Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) throughout the life span: a population-based study of 1027 healthy males from birth (cord blood) to the age of 69 years.

CONTEXT Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which is secreted by immature Sertoli cells, triggers the involution of the fetal Müllerian ducts. AMH is a testis-specific marker used for diagnosis in infants with ambiguous genitalia or bilateral cryptorchidism. AIM The aim of the study was to describe the ontogeny of AMH secretion through life in healthy males. SETTING This was a population-based study of healthy volunteers. PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPANTS included 1027 healthy males from birth (cord blood) to 69 yr. A subgroup was followed up longitudinally through the infantile minipuberty [(in cord blood, and at 3 and 12 months), n=55] and another group through puberty [(biannual measurements), n=83]. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum AMH was determined by a sensitive immunoassay. Serum testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured, and pubertal staging was performed in boys aged 6 to 20 yr (n=616). RESULTS Serum AMH was above the detection limit in all samples with a marked variation according to age and pubertal status. The median AMH level in cord blood was 148 pmol/liter and increased significantly to the highest observed levels at 3 months (P<0.0001). AMH declined at 12 months (P<0.0001) and remained at a relatively stable level throughout childhood until puberty, when AMH declined progressively with adults exhibiting 3-4% of infant levels. CONCLUSION Based on this extensive data set, we found detectable AMH serum levels at all ages, with the highest measured levels during infancy. At the time of puberty, AMH concentrations declined and remained relatively stable throughout adulthood. The potential physiological role of AMH and clinical applicability of AMH measurements remain to be determined.
Composing Non-orthogonal Meta-programs

A key feature of meta-level architectures is the strict separation between the application and the non-functional requirements. In a baselevel, the application behaviour is modelled. Other requirements are handled in a meta-program. This makes both application and metaprogram reusable. We introduce a mechanism based on high-level declarative policies to overcome the di culty of tailoring a meta-program to application demands, without sacri cing its genericity. These policies can also be used in the composition of multiple meta-programs in a meta-tower. Often, the requirements are not completely orthogonal, and dependencies between the meta-programs in the tower are generated. Through policy speci cations, these dependencies can be described separately from the implementation. This results in reusable and composable meta-programs in a more general case.
Evaluation of the bioavailability of major withanolides of Withania somnifera using an in vitro absorption model system

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, shows several pharmacological properties which are attributed mainly to the withanolides present in the root. The efficacy of medicinally active withanolides constituents depends on the absorption and transportation through the intestinal epithelium. We examined these characteristics by employing the Sino-Veda Madin-Darby canine kidney cells culture system, which under in vitro condition shows the absorption characteristics similar to the human intestinal epithelium. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to assess the bioavailability of individual withanolides. Withanolides were diluted in Hank′s buffered saline at a concentration of 2 μg/ml were tested for permeability studies carried out for 1 h duration. Permeability was measured in terms of efflux pump (Peff ) in cm/s. Peff values of withanolide A (WN A), withanone (WNN), 1,2-deoxywithastramonolide (1,2 DWM), withanolide B (WN B), withanoside IV-V (WS IV-V), and withaferin A were 4.05 × 10−5 , 2.06 × 10−5 , 1.97 × 10−5 , 1.80 × 10−5 , 3.19 × 10−6 , 3.03 × 10−6 and 3.30 × 10−7 respectively. In conclusion, the nonpolar and low molecular weight compounds (WN A, WNN, 1,2 DWM, and WN B) were highly permeable. As against this, the glycosylated and polar WS IV and WS V showed low permeability. Surprisingly and paradoxically, the highly biologically active withaferin A was completely impermeable, suggesting that further studies possibly using human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells may be needed to delineate the absorption characteristics of withanolides, especially withaferin A.
Expression and Function of Human MRP1 (ABCC1) Is Dependent on Amino Acids in Cytoplasmic Loop 5 and Its Interface with Nucleotide Binding Domain 2*

Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is an ATP-binding cassette transporter that effluxes drugs and organic anions across the plasma membrane. The 17 transmembrane helices of MRP1 are linked by extracellular and cytoplasmic loops (CLs), but their role in coupling the ATPase activity of MRP1 to the translocation of its substrates is poorly understood. Here we have examined the importance of CL5 by mutating eight conserved charged residues and the helix-disrupting Gly511 in this region. Ala substitution of Lys513, Lys516, Glu521, and Glu535 markedly reduced MRP1 levels. Because three of these residues are predicted to lie at the interface of CL5 and the second nucleotide binding domain (NBD2), a critical role is indicated for this region in the plasma membrane expression of MRP1. Further support for this idea was obtained by mutating NBD2 amino acids His1364 and Arg1367 at the CL5 interface, which also resulted in reduced MRP1 levels. In contrast, mutation of Arg501, Lys503, Glu507, Arg532, and Gly511 had no effect on MRP1 levels. Except for K503A, however, transport by these mutants was reduced by 50 to 75%, an effect largely attributable to reduced substrate binding and affinity. Studies with 32P-labeled azido-ATP also indicated that whereas ATP binding by the G511I mutant was unchanged, vanadate-induced trapping of azido-ADP was reduced, indicating changes in the catalytic activity of MRP1. Together, these data demonstrate the multiple roles for CL5 in the membrane expression and function of MRP1.
Cost-effectiveness of anti-oxidant vitamins plus zinc treatment to prevent the progression of intermediate age-related macular degeneration. A Singapore perspective

Purpose: To determine if providing high dose anti-oxidant vitamins and zinc treatment age-related eye disease study (AREDS formulation) to patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) aged 40–79 years from Singapore is cost-effective in preventing progression to wet AMD. Methods: A hypothetical cohort of category 3 and 4 AMD patients from Singapore was followed for 5 calendar years to determine the number of patients who would progress to wet AMD given the following treatment scenarios: (a) AREDS formulation or placebo followed by ranibizumab (as needed) for wet AMD. (b) AREDS formulation or placebo followed by bevacizumab (monthly) for wet AMD. (c) AREDS formulation or placebo followed by aflibercept (VIEW I and II trial treatment regimen). Costs were estimated for the above scenarios from the providers’ perspective, and cost-effectiveness was measured by cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted with a disability weight of 0.22 for wet AMD. The costs were discounted at an annual rate of 3%. Results: Over 5400 patients could be prevented from progressing to wet AMD cumulatively if AREDS formulation were prescribed. AREDS formulation followed by ranibizumab was cost-effective compared to placebo-ranibizumab or placebo-aflibercept combinations (cost per DALY averted: SGD$23,662.3 and SGD$21,138.8, respectively). However, bevacizumab (monthly injections) alone was more cost-effective compared to AREDS formulation followed by bevacizumab. Conclusion: Prophylactic treatment with AREDS formulation for intermediate AMD patients followed by ranibizumab or for patients who progressed to wet AMD was found to be cost-effective. These findings have implications for intermediate AMD screening, treatment and healthcare planning in Singapore.
Palaeoecology of a billion‐year‐old non‐marine cyanobacterium from the Torridon Group and Nonesuch Formation

A new chroococcalean cyanobacterium is described from approximately 1‐billion‐year‐old non‐marine deposits of the Torridonian Group of Scotland and the Nonesuch Formation of Michigan, USA. Individual cells of the new microfossil, Eohalothece lacustrina gen. et sp. nov., are associated with benthic microbial biofilms, but the majority of samples are recovered in palynological preparations in the form of large, apparently planktonic colonies, similar to extant species of Microcystis. In the Torridonian, Eohalothece is associated with phosphatic nodules, and we have developed a novel hypothesis linking Eohalothece to phosphate deposition in ancient freshwater settings. Extant cyanobacteria can be prolific producers of extracellular microcystins, which are non‐ribosomal polypeptide phosphatase inhibitors. Microcystins may have promoted the retention and concentration of sedimentary organic phosphate prior to mineralization of francolite and nodule formation. This has a further implication that the Torridonian lakes were nitrogen limited as the release of microcystins is enhanced under such conditions today. The abundance and wide distribution of Eohalothece lacustrina attests to the importance of cyanobacteria as oxygen‐producing photoautotrophs in lacustrine ecosystems at the time of the Mesoproterozoic–Neoproterozoic transition.
Generation or culture? Work attitude drivers: an analysis in Latin America and Iberian countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the subject of work attitude drivers within the current scenario considering two influencing factors, culture and generation. Both membership of a particular generation and membership of a particular culture can affect individuals' work attitudes. The study considers these two factors in order to analyse five dimensions that are sources of work attitudes: life project, professional ethics, and attitude towards authority, leadership and commitment to the company.Design/methodology/approach – Drawing upon a sample of almost one thousand people from various Ibero‐American countries, the results show significant differences between generations and cultures, particularly when focusing on the life project.Findings – Among its conclusions, the paper points out that Latin America cannot be viewed as a homogenous whole in terms of individual work attitude. On the contrary, it is characterised by a significant degree of national diversity and managers should take th.
Oral vascular leiomyoma with extensive calcification areas

1 Mestre em Patologia Oral. Aluno de Doutorado Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Patologia Oral Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. 2 Mestre em Patologia Oral. Aluna de Doutorado Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Patologia Oral Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. 3 Doutor em Patologia Oral. Professor Adjunto Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Patologia Oral Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Endereco para correspondencia: Profa. Dra. Marcia Cristina da Costa Miguel Departamento de Odontologia Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Patologia Oral Av. Senador Salgado Filho 1787 Lagoa Nova Natal RN 59056-000. Tel. /fax: (84) 3215-4138 E-mail: mccmiguel@hotmail.com Este artigo foi submetido no SGP (Sistema de Gestao de Publicacoes) da BJORL em 23 de agosto de 2007. cod. 4735 Artigo aceito em 24 de setembro de 2007. CASE REPORT Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;76(4):539.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of GIS Systems in the Public Sector in Saudi Arabia and Their Impact on Organizational Performance

This study investigates the adoption of the new phenomenon of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in an organizational context in an emerging economy, namely Saudi Arabia. It explores the determinants of employees’ perceptions of GIS, their actual usage and expected outcomes when they use it. A model was developed for this study based on relevant theories and existing literature. In total 221 responses were collected from the Ministry of Water and Electricity (MOWE) in Saudi Arabia using a structured survey questionnaire. Several statistical techniques were applied to the data collected. Results show that factors having the most significant impact on employees’ perceptions of GIS are managerial support, IT expertise and exposure to GIS. However, some factors did not have any significant impact on employees’ perceptions, these being GIS training and incentives. It also emerges that attitude to GIS has an impact on and relationship with the actual usage of GIS. In the outcomes of GIS adoption, results indicate that its usage influences enhanced risk management and better customer relationships. However, no significant relationship was found that led to more efficient decision-making and saving of costs. This paper also highlights implications and discusses the limitations and suggestions for future research.
The Association between Fatalistic Beliefs and Late Stage at Diagnosis of Lung and Colorectal Cancer

Background: Fatalistic beliefs may be implicated in longer help-seeking intervals, and consequently, greater risk of advanced stage at cancer diagnosis. Methods: We examined associations between fatalism and stage at diagnosis in a population-based cohort of 4,319 U.S. patients with newly diagnosed lung or colorectal cancer participating in the Cancer Care Outcomes and Research Surveillance (CanCORS) study. Fatalistic beliefs were assessed with an established measure. A fatalism score (range, 4–16) was created by summing Likert scale responses to four items. Cancer stage at diagnosis was abstracted from medical records by trained staff. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between fatalism score and advanced stage at diagnosis (IV vs. I–III), adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Overall, 917 (21%) patients had stage IV cancers (lung: 28%, colorectal: 16%). The mean fatalism score was 10.7 (median = 11; interquartile range, 9–12). In adjusted analyses, a higher fatalism score was associated with greater odds of stage IV diagnosis (OR per unit increase in fatalism = 1.05; 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.08; P = 0.003). Patients with the highest fatalism score had an adjusted 8.9% higher frequency of stage IV diagnosis compared with patients with the lowest score (25.4% vs. 16.5%). Discussion: In this large and socioeconomically, geographically, and ethnically diverse population of patients with lung and colorectal cancer, fatalistic beliefs were associated with higher risk of advanced stage at diagnosis. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causation. Impact: These findings support the value of incorporating information about the curability of early-stage cancers in public education campaigns. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(4); 720–6. ©2015 AACR.
Calculating Variations in Biological Effectiveness for a 62 MeV Proton Beam

A biophysical model of radiation-induced cell death and chromosome aberrations [called BIophysical ANalysis of Cell death and chromosome Aberrations (BIANCA)] was further developed and applied to therapeutic protons. The model assumes a pivotal role of DNA cluster damage, which can lead to clonogenic cell death following three main steps: (i) a DNA “cluster lesion” (CL) produces two independent chromosome fragments; (ii) fragment mis-rejoining within a threshold distance d gives rise to chromosome aberrations; (iii) certain aberration types (dicentrics, rings, and large deletions) lead to clonogenic inactivation. The yield of CLs and the probability, f, that a chromosome fragment remains un-rejoined even if other fragment(s) are present within d, were adjustable parameters. The model, implemented as a MC code providing simulated dose–responses directly comparable with experimental data, was applied to pristine and modulated Bragg peaks of the proton beam used to treat eye melanoma at INFN-LNS in Catania, Italy. Experimental survival curves for AG01522 cells exposed to the Catania beam were reproduced, supporting the model assumptions. Furthermore, cell death and chromosome aberrations at different depths along a spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) dose profile were predicted. Both endpoints showed an increase along the plateau, and high levels of damage were found also beyond the distal dose fall-off, due to low-energy protons. Cell death and chromosome aberrations were also predicted for V79 cells, in the same irradiation scenario as that used for AG01522 cells. In line with other studies, this work indicated that assuming a constant relative biological effectiveness (RBE) along a proton SOBP may be sub-optimal. Furthermore, it provided qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the dependence of the beam effectiveness on the considered endpoint and dose. More generally, this work represents an example of therapeutic beam characterization avoiding the use of experimental RBE values, which can be source of uncertainties.
Suucient Conditions for Change of Variables in Integral

It is well known that Luzin's property (N) of a mapping f is essential for justifying the change of variables through f in integral. Let us highlight the deep and fundamental contribution of Professor Yurij G. Reshetnyak in investigation of Luzin's property for Sobolev mappings. In this paper we discuss further conditions. One of them is the following n-absolute continuity property of a function f: for any " > 0 there exists > 0 such that for every disjoint collection fB j g of balls we have X (diam B j) n <) X diam f(B j) n < ": This condition is satissed if the gradient of f belongs to the Lorentz space L n;1. If rf belongs only to L n , then the Luzin property holds except a singular set, which is the set of all points, where f is not approximately HH older continuous. Another modiication of the result applies to some BV function with nontrivial singular part of the gradient. A large part of referred results stems from joint works with Olli
Changes in mitochondrial adenine nucleotides and in permeability transition in two models of rat liver regeneration

Although enhanced phosphorylative activity can be a requisite for later DNA synthesis during liver regeneration (LR), mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species could lead to altered mitochondrial membrane permeability during the prereplicative phase of LR. Therefore, the role of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) was evaluated during rat LR, induced by either partial hepatectomy (PH) or after CCl4 administration. Parameters indicative of mitochondrial function and membrane potentials, those of oxidative stress, and in vivo changes of the intramitochondrial pool of adenine nucleotides were determined. Twelve hours after PH, mitochondrial oxidative and phosphorylative activities and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) content were increased, reaching a maximal peak at 24 hours after surgery (maximal DNA synthesis). Parameters suggestive of oxidant stress were enhanced, but mitochondrial volume and membrane electrical potential remained unaltered. Interestingly, moderate mitochondrial swelling and depolarization were found at later post‐PH times (72 hours). In CCl4‐treated animals, it was found that an active liver cell necrosis delayed mitotic activity and mitochondrial uncoupled respiration. Starting 12 hours after CCl4 intoxication, a drastic increase of inorganic phosphate occurred within swollen and strongly depolarized mitochondria, suggesting changes in the MPT. Despite expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for mitochondrial transcription, factor A showed a similar time course in both experimental models. The so‐called augmenter liver regeneration was found significantly elevated only in PH rats. In conclusion, onset of MPT could be associated with cell necrosis and inflammation after CCl4 treatment, whereas this mitochondrial event could constitute a putative effector mechanism, through which growth or inflammatory factors inhibiting cell proliferation could initiate LR termination. (Hepatology 2003;37:842‐851.)
Tetrabutylammonium butyltetrachloridostannate(IV)

In the title compound, [N(C4H9)4][Sn(C4H9)Cl4], the SnIV atom of the stannate anion has a trigonal-bipyramidal coordination sphere by two Cl atoms and one butyl chain in the equatorial plane and by two Cl atoms in the apical positions. Two of the four butyl chains of the tetrabutylammonium cation are partially disordered, each with refined site occupancies of 0.691 (6):0.309 (6). Weak C—H⋯Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions help to consolidate the crystal packing, as well as a short Cl⋯Cl interaction of 3.295 (2) Å.
Advances in Brief A MAGE-A 3 Peptide Presented by HLA-DP 4 Is Recognized on Tumor Cells by CD 4 1 Cytolytic T Lymphocytes 1

Antigens encoded byMAGE-A3 and recognized by T cells are interesting targets for tumor immunotherapy because they are strictly tumor specific and shared by many tumors of various histological types. A number of MAGE-A3 antigenic peptides presented by HLA class I molecules have been used in clinical trials, and regressions of melanoma metastasis have been observed. We report here the identification of a MAGE-A3 epitope, TQHFVQENYLEY, presented to CD4 T lymphocytes by HLA-DP4 molecules, which are expressed in;76% of Caucasians. This new epitope may be useful both for therapeutic vaccination and for the evaluation of the immune response in cancer patients. Interestingly, the CD4 T cells lysed HLA-DP4 tumor cells expressingMAGE-A3, indicating that this epitope, in contrast to other class-II MAGE-A3 epitopes, is presented at the surface of tumor cells. The study of this disparity in the presentation of two epitopes from the same protein may lead to a better understanding of the endogenous class II presentation pathway.
Time- and Computation-Efficient Calibration of MEMS 3D Accelerometers and Gyroscopes

We propose calibration methods for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) 3D accelerometers and gyroscopes that are efficient in terms of time and computational complexity. The calibration process for both sensors is simple, does not require additional expensive equipment, and can be performed in the field before or between motion measurements. The methods rely on a small number of defined calibration measurements that are used to obtain the values of 12 calibration parameters. This process enables the static compensation of sensor inaccuracies. The values detected by the 3D sensor are interpreted using a generalized 3D sensor model. The model assumes that the values detected by the sensor are equal to the projections of the measured value on the sensor sensitivity axes. Although this finding is trivial for 3D accelerometers, its validity for 3D gyroscopes is not immediately apparent; thus, this paper elaborates on this latter topic. For an example sensor device, calibration parameters were established using calibration measurements of approximately 1.5 min in duration for the 3D accelerometer and 2.5 min in duration for the 3D gyroscope. Correction of each detected 3D value using the established calibration parameters in further measurements requires only nine addition and nine multiplication operations.
Instances of Schneider's generalized protocol of clock synchronization

Schneider [7] generalizes a number of protocols for Byzantine fault-tolerant clock synchronization and presents a uniform proof for their correctness. In Schneider’s schema, each processor maintains a lo-cal clock by periodically adjusting each value to one computed by a convergence function applied to the readings of all the clocks. Then, correctness of an algorithm, i