Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reversal of cancer multidrug resistance by green tea polyphenols

The aim of this study was to examine the effect and mechanism of green tea polyphenols (TP) on reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR) in a carcinoma cell line. Using the MTT assay, TP was examined for its modulating effects on the drug‐resistant KB‐A‐1 cells and drug‐sensitive KB‐3–1 cells. When 10 μg mL−1 (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or 40 μg mL−1 TP were present simultaneously with doxorubicin (DOX), the IC50 of DOX on KB‐A‐1 cells decreased from 10.3 ± 0.9 μg mL−1 to 4.2 ± 0.2 and 2.0 ± 0.1 μg mL−1, respectively. TP and EGCG enhanced the DOX cytotoxicity on KB‐A‐1 cells by 5.2‐and 2.5‐times, respectively, but did not show a modulating effect on KB‐3–1 cells. This indicated that both TP and EGCG had reversal effects on the MDR phenotype in‐vitro. A KB‐A‐1 cell xenograft model was established, and the effect of TP on reversing MDR in‐vivo was determined. Mechanistic experiments were conducted to examine the uptake, efflux and accumulation of DOX. Cloning and expression of the nucleotide binding domain of the human MDR1 gene in Escherichia coli was established, and by using colorimetry to examine the activity of ATPase to hydrolyse ATP, the ATPase activity of target nucleotide binding domain protein was determined. TP exerted its reversal effects through the inhibition of ATPase activity, influencing the function of P‐glycoprotein, and causing a decreased extrusion of anticancer drug and an increased accumulation of anticancer drug in drug resistant cells. Using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, the inhibitory effect of TP on MDR1 gene expression was investigated. Down‐regulation of MDR1 gene expression was the main effect, which resulted in the reversal effect of TP on the MDR phenotype. TP is a potent MDR modulator with potential in the treatment of P‐glycoprotein mediated MDR cancers.
Type I collagen regulated dentin matrix protein‐1 (Dmp‐1) and osteocalcin (OCN) gene expression of rat dental pulp cells

In this study, we investigated the effect of type I collagen on dentin matrix protein‐1 (Dmp‐1) and osteocalcin (OCN) gene expression of dental pulp cells. The mRNA level of Dmp‐1 gene was down‐regulated; however, OCN gene expression was up‐regulated by the culture of dental pulp cells with type I collagen. These findings imply that type I collagen regulates mRNA level of Dmp‐1 and OCN gene that are predominantly expressed in active odontoblasts. The change of gene expression by type I collagen was suppressed by the blocking of collagen–integrin interaction. We could conclude that the effect of type I collagen was mediated via binding of collagen to integrin receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 88: 1112–1119, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantized conductance of point contacts in a two-dimensional electron gas.

As a result of the high mobihty attamable in the twodimensional electron gas (2DEG) in GaAs-AlGaAs heterostructures it is now becoming feasible to study ballistic transport in small devices '"6 In metals ideal tools for such studies are constnctions havng a width W and length L much smaller than the mean free path le These are known as Sharvin pomt contacts 7 Because of the ballistic transport through these constnctions, the resistance is determmed by the pomt-contact geometry only Point contacts have been used extensively for the study of elastic and melastic electron scattermg With use of biased pomt contacts, electrons can be mjected mto metals at energies above the Fermi level This allows the study of the energy dependence of the scattermg mechamsms 8 With the use of a geometry containmg two pomt contacts, with Separation smaller than le, electrons mjected by a pomt contact can be focused mto the other contact, by the application of a magnetic field This technique (transverse electron focusmg) has been applied to the detailed study of Fermi surfaces 9 In this Letter we report the first expenmental study of the resistance of ballistic pomt contacts m the 2DEG of high-mobihty GaAs-AlGaAs heterostructures The smgle-pomt contacts discussed m this paper are part of a double-pomt-contact device The results of transverse electron focusmg m these devices will be published elsewhere '° The pomt contacts are dehned by electrostatic depletion of the 2DEG underneath a gate This method, which has been used by several authors for the study of l D conduction,'1 offers the possibility to control the width of the pomt contact by the gate voltage Control of the width is not feasible in metal pomt contacts
Real-time Traffic Flow Forecasting based on Wavelet Neural Network

Real-time traffic flow forecasting is the core of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), and the foundation of multi-subsystemâ? s implementation in ITS. Traffic flow, which is highly time-relevant, with the features of high non-linear and non-determinism, can be treated as the time sequence forecast. On the basis of these features of traffic flow, this paper tries to deal with this issue based on Wavelet Neural Network (WNN) specially. At the same time, the paper realizes the analogue simulation through the Matlab software programming, by taking a road for example. And the simulation results show that the traffic flow can be precisely forecasted using Wavelet Neural Network, and its value is close to the expectations.
Information Processing Using Transient Dynamics of Semiconductor Lasers Subject to Delayed Feedback

The increasing amount of data being generated in different areas of science and technology require novel and efficient techniques of processing, going beyond traditional concepts. In this paper, we numerically study the information processing capabilities of semiconductor lasers subject to delayed optical feedback. Based on the recent concept of reservoir computing, we show that certain tasks, which are inherently hard for traditional computers, can be efficiently tackled by such systems. Major advantages of this approach comprise the possibility of simple and low-cost hardware implementation of the reservoir and ultrafast processing speed. Experimental results corroborate the numerical predictions.
Neutralization of Mitochondrial Superoxide by Superoxide Dismutase 2 Promotes Bacterial Clearance and Regulates Phagocyte Numbers in Zebrafish

ABSTRACT Mitochondria are known primarily as the location of the electron transport chain and energy production in cells. More recently, mitochondria have been shown to be signaling centers for apoptosis and inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated as by-products of the electron transport chain within mitochondria significantly impact cellular signaling pathways. Because of the toxic nature of ROS, mitochondria possess an antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), to neutralize ROS. If mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes are overwhelmed during severe infections, mitochondrial dysfunction can occur and lead to multiorgan failure or death. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can infect immunocompromised patients. Infochemicals and exotoxins associated with P. aeruginosa are capable of causing mitochondrial dysfunction. In this work, we describe the roles of SOD2 and mitochondrial ROS regulation in the zebrafish innate immune response to P. aeruginosa infection. sod2 is upregulated in mammalian macrophages and neutrophils in response to lipopolysaccharide in vitro, and sod2 knockdown in zebrafish results in an increased bacterial burden. Further investigation revealed that phagocyte numbers are compromised in Sod2-deficient zebrafish. Addition of the mitochondrion-targeted ROS-scavenging chemical MitoTEMPO rescues neutrophil numbers and reduces the bacterial burden in Sod2-deficient zebrafish. Our work highlights the importance of mitochondrial ROS regulation by SOD2 in the context of innate immunity and supports the use of mitochondrion-targeted ROS scavengers as potential adjuvant therapies during severe infections.
Retinoic acid perturbs the expression of Xhox.lab genes and alters mesodermal determination in Xenopus laevis.

Retinoic acid (RA) treatment of Xenopus laevis embryos leads to anterior truncation of the body axis (Durston et al. 1989; Sive et al. 1990). These initial studies suggested that RA may play a role in the patterning of the primary body axis. At least one target of RA was shown previously to be dorsal ectoderm. In this report we extend this observation and also ask whether RA alters the determination and inducing capacity of mesodermal tissue. To facilitate this analysis we isolated the homeo-domain-containing genes Xhox.lab1 and Xhox.lab2. These genes were expressed in both ectoderm and mesoderm during the RA-sensitive period and were strongly induced by RA in both germ layers. In particular, anterior regions expressed low levels of Xhox.lab RNAs in untreated embryos but showed increased expression after RA application. We show further that although RA-treated embryos contained anterior-inducing mesoderm, the amount of this activity appeared to be lower than that of controls. Additionally, we document that RA suppressed lateral (muscle) and ventral (blood) mesoderm differentiation. The data indicate that RA alters mesodermal determination and causes axial perturbation both by depressing the ability of dorsal mesoderm to induce anterior structures and by altering the response of dorsal ectoderm to induction. These analyses suggest that Xhox.lab genes may be responsible, in part, for mediating the RA effect.
Evaluating goal models within the goal‐oriented requirement language

In this article, we introduce the application of rigorous analysis procedures to goal models to provide several benefits beyond the initial act of modeling. Such analysis can allow modelers to assess the satisfaction of goals, facilitate evaluation of high‐level design alternatives, help analysts decide on the high‐level requirements and design of the system, test the sanity of a model, and support communication and learning. The analysis of goal models can be done in very different ways depending on the nature of the model and the purpose of the analysis. In our work, we use the Goal‐oriented Requirement Language (GRL), which is part of the User Requirements Notation (URN). URN, a new Recommendation of the International Telecommunications Union, provides the first standard goal‐oriented language. Using GRL, we develop an approach to analysis that can be done by evaluating qualitative or quantitative satisfaction levels of the actors and intentional elements (e.g., goals and tasks) composing the model. Initial satisfaction levels for some of the intentional elements are provided in a strategy and then propagated to the other intentional elements of the model through the various links that connect them. The results allow for an assessment of the relative effectiveness of design alternatives at the requirements level. Although no specific propagation algorithm is imposed in the URN standard, different criteria for defining evaluation mechanisms are described. We provide three algorithms (quantitative, qualitative, and hybrid) as examples, which satisfy the constraints imposed by the standard. These algorithms have been implemented in the open‐source jUCMNav tool, an Eclipse‐based editor for URN models. The algorithms are presented and compared with the help of a telecommunication system example. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of parathyroid hormone-related protein in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis by cementoblasts.

BACKGROUND Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) promotes osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK), and by enhancing production of RANK ligand (RANKL) by osteoblasts. However, little is known regarding the role of PTHrP in regulating cementoblast-mediated osteoclastogenesis. METHODS This study determined the impact of PTHrP on osteoclastogenesis using: 1) OCCM-30 (immortalized murine cementoblasts), 2) RAW 264.7 cells (murine myeloid cells), or 3) OCCM-30 plus RAW 264.7 cells. Cells were treated with PTHrP (1-34), RANKL, or PTHrP and RANKL combined. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for OPG and RANKL were performed on media and cell lysates, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and mRNA detection for the osteoclast associated receptor (OSCAR) were performed. RESULTS The highest numbers of TRAP-positive cells and cells expressing OSCAR were found in the RAW cell group treated with either RANKL alone or RANKL and PTHrP. TRAP-positive cells were fewer when OCCM cells were co-cultured with RAW, but the greatest numbers were still with both PTHrP and RANKL. OPG levels were highest from OCCM cells and PTHrP decreased these levels. In contrast, RANKL levels were low in OCCM cell lysates and PTHrP increased RANKL. In vivo studies also revealed high osteoclastic activity surrounding developing teeth in mice administered PTH. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that PTHrP influences the balance of OPG and RANKL production by cementoblasts, and further indicate that this effect, in the context of surrounding cells, might have a significant impact on osteoclastogenesis, root resorption, and tooth eruption.
Detecting Misspecified Multilevel Structural Equation Models with Common Fit Indices: A Monte Carlo Study

This study investigated the sensitivity of common fit indices (i.e., RMSEA, CFI, TLI, SRMR-W, and SRMR-B) for detecting misspecified multilevel SEMs. The design factors for the Monte Carlo study were numbers of groups in between-group models (100, 150, and 300), group size (10, 20, 30, and 60), intra-class correlation (low, medium, and high), and the types of model misspecification (Simple and Complex). The simulation results showed that CFI, TLI, and RMSEA could only identify the misspecification in the within-group model. Additionally, CFI, TLI, and RMSEA were more sensitive to misspecification in pattern coefficients while SRMR-W was more sensitive to misspecification in factor covariance. Moreover, TLI outperformed both CFI and RMSEA in terms of the hit rates of detecting the within-group misspecification in factor covariance. On the other hand, SRMR-B was the only fit index sensitive to misspecification in the between-group model and more sensitive to misspecification in factor covariance than misspecification in pattern coefficients. Finally, we found that the influence of ICC on the performance of targeted fit indices was trivial.
Questionnaire Based Assessment of Patients' Acceptability of Leukocytapheresis for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The aim of the present study was to assess patients' acceptance of therapeutic leukocytapheresis known as cytapheresis (CAP) for the treatment of an active flare of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A questionnaire was sent to 155 IBD patients who had been treated with CAP for an active flare of IBD at the IBD center of Hyogo College of Medicine between January 2009 and July 2012. In the questionnaire, patients were asked to evaluate CAP including efficacy, safety, unfavorable features and their willingness to be retreated with CAP for a subsequent IBD flare‐up. Seventy‐eight percent (112 of 155 patients) including 86 with ulcerative colitis and 26 with Crohn's disease completed the questionnaire. The need for coming to hospital for CAP, needle pain during blood access, sparing time for CAP process were scored by 57%, 58%, and 58.9% of the patients, respectively as unfavorable. Patients highly favored the safety of CAP, the sum of very and relatively favorable was 89%, higher than for efficacy (68%). Seventy‐two percent of patients favored retreatment with CAP. In binary logistic regression analysis, the levels of satisfaction for efficacy (P < 0.001), and inconvenience for CAP treatment time (P < 0.001) were highly significant factors for patients' willingness to be retreated. Bearing in mind that CAP is a non‐pharmacologic treatment intervention, our analyses indicated that IBD patients favored high efficacy, as well as comfort of CAP or maintaining their normal social activity even during an active phase of the disease. Patient's acceptability for CAP appeared to be determined by the balance of these factors.
The slippage paradox

Buying or selling assets leads to transaction costs for the investor. On one hand, it is well know to all market practionaires that the transaction costs are positive on average and present therefore systematic loss. On the other hand, for every trade, there is a buy side and a sell side, the total amount of asset and the total amount of cash is conserved. I show, that the apparently paradoxical observation of systematic loss of all participants is intrinsic to the trading process since it corresponds to a correlation of outstanding orders and price changes.
On the Coding of Genetic Information

This collaborative publication is a product of the Cold Spring Harbor Symposium of 1963. The authors discuss the state of the field in areas of known factors in messenger efficiency of synthetic polynucleotides, coding ratios, the current "code word dictionary," and synthesis of nucleotides. Tables and figures are included.
Patient outcomes after lumbar spinal fusions.

OBJECTIVES To determine success and complication rates for lumbar spinal fusion surgery, predictors of good outcomes, and whether fusion improves success rates of laminectomy for specific low back disorders. DATA SOURCES English-language journal articles published from 1966 through April 1991, identified through MEDLINE searching (spinal fusion plus limiting terms), bibliography review, and expert consultation. STUDY SELECTION Articles were selected only if they reported at least 1 year of follow-up data enabling the classification of clinical outcomes as satisfactory or unsatisfactory for at least 30 patients. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently extracted data on patient characteristics, surgical methods, patient outcomes, and quality of study methods. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 47 articles, there were no randomized trials. Four nonrandomized studies compared surgery with and without fusion for herniated disks; three found no advantage for fusion. On average, 68% of patients had a satisfactory outcome after fusion, but the range was wide (16% to 95%), and the satisfactory outcome rate was lower in prospective than in retrospective studies. The most frequently reported complications were pseudarthrosis (14%) and chronic pain at the bone graft donor site (9%). Clinical outcomes did not differ by diagnosis or fusion technique, but were worse in studies with a greater number of previously operated patients. CONCLUSIONS For several low back disorders no advantage has been demonstrated for fusion over surgery without fusion, and complications of fusions are common. Randomized controlled trials are needed to compare fusion, surgery without fusion, and nonsurgical treatments in rigorously defined patient groups.
Micro air vehicle based navigation aiding in degraded environments

Under scenarios of poor satellite visibility such as urban canyons and dense forest canopies, GNSS may be unavailable to dismounts. Portable dead reckoning approaches such as pedometry or inertial navigation drift without bound, and have no inherent automatic ability to correct the accumulated error in the absence of GNSS. We describe an approach for navigation aiding (i.e. bounding this error) by using one or more MAVs which operate to simultaneously maximize received C/N0 and maintain RF connectivity to the dismount. By tracking their own position via GNSS and extracting an estimate of dismount relative position from RF signals, MAVs are able to provide nearby ground elements with supplemental position estimates which, when combined with inertial dead reckoning information, increase the accuracy of their navigation solution.
Sho1 and Msb2-Related Proteins Regulate Appressorium Development in the Smut Fungus Ustilago maydis[W][OA]

A crucial step for diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi is the penetration of the plant cuticle. Here, we highlight that two conserved plasma membrane proteins are required for plant surface sensing and regulate the penetration process via MAP kinase signaling. The dimorphic fungus Ustilago maydis switches from budding to hyphal growth on the plant surface. In response to hydrophobicity and hydroxy fatty acids, U. maydis develops infection structures called appressoria. Here, we report that, unlike in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other fungi where Sho1 (synthetic high osmolarity sensitive) and Msb2 (multicopy suppressor of a budding defect) regulate stress responses and pseudohyphal growth, Sho1 and Msb2-like proteins play a key role during appressorium differentiation in U. maydis. Sho1 was identified through a two-hybrid screen as an interaction partner of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase Kpp6. Epistasis analysis revealed that sho1 and msb2 act upstream of the MAP kinases kpp2 and kpp6. Furthermore, Sho1 was shown to destabilize Kpp6 through direct interaction with the unique N-terminal domain in Kpp6, indicating a role of Sho1 in fine-tuning Kpp6 activity. Morphological differentiation in response to a hydrophobic surface was strongly attenuated in sho1 msb2 mutants, while hydroxy fatty acid–induced differentiation was unaffected. These data suggest that Sho1 and the transmembrane mucin Msb2 are involved in plant surface sensing in U. maydis.
Apigenin inhibits oxidative stress‐induced macromolecular damage in N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)‐induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis in Wistar albino rats

Apigenin (4′,5,7‐trihydroxyflavone), a flavone subclass of flavonoid widely distributed in many herbs, fruits, and vegetables is a substantial component of the human diet and has been shown to possess a variety of biological activities including tumor growth inhibition and chemoprevention. Recent studies in several biological systems have shown that apigenin induces tumor growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Free radical‐induced degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acid results in electrophilic products and causes severe oxidative stress. Oxidative stress induced by free radicals, nonoxidizing species, electrophiles, and associated DNA damages have been frequently coupled with carcinogenesis. In the present study, the protective role of apigenin was examined against the oxidative stress caused by N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and phenobarbital (PB) in Wistar albino rats. Oxidative stress was measured in terms of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonyl formation. Oxidative stress‐induced DNA damage was measured by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Apigenin exhibited its antioxidant defense against NDEA‐induced oxidative stress. We have observed minimal levels of LPO and DNA damage in apigenin‐treated hepatoma bearing animals. Based on the results, we suggest that apigenin may be developed as a promising chemotherapeutic agent against the development of chemical carcinogenesis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.