Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell cycle‐dependent nuclear location of the matricellular protein SPARC: Association with the nuclear matrix

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein that inhibits cellular adhesion and proliferation. In this study, we report the detection of SPARC in the interphase nuclei of embryonic chicken cells in vivo. Differential partitioning of SPARC was also noted in the cytoplasm of these cells during discrete stages of M‐phase: cells in metaphase and anaphase exhibited strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity, whereas cells in telophase were devoid of labeling. Immunocytochemical analysis of embryonic chicken cells in vitro likewise showed the presence of SPARC in the nucleus. Furthermore, elution of soluble proteins and DNA from these cells indicated that SPARC might be a component of the nuclear matrix. We subsequently examined cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells, which initially appeared to express SPARC only in the cytoplasm. However, after elution of soluble proteins and chromatin, we also detected SPARC in the nuclear matrix of these cells. Embryonic chicken cells incubated with recombinant SPARC were seen to take up the protein and to translocate it to the nucleus progressively over a period of 17 h. These observations provide new information about SPARC, generally recognized as a secreted glycoprotein that mediates interactions between cells and components of the extracellular matrix. The evidence presented in this study indicates that SPARC might subserve analogous functions in the nuclear matrix. J. Cell. Biochem. 74:152–167, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Urban Residents’ Attitudes toward Tourism Development: The Case of Crete

This article focuses on the identification and explanation of the attitudes of a sample of urban residents toward tourism development on Crete and their grouping with respect to these attitudes. Urban residents of Crete are quite strong in their support for tourism. However, the residents are not homogenous in their perceptions of tourism development. Education and employment in tourism were found to be the major single factors affecting the attitudes of residents of the island. A segmentation procedure based on attitude statements produced three clusters: the Advocates (identified by their high appreciation of tourism benefits), the Socially and Environmentally Concerned (characterized by a consensus toward the environmental and social costs from tourism expansion), and the Economic Skeptics (who showed lower appreciation of tourism’s economic benefits). The findings of the study are discussed with reference to the social exchange and the social representations theories and the conclusions of the study are provided.
Cabozantinib and dastinib exert anti-tumor activity in alveolar soft part sarcoma

Background Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an extremely rare metastatic soft tissue tumor with a poor prognosis for which no effective systemic therapies have yet been established. Therefore, the development of novel effective treatment approaches is required. Tyrosine kinases (TKs) are being increasingly used as therapeutic targets in a variety of cancers. The purpose of this study was to identify novel therapeutic target TKs and to clarify the efficacy of TK inhibitors (TKIs) in the treatment of ASPS. Experimental design To identify novel therapeutic target TKs in ASPS, we evaluated the antitumor effects and kinase activity of three TKIs (pazopanib, dasatinib, and cabozantinib) against ASPS cells using an in vitro assay. Based on these results, we then investigated the phosphorylation activities of the identified targets using western blotting, in addition to examining antitumor activity through in vivo assays of several TKIs to determine both the efficacy of these substances and accurate targets. Results In cell proliferation and invasion assays using pazopanib, cabozantinib, and dasatinib, all three TKIs inhibited the cell growth in ASPS cells. Statistical analyses of the cell proliferation and invasion assays revealed that dasatinib had a significant inhibitory effect in cell proliferation assays, and cabozantinib exhibited marked inhibitory effects on cellular functions in both assays. Through western blotting, we also confirmed that cabozantinib inhibited c-MET phosphorylation and dasatinib inhibited SRC phosphorylation in dose-dependent fashion. Mice that received cabozantinib and dasatinib had significantly smaller tumor volumes than control animals, demonstrating the in vivo antitumor activity of, these substances. Conclusions Our findings suggest that cabozantinib and dasatinib may be more effective than pazopanib against ASPS cells. These in vitro and in vivo data suggest that c-MET may be a potential therapeutic target in ASPS, and cabozantinib may be a particularly useful therapeutic option for patients with ASPS, including those with pazopanib-resistant ASPS.
Portfolio Rebalancing and the January Effect in Canada

While many researchers have documented a pronounced seasonality in stock returns-with January having signifcantly higher returns than the rest of the year-a theory of why the January effect exists has yet to be universally accepted. Examination of the impact of systematic shifts in the portfolio holdings of individual and institutional investors provides insights into the seasonal behavior of stock prices.
MR Spectroscopy, Functional MRI, and Diffusion-Tensor Imaging in the Aging Brain: A Conceptual Review

In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) have recently opened new possibilities for noninvasively assessing the metabolic, functional, and connectivity correlates of aging in research and clinical settings. The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptual review intended for a multidisciplinary audience, covering physical principles and main findings related to normal aging and senile cognitive impairment. This article is divided into 3 sections, dedicated to MRS, to fMRI, and to DTI. The spectroscopy section surveys physiological function of the observable metabolites, concentration changes in normal aging and their interpretation, and correlation with cognitive performance. The functional MRI section surveys the hemispheric asymmetry reduction model from compensation and de-differentiation viewpoints, memory encoding, retrieval and consolidation, inhibitory control, perception and action, resting-state networks, and functional deactivations. The DTI section surveys age-related changes, correlation with behavioral scores, and transition to cognitive impairment.
Interplay between Ras‐related and heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins: lifestyles of the BIG and little 1

Directed interactions of heterotrimeric G‐proteins coupled to receptors responding to extracellular signals and small Ras‐related GTPases that control a variety of intracellular processes are being elucidated by recent work. We explore two of the most well‐characterized pathways that couple big G‐proteins to their smaller relatives. —Bokoch, G. M. Interplay between Ras‐related and heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins: lifestyles of the big and little. FASEB J. 10, 1290‐1295(1996)
An equality bargaining breakthrough: Paid domestic violence leave

In 2010, the first clauses providing paid leave and other entitlements to victims of domestic violence were included in union negotiated enterprise agreements registered with the Australian Fair Work Commission. By mid-2013, over one hundred enterprise agreements in Australia included such a clause. Applying a model of ‘equality bargaining’, this article presents a case study of the development and negotiation of one of the first domestic violence clauses providing paid leave in the world. The analysis finds key facilitators of equality bargaining in this case were the contributions from external forces, the availability of a ‘model clause’ and the commitment of The Union’s representatives. Of lesser significance, but still apparent, was the bargaining relationship and the reputation of the parties. Contrary to the findings in other research, neither the decentralised bargaining framework nor the absence of a supportive legislative framework was an impediment to successful bargaining of the domestic violence clause in this case.
Knowledge Spillovers and Reasons for the Concentration of Innovative SMEs

This paper reports the findings of a survey of innovative firms in the South East of England undertaken during 1999/2000. It is argued that in order to explain the observed concentration of innovation in a limited number of cities both in the US and in Europe it is necessary to consider both local knowledge spillovers and international knowledge transfers. Knowledge and experience are argued to be important in overcoming the uncertainties that characterise the innovation process. The survey reported here shows that two main categories of knowledge are important for SMEs. These are first mainly supply-side local knowledge spillovers from suppliers, collaborators and HEIs. Secondly, they are often demand-side national and international knowledge transfers from clients, customers and their international distributors. Cities rich in both local capacity and international connections are usually the locations for high levels of innovation among the firms based in them.
Amenorrhoeic athletes: at risk of developing osteoporosis?

an increasing incidence of medical complications. Among these are menstrual disorders, including a delay in the onset of menstruation, oligoor amenorrhoea, and inadequacy of progesterone secretion during the luteal phase of the cycle. At first, only sporadic accounts of such disturbances appeared, suggesting that pre-existing functional derangements of cyclicity were likely to be responsible. However, the sheer volume of clinical reports now casts doubt on this view, as does a recent prospective study, in which a high proportion of women with previously normal cyclicity were observed to develop menstrual dysfunction while engaging in a graded exercise programme (Bullen et al, 1984).
Location and Survival in the National Hockey League

A model of professional sport franchises is introduced and used to explore the locational and other determi nants of profitability. Particular attention is paid to the effect of location on attendance, market power, and long-run team quality. Whe n estimated using data for the National Hockey League in 1977-78, the model indicates that location has an effect on each of these and tha t their combined effect on profitability is effective in explaining p rior and subsequent decisions concerning league expansion and franchi se relocation. A number of other matters are also addressed, includin g league arguments for antitrust exemption and league policies to res trict expansion. Copyright 1988 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
A Decade of Skill Formation in Britain and Germany

Abstract The 1980s marked the beginning of an era of activity and change in vocational training in Britain marked most notably by the introduction of National Vocational Qualifications, government funding for Youth Training, the expansion of Further Education and the creation of the Training and Enterprise Councils. One of the principal aims of all these initiatives was to increase the volume of training in Britain, in particular at the intermediate skill level. In Germany, by contrast, the dual system has remained unchanged in its basic principles and operations. This article reviews quantitative trends in skill formation at the intermediate (craft) level in engineering and construction over the past decade in Britain and Germany and provides a new assessment of standards aimed at in construction in the two countries. It appears that the volume of training provided in the engineering and construction sectors in Britain has not increased over the decade. In engineering the level has remained roughly const.
Effects of local anaesthesia of 4 to 8 hours' duration on the acute cortisol response to scoop dehorning in calves.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a long-acting local anaesthetic on the plasma cortisol response in calves dehorned using a scoop. DESIGN A physiological study with controls. PROCEDURE Seventy female calves, 3 to 4 months old, were divided into seven groups and dehorned by scoop with or without a long acting local anaesthetic (bupivacaine) which provides local anaesthesia for 3 to 4 h. In some treatment groups the local anaesthetic was given a second time, after 4 h, to give 8 h of anaesthesia. Blood samples were taken before and for 9 h after treatment and plasma cortisol concentrations were measured. RESULTS Scoop dehorning caused a marked rise in plasma cortisol concentration, which returned to pre-dehorning values after 7 h. The cortisol concentrations of calves given bupivacaine were similar to those of control animals for 4 h after dehorning, but then a significant and protracted rise occurred, with concentrations returning to pretreatment values at about 9 h after dehorning. In calves given a second treatment of bupivacaine 4 h after dehorning, the plasma cortisol concentration remained similar to control values for 8 h after dehorning but then increased sharply. CONCLUSIONS During its period of activity long-acting local anaesthetic prevented the rise usually seen after scoop dehorning in plasma cortisol concentrations; by inference it also alleviated the pain-induced distress caused by this procedure. However, when its effects had worn off the plasma cortisol values rose sharply indicating that animals still experienced pain-induced distress despite local anaesthetic being administered.
Improving the health of male, blue collar construction workers: a social ecological perspective

Construction workers are a high risk group for poor health and occupational disability. A participatory action research (PAR) project was undertaken at construction sites in Queensland, Australia. Using the PAR framework, a needs-based health promotion planning model was implemented. Health promotion measures were designed to address the ‘SNAPO’ health risk factors (i.e. smoking, nutrition, alcohol consumption, insufficient physical exercise and overweight/obesity). At the largest site participating in the research, preliminary health assessments revealed levels of physical health that were comparable with those of the general Australian population. The construction workers’ mental health was poorer than that of the general Australian population. A consultation workshop with a representative group of workers at the site identified healthy eating, smoking cessation and physical exercise as priority areas for intervention. Several health promotion measures addressing these issues were implemented, including a quit smoking programme, a ‘healthy options’ menu in the site canteen, healthy eating and cooking workshops and onsite yoga and stretching sessions. A subset of workers at the site reported their health behaviour in weekly ‘logs’. The log data revealed fluctuations in health behaviour over a 14-week period. Evaluation interviews and a focus group revealed environmental impediments to the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours. Workers identified the need to provide a work environment that is supportive of healthy behaviour as critical to the effectiveness of specific health promotion measures.
Short‐term effects of benchmarking on the manufacturing practices and performance of SMEs

Facing increased competitive pressures due to globalisation and increased quality requirements from their customers, small and medium‐sized manufacturers must increase their productivity and their competitiveness in order to survive and prosper. One way of evaluating the attainment of this goal is to compare a firm's business practices and performance with those of a group of comparable firms, or with those of firms that are recognised for their excellence – that is, to “benchmark” the organisation. As management challenges have increased in complexity, benchmarking has become a strategic tool for organisations, both large and small, and for governments seeking to assist them. However, given a lack of empirical research, little is known as to the actual impacts of benchmarking. With this in mind, the present study sought to test a model of the relationship between benchmarking, the adoption of advanced manufacturing systems, and the performance of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The model was tested with data from 102 Canadian manufacturing SMEs that have participated in a benchmarking exercise.
Noradrenergic stimulation within midbrain raphe increases electrolyte excretion in rats

The present study was carried out to assess the influence of noradrenergic stimulation of the midbrain dorsal (DRN) and median raphe nuclei (MRN) on urinary volume and electrolyte excretion in hydrated rats. Wistar rats were implanted with a guide cannula into the MRN or DRN and then submitted to two intragastric administrations of water in order to attain an increased diuresis. The following treatments were performed. (1) Intra‐DRN microinjections of saline (0.2 μl), α1‐adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (PHE, 0.49 and 4.9 nmol in 0.2 μl), α2‐adrenergic antagonist idazoxan (IDZ, 0.42 and 4.2 nmol in 0.2 μl) or the α1‐adrenergic antagonist prazosin (PRZ, 0.24 and 2.4 nmol in 0.2 μl). (2) Intra‐MRN microinjections of saline, IDZ (4.2 nmol in 0.2 μl), PHE (4.9 nmol in 0.2 μl) or PRZ (2.4 nmol in 0.2 μl). Urine samples were subsequently collected over 120 min at 20 min intervals for photometric measurement of sodium and potassium. Intra‐DRN administration of PHE and IDZ significantly increased the urinary volume, natriuresis and kaliuresis. Intra‐DRN microinjection of a higher dose of PRZ reduced the urinary volume and both sodium and potassium excretion. Intra‐MRN microinjections of PHE, IDZ or PRZ did not induce any significant effect on urinary volume or electrolyte excretion. These data suggest that the increase of tonic excitatory noradrenergic input conveyed to DRN influences the hydroelectrolyte homeostasis, possibly through 5‐HTergic circuitry.
Growth and the Premature Baby

There is considerable evidence to show that babies born prematurely have poor postnatal growth, and the more premature the baby, the greater the impairment is likely to be and the longer it will persist. Nutrition has been shown to play an important part in this, but adequate nutrition is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve in these infants. In the most immature infants, growth retardation may continue for many months and catch-up may be delayed and incomplete. Evidence from long-term studies suggests that preterm infants will be shorter and lighter than term controls and that reduced stature and head size may be linked with lower intelligence. Although there is evidence linking better growth to better neurodevelopmental outcome, with reports suggesting that this can be achieved with dietary manipulation, there are also data that suggest that there could be a link between increased postnatal growth and increased morbidity and mortality in later childhood and adult life. Here, we provide an overview of current understanding of growth impairment in infants born prematurely and the effects in later life.
Multiple and reversible hydrogenases for hydrogen production by Escherichia coli: dependence on fermentation substrate, pH and the F0F1-ATPase

Molecular hydrogen (H2) can be produced via hydrogenases during mixed-acid fermentation by bacteria. Escherichia coli possesses multiple (four) hydrogenases. Hydrogenase 3 (Hyd-3) and probably 4 (Hyd-4) with formate dehydrogenase H (Fdh-H) form two different H2-evolving formate hydrogen lyase (FHL) pathways during glucose fermentation. For both FHL forms, the hycB gene coding small subunit of Hyd-3 is required. Formation and activity of FHL also depends on the external pH ([pH]out) and the presence of formate. FHL is related with the F0F1-ATPase by supplying reducing equivalents and depending on proton-motive force. Two other hydrogenases, 1 (Hyd-1) and 2 (Hyd-2), are H2-oxidizing enzymes during glucose fermentation at neutral and low [pH]out. They operate in a reverse, H2-producing mode during glycerol fermentation at neutral [pH]out. Hyd-1 and Hyd-2 activity depends on F0F1. Moreover, Hyd-3 can also work in a reverse mode. Therefore, the operation direction and activity of all Hyd enzymes might determine H2 production; some metabolic cross-talk between Hyd enzymes is proposed. Manipulating of different Hyd enzymes activity is an effective way to enhance H2 production by bacteria in biotechnology. Moreover, a novel approach would be the use of glycerol as feedstock in fermentation processes leading to H2 production, reduced fuels and other chemicals with higher yields than those obtained by common sugars.
Socioeconomic position and incidence of gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Low socioeconomic position (SEP) has been associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality from many diseases. We investigated the associations between gastric cancer incidence and education, occupation and income as indicators for SEP. Methods We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies on SEP and gastric cancer incidence published from 1966 through February 2013. We used a random-effect model to pool the risk estimates from the individual studies. The relative indexes of inequality (RIIs) with their 95% CIs were used as summary estimates. We stratified the analysis by SEP indicators, sex, country's income group, geographical area, level of adjustment for an established risk factor, publication year, study design, type of control and length of follow-up. Results Of 1549 citations, 36 studies met our inclusion criteria. We observed an increased risk of gastric cancer among the lowest SEP categories in education (RII=2.97; 95% CI 1.923 to 4.58), occupation (RII=4.33; 95% CI 2.57 to 7.29) and combined SEP (RII=2.64; 95% CI 1.05 to 6.63) compared with the highest SEP categories. Although the association between the incidence of gastric cancer and the level of income is evident, it did not reach a statistically significant level (RII=1.25; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.68). Conclusions We found that the risk of gastric cancer incidence is higher among low SEP groups.
INSTITUTIONALIZED LEGACIES, LEGITIMATION, AND THE ENDURING LINK BETWEEN RACISM AND TRACKING

This paper examines enduring links between tracking and racism in the United States historically, tracing the virulent racism of the nineteenth century to Progressive Era educational reforms. After the Civil War, the South implemented Jim Crow laws, enforcing inequality based on Negro inferiority 1 . School reforms culminated in the industrial model of differentiated curriculum tracks and manual training; students were ranked and separated via standardized, norm-referenced tests (IQ and related). Social Darwinist beliefs (ability as purely genetic, poor and Negroes mentally deficient) justified these practices. To help explain why ability grouping and tracking remain prominent today, despite abatement of the more extreme racism and genetic views of the 1800s, the authors introduce historically-based institutionalized legacies (the counterpart of cultural lag). Implications include reforming/eliminating tracking that isolates at-risk groups from high-level curricular content, and increased awareness in teacher education regarding the legacy of racism vis-a-vis the origins/continued implicit practices of ability grouping.