Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Plakophilin-3 mRNA as a Biomarker for Detection of Circulating Tumor Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

Background: This study aims to assess Plakophilin-3 (PKP3) as a surrogate biomarker of circulating tumor cells in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: The primary aim is to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of PKP3 real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR in blood. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed. Correlations between the blood PKP3 levels and the clinicopathologic features of the study subjects were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to predict outcomes based on PKP3. Results: Sixty-four patients with gastrointestinal cancer and 23 controls were included. The mean relative PKP3 mRNA expression was 48.45 in cancer patients and 2.8 in controls (P < 0.0001). Comparing the PKP3 levels in patients and controls, the area under the curve was 0.852 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.94; P < 0.0001) in receiver operating characteristic analysis. A higher blood level of PKP3 mRNA was associated with a more advanced stage (P = 0.025), pT3-4 tumors (P = 0.028), metastasis (P = 0.021), and residual (R2) disease (P = 0.037). Higher PKP3 mRNA was associated with the risk of cancer progression and death (odds ratio, 3.875; 95% confidence interval, 1.781-8.430; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Increased PKP3 mRNA was detected in the blood of gastrointestinal cancer patients. Significant correlations were found with advanced stage, pT3-4, metastatic disease, and the residual disease status. PKP3 mRNA in blood was associated with the risk of cancer progression and death. Impact: PKP3 mRNA can be used as a marker of subclinical disease in gastrointestinal cancer and thus holds potential clinical relevance as a predictor for disease outcome. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(6); 1432–40. ©2010 AACR.
Lack of Ephrin Receptor A1 Is a Favorable Independent Prognostic Factor in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

The EPH receptor tyrosine kinases and their cell-bound ligands, the ephrins, have been shown to be associated with cancer development and progression. In this study, mRNA and protein expression of the receptors EPHA1 and EPHA2 as well as of their ligand EFNA1 and their prognostic relevance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma was evaluated. Gene expression was measured in 75 cryo-preserved primary tumors and matched non-malignant renal specimens by quantitative PCR. Protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays comprising non-malignant, primary tumors and metastatic renal tissues of 241 patients. Gene and protein expression of all three factors was altered in tumor specimens with EPHA1 and EPHA2 being generally diminished in tumors compared to normal renal tissue, whereas EFNA1 was commonly elevated. A positive EPHA1 and EPHA2 protein staining as well as a low EFNA1 protein level were significantly linked to more aggressive tumor features, but only a positive EPHA1 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with poor survival. In subgroup analyses, EPHA1 and EPHA2 protein levels were significantly higher in metastatic than in primary lesions. Patients with EPHA1/EPHA2-positive tumors or with tumors with positive EPHA1 and low EFNA1 immunoreactivity had the shortest survival rates compared to the respective other combinations. In a multivariate model, EPHA1 was an independent prognostic marker for different survival endpoints. In conclusion, an impaired EPH-ephrin signaling could contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
The chronic bronchitis phenotype in subjects with and without COPD: the PLATINO study

Little information exists regarding the epidemiology of the chronic bronchitis phenotype in unselected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) populations. We examined the prevalence of the chronic bronchitis phenotype in COPD and non-COPD subjects from the PLATINO study, and investigated how it is associated with important outcomes. Post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity <0.70 was used to define COPD. Chronic bronchitis was defined as phlegm on most days, at least 3 months per year for ≥2 yrs. We also analysed another definition: cough and phlegm on most days, at least 3 months per year for ≥2 yrs. Spirometry was performed in 5,314 subjects (759 with and 4,554 without COPD). The proportion of subjects with and without COPD with chronic bronchitis defined as phlegm on most days, at least 3 months per year for ≥2 yrs was 14.4 and 6.2%, respectively. Using the other definition the prevalence was lower: 7.4% with and 2.5% without COPD. Among subjects with COPD, those with chronic bronchitis had worse lung function and general health status, and had more respiratory symptoms, physical activity limitation and exacerbations. Our study helps to understand the prevalence of the chronic bronchitis phenotype in an unselected COPD population at a particular time-point and suggests that chronic bronchitis in COPD is possibly associated with worse outcomes.
Similarities and Improvements of GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) upon TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) in Global Precipitation Rate Estimation, Type Classification and Vertical Profiling

Spaceborne precipitation radars are powerful tools used to acquire adequate and high-quality precipitation estimates with high spatial resolution for a variety of applications in hydrological research. The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, which deployed the first spaceborne Ka- and Ku-dual frequency radar (DPR), was launched in February 2014 as the upgraded successor of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). This study matches the swath data of TRMM PR and GPM DPR Level 2 products during their overlapping periods at the global scale to investigate their similarities and DPR’s improvements concerning precipitation amount estimation and type classification of GPM DPR over TRMM PR. Results show that PR and DPR agree very well with each other in the global distribution of precipitation, while DPR improves the detectability of precipitation events significantly, particularly for light precipitation. The occurrences of total precipitation and the light precipitation (rain rates < 1 mm/h) detected by GPM DPR are ~1.7 and ~2.53 times more than that of PR. With regard to type classification, the dual-frequency (Ka/Ku) and single frequency (Ku) methods performed similarly. In both inner (the central 25 beams) and outer swaths (1–12 beams and 38–49 beams) of DPR, the results are consistent. GPM DPR improves precipitation type classification remarkably, reducing the misclassification of clouds and noise signals as precipitation type “other” from 10.14% of TRMM PR to 0.5%. Generally, GPM DPR exhibits the same type division for around 82.89% (71.02%) of stratiform (convective) precipitation events recognized by TRMM PR. With regard to the freezing level height and bright band (BB) height, both radars correspond with each other very well, contributing to the consistency in stratiform precipitation classification. Both heights show clear latitudinal dependence. Results in this study shall contribute to future development of spaceborne radar precipitation retrievals and benefit hydrological and meteorological research.
The pathology of ischemia of skeletal muscle in man; a description of early changes in muscles of the extremities following damage to major peripheral arteries on the battlefield.

During wartime the treatment of vascular trauma is a major concern of the surgeon. Most of the progress in this field has related to the perfection of techniques for optimal restoration of blood flow. Comparatively scant attention has been paid to the striking changes that take place in devascularized tissues. Since the degree of damage to skeletal muscle is of great significance to the surgeon who must decide whether or not to amputate, or what level of amputation to select, a clinicopathologic study of ischemic skeletal muscle was undertaken in soldiers sustaining arterial trauma during and shortly after the Korean conflict. MATERIAL AND METHODS
Chromosomal Influence on Meiotic Spindle Assembly: Abnormal Meiosis I in Female Mlh1 Mutant Mice

In mouse oocytes, the first meiotic spindle is formed through the action of multiple microtubule organizing centers rather than a pair of centrosomes. Although the chromosomes are thought to play a major role in organizing the meiotic spindle, it remains unclear how a stable bipolar spindle is established. We have studied the formation of the first meiotic spindle in murine oocytes from mice homozygous for a targeted disruption of the DNA mismatch repair gene, Mlh1. In the absence of the MLH1 protein meiotic recombination is dramatically reduced and, as a result, the vast majority of chromosomes are present as unpaired univalents at the first meiotic division. The orientation of these univalent chromosomes at prometaphase suggests that they are unable to establish stable bipolar spindle attachments, presumably due to the inability to differentiate functional kinetochore domains on individual sister chromatids. In the presence of this aberrant chromosome behavior a stable first meiotic spindle is not formed, the spindle poles continue to elongate, and the vast majority of cells never initiate anaphase. These results suggest that, in female meiotic systems in which spindle formation is based on the action of multiple microtubule organizing centers, the chromosomes not only promote microtubule polymerization and organization but their attachment to opposite spindle poles acts to stabilize the forming spindle poles.
M*N Booth encoded multiplier generator using optimized Wallace trees

The architecture and the design method for an M-*-N Booth-encoded parallel-multiplier generator are discussed. An algorithm for reducing the delay inside the branches of the Wallace tree section is presented and explained. The final stage of adding two (N+M-1)-bit numbers is done by an optimal carry-select adder stage. An algorithm for optimal partitioning of the (N+M-1)-bit adder is also presented. <<ETX>>
On the operation and value of storage in consumer demand response

We study the optimal operation and economic value of energy storage operated by a consumer who faces (possibly random) fluctuating electricity prices and seeks to reduce its energy costs. The value of storage is defined as the consumer's net benefit obtained by optimally operating the storage. We formulate the operation problem as a dynamic program. Under the assumption that consumer utility (received from electricity consumption) is additively separable over time, we establish a threshold structure of the optimal operation policy for a consumer who faces random electricity prices and stochastic demand. For a more general setting that incorporates the inter-temporal substitution effect in consumer demand, if the consumer always faces the same (realized) purchasing and selling price, then it is optimal for her to use the storage only for arbitrage, and therefore the VoS does not depend on the consumer's demand.
Emotional engagements: on sinking and swimming in prison research and ethnography

Undertaking in-depth, ethnographic research in prisons requires significant amounts of practical and emotional commitment. By entering the prison world, researchers are able to see a world that few others gain access to, listen to stories that are rarely heard, and ask questions that many are interested in. Whilst prison researchers might be considered ‘privileged’ in the sense that they gain access to places that are closed off from most members of the public, there is another side to the experience of prison research that is often left under-explored: the emotional trials and costs that can accompany ‘deep end’ research within the confines of the prison world. This article considers some of the emotional dimensions and challenges of prison research, arguing that, whilst it is uncomfortable and exposing for researchers to examine the emotional dimensions of research, analysis of the role emotions can play has been under-examined in prison studies, despite their importance to the research process (Yuen, 2011). We suggest that knowledge and understanding about prison life and the lived experience of imprisonment can be deepened and enriched when researchers identify and systematically process their emotions as a form of data.
Research Methods in the Social Sciences

"Research Methods in Social Sciences" brings together author Lee Ellis's practical experience from his years as a government researcher. The book contains many examples of resources using worldwide data from all social sciences including anthropology, criminal justice, economics, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, social work and sociology. Coverage of statistical concepts at a non-mathematical level establishes a foundation for students to understand statistics. A specifically designed glossary is included which clearly defines every term used throughout the text.
3,3,3-Trifluoro-2-hydroxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)propionic acid

In the title perfluorinated hydroxyisobutyric acid derivative, C4H2F6O3, the molecule shows approximately C s symmetry. The carboxy group is nearly coplanar with the C—OH moiety and the O=C—C—O(H) torsion angle is 5.5 (2)°. An intramolecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds connect the molecules into supramolecular chains along the a-axis direction.
Deletion of dopamine D1 and D3 receptors differentially affects spontaneous behaviour and cocaine‐induced locomotor activity, reward and CREB phosphorylation

Co‐localization of dopamine D1 and D3 receptors in striatal neurons suggests that these two receptors interact at a cellular level in mediating dopaminergic function including psychostimulant‐induced behaviour. To study D1 and D3 receptor interactions in cocaine‐mediated effects, cocaine‐induced locomotion and reward in mice lacking either D1, D3 or both receptors were analysed. Spontaneous locomotor activity was increased in D1–/– and D1–/–D3–/– mice and D1–/–D3–/– mice did not exhibit habituation of spontaneous rearing activity. Cocaine (20 mg/kg) increased locomotor activity in wild‐type and D3–/– mice, failed to stimulate activity in D1–/– mice and reduced activity in D1–/–D3–/– mice. In the conditioned place preference, all groups exhibited reward at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg of cocaine. D1–/–D3–/– mice did not demonstrate preference at 2.5 mg/kg of cocaine although preference was observed in wild‐type, D1–/– and D3–/– mice. The transcription factor cAMP‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) is activated by phosphorylation in striatal regions following dopamine receptor activation. Striatal pCREB levels following acute cocaine were increased in wild‐type and D3–/– mice and decreased in D1–/– and D1–/–D3–/– mice. After repeated administration of 2.5 mg/kg of cocaine, D1–/– mice had lower pCREB levels in caudate–putamen and nucleus accumbens. Our findings suggest that, although spontaneous and cocaine‐induced horizontal activity depended mainly on the presence of the D1 receptor, there may be crosstalk between D1 and D3 receptors in rearing habituation and the perception of cocaine reward at low doses of the drug. Furthermore, alterations in pCREB levels were associated with changes in cocaine‐induced locomotor activity but not reward.
The Expanded Endonasal Approach for an Endoscopic Transnasal Clipping and Aneurysmorrhaphy of a Large Vertebral Artery Aneurysm: Technical Case Report

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysms of the vertebral artery are rare, comprising less than 5% of all aneurysms. They can present with subarachnoid hemorrhage, medullary compression, and cranial neuropathies. In consideration of their surrounding regional anatomy, they present a formidable surgical challenge to the neurosurgeon using traditional techniques. Recent advances in endoscopic transnasal surgery have provided an additional approach for the treatment of these difficult lesions. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a case of a large vertebral artery aneurysm causing mass effect on the medulla. Initial treatment consisted of endovascular trapping of the aneurysm; however, because of concerns that the remaining aneurysm and intraluminal thrombus was causing mass effect and continued brainstem compression, a decompressive procedure was required. INTERVENTION: After the endovascular trapping, the patient underwent a completely endoscopic transnasal surgical clipping and aneurysmorrhaphy. After exposure of the aneurysm, distal and proximal clips were applied transnasal, and the aneurysmorrhaphy completed using suction and ultrasonic aspiration. CONCLUSION: In consideration of their surrounding regional anatomy, aneurysms of the vertebral artery present a formidable surgical challenge to the neurosurgeon. Although endovascular techniques have proven to be extremely valuable for the treatment of these lesions, they are limited when patients have significant mass effect with brainstem compression or cranial neuropathy. Advances in endoscopic transnasal surgery have provided an additional approach for the treatment of these difficult lesions. This case report represents, to our knowledge, the first literature report of a transnasal endoscopic aneurysm clipping and thrombectomy.
Activation of New Attentional Templates for Real-world Objects in Visual Search

Visual search is controlled by representations of target objects (attentional templates). Such templates are often activated in response to verbal descriptions of search targets, but it is unclear whether search can be guided effectively by such verbal cues. We measured ERPs to track the activation of attentional templates for new target objects defined by word cues. On each trial run, a word cue was followed by three search displays that contained the cued target object among three distractors. Targets were detected more slowly in the first display of each trial run, and the N2pc component (an ERP marker of attentional target selection) was attenuated and delayed for the first relative to the two successive presentations of a particular target object, demonstrating limitations in the ability of word cues to activate effective attentional templates. N2pc components to target objects in the first display were strongly affected by differences in object imageability (i.e., the ability of word cues to activate a target-matching visual representation). These differences were no longer present for the second presentation of the same target objects, indicating that a single perceptual encounter is sufficient to activate a precise attentional template. Our results demonstrate the superiority of visual over verbal target specifications in the control of visual search, highlight the fact that verbal descriptions are more effective for some objects than others, and suggest that the attentional templates that guide search for particular real-world target objects are analog visual representations.
Decision makers' and scientists' opinion about contingent valuation and choice experiments for measuring willingness to pay in health care: Results from a survey in Germany

Objectives: Assessment of willingness to pay (WTP) by contingent valuation (CV) and choice experiments (CE) is increasingly performed in economic evaluation of health care. However, the question of whether the methods for measuring WTP are acceptable to decision makers and scientists has remained largely unacknowledged. The aim of this study was to learn more about decision makers' and scientists' opinion concerning these methods. Methods: An expert group developed a questionnaire consisting of key items that may influence the opinion about CV and CE according to the constructs “attitude toward behavior,” “subjective norm,” and “behavioral intention” as defined by the Theory of Reasoned Action by Ajzen and Fishbein. In a survey, seventy-seven decision makers representing key institutions in the German healthcare system and forty-two scientists in health economics completed the questionnaire. Results: Scientists and decision makers in particular did not show a high intention to use methods for measuring WTP. Skepticism regarding precision of the methods and subjects' capability to imagine paying an amount of money for a certain health commodity were stated along with the assertion that the hypothetical decision-making scenario was rather a distant reality. Nevertheless, the majority of scientists and decision makers did not state rejection of the methods. Conclusions: Increasing the probability of using methods for measuring WTP in health care, the hypothetical scenarios should be made more realistic and payment vehicles should be used to help patients relate payment to a real health benefit. Moreover, an intensive discussion on the potential usefulness of CV/CE without excluding ethical concerns in comparison to existing alternatives has to be resumed.
Extranuclear Lipid Bodies, Elicited by CCR3-mediated Signaling Pathways, Are the Sites of Chemokine-enhanced Leukotriene C4 Production in Eosinophils and Basophils*

Eosinophils and basophils, when activated, become major sources of cysteinyl leukotrienes, eicosanoid mediators pertinent to allergic inflammation. We show that the C-C chemokines, eotaxin and RANTES (regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted), activate eosinophils and basophils for enhanced leukotriene C4 (LTC4) generation by distinct signaling and compartmentalization mechanisms involving the induced formation of new cytoplasmic lipid body organelles. Chemokine-induced lipid body formation and enhanced LTC4release were both mediated by CCR3 receptor G protein-linked downstream signaling involving activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Chemokine-elicited lipid body numbers correlated with increased calcium ionophore-stimulated LTC4 production; and as demonstrated by intracellular immunofluorescent localization of newly formed eicosanoid, lipid bodies were the predominant sites of LTC4 synthesis in both chemokine-stimulated eosinophils and chemokine-primed and ionophore-activated eosinophils. Eotaxin and RANTES initiated signaling via phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases both elicits the formation of lipid body domains and promotes LTC4 formation at these specific extranuclear sites.
Performance Analysis of Multi-Behaviour Agents for Supply Chain Planning

In today's industrial context, competitiveness is closely associated to supply chain performance. Coordination between business units is essential to increase this performance, in order to produce and deliver products on time to customers, at a competitive price. While planning systems usually follows a single straightforward production planning process, this paper proposes that partners adapt together their local planning process (i.e. planning behaviours) to the different situations met in the supply chain environment. Because each partner can choose different behaviour and all behaviours will have an impact on the overall performance, it is difficult to know which is preferable for each partner to increase this performance. Using agent-based technology, simulation experiments have been undertaken to verify if multi-behaviour planning agents who can change planning behaviours to adapt to its environment can increase supply chain performance. These agents have been implemented in an agent-based planning platform, using a case study illustrating a lumber supply chain. The performance analysis shows that advanced planning systems can take advantage of using multiple planning processes, because of the dynamic context of supply chains.