Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antimalarial efficacy of piperaquine‐based antimalarial combination therapies: facts and uncertainties

Piperaquine is a bisquinoline antimalarial drug extensively used as monotherapy in China in the 1980s and subsequently included as one of the components of the artemisinin‐based combination therapies (ACTs) in the 1990s. Among them, dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DHA‐PQP) represents a new and extremely promising fixed combination. Several clinical trials have repeatedly shown that DHA‐PQP is a safe and highly efficacious therapy against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum and the asexual stages of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Studies conducted with this drug have reported cure rates consistently above 95%, with the only exception being a study carried out in Papua New Guinea which reported a high rate of treatment failures. Although it has been hypothesized that such treatment failures could be related to cross‐resistance mechanisms between piperaquine and other quinolines or to a reduced susceptibility of parasites to artemisinin derivatives, a critical review of the studies published so far seems to exclude both of these possibilities. Overall, there is now sufficient evidence on the safety and efficacy of the DHA‐PQP therapy. Accordingly, the use of this ACT for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria has been recently approved in the EU via a centralized procedure by the European Medicines Agency. Moreover, it is now recommended globally by the World Health Organization as an option for the first‐line treatment of uncomplicated malaria.
The ANGUSTIFOLIA gene of Arabidopsis, a plant CtBP gene, regulates leaf‐cell expansion, the arrangement of cortical microtubules in leaf cells and expression of a gene involved in cell‐wall formation

We previously showed that the ANGUSTIFOLIA (AN) gene regulates the width of leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana, by controlling the polar elongation of leaf cells. In the present study, we found that the abnormal arrangement of cortical microtubules (MTs) in an leaf cells appeared to account entirely for the abnormal shape of the cells. It suggested that the AN gene might regulate the polarity of cell growth by controlling the arrangement of cortical MTs. We cloned the AN gene using a map‐based strategy and identified it as the first member of the CtBP family to be found in plants. Wild‐type AN cDNA reversed the narrow‐leaved phenotype and the abnormal arrangement of cortical MTs of the an‐1 mutation. In the animal kingdom, CtBPs self‐associate and act as co‐repressors of transcription. The AN protein can also self‐associate in the yeast two‐hybrid system. Furthermore, microarray analysis suggested that the AN gene might regulate the expression of certain genes, e.g. the gene involved in formation of cell walls, MERI5. A discussion of the molecular mechanisms involved in the leaf shape regulation is presented based on our observations.
Phosphorylation Increases Affinity of the Phosphodiesterase-5 Catalytic Site for Tadalafil

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) is phosphorylated at a single serine residue by cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases. To test for a direct effect of phosphorylation on the PDE5 catalytic site, independent of cGMP binding to the allosteric sites of the enzyme, binding of the catalytic site-specific substrate analog [3H]tadalafil to PDE5 was measured. Phosphorylation increased [3H]tadalafil binding 3-fold, whereas cGMP caused a 1.6-fold increase. Combination of both treatments caused more than 4-fold increase in [3H]tadalafil binding, and effects were additive only at submaximal stimulation. Consistent with the increase in affinity, phosphorylation slowed the [3H]tadalafil exchange-dissociation rate from PDE5 more than 6-fold. Finally, phosphorylation increased affinity for hydrolysis of a catalytic site-specific cGMP analog, 2′-O-anthraniloyl-cGMP, by ∼3-fold. The combined results showed that phosphorylation activates PDE5 catalytic site independently of cGMP binding to the allosteric sites. The results suggested that phosphorylation acts in concert with allosteric cGMP binding to stimulate the PDE5 catalytic site, which should promote negative feedback regulation of the cGMP pathway in intact cells. By increasing the affinity of the catalytic site, phosphorylation should also consequently increase the potency and duration of PDE5 inhibitor action.
Differential Receipt of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Within Practice-based Research Networks

Background:Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are promising for accelerating not only research, but also dissemination of research-based evidence into broader community practice. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is an innovation in breast cancer care associated with equivalent survival and lower morbidity, as compared with standard axillary lymph node dissection. We examined the diffusion of SLNB into practice and whether affiliation with the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), a cancer-focused PBRN, was associated with more rapid uptake of SLNB. Research Design:Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data were used to study women diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer in the years 2000–2005 and undergoing breast-conserving surgery with axillary staging (n=6226). The primary outcome was undergoing SLNB. CCOP affiliation of the surgical physician was ascertained from NCI records. Multivariable generalized linear modeling with generalized estimating equations was used to measure association between CCOP exposure and undergoing SLNB, controlling for potential confounders. Results:Women treated by a CCOP physician had significantly higher odds of receiving SLNB compared with women treated by a non-CCOP physician (OR 2.68; 95% CI, 1.35–5.34). The magnitude of this association was larger than that observed among patients treated by physicians operating in medical school–affiliated hospitals (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.30–2.39). Conclusions:Women treated by CCOP-affiliated physicians were more likely to undergo SLNB irrespective of the hospital’s medical school affiliation, suggesting that the CCOP PBRN may play a role in the rapid adoption of research-based innovation in community practice.
Longitudinal changes of maximal short-term peak power in girls and boys during growth.

PURPOSE The aims of this study are twofold: first, to analyze the influence of age, body mass, and lean leg volume (LLV) on short-term leg peak power (Pmax) of young females and males during growth using multilevel regression analysis and, second, to compare the regression results of boys and girls. METHODS The individuals were 100 girls and 109 boys aged 7.5-17.5 yr old. Pmax, LLV, and mass were determined on two occasions using the cycling force-velocity test. The optimal force (Fopt) and pedaling frequency (Vopt) corresponded to the force and pedaling frequency at Pmax. RESULTS It was observed that the increase of Pmax doesn't depend on gender until the age of 14. From that age, Pmax values are significantly lower in girls than in boys. In girls, LLV is the main predictor of Pmax variance (68%; P < 0.001), whereas in boys it is age (57%; P < 0.001). Results of ANCOVA were that for the same leg length (LL), Vopt is significantly (P < 0.001) higher in boys than in girls. It also indicated that for the same LLV, there are no significant (P > 0.05) gender differences of Fopt. CONCLUSION These results illustrated that during the growth period, the increase of Pmax is significantly higher in boys than in girls. Qualitative muscular factors (Type II fiber, glycolytic ability, motor coordination, and motor unit activation) may account for the significantly higher Pmax production in boys than in girls. Precisely, the gender differences might be explained by neuromuscular determinants of contraction velocity. In conclusion, children should develop their neuromuscular determinants of contraction velocity rather than their lean leg volume.
Becoming a networked researcher: using social media for research and researcher development

Unable to conduct PhD fieldwork overseas, Dr Sarah-Louise Quinnell found herself searching for new ways to communicate with actors dispersed across the globe. Now, her website, a virtual research environment, has become the hub of her research and she utilises forums, blogs and twitter to interact with more actors and increase her impact through different audiences.
Brain Oscillations, Hypnosis, and Hypnotizability

This article summarizes the state-of-science knowledge regarding the associations between hypnosis and brain oscillations. Brain oscillations represent the combined electrical activity of neuronal assemblies, usually measured as specific frequencies representing slower (delta, theta, alpha) and faster (beta, gamma) oscillations. Hypnosis has been most closely linked to power in the theta band and changes in gamma activity. These oscillations are thought to play a critical role in both the recording and recall of declarative memory and emotional limbic circuits. The authors propose that this role may be the mechanistic link between theta (and perhaps gamma) oscillations and hypnosis, specifically, that the increases in theta oscillations and changes in gamma activity observed with hypnosis may underlie some hypnotic responses. If these hypotheses are supported, they have important implications for both understanding the effects of hypnosis and for enhancing response to hypnotic treatments.
A totally mini-invasive approach for colorectal laparoscopic surgery.

AIM To study the short-term outcome of patients treated with laparoscopic right colectomy and how intracorporeal anastomosis has improved the outcome. METHODS We retrospectively examined all patients affected by colorectal cancer who underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy between January 2006 and December 2010 in our department. Our evaluation criteria were: diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma at presurgical biopsy, elective surgery, and the same surgeon. We excluded: emergency surgery, conversions from laparotomic colectomy, and other surgeons. The endpoints we examined were: surgical time, number of lymph nodes removed, length of stay (removal of nasogastric tube, bowel movements, gas evacuation, solid and liquid feeding, hospitalization), and major complications. Seventy-two patients were divided into two groups: intracorporeal anastomosis (39 patients) and extracorporeal anastomosis (33 patients). RESULTS Significant differences were observed between intracorporeal vs extracorporeal anastomosis, respectively, for surgical times (186.8 min vs 184.1 min, P < 0.001), time to resumption of gas evacuation (3 d vs 3.5 d, P < 0.001), days until resumption of bowel movements (3.8 d vs 4.9 d, P < 0.001), days until resumption of liquid diet (3.5 d vs 4.5 d, P < 0.001), days until resuming a solid diet (4.6 d vs 5.7 d, P < 0.001), and total hospitalization duration (7.4 d vs 8.5 d, P < 0.001). In the intracorporeal group, on average, 19 positive lymph nodes were removed; in the extracorporeal group, on average, 14 were removed P < 0.001). Thus, intracorporeal anastomosis for right laparoscopic colectomy improved patient outcome by providing faster recovery of nutrition, faster recovery of intestinal function, and shorter hospitalization than extracorporeal anastomosis. CONCLUSION Short-term outcomes favor intracorporeal anastomosis, confirming that a less traumatic surgical approach improves patient outcome.
"Do your internal branding efforts measure up?": consumers' response to brand supporting behaviors of hospitality employees.

Purpose – This study aims to understand the effect of brand citizenship behaviors of hospitality employees on customers’ relation with the brand. A model, which links employee behaviors to customers’ evaluation of brand performance, brand trust and brand commitment, is proposed to provide further insight into how customers form their relation with a brand. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from both customer-contact employees and passengers of a corporate airline company. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model by using both employee and customer data in the same research model. Findings – The results showed that even brand citizenship behaviors of employees did not affect brand commitment of customers directly; these behaviors explain customers’ commitment to a brand through influencing perceived brand performance of customers and their trust toward a brand. Overall, this study provided support for the impact of employees’ brand-related behaviors on consumers’ rel.
DEVELOPMENTAL OCULAR DISEASE OF RAPTORS

Sixteen raptors, including one eagle, two falcons, five hawks and eight owls, were found to have developmental ocular lesions. The most common lesion was microphthalmia. Other findings included cataract, microphakia, retinal dysplasia, malformation of the ciliary body, choroid and pecten, and lentoid formation. Specific causes for these lesions could not be determined. It is hypothesized that developmental ocular disease probably is more common than available reports indicate.
INFLUENCE OF OBESITY ON INSULIN RESISTANCE IN POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome represents the most common endocrine abnormality in women of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of obesity on insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.A total of 60 polycystic ovary syndrome women were evaluated for the study. The population was separated into three groupsnamely (i) Polycystic ovary syndrome women with normal body mass index (ii) Polycystic ovary syndrome women with overweight (iii) Polycystic ovary syndrome women with obesity. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and inappropriate gonadotrophin secretion in polycystic ovary syndrome were evaluated in each group by means of fasting glucose, insulin levels ,lipid profiles and the ratio of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. Insulin resistance was assessed by the three surrogate markers which are, fastingglucose : insulin ratio ,homeostatic model assessment and triglyceride : high density lipoprotein ratio.Obese women showed increasing levels of glucose ,insulin, cholesterol, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone ratio. Fasting glucose levels are significantly higher in obese women when compared to women with normal body mass indexand overweight. It is also found that the insulin levels are increased with increasing body mass index. There is a strong positive correlation between body mass index and insulin resistance.The data suggest that in polycystic ovary syndrome patients increasing body mass index could reflect insulin resistance which may lead to an increased risk of menstrual irregularities and hyperandrogenemia.
Classification of Textured Surfaces for Robot Navigation Using Continuous Transmission Frequency-Modulated Sonar Signatures

Whereas in the past ultrasonic sensors have been largely used only to estimate the proximity of objects and the location and identification of primitive targets in a robot workspace, the development of biomimetic sonar has opened up new possibilities for their application. Broadband sonar echoes have sufficient resolution so that characteristics on reflection, especially geometry and texture, can be distinguished with only a few measurements. In this paper, we describe how a model of texture can be used to distinguish between a number of different surfaces using only a single measurement of each, showing results on a number of surfaces that might be considered typical pathways for a mobile robot, both those with periodicity in pattern and those with statistically homogeneous features. In particular, we consider textures corresponding to hard smooth floors, carpets and asphalts, and surfaces with a repeating pattern made up of tiles. Each random rough surface is modeled using an extension of the Kirchhoff approximation method describing the scattering of the acoustic wave on the surface while the periodic surfaces are modeled assuming distinctive reflections from the tile borders. The continuous transmission frequency-modulated sonar signature corresponding to each class is derived and compared with the experimental measurement. A set of features is extracted that exploits the differences between the surface models, and a hierarchical classification scheme is proposed for recognition.
Herbert Spencer in the suburbs? Class, politics, ideology and the Australian petty-bourgeoisie in the Howard years

A dominant trope of media commentary after the 2004 federal election was the rise of blue-collar self-employment and small business and its negative impact on Labor electoral support. In this paper I examine the evidence on the growth of self-employment and small business in Australia since the 1980s and the political consequences of this growth. I consider why the growth of self-employment and small business has been overstated by many observers, and the emergence of a right-wing anti-capitalism in the critique of the dependence of wage-labour. Although the growth of self-employment and small business has been overstated it is a real phenomenon. I extract the rational kernel from the largely ill-informed commentary on this issue and place contemporary debates about self-employment in a historical and global context. I consider why the self-employed and small business were once seen as natural allies of the working-class in a populist coalition but why they are now identified by commentators as hostile to class politics.
Role of an adaptor protein Lin‐7B in brain development: possible involvement in autism spectrum disorders

Using comparative genomic hybridization analysis for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patient, a 73‐Kb duplication at 19q13.33 (nt. 49 562 755–49 635 956) including LIN7B and 5 other genes was detected. We then identified a novel frameshift mutation in LIN7B in another ASD patient. Since LIN7B encodes a scaffold protein essential for neuronal function, we analyzed the role of Lin‐7B in the development of cerebral cortex. Acute knockdown of Lin‐7B with in utero electroporation caused a delay in neuronal migration during corticogenesis. When Lin‐7B was knocked down in cortical neurons in one hemisphere, their axons failed to extend efficiently into the contralateral hemisphere after leaving the corpus callosum. Meanwhile, enhanced expression of Lin‐7B had no effects on both cortical neuron migration and axon growth. Notably, silencing of Lin‐7B did not affect the proliferation of neuronal progenitors and stem cells. Taken together, Lin‐7B was found to play a pivotal role in corticogenesis through the regulation of excitatory neuron migration and interhemispheric axon growth, while further analyses are required to directly link functional defects of Lin‐7B to ASD pathophysiology.
Addressing the Needs of Youth with Disabilities in the Juvenile Justice System: The Current State of Knowledge

This report summarizes and assesses the state of knowledge about children and youth with disabilities who are at risk of delinquency and involvement in the juvenile justice system or have already entered it. Topics include (1) laws and philosophical frameworks affecting this population of youth; (2) causal relationships between disability, delinquency, and justice system involvement; (3) factors affecting disability and delinquency; (4) current and anticipated programming; (5) the effectiveness of prevention, intervention and treatment, and management strategies; (6) barriers and facilitators to implementing effective strategies; and (7) recommended next steps for increasing knowledge and effective practice. By highlighting what is known about addressing delinquency and the diverse needs among this population, it aims to inform policy discussions among policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.
Between an Arena and a Sports Bar: Online Chats of eSports Spectators

ESports tournaments, such as Dota 2's The International (TI), attract millions of spectators to watch broadcasts on online streaming platforms, to communicate, and to share their experience and emotions. Unlike traditional streams, tournament broadcasts lack a streamer figure to which spectators can appeal directly. Using topic modelling and cross-correlation analysis of more than three million messages from 86 games of TI7, we uncover main topical and temporal patterns of communication. First, we disentangle contextual meanings of emotes and memes, which play a salient role in communication, and show a meta-topics semantic map of streaming slang. Second, our analysis shows a prevalence of the event-driven game communication during tournament broadcasts and particular topics associated with the event peaks. Third, we show that "copypasta" cascades and other related practices, while occupying a significant share of messages, are strongly associated with periods of lower in-game activity. Based on the analysis, we propose design ideas to support different modes of spectators' communication.
House prices and business cycles: The case of the UK

This paper investigates the role of house prices in UK business cycles since the mid-1950s. First a Markov-switching common factor model is constructed to capture business cycle co-movements and the inherently different regimes across expansion and recession phases. Then house-price variables are incorporated into the baseline model to evaluate their importance in fluctuations of real economic activity. When house prices are introduced into the model as direct determinants of the evolution of individual macroeconomic indicators, only their declines have nontrivial effects on the movements of the macro variables and consequently on business cycles. Alternatively, when house prices are incorporated as factors affecting transition probabilities, strong evidence is found that house prices significantly affect the transitions of the UK economy between periods of expansion and recession. It is confirmed again that declines in house prices are more significant than their increases in house-price growth rates as factors affecting the business cycles. Finally, the importance of house price decreases is found robust to the inclusion of financial variables in the model and to the use of a different house price index.
Reducing Packaging Waste and Cost via Consumer Price Discounts

Low-waste packaging may imply an inconvenience to consumers and cause firms to offer a compensating price discount. For example, Starbucks’ “Take the Mug Pledge” campaign provides a 10-cent discount for customers who purchase coffee without a standard cup (i.e., customers provide their own cup). Understanding how such a discount drives demand and profit is the focus of this article. We consider a monopolist that can offer a reduced-packaging option for its product at a variable cost savings. That option implies a transactional “inconvenience” cost for consumers. While that transactional cost is generally positive, our model also permits some consumers to associate convenience with reduced packaging. We derive the optimal price and discount that maximize profits. We show the optimal discount is bounded by the magnitude of the variable cost savings associated with the packaging reduction. We explore when the optimal discount is negative (a price premium), which requires a specific proportion of consumers to associate convenience with reduced packaging. We also derive conditions under which the firm should price to eliminate demand for the standard product, rather than segment the market, to leverage the variable cost savings of reduced packaging. When the variable cost savings are low (e.g., as is true for Starbucks), we show the profit curve for the segmenting policy is relatively flat for a discount up to several multiples of the cost differential. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for the reduced packaging option, with optimal discounting, to simultaneously increase profit and consumer surplus while reducing waste.