Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Surfactant Protein D Suppresses Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Downregulating TGF-β

Human surfactant protein-D (SP-D), an innate immune pattern recognition soluble factor, is known to modulate a range of cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-α and TGF-β at mucosal surfaces during infection, allergy, and inflammation. A recent study has shown that treatment with a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) for 48 h induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Our hypothesis is that at earlier time points, SP-D can also influence key cytokines as a part of its putative role in the immune surveillance against pancreatic cancer, where the inflammatory tumor microenvironment contributes to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and metastasis. Here, we provide the first evidence that rfhSP-D can suppress the invasive-mesenchymal properties of highly aggressive pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, rfhSP-D inhibited TGF-β expression in a range of pancreatic cancer cell lines, Panc-1, MiaPaCa-2, and Capan-2, thereby reducing their invasive potential. Smad2/3 expression diminished in the cytoplasm of rfhSP-D-treated cells as compared to the untreated control, suggesting that an interrupted signal transduction negatively affected the transcription of key mesenchymal genes. Thus, expressions of Vimentin, Zeb1, and Snail were found to be downregulated upon rfhSP-D treatment in the pancreatic cancer cell lines. Furthermore, blocking TGF-β with neutralizing antibody showed similar downregulation of mesenchymal markers as seen with rfhSP-D treatment. This study highlights yet another novel innate immune surveillance role of SP-D where it interferes with EMT induction by attenuating TGF-β pathway in pancreatic cancer.
Water‐soluble substances of wheat: a potential preventer of aflatoxin B1‐induced liver damage in broilers

&NA; Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is very harmful for broiler production and public health. The water‐soluble castoff in gluten production, i.e., the water‐soluble substances of wheat (WSW) that contains 14% pentosan has positive effect on animal nutrient absorption, immunity, and antioxidation. Our study aims to investigate the preventive effects of WSW against AFB1‐induced broiler liver injury. One day‐old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly separated to 4 groups and were, respectively, fed with control diet, diet with 5 mg/kg AFB1 standard, diet with 5 mg/kg AFB1 standard and 214 ml/kg WSW, and diet with 214 ml/kg WSW continuously for 28 d. The histopathological, ultra‐structural, and serological changes were tested to evaluate liver damage. The hallmarks of hepatocellular autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammation were measured by Western Blot and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The content of AFB1 in chicken liver was detected with an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography linked with the fluorescence detection method. The results showed that (i) WSW restored AFB1‐induced changes in serum biochemical parameters, and ameliorated histomorphological changes in hepatocytes, (ii) WSW reduced the content of AFB1 in chicken liver, (iii) WSW alleviated AFB1‐induced autophagy inhibition by up‐regulating hepatic LC3, beclin‐1, and down‐regulating hepatic mTOR and cytoplasmic P53 expressions, (iv) WSW alleviated AFB1‐induced hepatocellular apoptosis via inhibiting pro‐apoptotic gene expression (nuclear P53, Caspase3, Bax), and promoting anti‐apoptotic gene expression (bcl‐2), (v) WSW feeding ameliorated AFB1‐induced liver inflammation via impeding TLR4/NF‐κB and IL‐1/NF‐κB signaling pathways, down‐regulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1&bgr;, IL‐6, and IL‐8), and markedly up‐regulating anti‐inflammatory genes (IL‐10 and HO‐1). Conclusively, WSW is a potential preventer of AFB1‐induced broiler liver damage by reducing the AFB1 content in liver, accelerating hepatocellular autophagy and inhibiting hepatocytes apoptosis and liver inflammation.
US dietary guidelines: is saturated fat a nutrient of concern?

US public health dietary advice was announced by the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human needs in 1977 and was followed by UK public health dietary advice issued by the National Advisory Committee on Nutritional Education in 1983. Dietary recommendations in both cases focused on reducing dietary fat intake; specifically to (i) reduce overall fat consumption to 30% of total energy intake and (ii) reduce saturated fat consumption to 10% of total energy intake. The recommendations were an attempt to address the incidence of coronary heart disease. These guidelines have been reiterated in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans since the first edition in 1980. The most recent edition has positioned the total fat guideline with the use of ‘Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges’. The range given for total fat is 20%–35% and the AMDR for saturated fat is given as <10%—both as a percentage of daily calorie intake. In February 2018, the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion announced ‘The US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services currently are asking for public comments on topics and supporting scientific questions to inform our development of the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans’. Public comments were invited on a number of nutritional topics. The question asked about saturated fats was: ‘What is the relationship between saturated fat consumption (types and amounts) during adulthood and risk of cardiovascular disease? ’ This article is a response to that question.
Vanishing industries and the rising monopoly of universities in published research

Anecdotes abound regarding the decline of basic research in industrial and governmental settings, but very little empirical evidence exists about the phenomenon. This article provides a systematic and historical analysis of the contribution of various institutional sectors to knowledge production at the world and country levels across the past four decades. It highlights a dramatic decline in the diffusion of basic research by industrial and governmental sectors across all countries—with a corresponding increase in the share from universities—as well as an increase of partnerships between universities and other sectors. Results also shows an increase in the relative share of industries in applied research, as measured through patents. Such divergence in university and industry research activities may hinder industries’ ability to translate basic knowledge into technological innovation, and could lead to a growing misalignment between doctoral training and future job expectations. Industries and universities must rethink strategies for partnerships and publishing to maximize scientific progress and to ensure the greatest gains for society.
Traumatic event exposure associated with increased food insecurity and eating disorder pathology

Abstract Objective The primary aim was to investigate the association between food insecurity (FI) and eating disorders, which are nutrition-based public health problems, with traumatic event exposure in a low-income marginalized population. The study also investigated the association between traumatic event exposure, anxiety and weight stigma. Design The study used self-report surveys in a cross-sectional design. Setting Food pantries affiliated with the local food bank in a major US city. Subjects Participants (n 503) consisted of clients presenting to food pantries. Participants were predominantly female (76·5 %), Latino/Hispanic (64·6 %) and low-income (59 % reported earning under $US 10 000 per year). Results Results indicated that 55·7 % of participants had directly experienced a traumatic event; this increased to 61·6 % when witnessing was included. Higher levels of FI were associated with greater traumatic event exposure. Increased exposure to traumatic events correlated with worsened overall eating disorder pathology (r=−0·239), weight stigma (r=−0·151) and anxiety (r=−0·210). Conclusions The present study is the first to investigate the association of FI, eating disorders and trauma in a low-income marginalized population. Results indicate that exposure to traumatic events is common in this civilian population and that traumatic event exposure is associated with higher levels of FI and eating disorder pathology. Results indicate that further research is warranted given that traumatic event exposure, eating disorder pathology, weight stigma and anxiety may complicate effective delivery of public health interventions in those living with FI.
Prefrontal cortex modulates firing pattern in the nucleus reuniens of the midline thalamus via distinct corticothalamic pathways

The thalamus has long been recognized for its role in relaying sensory information from the periphery, a function accomplished by its “first‐order” nuclei. However, a second category of thalamic nuclei, termed “higher‐order” nuclei, have been shown instead to mediate communication between cortical areas. The nucleus reuniens of the midline thalamus (RE) is a higher‐order nucleus known to act as a conduit of reciprocal communication between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. While anatomical and behavioural studies of RE are numerous, circuit‐based electrophysiological studies, particularly those examining the impact of cortical input and the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) on RE neuron firing, are sparse. To characterize RE neuron firing properties and dissect the circuit dynamics of the infralimbic subdivision of the mPFC (ilPFC), the TRN and RE, we used in vivo, extracellular, single‐unit recordings in male Sprague Dawley rats and manipulated neural activity using targeted pharmacological manipulations, electrical stimulation and a projection‐specific implementation of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). We show that ilPFC inhibition reduces multiple burst firing parameters in RE, whereas ilPFC stimulation drives burst firing and dampens tonic firing. In addition, TRN inhibition reduces the number of spontaneously active neurons in RE. Finally, inhibition of ilPFC terminals in RE selectively enhances a subset of burst firing parameters. These findings demonstrate that ilPFC input, both via direct projections and via the TRN, can modulate RE neuron firing pattern in nuanced and complex ways. They also highlight the ilPFC‐TRN‐RE circuit as a likely critical component of prefrontal–hippocampal interactions.
High Interleukin-37 (IL-37) Expression and Increased Mucin-Domain Containing-3 (TIM-3) on Peripheral T Cells in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background Anti-inflammatory mediators such as mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) and IL-37 play an important role in the regulation of Th1-mediated immunity. This study was designed to investigate the proportions of various T cell subsets and monocytes in the peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, as well as the level of TIM-3 on these cells and serum cytokine levels. Material/Methods We enrolled 59 RA patients and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy controls in this study. The proportion of T cells and TIM-3 expression on these T cells were determined by flow cytometry. Cytokine levels in serum were determined by ELISA. Results Compared with the healthy controls, the proportions of CD3+CD4+ T cells and CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127low T cells in the peripheral blood were significantly higher in RA patients. However, RA patients had significantly lower proportions of CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3+CD4−CD8− T cells. TIM-3 was highly expressed on CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127low, and CD3+CD4−CD8− T cells, as well as CD14+ monocytes, in RA patients. Nevertheless, no correlation between TIM-3 level and an RA disease activity score of 28 was found. The elevated serum levels of IL-6 and IL-37 were positively correlated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Conclusions Both pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory mediators (TIM-3 and IL-37) simultaneously contribute to the pathogenesis of RA. TIM-3 and IL-37 may be used as potential biomarkers of active RA.
Formulation of chelating agent with surfactant in cloud point extraction of methylphenol in water

Cloud point extraction (CPE) is a separation and preconcentration of non-ionic surfactant from one liquid phase to another. In this study, Sylgard 309 and three different types of additives for CPE, namely CPE-Sylgard, CPE-Sylgard-BMIMBr and CPE-Sylgard-GLDA, are investigated to extract methylphenol from water samples. The methylphenols are well separated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with isocratic elution of acetonitrile : water; 60 : 40 (v/v) and detection at 260 nm. The optimized parameters for the effect of salt, surfactant, temperature, time of extraction, pH, interference study and the performance of different additives on methylphenol extraction are investigated. CPE-Sylgard-GLDA is chosen because it gives us a high peak and good peak area compared with CPE-Sylgard and CPE-Sylgard-BMIMBr. The recovery extractions of CPE-Sylgard-GLDA are obtained in the range of 80–99% as the percentage of relative standard deviation (RSD) is less than 10. The LOD and LOQ are 0.05 ppm and 0.18 ppm, respectively. The method developed for CPE-Sylgard-GLDA coupled with HPLC is feasible for the determination of methylphenol because it is simple, effective, cheap, and produces a high percentage of recovery.
On Passivity, Reinforcement Learning, and Higher Order Learning in Multiagent Finite Games

In this article, we propose a passivity-based methodology for the analysis and design of reinforcement learning dynamics and algorithms in multiagent finite games. Starting from a known, first-order reinforcement learning scheme, we show that convergence to a Nash distribution can be attained in a broader class of games than previously considered in the literature—namely, in games characterized by the monotonicity property of their (negative) payoff vectors. We further exploit passivity techniques to design a class of higher order learning schemes that preserve the convergence properties of their first-order counterparts. Moreover, we show that the higher order schemes improve upon the rate of convergence and can even achieve convergence where the first-order scheme fails. We demonstrate these properties through numerical simulations for several representative games.
Investigations of Rotor Shaft Position Sensor Signal Processing in Electric Drive Train Systems

This paper deals with the evaluation of rotor shaft position sensor systems used in automotive electric powertrain applications. Those sensor systems comprise of an angular rotor position sensor as well as the powertrain's electronic control unit (ECU), processing the sensor data in terms of digitalization, filtering, position- and speed computation. The work introduces an evaluation method of influencing factors on the accuracy of rotor position measurement, e.g. quantization errors, filter settings and time latency of data processing chain. In this way, performance evaluation and investigation of electric powertrain sensor systems is enabled by combination of specific simulation and measurement procedures.
Effect of Gravity and Task Specific Training of Elbow Extensors on Upper Extremity Function after Stroke

Background In individuals with hemiparetic stroke, reaching with the paretic arm can be impaired by abnormal muscle coactivation. Prior trails for improving upper extremity functions after stroke have underestimated the role of gravitational force in motor planning and execution. Objective The aims this trial were to study the effect of gravity as a facilitator for elbow extension and to estimate the immediate and retention effects of task specific training of elbow extensors on upper extremity function after stroke. Methods Twenty-six right handed patients with first ever stroke represented the sample of the study. The participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups. The study group received treatment through two phases. Phase one included training for the elbow extensors in an antigravity position. Phase two included a set of task specific exercise for 16 weeks. The control group received traditional passive stretch and range of motion exercises. Manual dexterity and upper limb function were assessed by Nine-Hole Peg Test and Fugl-Meyer upper extremity. Goniometry was used for measuring elbow extension and forearm supination active ranges of motion. Results Significant improvements were observed in Nine-Hole Peg Test, Fugl-Meyer upper extremity, and ranges of motion at postintervention and follow-up compared to preintervention at P≤0.05. Conclusions The results of this study provide an evidence that antigravity positions can be used as a centrally presented facilitator of elbow extension. Additionally, task specific training was effective in improving upper extremity function and elbow extension range of motion.
Learning Driver-Specific Behavior for Overtaking: A Combined Learning Framework

Learning-based methods have gained increasing attention in the intelligent vehicle community for developing highly autonomous vehicles and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). However, traditional offline learning methods lack the ability to adapt to individual driving behavior. To overcome this limitation, a combined learning framework (CLF) based on the Natural Actor Critic (NAC) learning and general regression neural network (GRNN) is developed in this paper. GRNN can be trained offline based on the historical data, while NAC is carried out online. In this way, the general behavior learned by the offline module can be reused and adjusted by the online module to capture the driver-specific behavior. Driving data collected from human drivers through a driving simulator are used to test the proposed learning framework. The complex overtaking behavior is selected to formulate the learning problem and test scenarios. Experimental results show that the proposed system performs well on learning driver-specific behavior for overtaking, and compared with the Gaussian mixture model-maximum-a-posterior method, CLF shows a more flexible performance when newly-involved drivers are considered.
Potentiation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator by VX‐770 involves stabilization of the pre‐hydrolytic, O1 state

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a debilitating hereditary disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes an anion channel. Wild type‐CFTR gating is a non‐equilibrium process. After ATP binding, CFTR enters a stable open state (O1). ATP hydrolysis leads it to a short‐lived post‐hydrolytic open state (O2), from which channels close. Here, we use mutations to probe the mechanism of VX‐770, the first compound directly targeting the CFTR protein approved for treatment of CF. D1370N and K1250R mutations reduce or abolish catalytic activity, simplifying the gating scheme to an equilibrium (C↔O1); K464A‐CFTR has a destabilized O1 state and rarely closes via hydrolysis.
Scaling Laws of Optimal Training Lengths for TDD Massive MIMO Systems

In this study, the scaling laws of optimal training lengths were investigated for time-division duplexing massive multiple-input multiple-output systems. First, the generalized asymptotic achievable rate was derived by taking into account both uplink and downlink training. From the general form, the achievable rates of zero-forcing (ZF) and matched filter (MF) precoders are directly obtained by using the mean and variance of the effective channel. Then, we analyzed the rate gaps of ZF and MF with respect to uplink and downlink training, respectively. According to the analysis of rate gaps, it is shown that the achievable rates are more dominated by the uplink training than downlink training for both ZF and MF. The joint optimization problem for training lengths maximizing the spectral efficiency is formulated as a function of rate gaps. To study the scaling of optimal training lengths with the system parameters, we derived the optimal training lengths as a closed-form expression by using an approximation for the logarithm function. From the analysis, it is shown that the optimal training lengths decrease as the number of antennas increases, and increase as the coherence block length increases. In addition, the optimal training lengths increase as the transmit power increases for ZF, whereas it does not change for MF. Finally, we investigated the superior region for noncoherent detection (which means only statistical information is used for demodulation without downlink training) with the system parameters by comparing the spectral efficiency with and without downlink training.
Clustering for edge-cost minimization (extended abstract)

We address the problem of partitioning a set of n points into clusters, so as to minimize the sum, over all intracluster pairs of points, of the cost associated with each pair. We obtain a randomized approximation algorithm for this problem, for the cost functions ` 2 2 ;`1 and `2, as well as any cost function isometrically embeddable in ` 2 2 . The maximization problem (maximize the costs of intercluster edges) is approximated with high probability to within multiplicative factor (1 (cid:0) "); while the minimization problem either receives a multiplicative 1+" approximation, or else the optimal clustering is correctly identi(cid:12)ed except for mislabelling of an " fraction of the point set. Given a (cid:12)xed approximation parameter ", the runtime is linear in n for ` 2 2 problems of dimension o(logn=loglogn); and n O(loglogn) in the general case. The case ` 2 2 is addressed by combining three elements: (a) Variable-probability sampling of the given points, to reduce the size of the data set. (b) Near-isometric dimension reduction. (c) A deterministic exact algorithm which runs in time exponential in the dimension (rather than the number of points). The remaining cases are addressed by reduction to ` 2 2 .
Quality of Life and Neuropathic Pain in Hospitalized Cancer Patients: A Comparative Analysis of Patients in Palliative Care Wards Versus Those in General Wards

Context: While the survival of cancer patients is prolonged due to the development of new treatment strategies and advancing technologies, the prevalence of symptoms such as neuropathic pain affecting the quality of life is also increasing. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between neuropathic pain (NP) and quality of life in hospitalized cancer patients and to compare patients in general wards and those in palliative care wards in terms of NP and quality of life. Subjects and Methods: A total of 156 patients, 53 cancer patients hospitalized in the palliative care unit and 103 cancer patients hospitalized in general wards, were included in the study. The Douleur Neuropathic 4 test was used for NP assessment, and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), and Short Form of Brief Pain Inventory (SF-BPI) were used for assessing pain characteristics and their effects on quality of life. Results: NP was present in 39.7% of cases and nociceptive pain (NP) was present in 32.7% of cases. There were no complaints of pain 27.6% of cases. The patients with no pain complaint were excluded, 54.9% of the patients had NP and 45.1% had NS. The scores of BFI, HAD-depression, ESAS overall, and ESAS tiredness were signifi cantly lower in patients with NP treated general wards compared to patients with NP in the palliative care wards (P < 0.05). Cancer patients with NP in general wards had signifi cantly higher scores of SF-BPI effect, SF-BPI severity, ESAS overall, ESAS pain, ESAS tiredness, ESAS nausea, ESAS appetite, and ESAS well-being as compared to those of general cancer patients with NS (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Since there was a homogeneous distribution among the groups in terms of both cancer treatment and pain management, we directly related the deterioration of the patients' quality of life to NP.