Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Up‐regulation of miR‐582‐5p regulates cellular proliferation of prostate cancer cells under androgen‐deprived conditions

MicroRNAs are noncoding small RNA that negatively regulate target gene expression by binding to the 3′‐UTR of mRNA. Previous studies have shown that several microRNAs play a pivotal role in prostate cancer by acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. This study was aimed at identifying microRNAs that contribute to the progression to castration resistant prostate cancer.
Operationalising the Qualitative Characteristics of Financial Reporting

The study examined the perception of Nigerian accountants on the quality of financial reporting and the use of qualitative characteristics in the measurement of financial reporting quality. The objective was to demonstrate how the qualitative characteristics, as defined by the IASB can be operationalised. The study adopted a survey approach. 120 copies of structured questionnaire, designed in accordance with the underneath attributes of the qualitative characteristics, were distributed to professional accountants in three major cities in Nigeria. The data generated from the survey was analysed using tables, percentages, mean and descriptive analysis. Findings indicate that the qualitative characteristics of financial reporting can be operationalised if we pay attention to the underneath attributes of these main characteristics, namely; relevance, faithful representation, comparability, verifiability, understandability and timeliness. The results further indicate that the respondents perceived faithful representation and relevance as having greater potential of enhancing the quality of financial reporting, with an average mean score of 3.2 and 3.1 respectively. The type of auditor’s report (3.6); the use of fair value as a basis for measurement (3.4); the presence of information which explains the assumptions and estimates made in the financial statements (3.4); as well as information which explains the choice of accounting principles used in the preparation of financial statements (3.4), are also the underneath attributes which enhance the quality of financial reporting to a great extent. Findings also revealed that, although the adoption of IFRS has greatly impacted the quality of financial reporting, training on IFRS and qualitative characteristic-based study are still scanty. The study recommends training of accounting personnel on IFRS and more research studies in this area.
Stress and academic performance among medical students.

OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship of stress and academic performance in first year medical students and to identify sources of stress, levels of stress and relevant coping strategies. STUDY DESIGN Mixed method sequential. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, from March to December 2010. METHODOLOGY Survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews were carried out in the first year students with their consent. Two hundred and fifty students were surveyed, out of whom 120 students responded. Twelve students with their consent were interviewed. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed for both types of data collection. SPSS version 20 was used. The qualitative data generated through structured in-depth interviews, were analyzed by content analysis. RESULTS Low level of stress was found in 7.5% (score ‹150), moderate level of stress was present in 71.67% (score between 150 and 300), and high level of stress was observed in 20.83% (score ›300) of the students. There is moderate negative (-0.583) and significant (p < 0.01) correlation between academic performance and sources of stress. Similarly there is moderate negative (-0.478) and significant (p < 0.01) correlation between academic performance and levels of stress. There was strong positive (0.799) and significant (p < 0.01), correlation between stress level and number of stress sources. CONCLUSION The study showed a diversity of stress sources and a high level of stress in the medical students. The results also show that higher level of stress is associated with poor academic performance.
Coiled bodies and gems: Janus or gemini?

Coiled bodies (CBs) were discovered around the turn of the century by Santiago Ramon y Cajal (1903), a true pioneer of cytology and neuroscience. In 1906, Cajal and Camillo Golgi shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for their descriptions of the architecture of the vertebrate nervous system. As an almost ancillary part of their studies, each investigator discovered a new cellular organelle: the internal reticular apparatus and the accessory body. Cajal originally termed his structure the “accessory body” because, like its larger cousin, the nucleolus, it was easily stained by silver nitrate.
PMU placement for power system observability using binary particle swarm optimization

A binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) based methodology for the optimal placement of phasor measurement units (PMUs) for complete observability of a power system is presented in this paper. The objectives of the optimization problem are to minimize the total number of PMUs required, and to maximize the measurement redundancy at the power system buses. Simulation results on the IEEE 14-bus and 30-bus test systems are presented in this paper.
The Effect of Corporate Governance Mechanisms on the Volume of Share Trading in Companies Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange

Lack of monitoring the performance of managers not only has trampled the rights of shareholders and other stakeholders of the company, but also has increased the personal interests of managers in the absence of adequate monitoring on their performance.The aim of this studyis to investigate the effect of some of the corporate governance mechanisms on the volume of share trading in companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange.93 companies listed in Tehran Stock Exchange are selected as sample using systematic removal method for the period 2007-2014. Data were also collected as combined panel data and were tested using multiple regression and econometrics models. The results showed that the independence of board of directors has a significant negative impact on the volume of share trading in companies. Moreover, the separation of the responsibilities of the manager and his membership in board of directors has no significant effect on the dependent variable of the study. Institutional investors ownership and auditor industry specialization have also a significant negative impact on the volume of share trading in companies. Eventually, the size of audit firm as one of the other audit quality standards has no significant effect on the volume of share trading in companies.
Domoic acid‐induced neuronal damage in the rat hippocampus: Changes in apoptosis related genes (Bcl‐2, Bax, caspase‐3) and microglial response

Domoic acid (DA), a potent neurotoxin, administered intravenously (0.75 mg/kg body weight) in adult rats evoked seizures accompanied by nerve cell damage in the present study. Neuronal degeneration and microglial reaction in the hippocampus were investigated, and the temporal profile of bcl‐2, bax, and caspase‐3 genes in cell death or survival was assessed following the administration of DA. Nissl staining showed darkly stained degenerating neurons in the hippocampus following the administration of DA at 1–21 days, the degeneration being most severe at 5 days. Ultrastructural study in CA1 and CA3 regions of hippocampus revealed two types of neuronal degeneration, cells that exhibited swollen morphology and shrunken electron‐dense cells. Immunoreactivity of Bcl‐2 and Bax was increased considerably at 16 hr and 24 hr in the neurons of the hippocampus following DA administration. No significant change was observed in the immunoreactivity of caspase‐3 in the controls and DA‐treated rats at any time interval. Microglial cells in the hippocampus showed intense immunoreaction with the antibodies OX‐42 and OX‐6 at 1–21 days after DA administration, indicating the up‐regulation of complement type 3 receptors and major histocompatibility complex type II antigens for increased phagocytic activity and antigen presentation, respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl‐transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) showed occasional positive neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions at 5 days after DA administration, with no positive cells in the controls. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that bcl‐2 and bax mRNA transcripts in the hippocampus were significantly increased at 16 hr and gradually decreased at 24 hr following the administration of DA. Although bax and bcl‐2 mRNA expression is rapidly induced at early stages, in situ hybridization analysis revealed complete loss of bcl‐2, bax, and caspase‐3 mRNA at 24 hr after DA administration in the region of neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus. These results indicate that the pattern of neuronal degeneration observed during DA‐induced excitotoxic damage is mostly necrotic. J. Neurosci. Res. 66:177–190, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Many hepatitis C reinfections that spontaneously clear may be undetected: Markov-chain Monte Carlo analysis of observational study data

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection rates are probably underestimated due to reinfection episodes occurring between study visits. A Markov model of HCV reinfection and spontaneous clearance was fitted to empirical data. Bayesian post-estimation was used to project reinfection rates, reinfection spontaneous clearance probability and duration of reinfection. Uniform prior probability distributions were assumed for reinfection rate (more than 0), spontaneous clearance probability (0–1) and duration (0.25–6.00 months). Model estimates were 104 per 100 person-years (95% CrI: 21–344), 0.84 (95% CrI: 0.59–0.98) and 1.3 months (95% CrI: 0.3–4.1) for reinfection rate, spontaneous clearance probability and duration, respectively. Simulation studies were used to assess model validity, demonstrating that the Bayesian model estimates provided useful information about the possible sources and magnitude of bias in epidemiological estimates of reinfection rates, probability of reinfection clearance and duration or reinfection. The quality of the Bayesian estimates improved for larger samples and shorter test intervals. Uncertainty in model estimates notwithstanding, findings suggest that HCV reinfections frequently and quickly result in spontaneous clearance, with many reinfection events going unobserved.
Methodological guidance for systematic reviews of observational epidemiological studies reporting prevalence and cumulative incidence data

Aim:There currently does not exist guidance for authors aiming to undertake systematic reviews of observational epidemiological studies, such as those reporting prevalence and incidence information. These reviews are particularly useful to measure global disease burden and changes in disease over time. The aim of this article is to provide guidance for conducting these types of reviews. Methods:A methodological working group of the Joanna Briggs Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, was formed to create guidance for conducting systematic reviews of studies reporting prevalence and cumulative incidence information. All methodological output of the group was subject to peer review and feedback by members of the international evidence synthesis community. Results:Systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence data should follow the same structured steps as systematic reviews of effectiveness. However, many of these steps need to be tailored for this type of evidence, particularly surrounding the stages of critical appraisal and synthesis. Conclusion:Prevalence and incidence systematic review and meta-analysis is an emerging methodology in the field of evidence synthesis. These reviews can provide useful information for healthcare professionals and policymakers on the burden of disease, show changes and trends over time in disease, and inform geographical distributions of disease and conditions.
In vitro anti snake venom potential of Abutilon indicum Linn leaf extracts against Echis carinatus (Indian saw scaled viper)

Envenomings by snake bite involves medical emergencies and its clinical management is by the administration of antivenom. The antivenom/antisera induce early or late adverse reactions. In this regard, the plant kingdom is explored to minimize the side effects. The present study evaluates the in vitro anti venom potential of Abutilon indicum leaves extract against Echis carinatus (Saw Scaled Viper) venom. The leaf extracts of A. indicum were used to evaluate the enzyme inhibiting activity of protease, phosphomonoesterase, phosphodiesterase, acetylcholinesterase, phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase and L-amino acid oxidase toxic enzymes present in snake venom. The methanolic extract inhibited the activity of all enzymes present in the venom. The extract showed promising results in inhibiting enzymes and would be further confirmed by in vivo and pharmacological studies.
Monthly Stock Returns and Volatility: The Nigerian Capital Market

The fundamental role of stock market is to provide adequate guarantee to share holders for the existence of market for their second hand securities. Adequate knowledge about the volatility, performance and efficiency of stock returns remains vital and essential information to investors. These will guide not only investment decisions but also planning for economic growth and development. Given that the Nigerian Stock Exchange has existed, its ability to generate confidence is still in doubt given the recent crash witnessed in the market. It means the confidence the exchange is expected to in still in investors is still not commensurable. It was against the forgoing that this study examined the impact on stock market returns of liquidity and volatility in the Nigerian Stock market. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design and data were obtained from monthly reports of the Nigerian Stock Exchange from January, 2009 to December, 2015. The study used the Ordinary least square and ARCH/GARCH to test the hypotheses stated. The result from the hypotheses tested revealed that stock market returns measured by all shares index was positively and significantly impacted by liquidity measured by market capitalization value ratio and turnover ratio of the Nigerian Stock Exchange but was negatively and significantly impacted by volume of transaction ratio. The results also revealed that, there is a significant ARCH/GARCH (volatility) effect on stock market returns of the Nigerian Stock market. The study thus concludes that the Nigerian Stock Exchange should act to in still more confidence on investors. Thus, the study recommends amongst others that strategies need to be designed toward reaping abnormal returns by exploiting information and actions that enhance inefficiency in stock markets thus, firms and individuals should be encouraged to buy or sell securities outside their face values, as a means of encouraging business or economic activities in the economy.
Sex differences in adrenal cortical secretion in the rat.

Ether anesthesia administered as a standardized stress produced higher and more persistently elevated plasma corticosterone concentrations in female rats than in male animals. Similar effects were obtained following administration of ACTH. The biological half-life of corticosterone in female rats was found to be 13 minutes compared to 20 minutes in male animals. Female rat liver homogenates metabolized the A ring of corticosterone and that of cortisone more rapidly in vitro than did male tissue. No sex difference was observed in the rate of metabolism of the sidechain of corticosterone although male liver homogenates reduced the sidechain of cortisone more rapidly than did female tissue. The concentration of corticosterone in the adrenal vein of the female rat is 2.5 times that in the male. These findings are interpreted to signify increased sensitivity of the female adrenal gland to stimulation by ACTH. The higher plasma corticosterone levels observed after ACTH or stress in female rats are not explained.
Integrating Consumer Flexibility in Smart Grid and Mobility Systems - An Online Optimization and Online Mechanism Design Approach

Consumer flexibility may provide an important lever to align supply and demand in service systems. However, harnessing dispersed flexibility endowments in the presence of self-interested agents requires appropriate incentive structures. This thesis quantifies the potential value of consumers' flexibility in smart grid and mobility systems. In order to include incentives, online optimization approaches are augmented with methods from online mechanism design.
Local Versus Visitor Perceptions of Farmers’ Markets

ABSTRACT There has been an increasing focus on the local food movement and farmers’ markets that supply this food. Most studies have focused on profiling the consumer or motivations for purchasing local food; however, few have focused on the differences in those who frequent such tourism offerings. The purpose of this research study, therefore, was to examine differences between visitors and residents regarding motivations and preferences for buying local and organic food at farmers’ markets. There has been an increasing focus on the local food market due to food security awareness, consumer responsibility, and food trends such as the 100-mile diet and preference of local and organic. Using 322 completed surveys, responses were analyzed to examine significant differences. The results show a difference in motivations of visitors and locals in regard to their frequenting of farmers markets, as well as the frequency of their use. Increasingly within tourism there has been a focus on the local or authentic tourism experience; therefore, understanding the differences in visitor preferences may help both destinations and the markets themselves to cater to different preferences among their clientele.
Comparing Point Counting & Image Analysis in Sandstone North Carnarvon Basin , Australia

Point counting is a statistical method of estimating the proportion of different mineral occurrences and porosity in a thin section slide using a petrographic microscope. Image analysis can be used for the same purpose but uses computer imaging technology and thin section photomicrographs. A study comparing these two methods was performed on three wells in the North Carnarvon Basin, WNW Australia. Both methods produced similar results; however, the image analysis technique is much faster, needs little expertise and only requires a PC and thin section photomicrographs. This makes the image analysis method much more accessible to most working geoscientists. The results can be very helpful for checking routine core analysis results and for differentiating microand macroporosity systems.
Does Capital Structure Differently Affect Incumbents’ Responses to Entry Threat and Actual Entry?

Some theories predict that firms with higher financial leverage compete more aggressively in product markets than firms with lower financial leverage, whereas others predict that lower-leverage firms compete more aggressively than higher-leverage firms. This paper studies how incumbent airlines’ capital structure affects their responses to Southwest Airlines’ entry threat and actual entry. The results indicate that, when responding to entry threat, lower-leverage incumbents cut prices more aggressively than higher-leverage incumbents; in contrast, when responding to actual entry, higher-leverage incumbents cut prices more aggressively than lower-leverage incumbents.
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE AND BANK STABILITY; EVIDENCE FROM SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

The heavily dependence of virtually all economies on banks for their financial intermediation cannot be overemphasize. The soundness of the banking sectors has positive association with the development of the financial markets and the economy. The banking sector and its governance reforms has gain prominence given the global financial crisis and the adverse impact on most economies. In view of this, there is an ongoing debate among policy makers, regulators, academia pursuing appropriate measures to foster banking sector stability. The aftermath of the financial crises identify inadequate information disclosure as one of the other factors resulting in the market failure. Hence, the surging debate on appropriate measures for disclosure of banking information to enhance corporate transparency and financial stability.The banking sector needs effective corporate governance at the firm level to mitigate agency problems and promote managerial discipline via improving disclosure of corporate information. The complexity of the banking sector makes it unique in terms of its corporate governance framework and information disclosure measures appropriate for its soundness and development hence the relevance of this study. The study explores bank scope data of Sub- Saharan Africa banks spanning for 2007 ? 2012.This study aims to contribute to the debate by focusing of quality corporate governance measures and financial disclosure effect on bank stability. The paper examines the uniqueness of the banking sector in term of corporate governance and financial disclosures with the aim to establish the appropriate governance measures to enhance disclosure and bank stability for policy direction.
Interdependence of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and Estrogen-Signaling Pathways in Inducing Neonatal Rat Testicular Gonocytes Proliferation1

We previously found that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and 17beta-estradiol stimulate gonocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent, nonadditive manner. In the present study, we report that gonocytes express RAF1, MAP2K1, and MAPK1/3. Inhibition of RAF1 and MAP2K1/2, but not phosphoinositide-3-kinase, blocked PDGF-induced proliferation. AG-370, an inhibitor of PDGF receptor kinase activity, suppressed not only PDGF-induced proliferation but also that induced by 17beta-estradiol. In addition, RAF1 and MAP2K1/2 inhibitors blocked 17beta-estradiol-activated proliferation. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780 inhibited both the effects of 17beta-estradiol and PDGF. PDGF lost its stimulatory effect when steroid-depleted serum or no serum was used. Similarly, 17beta-estradiol did not induce gonocyte proliferation in the absence of PDGF. The xenoestrogens genistein, bisphenol A, and DES, but not coumestrol, stimulated gonocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent and PDGF-dependent manner similarly to 17beta-estradiol. Their effects were blocked by ICI 182780, suggesting that they act via the estrogen receptor. AG-370 blocked genistein and bisphenol A effects, demonstrating their requirement of PDGF receptor activation in a manner similar to 17beta-estradiol. These results demonstrate the interdependence of PDGF and estrogen pathways in stimulating in vitro gonocyte proliferation, suggesting that this critical step in gonocyte development might be regulated in vivo by the coordinated action of PDGF and estrogen. Thus, the inappropriate exposure of gonocytes to xenoestrogens might disrupt the crosstalk between the two pathways and potentially interfere with gonocyte development.