Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Use of EU Structural Funds to Face Company Restructuring: A Review of Cases

This paper investigates whether and in what way regional and cohesion policies defined at the European level provide resources for alleviating the impact of company restructuring and processes of large-scale structural adjustment on workers and territories. It also looks into the capacity of regional and local authorities to anticipate such developments. Going back to the origin of EU regional policy, we find that it was precisely designed for the purpose of accompanying the completion of the single European market and fostering adaptation to externally-driven change as competition became fiercer. Since then, EU structural funds have played a double role. On the one hand, they have functioned as an embryo of a European policy for economic development, relying on public expenditure representing a sizable share of the EU budget. On the other hand, they have led to implementing a new governance system aiming to integrate a large number of actors in the definition of developmental strategies and reinforcing the regional level. The paper acknowledges the great variety of situations across regions, and it draws some lessons from several empirical cases. It concludes by identifying a number of necessary conditions to be fulfilled for an active utilization of structural funds, in particular when facing large-scale restructuring.
microRNA‐133a regulates the cell cycle and proliferation of breast cancer cells by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor through the EGFR/Akt signaling pathway

microRNAs are small, highly conserved, non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression of target mRNAs through cleavage or translational inhibition, and are widely involved in carcinogenesis and cancer development. In this study, the expression profile of microRNA‐133a (miR‐133a) was examined in breast cancer cells and breast cancer tissues. The results showed that expression of miR‐133a in both breast cancer cells and breast cancer tissues was significantly down‐regulated. Over‐expression of miR‐133a in tumor cells arrested the cell cycle by drastically decreasing the G2/S phase and retarded the newly synthesized DNA, suggesting a regulatory role for miR‐133a in proliferation of breast cancer cells. Bioinformatics prediction showed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a potential target for miR‐133a. A dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR‐133a bound to the 3′ UTR of EGFR but not a mutated 3′ UTR, thereby down‐regulating the protein expression level. Accordingly, we found that expression of EGFR protein decreased with increased expression of miR‐133a in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Over‐expression of miR‐133a in breast cancer cells resulted in suppression of the level of phosphorylated Akt protein (p‐Akt) and inhibition of p‐Akt nuclear translocation. These results demonstrate that miR‐133a, which may act as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, regulates the cell cycle and proliferation in tumorigenesis by targeting EGFR through the downstream signal molecule Akt. Overall, these results show that miR‐133a may be used as biomarker and/or therapeutic target for diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer.
In vitro Fluoride Uptake by Enamel from Different Amine Fluoride Concentrations

The aim of this in vitro study was to examine whether the concentration of amine fluoride solution influences the uptake of fluoride by enamel after topical treatment. Four slabs were prepared from each of 31 impacted third molars and selected at random so that one slab from each tooth was present in each group. One group of slabs served as an untreated control (D). The slabs of the other three groups were shaken for 3 min in an amine fluoride solution on 3 successive days: group A (1% F), group B (0.5% F) and group C (0.25% F). The amounts of KOH-soluble fluoride produced with 1 and 0.5% amine fluoride solution did not differ significantly and were superior to 0.25% amine fluoride solution. A statistically significant increase in structurally bound fluoride was observed in groups A, B and C compared with control group D. The difference in the amounts of structurally bound fluoride was significant only between 1 and 0.25% F concentrations. These data suggest that the fluoride content in an amine fluoride solution (1%) can be decreased by half without reducing its ability to form alkali-soluble or structurally bound fluoride. The results of this study are consistent with those of previous clinical studies.
The Role of the Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptor in the Apoptotic Response to Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract Several previous studies have suggested that the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) on the mitochondrial surface was an important target for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this study we compared PBR affinity vs photodynamic efficacy of protoporphyrin-IX (PP-IX) and two structural analogs, PP-III and PP-XIII, using murine leukemia L1210 cells in culture. The results indicate that the three agents have approximately equal hydrophobicity, affinity for L1210 cells and ability to initiate photodamage leading to an apoptotic response. But only PP-IX had significant affinity for the PBR. These data indicate that the relationship between PDT efficacy and PBR affinity may hold only for sensitizers with the PP-IX configuration.
Social and emotional impact of diabetic retinopathy: a review

People with vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy are likely to experience enhanced social and emotional strain. Critically, those with both vision‐threatening diabetic retinopathy and psychosocial problems may have significantly reduced levels of functioning compared with psychologically healthy counterparts. This can cause inadequate compliance, increased strain on family functioning, worse diabetes control, increased progression of diabetic retinopathy and, consequently, further psychosocial stress resulting in a number of concerning implications for disease management, clinical outcomes and healthcare costs. However, the emotional and social health consequences of diabetic retinopathy have not yet been systematically explored. This information is crucial as it allows for a targeted approach to treatment and prevention and avoidance of the potentially detrimental implications described above. Therefore, this paper reviews the current qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding the social and emotional impact of diabetic retinopathy and identifies directions for future research. Key search terms were applied to the electronic databases Pubmed, ISI Web of Science and Embase and the bibliographies of relevant papers were systematically reviewed for additional references. Overall, the evidence suggests that diabetic retinopathy and associated vision loss have several debilitating effects, including disruption of family functioning, relationships and roles; increased social isolation and dependence; and deterioration of work prospects resulting in increased financial strain. Adverse emotional responses include fear, anxiety, vulnerability, guilt, loss of confidence, anger, stress and self‐perception issues. However, the research to date is largely qualitative in nature, with most quantitative studies being small, cross‐sectional and somewhat outdated. Similarly, the outcome measures used in many studies to date are suboptimal in terms of content and validity. Therefore, this review identifies the need for improved outcome measures to provide valid, meaningful measurement of the social and emotional impact of diabetic retinopathy and discusses potential directions for future research such as item banking and computer adaptive testing.
Effects of prey motility and concentration on feeding in Acartia tonsa and Temora longicornis: the importance of feeding modes

Feeding experiments were conducted with the ambush-feeding copepod Acartia tonsa and the feedingcurrent-generating copepod Temora longicornis. The copepods were offered a mixed diet of the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa triquetra and the ciliate Balanion comatum of similar cell size. The dinoflagellate was offered at a constant concentration of 10‐15 cells mL ‐1 , whereas the ciliate was offered at a variety of concentrations, ranging from 7 to 57 cells mL ‐1 . Copepods with different feeding modes possess different mechanisms for prey detection, suggesting that the two copepods would respond differently to the two prey types. Both copepods had significantly higher clearance rates on the highly motile ciliate than on the less motile dinoflagellate. In encounters between A. tonsa and its prey, we argue that this is due to the higher hydromechanical signal generated by the ciliate. The advection feeding copepod T. longicornis fed on the two prey according to their relative concentrations; in this case, we suggest that although B. comatum is capable of detecting feedingcurrent-generating predators, the feeding current velocity generated by T. longicornis is greater than the escape velocity of this ciliate.
Biotechnology And Food Security In Kenya - An Assessment Of Public Concerns On Biosafety, Public Health And Religious Ethics.

Aim: To determine the perceived public concerns on the introduction of maize related agrobiotechnology including genetically modified (GM) maize in Kenya specifically with regard to biosafety, public health and religious ethics. Study Design: Household survey. Place and Duration of Study: A small scale maize growing area in Githunguri Ward (Kiambu County), a large maize growing area in Moiben Ward (Uasin Gishu County) and a maize consuming area in Umoja 1 urban residential area in the City of Nairobi, from September to October 2015. Results: Most of the respondents were concerned about:a) the likely contamination of conventional crops through cross pollination b) the likely harmful effects of biotechnology on valuable insects, c) the fear of unclear health implications including human sickness and death, and d) the inevitable interference with God’s creation of ordinary crops thus undermining God. Conclusion: There is significant public fear and concern on the introduction of GM crops in Kenya hence the need for increased public education and awareness. Original Research Article Mbugua-Gitonga et al.; JABB, 9(3): 1-13, 2016; Article no.JABB. 28794 2
Gaucher's disease: identification of novel mutant alleles and genotype–phenotype relationships

A sequencing protocol for the acid β‐glucosidase (GCase) gene (GBA) was developed using a long‐range PCR template. This protocol has an advantage of greater DNA yields over similar strategies. Seven Gaucher's disease patients had four novel and five other rare alleles. A non‐pseudogene in‐frame deletion (g.2600–2602delTAC) and a new complex mutation (null allele) were identified in Gaucher's disease type 1, i.e. the g.2600‐2602delTAC deletion is associated with the non‐neuronopathic variant. An F251L allele was found in a baby with the collodion skin phenotype. Three mutant alleles were identified in a single primary family with type 3. The patients' father at 45 years is healthy and is heteroallelic for the G202R and E326K alleles. Family studies indicated that E326K is in trans to G202R and L444P, and that isolated E326K is non‐pathogenic in this family. A rare mutation R257Q was identified in a type 2 patient, providing an association with neuronopathic disease. A genotype L444P/L444P was noted in a 22‐year‐old non‐neuronopathic patient. Complete gene sequencing showed a new complex allele consisting of L444P and g.7741T > C in the 3′ UTR. Three additional complex alleles also involved the 3′ UTR. Complete gene characterization in Gaucher's disease should allow greater insights into the correlation of specific alleles with phenotype.
Pandangolide 1a, a metabolite of the sponge-associated fungus Cladosporiumsp., and the absolute stereochemistry of pandangolide 1 and iso-cladospolide B.

Fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract of a Cladosporium sp. , isolated from the Red Sea sponge Niphates rowi, yielded a new hexaketide, pandangolide 1a (1), together with its known diastereomer pandangolide 1 (2) and the known iso-cladospolide B (3). The structures of the compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR techniques and mass spectrometric data. The absolute configurations of the stereocenters in these compounds were determined by Riguera's method and circular dichroism.
Iterative Symbol Recovery for Power-Efficient DC-Biased Optical OFDM Systems

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) has proven itself as an effective multicarrier digital communication technique. In recent years, the interest in optical OFDM has grown significantly, due to its spectral efficiency and inherent resilience to frequency-selective channels and to narrowband interference. For these reasons, it is currently considered to be one of the leading candidates for deployment in short fiber links such as the ones intended for inter-data-center communications. In this paper, we present a new power-efficient symbol recovery scheme for dc-biased optical OFDM (DCO-OFDM) in an intensity-modulation direct-detection (IM/DD) system. We introduce an alternative method for clipping in order to maintain a nonnegative real-valued signal and still preserve information, which is lost when using clipping, and propose an iterative detection algorithm for this method. A reduction of 50% in the transmitted optical power along with an increase of signal-independent noise immunity (gaining 3 dB in SNR), compared to traditional DCO-OFDM with a dc bias of two standard deviations of the OFDM signal, is attained by our new scheme for a symbol error rate of 10-3 in a QPSK constellation additive white Gaussian noise flat channel model.
Aerodynamics and aeroacoustics investigation of a low speed subsonic jet

Low and high speed subsonic jets have been studied in the last 50 years mainly due its large application in industry, such as the discharge of turbojets and turbofan engines. The purpose of this work is to investigate the aerodynamics and the acoustic noise generated by a single stream jet flow operating at low Mach number 0.25 and Reynolds number of 2,1  105. The main focus is the flow and acoustics characterization of this low speed jet by appling different experimental techniques for evaluating the velocity field via measurements with pitot tube and hot-wire anemometry and farfield noise acquisition by free field microphones. In order to verify the validity of aeroacoustics prediction for such low speed jet, a Computational Fluid Dynamics by means of RANS simulations via k- SST model have been employed coupled with a statistically low-cost Lighthill-Ray-Tracing method in order to numerically predict the acoustic noise spectrum. Sound pressure level as a function of frequency is contructed from the experiments and compared with the noise calculations from the acoustic modeling. The numerical results for the acoustic and flow fields were well compared with the experimental data, showing that this low-cost flow-acoustic methodology can be used to predict acoustic noise of subsonic jet flows, even at low speeds.
Intraorifice sealing ability of different materials in endodontically treated teeth.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate Cavit TM G, ProRoot TM MTA and Tetric® EvoFlow as intraorifice barriers to prevent coronal microleakage in root canal treatment. STUDY DESIGN Forty-two human single rooted teeth were divided randomly in three experimental groups of 10 specimens each and two control groups. The experimental groups were prepared with hand instrumentation and cold lateral condensed technique of the gutta-percha. Four millimetres of coronal gutta-percha were removed and replaced by one of the following filling materials: Cavit TM G, Tetric® EvoFlow or ProRoot TM MTA. In the experimental groups, leakage was measured by the concentration of leaked glucose in the apical reservoir at 1, 7, 30, and 45 days, using the enzymatic glucose oxidase method. Data were analyzed by means of Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests at α=0.05. RESULTS The glucose penetration results of three experimental groups increased gradually over time. No significant differences were found among groups at 24 hours and 1 week. At thirty and forty-five days, Cavit TM and Tetric® EvoFlow values were significantly different (p=0.007 and p=0.023, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The sealing ability of the Cavit TM G, ProRoot TM MTA and Tetric® EvoFlow used as intraorifice materials tends to be similar over time.
Aplysia Cell Adhesion Molecule and a Novel Protein Kinase C Activity in the Postsynaptic Neuron Are Required for Presynaptic Growth and Initial Formation of Specific Synapses

To explore the role of both Aplysia cell adhesion molecule (ApCAM) and activity of specific protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the initial formation of sensory neuron synapses with specific postsynaptic targets (L7 but not L11), we examined presynaptic growth, initial synapse formation, and the expression of the presynaptic neuropeptide sensorin following cell-specific reduction of ApCAM or of a novel PKC activity. Synapse formation between sensory neurons and L7 begins by 3 h after plating and is accompanied by a rapid accumulation of a novel PKC to sites of synaptic interaction. Reducing ApCAM expression specifically from the surface of L7 blocks presynaptic growth and initial synapse formation, target-induced increase of sensorin in sensory neuron cell bodies and the rapid accumulation of the novel PKC to sites of interaction. Selective blockade of the novel PKC activity in L7, but not in sensory neurons, with injection of a dominant negative construct that interferes with the novel PKC activity, produces the same actions as downregulating ApCAM; blockade of presynaptic growth and initial synapse formation, and the target-induced increase of sensorin in sensory neuron cell bodies. The results indicate that signals initiated by postsynaptic cell adhesion molecule ApCAM coupled with the activation of a novel PKC in the appropriate postsynaptic neuron produce the retrograde signals required for presynaptic growth associated with initial synapse formation, and the target-induced expression of a presynaptic neuropeptide critical for synapse maturation.
Randomization and baseline transmission in vaccine field trials

In randomized trials, the treatment assignment mechanism is independent of the outcome of interest and other covariates thought to be relevant in determining this outcome. It also allows, on average, for a balanced distribution of these covariates in the vaccine and placebo groups. Randomization, however, does not guarantee that the estimated effect is an unbiased estimate of the biological effect of interest. We show how exposure to infection can be a confounder even in randomized vaccine field trials. Based on a simple model of the biological efficacy of interest, we extend the arguments on comparability and collapsibility to examine the limits of randomization to control for unmeasured covariates. Estimates from randomized, placebo-controlled Phase III vaccine field trials that differ in baseline transmission are not comparable unless explicit control for baseline transmission is taken into account.
Infectious process of the parvovirus H-1: correlation of protein content, particle density, and viral infectivity

The infectious particles of the parvovirus H-1 were characterized with respect to protein content, density in CsCl, and specific infectivity. Heavy-full and light-full particles were purified from infected simian virus 40-transformed newborn human kidney (NB) cells and from simian virus 40-transformed hamster kidney (THK) cells. Analysis of the protein content of these particles demonstrated that the ratio of viral protein VP2' to VP2 was the same in heavy-full and light-full particles derived from the same cell line, but differed significantly between the two hosts. However, the infectivity of the particles from each cell line was the same for all four viral species. Also, in vitro conversion of VP2' to VP2 did not enhance the particle infectivity of either heavy-full or light-full virus. When the fate of input virus was studied with 125I-labeled H-1, the conversion of VP2' to VP2 occurred in a time-dependent manner up to 24 h postinfection. Simultaneous with the proteolytic cleavage, there was a shift in the density of the heavy-full virus to the light-full density. However, protein analysis of the 125I-labeled light-full virus at various times postinfection indicated that they were not enriched in VP2 when compared with heavy-full virus or the total virus population. Thus, the cleavage of VP2' to VP2 is not responsible for the shift in density from heavy-full to light-full virus, and although these events might be required for infection they appear not to be interdependent.
The contribution of antiphosphatidylethanolamine antibodies in the diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome

The diagnosis of seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been proposed for patients with well-defined clinical APS but persistently negative for the routinely tested antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs): antibodies to cardiolipin (aCL) and to β2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) and lupus anticoagulant (LA). Antibodies directed to phosphatidylethanolamine (aPE) have been described as the sole aPLs in some patients with clinical manifestations of APS. Here, we briefly summarize the available data on the clinical associations of aPEs and propose their investigation in patients with a clinical profile highly suggestive of seronegative APS.
Hearing-Impaired Students' Performance on Tests of Visual Processing: Relationships with Reading Performance

Performance of hearing-impaired students on selected tests of visual processing and the relationship between performance on those measures and on a test of reading comprehension were investigated. Seventy-seven subjects, all 7- and 8-year-olds, were tested using the MVPT, ITPA Sequential Memory Subtest, VADS, Jordan, VMI, Slingerland, and SAT-HI. Scores of the hearing-impaired subjects failed to match those of the hearing norm sample of the VADS test but no systematic differences were found on the other tests of visual processing. Performance IQ was strongly associated with both visual processing and reading scores. Significant portions of the variance in reading scores were explained by IQ and performance on tests of memory for visual stimuli. Visual tests without a memory component failed to explain significant portions of the variance in reading performance.