lipoarabinomannan. Some of these receptors also interact with phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides and mannose-containing phenolic glycolipids. Many glycans are ligands for overlapping sets of receptors, suggesting multiple, redundant routes by which mycobacteria can enter cells. Receptors with signaling capability interact with two distinct sets of mycobacterial glycans: targets for dectin-2 overlap with ligands for the mannose-binding endocytic receptors, while mincle binds exclusively to trehalose-containing structures such as trehalose dimycolate. None of the receptors surveyed bind furanose residues, which often form part of the epitopes recognized by antibodies to mycobacteria. Thus, the innate and adaptive immune systems can target different sets of mycobacterial glycans. This array, the first of its kind, represents an important new tool for probing, at a molecular level, biological roles of a broad range of mycobacterial glycans, a task that has not previously been possible.
Bacterial degradation of emulsified crude oil and the effect of various surfactants.

A Rhodococcus sp. 094 bacterium was tested for its ability to oxidize alkanes in crude oil emulsified by nonionic chemical and biological surfactants. Oxidation rates were measured in a 3-h period by Warburg respirometry. 14CO2 recovery was measured from the [1-14C]hexadecane spiked crude oil. Response to emulsified oil depended on the physiological state of the bacteria (i.e., cells harvested in the exponential and stationary growth phases) were tested. Oxidation rates by cells in the exponential growth phase were negatively affected by surfactant amendment. Oxidation rates by cells in the stationary growth phase were in some cases stimulated by surfactants. The stimulatory effect depended on both the chemical structure and the physicochemical properties (i.e., hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB)) of the surfactants. Surfactants with intermediate HLB values (8-12) gave the best results. Neither the biosurfactants nor the commercial oil-spill dispersants tested had any significant stimulatory effect.
Disability Literacy and Attitudes Towards Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study aimed to measure disability literacy of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attitudes towards individuals with ASD. In particular, possible differences in attitudes based on the age of the individual with ASD were examined. Using an online survey, participants were divided into two groups and viewed a vignette describing a male (age 4 or 18) with symptoms of ASD. Survey questions addressed attitudes towards the individual in the vignette and multiple elements of disability literacy including recognition, causal beliefs, and information seeking. Although differences in attitudes based on the age of the male presented were not significant, previous contact, the age of the rater, and gender were significant. In terms of literacy, recognition of ASD was high (75.7%) and other beliefs were fairly consistent with current professional knowledge. However, ASD prevalence was largely overestimated and trends indicated that the most accurate sources of information about ASD are not always used, particularly for websites. A lack of significant attitudinal differences based on age and an overall high literacy level indicate that the outlook for inclusion of individuals with ASD may be more optimistic when compared to other disorders. Efforts aimed at improving literacy and attitudes should specifically address information seeking and emphasize the importance of contact with individuals with disabilities. LITERACY AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS ASD 5