Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FunctionMechanisms of Ganglioside Inhibition of APC

Gangliosides shed by tumor cells exert potent inhibitory effects on cellular immune responses. Here we have studied ganglioside inhibition of APC function. When human monocytes were preincubated in 50 (cid:1) M highly puriﬁed ganglioside G D1a , pulsed with tetanus toxoid (TT), and washed, the expected Ag-induced proliferative response of autologous normal T cells added to these monocytes was inhibited by 81%. Strikingly, there was also almost complete (92%) and selective inhibition of the up-regulation of the monocyte costimulatory molecule CD80, while I-CAM-1, LFA-3, HLA-DR, and CD86 expression were unaffected. Puriﬁed LPS-stimulated monocytes that had been preincubated in G D1a likewise showed inhibition of CD80 up-regulation (59%) as well as down-regulation of CD40 (54%) and impaired release of IL-12 and TNF- (cid:2) (reduced by 59 and 51%). G D1a -preincubated human dendritic cells (DC) were also affected. They had reduced constitutive expression of CD40 (33%) and CD80 (61%), but not CD86, and marked inhibition of release of IL-6 (72%), IL-12 (70%), and TNF- (cid:2) (46%). Even when pulsed with TT, these ganglioside-preincubated DC remained deﬁcient in costimulatory molecule expression and cytokine secretion and were unable to induce a normal T cell proliferative response to TT. Finally, signiﬁcant inhibition of nuclear localization of NF- (cid:3) B proteins in activated DC suggests that disruption of NF- (cid:3) B activation may be one mechanism contributing to ganglioside interference with APC expression of costimulatory molecules and cytokine secretion, which, in turn, may diminish antitumor immune responses. The Journal of
Catheter ablation of atrial ﬂutter due to amiodarone therapy for paroxysmal atrial ﬁbrillation

Aims Antiarrhythmic drug treatment for atrial ﬁbrillation can cause atrial ﬂutter-like arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to clarify the e ﬀ ect of catheter ablation of the tricuspid annulus-vena cava inferior isthmus on amiodarone-induced atrial ﬂutter and to determine the incidence of atrial ﬁbrillation after catheter ablation of amiodarone-induced atrial ﬂutter in comparison to regular typical ﬂutter. ﬁbrillation ﬁbrillation ﬂutter ﬁbrillation conduction block eliminating right atrial ﬂutter was achieved in 90% of amiodarone-treated patients and 93% of patients without amiodarone therapy. In the amiodarone-treated patient group atrial conduction times during pacing in sinus rhythm were signiﬁcantly prolonged by 20–30% before and after ablation in all regions of the reentrant circuit. During a mean follow-up of 8 (cid:1) 3 months post-ablation, atrial ﬁbrillation recurred in two of 10 patients on continued amiodarone therapy after successful isthmus ablation. Thus, successful catheter ablation of atrial ﬂutter due to amiodarone therapy was associated with a markedly lower recurrence rate of paroxysmal atrial ﬁbrillation (20%) as compared to patients with atrial ﬂutter plus preexisting paroxysmal atrial ﬁbrillation (76%) and was similar to the outcome of patients with successful atrial ﬂutter ablation without preexisting atrial ﬁbrillation (25%). Conclusion These data suggest that isthmus ablation with bidirectional block and continuation of amiodarone therapy is an e ﬀ ective therapy for the treatment of atrial ﬂutter due to amiodarone therapy for paroxysmal atrial ﬁbrillation. (Eur Heart J 2000; 21: 565–572)
A Guideline on the Analysis of Stochastic Interdependencies in Critical Infrastructures

—Protecting Critical Infrastructures (CIs) requires decisions made about systems with complex dynamics, which rarely admits accurate descriptions or precise predictions. For this reason, simulation models are often probabilistic, embodying known (physical) laws to the extent possible, but generally adding a random element to account for unexpected events that security management is primarily concerned with. One such complex element is the interplay between different components of a CI, i.e., the dynamic inside a CI, which is more than just the sum of the mutual dependencies. Another important factor is the interplay between CIs, which might be understood between two speciﬁc CIs but less well known when it comes to mutual impacts. Simulations can help assessing these dependencies, but only to the extent as they are accurately speciﬁable. This work addresses the practical issues of using a probabilistic model to simulate cascading effects in interdependent CIs by proposing methods to allow for speciﬁcations carrying subjective uncertainty. The description follows a running example of a ﬁctitious water provider, where a stochastic simulation model of incident propagation is embedded into its existing risk management process. Our exposition runs up to the ﬁnal question of the decision maker about where to take action and how to prioritize assets regarding their need for protection, but also their role in impact propagation. The ﬁnal picture delivered by the method outlined here is meant as a support for risk management decisions, containing possible concrete scenarios in an aggregate form. The value for a decision maker is the revelation of previously unseen inﬂuences and impacts besides the known causes and threats being subject of the risk management. This paper demonstrates how a stochastic model of dependencies between CIs can be integrated in a standard risk management process and illustrates each step for the case of a ﬁctitious water provider.
Chapter 6 Gene expression of head and neck paragangliomas

Background. Paragangliomas of the head and neck are highly vascular and usually clinically benign tumors arising in the paraganglia of the autonomic nervous system. A signi ﬁ cant number of cases (10-50%) are proven to be familial. Mul (cid:415) ple genes encoding subunits of the mitochondrial succinate-dehydrogenase (SDH) complex are associated with hereditary paraganglioma: SDHB , SDHC and SDHD . Furthermore, a hereditary paraganglioma family has been iden (cid:415) ﬁ ed with linkage to the PGL2 locus on 11q13. No SDH genes are known to be located in the 11q13 region, and the exact gene defect has not yet been iden (cid:415) ﬁ ed in this family. Methods. We have performed a RNA expression microarray study in sporadic, SDHD - and PGL2 -linked head and neck paragangliomas in order to iden (cid:415) fy poten (cid:415) al di ﬀ erences in gene expression leading to tumorigenesis in these gene (cid:415) cally de ﬁ ned paraganglioma subgroups. We have focused our analysis on pathways and func (cid:415) onal gene-groups that are known to be associated with SDH func (cid:415) on and paraganglioma tumorigenesis, i.e. metabolism, hypoxia, and angiogenesis related pathways. We also evaluated gene clusters of interest on chromosome 11 (i.e. the PGL2 locus on 11q13 and the imprinted region 11p15). Results. We found remarkable similarity in overall gene expression pro ﬁ les of SDHD linked, PGL2 -linked and sporadic paraganglioma. The supervised analysis on pathways implicated in PGL tumor forma (cid:415) on also did not reveal signi ﬁ cant di ﬀ erences in gene expression between these paraganglioma subgroups. Moreover, we were not able to detect di ﬀ erences in gene expression of chromosome 11 regions of interest (i.e. 11q23, 11q13, 11p15). Conclusion The similarity in gene
CLEP_A_290707 131..140

1French Public Health Agency, SaintMaurice, France; 2Diagnosis and Therapeutic Center, Hotel Dieu, AP-HP, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France; 3General Health Insurance Scheme (Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie), Paris, France; 4Dijon Stroke Registry, EA4184, University Hospital and Medical School of Dijon, University of Burgundy, Dijon, France Purpose: The objectives were to analyse the determinants of stroke incidence and mortality as a competing event in AF patients newly treated with DOAC and to assess the impact of non-adherence to DOAC treatment. Methods: It is a population-based retrospective cohort study using the French national healthcare data system. AF patients aged >20 years were affiliated to the general health insurance scheme (66% of the French population) and newly treated with DOAC between 2012 and 2015 were included and followed for 2 years. Results: Overall 76,795 AF patients were newly treated with DOAC in 2015. Stroke incidence reached 10.1 (95% CI: 9.6–10.6) per 1000 person-year and death 39.7 (95% CI: 38.6–40.8) as a competitive risk. Female sex was associated with a lower risk of death but not of stroke. Non-adherence to DOAC treatment increased the risk of both stroke (42%) and death (38%). Acute coronary syndrome was associated with an increased risk of stroke alone, whereas heart failure decompensation, social deprivation, and haemorrhage were associated with an increased risk of death alone. Conclusion: Both stroke and death risks remain non-negligible in AF patients treated with DOAC. Non-adherence was associated with an increased risk of stroke and death.
Modeling and Simulation of Capacitive Gravitational Accelerometer Based Tilt Sensor

Physical quantities can be simulated using Matlab Simulink and Matlab Simscape. In this paper the behavioral analysis of capacitive gravitational accelerometer based tilt sensor for both mechanical transducer and interface circuits is modeled and simulated. The output signal from each stage of the proposed tilt sensor circuit was measured and displayed for an input tilt angles ranging from -15 to 15 . The simulated results showed a good agreement with the published results
SOUND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: DUNDEE READY EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT MEASURE (DREEM) INVENTORY AS AN ASSESSMENT TOOL OF EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

: Background & Objectives: There is a vast influence of the environment in the teaching and learning process especially when it is targeting the production of sound healthcare professionals. It is concerned about what, how and why students are learning. As it is important, so we aimed to measure the perception of the students about the environment of teaching and learning process. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional research on 82 students from March 2016 to April 2017 at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. We employed a fifty items inventory known as DREEM (Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure) in order to assess the public healthcare and professional ’ s educational environment and perception. We included all the students of MSc (Masters of Science) and MPH (Masters in Public Health) programs including both the shifts. Results: Because of multiple reasons the response rate was not cent percent, it was observed as 93%. An average mean score of DREEM was observed as (143.44 ± 8.4). This score was positive in nature. There were differences in the weaknesses and strengths identification as students responded to the items asked of them about various learning environments. On nine items the score was under two the item numbers were (3, 4, 8, 14, 27, 29, 35, 39 & 50); negative expression was observed about five which are (4, 8, 35, 39 & 50). These items had a low score which means a positive inclination. Negatively directed and above two score items were (9, 17, 25 & 48). Conclusion: Perception of the students about the environment of the education was positive in almost all the batches which indicate an adequate satisfaction level in various areas of the prevalent syllabus.
Regulation of 5 (cid:1) -Reductase Isoforms by Oxytocin in the Rat Ventral Prostate

Oxytocin(OT)ispresentinthemalereproductivetract,whereitisknowntomodulatecontractility,cellgrowth,andsteroi-dogenesis.LittleisknownabouthowOTregulatesthesepro-cesses.ThisstudydescribesthelocalizationofOTreceptorintheratventralprostateandinvestigatesifOTregulatesgeneexpressionand/oractivityof5 (cid:1) -reductase isoforms I and II. The ventral prostates of adult male Wistar rats were collected following daily sc administration of saline (control), OT, a specific OT antagonist or both OT plus antagonist for 3 d. Expression of the OT receptor was identified in the ventral prostate by RT-PCR and Western blot, and confirmed to be a single active binding site by radioreceptor assay. Immuno-histochemistry localized the receptor to the epithelium of prostatic acini and to the stromal tissue. Real-time RT-PCR determined that OT treatment significantly reduced expres- sionof5 (cid:1) -reductaseIbutsignificantlyincreased5 (cid:1) -reductase II expression in the ventral prostate. Activity of both isoforms of5 (cid:1) -reductasewassignificantlyincreasedbyOT,resultingin increased concentration of prostatic dihydrotestosterone. In conclusion, OT is involved in regulating conversion of testos-teronetothebiologicallyactivedihydrotestosteroneintheratventralprostate.Itdoessobydifferentialregulationof5 (cid:1) reductase isoforms I and II. ( Endocrinology 145: 5767–5773, 2004) These were isolated from the agarose gel using Ultrafree-DA centrifugal units (Millipore Corp., Bedford, MA) and subcloned into pGem-T easy vector plasmid (Promega, Madison, WI) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The fragment sequence was determined by the dideoxy chain-termina-tion method using the SL1FRH primer to initiate the reaction.
OTT_A_250520 5743..5753

*These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: The infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) facilitates the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). TAMs are mainly M2-like due to exposure to various factors in the tumor microenvironment. In our previous study, we reported that collagen triple helix repeat containing 1(CTHRC1), a secreted protein, is associated with ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. However, the correlation between CTHRC1 and the immunological microenvironment in EOC remains unknown. Methods: The association with the expression of CTHRC1 and CD68CD163 TAMs infiltration density and phosphorylation of STAT6 was analyzed in tumor tissues of ovarian cancer patients by immunohistochemistry. Western blot and flow cytometry analysis were used to analyze M2-like macrophage polarization induced by CTHRC1. Cell Counting Kit-8 and adhesion assays were used to detect cell proliferation and adhesion, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were detected using transwell assays. Results: In the present study, we observed that the overexpression of CTHRC1 and increased TAMs infiltration density are closely correlated to an advanced stage of EOC. Meanwhile, CTHRC1 expression was positively associated with the infiltration density of M2-like CD68CD163TAMs and phosphorylation of STAT6 in EOC. In human PBMC-derived monocytes, recombinant CTHRC1 protein (rCTHRC1) induces anM2-like macrophage phenotype, in a dose-dependent manner, characterized by activating the STAT6 signaling pathway. The conditioned culture medium of Lenti-CTHRC1 EOC cells promoted M2 polarization of macrophages, and by contrast, CTHRC1 knockdown abolished STAT6-mediated M2 polarization of macrophages. Moreover, the culture supernatants of rCTHRC1-treated macrophages efficiently increased the migration and invasion abilities of ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion: Our data indicate that CTHRC1 might play an important role in regulating M2 polarization of macrophages in the ovarian tumor microenvironment and suggest that it is a potential therapeutic target for antitumor immunity.
M INERAL N UTRIENT V ARIATIONS IN S OYBEAN ( G LYCINE MAX ) A FTER T REATMENT WITH E XOGENOUS C OBALT

In this experiment, we tried to explore the changes that are occurring in soybean plants due to the treatment with exogenous cobalt. A pot culture experiment was conducted and cobalt was given to Soybean ( Glycine max) plants by soil drenching method. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc contents were extracted and estimated from both control and treated plant parts (from roots and shoot). The results showed the low concentrations of cobalt (50 mg kg -1 Co level) in the soil enhanced these parameters while higher concentration (Co level (100-200 mg kg -1 ) in the soil) didn’t show any significant effect.
Pseudo-Riemannian metrics on closed surfaces whose geodesic ﬂows admit nontrivial integrals quadratic in momenta, and proof of the projective Obata conjecture for two-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian metrics

We describe all pseudo-Riemannian metrics on closed sur- faces whose geodesic ﬂows admit nontrivial integrals quadratic in momenta. As an application, we solve the Beltrami problem on closed surfaces, prove the nonexistence of quadratically-superintegrable metrics of nonconstant curvature on closed surfaces, and prove the two-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian version of the projective Obata conjecture.
Reproductive Hormonal Changes during Pre- and Post-Pubertal Stages in Male Wister Rats

The present study has been conducted to investigate the reproductive hormonal changes at pre- and post-pubertal stages of male Wister rats. Fifty male Wister rats (25 immature and 25 mature) were used in the present study. five males of 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 days old (pre-pubertal stage), and of 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 days old (post-pubertal stage) were anasthetized and blood samples were obtained for assessment of activin-A, inhibin-B, FSH, LH, testosterone, and estrogen. The results demonstrated significant increase of serum activin-A concentration at 30 and 40 day periods. Throughout the post-pubertal stage, activin-A concentration gradually decreased. Serum inhibin-B concentrations gradually decreased at the pre-pubertal stage. Post-pubertal stage registered gradual increase. At 25, 30, and 35 day periods, serum FSH level registered no significant changes, whereas 40 day period recorded significant increase then decreased at 45 day period. Throughout the post-pubertal period, the level of FSH concentrations continued in graduall decrease. At 25, 30, 35, and 40 day periods, serum LH and testosterone levels showed no significant differences, whereas 45 day period recorded significant increase. Postpubertal stages showed gradual increase. Serum estradiol concentration decreased gradually at the pre-pubertal stage and continued in decrement at the post-pubertal stage. It can be concluded that serum inhibin-B has positive correlation with testosterone concentration at pre- and post-pubertal stages, and positive correlation with FSH and LH concentrations at pre-pubertal but negative partial correlation at post-pubertal stage.
Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction during Acute Infection with Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (cid:1)

Natural killer (NK) cells provide one of the initial barriers of cellular host defense against pathogens, in particular intracellular pathogens. The role of these cells in foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection is unknown. Previously, we characterized the phenotype and function of NK cells from swine (F. N. Toka et al., J. Interferon Cytokine Res. 29:179–192, 2009). In the present study, we report the analysis of NK cells isolated from animals infected with FMDV and tested ex vivo and show that NK-dependent cytotoxic activity against tumor cells as targets was impaired. More relevantly to this infection, the killing of target cells infected with FMDV also was inhibited. Further, the proportion of NK cells capable of producing gamma interferon and storing perforin was reduced. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from infected animals are not productively infected, but virus exposure in vivo resulted in the signiﬁcant induction of NKp30 and Toll-like receptor 3 expression and the moderate activation of SOCS3 and interleukin-15 receptor mRNA. However, there was little alteration of mRNA expression from a number of other receptor genes in these cells, including SH2D1B and NKG2A (inhibitory) as well as NKp80, NKp46, and NKG2D (activating). These data indicate that this virus infection
In vitro and in vivo efficacy of chemical fungicides against early blight of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) incited by Alternaria solani (Ell. & Mart.)

Early blight of tomato disease caused by Alternaria solani (Ell. & Mart.) is one of the most devastating diseases of tomatoes. It is a potential tomato disease that is reducing production worldwide. To date, various treatments have been adopted to minimize the disease. The present study was based on the selection of chemical fungicides against A. solani in tomatoes that cause blight. The in vitro and in vivo efficacy of chemical fungicides showed that minimal radial growth with a diameter of 0.51 cm gave hexaconazole, followed by thifluzamide with a radial growth of 1.18 cm. In this study, five fungicides were used at a concentration of 100 and 300 ppm. The maximum suppression of fungi was provided by hexaconazole with 94.33% at a concentration of 300 ppm, fruits 35 / plant, fruit yield 1.224 kg / plant, 15.45 kg / plot, 252.50 q / ha.
A dynamic-based measurement of a spring constant with a smartphone light sensor

An accessible smartphone-based experimental set-up for measuring a spring constant is presented. Using the smartphone ambient light sensor as the motion timer that allows for the measurement of the period of oscillations of a vertical spring-mass oscillator we found the spring constant to be 27.3 ± 0.2 N m−1. This measurement is in a satisfactory agreement with another experimental value, 26.7 ± 0.1 N m−1, obtained via the traditional static method.
On the understanding of students’ perceptions of technology integration for group learning in low-and high-embodied activities

: Embodied learning activities supported by motion-based technologies are becoming popular in various contexts and settings. However, little is yet known about the technology integration of collaboratively-enacted embodied learning activities in authentic classroom settings, as existing studies have been mostly conducted in laboratory settings. In this work, we examine students’ learning and perceptions of technology integration of a highly-embodied, Kinect-based educational game (Condition1, n=24 students), in comparison with the low-embodied, desktop-based version of the same game (Condition2, n=18 students), in a group activity, in an authentic classroom setting. Data collection included questionnaires evaluating students’ baseline, knowledge gains, perceptions of technology integration, and post-activity interviews. Findings showed higher learning gains and more positive perceptions of technology integration for the students in the low-embodied condition. Implications are discussed for supporting highly-embodied learning activities for group work in authentic educational settings.
Evaluation Of Different Packaging Materials On Bio-Chemical Parameters Of Sapota Fruit Under Controlled Conditions

: The investigation was carried out in Horticulture Laboratory in school of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Punjab. Sapota fruits cv. Kalipatti were harvested at physiological mature stage. After harvesting, fruits were packed in different types of packaging materials and kept at a temperature range of 10±2ºC. Packaging materials used in this investigation are LDPE (25μ), HDPE (20μ), shrink film (10μ) and cling film (15μ and 23μ). Later, the fruits were examined for the physiological loss in weight (PLW) and bio-chemical properties such as TSS, Titrable acidity, Ascorbic acid, and Sugars. The fruits were kept in controlled temperature and analyzed after 2 days storage interval. The shelf life of fruits was found to be best in the packed fruits, where they lasted for 15 days. In control i.e., without packaging the fruits survived for 9 days only. Among all the packaging materials, shrink film proved to be most effective in maintaining the superior quality of sapota fruits. The mean PLW was the least among all the treatments in Shrink film (2.43%) followed by Cling film of 15μ (2.60%). Maximum mean PLW was found in the control (22.93%). Most of the bio-chemical parameters recorded during investigation were found to be best in shrink film as compared to all other films used for the experimentation.