Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma validation of present selection criteria in predicting outcome

Appropriate patient selection is crucial in ensuring acceptable outcomes from orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has elected to prioritize HCC patients for OLT based on criteria of tumor burden. However, it is unclear whether these criteria correlate with outcome, or with the pathobiological features associated with tumor recurrence. Therefore, we analyzed 109 consecutive patients undergoing OLT for HCC at our center, to determine the utility of present selection criteria in predicting outcome. Pathologic tumor staging of the explanted liver was based on the American Tumor Study Group modified tumor node metastases (pTNM) classification system. Multifocality was defined as >4 tumor nodules on explant. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression methods. At a median follow‐up of 18.9 months, the overall mortality was 19% with 15 patients (14%) dying of recurrent HCC. Kaplan‐Meier 1, 3 and 5‐year survival rates were 89.5%, 68%, and 65%, respectively. Recurrence‐free rates of 1, 3, and 5 years were 89%, 75%, and 65%, respectively. On univariate analysis, the factors found to be significantly associated with recurrence of HCC were explant features of macrovascular invasion, tumor size (per centimeter increase), pTNM stage (per 1‐stage increase), and pre‐transplant serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) >300 ng/mL. In defining a threshold level, we found that explant tumor diameter ≥3 cm, and those tumors classified as at least pT3 on pathological examination, were significantly associated with recurrence (P = .01 and .03, respectively). Tumor size on explant was found to be strongly correlated with multifocality (P = .017) and vascular invasion (P = .02). Patients exceeding pathological UNOS criteria were 3.1 times more likely to have recurrence of HCC (P = .03). In conclusion, we found that tumor size appears to be a surrogate marker for negative pathobiological predictors of outcome, i.e., vascular invasion and multifocality. Present UNOS selection criteria for HCC based on tumor burden appear to provide adequate discriminatory power in predicting outcome of OLT. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:911–918.)
Some Properties of Salivary Amylase: A Survey of the Literature and Some Observations

Properties of Amylase ACTIVITY. -Alpha-amylase catalyzes a random splitting of the a-1,4 glucosidic bonds of glucan (this is not true with maltose). The end products of amylolytic digestion of starches, therefore, are maltose, some glucose, and "limit dextrins" that contain branching linkages other than a-1,4 glucosidic linkages.2-4 The activity proceeds according to the "multiple attack" theory: each enzyme molecule is able to split a number of linkages on different glucose chains during one enzyme substrate complex formation. The degree of multiple attack is different for amylases from different sources (eg, salivary, pancreatic, bacterial); this is important when comparing the activity of different amylases.5,6 The activity of aamylase is different from that of P-amylase, which splits off maltose units from the nonreducing end of the glucan in a zipper fashion. Beta-amylase is not found in animal sources and is present in the oral cavity only as a microbial product. The catalytic range of a-amylase also probably extends to the synthesis of maltose and maltosaccharides from a-D-glucopyranosyl compounds; the amylases are part of a "glucosylase" group of enzymes.7'8 The activity and stability of a-amylase depends on the presence of chlorine ions and calcium; the latter probably form intra-
Kicks from the penalty mark in soccer: The roles of stress,skill, and fatigue for kick outcomes

Abstract The soccer “penalty shootout” in the knock-out phase of major international tournaments is one of the most dramatic events in international soccer. The outcome of these kicks is typically attributed to factors such as psychology (e.g. coping with stress), skill (e.g. kicking technique), physiology (e.g. overcoming the fatigue of 120 min play), and chance (e.g. in what direction the goalkeeper moves). The purpose of this study was to use internet game record data to estimate the relative importance of these performance components for the outcome of penalty kicks in international matches. Data were collected from soccer statistics internet sites on all 41 penalty shootouts and 409 kicks taken in the World Cup, European Championships, and Copa America between 1976 and 2004. The results showed that the importance of the kicks (indicative of stress) was negatively related to the outcomes of the kicks, whereas skill and fatigue were less, or not, related to outcome. It was concluded that psychological components are most influential for the outcome of penalty kicks. We recommend that practitioners work with players to reduce the perceived importance of each kick.
Transnational Social Networks—Current Perspectives

“[T]here is something mysterious about social networks. We live surrounded by them, but usually cannot see more than one step beyond the people we are directly connected to, if that. It is like being stuck in a traffic jam surrounded by cars and trucks. The traffic helicopter can see beyond our immediate surroundings and suggest routes that might extricate us. Network analysis is like that helicopter. It allows us to see beyond our immediate circle. ” (Kadushin, 2012: 4)
Cross-Country Heterogeneity in Intertemporal Substitution

We collect 2,735 estimates of the elasticity of intertemporal substitution in consumption from 169 published studies that cover 104 countries during different time periods. The estimates vary substantially from country to country, even after controlling for 30 aspects of study design. Our results suggest that income and asset market participation are the most effective factors in explaining the heterogeneity: households in developing countries and countries with low stock market participation substitute a smaller fraction of consumption intertemporally in response to changes in expected asset returns. Micro-level studies that focus on sub-samples of poor households or households not participating in asset markets also find systematically smaller values of the elasticity.
Amino Acid Pool Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The accumulation and behavior of various amino acids in the pool of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) were investigated. Patterns of pool formation and maintenance varied with different amino acids tested and were dependent, to a considerable extent, upon the ability of the organism to catabolize the particular amino acid. The establishment of steady-state amino acid pool levels depended upon the activity of the amino acid permease involved and upon the rate of protein synthesis. The presence of a relatively large specific amino acid pool did not affect the formation of a pool of a structurally different amino acid, and a preformed steady-state pool was not displaced by structurally unrelated amino acids. Steady-state amino acid pools decreased rapidly in the presence of inhibitors of energy metabolism and at 0 C. Steady-state internal amino acid pools were found to be in equilibrium with the corresponding external amino acid, present at low levels. A multiplicity of proline pools was demonstrated.
Infrahumanization or Familiarity? Attribution of Uniquely Human Emotions to the Self, the Ingroup, and the Outgroup

People attribute more secondary emotions to their ingroup than to outgroups. This effect is interpreted in terms of infrahumanization theory. Familiarity also could explain this differential attribution because secondary emotions are thought to be less visible and intense than primary ones. This alternative explanation to infrahumanization was tested in three studies. In Study 1, participants attributed, in a between-participants design, primary and secondary emotions to themselves, to their ingroup, or to an outgroup. In Study 2, participants answered for themselves and their ingroup or for themselves and an outgroup. In Study 3, participants made attributions to the ingroup or a series of outgroups varying in terms of familiarity. The data do not support an explanation in terms of familiarity. The discussion centers on conditions not conducting to infrahumanization.
Speculative Positioning Around Episodes of Central Bank Intervention: Evidence from the Yen/Dollar Market

This paper examines the central bank intervention in the yen/dollar market and its influence on the foreign exchange traders' speculative positions. We observe that speculators predominantly take up the opposite side of the transaction to the central bank. They appear to increase their relative yen positions when central banks sell yen and lower them when they buy yen. Our results indicate that interventions are more successful when speculators act with the central bank but generally ineffective when they take the other side of the transaction.
The Relationships Among E-Service Quality, System Quality, Information Quality and Customer Loyalty: An Empirical Study of Internet Banking In China

In order to measuring online banking customer perceived e-service quality and study on relationship with customer loyalty in China. This study use E-S-QUAL scales and D&M IS success model to design the research model of this research. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data collected from banksâ€™ customers in China. The main findings are as follows: 1) the research supported that the four e-SERVQUAL dimensionsâ€“efficiency, fulfillment, system availability and privacy are the determinants of Chinese internet banking service quality. 2) System quality, electronic service quality and information quality all have a positive effect on customer perceived value and customer satisfaction. 3) E-service quality has both direct effect on customer loyalty and indirect effect on customer loyalty through customer perceived value and customer satisfaction.
Genetic Polymorphism (rs329498) in the Pellino-1 Gene as Possible Predisposal Factor for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Chinese Population

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Peli-1 gene with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Chinese population. Methods: We conducted a case–control study and a total of 738 SLE patients and 827 healthy controls were finally recruited. Peli-1 rs329498 and rs10496105 polymorphisms were specified from genomic DNA using TaqMan genotyping assay on Fluidigm 192.24 system. Results: Allele contrast showed the minor allele C was associated with decreased risk for SLE when compared with the A allele (OR = 0.851, 95% CI = 0.737–0.983, p = 0.028). Significant difference was observed in genotype distribution of rs329498 polymorphism between lupus nephritis (LN) patients and non-LN patients (χ2 = 8.18, p = 0.017). Furthermore, we also found a decreased frequency of the minor allele C in LN patients (29.2%) than in non-LN patients (37.7%) (χ2 = 8.67, p = 0.003). Moreover, a significant difference was also detected under a dominant model with regard to the distribution of genotype frequencies between LN patients and non-LN patients (CC + AC vs. AA: OR = 0.632, 95% CI = 0.451–0.884, p = 0.007). Clinical features analysis showed a significant difference in the distribution of genotypic frequencies between patients with malar rash and patients without this feature (χ2 = 6.63, p = 0.036). Unfortunately, we failed to find any significant results between Peli-1 gene rs10496105 and SLE susceptibility. Conclusions: Our observations suggested that Peli-1 gene polymorphism rs329498 might contribute to SLE susceptibility in Chinese Han Population. Likewise, the rs329498 SNP was also associated with the clinical features LN and malar rash in SLE patients.
The effect of the SNAPPS (summarize, narrow, analyze, probe, plan, and select) method versus teacher-centered education on the clinical gynecology skills of midwifery students in Iran

This study aimed to determine the effect of the SNAPPS (summarize, narrow, analyze, probe, plan, and select) method versus teacher-centered education on the clinical skills of midwifery students in Iran. In this clinical trial, 36 midwifery students in their 4th year of education in 2015 were enrolled and divided into 6 groups, 3 groups for teacher-centered education and 3 groups for the SNAPPS method, with each group spending 10 days in the outpatient gynecology clinic. A questionnaire and a checklist were used to gather data. An independent t-test and chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Ability to gain the trust of the patient, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, history taking, preparation of the patient for gynecological examination, and diagnosis and treatment of common diseases were significantly better in the SNAPPS group compared to the teacher-centered education group (P<0.05). The SNAPPS education method can significantly improve the clinical skills of midwifery students in gynecology, in particular history taking, differential diagnosis, and treatment of common diseases.
Optical Triggers of Protein Folding

In our report about the electron-transfer (ET)-initiated folding of ferrocytochrome c (cyt c^(II)) (1), we noted rapid changes in the visible absorption spectrum corresponding to a process with a time constant of ~40 µs. We indicated that this observation was consistent with studies of cyt c^(ll) folding initiated by CO dissociation where the fast dynamics were attributed to changes in heme ligation (2). We also suggested that these dynamics might correspond to the collapse of the protein into a compact denatured state, as has been proposed for apomyoglobinon the basis of laser-temperature-jump measurements (3). Our transient absorption data could not distinguish between the two possibilities, and these fast folding dynamics were a relatively minor component of the study described in our report. Chan et al., with the use of tryptophan (Trp) fluorescence as a probe, found no significant collapse of the protein on the submillisecond time scale following dissociation of CO from unfolded cyt c^(II). Clearly, multiples pectroscopic probes must be employed to study protein folding; accordingly, we are currently developing time-resolved Trp fluorescence as a probe for ET-initiated folding of cyt c^(II).
The Impact of Coming Out on Health and Health Care Access

Abstract This paper documents the experiences of health care access among gay, lesbian, bisexual and Two-Spirit (glbt-s) people in Canada. In particular, it addresses the importance of coming out as glbt-s to the development of good health and appropriate care. The paper reflects upon the impact of hiding one's sexual orientation on glbt-s people's experience of and use of health care resources and the responsibility of health care institutions to address homophobia and create supportive environments in order to facilitate the coming out process in health care settings. The central role of health care policy makers with regard to the articulation of gay-positive policy and practice in health care institutions is highlighted.
Localization of nerve growth factor, neurotrophin‐3, and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor in nestin‐expressing reactive astrocytes in the caudate‐putamen of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine‐treated C57/Bl mice

To address the hypothesis that reactive astrocytes in the basal ganglia of an animal model of Parkinson's disease serve neurotrophic roles, we studied the expression pattern of neurotrophic factors in the basal ganglia of C57/Bl mice that had been treated with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to induce the degeneration of nigral dopamine neurons and parkinsonism. MPTP induced significant neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta as detected with Fluoro‐Jade B staining, and this was accompanied by an increase in nestin‐expressing astrocytes within the caudate‐putamen. The number of nestin‐positive reactive astrocytes in the caudate‐putamen peaked within 3–5 days following MPTP treatment and then declined progressively toward the basal level by 21 days after treatment. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy confirmed coexpression of nestin or Ki‐67 (cell proliferation marker) in glial fibrillary acid protein‐positive astrocytes in the caudate‐putamen. Double immunolabeling further revealed immunoreactivities for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin‐3 (NT3), and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in nestin‐positive reactive astrocytes. Semiquantification of data obtained from mice 5 days after MPTP injection indicated that the majority of nestin‐expressing cells expressed NGF (92%), NT3 (90%), or GDNF (86%). Our results present novel evidence of neurotrophic features among reactive astrocytes in the dopamine‐depleted striatum. These nestin‐expressing reactive astrocytes may therefore play neurotrophic roles in neural remodeling of the basal ganglia in Parkinson's disease. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:898–909, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Valuation of Biotech IPOs

The valuation of initial public offerings (IPOs) is of considerable interest, given the important role these enterprises play in economic growth and investors' decisions. IPO valuation is particularly challenging due to the meager information available about new enterprises at offering dates. We extend the research on IPO valuation in various directions. First, we penetrate deep beyond the traditional proxies for value drivers, such as R&D expenditures and cash flows, by defining and testing a host of specific product-related and competitive environment value drivers; second, we examine IPO valuations at three distinct phases of the going-public process; third, we employ both the direct valuation and relative valuation approaches; and fourth, we round up the analysis by examining the long-term performance of IPOs. Based on a sample of biotech IPOs from the 1990s, we document the overwhelming importance of product-related and intellectual property fundamentals, as well as the irrelevance of several key signals, such as venture capital backing and the quality of underwriters, which played prominent roles in previous research.
Rapid identification of pathogenic Neisseria species and Branhamella catarrhalis

Two systems, the Identicult-Neisseria (IDN; Scott Laboratories, Inc., Fiskeville, R.I.) strip and the Neisseria/Haemophilus Identification Test Kit (NHI; Vitek Systems, Inc., Hazelwood, Mo.) card, were compared with the 4-h Minitek system (BBL Microbiology Systems, Cockeysville, Md.) for their ability to rapidly identify 157 pathogenic Neisseria and Branhamella catarrhalis isolates. IDN, limited in its identification to four species, when incubated at 35 degrees C for 10 min identified 99% of the isolates. However, when IDN was incubated at 22 degrees C for 20 min, it identified only 92% of the isolates. The NHI card, a rapid semiautomated system with the ability to identify 25 organisms to the species level, correctly identified all of the isolates. A test for beta-lactamase production included in the NHI card identified the 12 Neisseria gonorrhoeae and 10 B. catarrhalis beta-lactamase-positive isolates included in the study. The IDN strip (35 degrees C) and the NHI card compared favorably with the Minitek system.
Using equity market information to monitor banking institutions

in extensive monitoring of bank holding companies (BHCs), but for different reasons.While investors are looking to ensure that BHC managers maximize shareholder value, bank supervisors monitor BHCs to enforce regulations, gauge their safety and soundness, and guard against broader systemic risk. Despite these differences in motivation, changes in stock prices could be relevant for supervisory concerns.
The Present Scenario of Cholecystectomy

Background: The surgical management of the gall bladder pathology has changed because of development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy , ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The Present study compares various ultrasonographic & clinical criteria with reference to laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Methods: The study was done on 100 patients. They are of symptomatic cholelithiasis, requiring elective cholecystectomy, attending surgical OPD of People’s College Of Medical Sciences & Research Centre and other center of Bhopal from january 2011 to 31 st august 2015. Results: Out of 100 patients only 18 of the patient were males rest 82 were female patients . The maximum incidence is seen in the age group of 35-40years . There were 18 patients with BMI more than 27.5 kg/m 2 . Sensitivity of ultrasonograhic prediction is 55.55%. 18 patients had history of previous abdominal surgery. Positive predictive value of gallbladder wall thickness to predict the difficult laparoscopic surgery is 77.77%. Best clinical predictor for predicting conversion to open procedure is BMI>27.5(highest Chi-square value 6.46, P value 0.040) . Best sonographic predictors for conversion to open cholecystectomy are impaction of stone at neck of gallbladder and contracted gallbladder (highest Chi-square value 13.6) Conclusions: Cholecystectomy is the most common procedure performed on the biliary tract and the second most common major abdominal operation performed today. In our study we have included 100 patients in which clinical and ultrasonographic parameters with reference to laparoscopic cholecystectomy were analysed.
Comparative Effects of Amoxycillin and Ampicillin in the Treatment of Experimental Mouse Infections

Amoxycillin was significantly more active than ampicillin in the treatment of intraperitoneal mouse infections when administered by oral and parenteral routes, although the causal bacteria were equally susceptible in vitro to the two penicillins. Amoxycillin produced higher antibiotic blood concentrations in mice than ampicillin after oral administration, and this was a possible explanation for the superior oral activity of amoxycillin. In contrast, antibiotic blood concentrations were the same for both compounds after subcutaneous injection, but it was demonstrated that amoxycillin was more effective than ampicillin by this route in reducing bacterial counts in the peritoneal cavity and in the blood of mice infected with Escherichia coli. Amoxycillin was also significantly more active than ampicillin in the treatment of infection by intraperitoneal dosing as a result of greater bactericidal activity in infected mice together with the production of higher antibiotic blood levels. The results of these studies on the effects of parental treatment of experimental infections with the two penicillins show that the superior chemotherapeutic activity of amoxycillin was associated with the greater bactericidal activity of amoxycillin in vivo and with differences in the distribution of the two penicillins in the infected animal.
Modest Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coreceptor Function of CXCR3 Is Strongly Enhanced by Mimicking the CXCR4 Ligand Binding Pocket in the CXCR3 Receptor

ABSTRACT The chemokine receptor CXCR3 can exhibit weak coreceptor function for several human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and HIV-2 strains and clinical isolates. These viruses produced microscopically visible cytopathicity in U87.CD4. CXCR3 cell cultures, whereas untransfected (CXCR3-negative) U87.CD4 cells remained uninfected. Depending on the particular virus, the coreceptor efficiency of CXCR3 was 100- to >10,000-fold lower compared to that of CXCR4. A CXCR3 variant carrying the CXCR4 binding pocket was constructed by simultaneous lysine-to-alanine and serine-to-glutamate substitutions at positions 300 and 304 of the CXCR3 receptor. This mutant receptor (CXCR3[K300A, S304E]) showed markedly enhanced HIV coreceptor function compared to the wild-type receptor (CXCR3[WT]). Moreover, the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 exhibited antagonistic and anti-HIV activities in U87.CD4. CXCR3[K300A, S304E] cells but not in U87.CD4. CXCR3[WT] cells.