Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Cytochrome P4501-mediated Bioactivation of Benzo[a]pyrene by Volatile Allyl Sulfides in Human Hepatoma Cells

Allyl sulfides such as diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), and diallyl trisulfide (DATS), typical flavor components of Allium vegetables, have been shown to inhibit benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)-induced carcinogenesis in animal models. As a possible mechanism of this inhibition, the effect of these volatile substances on cytochrome P450 (CYP)1 (CYP1A1, 1A2 and 1B1)-mediated bioactivation of B[a]P was investigated using a human hepatoma cell model (HepG2). DADS and DATS inhibited the B[a]P-induced ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity, a marker enzyme for CYP1, by 30-90% and 70-95% at 100-1,000 μM concentration, respectively. The cell viability, an indicator of the capacity to inhibit B[a]P bioactivation, was increased by treatments of 100-1,000 μM DADS and 10-100 μM DATS. Immunoblot results indicated that the B[a]P inducible CYP1A2 protein was suppressed by 100-1,000 μM of DADS and 10-100 μM of DATS, but CYP1A1 and 1B1 were not detectable in any microsomes. Analysis of B[a]P metabolites revealed that the level of 7,8-diol formed was significantly reduced in the DADS and DATS treated microsomes as compared to the control. The level of 9,10-diol and 4,5-diol formed was also lowered by the allyl sulfide treatments. These results suggest that the protective mechanism of allyl sulfides on B[a]P-induced carcinogenesis is possibly related with the modulation of CYP1-mediated bioactivation of B[a]P.
Clinical importance of duodenal recesses with special reference to internal hernias

Introduction The detailed knowledge of the peritoneal recesses has great significance with respect to internal hernias. The recesses are usually related to rotation and adhesion of abdominal viscera to the posterior abdominal wall and/or the presence of retroperitoneal vessels which raises the serosal fold. The duodenal recesses are usually related to the 3rd and 4th parts of the duodenum. Internal hernias with respect to these recesses are difficult to diagnose clinically and usually noticed at the time of laparotomy. So, the knowledge of these recesses can be valuable to abdominal surgeons. Material and methods The present study was conducted in 100 cases including 10 cadavers, 45 post mortem cases and 45 cases undergoing laparotomy. Results We found superior and inferior duodenal recesses in 28% and 52% respectively, paraduodenal in 12%, mesentericoparietal in 3%, retroduodenal in 2% and duodenojejunal in 18% of cases. Two abnormal duodenojejunal recesses were found, one on the right (instead of the left) of the abdominal aorta, and in the other the opening was directed upwards instead of downwards. The incidence of internal hernias was 3%. Conclusions Thus it was observed that there is low incidence of superior and inferior duodenal recesses, and high incidence of paraduodenal recess. The abnormal recesses might be due to malrotation of the gut. In laparotomy cases, the internal hernia was noticed when the abdomen was opened for intestinal obstruction. The incidence of internal hernia was found to be high.
Group Inefficiency and Dynamic Bargaining in Common Property Resource Games with Asymmetric Players

The problem of aggregation of preferences of asymmetric players is addressed. Players are asymmetric in the sense that they have different instantaneous utilities and discount the future at different rates. If the joint preferences are represented by the sum of intertemporal utilities, they become time-inconsistent. In this paper it is shown how time-consistent solutions for this problem can have important drawbacks, being the most relevant that they can be strongly inefficient: the sum of payoffs can be higher if cooperation is forbidden than if it is allowed. In order to solve these problems, nonconstant weights are considered. These nonconstant weights can be obtained as the maximizers of a Nash welfare function, by introducing in this way the concept of dynamic Nash t-bargaining solution. These ideas are applied to the study of three common property resource games. Linear strategies are derived for appropriated weight functions including, in particular, those obtained from a dynamic Nash t-bargaining procedure.
Remediation of learning difficulties in children after treatment for a cerebellar medulloblastoma: A single-case study

In the process of establishing a methodology for individualized remediation programmes in children treated for cerebellar tumour, this study followed prospectively over 11 years a young child treated for a medulloblastoma at 18 months of age throughout the rehabilitation process. Repeated neuropsychological and academic evaluations evidenced temporary disruptive behaviour, deficient manual and visual abilities, attention and working memory difficulties, but preserved language abilities, in relation with vermian and left cerebellar damage. However, the described remediation programmes and interventions allowed the child to have fluent progression in school. Limits and benefits of rehabilitation are discussed. Con el propósito de establecer una metodología para los programas de remedio individualizados en niños tratados por tumores cerebelares, se estudiaron en forma prospectiva durante 11 años a niños de 18 meses de edad tratados por un meduloblastoma, a lo largo del proceso de rehabiitación. En relación al daño cerebelar y vermiano se pusieron en evidencia, a través de evaluaciones académicas y neuropsicológicas aplicadas en forma repetida, una conducta alterada en forma temporal, una deficiencia en las habilidades visuales y manuales, y la presencia de dificultades en la atención y en la memoria de trabajo, pero sin alteraciones en el lenguaje. Sin embargo, los programas de remedio y las intervenciones descritos le permitieron al niño tener una progreso correcto en la escuela. Se discuten los beneficios y los límites de la rehabilitación. Palabras clave: Cerebelo, meduloblastoma, remedio, resultado, rehabilitación en equipo
Expandable metal biliary stenting in patients with recurrent premature polyethylene stent occlusion

OBJECTIVES:Expandable metal stents are currently used to treat biliary tract obstruction. Few data exist on the role of metal stents in patients with recurrent premature plastic biliary stent occlusion. We report our preliminary results using an expandable metal biliary stent with enhanced stent flexibility in this group of patients. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of the Diamond biliary stent in the treatment of recurrent premature biliary plastic stent blockage.METHODS:From September 1997 to June 1998, six patients with inoperable biliary obstruction and at least one prior episode of plastic stent occlusion were treated with an expandable metal biliary prosthesis. There were four women and six men, with a mean age of 73 ± 11 yr. Five patients had malignant biliary obstruction, and one inoperable patient had a biliary stricture secondary to chronic pancreatitis. Patients were followed-up prospectively until either stent occlusion or death. The patency duration of the metal stents was compared to that of the most recently placed plastic stents.RESULTS:All stents were successfully inserted endoscopically with visualized biliary drainage. No significant immediate postprocedural complications were noted. Median time from initial diagnosis of biliary obstruction to metal stent insertion was 35 wk (range 7–142), during which time patients had occluded a median of 4.5 plastic stents (range 2–5). Median patient survival was 117 days (15–312) and median time to blockage of the last plastic stent was 25.5 days (range 10–90 days). Three cases of metal stent occlusion occurred. One patient had early stent occlusion at 9 days because of debris and sludge clogging the metal stent. Two other patients developed stent occlusion at 120 and 157 days. Two stents remained patent until the patients’ deaths at 15 and 87 days. Overall median stent patency was 139 days. The three patients who developed stent occlusion were treated with successful insertion of one or more plastic stents through the existing metal stent. Duration of metal stent patency was significantly longer than that of the last plastic stent (58.8 days longer; 95% CI [6.4, 111]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS:Metal biliary prostheses represent an effective management strategy for recurrent plastic biliary stent obstruction. Patients in this subgroup may have a shorter duration of metal stent patency than the reported duration of stent patency in patients receiving initial metal stent placement. However the duration of patency still seems to be significantly longer than that of the most recently placed plastic stent.
Reaction-Diffusion Stochastic Lattice Model for a Predator-Prey System

We have the purpose of analyzing the effect of explicit diffusion processes in a predator-prey stochastic lattice model. More precisely we wish to investigate the possible effects due to diffusion upon the thresholds of coexistence of species, i. e. , the possible changes in the transition between the active state and the absorbing state devoid of predators. To accomplish this task we have performed time dependent simulations and dynamic mean-field approximations. Our results indicate that the diffusive process can enhance the species coexistence.
Financial literacy, trust and retirement planning

Abstract We study the complex relationship between financial literacy, retirement planning and trust in financial institutions, using data from the 2010 Bank of Italy Survey on Household Income and Wealth. The impact of financial literacy on retirement planning is a well-established issue in the existing empirical literature; our main contribution is proving that financial knowledge not only impacts retirement planning, but also the decisions of entering a private pension scheme (or devoting the severance pay to a private pension scheme). Adding the consideration of trust poses serious econometric concerns, since both financial literacy and trust in financial institutions are likely to be endogenous and the presence of two endogenous regressors renders the identification of causality very difficult. Our solution is to keep only financial literacy as endogenous and include in our models an exogenous regional indicator of social capital (similar to the one adopted by Guiso et al., 2004), as a proxy for the level of trust between the counterparts of a financial contract in each geographical area. Our main findings show that trust has a positive influence on both the decisions to enter a private pension scheme or to devote the severance pay to a private pension scheme.
Assessment of Political Situation over the Business Cycle in Spain: A Time Series Analysis

The Great Recession has implied a strong increase of the unemployment rate in Spain that surpassed 25% in 2012, the highest rate in western economies in that year. At the same time, the assessment of political situation has greatly deteriorated. The goal of this paper is to study how the assessment of political situation has moved along the business cycle in Spain over the last twenty years by using a battery of statistical methods. Moreover, this study also investigates the existence of a long-run relationship applying the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration. Once the existence of a long-run relationship is evidenced, we construct a model that allows us to quantitatively evaluate the impact of the business cycle on the Spanish political situation. The empirical findings reveal that the unemployment rate has had a significant lagged impact on the assessment of political situation.
Electroabsorption Modulated Lasers With High Immunity to Residual Facet Reflection by Using Lasers With Partially Corrugated Gratings

Residual facet reflection can significantly degrade the performance of electroabsorption modulated lasers (EMLs) operating at high data rates. This issue also complicates the fabrication and characterization of the highly demanded light sources for optical interconnects and transmission. It is desired to optimize the device structure to make EMLs robust and immune to residual facet reflection. EMLs with a partially corrugated-grating DFB section are designed and optimized to have much improved tolerance to the residual optical reflection from the modulator output facet. By designing the laser section with an appropriate grating length and linear gain coefficient, the EML can have good tolerance to residual facet reflection. The analysis indicates that 100% yield can be obtained with the optimal design. If the EML needs to operate over a wide ranges of gain coefficient and facet reflection, >70% of yield can still be obtained.
Xaliproden (SR57746A) Induces 5-Ht1A Receptors-Mediated Map Kinase Activation in Pc12 Cells

Neurotrophic growth factors are involved in cell survival. However, natural growth factors have a very limited therapeutic use because of their short half-life. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of action of a non peptidic neurotrophic drug, Xaliproden, a potential molecule for the treatment of motoneuron diseases, since the transduction pathways of this synthetic 5-HT1A agonist are very poorly understood. Xaliproden does not activate the Trk receptor but causes a rapid increase in the activities of the ERK1 and ERK2 isoforms of MAP kinase, which then rapidly decrease to the basal level. We demonstrate that isoforms of the she adapter protein are phosphorylated independently of each other and are probably not the source of the Xaliproden-induced MAP kinases activation. The inhibitor of Ras farnesylation, FPT-1, and the protein kinase C inhibitors, GF 109203X and chelerythrine, inhibited the Xaliproden-induced MAP kinase activation, suggesting p21Ras and PKC involvement. Moreover, the observations that the 5-HT1A antagonist, pindobind, and pertussis toxin abolished the Xaliproden-induced ERK stimulation suggested that Xaliproden activates the MAP kinase pathways by stimulating the G-protein-coupled receptor, 5-HT1A. These results demonstrated clearly that the non peptidic compound, Xaliproden, exerts its neurotrophic effects through a mechanism of action differing from that of neurotrophins. These findings suggest that this compound does not involve MAPK activation by TrkA receptor stimulation but acts by MAP Kinase pathway by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism involving 5-HT1A receptors, p21 Ras and MEK-1 and by PKC and Akt pathways.
An implantable, miniaturized SU-8 optical probe for optogenetics-based deep brain stimulation

This paper reports a method of making optical probes for optogenetics-based deep brain optical stimulation using SU-8, which effectively increases light coupling efficiency, has excellent mechanical stiffness, and reduces fabrication complexity. By mounting microscale LEDs (μLEDs) at the tip of a SU-8 probe and directly inserting the light source into deep brain regions, attenuation caused by light transmission in wave-guided structures such as optical fibers or optrodes can be minimized. Compared to silicon neural probes, SU-8 is more biocompatible and flexible, which can reduce brain damage. Parylene-C encapsulation can potentially improve the long-term biocompatibility and reliability of the device for chronic implantation. The functionality has been proven by clearly light-induced neural activity.
Autoimmune Disease–Associated Haplotypes of BLK Exhibit Lowered Thresholds for B Cell Activation and Expansion of Ig Class‐Switched B Cells

B lymphoid kinase (BLK) is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and several other B cell–associated autoimmune disorders. BLK risk variants are consistently associated with reduced BLK expression, but the mechanisms by which reduced expression alters human B cell function to confer autoimmune disease susceptibility are unknown. This study was undertaken to characterize the BLK risk haplotype and to determine associated B cell functional phenotypes involved in autoimmunity.
The Relationship between Education and Foreign Direct Investment: Testing the Inverse U Shape

The Zhang-Markusen (ZM) theory hypothesizes an inverse U-shaped relationship between human capital and foreign direct investment (FDI). Therefore, low wage countries with low human capital cannot attract FDI. To test this hypothesis, we regress FDI on educational levels across countries while grouping them in different income cohorts. Our findings partly support ZM. Rich countries with high human capital and poor countries with low human capital demonstrate an inverse correlation between FDI and human capital proxies. However, for middle-income and upper middle-income countries, human capital (especially tertiary education) has a positive relationship with FDI.
The relationships among affective organizational commitment, transformational leadership style, and unit organizational effectiveness within the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University

The Relationships Among Affective Organizational Commitment, Transformational Leadership Style, and Unit Organizational Effectiveness Within the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. (December 2005) Terry Paul Ekeland, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., Naval Postgraduate School; M.S., Kansas State University Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Larry M. Dooley Organizational commitment and transformational leadership have been found to correlate positively with each other and with organizational effectiveness. However, much of the commitment research has been based on traditional organizations with employment relationships, raising questions as to whether the research can be generalized to voluntary organizations. Research on transformational leadership has occurred across a broad spectrum of organizations and causal links to objective measures of performance have been hypothesized. The purpose of this research was to extend the existing commitment, leadership, and organizational effectiveness research into the context of a voluntary organization, and contribute new knowledge and understanding of these relationships. The nature of a specific voluntary organization, the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, was examined in terms of the relationships among affective commitment to the organization, transformational leadership style, and ultimately organizational effectiveness. A
Structure and function of a 40,000-molecular-weight protein antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A gene encoding a protein antigen from Mycobacterium tuberculosis with a molecular weight of 40,000 has been sequenced. On the basis of sequence homology and functional analyses, we demonstrated that the protein is an L-alanine dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.1). The enzyme was demonstrated in M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium marinum but not in Mycobacterium bovis BCG. The enzyme may play a role in cell wall synthesis because L-alanine is an important constituent of the peptidoglycan layer. Although no consensus signal sequence was identified, we found evidence which suggests that the enzyme is secreted across the cell membrane. The enzyme was characterized and purified by chromatography, thus enabling further studies of its role in virulence and interaction with the immune system of M. tuberculosis-infected individuals.
High Gain Operational Amplifiers in 22 nm CMOS

In this paper, a single-stage and a two-stage high gain operational amplifiers (op-amp) developed in a 22nm fully depleted silicon on insulator (FDSOI) CMOS process are presented. High gain is achieved through the integration of a modified high output-impedance current mirror. The operations of the modified current mirror are investigated. The two stage opamp is capable of rail-to-rail operation with 0.8V power supply while driving a 1 pF load. The single-stage op-amp is simulated to have 69 dB minimum DC gain, 29MHz unity-gain bandwidth, with a phase margin of 86°. Whereas, the two-stage op-amp is simulated to have 103 dB minimum DC gain, 50 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, 50° phase margin.
Trends in reported incidences of gastric cancer by tumour location, from 1975 to 1989 in Japan.

BACKGROUND This study was performed to estimate the incidence of gastric cancer by tumour location and to clarify whether the relative and absolute rates of gastric cancer in Japan changed between 1975 and 1989. METHODS The stomach was anatomically divided into the upper, middle, and lower thirds. Age- and sex-specific incidences by tumour location were estimated by multiplying the age- and sex-specific national incidences of gastric cancer by the corresponding proportions of tumour location. We studied 171 721 cases of gastric cancer from the Gastric Cancer Registry of Japan. RESULTS Over 15 years, the proportion of tumours in the upper third of the stomach increased in men but did not change much in women. The proportion of tumours in the middle third of the stomach increased among both men and women while the proportion of tumours in the lower third of the stomach decreased among both men and women. The incidence of tumours in the upper third of the stomach showed an increasing trend among elderly men and women but not among young ones. The incidence of tumours in the lower third of the stomach decreased significantly among men and women of most age groups. CONCLUSIONS The present study added evidence of disparate trends in the incidence of gastric cancer by tumour location. The separate epidemiological features may indicate different aetiologies as well as changes in the degree of influence of these aetiologies.
Academic writing as social practice: a critical discourse analysis of student writing in higher education in Tanzania

This thesis was a critical analysis of students academic second language writing at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Student writing in English as a second language in higher education has excited much interest in the English as a Second Language writing research and discussion in Tanzania. The interest was motivated by frequent criticisms from examiners regarding students literacy performance in the English as a Second Language writing in the post primary and higher education where the language of instruction is English as is configured in the Tanzanian language policy.
Single-center, open-label study of a proprietary topical 0.5% salicylic acid-based treatment regimen containing sandalwood oil in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate acne.

BACKGROUND A proprietary topical blend of salicylic acid and highly purified sandalwood oil from Australia was used in this open-label study in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate facial acne. METHODS The investigational regimen consisted of a foaming cleanser, an acne serum, a spot treatment, and a mask. Patients applied the treatment regimen as directed for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy measure was the percentage of patients assessed as improved, much improved, or very much improved according to the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) ratings at week 8. Severity was rated using the Evaluator's Global Severity Scores (EGSS) at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 8. Tolerability was assessed at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 8 by asking patients to rate the severity of itching, scaling, erythema, burning, dryness, and stinging. Patients were also asked to complete an acne questionnaire. RESULTS 89.4% (42/47) met the primary end point determined by the GAIS of improved (66%), much improved (19%), or very much improved (4%). Notable reductions in lesion counts were observed in patients with more severe or inflamed lesions. Tolerability was queried at all visits. No itching, scaling, or erythema was reported after initial application. Symptoms of intolerability peaked at week 2; however, most events were mild to moderate and were typically reported with use of the mask component. Intolerance decreased by week 4 and by week 8. The treatment regimen was well tolerated by patients. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study support the use of a proprietary investigational regimen in patients with mild to moderate acne and warrant further investigation to determine whether longer-term therapy (ie, beyond 8 weeks) results in enhanced efficacy with minimal side effects, leading to continued patient compliance and skin improvement.