Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of Phosphatidylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase in Human Hepatocellular Carcinomas

Objective: Hepatic phosphatidylethanolamine is converted into phosphatidylcholine by the enzyme phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) when the dietary choline supply is inadequate. Our previous reports implicated PEMT in the regulation of hepatocyte growth and transformation. In the present study, we analyzed PEMT activity, Pempt gene status and its mRNA expression in 29 human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). Methods: The status of the Pempt gene and PEMT2 mRNA expression were evaluated with Southern and Northern blotting, respectively, in HCC and the noninvolved liver. PEMT activity was assessed by biochemical assay. Cell proliferation markers were defined by immunohistochemical or histoautoradiographic methods. Results: PEMT activity was lower in HCC than in the noninvolved liver and it was negligible in 62% of the tumors. No deletions or mutations of the Pempt gene were found and PEMT2 mRNA expression was absent or reduced in HCC compared with peritumoral liver tissue. PEMT2 mRNA expression was inversely related to tumor proliferation and to histologic grade. Patients whose HCC did not express PEMT2 mRNA showed poorer outcomes for cancer-related survival than those with PEMT2-positive HCC. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that (1) clones lacking PEMT2 expression may have been selected during liver tumorigenesis and progression, and (2) PEMT2 expression seems to be associated with clinical progression.
Forearm Blood Flow Responses of Offspring of Hypertensives to an Extended Stress Task

The forearm blood flow and other cardiovascular responses of 10 healthy young men with a parental history of hypertension to an extended laboratory stressor were compared with the responses of 10 age-matched men with normotensive parents. To eliminate the effects of the anticipation of stress on baseline measures, all subjects participated in a separate 1-hour counterbalanced baseline session in which no stress was presented. There were no significant differences between the two groups in resting blood pressure, heart rate, blood volume pulse, forearm blood flow and vascular resistance, and self-report anxiety, although offspring of hypertensive parents exhibited marginally greater (p = 0.08) forearm blood flow at rest. During the stress session, subjects played video games for 1 hour and avoided mild electric shocks depending on performance. Offspring of hypertensive parents exhibited significantly greater heart rate (+19±6 vs. +3±2%), forearm blood flow (+52±14 vs. +9±4%), and self-report anxiety (+25±6 vs. +9±3%) responses to the task. There were no significant group differences in blood pressure response to the task. Significant positive correlations between forearm blood flow and heart rate responses to the task were observed. These findings extend earlier results that suggested healthy young offspring of hypertensive and normotensive parents may exhibit different patterns of hemodynamic response to stress in the absence of differences in resting blood pressure or blood pressure responsiveness to stress.
Proton-proton interactions and onset of deconfinement

The NA61/SHINE experiment at the CERN SPS is performing a uniqe study of the phase diagram of strongly interacting matter by varying collision energy and nuclear mass number of colliding nuclei. In central Pb+Pb collisions the NA49 experiment found structures in the energy dependence of several observables in the CERN SPS energy range that had been predicted for the transition to a deconfined phase. New measurements of NA61/SHINE find intriguing similarities in p+p interactions for which no deconfinement transition is expected at SPS energies. Possible implications will be discussed.
Effects of the indoor environment on the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide in school-aged children.

BACKGROUND The fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) appears to be a good marker for airway inflammation in children with asthma. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of environmental exposures on exhaled nitric oxide in a community sample of children. METHODS The relationship among exhaled nitric oxide, underlying disease and home environmental exposures was examined using questionnaire data and measurement of exhaled nitric oxide in a cross-sectional study of 1135 children that included healthy children, and children with allergies and/or asthma who were attending grades 4 through 6 in Windsor, Ontario. RESULTS Among healthy children, there was a positive association between FeNO and occupancy (P<0.02). Compared with forced air and hot water radiant heat, electric baseboard heating was associated with a significant increase of FeNO in healthy children (P=0.007) and children with allergies (P=0.043). FeNO was not associated with environmental tobacco smoke exposure or reported surface mold. The presence of pet dog(s), but not cats, was associated with a significantly lower FeNO in healthy children (P<0.001) and in children with reported allergies (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The type of heating system, but not previously reported environmental tobacco smoke or mold exposure appears to affect exhaled nitric oxide in children. Exposure to different types of pets may have disparate effects on airway inflammation.
Assessment of measuring circulating levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, C-reactive protein, soluble Fc gamma receptor type III, and mannose-binding protein in febrile children with cancer and neutropenia.

Circulating levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, soluble Fc gamma receptor type III (sFc gammaRIII), mannose-binding protein (MBP), and C-reactive protein (CrP) were assessed among febrile children with cancer and neutropenia. Levels of IL-6, IL-8, sFc gammaRIII, MBP, and CrP were measured in serum from 56 pediatric cancer patients at the time of admission for 121 episodes of febrile neutropenia (88 febrile episodes without identifiable source, 5 clinically documented infections, 20 episodes of bacteremia due to gram-positive and 5 due to gram-negative organisms, and 3 fungal infections). IL-6 and IL-8 levels were higher in patients with either bacteremia due to gram-negative organisms or fungal infections than in patients with febrile episodes without an identifiable source (P < .00001 for each). IL-6 and IL-8 levels were higher in children with bacteremia due to gram-negative organisms than in those with bacteremia due to gram-positive organisms (P = .0011 and P = .0003, respectively). The measured levels of CrP, MBP, and sFc gammaRIII were not useful for identifying the type of infection. These preliminary results show the potential usefulness of IL-6 and IL-8 as early indicators for life-threatening infections in febrile cancer patients with neutropenia.
Wine as a Cultural Product

In markets for goods that are valued for their aesthetic qualities, the ascription of value appears to be an uncertain social process. The wine market is an extraordinary example, as most persons are not able to differentiate between wines based on objective sensory characteristics. Therefore, we theorize valuation according to Bourdieu’s field theoretical perspective as a social process in which quality is contested. Our empirical analysis shows, first, that his model has considerable power in explaining price differentiation between wineries and second, that the orientation of consumers toward different segments of the field is based on a homologous class hierarchy.
[Rubberband ligation of hemorrhoids: symptoms almost gone after 6 weeks, but many patients need retreatment in the long run].

OBJECTIVE To assess the short and middle-long term results of outpatient treatment of internal haemorrhoids by rubber band ligation. DESIGN Prospective. METHODS The results and the complications of rubber band ligation were assessed in a group of consecutive patients treated for internal haemorrhoids by one surgeon in March 1995-September 1997 in the Laurentius Hospital Roermond, the Netherlands. Middle-long term results were assessed by an independent examiner who questioned the patients by phone. RESULTS Ninety-four patients were treated: 43 women and 51 men, with a mean age of 51 years (range: 23-80). After 6-18 weeks 80 out of 90 accessible patients (89%) were symptom-free, 71 (79%) of them after one treatment. Serious complications were not reported. However, the days after treatment mild complaints of anal urgency and pain were present in 16 patients (20%). Twenty-three patients underwent sigmoidoscopy. In 10 patients (43%) adenomatous polyps (in 9 patients) or diverticulosis (in 1 patient) were found. After a mean of 18 months (range: 6-31) 32 patients (41%) (still) had anal complaints compatible with haemorrhoids. CONCLUSION Rubber band ligation is an easy and safe outpatient treatment of internal haemorrhoids. Most patients become symptom-free, often after one treatment. However, about 40% of the patients have recurrent symptoms within a few years after initial treatment.
NG2 Glia Generate New Oligodendrocytes But Few Astrocytes in a Murine Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Demyelinating Disease

The adult mammalian brain and spinal cord contain glial precursors that express platelet-derived growth factor receptor α subunit (PDGFRA) and the NG2 proteoglycan. These “NG2 cells” descend from oligodendrocyte precursors in the perinatal CNS and continue to generate myelinating oligodendrocytes in the gray and white matter of the postnatal brain. It has been proposed that NG2 cells can also generate reactive astrocytes at sites of CNS injury or demyelination. To test this we examined the fates of PDGFRA/NG2 cells in the mouse spinal cord during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)—a demyelinating condition that models some aspects of multiple sclerosis in humans. We administered tamoxifen to Pdgfra-CreERT2:Rosa26R-YFP mice to induce yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) expression in PDGFRA/NG2 cells and their differentiated progeny. We subsequently induced EAE and observed a large (>4-fold) increase in the local density of YFP+ cells, >90% of which were oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Many of these became CC1-positive, NG2-negative differentiated oligodendrocytes that expressed myelin markers CNP and Tmem10/Opalin. PDGFRA/NG2 cells generated very few GFAP+-reactive astrocytes (1–2% of all YFP+ cells) or NeuN+ neurons (<0.02%). Thus, PDGFRA/NG2 cells act predominantly as a reservoir of new oligodendrocytes in the demyelinated spinal cord.
Measuring the Effects of Relationship Quality and Mutual Trust on Degree of Inter-Firm Technology Transfer in International Joint Venture

The success of technology transfer (TT) within international joint ventures (IJVs) in the developing countries has frequently been measured by the degree of technology that is transferred to local partners. As compared to other formal technology transfer agents such as foreign direct investments (FDIs) and licensing, technology transfer through IJVs have been acknowledged by many studies as the most efficient mechanism to internalize the foreign partner’s technologies, knowledge and skills which are organizationally embedded. However, the transfer process has always involved a complex relationship between IJV partners which may cause direct impact on degree of technology transfer. The success of inter-firm TT requires a strong existence of a close and intense communications between the technology supplier and recipient. The main objective of this paper is to empirically examine the effects of two critical elements of relationship characteristics: relationship quality and mutual trust on two dimensions of degree of technology transfer: degree of tacit and explicit knowledge.
Rheumatoid Factor Autoantibodies in Health and Disease a

Recent advances in molecular biological and human cell hybridization technology have significantly advanced the knowledge of mechanisms that underlie human rheumatoid factor (RF) production. These advances have provided insight into the etiopathogenesis of synovial inflammation and lymphocyte recruitment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joints. We have examined the mechanisms that lead to RF production in RA patients and those that regulate RF production in normals. The studies revealed structural features that distinguish RF produced in normals from those produced in RA synovial tissue. There are significant differences in the use of VL and VH genes between the two RF populations. Furthermore, IgV genes encoding synovial RF in RA have extensive evidence for nucleotide changes, leading to amino acid replacement in the complementarity determining regions (CDRs). In addition, RF produced in RA synovia show evidence for affinity maturation, isotype switch to IgG RF, and repertoire shift indicative of a continued recruitment of B cells. Together with computer modeling and crystallographic studies, our data suggest that the mechanisms that operate on RF selection in RA synovia are similar to immune responses to exogenous antigens. In contrast, RF established from human immunized donors (HID) are characterized by a very low ratio of replacement to silent (R:S) nucleotide changes in the CDR1+2. In addition, there is little increase in affinity with increasing numbers of mutations. There is thus evidence for regulatory mechanisms that limit affinity maturation of RF in normals.
Phase II trial of CoQ10 for ALS finds insufficient evidence to justify phase III

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, and currently incurable, neuromuscular disease in which oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment are contributing to neuronal loss. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an antioxidant and mitochondrial cofactor, has shown promise in ALS transgenic mice, and in clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases other than ALS. Our aims were to choose between two high doses of CoQ10 for ALS, and to determine if it merits testing in a Phase III clinical trial.
Enhancement of the Synthesis of RpoN, Cra, and H-NS by Polyamines at the Level of Translation in Escherichia coli Cultured with Glucose and Glutamate

ABSTRACT Proteins whose synthesis is enhanced by polyamines at the level of translation were identified in a polyamine-requiring mutant cultured in the presence of 0.1% glucose and 0.02% glutamate instead of 0.4% glucose as an energy source. Under these conditions, enhancement of cell growth by polyamines was almost the same as that in the presence of 0.4% glucose. It was found that synthesis of RpoN, Cra, and H-NS was enhanced by polyamines at the level of translation at the early logarithmic phase of growth (A 540 of 0.15). The effects of polyamines on synthesis of RpoN, H-NS, and Cra were due to the existence of unusual Shine-Dalgarno sequences (RpoN and H-NS) and an inefficient GUG initiation codon (Cra) in their mRNAs. Thus, rpoN, cra, and hns genes were identified as new members of the polyamine modulon. Because most of the polyamine modulon genes thus far identified encode transcription factors (RpoS [σ38], Cya, FecI [σ18], Fis, RpoN [σ54], Cra, and H-NS), DNA microarray analysis of mRNA expressed in cells was performed. At the early logarithmic phase of growth, a total of 97 species of mRNAs that were up-regulated by polyamines more than twofold were under the control of seven polyamine modulon genes mentioned above.
An Assessment of Intraorganizational Climate in the American Association for Agricultural Education

An Assessment of Intraorganizational Climate in the American Association for Agricultural Education. (August 2010) Billy Ray McKim, B.S., University of Wyoming; B.S., University of Wyoming; M.S., University of Missouri–Columbia; Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Manda H. Rosser Monitoring and evaluation of programs and outcomes is common practice in educational arenas; however, it is not so frequent within professional societies and organizations. By definition, professional organizations are groups of people working together to accomplish a set of goals and objectives that serve the profession. As an organization, the American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE) serves educators, communicators, and leaders in agriculture through research and application of its principles. A clear understanding of the climate of an organization is important. Understanding the climate of the AAAE could potentially provide AAAE leadership with an understanding of how to improve the functionality of the organization. Organizational climate is a feeling by the members; how they perceive something should be done at that moment. The research design of this nonexperimental quantitative study was descriptive and inferential in nature. The overarching construct proposed to be measured through conducting this study was organizational climate. A four-section electronic data
Enhanced mutagenesis of Salmonella tester strains due to deletion of genes other than uvrB

The standard Salmonella mutagenicity (Ames) tester strains are missing 15–119 genes due to the extended Δ(gal‐bio‐uvrB) mutations that render the strains excision‐repair deficient (ΔuvrB). We constructed strains of Salmonella that are homologous to tester strains TA98 and TA100 except that in place of the uvrB deletion, they contain single‐gene defects in either uvrB, moaA, moeA, or both uvrB and moeA. We then tested the following mutagens in these strains: 2‐acetylaminofluorene, Glu‐P‐1, 4‐aminobiphenyl, benzo[a]pyrene, MX, 1‐nitropyrene, 6‐hydroxylaminopurine (HAP), and 2‐amino‐6‐hydroxylaminopurine (AHAP). We confirmed in Salmonella a previous finding in Escherichia coli that the enhanced mutagenicity of the purine analogues HAP and AHAP is not due to the deletion of the uvrB gene but due to the deletion of moeA and/or moaA, which are involved in molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis. The spontaneous mutant frequency and induced mutagenic potency of mutagens due to the extended ΔuvrB mutation are due largely to the deletion of uvrB and to some extent of moeA/moaA at the frameshift hisD3052 allele of TA98 but involve other genes in addition to uvrB and moeA/moaA at the base‐substitution hisG46 allele of TA100. The extended ΔuvrB mutation does not prevent the detection of mutagens that would have been detected in a strain containing a single uvrB defect. Because of the deletion of moeA/moaA, the extended uvrB deletion generally enhanced spontaneous and induced mutagenicity, especially at the base‐substitution allele. This enhanced sensitivity may underlay the severe health effects in humans who have mutations in molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis genes. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. , 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A randomized trial of augmented prenatal care for multiple-risk, Medicaid-eligible African American women.

OBJECTIVES This project investigated whether augmented prenatal care for high-risk African American women would improve pregnancy outcomes and patients' knowledge of risks, satisfaction with care, and behavior. METHODS The women enrolled were African American, were eligible for Medicaid, had scored 10 or higher on a risk assessment scale, were 16 years or older, and had no major medical complications. They were randomly assigned to augmented care (n = 318) or usual care (n = 301). Augmented care included educationally oriented peer groups, additional appointments, extended time with clinicians, and other supports. RESULTS Women in augmented care rated their care as more helpful, knew more about their risk conditions, and spent more time with their nurse-providers than did women in usual care. More smokers in augmented care quit smoking. Pregnancy outcomes did not differ significantly between the groups; however, among patients in augmented care, rates of preterm births were lower and cesarean deliveries and stays in neonatal intensive care units occurred in smaller proportions. Both groups had lower-than-predicted rates of low birthweight. CONCLUSIONS High-quality prenatal care, emphasizing education, health promotion, and social support, significantly increased women's satisfaction, knowledge of risk conditions, and perceived mastery in their lives, but it did not reduce low birthweight.
Unprecedented Response of Indonesian Throughflow to Anomalous Indo‐Pacific Climatic Forcing in 2016

The Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) transport in the upper layer of Makassar Strait was reduced by an unprecedented 25–40% during June to September 2016, the weakest northern summer ITF transport measured through 2004 to mid-2017. A negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event occurring through boreal summer and fall 2016 was the main driver for the reduced ITF transport. Elevated sea surface temperature and height off the southern coast of Sumatra and Java islands, attributed to the IOD event, suppressed the Pacific to Indian pressure gradient, resulting in a reduction in the ITF transport. Intensified Wyrtki jets, energetic westerly winds, and downwelling Kelvin waves associated with the strong IOD event contributed to the suppressed interocean pressure gradient. The influence from the 2016 La Niña event on the other hand was secondary. This study showcases the role of coupled ocean-atmosphere interactions in Indian Ocean in regulating an extreme interannual variation of the ITF in 2016, which is a unique event in the observational record.
Deaths of Australian travellers overseas

OBJECTIVE To determine the number and causes of deaths of Australian citizens who died overseas in a 12-month period. DESIGN Retrospective survey of deaths reported to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates for the period July 1992 to June 1993. Data on Australians travelling overseas were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. RESULTS During the year 1992-1993, 2,299,500 Australians travelled overseas for less than 12 months (short term travellers), with an estimated mean trip duration of 6.3 weeks. Another 65,450 left for more than 12 months (long term travellers), and 27,910 left permanently (residents). Of the 421 recorded deaths, 289 were in short term travellers, 108 in long term travellers/residents and 24 in members of work parties. The annual crude mortality rate for short term travellers and work party members was estimated at about 0.1%. Men outnumbered women almost 4:1. Death rates increased with age, reflecting underlying medical problems in older travellers, with heart disease being the leading cause (146 deaths, 35%). Fatal trauma predominated in younger people. Accidents, mainly in traffic, accounted for 77 deaths (18%) and infections for 10 (2.4%), including two cases of malaria. Death rates varied between geographical regions, with New Zealand being the safest destination. CONCLUSIONS The risk of an Australian dying while travelling overseas is probably little different from that while staying home. The low level of fatal infections may result from preventive measures. Travellers should be aware of the danger of accidents, particularly traffic accidents, while overseas.
New Paradigms for Research on Heterosexual and Sexual-Minority Development

As psychological research on sexual-minority (i.e., nonheterosexual) adolescents has increased over the past 20 years, it has become increasingly segregated from research on mainstream heterosexual youths, as if the knowledge gleaned from each population had nothing to offer our understanding of the other. To the contrary, understanding of both populations would be greatly improved by integrating investigations of sexual-minority issues into mainstream psychological research on adolescents. I outline 4 weaknesses in contemporary research on sexual-minority youth that stem from-and perpetuate-its historical isolation from mainstream developmental research: misspecification of the populations under study, lack of attention to within-group diversity, failure to test alternative explanations for-and moderators of -"sexual-minority effects," and insufficient attention to the underlying processes and mechanisms through which sexual-minority effects operate. Correcting these weaknesses has important implications for future research on how same-sex and other-sex sexuality shape adolescent psychosocial development and clinical child and adolescent problems.