Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deficiency of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase δ Signaling Leads to Diminished Numbers of Regulatory T Cells and Increased Neutrophil Activity Resulting in Mortality Due to Endotoxic Shock

Despite decades of clinical and biomedical research, the pathogenesis of sepsis and its spectrum of diseases (severe sepsis and septic shock), which are leading causes of death in intensive care units, are still poorly understood. In this article, we show that signaling via the p110δ isoform of PI3K is critical for survival in experimental sepsis. Mice with an inactive knock-in mutation in the p110δ gene (p110δD910A) succumbed acutely to nonlethal dose LPS challenge. The susceptibility of p110δD910A mice to LPS was associated with increased neutrophil numbers and activities in the tissues, due in part to delayed apoptosis resulting mostly from inherent reduced regulatory T cell (Treg) numbers. Adoptive transfer of wild-type or p110δD910A Tregs abrogated exaggerated neutrophil activity, increased neutrophil apoptosis, and rescued p110δD910A mice from mortality after LPS challenge. We confirmed the clinical relevance of these findings by showing that human Tregs also regulate neutrophil function and survival. Collectively, our results show that PI3K δ is essential for survival during sepsis. In addition, our data highlight the importance of Tregs in regulating the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock via their effects on neutrophil survival and function, and provide evidence of regulation of innate immunity by cells of the adaptive immune system.
Fast track randomized controlled trial to prevent externalizing psychiatric disorders: findings from grades 3 to 9.

OBJECTIVE This study tests the efficacy of the Fast Track Program in preventing antisocial behavior and psychiatric disorders among groups varying in initial risk. METHOD Schools within four sites (Durham, NC; Nashville, TN; Seattle, WA; and rural central Pennsylvania) were selected as high-risk institutions based on neighborhood crime and poverty levels. After screening 9,594 kindergarteners in these schools, 891 highest risk and moderate-risk children (69% male and 51% African American) were randomly assigned by matched sets of schools to intervention or control conditions. The 10-year intervention (begun in 1991 with three yearly cohorts) included parent behavior-management training, child social-cognitive skills training, reading tutoring, home visiting, mentoring, and a universal classroom curriculum. Outcomes included criterion counts and psychiatric diagnoses after grades 3, 6, and 9 for conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, any externalizing disorder, and self-reported antisocial behavior. Grade 9 outcomes were assessed between 2000 and 2003, depending upon cohort. RESULTS Significant interaction effects between intervention and initial risk level were found at each age but most strongly after grade 9. Assignment to intervention had a significant positive effect in lowering criterion count scores and diagnoses for conduct disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and any externalizing disorder, and lowering antisocial behavior scores, but only among those at highest risk initially. CONCLUSIONS Prevention of serious antisocial behavior can be efficacious across sex, ethnicity, and urban/rural residence, but screening is essential.
Cohort splitting in bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, in the US mid-Atlantic Bight

Atlantic bluefish exhibit cohort splitting, whereby two modes of juvenile recruits originate from spatially distinct spring- and summer-spawning regions in US Atlantic shelf waters. We evaluate the pattern of cohort splitting in a transition area (US Maryland coastal region and Chesapeake Bay) between the two major spawning regions. Spring and summer cohorts were differentially represented in Maryland estuarine (Chesapeake Bay) and coastal waters. The spring cohort was dominant in Chesapeake Bay, but was not well represented in the ocean environment, and the converse true for the summer cohort. We hypothesized that ocean temperatures control the bimodal spawning behavior and extent of cohort splitting. As evidence, we observed an intervening early summer cohort produced in years when shelf temperatures during early summer were suitably warm for spawning. In most years however, two dominant cohorts were evident. We propose that vernal warming dynamics in the mid-Atlantic Bight influence spawning behavior and the resultant bimodal pattern of seasonal juvenile cohort production commonly observed along the US east coast.
Salivary Soluble CD 44 : A Potential Molecular Marker for Head and Neck Cancer

Objective: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating disease which is cured only 50% of the time. If diagnosed early, survival rates could reach 80%, but there is currently no practical method for early detection. CD44 comprises a family of isoforms that, in certain tumors, are alternatively spliced and overexpressed in tissues and circulation. Here we examine salivary soluble CD44 (solCD44) expression in HNSCC patients and normal controls to determine its potential as a screening tool. Method: We did a solCD44 ELISA on saliva from 26 HNSCC patients, 10 normal volunteers, conditioned media (CM) of 4 HNSCC cell lines, and 1 CD44-negative cell line (COS-7). Western blot was done on CM from 2 HNSCC cell lines (UMSS11B and FaDu), COS-7, 3 HNSCC, and 2 normal saliva specimens to verify ELISA antibody specificity. SolCD44 levels were significantly elevated in HNSCC patients compared with normal controls (7.85 ng/mL for HNSCC patients and 1.09 ng/mL for normal controls, P < 0.001). Results: The test detected 79% of mucosally invasive HNSCC using preliminary cutoff points. SolCD44 levels did not vary significantly with tumor size, stage, recurrence, history of radiation treatment, or tobacco and alcohol risk factors. A 65 to 75 kDa band, corresponding to solCD44, was detected in all of the HNSCC cell line CM and saliva whereas normal samples showed a fainter band or were undetectable. Conclusion: In this preliminary analysis, the salivary solCD44 ELISA seems to effectively detect HNSCC at all stages. Further study is indicated because early detection is clearly important in this disease. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14(3):735–9)
Medical Management of Urinary Calculi: Up to Date 2016

Nephrolithiasis (NL) is one of the most prevalent nontransmissible diseases in western countries. It is being associated with other frequent diseases, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, through a putative common link with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance or altered mineral metabolism. This review will focus on classification, physicochemical basis, risk factors, laboratory and imaging investigations, medical management. Classification as to stone composition includes calcium, uric acid (UA), cystine (Cys), infected, 2-8 dihydroxyadenine and rare NL. According to pathophysiology, NL is classified as primary, secondary to systemic diseases or drugs, caused by renal or metabolic hereditary disorders. A stone can only form in supersaturated environment, and this is sufficient in UA, Cys and infected NL, but not in Ca-NL, which results from the imbalance between supersaturation and inhibition. All types are characterized by derangements of peculiar risk factors. Laboratory investigations aim at identifying type of NL, underlying risk factors and state of saturation, and pathophysiology. This justifies a rationale therapy able to dissolve some types of stones and/or produce reduction in recurrence rate in others. Medical management includes alkali and allopurinol for UA nephrolithiasis (UA-NL), thiols and alkali in Cys-NL, dietary and pharmacological intervention for Ca-NL. Thiazides and alkaline citrate salts are the most widely used drugs in Ca-NL, where they proved efficient to prevent new stones. Other drugs have only been used in particular subsets. Proper medical management and modern urological approaches have already notably improved clinical outcomes. Future studies will further clarify mechanisms of NL with expected new and targeted therapeutic options.
Functional characterization of the human multidrug transporter, ABCG2, expressed in insect cells.

ABCG2 (also called MXR (3), BCRP (4), or ABCP (5) is a recently-identified ABC half-transporter, which causes multidrug resistance in cancer. Here we report that the expression of the ABCG2 protein in Sf9 insect cells resulted in a high-capacity, vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity in isolated membrane preparations. ABCG2 was expressed underglycosylated, and its ATPase activity was stimulated by daunorubicin, doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, prazosin and rhodamine 123, compounds known to be transported by this protein. ABCG2-ATPase was inhibited by low concentrations of Na-orthovanadate, N-ethylmaleimide and cyclosporin A. Verapamil had no effect, while Fumitremorgin C, reversing ABCG2-dependent cancer drug resistance, strongly inhibited this ATPase activity. The functional expression of ABCG2 in this heterologous system indicates that no additional partner protein is required for the activity of this multidrug transporter, probably working as a homodimer. We suggest that the Sf9 cell membrane ATPase system is an efficient tool for examining the interactions of ABCG2 with pharmacological agents.
Affective computing: A fuzzy approach

The recent developments in the field of Human-Computer Interaction have emphasized the focus of design more towards user-centered rather than computer-centered approach. This led to design of interfaces which are highly effective, intelligent and adaptive, and can adjust themselves with respect to the user's behavioral changes. Such designs are called intelligent and affective interfaces. The proposed framework is designed for affective computing machines, which can sense and adapt according to the moods and emotions of the user, using Fuzzy and Image processing techniques.
Planting Food or Fuel: Developing an Interdisciplinary Approach to Understanding the Role of Culture in Farmers' Decisions to Grow Second-Generation, Biofuel Feedstock Crops

Recent interest in biofuels as an alternative energy source has spurred considerable changes in agricultural practice worldwide. These changes will be more pronounced as second-generation biofuels, such as switch grass, gain prominence; this article examines the cultural factors associated with the decisions U.S. farmers face in targeting crops for fuel production instead of food. Through an interdisciplinary assessment of the dynamics of farmers' behavior, developed herein is a theoretical framework to analyze how farmers grapple with shifting expectations of their function.
Anticipatory Symptoms and Anticipatory Immune Responses in Pediatric Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: Features of a Classically Conditioned Response?

UNLABELLED There is considerable evidence from studies in adult patients that classical conditioning contributes to anticipatory nausea and/or vomiting (ANV) in cancer chemotherapy: The stimuli predicting the infusion serve as conditioned stimuli (CS). When reexposed to the CS, some patients experience ANV prior to infusion onset. In adult patients, anticipatory immunomodulation (AIM) has also been observed. The present study examines whether ANV and AIM occur in pediatric cancer patients and whether they show features of a conditioned response. METHODS Nineteen pediatric cancer patients (M = 10.1 years, > 2 previous chemotherapies) were studied over two consecutive cycles (A, B). In both cycles, self-reported symptoms, for example nausea and vomiting, were recorded from two days prior to the onset (Day -2), during infusion, and two days after the end of the infusion (Day +2). In Cycle B, blood was drawn at home at Day -2, and at Day 0 in the hospital prior to infusion onset, thus using a quasi-experimental variation of the CS content of the environment. Immune parameters valid for tumor defense and cytotoxic competence (natural killer cell activity [NKCA], plasma interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-2, IL-10, interferon [IFN]-gamma, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha) and cortisol were measured. RESULTS ANV was reported by 7 patients in at least one cycle. In Cycle A, ANV was positively associated with emetogenity of chemotherapy. Features of ANV-duration and occurrence-tended to be positively associated with those of posttreatment nausea and vomiting. AN increased as infusion onset time approached. NKCA and IFN-gamma increased from home to hospital, independent from cortisol level. The NKCA increase was predominantly observed in patients with ANV. CONCLUSIONS ANV in pediatric patients showed features of a CR. Immune parameters were sensitive to the CS content of the environment, predominantly in patients with ANV. This is consistent with the manifestation of multiple CRs.
DIFFUSION‐CHAMBER TECHNIQUES FOR STUDIES OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY

The diffusion-chamber technique is a form of iii vho tissue culture in which cells may be grown within a porous chamber, nourished by body fluids, but separated by filters from direct contact with cells and tissues of the host. ’-J The physical separation of graft from the host by filters results in a simplification of the complex iiz vioo environment of transplanted tissues and thus permits a more precise experimental analysis of certain problems of host-graft interaction. Filters of cellulose derivatives are available from several sources. * The hIillipore filters used in the studies to be discussed here are described as highly porous cellulose ester structures, containing numerous uniform and submicroscopic channels, the pore size of which can be controlled in the manufacturing pr0cess.j It was found that filters of 0.45 p average porosity or less allowed few if any host cells to pass through, whereas filters of 0.8 1.1 or greater average porosity permitted the free passage of host leukocytes and macrophages. In one design of chamber? the filters are sealed to two sizes of plexiglas rings that fit together. They are sealed with a solution of plexiglas in acetone and sterilized in ethylene oxide. The implant or suspension is placed on the larger of the two filters, and the two rings with their attached filters are fitted together and sealed with the Plexiglas-acetone cement. The chambers are placed subcutaneously or in the peritoneal cavity of mice and removed for fixation or biological assessment of cell survival after varying intervals of time. Duthie5 has used a simplified chamber for subcutaneous or intramuscular implantation in which the filters are attached to transparent adhesive tape. Another form of the diffusion chamber was designed to permit the introduction of suspensions of cells or the removal of cell-free filtrates for serological or chemical analysis.6 For the observation of living cells, the filters have been adapted for use with a transparent chamber inserted under the skin of mice.2 Our studies on homograftst within diffusion chambers grew out of an observation of K. 11. Nerwin in our laboratory that small unvascularized homografts of normal tissues survived in the subcutaneous site of mice because they did not initiate immunity? Such unvascularized homografts were soon destroyed, however, if the host was made immune by another graft which became vascularized. Since nonvascularized homografts survive and do not initiate immunity in
The Sky’s the Limit: Factors That Affect Females’ Decisions to Become Professional Pilots

Despite evidence of males and females having generally comparable abilities as pilots, very few women choose this career path. According to the Federal Aviation Administration database of aviators, approximately 7% of the total pilot population in the United States is female, and 5% of professional pilot ratings are held by women. These statistics have been consistent for several decades. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain a better understanding of why females decide to become professional pilots. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 women who, at the time of this study, were employed or had been previously employed as professional pilots. Interviews with the participants revealed how they became interested in an aviation career and what factors played the most significant role in their decision-making process. Analysis of the data show that the participants became interested in flying for one of three reasons: influence of a role model, experience of a lived event, or a personal epiphany. These findings were then considered in a discussion of how to attract future women pilots. The information obtained from this study may contribute to an understanding of what factors are the most influential in the choice to enter aviation and how to increase the number of female pilots. Recommendations include increasing the number of role models and outreach events and educating girls about career possibilities in aviation. Document Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Josephine Moffett Second Supervisor Janice Girardi Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: https://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/393 The Sky’s the Limit: Factors That Affect Females’ Decisions to Become Professional Pilots
A Review of Non-Invasive Haptic Feedback stimulation Techniques for Upper Extremity Prostheses

A sense of touch is essential for amputees to reintegrate into their social and work life. The design of the next generation of the prostheses will have the ability to effectively convey the tactile information between the amputee and the artificial limbs. This work reviews non-invasive haptic feedback stimulation techniques to convey the tactile information from the prosthetic hand to the amputee’s brain. Various types of actuators that been used to stimulate the patient’s residual limb for different types of artificial prostheses in previous studies have been reviewed in terms of functionality, effectiveness, wearability and comfort. The non-invasive hybrid feedback stimulation system was found to be better in terms of the stimulus identification rate of the haptic prostheses’ users. It can be conclude that integrating hybrid haptic feedback stimulation system with the upper limb prostheses leads to improving its acceptance among users.
Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of banana pulp and peel flours: influence of variety and stage of ripeness

The influence of variety (Cavendish and Dream), stage of ripeness (green and ripe) and parts (pulp and peel) on antioxidative compounds and antioxidant activity of banana fruit was investigated. The TPC and TFC ranged widely from 75.01 to 685.57 mg GAE/100 g and 39.01 to 389.33 mg CEQ/100 g of dry matter respectively. Cavendish banana flour contained higher TPC and TFC compared to Dream variety. TPC and TFC values of banana peel were higher than those of banana pulp. Also, green banana showed higher TPC and TFC values than those of ripe fruit. Radical scavenging activities (inhibition of DPPH) of the extracts ranged from 26.55 to 52.66%. Although Dream banana peel extracts appeared to have low TPC and TFC, its antioxidant activities were ranked moderate to high. This implies that antioxidative compounds other than phenolics and flavonoids were probably responsible for inhibition of DPPH.
Discovering Stock Trading Preferences by Self-Organizing Maps and Decision Trees

Stock trading activities are always very popular in many countries. Generally, investors with various backgrounds have different preferences over the stocks they trade. In literature, a number of studies examine the institutions' holding preferences for certain stock characteristics when choosing the security portfolio. However, very few studies investigate the stock trading preferences of individual investors. In this paper, we focus on two factors which affect the portfolio choices of investors, which are stock characteristics and investor features. In particular, a self-organizing map (SOM) is used to group a certain number of clusters based on a chosen dataset. Then, the decision tree model is used to extract useful rules from the clusters which contain the most trading records in the sample. We find that if the investors are females, less wealthy, and make stock trades with lower frequencies, they will be more careful and conservative. On the other hand, if the investors are males, having a high level of wealth, and make stock trades very often, they tend to choose stocks with high EPS, high market-to-book, and high prices.
Intelligent Use of Intelligence Tests

It is well established that Canadians produce higher raw scores than their U.S. counterparts on intellectual assessments. As a result of these differences in ability along with smaller variability in the population’s intellectual performance, Canadian normative data will yield lower standard scores for most raw score points compared to U.S. norms. Two recent studies have questioned the utility of the WAIS–IV Canadian norms based on the performance of a mixed clinical sample of post-secondary students. These studies suggest that a greater proportion of cases from their mixed clinical samples fall below a full-scale IQ of 85 using the WAIS–IV Canadian norms than should be “expected. ” The purpose of the current study is threefold: First, to summarize the consistent finding of Canada–U.S. differences on measures of ability and present new empirical analyses to demonstrate these results are not due to a smaller sample size for Canadian norms. Second, and most importantly, matched sample comparisons demonstrate that the proportion of low scoring individuals (FSIQ < 85) in mixed clinical samples is consistent with the rates published by recent studies, and not greater than expected. Third, we offer evidence-based advice to clinicians practicing in Canada on the appropriate use of Canadian norms for Canadian clients during an individual assessment of intellectual functioning.
Effect of sediment on the fate of metolachlor and atrazine in surface water

In aquatic environments, pesticides can partition between the dissolved phase and particulate phase depending on the type of suspended sediment present and the physical and chemical properties of the pesticides and water. Particulate matter and sediment can alter the bioavailability of contaminants to organisms and therefore influence their toxicity and availability for microbial degradation. Experiments were conducted to determine the degradation of atrazine (6‐chloro‐N‐ethyl‐N′‐(1‐methylethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diamine) and metolachlor (2‐chloro‐N‐(2‐ethyl‐6‐methylphenyl)‐N‐(methooxyprop‐2‐yl)acetamide) in surface water, and to evaluate the contribution of sediment to their dissipation. Sediment significantly reduced concentrations of atrazine and metolachlor in the surface water as a result of greater degradation, evident by increased quantities of degradates in the surface water, and the partitioning of the herbicide or herbicide degradates in the sediment. First‐order 50% dissipation time (DT50) values for atrazine and metolachlor were 42 and 8 d in the surface water‐sediment incubation systems, which were almost four times less than the DT50s calculated for the sediment‐free systems. The results of this research illustrate the importance of sediment in the fate of pesticides in surface water. Greater comprehension of the role of sediment to sequester or influence degradation of agrichemicals in aquatic systems will provide a better understanding of the bioavailability and potential toxicity of these contaminants to aquatic organisms.