Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HDAC inhibition potentiates immunotherapy in triple negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a more aggressive and difficult subtype of breast cancer where responses to chemotherapy occur, but toxicity is significant and resistance often follows. Immunotherapy has shown promising results in various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Here, we investigated a new combination strategy where histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are applied with immune checkpoint inhibitors to improve immunotherapy responses in TNBC. Testing different epigenetic modifiers, we focused on the mechanisms underlying HDACi as priming modulators of immunotherapy. Tumor cells were co-cultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and flow cytometric immunophenotyping was performed to define the role of epigenetic priming in promoting tumor antigen presentation and immune cell activation. We found that HDACi up-regulate PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression in a time-dependent manner in TNBC cells, but not in hormone responsive cells. Focusing on TNBC, HDACi up-regulated PD-L1 and HLA-DR on tumor cells when co-cultured with PBMCs and down-regulated CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg in vitro. HDACi significantly enhanced the in vivo response to PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade in the triple-negative 4T1 breast cancer mouse model, the only currently available experimental system with functional resemblance to human TNBC. This resulted in a significant decrease in tumor growth and increased survival, associated with increased T cell tumor infiltration and a reduction in CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Overall, our results suggest a novel role for HDAC inhibition in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors and identify a promising therapeutic strategy, supporting its further clinical evaluation for TNBC treatment.
An Empirical Analysis of Employment, Migration, Local Public Services and Regional Income Growth in Appalachia

This study develops a five-equation simultaneous system in a partial lag-adjustment growth-equilibrium framework. It improved previous models in the growth-equilibrium tradition by explicitly modeling local government and regional income in the growth process. It also explicitly modeled gross in-migration and gross out-migration separately in order to spell out the differential effects. The results show the existence of feedback simultaneities among the endogenous variables of the model. This finding is important from economic policy perspective because it indicates that sector specific policies should be integrated and harmonized in order to achieve the desirable outcome. Under this circumstance, looking at the direct plus indirect impacts of a change in a given policy is important.
Effects of bone density in the time-dependent mechanical properties of human cortical bone by nanoindentation

Cortical bone is a composite and biological material with a multiscale hierarchical architecture (Ho Ba Tho et al. 2012). Effects of density in the mechanical response of cortical and cancellous bone have been widely characterized at the macro-scale (Hodgskinson and Currey 1992; Ammann and Rizzoli. 2003; Vanleene et al. 2008). Bone density is related to its mineral and organic composition and thus to their time-dependent mechanical properties. At the micro-scale, mechanical properties are commonly assessed by nanoindentation. However, the classical Oliver–Pharr method used to calculate the mechanical response is based on an elastic-plastic model (Oliver and Pharr 1992). Thus, time-dependent mechanical response cannot be assessed. However, specific protocols have been developed for time-dependent mechanical properties in organic and biological materials by nanoindentation (Oyen 2006; Mazeran et al. 2012). This study aims to assess the effects of different bone densities in the time-dependent mechanical response of human cortical bone by nanoindentation. The mechanical model reported by Mazeran et al. (2012) will be used to compute the time-dependent mechanical response.
It’s a Matter of Trust

Purpose: To examine perceptions of older African Americans’ encounters with health care providers and ways to enhance trust. Method: Transcribed semi-structured interviews with African American senior center members were analyzed, using Pattern Coding method. Results: Four themes emerged: “Added Insult of Ageism,” “Alternative Remedies,” “Good Providers in a ‘Broken’ System,” and “The Foundation of Trust Is Person Recognition. ” Provider behaviors leading to mistrust included erroneously assuming stereotypical preferences and competence, spending inadequate time listening to patients, disregarding patient preferences, and insufficiently explaining treatments. Discussion: Of importance to improving trust among older African American patients is valuing individual histories and preferences by reallocating scarce time to person-centered listening, individualizing treatments, more completely explaining interventions, and assuring that patients understand and agree with treatment plans.
A thermodynamic characterization of the interaction of 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid with native globular proteins: the effect of the ligand dimerization in the analysis of the binding isotherms

8‐Anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) is a popular fluorescence probe, broadly used for the analysis of proteins, but the nature of its interaction with proteins and the high increase in the fluorescence intensity that takes place upon such process are still unclear. In the last few years, isothermal titration calorimetry has been used to characterize the nature of the interaction of this dye with proteins. The analysis of the binding isotherms of these studies has not considered the dimerization equilibrium of ANS, which is pH dependent, and it can result in serious errors in the data analysis. In the present work we have developed a suitable data analysis by which this process is taken into account. To study the binding of the dye to proteins at different pH values, we have used the Abl‐SH3 domain. Our results suggest that at pH 3 and 5, where the dimerization of the ANS is important, electrostatic interactions are significant for the binding of ANS to the Abl‐SH3 domain. However, at pH 7, ANS behaves mostly as monomer and the interaction with the protein is mainly hydrophobic. The pH dependent behavior of the ANS binding to proteins can be explained in terms of ionization states of both, the protein and the ANS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HETEROSIS IN LONG GRAINS AROMATIC RICES FOR YIELD AND QUALITY COMPONENTS

Two CMS lines, IR 68888A and IR68891 A were crossed with six long grains (6.63 to 7.73 mm) aromatic rice varieties and resultant twelve hybrids were evaluated with better parent and standard check, Pusa Basmati-1 for different yield and quality characters. Out of 12, four hybrids exhibited significant negative standard heterosis for days to maturity, whereas out of which one hybrid, IR6888A x PB-5-14-50-1 also showed significant negative standard heterosis for plant height. The heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for grain yield per plant in hybrids ranged from 11.72 to 89.29% and 18.48 to 104.7%, respectively. Six hybrids exhibited higher degree of heterrobeltiosis and standard heterosis for grain yield. Overall three hybrids viz., IR68888AxPB-6-12-24-4, IR68888AxPB- 5-14-50-1 and IR68888 Ax Hawn Kikwani in the present study were identified superior over standard check for most of the yield and quality characters whereas two hybrids, IR68888xAPB-6-12-24-4 and IR68891AxPB-8-48-59-2 showed high heterosis as well as high outcrossing potential which can be exploited further in hybrid rice breeding programme.
Comparative Simulation Study Of LEACH-Like And HEED-Like Protocols Deployed In Wireless Sensor Networks

WSNs represents one of the most interesting research areas with deep impact on technological development because of their potential usage in a wide variety of applications such as fire monitoring, border surveillance medical care, and highway traffic coordination. Therefore, WSNs researchers have defined many routing protocols for this type of network. In this paper, we have implemented and analyzed different clustering protocols, namely LEACH, LEACH-C, LEACH-1R, and HEED using MATLAB environment. These routing protocols are compared in different terms such as residual energy, data delivery to the base station, number of rounds and live nodes.
All-optical logical operation in photonic wire nano-cavities

One of the major topics of interest in recent research on photonics is the study and development of photonic structures for fast signal processing signal for telecom applications. These kinds of structures are required to be compact and compatible with monolithic integration into one CMOS chip. The combination of one-dimensional photonic crystal structures with narrow waveguides in high refractive index contrast materials such as silicon-on insulator (SOI) can satisfy all the requirements.
Env gene products of AKR dual-tropic viruses: examination of peptide maps and cell surface expression

The env gene products of nine AKR dual-tropic murine leukemia viruses were compared by peptide mapping and were assayed for expression on the cell surface of infected fibroblasts. Seven virus isolates expressed the env gene polyprotein on the cell surface. The env gene products of six of the seven viruses had identical peptide maps. The analysis of structure and expression of env gene products carried out in this study characterizes a subset of dual-tropic murine leukemia viruses shown by others to be thymotropic.
miR-590-3p Is a Novel MicroRNA in Myocarditis by Targeting Nuclear Factor Kappa-B in vivo

Objective: Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-induced inflammation leads to myocarditis and heart dysfunction. How microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to this process is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNAs regulate NF-κB-induced inflammation in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in vivo. Methods and Results: NF-κB and its related proinflammatory genes, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), were activated in EAM. Profiling of NF-κB-related miRNAs revealed that miR-590-3p was strikingly reduced in EAM. We found IL-6-induced proinflammatory signaling via miR-590-3p reduction, p50 induction, NF-κB activation and IL-6/TNF-a expression. Moreover, a luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-590-3p directly interacted with the 3' UTR (untranslated region) of the p50 subunit, and that miR-590-3p overexpression inhibited p50 expression. Finally, miR-590-3p transfection through adeno-associated virus significantly inhibited p50 expression, suppressed NF-κB activity and blocked IL-6/TNF-a expression in vivo, reducing the lesion area and improving cardiac function in EAM. Conclusion: miR-590-3p is a novel NF-κB-related miRNA that directly targets the p50 subunit. This may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of myocarditis.
Rapid Diagnosis of Tuberculous Pleural Effusion by IS6110 Sequence Based PCR

Diagnosis of EPTB has always been a challenge. PCR-based assays using the insertion-like sequence element IS6110 have shown considerable promise in clinical studies. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the role of PCR in the laboratory diagnosis of Tuberculous pleural effusion in comparison to conventional bacteriological techniques in Indian settings. One hundred and five, nonrepeated clinical samples from patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were collected and were processed for Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining for acid fast bacilli (AFB) and culture on Lowenstein-Jensen medium and Middle brook 7H9 medium. All the sampled were also processed for IS6110 based PCR amplification with primers targeting 123 bp fragment of insertion element IS6110 of the M.tuberculosis complex. Of these 105 samples, four (3.8%) were positive for acid fast bacilli by ZN staining, 21(20%) were positive for Mycobacteria by Culture and 73 (70%) were positive for M.tuberculosis complex by IS6110 based PCR. Our studies reveal that the IS6110 based PCR methodology for the detection of the M. tuberculosis complex in the pleural fluid is a highly sensitive, specific and reproducible method for early diagnosis of TPE. PCR targeting IS6110 can be applied when there is strong clinical suspicion, especially when the conventional techniques are negative.
Detection of CO and Ethane in Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner: Evidence for Variable Chemistry in the Outer Solar Nebula

Ethane and carbon monoxide were detected in a short-period comet of probable Kuiper Belt origin. Ethane is substantially less abundant compared with Hyakutake and Hale-Bopp, two comets from the giant-planet region of the solar nebula, suggesting a heliocentric gradient in ethane in precometary ices. It is argued that processing by X-rays from the young Sun may be responsible.
Restoration of angiogenesis by enalapril in diabetic hindlimb ischemic rats.

BACKGROUND Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have different effects on the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of enalapril on skeletal muscle angiogenesis in diabetic and diabetic hind limb ischemic rats. METHODS We studied 24 male diabetic rats (induced by streptozotocin, 55 mg/kg, ip) divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 were diabetic sham (surgical procedure without femoral artery ligation). Groups 3 and 4 were diabetic animals subjected to induced hind limb ischemia. Groups 2 and 4 received enalapril (15 mg/kg/day, i.p) and groups 1 and 3 received an equal volume of saline. After 21 days, capillary density, capillary to fiber (cap/fib) ratio and serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and soluble VEGF Receptor-1 (sVEGF-R1) were evaluated. RESULTS Enalapril significantly increased serum NO and VEGF concentrations and reduced serum sVEGF-R1 concentrations in diabetic sham and hind limb ischemic rats (p<0.05). Administration of enalapril significantly increased capillary density and cap/fib ratio in diabetic sham and hind limb ischemic animals compared with nontreated groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Enalapril restores skeletal muscle angiogenesis in diabetic hind limb ischemia and can be considered for the prevention and treatment of peripheral artery disease in diabetic subjects.
Molecular analysis of secretor type α(1,2)‐fucosyltransferase gene mutations in the Chinese and Thai populations

BACKGROUND: The human Lewis histo‐blood group system belongs to a family of structurally related oligosaccharides. The mutations of fucosyltransferase genes α(1,2)‐fucosyltransferase (FUT2 or Se) and α(1,3/1,4)‐fucosyltransferase (FUT3 or Le), are responsible for the polymorphism of Lewis blood group phenotypes. However, a population study of the FUT2 mutation in Chinese and Thais has not yet been done, and there is some controversy about the phenotypes of Le(a+b+) and Le(a+b‐).
Medical students as teachers at CoSMO, Columbia University's student-run clinic: A pilot study and literature review

Background: Although medical students are expected to teach as soon as they begin residency, medical schools have just recently begun adding teacher training to their curricula. Student-run clinics (SRCs) may provide opportunities in clinical teaching before residency. Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to examine students’ experiences in clinical teaching at Columbia Student Medical Outreach (CoSMO), Columbia University's SRC, during the 2009–2010 school year. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used. Data included closed and open-ended surveys (n = 34), combined interviews with preclinical and clinical student pairs (n = 5), individual interviews (n = 10), and focus groups (n = 3). The transcripts were analyzed using the principles of grounded theory. Results: Many students had their first clinical teaching experience while volunteering at CoSMO. Clinical students’ ability to teach affected the quality of the learning experience for their preclinical peers. Preclinical students who asked questions and engaged in patient care challenged their clinical peers to balance teaching with patient care. Clinical students began to see themselves as teachers while volunteering at CoSMO. Conclusion: The practical experiences in clinical teaching that students have at SRCs can supplement classroom-based trainings. Medical schools might revisit their SRCs as places for exposure to clinical teaching.
The Case for Computer-Mediated Reading: "Une vie de boy.".

Great emphasis has recently been placed on communicative competence in foreign language undergraduate education (Birckbichler and Corl, 1993; Phillips, 1993). However, many students are not acquiring the ability to think and write critically about literature in a second language, creating a curricular gap between the study of languages and literature in many undergraduate language programs. ' Recent class evaluations of intermediate-level students, who typically begin reading excerpts of authentic texts in the third semester of French undergraduate study, revealed difficulty and even intense dislike of reading short passages of French literature. Many plausible explanations occurred to us-cultural biases or stereotypes, syntactical and structural differences between the native and target languages, and a lack of interest in the subject of the reading. But the most daunting problem for foreign language readers may well be the sheer number of unfamiliar words and the frustration of relying on brief definitions in printed dictionaries. The problem for many undergraduate language students is further complicated because they often lack the appropriate cognitive framework to make sense of the new information presented by foreign texts (Bernhardt, 1990, 1991; Swaffar et al., 1991). The potential for misunderstanding exists whenever the living culture of the students is markedly different from the culture of the historical framework of the text. To fur-
Far-Ultraviolet Imaging of the Hubble Deep Field-North: Star Formation in Normal Galaxies at z < 1

We present far-ultraviolet (FUV) imaging of the Hubble Deep Field-North (HDF-N) taken with the Solar Blind Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS SBC) and the FUV MAMA detector of the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph onboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The full WFPC2 deep field has been observed at 1600 Å. We detect 134 galaxies and one star down to a limit of FUVAB ∼ 29. All sources have counterparts in the WFPC2 image. Redshifts (spectroscopic or photometric) for the detected sources are in the range 0 < z < 1. We find that the FUV galaxy number counts are higher than those reported by GALEX, which we attribute at least in part to cosmic variance in the small HDF-N field of view. Six of the 13 Chandra sources at z < 0.85 in the HDF-N are detected in the FUV, and those are consistent with starbursts rather than active galactic nuclei. Cross-correlating with Spitzer sources in the field, we find that the FUV detections show general agreement with the expected LIR/LUV versus β relationship. We infer star formation rates (SFRs), corrected for extinction using the UV slope, and find a median value of 0.3 M⊙ yr-1 for FUV-detected galaxies, with 75% of detected sources having SFR < 1 M⊙ yr-1. Examining the morphological distribution of sources, we find that about half of all FUV-detected sources are identified as spiral galaxies. Half of morphologically selected spheroid galaxies at z < 0.85 are detected in the FUV, suggesting that such sources have had significant ongoing star formation in the epoch since z ∼ 1.
A Quality Improvement Project Comparing Two Regimens of Medication for Colonoscopy Preparation

As part of an ongoing performance evaluation and Quality Improvement (QI) program at the U. S. National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, two bowel preparations that were concurrently in use (Fleet® Phospho-soda® and Colyte®/Dulcolax®) were evaluated for patient tolerance and preference, efficacy, and cost. Anonymous patient questionnaires were distributed during a three-phase assessment that took place over an 18-month period. This approach identified preconceived ideas regarding bowel preparations and contributed to development of objective information regarding the bowel preparations currently available. The outcome of this QI project altered the previous routine and resulted in the adoption of Fleet Phospho-soda as the preferred medication for colon preparation prior to colonoscopy, based on superior bowel cleansing as judged by the physicians, higher patient preference and compliance, similar tolerance, and lower cost.
Immunosuppressive effects of red blood cells on monocytes are related to both storage time and storage solution

BACKGROUND: Reduced monocyte function is associated with adverse outcomes from critical illness. Red blood cells (RBCs) are thought to impair monocyte function but relationships between RBC storage solution and monocyte suppression are unknown. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that immunosuppressive effects of RBCs on monocytes are related to both storage time and preservative solution.
Observations on Questing Activity of Adult Ixodes brunneus Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) in Mississippi

Abstract: The tick Ixodes brunneus Koch is a rare species occurring primarily in North America, where it feeds on many species of passeriform birds. Virtually nothing is known about the questing activity of this tick, although adults often stand with their front legs straight up, suggesting that they quest from a horizontal position. The present study analyzed I. brunneus questing behavior based on field data from drag cloth collections in northern Mississippi, as well as observational laboratory data from 10 I. brunneus ticks released into an experimental “questing apparatus. ” Ten ticks of a related species, I. scapularis Say, were used for comparison, and there were 3 replications each trial. Eight I. brunneus adults were collected along a nature trail in a northern Mississippi park during 20 total swaths with a drag cloth over a 2-day period (each time 5 swaths in the middle of the trail, with little or no vegetation; and 5 swaths along the edge of the trail, with taller vegetation). All 8 ticks were collected in the middle of the trail in vegetation no taller than 40 mm. In the laboratory experiment, the majority (>70%) of ticks of both species made no attempt to climb the metal or wood artificial stems, but instead they crawled around on the substratum. In 8/30 instances, I. brunneus climbed metal artificial stems to various heights as opposed to 4/30 instances for I. scapularis. Sometimes, ticks of both species seemed to quest at the base of both types of artificial stems. The mean height for questing by I. scapularis on metal stems was 38.2 mm as opposed to 31.8 mm for I. brunneus. Although the mean height was slightly higher for I. scapularis compared with I. brunneus, there was no statistical difference in questing heights observed between the 2 species. Ixodes brunneus and I. scapularis climbed wooden artificial stems in only 2/30 instances for each tick species, again with no statistical difference in questing heights between species. The field observations suggest that I. brunneus quests at ground level; however, laboratory simulations revealed that although the average height climbed was below 40 mm, they sometimes climb artificial stems to greater heights (approximately 50 mm in 4 instances).