Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Truncated P2X7 Receptor Variant (P2X7-j) Endogenously Expressed in Cervical Cancer Cells Antagonizes the Full-length P2X7 Receptor through Hetero-oligomerization*

A truncated naturally occurring variant of the human receptor P2X7 was identified in cancer cervical cells. The novel protein (P2X7-j), a polypeptide of 258 amino acids, lacks the entire intracellular carboxyl terminus, the second transmembrane domain, and the distal third of the extracellular loop of the full-length P2X7 receptor. The P2X7-j was expressed in the plasma membrane; it showed diminished ligand-binding and channel function capacities and failed to form pores and mediate apoptosis in response to treatment with the P2X7 receptor agonist benzoyl-ATP. The P2X7-j interacted with the full-length P2X7 in a manner suggesting heterooligomerization and blocked the P2X7-mediated actions. Interestingly, P2X7-j immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were similar in lysates of human cancer and normal cervical tissues, but fulllength P2X7 immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were higher in normal than in cancer tissues, and cancer tissues lacked 205-kDa P2X7 immunoreactivity suggesting lack of P2X7 homo(tri)-oligomerization. These results identify a novel P2X7 variant with apoptosis-inhibitory actions, and demonstrate a distinct regulatory property for a truncated variant to antagonize its full-length counterpart through hetero-oligomerization. This may represent a general paradigm for regulation of a protein function by its variant.
Relationship between DNA ploidy and functional estrogen receptors in operable prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between the nuclear DNA content and the tissue estrogen receptor (ER) level in patients with operable adenocarcinoma of the prostate. METHOD Surgical specimens taken from 73 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were studied. Tumor DNA ploidy pattern as measured by flow cytometry was correlated with the level of functional ER using the nuclear biopsy assay. RESULTS Forty-five percent of the tumors were DNA diploid, and 55% had an abnormal ploidy pattern (DNA tetraploid or DNA aneuploid). The ER level ranged from 0 to 6,475 fmol/mg DNA (mean 839 fmol/mg DNA). Twenty-two percent had no functional receptors. Marked association was noted between ER and nuclear DNA content. Seventy-five percent of the tumors with no ER had abnormal ploidy patterns. The mean receptor level for DNA diploid prostate cancer was 1,034 fmol/mg DNA versus 661 fmol/mg DNA for DNA nondiploid tumors (p < 0.008). An inverse correlation was found between ER values and histologic grade or pathologic stage. High-grade and high-stage tumors had lower levels of ER compared to low-grade and early-stage carcinomas. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate an association between ER values and variables that predict prognosis in prostate cancer. It is possible that this parameter may be helpful in identification of prognostic groups in patients with prostate cancer.
Fatigue in transportation: NTSB investigations and safety recommendations

Objective We aim to place into the scientific literature information on the prevalence of operator fatigue as a factor in causing transportation mishaps, and the categories of improvements identified to address fatigue in transportation. Methods We analyzed the number of major National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations that identified fatigue as a probable cause, contributing factor, or a finding. We divided all NTSB recommendations addressing fatigue issued since the agency was founded into 7 subject categories, and placed each recommendation into the appropriate category. This information was then analyzed to determine the number of recommendations in each category, both overall and by transportation mode. Analysis was also performed regarding the types of organizations that received the recommendations, whether the recommended actions have been taken, and the NTSB's evaluation of whether the action taken satisfied a given recommendation. Results We reviewed 182 major NTSB investigations completed between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2012 and found that 20% of these investigations identified fatigue as a probable cause, contributing factor, or a finding. The presence of fatigue varied between among the modes of transportation, ranging from 40% of highway investigations to 4% of marine investigations. The first NTSB recommendation to address the safety risks associated with human fatigue was issued over 40 years ago, in 1972. Since then, the NTSB has issued 205 separate fatigue-specific recommendations. Scheduling policies and practices was the most common subject category accounting for 40% of all recommendations issued. Federal agencies received 54% of all recommendations, with 22% to transportation operators, and 16% to associations. Of all NTSB fatigue recommendations, 24% were open ranging from a low of 9% in highway to 39% in aviation. Overall, only 3% of open recommendations were classified “unacceptable,” whereas 16% of all closed recommendations were classified “unacceptable. ” Conclusions Although there has been over 100 years of progress in recognizing and addressing the safety risk posed by human fatigue in transportation, 20% of recent NTSB investigations have identified fatigue as a probable cause, contributing factor or finding. This analysis represents the first-ever examination of fatigue identified in major NTSB investigations across modes and of the focus, recipients, and classification status of fatigue-related safety recommendations. It demonstrates that fatigue remains a significant transportation safety risk.
Outcome of esophagojejunostomy during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy: a single-center retrospective study.

AIM The present study aimed to clarify the safety and feasibility of esophagojejunostomy during totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). PATIENTS AND METHODS In 45 consecutive patients who underwent TLTG for gastric cancer, esophagojejunostomy was performed with a functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) using a linear stapler in 24 patients or with a double stapling technique (DST) using a trans-orally inserted anvil (OrVil™) in 21 patients. RESULTS The DST was more likely to be chosen in patients with tumors located in the upper stomach. In the FEEA group, both the mean length of the operation and the mean postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter compared to those in the DST group. Two patients in the FEEA group and four patients in the DST group developed postoperative complications but there were no postoperative deaths in either group. CONCLUSION Both FEEA and DST in esophagojejunostomy during TLTG are safe and feasible.
Android-based elderly support system

This paper proposes an android-based elderly support system as an alternative way for existing care homes or health care centers. The aims of the study are to monitor the users based on their location via GPS tracking method and detect the user's heart rate using a portable pulse sensor. This project can be divided into two parts; development of android application and hardware implementation. Android application is developed to integrate a caretaker subsystem with the controller. A caretaker subsystem acts as an admin of the system which responsible for monitoring the users. Hardware implementation involves construction of a prototype equipped with Arduino microcontroller, Global Positioning System (GPS) module, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) modem, Bluetooth module and power supply unit. A set of data collection is analyzed to evaluate the consistency of the heartbeat monitoring function. The proposed project offers a portable day care service for elderly people via android smart phone in a low cost manner.
Specific Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase 2 Restores Antitumor Reactivity by Altering the Balance of IL-10 and IL-12 Synthesis1

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzyme at the rate-limiting step of prostanoid production, has been found to be overexpressed in human lung cancer. To evaluate lung tumor COX-2 modulation of antitumor immunity, we studied the antitumor effect of specific genetic or pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 in a murine Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL) model. Inhibition of COX-2 led to marked lymphocytic infiltration of the tumor and reduced tumor growth. Treatment of mice with anti-PGE2 mAb replicated the growth reduction seen in tumor-bearing mice treated with COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibition was accompanied by a significant decrement in IL-10 and a concomitant restoration of IL-12 production by APCs. Because the COX-2 metabolite PGE2 is a potent inducer of IL-10, it was hypothesized that COX-2 inhibition led to antitumor responses by down-regulating production of this potent immunosuppressive cytokine. In support of this concept, transfer of IL-10 transgenic T lymphocytes that overexpress IL-10 under control of the IL-2 promoter reversed the COX-2 inhibitor-induced antitumor response. We conclude that abrogation of COX-2 expression promotes antitumor reactivity by restoring the balance of IL-10 and IL-12 in vivo.
Retinal glutamate transporter activity persists under simulated ischemic conditions

Elevated extracellular concentrations of the neurotransmitter glutamate are neurotoxic and directly contribute to CNS damage as a result of ischemic pathologies. However, the main contributors to this uncontrolled rise in glutamate are still unconfirmed. It has been reported that the reversal of high‐affinity glutamate transporters is a significant contributing factor. Conversely, it has also been observed that these transporters continue to take up glutamate, albeit at a reduced saturation concentration, under ischemic conditions. We sought to determine whether glutamate transporters continue to remove glutamate from the extracellular space under ischemic conditions by pharmacologically modulating the activity of high‐affinity retinal glutamate transporters during simulated ischemia in vitro. Retinal glutamate transporter activity was significantly reduced under these ischemic conditions. The suppression of retinal glutamate transporter activity, with the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine, significantly reduced ischemic glutamate uptake and enhanced retinal neurodegeneration. These findings imply a limited but protective role for retinal glutamate transporters under certain ischemic conditions, suggesting that pharmacological enhancement of high‐affinity glutamate transporter activity may reduce tissue damage and loss of function resulting from toxic extracellular glutamate concentrations. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Leadership for Cross-Cultural Respect Among Health Care Personnel: An Alternative Approach

This article offers an alternative view of culture, one that focuses on similarities among peoples rather than upon differences. Explored are aspects of organizational culture and organizational subcultures likely to influence the relationships among personnel and accordingly, delivery of health care services. The author offers advice to leaders in health care organizations on how to move toward mutual respect across cultures by focusing on involvement of everyone in supporting the organizational mission and establishing consensus on respect-worthy professional behavior. For leaders who would inspire cross-cultural respect among health care personnel, 7 guidelines are offered.
Cone mosaic development in the goldfish retina is independent of rod neurogenesis and differentiation

The goldfish retina displays a characteristic arrangement of cone photoreceptors that develop in a stereotyped sequence according to spectral phenotype. It has been suggested that the earliest differentiating photoreceptor in the teleost, the rod photoreceptor, might play an instructive role in development of the cone mosaic. This hypothesis was tested, first by examining the expression pattern of a cone subtype‐specific marker with respect to that of rod opsin, and then by killing the cells that generate rods and examining the cone mosaic that formed in the absence of new rods. We find that, although there is potential for interactions between developing cones and immediately postmitotic rods, a role for such interactions in cone mosaic pattern formation is not likely. J. Comp. Neurol. 423:227–242, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
[Ultrastructural changes of arterial wall from different body parts of rats during simulated weightlessness].

OBJECTIVE To test the nature of remodeling of arteries in different body parts in adapting to local hemodynamic changes induced by tail-suspension. METHOD Ultrastructural changes of hindlimb and cerebral arteries from 4-wk tail-suspended (SUS-4), 1-wk recovered (REC-1), and control (CON) rats were studied by transmission electron microscopy. RESULT For the hindquarter arteries, like the femoral artery and anterior tibial artery, there were fewer smooth muscle layers, less myofilaments in the smooth muscle cell (SMC), and more intercellular substance in SUS-4 group than in CON group. After 1-wk recovery, the internal elastic lamina of the arteries thickened, the amount of myofilaments in SMC increased, the content of intercellular substance restored, and neoformative SMCs emerged under the endothelium. With respect to arteries in the neck region and the brain, like the common carotid artery and basilar artery, SMCs of contractile phenotype were converted to that of synthetic phenotype, and migration and hyperplasia of SMCs also happened. After 1-wk recovery all these alterations were somewhat restored. CONCLUSION It provided further evidence that peripheral effector mechanism might play an important role in the genesis of postflight orthostatic intolerance.
Neuropsychological Assessment and Employment Outcome After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review

While there may be many reasons for obtaining neuropsychological assessment after traumatic brain injury (TBI), prediction of real world functioning is generally a key goal. The present paper reviews 23 studies concerning the relationship between neuropsychological test results and employment outcome after TBI. The review was conducted in accordance with guidelines developed by the Committee on Empirically Supported Practice of Division 40 (Neuropsychology) of the American Psychological Association. Results of the review support a Category A (strongly supported) recommendation for the use of early neuropsychological assessment to predict late employment outcome. Studies of late neuropsychological assessment and subsequent employment outcome and studies of concurrent neuropsychological assessment and employment outcome were inconclusive regarding either support or contraindication for neuropsychological assessment to predict employment outcome. Almost all studies conducted at these late or concurrent time points had significant limitations with regard to study type or adequacy of methodology. However, there is no conceptual basis for believing that neuropsychological findings obtained closer in time to assessment of employment outcome should be less predictive of this outcome than neuropsychological findings obtained at an earlier time.
Third-harmonic and multiphoton excitation fluorescence microscopy of single and few layer graphene

Single- and few-layer graphene was studied with simultaneous third-harmonic and multiphoton-induced fluorescence microscopy. Both CVD grown and exfoliated graphene were studied [1,2]. The photo-thermal CVD growth was carried out on copper foils in a methane/hydrogen atmosphere, followed by a transfer process. Oxidized silicon substrates were used as the final substrate in both cases. The oxide thickness was 300 nm to achieve maximal contrast in optical microscope. Single- and few-layer graphene areas were identified using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
Testing the robustness of the anthropogenic climate change detection statements using different empirical models

This paper aims to test the robustness of the detection and attribution of anthropogenic climate change using four different empirical models that were previously developed to explain the observed global mean temperature changes over the last few decades. These studies postulated that the main drivers of these changes included not only the usual natural forcings, such as solar and volcanic, and anthropogenic forcings, such as greenhouse gases and sulfates, but also other known Earth system oscillations such as El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). In this paper, we consider these signals, or forced responses, and test whether or not the anthropogenic signal can be robustly detected under different assumptions for the internal variability of the climate system. We assume that the internal variability of the global mean surface temperature can be described by simple stochastic models that explore a wide range of plausible temporal autocorrelations, ranging from short memory processes exemplified by an AR(1) model to long memory processes, represented by a fractional differenced model. In all instances, we conclude that human‐induced changes to atmospheric gas composition is affecting global mean surface temperature changes.
Identity-based broadcast encryption for multi-privileged groups using Chinese remainder theorem

Identity-based broadcast encryption is tool for communicating multiple copies of a single message to a selective group of users, identified by their identities in such a manner that others are unable to access the content. A multi-privileged group is a group of users where the users have different access privileges. This paper proposes an identity-based broadcast encryption scheme for multi-privileged groups that preserves the identities of the users which is developed using Chinese remainder theorem and bilinear pairing. It also ensures forward and backward secrecy with reference to user join and leave. Comparison of the proposed scheme with the existing schemes has shown that the proposed scheme is performing better. Security of the scheme is proven under random oracle model.
Coronary Artery Disease Is More Severe in Older Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis Than in Older Persons Without Rheumatoid Arthritis

We investigated the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosed by coronary angiography performed because of suspected CAD in 102 persons, mean age 68 years, with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in 102 age-matched and sex-matched persons. CAD was diagnosed by coronary angiography in 80 of 102 persons (78%) with RA and in 79 of 102 persons (77%) without RA (P not significant). Three-vessel CAD was present in 31 of 102 persons (30%) with RA and in 8 of 102 persons (8%) without RA (P < 0.001). Coronary revascularization was performed in 71 of 102 persons (70%) with RA and in 23 of 102 persons (23%) without RA (P < 0.001). Older persons with RA with suspected CAD have a higher prevalence of 3-vessel CAD and a higher prevalence of coronary revascularization than age-matched and sex-matched persons with suspected CAD without RA.
COMPARING THE VOCALIC FEATURES OF ENGLISH, GERMAN, SPANISH AND FRENCH

By-Delattre, Pierre Comparing the Vocalic Features of English, German, Spanish, and French. Pub Date 64 Note-28p. Journal CitIRAL; v2 n2 p71-97 1964 EDRS Price MF -S0.25 HC-S1.50 Descriptors-Acoustic Phonetics, Articulation (Speech), Charts, *Comparative Analysis, English, French, German, Illustrations, Language Instruction, Language Research, Linguistics, *Modern Languages, Phonetic Analysis, * P hone tic s, Spanish, Tables (Data), *Vowels Phonetic characteristics of English, German, Spanish, and French vowels are compared and contrasted in this third of a series of articles on general phonetic characteristics of American. English. Much attention is given to acoustic and articulatory description. Vowel distribution, frequency, and duration are discussed. New vowel sounds for the speaker of English are identified in the other languages. Neutral vowel position, loss of vowel color, consonant anticipation, diphthongization, vowel color and syllable type, attack and release, and nasality are considered. For related documents see FL 000 782 and FL 000 784. (AF)
Ex Vivo Characterization of Multiepitopic Tumor-Specific CD8 T Cells in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Implications for Vaccine Development and Adoptive Cellular Immunotherapy1

Identification of tumor-associated Ags is a prerequisite for vaccine-based and adoptive immune therapies. Some tumor-associated Ags elicit specific CD8 T cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Here, we characterized ex vivo responses of CD8 T cells from CML patients to extrajunction bcr-abl peptides and telomerase 540–548 hTert, PR1, and WT1 peptides. CML-specific CD8 T cells were present in most treated patients and were usually multiepitopic: WT1, hTert, PR1, and bcr74 tetramer+ cells were detected in 85, 82, 67, and 61% of patients, respectively. The breadth and magnitude of these responses did not differ significantly according to treatment or disease status. CML-specific tetramer+ CD8 T cells had a predominantly memory phenotype, an intermediate perforin content, and low intracellular IFN-γ accumulation in the presence of the relevant peptide. However, in short-term culture with HLA-matched leukemia cells, the patients’ memory T cells were specifically reactivated to become IFN-γ-producing effector cells, suggesting that CD8 T cell precursors with lytic potential are present in vivo and can be activated by appropriate stimulation. In conclusion, this study shows that multiepitopic tumor-specific CD8 T cell responses occur naturally in most CML patients, opening the way to new strategies for enhancing anti-CML immunity, in particular in patients with minimal residual disease.
Genetic polymorphism and trade‐offs in the early life‐history strategy of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1795): a quantitative genetic study

We investigated genetic variability and genetic correlations in early life‐history traits of Crassostrea gigas. Larval survival, larval development rate, size at settlement and metamorphosis success were found to be substantially heritable, whereas larval growth rate and juvenile traits were not. We identified a strong positive genetic correlation between larval development rate and size at settlement, and argue that selection could optimize both age and size at settlement. However, trade‐offs, resulting in costs of metamorphosing early and large, were suggested by negative genetic correlations or covariances between larval development rate/size at settlement and both metamorphosis success and juvenile survival. Moreover, size advantage at settlement disappeared with time during the juvenile stage. Finally, we observed no genetic correlations between larval and juvenile stages, implying genetic independence of life‐history traits between life‐stages. We suggest two possible scenarios for the maintenance of genetic polymorphism in the early life‐history strategy of C. gigas.
FIRST COLLECTION OF OCHLEROTATUS JAPONICUS JAPONICUS IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE

ABSTRACT This is the 1st report of Ochlerotatus japonicus japonicus in the state of Tennessee, USA. Adults were collected at 5 sites in northwestern Knox County from June 9 through November 3, 2003, and from 1 site in both 2003 and 2004.