Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-320a suppresses tumor progression by targeting PBX3 in gastric cancer and is downregulated by DNA methylation

BACKGROUND Ectopic expression of miRNAs promotes tumor development and progression. miRNA (miR)-320a is downregulated in many cancers, including gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanism underlying its downregulation and the role of miR-320a in GC are unknown. AIM To determine expression and biological functions of miR-320a in GC and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine expression of miR-320a in GC cell lines and tissues. TargetScanHuman7.1, miRDB, and microRNA.org were used to predict the possible targets of miR-320a, and a dual luciferase assay was used to confirm the findings. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 3 (PBX3) in GC cells and tissue samples. Cell Counting Kit-8 proliferation, Transwell, wound healing, and apoptosis assays were performed to analyze the biological functions of miR-320a in GC cells. Methylation-specific PCR was used to analyze the methylation level of the miR-320a promoter CpG islands. 5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) and trichostatin A (TSA) were used to treat GC cells. RESULTS miR-320a expression was lower in GC cell lines and tissues than in the normal gastric mucosa cell line GES-1 and matched adjacent normal tissues. miR-320a overexpression suppressed GC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and induced apoptosis. PBX3 was a target of miR-320a in GC. The methylation level of the miR-320a promoter CpG islands was elevated and this was partly reversed by 5-Aza-CdR and TSA. CONCLUSION miR-320a acts as a tumor suppressor and inhibits malignant behavior of GC cells, partly by targeting PBX3. DNA methylation is an important mechanism associated with low expression of miR-320a.
Ultra-High Density Deuteron-cluster Electrode for Low-energy Nuclear Reactions

This paper reviews new and previous theoretical and experimental studies of the possibility of nuclear events in clusters created in multilayer thin film electrodes, including the correlation between excess heat, transmutations, and the cluster theory that predicts it. As a result of this added understanding of cluster reactions, a new class of electrodes is under study. These electrodes are designed to enhance cluster formation and subsequent reactions. Two approaches are under development. The first employs improved loading– unloading techniques, intended to obtain a higher volumetric density of sites favoring cluster formation. The second is designed to achieve Rydberg Matters. Various methods of exciting (triggering) cluster reactions are also discussed. Based on these insights, the design of Low-energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) power cells is proposed. While still in the research stage, this approach promises ultimate development of “green” nuclear powered “batteries” offering remarkable energy densities well beyond present technology. © 2011 ISCMNS. All rights reserved.
Capillary Condensation in Confi ned Media

As the size of systems decreases, surface eff ects become increasingly important. Capillary condensation, which results from the eff ect of surfaces on the phase diagram of a fl uid, is an ubiquitous phenomenon at the nanoscale, occurring in all confi ned geometries, divided media, cracks, or contacts between surfaces (Bowden and Tabor 1950). Th e very large capillary forces induced by highly curved menisci have strong eff ect on the mechanical properties of contacts. Th e impact of capillary forces in micro/ nano electromechanical systems (MEMS & NEMS) is huge and oft en prevents the function of small-scale active systems under ambient condition or causes damage during the fabrication process. Since the nanocomponents are generally very compliant and present an elevated surface/volume ratio, the capillary forces developing in the confi ned spaces separating the components when these are exposed to ambient condition can have a dramatic eff ect in deforming them and preventing their service. Stiction or adhesion between the substrate (usually silicon based) and the microstructures occurs during the isotropic wet etching of the sacrificial layer (Bhushan 2007). The capillary forces caused by the surface tension of the liquid between the microstructures (or in the gaps separating them from the substrate) during the drying of the wet etchant cause the two surfaces to adhere together. Figure 12.1 shows an example of the eff ect of drying aft er the nanofabrication of a system of lamellae of width and spacing of 200 nm and variable height. Separating the two surfaces is oft en complicated due to the fragile nature of the microstructures. * In divided media, capillary forces not only control the cohesion of the media but also have dramatic infl uence on the aging properties of materials. Since the condensation of liquid bridges is a fi rst-order transition, it gives rise to slow activated phenomena that are responsible for long time scale variations of the cohesion forces (cf. Section 12.2). Capillary forces also have a strong eff ect on the friction properties of sliding nanocontacts where they are responsible for aging eff ects and enhanced stickslip motion (cf. Section 12.3). Finally, the presence of capillary menisci and nanometric water fi lms on solid surfaces has deep consequences on the surface physical and chemical properties, notably by permitting the activation of nanoscale corrosion processes, such as local dissolution and recondensation, hydration, oxidation, hydrolysis, and lixiviation. Th ese phenomena can lead either to the long-term improvement of the mechanical properties of nanostructured materials by recrystallization of solid joints or to the failure of microstructures due to crack propagation by stress corrosion (cf. Section 12.4).
Additions to the knowledge of Ganoderma in Thailand: Ganoderma casuarinicola, a new record; and Ganoderma thailandicum sp. nov.

Abstract Ganoderma is a cosmopolitan genus of mushrooms, which can cause root and butt rot diseases on many tree species. Members of this genus are particularly diverse in tropical regions. Some Ganoderma spp. are medicinally active and therefore are used to treat human diseases or as a dietary supplement. In this study, three Ganoderma strains were collected in tropical southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU, TEF1α and RPB2 sequence data indicated that the three strains grouped in a distinct lineage within laccate Ganoderma. One strain was collected from Surat Thani Province clustered in the G. casuarinicola clade with high statistical support (MLBS = 100% / MPBS = 98% / PP = 0.96), while the other two strains of Ganoderma, collected from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, formed a distinct well-supported clade (MLBS = 100% / MPBS = 100% / PP = 1.00) and are described here as a new species. Ganoderma casuarinicola is reported here as a new record to Thailand. Morphological differences of the two taxa and their closely related taxa are discussed. Colour photographs of macro and micro morphological characteristics and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of the new record and new species are provided.
EQUITY HOME BIAS AND NOMINAL RIGIDITY

This paper examines optimal portfolio decisions in a monetary open-economy DSGE model. In a complete market environment, Engel and Matsumoto (2005) find that sticky price can generate equity home bias. However, their result is sensitive to the structure of the financial market. In an incomplete market environment, we find “super home bias”in the equilibrium equity portfolio, which casts doubt on the ability of sticky price alone in describing the observed equity portfolios. We further show that introducing sticky wage helps to match the data. JEL: F41, G11
Downward Rigidity in the Wage for New Hires

Downward wage rigidity is central to many explanations of unemployment fluctuations. In benchmark models, the wage for new hires is key, but there is limited evidence of downward rigidity on this margin. We introduce a dataset that tracks the wage for new hires at the job level — across successive vacancies posted by the same job title and establishment. We show that the wage for new hires is rigid downward but flexible upward, in two steps. First, the nominal wage rarely changes at the job level. When wages do change, they fall infrequently. Second, when unemployment rises, wages do not fall — but wages do rise strongly as unemployment falls. We show prior strategies cannot detect downward rigidity due to job composition. Then with a standard model, we argue downward wage rigidity at the job level is key for unemployment fluctuations. Unemployment responds four times more to negative than to positive labor demand shocks.
Allopurinol Lowers Blood Pressure, Uric Acid and Endothelin-1 in Hypertensive Patients with Hyperuricemia at Mohammad Hoesin Hosiptal, Palembang, Indonesia

Scientific reports suggesting a link between hypertension and hyperuricemia are considerable. However, little is known whether drugs that had proven to be effective in reducing uric acid will also efficative to overcome hypertension? To answer the question a clinical trial using allopurinol has been employed on the hypertensive patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. A total of 40 patients that fulfilled inclusion criteria, were separated by double-blind randomization into two groups, the allopurinol and placebo. The allopurinoltreated patients included 9 males and 11 females, while placebo consist of 10 males and 10 females. To each patient of both groups were given one capsule containing 100 mg of allopurinol for allopurinol group or nonactive substance for placebo group for a month. Before and after trials the systolic as well as diastolic pressure, endothelin (ET)-1 uricacid levels of the subjects were assessed. The results showed patients treated with allopurinol siginicantly lower in systolic pressure (P=0.013), diastolic pressure (P=0.012), uric acid levels (P<0.001) and ET-1 levels (P=0,009). Thus, it can suggested that allopurinol is potent to be use as a remedy to overcome hypertension with hyperuricemia.
Optical Feedback Sensitivity of a Semiconductor Ring Laser with Tunable Directionality

We discuss the sensitivity to optical feedback of a semiconductor ring laser that is made to emit in a single-longitudinal mode by applying on-chip filtered optical feedback in one of the directional modes. The device is fabricated on a generic photonics integration platform using standard components. By varying the filtered feedback strength, we can tune the wavelength and directionality of the laser. Beside this, filtered optical feedback results in a limited reduction of the sensitivity for optical feedback from an off-chip optical reflection when the laser is operating in the unidirectional regime.
Qualidade do serviço oftalmológico prestado aos pacientes ambulatoriais do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS

PURPOSE: To identify the perception of the ophthalmic service quality provided for outpatients of the public healthcare system as well as to detect which actions should be considered necessary and priority in order to improve its quality. METHODS: A quantitative descriptive study was carried out on 100 outpatients of the public healthcare system which were submitted to ophthalmic tests at Fundacao Hilton Rocha - Belo Horizonte - MG, from July 1st - July 30th 2004. Individual interviews were carried out by giving the interviewees two structured questionnaires adapted from the modified SERVQUAL. This scale is in agreement with the reality of the studied institute. RESULTS: The adapted SERVQUAL scale was submitted to statistical validation and it showed a suitable internal consistency index. In general terms, a slight general dissatisfaction was detected regarding ophthalmological service quality. The interviewees cared more about safety and reliability. A higher degree of dissatisfaction was detected mainly concerning fulfillment of procedures at scheduled appointments related to the execution of services within due timelimits. CONCLUSIONS: The institute is supposed to plan as well as carry out actions which lead to a general improvement in the patient's satisfaction regarding service quality and mainly reliability. Service quality monitoring through periodic use of the SERVQUAL scale will not only make it possible to plan highly precise and effective intervention strategies in these and in other healthcare services but it will also allow monitoring the responses to these actions. All these actions will contribute to the improvement of the service in the system as a whole.
Effects of Surface Geology on Seismic Motion

Preliminary results of a numerical study on input-slope interaction for evaluating the co-seismic displacements of existing landslides are here presented. Three slope geometries with a dip varying in the range 10°-45° are considered; 53 multifrequential dynamic equivalent signals were applied to the models and were derived according to the LEMA_DES approach from the accelerometric records of the European Strong Motion and of the COSMOS databases. These signals are characterised by Arias intensities in the range 0.001-10 m/s and by PGAs in the range 0.1-1 m/s. The simulations performed until now are referred to linear conditions and to sliding landslide mechanisms. The results point out that lower is the dip of the slope higher are the induced displacements; a parametric analysis on the mechanical properties as well as on the characteristic period of the seismic inputs proved that the displacement values depend on the 2D seismic amplification of the landslide mass. The seismically-induced displacements obtained by dynamic analysis can be significantly differ from the ones computed by sliding block methods, also depending on the critical pseudostatic threshold of the landslide.
Socioeconomic, Nutritional and Behavioral Factors Associated with Severe Childhood Caries in Children Aged 18-36 Months

Objective: To relate the occurrence of severe childhood caries with nutritional, socioeconomic and behavioral factors among preschool children. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 111 children aged 18-36 months who sought dental care in basic health units of Sao Luis, Brazil. The oral health status was measured by the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing and filled teeth), IPV/ISG. Socioeconomic, nutritional and behavioral data were collected through a questionnaire applied to parents. Caries Group was defined as DMFT ≥ 1. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Poisson regression models and incidence rate ratio (IRR) were used for multivariate analysis, adopting significance level of 5% and confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: It was observed that 61 children (55%) were free from caries and 50 (45%) had the disease. In the Caries Group, 38 (76%) had white spot lesions, 70% had the habit of consuming sweets between meals (p=0.04) and the sucrose intake frequency was considered high (3x daily). After multivariate analysis, age (IRR=1.05, 95%CI=1.03 to 1.07, p <0.001) and consumption of sweets (IRR=1.46, 95%CI=1.11 to 1.92 p=0.006) were associated with increased incidence of caries. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that frequent exposure to sugars in the form of sweets between meals, lack of guidance of mothers on oral hygiene and increased age were determining factors for the occurrence of severe childhood caries.
Effects Of High-Intensity Strength Training On Steady-State Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform Mrna Expression

DARRYN S. WILLOUGHBY AND STEPHEN PELSUE. Effects Of High-Intensity Strength Training On SteadyState Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform Mrna Expression. JEPonline, 3(4):13-25, 2000. The purpose of this study was to determine steady-state myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform (Types I, IIa, and IIx) mRNA abundance in skeletal muscle after 8 wks of high-intensity strength training. Twelve untrained males were randomly assigned to either a control (CON) or strength training (STR) group. During the study, STR trained at 85%-90% 1-RM for 3 sets of 6-8 repetitions thrice weekly employing the bilateral leg press exercise while CON engaged in no strength training. Approximately 20-30 mg of muscle from vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained before and after the study and a competitive method of quantitative RT-PCR was performed to determine MHC isoform mRNA abundance. A synthetic DNA fragment (555 base pairs) was designed as a competitive internal control standard and a known amount co-amplified with the template DNA. As a result of training, STR underwent significant increases in muscle strength, thigh volume, and myofibrillar protein that were significantly different from CON (p < 0.05). STR was also shown to be expressing significantly more of the Type I and IIa isoform and less of the IIx isoform that was also significant from CON (p < 0.05). This study indicates that high-intensity strength training increases myofibrillar protein content and results in up-regulation of the expression of the Type I and IIa MHC genes with concomitant down-regulation of the IIx gene.
Uterine luminal environment of the mare

6 LIST OF ORIGINAL ARTICLES 8 ABBREVIATIONS 9 INTRODUCTION 10 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 11 1. Uterine luminal environment 11 1.1. Effect of steroid hormones 11 1.2. Introduction of micro-organisms into the uterus 13 1.3. Endometrial inflammation 14 1.4. Uterine involution 17 2. Examination methods of uterine luminal environment 20 2.1. Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography 20 2.2. Endoscopy 20 2.3. Sampling of uterine luminal contents 20 3. Diagnostic and prognostic value of uterine samples 21 3.1. Uterine cytology 21 3.2. Bacterial cultures 22 3.3. Uterine histology 23 3.4. Biochemical analysis of uterine fluid 23 3.5. Predicting foal heat fertility 27 AIMS OF THE STUDY 28 MATERIALS AND METHODS 29 1. Animals 29 2. Experimental design 29 2.1. Hormone treatments and bacterial inoculation (I) 29 2.2. Post-breeding study (II) 29 2.3. Fluid accumulation study (III) 31 2.4. Involution study (IV) 31 2.5. Foal heat fertility study (V) 31 3. Ovulation control and ultrasonography 31 4. Inseminations (II, III, V) 32 5. Hormone replacement therapy (I) 32 6. Intrauterine streptococcal inoculation (I) 32 7. Embryo recovery (III, V) 33 8. Sampling of the uterus 33 8.1. Endometrial swabs (I, IV) 33 8.2. Uterine lavage (I, II, IV, V) 33 8.3. Tampon technique (III) 34 8.4. Endometrial biopsy (I, III) 34 9. Counting of neutrophils 34 10. Bacteriological examination 35 11. Histological examination 35 12. Biochemical analyses 35 12.1. Total protein (I, III-V) 35
Iron Management in Predialysis Patients

Even now, in the era of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), patients still are often starting dialysis with mean hematocrit (Hct) levels of approximately 24% (1–4). Most of these patients have been exposed to a gradually progressive untreated anemia for many years (1, 5). It is now becoming clear that the long-standing anemia of chronic renal failure (CRF) in the predialysis period is an important cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (6–8), which may lead to cardiomyopathy caused by necrosis of myocardial muscle cells and diffuse cardiac fibrosis (9, 10). This cardiomyopathy is clinically manifested either in the predialysis period or during dialysis by an increased prevalence and incidence of sudden death, congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmias and, in patients on hemodialysis (HD), by dialysis hypotension (11). However, if anemia is corrected early in the predialysis period, left ventricular hypertrophy can be improved or prevented (12), and these cardiovascular complications may be reduced (13, 14).
γ Irradiation of Cowpea and Potato Starch: Effect on Physicochemical Functional and Rheological Properties

Changes in the physicochemical, thermo-rheological and antioxidant properties of the cowpea and potato starch subjected to gamma irradiation were studied. It was found that apparent amylose content, swelling index, enthalpy of gelatinization, transition temperature and total crystallinity of the starches significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased with an increase in irradiation dose. Similarly, significant (p ≤ 0.05) decline in the pasting properties (peak, trough, setback, final viscosity, and pasting temperature) for both the starches was observed with increasing the ionizing dose. On the contrary, the increased solubility index was incurred upon subjecting the starch to gamma irradiation. The irradiated starch granules remained intact showing no surface fissures. Antioxidant capacity, FRAP values, and DPPH% inhibition, increased as the irradiation dose increases.
Synthesis of Pure Brookite Nanorods in a Nonaqueous Growth Environment

Brookite TiO2 is the most difficult TiO2 polymorph to synthesize. The available methods in the literature to produce brookite nanostructures mostly use water-based techniques for the preparation of water-soluble Ti complexes first, followed by a hydrothermal growth of the brookite nanostructures. Besides its multi-step nature, achieving a single brookite phase and optimizing the aqueous growth environment are all issues to be hardly controlled. In this work, pure brookite TiO2 nanorods are synthesized using tetrabutyl titanate Ti(OBu)4 and Sodium Fluoride (NaF) as precursor materials in a simple non-aqueous one-pot solvothermal process. Alcoholysis of only Ti(OBu)4 in ethanol resulted in pure anatase nanoparticles, while the addition of NaF was essential to promote the growth of highly pure brookite nanorods. The phase purity is confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. The growth mechanism is explained according to the Ostwald’s step rule, where Na+ ions are anticipated to have a potential role in driving the growth process towards the brookite phase.
Technological Innovation, CEO Characteristics and Firm Cost Efficiency: An Application of the Stochastic Cost Frontier Model to Thai Manufacturers

This study employs the World Bank’s 2006 Enterprise Survey (Manufacturing Survey) and the stochastic cost frontier and cost inefficiency effects models to empirically examine the significant sources of technological innovation and CEO characteristics, as well as other factors related to the cost efficiency of Thai manufacturers. Technological innovation, CEO education and firm size are significantly and positively related to Thai manufacturers’ cost efficiency. Their production costs also see decreasing returns to scale with a high level of cost inefficiency. In addition, the maximum likelihood tobit regression model is used to empirically investigate the determinants of CEO characteristics and other factors affecting Thai manufacturers’ technological innovation. The results reveal that CEO education and gender, firm size, exports and the supply of professional workers have a significant and positive correlation with a firm’s technological innovation. Empirically evidence-based policies and recommendations to enhance the cost efficiency and technological innovation of Thai manufacturers are provided.