Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human cutaneous fatty acid-binding protein induces metastasis by up-regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor gene in rat Rama 37 model cells.

Human cutaneous fatty acid-binding protein (C-FABP) gene is capable of inducing the metastatic phenotype when overexpressed in nonmetastatic rat Rama 37 cells. However, the mechanism of how it induces metastasis is not clear. Northern and slot blot analyses revealed that expression of the endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene was increased by 3.8-5.2-fold in the C-FABP-transfected cells (pSV-CFABP-R37) and in their metastatic sublines (e.g., Met-1) when compared with that in the nonmetastatic control transfectant pSV-R37 cells generated by transfection of only plasmid DNA. Higher levels of VEGF immunoreactive protein were also secreted from the malignant C-FABP-expressing cells. Reverse transcription-PCR detected two VEGF transcript isoforms, VEGF(164) and VEGF(188), in both the nonmetastatic control transfectant pSV-R37 cells and the malignant metastatic Met-1 cells. Chick chorioallantoic membrane assays showed that the conditioned medium of the control pSV-R37 cells possessed only very weak angiogenic activity, whereas conditioned media from the metastatic C-FABP transfectants and their sublines were strongly angiogenic and could be inhibited by antibodies to VEGF. Transfection of VEGF(164) cDNA in an expression vector into nonmetastatic Rama 37 cells produced a cell clone (R37-VEGF-2) that expressed high levels of VEGF. Inoculation of R37-VEGF-2 cells into syngeneic Wistar Furth rats produced metastases in a significant number (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.01) of animals (18 of 31 animals), whereas the control, vector alone-transfected R37-PSV cells produced no metastases (0 of 30 animals). Immunocytochemical methods demonstrated a strong positive staining for VEGF and an increased microvessel density in the primary tumors produced from PSV-VEGF-2 cells in comparison with tumors produced from control transfectants. Immunocytochemical staining for factor VIII detected a 3.5-fold increase in microvessel density of the primary tumors produced by PSV-VEGF-2 cells when compared with that of the primary tumors developed from the control pSV-R37 cells. Therefore, we suggest that overexpression of the C-FABP gene in the original transfectants induces metastasis through up-regulation of expression of the VEGF gene in this rat Rama 37 model system, and thus VEGF may play a crucial role in this particular metastatic cascade.
Metabolic correlates of selection on aerobic capacity in laboratory mice: a test of the model for the evolution of endothermy

SUMMARY According to the aerobic capacity model of the evolution of endothermy, high levels of basal/resting metabolic rate (BMR/RMR) underlying endothermy have evolved as a correlated response to selection for high rates of aerobic metabolism (VO2max). To test the model we studied metabolic, behavioural and morphological correlates of replicated selection on maximum body mass-corrected metabolism elicited by swimming (VO2swim) in male laboratory mice. While 10 generations of selection did not change body mass, it resulted in a 12% difference in VO2swim between mice of selected and control line types and significant, correlated responses in maximum metabolic rates elicited by exposure to cold in a helium–oxygen atmosphere (VO2He), and during forced running on a motorized treadmill (VO2run). Selected and control lines also significantly differed with respect to duration of running (a measure of stamina, trun), and the distance run to exhaustion (de). However, the selection protocol did not result in elevated BMR and voluntary activity. Higher VO2max in selected animals was positively correlated with higher masses of gastrocnemius muscles and heart but not of other visceral organs (intestine, stomach, liver and kidneys). These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the lack of correlation between basal and maximal metabolic rates in selected mice. Overall, our study does not support the assumptions of the aerobic capacity model for the evolution of endothermy.
ULYSSES : A Framework for Incorporating Multi-Vendor Components in Interpersonal Communication Applications

In this paper the ULYSSES framework for designing and developing Interpersonal Communication Aids is presented. It consists of a component-based architecture that aims to simplify the integration of multi-vendor components in low cost applications. For component developers ULYSSES provides an engineering-forreuse environment with guidelines and tools to build software components, which can operate effectively and interact with each other transparently, without even being aware of each other’s existence. Components with different functionality, developed by independent manufacturers can be deployed using various programming languages. Furthermore, ULYSSES grants a process of engineering-with-reuse for system integrators to take advantage of the reusable assets produced during engineering-for-reuse. Thus, selection and assembly of components on demand for building user-specific robust products out of pre-fabricated software parts is becoming an easy task for system integrators.
Visfatin and apelin, new adipocytokines, and their relation to endothelial function in patients with chronic renal failure.

PURPOSE Visfatin and apelin are novel adipocytokines that have recently generated much interest. The aim of the study was to assess visfatin and apelin in correlation with markers of endothelial cell injury and inflammation in 22 patients with chronic kidney disease-CKD and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. METHODS We assessed visfatin, apelin, markers of coagulation: TAT (thrombin-antithrombin complexes), prothrombin fragments 1+2; fibrinolysis: tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor), PAP (plasmin-antiplasmin complexes); endothelial function/injury: vWF (von Willebrand factor), thrombomodulin, ICAM (intracellular adhesion molecule), VCAM (vascular cell adhesion molecule), CD146, CD40L, CD44, E-selectin, inflammation: hsCRP. RESULTS Triglycerides, hsCRP, creatinine, vWF, prothrombin fragments 1+2, TAT, thrombomodulin, ICAM, VCAM, CD146, CD44, CD40L, PAI-1, PAP, visfatin and E-selectin were elevated in chronic kidney disease patients when compared with the control group. Visfatin correlated significantly in patients with chronic kidney disease, in univariate analysis, with CD40L (r=-0.27, p<0.05), apelin (r=0.27, p<0.05), ICAM (r=0.26, p<0.05), VCAM (r=0.31, p<0.05) and tended to correlate with CD146 (r=0.21, p=0.10). Apelin correlated significantly with E-selectin (r=0.31, p<0.05) and VCAM (r=0.31, p<0.05). In the healthy volunteers visfatin correlated significantly with ICAM (r=-0.37, p<0.05) and serum creatinine (0.38, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Elevated visfatin in CKD patients may be due to renal failure and/or inflammation. Adipocytokines related to adhesion molecules might support the importance of inflammation/endothelial cell injury in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its consequences in CKD.
Immunity protein release from a cell-bound nuclease colicin complex requires global conformational rearrangement

Nuclease colicins bind their target receptor BtuB in the outer membrane of sensitive Escherichia coli cells in the form of a high‐affinity complex with their cognate immunity proteins. The release of the immunity protein from the colicin complex is a prerequisite for cell entry of the colicin and occurs via a process that is still relatively poorly understood. We have previously shown that an energy input in the form of the cytoplasmic membrane proton motive force is required to promote immunity protein (Im9) release from the colicin E9/Im9 complex and colicin cell entry. We report here that engineering rigidity in the structured part of the colicin translocation domain via the introduction of disulfide bonds prevents immunity protein release from the colicin complex. Reduction of the disulfide bond by the addition of DTT leads to immunity protein release and resumption of activity. Similarly, the introduction of a disulfide bond in the DNase domain previously shown to abolish channel formation in planar bilayers also prevented immunity protein release. Importantly, all disulfide bonds, in the translocation as well as the DNase domain, also abolished the biological activity of the Im9‐free colicin E9, the reduction of which led to a resumption of activity. Our results show, for the first time, that conformational flexibility in the structured translocation and DNase domains of a nuclease colicin is essential for immunity protein release, providing further evidence for the hypothesis that global structural rearrangement of the colicin molecule is required for disassembly of this high‐affinity toxin‐immunity protein complex prior to outer membrane translocation.
Specific Factors Meet Intermediate Inputs: Implications for Strategic Complementarities and Persistence

A central challenge to monetary business-cycle theory is to find a solution to the problem of persistence and delay in the real effects of monetary shocks. Previous research has identified separately specific factors and intermediate inputs as two promising mechanisms for generating the persistence and delay in a staggered price-setting framework. Models based on either of these two mechanisms have also been used in the design of optimal monetary policy. ; By examining a staggered price model that features both specific factors and intermediate inputs, the author finds an offsetting interaction between the two individually promising mechanisms, which leads to a cancellation of much of the impact of each in propagating monetary shocks. This finding posits a challenge to the search for a robust monetary transmission mechanism and design of optimal monetary policy.
Reduction of Bilirubin Ditaurate by the Intestinal Bacterium Clostridium Perfringens

Bilirubin is degraded in the human gut by microflora into urobilinoids. In our study we investigated whether the bilirubin-reducing strain of Clostridium perfringens can reduce bilirubin ditaurate (BDT), a bile pigment of some lower vertebrates, without hydrolysis of the tau-rine moiety. C. perfringes was incubated under anaerobic conditions with BDT; reduction products were quantified by spectrophotometry and separated by TLC. Based on Rf values of BDT reduction products and synthetic urobilinogen ditaurate, three novel taurine-conjugated urobilinoids were identified. It is likely that bilirubin-reducing enzyme(s) serve for the effective disposal of electrons produced by fermentolytic processes in these anaerobic bacteria.
Differential Mortality and the Value of Individual Account Retirement Annuities

This paper examines the extent of redistribution that would occur under various annuity and bequest options as part of an individual accounts retirement program. I first estimate mortality differentials by gender, race, ethnicity and level of education using the National Longitudinal Mortality Study and document substantial differences. I then use these estimates to examine the expected transfers' that would take place between socioeconomic groups under different assumptions about the structure of an annuity program. Using an expected present discounted value or money's worth' calculation as the basis for comparison, I find that the size of transfers in an individual accounts program is highly sensitive to the benefit structure. For example, mandating a single-life, real annuity can result in expected transfers of as high as 20% of the account balance, often from economically disadvantaged groups toward groups that are better off. These transfers can be substantially reduced through the use of joint life annuities, survivor provisions and bequest options. For example, the largest expected negative transfer under a joint and full survivor annuity with a fully valued 20-year guarantee option is only 2% of the account balance. However, efforts to reduce the extent of redistribution generally do so at the cost of significantly lower annuity benefits paid to the individuals who contribute to the system.
Clinicopathological evaluation of non-parasitic dermatoses in canines

Aim: The present study has been carried out to detect non-parasitic dermatoses in canines brought at the Nandini Veterinary Hospital, Surat. Materials and Methods: The current investigation was carried out on skin scrapping, skin biopsy specimens, blood, and serum samples of 210 freshly registered cases of dogs with dermatological afflictions. Dogs found healthy on clinical examination were used as control animals (n=15). The incidence of non-parasitic dermatoses has been recorded as per age, breed, and sex of dogs. For bacterial isolation, the pus/exudates samples were collected from 40 cases of pyoderma and streaked onto brain-heart infusion agar while 13 skin scrapping samples were inoculated on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with chloramphenicol for isolation of fungi. The organisms were identified on the basis of gross and microscopic observation of cultural growth on media. The blood and sera samples were also collected to note alteration in hematology and biochemical parameters, respectively. Tissue samples from lesions were collected and subsequently preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathology. Results: Out of 210 cases of dermatoses, 60 cases were of non-parasitic dermatoses, i.e., 28.57%. Of these, bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) were found to be the predominant at 80.00%, followed by other non-parasitic dermatological disorders, i.e., 11.67% and fungal skin infection, i.e., 8.33%. The dogs belonging to age group 1-3 years showed greater susceptibility to non-parasitic dermatological conditions. Breed wise incidence of pyoderma was found more in the Pomeranian breed (20.83%), whereas fungal skin affections were found to be higher in mongrel breed (60.00% and 42.86%, respectively). Male dogs showed greater involvement in bacterial, fungal, and other non-parasitic dermatoses. Bacteriological culture examination of 40 pus swabs resulted in the growth of 39 bacterial isolates. Mycological culture of skin scrapings from 13 suspected cases of fungal dermatoses resulted in the recovery of five fungal isolates. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters revealed a significant difference in all cases of non-parasitic dermatoses.Histopathological study revealed characteristic changes like infiltration of neutrophils with perifolliculitis, hyperkeratosis, and rafts of acantholytic cells. Histochemical staining revealed purple or magenta color fungal elements. Conclusion: Based on current experiment it has been concluded that among non-parasitic dermatoses bacterial and fungal skin infections are the main ailments, followed by nutritional and other causes in adult and male dogs which can be diagnosed by cultural inoculation, microscopic examination of skin scrapings, and dermatohistopathology along with hematology and biochemistry.
Scaling algebras and short distance analysis for charge carrying quantum fields

The paper "Scaling algebras and short-distance analysis for charge carrying quantum fields" by C. D'Antoni and R. Verch, hep-th/0301145, has been withdrawn by the authors since it was found that it overlaps considerably with independent work contained in the Ph.D.\ thesis by G. Morsella who, at the time when our preprint has been submitted to the arXiv, was just about to prepare his results for publication. It was hence agreed between G. \ Morsella and ourselves that it is more appropriate to produce a joint paper instead of two competing ones. This new paper, co-authored together with G. \ Morsella, will appear in due course to replace hep-th/0301145.
Motivational Effects of Methylphenidate are Associated with GABRA2 Variants Conferring Addiction Risk

Background: Variations in the GABRA2 gene, encoding α2 subunits of GABAA receptors, have been associated with risk for addiction to several drugs, but the mechanisms by which variations in non-coding regions of GABRA2 increase risk for addictions are not understood. Mice with deletion of GABRA2 show deficits in the ability of psychostimulants to facilitate responding for conditioned reinforcers, offering a potential explanation. Methods: We report human and mouse studies investigating a potential endophenotype underlying this association. Healthy human volunteers carrying either cocaine-addiction “risk” or “protective” GABRA2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were tested for their subjective responses to methylphenidate, and methylphenidate’s ability to facilitate conditioned reinforcement (CRf) for visual stimuli (CS+) associated with monetary reward. In parallel, methylphenidate’s ability to facilitate responding for a visual CRf was studied in wildtype and α2 knockout (α2−/−) mice. Results: Methylphenidate increased the number of CS+ presentations obtained by human subjects carrying protective, but not risk SNPs. In mice, methylphenidate increased responding for a CS+ in wildtype, but not α2−/− mice. Human subjects carrying protective SNPs felt stimulated, aroused and restless following methylphenidate, while individuals carrying risk SNPs did not. Conclusion: Human risk SNP carriers were insensitive to methylphenidate’s effects on mood or in facilitating CRf. That mice with the gene deletion were also insensitive to methylphenidate’s ability to increase responding for CRf, suggests a potential mechanism whereby low α2-subunit levels increase risk for addictions. Circuits employing GABAA-α2 subunit-containing receptors may protect against risk for addictions.
Sensing matrix optimization in Distributed Compressed Sensing

Distributed Compressed Sensing (DCS) seeks to simultaneously measure signals that are each individually sparse in some domain(s) and also mutually correlated. In this paper we consider the scenario in which the (overcomplete) bases for common component and innovations are different. We propose and analyze a distributed coding strategy for the common component, and also the use of Efficient Projection (EP) method for optimizing the sensing matrices in this setting. We show the effectiveness of our approach by computer simulations using the Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (OMP) as joint recovery method, and we discuss the configuration of the distribution strategy.
EGULATION OF THE L EGAL P ROFESSION

This chapter reviews the contribution which economists, and others using economic modes of reasoning, have made to the analysis of the regulation of law firms. It particularly focuses on the analysis of self-regulation by the profession. The chapter begins by rehearsing the traditional cartel argument against self-regulation and its links with the modern private interest theory of regulation via capture theory. This is contrasted with the market failure view of regulation which in the context of the professions focuses on the information asymmetry between the professional and the client. There is then a brief discussion of the merits of self-regulation and inter-profession competition before turning to an examination of the instruments by which professional regulation is exercised: control of entry, control of advertising or other means of competition, control of fee levels, control of fee contracts and control of organisational form. In this context, prominence is given to recent empirical studies which test the effects of these regulatory controls or their removal. The focus throughout is on what the economics literature has had to say on the regulation of the practice of law. Thus more general treatments of the economics of the law firm are not discussed. JEL classification: L12, L43, L44, L84, L51, M37
Zoonotic diseases: who gets sick, and why? Explorations from Africa

Abstract Global risks of zoonotic disease are high on policy agendas. Increasingly, Africa is seen as a ‘hotspot’, with likely disease spillovers from animals to humans. This paper explores the social dynamics of disease exposure, demonstrating how risks are not generalised, but are related to occupation, gender, class and other dimensions of social difference. Through case studies of Lassa Fever in Sierra Leone, Henipah virus in Ghana, Rift Valley Fever in Kenya and Trypanosomiasis in Zimbabwe, the paper proposes a social difference space–time framework to assist the understanding of and response to zoonotic diseases within a ‘One Health’ approach.
Reactions to a Female Perpetrator of Neglect and Financial Elder Abuse

There is a paucity of Australian research on elder abuse perpetrated by carers. Knowing how individuals would respond to an elder abuse scenario can inform prevention and intervention strategies. The objective of this study was to determine how undergraduate university students enrolled in caring profession degrees respond to an elder abuse scenario. The design of the study involved a paper-and-pencil survey using an elder abuse scenario. Thirty-two undergraduate volunteer students enrolled in a regional university participated in the study. Confronted with the scenario, students would offer the elder physical support such as house cleaning, they would recommend that the elder access government welfare agencies, and consider moving to elder accommodation. They would recommend that the carer get a job, clean the house and call tradespeople. Students enrolled in caring profession degrees, irrespective of gender, were prepared to take actions to improve the welfare of the abuse victim.
A Linguistically Inspired Statistical Model for Chinese Punctuation Generation

This article investigates a relatively underdeveloped subject in natural language processing---the generation of punctuation marks. From a theoretical perspective, we study 16 Chinese punctuation marks as defined in the Chinese national standard of punctuation usage, and categorize these punctuation marks into three different types according to their syntactic properties. We implement a three-tier maximum entropy model incorporating linguistically-motivated features for generating the commonly used Chinese punctuation marks in unpunctuated sentences output by a surface realizer. Furthermore, we present a method to automatically extract cue words indicating sentence-final punctuation marks as a specialized feature to construct a more precise model. Evaluating on the Penn Chinese Treebank data, the MaxEnt model achieves an f-score of 79.83% for punctuation insertion and 74.61% for punctuation restoration using gold data input, 79.50% for insertion and 73.32% for restoration using parser-based imperfect input. The experiments show that the MaxEnt model significantly outperforms a baseline 5-gram language model that scores 54.99% for punctuation insertion and 52.01% for restoration. We show that our results are not far from human performance on the same task with human insertion f-scores in the range of 81-87% and human restoration in the range of 71-82%. Finally, a manual error analysis of the generation output shows that close to 40% of the mismatched punctuation marks do in fact result in acceptable choices, a fact obscured in the automatic string-matching based evaluation scores.
On the Hierarchy Between Non-Commutative and Ordinary Supersymmetric Yang-Mills

Non-commutative supersymmetric Yang-Mills with rational Θ is dual to an ordinary supersymmetric Yang-Mills with a ’t Hooft flux. It is believed that the simplest description is via the ordinary supersymmetric Yang-Mills. We claim, however, that the two descriptions form a hierarchy. The SYM description is the proper description in the ultra violet while the non-commutative description takes over in the infra red.