Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐182 promotes cell growth, invasion, and chemoresistance by targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) in human ovarian carcinomas

As an important tumor suppressor, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) influences transcription and translation of multiple genes, and modulates different signal transduction pathways. However, the upstream regulation of this gene is largely unknown. In this study, we found that microRNA‐182 (miRNA‐182, miR‐182) was upregulated, whereas PDCD4 was downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. Blocking or increase of miR‐182 in ovarian cancer cell lines led to an opposite alteration of endogenous PDCD4 protein level. Using fluorescent reporter assay, we confirmed the direct and negative regulation of PDCD4 by miR‐182, which was dependent on the predicted miR‐182 binding site within PDCD4 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR). MTT and colony formation assays suggested that miR‐182 blockage suppressed, whereas miR‐182 mimics enhanced viability and colony formation of ovarian cancer cells. These effects may partly be attributed to the cell cycle promotion activity of miR‐182. miR‐182 also contributed to migration and invasion activities of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, miR‐182 reduced the chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to CDDP and Taxol, possibly by its anti‐apoptosis activity. Importantly, all the alterations of the above cellular phenotypes by blocking or enhancing of miR‐182 could be alleviated by subsequent suppression or ectopic expression of its target PDCD4, respectively. We conclude that in ovarian cancer cells, miR‐182 acts as an oncogenic miRNA by directly and negatively regulating PDCD4. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1464–1473, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Junctional adhesion molecule-A is abnormally expressed in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis skin and mediates myeloid cell adhesion

Objective: To investigate the role of junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods: Biopsy specimens from proximal and distal arm skin and serum were obtained from patients with SSc and normal volunteers. To determine the expression of JAM-A on SSc dermal fibroblasts and in SSc skin, cell surface ELISAs and immunohistology were performed. An ELISA was designed to determine the amount of soluble JAM-A (sJAM-A) in serum. Myeloid U937 cell–SSc dermal fibroblast and skin adhesion assays were performed to determine the role of JAM-A in myeloid cell adhesion. Results: The stratum granulosum and dermal endothelial cells (ECs) from distal arm SSc skin exhibited significantly decreased expression of JAM-A in comparison with normal volunteers. However, sJAM-A was increased in the serum of patients with SSc compared with normal volunteers. Conversely, JAM-A was increased on the surface of SSc compared with normal dermal fibroblasts. JAM-A accounted for a significant portion of U937 binding to SSc dermal fibroblasts. In addition, JAM-A contributed to U937 adhesion to both distal and proximal SSc skin. Conclusions: JAM-A expression is dysregulated in SSc skin. Decreased expression of JAM-A on SSc ECs may result in a reduced response to proangiogenic basic fibroblast growth factor. Increased JAM-A expression on SSc fibroblasts may serve to retain myeloid cells, which in turn secrete angiogenic factors.
Secretory Sphingomyelinase, a Product of the Acid Sphingomyelinase Gene, Can Hydrolyze Atherogenic Lipoproteins at Neutral pH

The subendothelial aggregation and retention of low density lipoprotein (LDL) are key events in atherogenesis, but the mechanisms in vivo are not known. Previous studies have shown that treatment of LDL with bacterial sphingomyelinase (SMase)in vitro leads to the formation of lesion-like LDL aggregates that become retained on extracellular matrix and stimulate macrophage foam cell formation. In addition, aggregated human lesional LDL, but not unaggregated lesional LDL or plasma LDL, shows evidence of hydrolysis by an arterial wall SMase in vivo, and several arterial wall cell types secrete a SMase (S-SMase). S-SMase, however, has a sharp acid pH optimum using a standard in vitroSM-micelle assay. Thus, a critical issue regarding the potential role of S-SMase in atherogenesis is whether the enzyme can hydrolyze lipoprotein-SM, particularly at neutral pH. We now show that S-SMase can hydrolyze and aggregate native plasma LDL at pH 5.5 but not at pH 7.4. Remarkably, LDL modified by oxidation, treatment with phospholipase A2, or enrichment with apolipoprotein CIII, which are modifications associated with increased atherogenesis, is hydrolyzed readily by S-SMase at pH 7.4. In addition, lipoproteins from the plasma of apolipoprotein E knock-out mice, which develop extensive atherosclerosis, are highly susceptible to hydrolysis and aggregation by S-SMase at pH 7.4; a high SM:PC ratio in these lipoproteins appears to be an important factor in their susceptibility to S-SMase. Most importantly, LDL extracted from human atherosclerotic lesions, which is enriched in sphingomyelin compared with plasma LDL, is hydrolyzed by S-SMase at pH 7.4 10-fold more than same donor plasma LDL, suggesting that LDL is modified in the arterial wall to increase its susceptibility to S-SMase. In summary, atherogenic lipoproteins are excellent substrates for S-SMase, even at neutral pH, making this enzyme a leading candidate for the arterial wall SMase that hydrolyzes LDL-SM and causes subendothelial LDL aggregation.
Research on Application of Fussy-AHP on Supplier Selection

By combining fussy mathematics and AHP,the paper develops a model to estimate the suppliers performance based on fussy multi-rules.Sensitivity analysis is implemented by using the α-cut of fussy mathematics and the optimism index of decision-maker.This can provide more information to estimate the suppliers effectively.The example shows the effectivity of the model.
Characterisation of large F9 deletions in seven unrelated patients with severe haemophilia B

Summary Large deletions in the F9 gene are detected in approximately 5% of patients with severe haemophilia B, but only a few deletion breakpoints have been characterised precisely until now. In this study we identified a total of seven large F9 deletions in the index patients and nine female carriers by the AccuCopy technique. We also successfully characterised the exact breakpoints for each large deletion including four deletions encompassing the entire F9 gene by the genome walking method combined with primer walking strategy. The extents of deletion regions ranged from 11.1 to 884 kb. Microhomologies ranged from 2 to 6 bp were identified in the breakpoint junctions of six deletions. The other deletion occurred between two highly homologous sequences of the same long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE/L1). Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (MMBIR) may be the main causative mechanisms for the six large deletions with microhomologies. Non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) may mediate the deletion occurred between the two tandem LINEs in the other large deletion. Repetitive elements and non-B DNA forming motifs identified in the junction regions may contribute to DNA breakage leading to large deletions.
CELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF CARBONIC ANHYDRASE IN AVIAN TISSUES BY LABELED INHIBITOR AUTORADIOGRAPHY

Carbonic anhydrase was localized at the light microscope level using labeled inhibitor autoradiography. Laying hens, 10-day-old chicks and adult female Japanese quail received injections of 1-25 µC 3H-acetazolamide/g body weight. After 3 hr (quail) and 24 hr (hen and chick), 2-mm3 pieces of tissue were removed under anesthesia, frozen at –160°C, freeze-dried, fixed with OsO4 vapor, embedded in Epon, sectioned at 1 µ and covered with NTB-2 emulsion. The following results validate the method: (a) the concentration of acetazolamide was 100 times greater in red blood cells than in plasma 24 hr after injection in the hen, indicating that free and loosely bound acetazolamide was rapidly cleared from the body; (b) no significant amounts of label were found in muscle, cartilage, adipose tissue and nuclei, which have no carbonic anhydrase activity; (c) except for the pancreas, there was good agreement among the grain counts for the different classes of birds; and (d) the autoradiographic localizations were in general agreement with concepts of tissue function. Carbonic anhydrase was localized in: the proximal, distal, collecting tubules and the mesangium of the kidney; the acinar, but not the centroacinar, cells of the pancreas; the tubular glands and the columnar cells of the shell gland; the lining cells, but not the zymogenic cells, of the proventriculus; erythrocytes; erythroblasts; heterophils; and lymphoid nodules, but not in fat and interstitial tissue of bone marrow.
Black skin, ‘cowboy’ masculinity: A genealogy of homophobia in the African nationalist movement in Zimbabwe to 1983

This paper examines the intellectual and social origins of racialist homophobia in contemporary Zimbabwean political discourse, exemplified by President Robert Mugabe's anti‐homosexual speeches since the mid‐1990s. It challenges the notions that such homophobia is either essential to African patriarchy or simple political opportunism. Tracing overt expressions of intolerance towards male‐male sexuality back to the colonial period, it focuses on ways in which notions of appropriate, respectable, exclusive heterosexuality within the ‘cowboy’ culture of White Southern Rhodesia trickled into, or were interpreted in, the African nationalist movement. It concludes that understanding this history could improve efforts to address concerns around sexual health in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in the region, particularly silences around same‐sex sexuality in HIV/AIDS education and prevention.
DNA-based immunization induces continuous secretion of hepatitis B surface antigen and high levels of circulating antibody.

The possibility of inducing an immune response to a protein expressed directly from an introduced gene represents an alternative to classic vaccination. We evaluated the ability of plasmid-based eukaryotic expression vectors to produce the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after injection of pure DNA into mouse tibialis anterior muscles. DNA was injected into either normal mature muscle, or regenerating muscle following cardiotoxin-induced degeneration. The sera obtained from these animals contained significant levels of HBsAg as early as 10 days after gene transfer, at which time low levels of antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBsAg) were already present. Between 15-60 d after DNA transfer, serum levels of anti-HBsAg steadily increased whereas those for HbsAg fell, most likely due to the neutralizing effect of the antibodies. Analysis of proportions of HBs-seropositive mice showed that within 2 wk of injection of 100 micrograms pCMV-HBs in regenerating muscle, 91% of the mice were seropositive [defined as having more than 1 milli-International Unit/ml (mIU/ml) of anti-HBsAg]. Even at that early time, 68% had titers of anti-HBsAg greater than 10 mlU/ml, a level that is recognized as being sufficient in humans to confer protection against natural Hepatitis B virus infection. The proportion of seropositive animals rose to 95% by 4 wk, and 100% by 8 wk, at which time all mice had greater than 100 mIU anti-HBsAg in their sera. We have thus demonstrated that direct intramuscular injection of a plasmid vector encoding the HBsAg will give rise to secretion of the viral surface protein into the circulation which leads to an appropriate antibody response. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Neuroimaging evidence of progressive neuronal loss and dysfunction in temporal lobe epilepsy

Whether temporal lobe epilepsy is the result of an isolated, early injury or whether there is ongoing neuronal dysfunction or loss due to seizures is often debated. We attempt to address this issue by using magnetic resonance techniques. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging can detect and quantify focal neuronal dysfunction or loss based on reduced signals from the neuronal marker N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based measurements of hippocampal volumes (MRIvol) can quantify the amount of atrophy in this structure. We performed magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and MRIvol in 82 consecutive patients with medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy to determine whether there was a correlation between seizure frequency, or type or duration of epilepsy, with NAA to creatine (Cr) values or hippocampal volumes. Volumes and spectroscopic resonance intensities were categorized as to whether they were measured from the temporal lobe ipsilateral or contralateral to the predominant electroencephalographic focus. Ipsilateral and contralateral NAA/Cr was negatively correlated with duration of epilepsy. Hippocampal volumes were negatively correlated with duration ipsilaterally but not contralaterally. Frequency of complex partial seizures was not correlated with any of the magnetic resonance measures. However, patients with frequent generalized tonic–clonic seizures had lower NAA/Cr bilaterally and smaller hippocampal volumes ipsilaterally than patients with none or rare generalized tonic–clonic seizures. The results suggest that although an early, fixed injury may cause asymmetric temporal lobe damage, generalized seizures may also cause progressive neuronal dysfunction or loss. Ann Neurol 1999;45:568–576
Does tamoxifen cause cancer in humans?

PURPOSE To review the preclinical and clinical data on the carcinogenic potential of tamoxifen. DESIGN A MEDLINE search on the carcinogenicity of tamoxifen was conducted and the literature reviewed. RESULTS Because tamoxifen has estrogen-like effects on some tissues, such as the human uterus, there has been concern that tamoxifen could promote endometrial cancers in women on chronic tamoxifen therapy. Observations in some randomized trials of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy are consistent with a small, but real, increased risk of endometrial cancer in women who take tamoxifen. Since increased endometrial cancer incidence has not been observed in all studies of chronic tamoxifen therapy, there may be an element of detection bias. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that tamoxifen is hepatocarcinogenic in laboratory rats, but not in other species. This carcinogenicity in rats has been linked to the formation of DNA adducts. CONCLUSION The incidence of endometrial cancer is increased in women who take tamoxifen. The data suggest that tamoxifen might be a tumor promoter in human endometrium. However, on the basis of the number of tumors seen by endometrial sampling of tamoxifen-treated women, the impact of tamoxifen as a tumor promoter is small. Women on chronic tamoxifen therapy should have routine annual gynecologic examinations and receive endometrial sampling only in the event of uterine bleeding. Unlike the data in rats, there is no conclusive evidence to link tamoxifen with an increased rate of hepatocellular cancer in humans; the contrasting carcinogenic potential may be attributed to substantial interspecies differences in the metabolism of tamoxifen.
Sertraline for social phobia: a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.

OBJECTIVE The authors examined the efficacy of sertraline in the treatment of social phobia. METHOD In a double-blind crossover study, 12 outpatients were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of sertraline (50-200 mg/day, flexible dosing) and 10 weeks of placebo. RESULTS A statistically significant improvement in scores on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale was found with sertraline but not with placebo. There was no significant difference between scores obtained with computer- and clinician-administered versions of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, and the majority of patients preferred to be interviewed by the computer. CONCLUSIONS Sertraline seems a safe and effective treatment for social phobia, and computer administration may be a preferable mode of assessment with socially phobic patients.
Identification of glycosylation genes and glycosylated amino acids of flagellin in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci

A glycosylation island is a genetic region required for glycosylation. The glycosylation island of flagellin in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 consists of three orfs: orf1, orf2 and orf3. Orf1 and orf2 encode putative glycosyltransferases, and their deletion mutants, Δorf1 and Δorf2, exhibit deficient flagellin glycosylation or produce partially glycosylated flagellin respectively. Digestion of glycosylated flagellin from wild‐type bacteria and non‐glycosylated flagellin from Δorf1 mutant using aspartic N‐peptidase and subsequent HPLC analysis revealed candidate glycosylated amino acids. By generation of site‐directed Ser/Ala‐substituted mutants, all glycosylated amino acid residues were identified at positions 143, 164, 176, 183, 193 and 201. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) analysis revealed that each glycan was about 540 Da. While all glycosylation‐defective mutants retained swimming ability, swarming ability was reduced in the Δorf1, Δorf2 and Ser/Ala‐substituted mutants. All glycosylation mutants were also found to be impaired in the ability to adhere to a polystyrene surface and in the ability to cause disease in tobacco. Based on the predicted tertiary structure of flagellin, S176 and S183 are expected to be located on most external surface of the flagellum. Thus the effect of Ala‐substitution of these serines is stronger than that of other serines. These results suggest that glycosylation of flagellin in P. syringae pv. tabaci 6605 is required for bacterial virulence. It is also possible that glycosylation of flagellin may mask elicitor function of flagellin molecule.
Abnormal Media Information May Have No Benefit for Stock Returns

This paper applies the residual attention model to test the relationship between abnormal media information and stock returns with a special sample,in order to provide investors with some guides to make decisions.We find that relative to stocks with low abnormal media information,those stocks with high abnormal media information will have lower returns in the next month.The "media effect" exists in Chinese stock market.A long-short equity strategy can earn excess returns even after controlling well-known risk factors.The result is robust.Furthermore,our findings suggest that the excess return from "media effect" is due to the significantly low returns of high abnormal media information stocks.We believe that the explanation of this asymmetry phenomenon is possibly the stock price's overreaction to media coverage caused by investor sentiment,which yields lower expected returns.
Functional reentry's influence on intracellular calcium in the LRd membrane equations

Examines relationships between transmembrane potential (V/sub m/), [Ca/sup 2+/]/sub i/ dependent membrane ionic currents, and [Ca/sup 2+/]/sub i/ handling by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in a two-dimensional model of cardiac tissue. Luo-Rudy dynamic (LRd) membrane equations were used because they include detailed formulations for triggered SR Ca/sup 2+/ release dependent on membrane Ca/sup 2+/ influx (CICR) and for spontaneous SR Ca/sup 2+/ release following calsequestrin buffer overload (SCR). Reentry's rapid rate (110-ms cycle length) elevated [Ca/sup 2+/]; and limited CICR, which in turn promoted SCR that occurred at intervals of 320-350 ms, was preferential at sites located inside the functional center, and destabilized the reentrant activation sequence. Although adjustment of LRd parameters for SR Ca/sup 2+/ modified SCR interval and peak [Ca/sup 2+/]/sub i/ in voltage clamp simulations with a command waveform representing V/sub m/ time course within the functional center, SCR persisted. Using the same command waveform, SCR also occurred with an alternate SR Ca/sup 2+/ formulation that represented subcellular details underlying CICR. LRd parameter adjustments to promote CICR and limit SCR in subsequent reentry simulations failed to eliminate SCR completely, as they modulated SCR intervals in a manner consistent with the voltage clamp simulations. Taken together, the authors' findings support a destabilizing influence of functional reentry on [Ca/sup 2+/]/sub i/ handling. However, [Ca/sup 2+/]/sub i/ instabilities did not always fractionate depolarization wavefronts during reentry. Fractionation depended, in part, upon CICR and SCR parameters in the LRd formulation for SR Ca/sup 2+/ release.
Non-metric CCD Camera Calibration for Low Attitude Photogrammetric Mapping

A low attitude photogrammetric system is developed in Chinese Academy of Surveying and Mapping, since the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) has advantages over traditional photogrammetric craft, such as small size, low weight, slow flight speed and extended range. This paper discusses calibrating method of an inexpensive 3 K by 2 K non-metric CCD camera used in this system. First,with 3D testified the self-calibrating bundle adjustment is adopted to determine the principal distance , the location of the principal point and distortion parameters of the camera. Secondly, a further distortion test was performed, this time with a planar 2D test field to create a digital distortion model. Moreover, the residual distortion error detection method is proposed by transforming and comparing the distortions obtained from the two calibration steps .
The Effect of Human Capital Flow on FDI Technological Advances——An Empirical Study Based on Absorptive Capacity

Human capital flows is important for enhancing the technological absorptive capacity of the host countries.This paper selects the total number of foreign students and returned overseas students,together with foreign employment as the proxy indicators for human capital flows,then by taking China as an example,we made an empirical analysis about the impact of human capital flows on FDI technology absorptive capacity,where we use data envelopment analysis(DEA) to measure technical progress,and the results are as follows: there exists a positive correlation between technological progress and the integration of FDI and human capital flows,but the positive effect is not significant.China should improve the quality of human capital flows,and improve its overall level,in order to create a superior human environment for FDI technology spillovers.