Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relation of immune semaphorin/plexin signaling to carcinogenesis

Semaphorins and plexins represent a highly conserved group of proteins that have recently been found to exert widespread regulatory functions outside the nervous system, including angiogenesis and immune regulation. Furthermore, these molecules are definitely implicated in the etiology of carcinogenesis and immune disorders. Their expression patterns and levels are deregulated in cancer cells and in cells of the tumor milieu. During the multistep development of cancer, its characteristic features include sustained tumor cell proliferation, resistance to cell death, limitless replicative capacity, activation of angiogenesis along with invasion and metastatic spread, cancer-related smoldering inflammation, and evasion of antitumor immune responses. The diversity of the semaphorin/plexin complexes and, thus, the multiple stimulated molecular interactions allow varied and diverse cell signaling events. The elicited transduction pathways might be involved in modifying the intricate mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Indeed, these pleiotropic signals may influence not only the intrinsic properties of cancer cells but they could also represent a possible link in mediating the cross-talk between tumor cells and the surrounding multiple stromal cells. In tumorigenesis, however, a dual role of different semaphorins is proposed, as some of them may elicit tumor regression, whereas others definitely promote cancer cell survival and progression. The current antitumoral or prosurvival responsiveness to semaphorins is mainly cell context dependent; nevertheless, their precise relation to cancer networks has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we survey the many faces of a subset of the large semaphorin family, termed immune semaphorins, in carcinogenesis.
Mechanisms of action of lipoxygenase and cytochrome P‐450‐mono‐oxygenase inhibitors in blocking endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation

1 Acetylcholine, ionophore A23187 and melittin induced endothelium‐dependent relaxations of preconstricted strips of rabbit aorta. These relaxations are likely to be mediated by endothelium‐derived relaxing factor (EDRF). 2 Relaxations in response to acetylcholine (1 μm) were inhibited by the following lipoxygenase inhibitors, with the approximate IC50 values indicated in parentheses: gossypol (1.5 μm), nordi‐hydroguairetic acid (NDGA, 5 μm), AA 861 (20 μm), phenidone (30 μm), quercetin (40 μm), BW 755C (300 μm), and piriprost (500 μm); with cirsiliol 50% inhibition was not achieved. Acetylcholine‐induced relaxations were also blocked by the cytochrome P‐450‐mono‐oxygenase inhibitors proadifen (SKF 525A, 4 μm), metyrapone (300 μm), and cimetidine (300 μm); 7,8 benzoflavone had no effect up to 100 μm. 3 The more potent inhibitors were also tested against relaxations induced by A23187 (0.1 μm) and melittin (1 μm) and produced partial inhibition of these relaxations. 4 The mechanism of action of the more potent inhibitors was investigated in a bioassay system. EDRF was produced in columns filled with cultured human endothelial cells. The factor was bioassayed with endothelium denuded segments of rabbit femoral artery. When added to effluent of the column, NDGA, AA861, proadifen and metyrapone inhibited the EDRF‐induced vasodilatation, whereas gossypol had no effect. Gossypol, however, blocked EDRF production when infused through the column. 5 The more potent inhibitors were also tested to determine their effect on purified soluble guanylate cyclase. While gossypol, NDGA and proadifen had no appreciable effects, basal and nitroprusside (50 μm)‐stimulated guanylate cyclase activity was inhibited by AA861 and metyrapone. 6 These data suggest that many of the above compounds inhibit EDRF by mechanisms other than lipoxygenase‐ or cytochrome P‐450‐mono‐oxygenase inhibition.
Primary cilia deletion in pancreatic epithelial cells results in cyst formation and pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Defects in cilia formation or function have been implicated in several human genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Pancreatic lesions are found in approximately 10% of PKD patients, suggesting a connection between cilia defects and pancreatic pathologies. Here, we investigate the role of cilia in pancreas formation and function by analyzing mice that lack cilia in pancreatic cells. METHODS Using Cre/lox technology, we conditionally inactivated Kif3a, the gene encoding for a subunit of the kinesin-2 complex that is essential for cilia formation, in pancreatic epithelia. Kif3a mice were studied by immunohistochemical and biochemical methods to assess the morphology and differentiation status of pancreatic cells. RESULTS Tissue-specific loss of Kif3a in pancreatic cells resulted in severe pancreatic abnormalities including acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, fibrosis, and lipomatosis. Ductal metaplasia appears to be due to expansion of ductal cells rather than transdifferentiation of acinar cells. Cyst formation, aberrant ductal morphology, and extensive fibrosis associated with severe adhesion to adjacent organs were commonly observed in aged Kif3a mutant mice. Deletion of Kif3a using different pancreas-specific Cre strains suggests that these pancreatic phenotypes might be caused by the absence of cilia in ductal cells. Activation of transforming growth factor beta and Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways may play a role in these phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the absence of cilia in pancreatic cells produces pancreatic lesions that resemble those found in patients with chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
The Effects of Coopetition and Coopetition Capability on Firm Innovation Performance

This dissertation is motivated by two research questions: 1) to what extent does coopetition impact firm innovation performance? and 2) to what extent does a firm‘s coopetition capability influence the relationship between coopetition and firm innovation performance? Despite the popularity of coopetition in both the academic and business arenas, empirical studies on the effects of coopetition on firm innovation performance are rare. With the dynamic and paradoxical nature of coopetition, the role of a firm‘s specific capability to manage coopetition (i.e., coopetition capability) is an important issue that has remained under-researched in the literature. In an endeavor to contribute to the coopetition literature in the context of technological innovation, both theoretical and methodological improvements were pursued for this dissertation. From a theoretical perspective, I conceptualize coopetition as composed of three components: 1) competition between partners, 2) cooperation between partners, and 3) the interplay between competition and cooperation. It is argued that the balance between competition and cooperation is
The Role of Placental Protein 14 in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Placental protein 14 (PP-14) is the principal secretory phase product of endometrium and has been shown to inhibit cell immune function. But its role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is controversy. The objective of this study is to determine the concentrations of PP-14 in peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum and PP-14 protein expression in endometriotic lesions in women with ovarian endometriosis (n = 75) when compared to women without endometriosis (n = 49) between day 7 and day 20 of their menstrual cycle. Concentrations of PP-14 in PF and serum as well as PP-14 protein expression in endometriotic lesions in women with and without endometriosis were evaluated by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Serum PP-14 concentrations were significantly increased in women with endometriosis (7.5 ± 1.4 ng/mL) compared to those in women without endometriosis (5.8 ± 0.9 ng/mL; P < .05) and statistically decreased after surgery and further reduced by using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy (P < .05). However, the concentrations of PP-14 in PF did not reach a significant difference between women with and without endometriosis (P > .05). In women with endometriosis, scores of PP-14 protein expression in the lesions (n = 50, 2.2 [0∼5.8]) were significantly correlated with serum PP-14 concentrations (n = 50, 7.6 ± 1.3 ng/mL; P < .01). Our results suggest that PP-14 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Expression of T‐type calcium channel splice variants in human glioma

In humans, three isoforms of the T‐type (Cav3.1) calcium‐channel α1 subunit have been reported as a result of alternate splicing of exons 25 and 26 in the III–IV linker region (Cav3.1a, Cav3.1b or Cav3.1bc). In the present study, we report that human glioma express Cav3.1 channels in situ, that splicing of these exons is uniquely regulated and that there is expression of a glioma‐specific novel T‐type variant (Cav3.1ac). Seven human glioma samples were collected at surgery, RNA was extracted, and cDNA was produced for RT‐PCR analysis. In addition, three glioma cell lines (U87, U563, and U251N), primary cultures of human fetal astrocytes, as well as adult and fetal human brain cDNA were used. Previously described Cav3.1 splice variants were present in glioma samples, cultured cells and whole brain. Consistent with the literature, our results reveal that in the normal adult brain, Cav3.1a transcripts predominate, while Cav3.1b is mostly fetal‐specific. RT‐PCR results on glioma and glioma cell lines showed that Cav3.1 expression in tumor cells resemble fetal brain expression pattern as Cav3.1bc is predominantly expressed. In addition, we identified a novel splice variant, Cav3.1ac, expressed in three glioma biopsies and one glioma cell line, but not in normal brain or fetal astrocytes. Transient expression of this variant demonstrates that Cav3.1ac displays similar current‐voltage and steady‐state inactivation properties compared with Cav3.1b, but a slower recovery from inactivation. Taken together, our data suggest glioma‐specific Cav3.1 gene regulation, which could possibly contribute to tumor pathogenesis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic and Structural Characterization of the Core Region of the Lipopolysaccharide from Serratia marcescens N28b (Serovar O4)

ABSTRACT The gene cluster (waa) involved in Serratia marcescens N28b core lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis was identified, cloned, and sequenced. Complementation analysis of known waa mutants from Escherichia coli K-12, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumoniae led to the identification of five genes coding for products involved in the biosynthesis of a shared inner core structure: [l,d-HeppIIIα(1→7)-l,d-HeppIIα(1→3)-l,d-HeppIα(1→5)-KdopI(4←2)αKdopII] (l,d-Hepp, l-glycero-d-manno-heptopyranose; Kdo, 3-deoxy-d-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid). Complementation and/or chemical analysis of several nonpolar mutants within the S. marcescens waa gene cluster suggested that in addition, three waa genes were shared by S. marcescens and K. pneumoniae, indicating that the core region of the LPS of S. marcescens and K. pneumoniae possesses additional common features. Chemical and structural analysis of the major oligosaccharide from the core region of LPS of an O-antigen-deficient mutant of S. marcescens N28b as well as complementation analysis led to the following proposed structure: β-Glc-(1→6)-α-Glc-(1→4))-α-d-GlcN-(1→4)-α-d-GalA-[(2←1)-α-d,d-Hep-(2←1)-α-Hep]-(1→3)-α-l,d-Hep[(7←1)-α-l,d-Hep]-(1→3)-α-l,d-Hep-[(4←1)-β-d-Glc]-(1→5)-Kdo. The D configuration of the β-Glc, α-GclN, and α-GalA residues was deduced from genetic data and thus is tentative. Furthermore, other oligosaccharides were identified by ion cyclotron resonance-Fourier-transformed electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, which presumably contained in addition one residue of d-glycero-d-talo-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Ko) or of a hexuronic acid. Several ions were identified that differed from others by a mass of +80 Da, suggesting a nonstoichiometric substitution by a monophosphate residue. However, none of these molecular species could be isolated in substantial amounts and structurally analyzed. On the basis of the structure shown above and the analysis of nonpolar mutants, functions are suggested for the genes involved in core biosynthesis.
Pre-natal exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene and infant lower respiratory tract infections and wheeze

The aim of our study was to examine whether pre-natal exposure to dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and wheeze in infants. The study is based on a birth cohort of 1,455 mother–child pairs. Maternal serum concentrations of DDE, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were measured during pregnancy. Parental reports on LRTI and wheeze were obtained when children were 12–14 months old. 35.4% of children developed at least one LRTI episode and 33.6% at least one wheezing episode during their first 12–14 months of life. Median DDE, PCBs and HCB concentrations were 116.3, 113.7 and 46.4 ng·g−1 lipid, respectively. DDE concentrations were associated with LRTI risk (relative risk (RR) per 10% increase 1.11, 95% CI 1.00–1.22), also after adjustment for PCBs and HCB. In all quartiles of DDE exposure, the risk of LRTI was increased compared with the lowest quartile, but the increase was statistically significant only in the third quartile (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08–1.62). No association was observed for PCBs and HCB. Results were similar for wheeze. This study suggests that pre-natal DDE exposure is associated with a higher risk of LRTI and wheeze in infants independently of exposure to other organochlorine compounds.
A generalized description of the weighted contrast

In this paper the problem of no-reference measurement of the contrast of image elements (objects and background) for complex multi-element images is considered. A generalized description of the weighted contrast of the image elements was proposed. New definitions for the weighted contrast of the image elements are proposed. A comparison of the proposed and known definitions of weighted contrast was carried out.
Histomorphometric changes of osteosarcoma after chemotherapy. Correlation with 99mTc methylene diphosphonate functional imaging

An investigation to correlate histologic changes in 12 osteosarcoma specimens from patients undergoing chemotherapy was performed using functional images of regional 99mTc methylene diphosphonate (MDP) plasma clearance rates assessed from dynamic bone scintigraphies taken during chemotherapy. Residual tumor cell viability was determined by microscopic examination of multiple thin sections from surgical specimens and quantitated by histomorphometry. Regions that showed decreases in 99mTc MDP plasma clearance of more than 20% were associated with areas of necrotic tumor, and regions that showed absent decline or increasing clearance rates were associated with high residual cell viability and incomplete response to chemotherapy. Therefore, functional bone scintigraphy allows an objective presurgical assessment of tumor response to chemotherapy. Cancer 59:252–258, 1987.
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) and Lactation: An Update

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are commonly used for the treatment of hypertension. ACEIs have been promoted as first-line therapy for selected patients with chronic hypertension and for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy, thus creating the potential for frequent ACEI exposure among women of childbearing age. ARBs are the most recent addition to the available options for antihypertensive agents. This review specifically focuses on the most up-to-date information regarding these newer antihypertensives with regard to lactation.
Stata Commands for Testing Conditional Moment Inequalities / Equalities

In this paper, we present two commands – cmi test and cmi interval – to implement the testing and inference methods for conditional moment inequalities/equalities models proposed in Andrews and Shi (2013). The command cmi test tests the validity of a finite number of conditional moment equalities and/or inequalities. This test returns the value of the test statistic, the critical values at significance levels 1%, 5%, and 10%, and the p-value. The command cmi interval returns the confidence interval for a one-dimensional parameter defined by intersection bounds. This confidence interval is obtained by inverting cmi test. All procedures implemented are uniformly asymptotically valid under appropriate conditions (specified in Andrews and Shi (2013)).
Acuity measurements in adult subjects using a preferential looking test

Preferential looking (PL), as a technique for assessing visual acuity, was designed for use with young infants. There are occasions when a practitioner may need to use a PL test with an adult who is unable to participate in acuity measures with conventional optotype tests (such as an adult with learning disabilities, stroke damage or dementia). In preparation for the development of an adult‐appropriate PL test, this study compared scores with the Cardiff Acuity Test (CAT, which was designed as a PL test) and a standard LogMAR‐based test, the Lea chart. One hundred and one adults with learning disabilities, attending vision screening at Special Olympics, took part in acuity measures with both tests. Athletes subsequently found to have uncorrected refractive errors were excluded and analysis was confined to 72 athletes. There was no significant difference in mean acuity with the two tests, but CAT tended to overestimate scores for poorer acuities. CAT was less sensitive than the Lea chart to interocular acuity differences. Although CAT may be a successful way to assess acuity in patients unable to participate in conventional acuity tests, the practitioner should be cautious in interpreting results. There is the potential with CAT to overestimate acuity and to miss small interocular differences, so criteria for determining ‘abnormality’ may need to be adjusted.
Weather Analytics Using Machine Learning Techniques On Openstack Cloud

Cloud computing is the latest distributed computing paradigm and it offers various opportunities to solve large-amount of scientific problems. Cloud-enabled VM for developers and scientists. Huge data analysis can be done using cloud computing and machine learning technique management for developers & scientists. We are working on the technology framework for weather analytics. Weather science is Big Data domain . Weather plays an important role in everyday life. Weather prediction has been the one of the most challenging issue around the world in last year. Various techniques are used for prediction are Statistical analysis, Data mining, Regression analysis, and neural networks. This paper represents machine learning technique for the early prediction of weather on hadoop in Openstack cloud.
Employable Ever After : Examining the antecedents and outcomes of sustainable employability in a hospital context

This dissertation focuses on sustainable employability, its consequences, and how it can be stimulated. Sustainably employable workers are those that are able and willing to productively work throughout their careers. Sustainable employability is considered important for both employees and their employers, because it can help workers to deal with the ever-changing work environment. This dissertation contributes to our knowledge on sustainable employability by addressing four gaps in the literature. These gaps are defined in the first chapter and inform the research in this dissertation. The empirical research is conducted in the Dutch hospital sector, a relevant research context as there is a high need for sustainably employable workers in this dynamic environment. This dissertation shows that employer’s investments in providing resourceful and challenging jobs as well as adequate managerial support, stimulate employees to become and remain Employable Ever After. The research indicates that employee age and job type should be taken into account when investing in workers’ sustainable employability, as for example, some occupational groups run the risk of ‘entrapped employment positions’, which limits their career chances. Ultimately, both employees and employers benefit from employer’s investments in sustainable employability, although employers should be aware of the so-called ‘spoiled worker alert’. This means that employees could become reluctant to change because they value their employer’s investments focused on their current job so much, while at the same time, they are insufficiently stimulated to think ahead.
Design and control of a bi-directional resonant DC-DC converter for automotive engine/battery hybrid power generators

In this paper a bidirectional DC-DC converter is proposed for automotive engine/battery hybrid power generators. The two-stage bidirectional converter employing a fixed-frequency series loaded resonant converter(SRC) is designed to be capable of operating under zero-current-switching(ZCS) turn on and turn off regardless of voltage and load variation, and hence its magnetic components and EMI filters can be optimized. Also, a new autonomous and seamless bidirectional voltage control method that combines two individual controllers for low voltage side control and high voltage side control by introducing a variable current limiter is proposed to provide uninterrupted power to critical AC loads and reduce the size of the DC bus capacitor. Experimental results from a 5 kW prototype are provided to validate the proposed concept.
NP-complete problems have a version that's hard to approximate

It is proved that all of R.M. Karp's (1972) 21 original NP-complete problems have a version that is hard to approximate. These versions are obtained from the original problems by adding essentially the same, simple constraint. It is further shown that these problems are absurdly hard to approximate. In fact, one cannot even approximate log/sup (k)/ of the magnitude of these problems to within a constant factor, where log/sup (k)/ denotes the iterated logarithm, unless NP is recognized by slightly superpolynomial randomized machines. It is also shown that it is even harder to approximate two counting problems: counting the number of satisfying assignments to a monotone 2-SAT formula and computing the permanent of -1, 0, 1 matrices. <<ETX>>