Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32) as a novel target in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Heat shock proteins (Hsp) are increasingly employed as therapeutic targets in oncology. We have shown that Hsp32, also known as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), serves as survival factor and potential target in Ph+ chronic myeloid leukemia. We here report that primary cells and cell lines derived from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) express Hsp32 mRNA and the Hsp32 protein in a constitutive manner. Highly enriched CD34+/CD38− ALL stem cells also expressed Hsp32. Two Hsp32-targeting drugs, pegylated zinc protoporphyrine (PEG-ZnPP) and styrene maleic acid-micelle-encapsulated ZnPP (SMA-ZnPP), induced apoptosis and growth arrest in the BCR/ABL1+ cell lines, in Ph− lymphoblastic cell lines and in primary Ph+ and Ph− ALL cells. The effects of PEG-ZnPP and SMA-ZnPP on growth of leukemic cells were dose-dependent. In Ph+ ALL, major growth-inhibitory effects of the Hsp32-targeting drugs were observed in imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant cells. Hsp32-targeting drugs were found to synergize with imatinib, nilotinib, and bendamustine in producing growth inhibition and apoptosis in Ph+ ALL cells. A siRNA against Hsp32 was found to inhibit growth and survival of ALL cells and to synergize with imatinib in suppressing the growth of ALL cells. In conclusion, Hsp32 is an essential survival factor and potential new target in ALL.
Mechanism and cellular function of Bud6 as an actin nucleation–promoting factor

Bud6 functions as an actin nucleation–promoting factor (NPF) for Bni1; thus formins can depend on NPFs like the Arp2/3 complex. Unexpected parallels exist between Bud6 and WASp. Bud6 is the first nonmetazoan example of formins pairing with actin monomer–binding proteins to stimulate nucleation, akin to Spire-Capu and APC-mDia1
Dynamics on Modular Networks with Heterogeneous Correlations

We develop a new ensemble of modular random graphs in which degree-degree correlations can be different in each module, and the inter-module connections are defined by the joint degree-degree distribution of nodes for each pair of modules. We present an analytical approach that allows one to analyze several types of binary dynamics operating on such networks, and we illustrate our approach using bond percolation, site percolation, and the Watts threshold model. The new network ensemble generalizes existing models (e.g., the well-known configuration model and Lancichinetti-Fortunato-Radicchi networks) by allowing a heterogeneous distribution of degree-degree correlations across modules, which is important for the consideration of nonidentical interacting networks.
The psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation

Standardized psychological assessment of candidates for reconstructive hand transplantation (RHT) is a new approach in transplantation medicine. Currently, international guidelines and standardized criteria for the evaluation are not established. Patients suffering from the loss of a hand or an upper extremity have to cope with multiple challenges. For a selected group of patients, RHT represents an option for restoring natural function and for regaining daily living independence. The identification of at‐risk patients and those requiring ongoing counseling due to poor coping or limited psychological resources are the primary focus of the psychological assessment. We have developed the ‘Innsbruck Psychological Screening Program for Reconstructive Transplantation (iRT‐PSP)’ which utilizes a semi‐structured interview and standardized psychological screening procedures and continuous follow‐up ratings. Between January 2011 and October 2011, four candidates were evaluated using the iRT‐PSP. Psychological impairments including social withdrawal, embarrassment, reduced self‐esteem, and a depressive coping style were identified and poor quality of life was reported. The motivation for transplantation was diverse, depending on many factors such as bi‐ or unilateral impairment, native or accidental loss of hand, and social integration.
A Clinical study on risk factors causing abdominal wound dehiscence and management

Background And Objectives: Wound dehiscence/burst abdomen is a very serious post-operative complication associated with high morbidity and mortality. The need for this study is to highlight the risk factors for wound dehiscence and remedial measures to prevent or reduce the incidence of wound dehiscence. This will certainly reduce mortality and morbidity in the form of prolonged hospital stay, increased economic burden on health care resources. Methods: Total 50 cases clinically presenting as abdominal wound dehiscence were taken for this study. Each case examined clinically and an elaborative study of history based on chief complaints, significant risk factors, investigations, time and type of surgery performed and postoperative events and day of onset of wound dehiscence. Results: The incidence of abdominal wound dehiscence is more common in male patients in 4th to 5th decade. Patients with peritonitis due to duodenal perforation, intestinal obstruction and malignancy carried higher risk of abdominal wound dehiscence. Patients with surgical Wounds classified as dirty wound had higher incidence of abdominal wound dehiscence and was more common in patients operated in emergency. Patients with anaemia, jaundice and high BMI had higher incidence of wound dehiscence. Conclusion: Wound dehiscence can be prevented by improving nutritional status of patient, proper surgical technique, controlling infections and correcting co morbid condition.
“You Can Feel Them Looking at You”: The Experiences of Adolescent Girls at Swimming Pools

This paper explores the constraints that a sample of Western Australian high school girls experienced when using public swimming pools, and the strategies that they developed to negotiate these constraints. The data were collected from girls, aged 15–16 years, in focus groups and individual interviews. The girls were a subset of an earlier study that had found that 29% of girls would use pools more if boys were not around. For many of these girls, embarrassment affected both the frequency and quality of their participation. To reduce self-consciousness some had developed strategies to make themselves less visible including covering up their bodies, staying in groups, swimming at remote venues and avoiding pools altogether. Strategies for enhancing enjoyment of this public place are suggested.
Effect of Availability of Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement on Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND Since the adoption of transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR), questions have been raised about its effect on clinical practice in comparison with the effect of surgical aortic-valve replacement, which is considered the current standard of care. Complete nationwide data are useful in examining how the introduction of a new technique influences previous clinical standards. METHODS We analyzed data on characteristics of patients and in-hospital outcomes for all isolated TAVR and surgical aortic-valve replacement procedures performed in Germany from 2007 to 2013. RESULTS In total, 32,581 TAVR and 55,992 surgical aortic-valve replacement procedures were performed. The number of TAVR procedures increased from 144 in 2007 to 9147 in 2013, whereas the number of surgical aortic-valve replacement procedures decreased slightly, from 8622 to 7048. Patients undergoing TAVR were older than those undergoing surgical aortic-valve replacement (mean [±SD] age, 81.0±6.1 years vs. 70.2±10.0 years) and at higher preoperative risk (estimated logistic EuroSCORE [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation], 22.4% vs. 6.3%, on a scale of 0 to 100%, with higher scores indicating greater risk and a score of more than 20% indicating high surgical risk). In-hospital mortality decreased in both groups between 2007 and 2013 (from 13.2% to 5.4% with TAVR and from 3.8% to 2.2% with surgical aortic-valve replacement). The incidences of stroke, bleeding, and pacemaker implantation (but not acute kidney injury) also declined. CONCLUSIONS The use of TAVR increased markedly in Germany between 2007 and 2013; the concomitant reduction in the use of surgical aortic-valve replacement was moderate. Patients undergoing TAVR were older and at higher procedural risk than those undergoing surgical aortic-valve replacement. In-hospital mortality decreased in both groups but to a greater extent among patients undergoing TAVR. (Funded by the Heart Center, Freiburg University.).
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Using Nonnegative Polynomial Approximations

Nonnegative matrix factorization is a key tool in many data analysis applications such as feature extraction, compression, and noise filtering. Many existing algorithms impose additional constraints to take into account prior knowledge and to improve the physical interpretation. This letter proposes a novel algorithm for nonnegative matrix factorization, in which the factors are modeled by nonnegative polynomials. Using a parametric representation of finite-interval nonnegative polynomials, we obtain an optimization problem without external nonnegativity constraints, which can be solved using conventional quasi-Newton or nonlinear least-squares methods. The polynomial model guarantees smooth solutions and may realize a noise reduction. A dedicated orthogonal compression enables a significant reduction of the matrix dimensions, without sacrificing accuracy. The overall approach scales well to large matrices. The approach is illustrated with applications in hyperspectral imaging and chemical shift brain imaging.
Alterations of Pancreatic Islet Structure, Metabolism and Gene Expression in Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mice

The reduction of functional β cell mass is a key feature of type 2 diabetes. Here, we studied metabolic functions and islet gene expression profiles of C57BL/6J mice with naturally occurring nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) deletion mutation, a widely used model of diet-induced obesity and diabetes. On high fat diet (HF), the mice developed obesity and hyperinsulinemia, while blood glucose levels were only mildly elevated indicating a substantial capacity to compensate for insulin resistance. The basal serum insulin levels were elevated in HF mice, but insulin secretion in response to glucose load was significantly blunted. Hyperinsulinemia in HF fed mice was associated with an increase in islet mass and size along with higher BrdU incorporation to β cells. The temporal profiles of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of isolated islets were comparable in HF and normal chow fed mice. Islets isolated from HF fed mice had elevated basal oxygen consumption per islet but failed to increase oxygen consumption further in response to glucose or carbonyl cyanide-4-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP). To obtain an unbiased assessment of metabolic pathways in islets, we performed microarray analysis comparing gene expression in islets from HF to normal chow-fed mice. A few genes, for example, those genes involved in the protection against oxidative stress (hypoxia upregulated protein 1) and Pgc1α were up-regulated in HF islets. In contrast, several genes in extracellular matrix and other pathways were suppressed in HF islets. These results indicate that islets from C57BL/6J mice with NNT deletion mutation develop structural, metabolic and gene expression features consistent with compensation and decompensation in response to HF diet.
Association study of CTLA-4 +49A/G gene polymorphism with recurrent pregnancy loss in the Iranian Azeri Turkish ethnic group.

BACKGROUND/AIM Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as two or more pregnancy losses. T-regulatory cells play an important role in the feto-maternal interface. Cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a molecule that downregulates the activation and proliferation of T cells. The objective of the current study was to investigate the possible association of CTLA-4+49A/G gene polymorphism with RPL among patients from the Iranian Azeri Turkish ethnic group. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group/patients consisted of 101 women with the experience of two or more pregnancy losses and the control group consisted of 101 women with at least two live births, without any previous history of pregnancy loss and autoimmune diseases from the same ethnic group. The CTLA-4+49A/G was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms assay. RESULTS The distribution of CTLA-4+49A/G genotype was AA, 38.61%; AG, 51.48%; GG, 9.9% in patients and AA, 37.62%; AG, 47.52%; GG,14.85% in controls (P-value: 0.2). Furthermore, no association in G-allele was observed in the patient and control groups (P-value: 0.5). CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that CTLA-4 does not have any association with RPL in the Iranian Azeri Turkish ethnic group.
Survey of lead and copper in Turkish raisins

Lead and copper levels in various types of Turkish raisins, collected from the most important production centers, were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Samples were principally the products of 2005; however, two different and important raisin types produced between 2003 and 2006 were also analyzed. To investigate the source of pollution, the lead and copper content of all samples were separately determined after successive treatment with water, then with acetone and, finally, complete decomposition in a HNO3/H2SO4/H2O2 mixture. Metal levels in raisin seeds were also determined. The results were statistically evaluated, indicating that the raisins taken from different regions and years contained a mean (range) of 0.056 (0.012–0.359) mg kg−1 lead and 2.542 (0.770–4.706) mg kg−1 copper. Lead concentrations in Turkish raisins were significantly lower than those found in a previous study.
Age-Related Decline in Associative Learning in Healthy Chinese Adults

Paired associates learning (PAL) has been widely used in aging-related research, suggesting an age-related decline in associative learning. However, there are several cognitive processes (attention, spatial and recognition memory, strategy, and associative learning) involved in PAL. It is unclear which component contributes to the decline in PAL performance associated with age effects. The present study determines whether age effects on associative learning are independent of other cognitive processes involved in PAL. Using a validated computerized cognitive program (CANTAB), we examined cognitive performance of associative learning, spatial and recognition memory, attention and strategy use in 184 Singaporean Chinese adults aged from 21 to 80 years old. Linear regression revealed significant age-related decline in associative learning, spatial and recognition memory, and the level of strategy use. This age-related decline in associative learning remains even after adjusting for attention, spatial and recognition memory, and strategy use. These results show that age effects on associative learning are independent of other cognitive processes involved in PAL.
Terahertz response for bicrystal YBCO Josephson junctions

The high-frequency response of bicrystal YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-/spl delta// Josephson junctions for far infrared laser irradiation is presented. The junctions on silicon and MgO substrates exhibit a remarkable first order Shapiro step for the methanol line at 1.76 THz. dV/dI measurements reveal several steps corresponding to the methanol lines at 1.48, 1.76 and 2.53 THz. The line width of Josephson oscillation at these frequencies is estimated from the width of the Shapiro steps. It is suggested that the excess shot noise broadens the line width.
ii Master Thesis in Informatics Title : User Acceptance in the Sharing Economy – An explanatory study of Transportation Network Companies in China based on UTAUT 2

For many years, research on user acceptance of different technologies has been one of the most important topics within the field of information systems. In markets with the sheer size and uniqueness of the Chinese mobile economy fostered rapid development of sharing economy firms. Transportation Network Companies (TNC) can be regarded as a context of the sharing economy that focuses on personal transportation. Intrigued by the immense success of TNC and notorious competition between TNC companies Uber and DiDi in China, we study why users are susceptible to TNC. In this study, user acceptance is defined as intention to use TNC and the actual use of TNC. This study aims to examine what factors affect user acceptance of TNC in China and to what extent. By this, the thesis aims to provide TNC with adequate recommendations for success. The state of the art user acceptance model UTAUT2 has been used in this research with an explanatory purpose and a deductive approach. The UTAUT2 model consists of factors related to user acceptance, such as Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Hedonic Motivation, Price Value and Habit. These factors were individually tested with Simple Linear Regression to determine their influence on user acceptance. These calculations were executed upon quantitative data from an electronically distributed survey. Upon analysis of the findings, research and practical implications are provided such as managerial recommendations for how TNC can raise user acceptance and increase market share.
Magnetocapacitance without magnetism

A substantial magnetodielectric effect is often an indication of coupled magnetic and elastic order, such as is found in the multi-ferroics. However, it has recently been shown that magnetism is not necessary to produce either a magnetoresistance or a magnetocapacitance when the material is inhomogeneous. Here, we will investigate the characteristic magnetic-field-dependent dielectric response of such an inhomogeneous system using exact calculations and numerical simulations of conductor–dielectric composites. In particular, we will show that even simple conductor–dielectric layers exhibit a magneto-capacitance, and thus random bulk inhomogeneities are not a requirement for this effect. Indeed, this work essentially provides a natural generalization of the Maxwell–Wagner effect to finite magnetic field. We will also discuss how this phenomenon has already been observed experimentally in some materials.
Measuring the effect of environmental uncertainty on process activities, project team characteristics, and new product success

This empirical study examines the influence of environmental uncertainty on industrial product innovation. Addresses a perceived shortcoming in the new product development literature and explores direct and moderating effects of environmental uncertainty on the development process, project organization, and on new product success. Finds that several external market and technology factors do impact new product success directly. Further, finds that several market and technological uncertainties moderate the relationship between development process, project organization, and new product success. Consequently, innovating companies benefit by adapting their development approaches to different environmental conditions and to varying degrees of uncertainty. The results of 82 product development projects indicate, among others, that under conditions of high market and technology unpredictability process compression may increase time efficiency and product profitability.
Mimicking Hypoxia to Treat Anemia: HIF-Stabilizer BAY 85-3934 (Molidustat) Stimulates Erythropoietin Production without Hypertensive Effects

Oxygen sensing by hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylases (HIF-PHs) is the dominant regulatory mechanism of erythropoietin (EPO) expression. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), impaired EPO expression causes anemia, which can be treated by supplementation with recombinant human EPO (rhEPO). However, treatment can result in rhEPO levels greatly exceeding the normal physiological range for endogenous EPO, and there is evidence that this contributes to hypertension in patients with CKD. Mimicking hypoxia by inhibiting HIF-PHs, thereby stabilizing HIF, is a novel treatment concept for restoring endogenous EPO production. HIF stabilization by oral administration of the HIF-PH inhibitor BAY 85-3934 (molidustat) resulted in dose-dependent production of EPO in healthy Wistar rats and cynomolgus monkeys. In repeat oral dosing of BAY 85-3934, hemoglobin levels were increased compared with animals that received vehicle, while endogenous EPO remained within the normal physiological range. BAY 85-3934 therapy was also effective in the treatment of renal anemia in rats with impaired kidney function and, unlike treatment with rhEPO, resulted in normalization of hypertensive blood pressure in a rat model of CKD. Notably, unlike treatment with the antihypertensive enalapril, the blood pressure normalization was achieved without a compensatory activation of the renin–angiotensin system. Thus, BAY 85-3934 may provide an approach to the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD, without the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular effects seen for patients treated with rhEPO. Clinical studies are ongoing to investigate the effects of BAY 85-3934 therapy in patients with renal anemia.
Students' Attitudes and Perceptions towards using m-learning for French Language Learning: A case study on Princess Nora University.

This research aims at understanding students' attitudes and perceptions towards using mobile phones as a learning tool for additional reading practices within a course. The study is conducted to address how mobile phones are used in grammar and vocabulary learning, inside/outside French language classrooms, for undergraduate students at Princess Nora University. This can be achieved by answering the questions: what is the appropriate method that achieves best students' interaction and understanding; and is there a difference between students' performance before and after using mobile phones. Hence, a mixed methodology (quantitative-qualitative) was used. The data was collected via a questionnaire for students' attitudes to use m-learning and their perceptions about it. The study examined the use of mobile phones as a(n): repository of assignments/exercises; tool for reading via multimedia features; and email- based learning/instant messaging voice-over-Internet protocol applications. The analysis focused on examining the attitudes and perceptions of students towards m-learning by conducting pre-test and post- test experiment. The quantitative data analysis showed that students' attitudes are high, while students' perceptions are moderate. Results indicated that the utilization of m-learning improves students' learning performance inside and outside the classroom. The main advantage of m-learning is it can be used anywhere-anytime; and it can be adopted to enhance students' interaction and learning experiences.
Statistical Treatment of the Law of Initial Values (LIV) in Autonomic Research: A Review and Recommendation

&NA; Three major techniques for statistically handling LIV are reviewed: (1) regression analysis as proposed by Lacey12 (ALS); (2) the difference between standardized pre‐and poststimulus scores as proposed by Heath and Oken,11, 17 and (3) the intuitively appealing per cent change transformations. The proposed criterion of a satisfactory score is: The correlation between the initial level and a properly corrected score should be zero, and the adjusted score should have face validity. Mathematical analysis demonstrates that only scores built on the regression models will be guaranteed to have no correlation with initial level. Consequently, for comparing differences between groups' response to experimental stimulation, covariance analysis of the difference scores (D) adjusted for initial level (X) is recommended.For comparing differences between individuals' response to experimental stimulation, a difference score from the Covariance XD model, d ‐‐ bDXx is recommended.In standardized form, this is equivalent to Lacey's ALS.