Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antiproliferative and antitumor effects of alpha-interferon in renal cell carcinomas: correlation with the expression of a kidney-associated differentiation glycoprotein.

Human leukocyte alpha-interferon (IFN-alpha) has significant antitumor activity in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RC), with approximately 15% (range, 5 to 29%) of patients subjected to IFN-alpha therapy exhibiting a major objective response. We assayed 16 RC cell lines for intrinsic sensitivity to the growth-inhibitory effects of recombinant IFN-alpha. Similar to results observed in patients, cultured RCs could be divided into those that are inhibited by IFN-alpha and those that are not. In addition, the IFN-alpha-sensitive or -resistant phenotype of cultured RCs was correlated with surface expression of six unrelated kidney-associated differentiation antigens. The expression of one antigen, a Mr 160,000 glycoprotein (gp160), was found to correlate with resistance to IFN-alpha. Proliferation of seven RC cell lines expressing gp160 (gp160+) was not significantly inhibited by IFN-alpha at concentrations as high as 3000 units/ml. In contrast, proliferation of eight of nine RC cell lines lacking expression of gp160 (gp160-) was markedly inhibited by IFN-alpha. The effect of IFN-alpha on gp160+ and gp160- RC xenografts in nu/nu mice was examined. In separate experiments, two gp160+ RC cell lines and five gp160- RC cell lines were injected s.c. into nu/nu mice; one half of the mice were subsequently treated with 10(6) units of IFN-alpha i.p. 3 times a wk, and one half received no IFN-alpha. Tumors appeared at the sites of inoculation in all mice given injections of gp160+ RC cell lines within 10 to 25 days regardless of INF-alpha therapy. Mice given injections of gp160- RC cell lines, but not receiving IFN-alpha, also formed tumors. In contrast, gp160- RC cell lines injected into mice that were treated with IFN-alpha exhibited a marked sensitivity, as demonstrated by either no tumor formation or delayed tumor formation. We conclude that the absence of gp160 expression by RCs may be predictive of sensitivity to the antitumor effects of IFN-alpha and, thus, provide a basis for identifying IFN-responsive patients.
Effect of L-Carnitine and Propionyl-L-Carnitine on Endothelial Function of Small Mesenteric Arteries from SHR

Background:The effect of treatment with either 200 mg·kg–1 of L-carnitine (LC) or propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) was studied on endothelial dysfunction of small mesenteric arteries (SMA) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Methods: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured and endothelial and vascular functions were assessed by the effect of carbachol (CCh) and phenylephrine (Phe). O2– produced by SMA and eNOS expression were evaluated by chemiluminescence and Western blot, respectively. Results: Although SBP was not affected, endothelial relaxation increased in both LC- and PLC-treated SHR. Nevertheless, the CCh-induced contraction remained sensitive to indomethacin in these rats. On the contrary, NO participation was increased in all the groups except for LC-treated WKY. Furthermore, high concentrations of Phe produced NO-dependent relaxation of SMA from PLC-treated rats. Both compounds decreased basal and NADPH-stimulated O2– in SHR toward values observed in WKY. Only PLC increased eNOS protein expression in SHR. Neither LC nor PLC affected endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-induced relaxation. Conclusions: LC and its propionate improved endothelial responses of SMA from SHR by decreasing O2– production and thus increasing NO availability. PLC also increased NO synthesis by enhancing eNOS expression.
Deconstructing the power resistance relationship for squats: A joint‐level analysis

Generating high leg power outputs is important for executing rapid movements. Squats are commonly used to increase leg strength and power. Therefore, it is useful to understand factors affecting power output in squatting. We aimed to deconstruct the mechanisms behind why power is maximized at certain resistances in squatting. Ten male rowers (age = 20 ± 2.2 years; height = 1.82 ± 0.03 m; mass = 86 ± 11 kg) performed maximal power squats with resistances ranging from body weight to 80% of their one repetition maximum (1RM). Three‐dimensional kinematics was combined with ground reaction force (GRF) data in an inverse dynamics analysis to calculate leg joint moments and powers. System center of mass (COM) velocity and power were computed from GRF data. COM power was maximized across a range of resistances from 40% to 60% 1RM. This range was identified because a trade‐off in hip and knee joint powers existed across this range, with maximal knee joint power occurring at 40% 1RM and maximal hip joint power at 60% 1RM. A non‐linear system force–velocity relationship was observed that dictated large reductions in COM power below 20% 1RM and above 60% 1RM. These reductions were due to constraints on the control of the movement.
Transcranial Cerebellar Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Verb Generation but Not Verb Naming in Poststroke Aphasia

Although the role of the cerebellum in motor function is well recognized, its involvement in the lexical domain remains to be further elucidated. Indeed, it has not yet been clarified whether the cerebellum is a language structure per se or whether it contributes to language processing when other cognitive components (e.g., cognitive effort, working memory) are required by the language task. Neuromodulation studies on healthy participants have suggested that cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a valuable tool to modulate cognitive functions. However, so far, only a single case study has investigated whether cerebellar stimulation enhances language recovery in aphasic individuals. In a randomized, crossover, double-blind design, we explored the effect of cerebellar tDCS coupled with language treatment for verb improvement in 12 aphasic individuals. Each participant received cerebellar tDCS (20 min, 2 mA) in four experimental conditions: (1) right cathodal and (2) sham stimulation during a verb generation task and (3) right cathodal and (4) sham stimulation during a verb naming task. Each experimental condition was run in five consecutive daily sessions over 4 weeks. At the end of treatment, a significant improvement was found after cathodal stimulation only in the verb generation task. No significant differences were present for verb naming among the two conditions. We hypothesize that cerebellar tDCS is a viable tool for recovery from aphasia but only when the language task, such as verb generation, also demands the activation of nonlinguistic strategies.
3D printed models for planning endovascular stenting in transverse aortic arch hypoplasia

To evaluate whether three‐dimensional (3D) printed models can be used to improve interventional simulation and planning in patients with aortic arch hypoplasia. Background: Stenting of a hypoplastic transverse arch is technically challenging, and complications such as stent migration and partial obstruction of the origin of the head and neck vessels are highly dependent on operator skills and expertise. Methods: Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, a 3D model of a repaired aortic coarctation of a 15‐year‐old boy with hypoplastic aortic arch was printed. Simulation of the endovascular stenting of the hypoplastic arch was carried out under fluoroscopic guidance in the 3D printed model, and subsequently in the patient. A Bland–Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between measurements of aortic diameter in the 3D printed model and the patient's MRI and X‐ray angiography. Results: The 3D printed model proved to be radio‐opaque and allowed simulation of the stenting intervention. The assessment of optimal stent position, size, and length was found to be useful for the actual intervention in the patient. There was excellent agreement between the 3D printed model and both MRI and X‐ray angiographic images (mean bias and standard deviation of 0.36 ± 0.45 mm). Conclusions: 3D printed models accurately replicate patients' anatomy and are helpful in planning endovascular stenting in transverse arch hypoplasia. This opens a door for potential simulation applications of 3D models in the field of catheterization and cardiovascular interventions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An air combat simulator in the virtual reality with the visual tracking system and force-feedback components

This work presents a new multi-plane air combat simulator based on the visual servo system. The scenario is an air combat of two fighters in virtual reality. The escaping one is simulated by a Stewart platform with a force-feedback joystick, overall controlled by a human operator. The chaser is realized as a visual servo system, as if the simulated air fighter was equipped with a military light-of-sight (LOS) to lock on to the mentioned escaping air fighter. Specifically, any arbitrary-shaped object that appears on a screen reflecting the virtual space of the escaping fighter can be automatically detected and located by the visual system in real-time so that the 2-DOF camera simulating LOS can be controlled due to visual servo to keep the target object centered in the camera image. By sensing the motion of the camera platform, the autopilot of the chasing fighter tries to follow the escaping one as closely as possible with an aim of shooting it down. The overall system is experimented in a virtual reality environment to validate the underlying research work. A promising application of this setup is to evolve into an entertainment facility or a military training platform.
Resilience in the face of terrorism: linking resource investment with engagement

Introduction Since the terrorist attacks in Washington and New York on September 11, 2001 (9/11), there have been a flurry of studies on the impact of terrorism and war. Not surprisingly, research has focused on the negative health and mental health impact of these events. In particular, research has focused on how direct and indirect exposure to terrorism and war relate to increased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression (Galea et al., 2002; Bleich et al., 2003; Panamaki et al., 2005; Hobfoll et al., 2006a, 2006b; Agronick et al., 2007). The major goal of terrorism in particular, and in many senses the purpose of war, is to impact the enemy’s civilian population psychologically to motivate them to capitulate to demands, or to make them psychologically suffer for perceived wrongs they have done. Indeed, this second goal of terrorism, to inflict harm without a clear political goal, is increasingly the stance taken by terrorists. Whether it is Hamas, Hezbollah, Al Qa’ida or the Tamil Tigers, it is not always clear what they are actually asking for, or if there is agreement among them as to what “victory” would even look like. Rather, they often strike out to cause the “enemy” to suffer in exchange for their suffering. The study of traumatic psychological injury has continued value. In particular, we know little about how people react to ongoing terrorism (Bleich et al., 2003; Hobfoll et al., 2006a), circumstances where populations must quickly evacuate (Palmieri et al., 2008), or to different kinds of attack (shootings, stabbings, bioterrorism, etc.). Nor do we know much about instances where attacks are of large scale, even though in places like Iraq terrorist attacks have often been of major, repeated scale. Studies of national samples in regions of ongoing terrorism and war are particularly important to study because both direct and indirect exposure takes a heavy toll on such populations (Stein et al., 2004; Somer et al., 2005; Shalev et al., 2006).
Alternatives for the Adolescent Indian Girl: Concerns of Content and Context

A review of government efforts since independence for girls education in India reveals a mixed picture. The percentage of girls enrolment to total enrolment has risen from 28.1 percent in 1951 to 44.1 percent in 2001-2002. Similarly at the elementary level girls enrolment rose from 16.1 percent in 1951 to 41.8 percent in 2001-2002. However girls dropout rates have continued to be high at the primary level and are still a high 39.9 percent negating the progress made in enrolment (Government of India 2003a; 2003b). Therefore UNESCOs Education for All Development Index (EDI) for 2004 ranked India at a low 105 of 127 nations despite the efforts of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (National Programme for Elementary Education) started in 2000 (UNESCO 2005). Government efforts for educational improvement and outreach are evident in its policy and programs. These have generally endorsed the idea of enlarging access through the alternative systems. The National Policy of Education (Government of India 1986) and the Plan of Action (Government of India 1992) clearly outlined the States responsibility for ensuring equal enrolment for girls in schools and colleges. Mahila Samakhya a government program that has grown out of these policy documents has worked for overall womens `empowerment and offers one model of `alternatives for girls. The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act 2002 provided for compulsory education as follows: "The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the state may by law determine. " The Tenth Five-Year Plan for National Development 2002-2007 (Government of India 2001) introduced several new `alternative education schemes in order to target girls in particular. In principle then these policies and programs opened the door for alternative paradigms of education to be introduced in order to fulfill the Compulsory Education Act. (authors)
Cognitive impairment and limited dietary diversity or physical inactivity are conjoint precursors of incident diabetes more so in elderly women than men.

OBJECTIVES To establish whether elderly people with impaired cognition are at greater risk for the de-velopment of type 2 diabetes. DESIGN Prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING The El-derly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT Elderly). PARTICIPANTS One thousand and four hundred ninety-three diabetes-free people >=65 years were followed for incident diabetes in relation to cognitive status for up to 8 years. MEASUREMENTS The association between cognitive impairment and diabetes incidence was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models with exclusion of people who had diabetes within one year of cognitive function assessments. RESULTS Cognitively-impaired women, but not men, had increased diabetes incidence density (DID). Age, gender, ethnicity and personal behavior adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for type 2 diabetes with normal cognition as referent were 2.43 (95% CI: 1.27-4.63) for women and 1.55 (95% CI: 0.48-5.07) for men. These gender differences and the HR significances remained with adjustments for age, ethnicity, financial status, dietary quality as a dietary diversity score, physical function, physical activity, fasting glucose, indices of body composition, body mass index, waist circumference, mid-arm muscle circumference, perceived and mental health status. There were extensive significant interactions with the covariates in women. CONCLUSION Cognitive impairment in later life is associated with greater risk of type 2 diabetes in women and considerable potential risk enhancement.
Four novel mutations of the LHX3 gene cause combined pituitary hormone deficiencies with or without limited neck rotation.

CONTEXT The Lhx3 LIM-homeodomain transcription factor gene is required for development of the pituitary and motoneurons in mice. Human LHX3 gene mutations have been reported in five subjects with a phenotype consisting of GH, prolactin, TSH, LH, and FSH deficiency; abnormal pituitary morphology; and limited neck rotation. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and nature of LHX3 mutations in patients with isolated GH deficiency or combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) and characterize the molecular consequences of mutations. DESIGN The LHX3 sequence was determined. The biochemical properties of aberrant LHX3 proteins resulting from observed mutations were characterized using reporter gene and DNA binding experiments. PATIENTS The study included 366 patients with isolated GH deficiency or CPHD. RESULTS In seven patients with CPHD from four consanguineous pedigrees, four novel, recessive mutations were identified: a deletion of the entire gene (del/del), mutations causing truncated proteins (E173ter, W224ter), and a mutation causing a substitution in the homeodomain (A210V). The mutations were associated with diminished DNA binding and pituitary gene activation, consistent with observed hormone deficiencies. Whereas subjects with del/del, E173ter, and A210V mutations had limited neck rotation, patients with the W224ter mutation did not. CONCLUSIONS LHX3 mutations are a rare cause of CPHD involving deficiencies for GH, prolactin, TSH, and LH/FSH in all patients. Whereas most patients have a severe hormone deficiency manifesting after birth, milder forms can be observed, and limited neck rotation is not a universal feature of patients with LHX3 mutations. This study extends the known molecular defects and range of phenotypes found in LHX3-associated diseases.
Failure to confirm association between PIK4CA and psychosis in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Failure to Confirm Association Between PIK4CA and Psychosis in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Masashi Ikeda,* Nigel Williams, Hywel J. Williams, Rhodri Smith, Stephen Monks, Michael J. Owen, Kieran C. Murphy, and Michael C. O’Donovan MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Department of Psychological Medicine and Neurology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK The Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Ireland
A miniaturized 45° linearly polarized planar substrate integrated waveguide cavity-backed antenna using L-shaped slot

In this paper, a 45° linearly polarized substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity-backed antenna with reduced size is proposed. A L-shaped slot is etched on the top plate of the SIW cavity to realize both miniaturization and 45° polarization. Quarter-TE<sub>110</sub> mode is excited in the cavity for the first time instead of conventional TE<sub>2</sub>±o mode to obtain miniaturization, while 45° polarization is accomplished by adjusting the slot's two arms to equal length. A prototype, which has a size of 0. 38λ<sub>0</sub> × 0. 38λ<sub>0</sub> × 0. 025λ<sub>0</sub>, is fabricated to verify the design. The measured characteristic results match well with the simulated ones.
Effect of Long-Acting Insulin Analogs on the Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

OBJECTIVE Observational studies examining the association between long-acting insulin analogs and cancer incidence have produced inconsistent results. We conducted a systematic review of these studies, focusing on their methodological strengths and weaknesses. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from 2000 to 2014 to identify all observational studies evaluating the relationship between the long-acting insulin analogs and the risk of any and site-specific cancers (breast, colorectal, prostate). We included cohort and case-control studies published in English on insulin glargine and detemir and any cancer incidence among patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The methodological assessment involved the inclusion of prevalent users, inclusion of lag periods, time-related biases, and duration of follow-up between insulin initiation and cancer incidence. RESULTS A total of 16 cohort and 3 case-control studies met our inclusion criteria. All studies evaluated insulin glargine, and four studies also examined insulin detemir. Follow-up ranged from 0.9 to 7.0 years. Thirteen of 15 studies reported no association between insulin glargine and detemir and any cancer. Four of 13 studies reported an increased risk of breast cancer with insulin glargine. In the quality assessment, 7 studies included prevalent users, 11 did not consider a lag period, 6 had time-related biases, and 16 had short (<5 years) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The observational studies examining the risk of cancer associated with long-acting insulin analogs have important methodological shortcomings that limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Thus, uncertainty remains, particularly for breast cancer risk.
Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare binds to the integrin receptor alpha v beta 3 on human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages

Mycobacterium avium-M. intracellulare is an intracellular pathogen responsible for the highest incidence of disseminated bacterial infection in patients with AIDS. Treatment of the infection is difficult and has been of limited efficacy. Attachment of the organism to macrophages is a critical early step in the establishment of the disease. In the present study, we isolated and identified a receptor that mediates attachment of M. avium-M. intracellulare to human peripheral blood monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. On Western blotting, (immunoblotting), the receptor was found to cross-react with antibodies against a human vitronectin receptor (alpha v beta 3). The receptor could be purified from monocyte extracts by using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the alpha v subunit of vitronectin receptor coupled to CNBr-Sepharose 4B, as well as with the adhesive tripeptide sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) coupled to CNBr-Sepharose 4B. Surface-bound MAbs directed against alpha v beta 3 were found to inhibit the attachment of M. avium-M. intracellulare to monocyte-derived macrophages in an in vitro inhibition assay, while MAbs directed against CD14, CD18, alpha 2 beta 1 and platelet glycoprotein gpIIb/IIIa receptors did not inhibit this attachment. These observations suggest that alpha v beta 3 on the surface of human monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages may function as a receptor for M. avium-M. intracellulare. Identification of a receptor for M. avium-M. intracellulare on macrophages may offer new approaches to the prevention and control of M. avium-M. intracellulare infection at the cellular level.