Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ibutilide treatment protects against ER stress induced apoptosis by regulating calumenin expression in tunicamycin treated cardiomyocytes

Background Ibutilide, a class III antiarrhythmic agent has been shown to be cardioprotective in treating atrial fibrillation, promoting cardioconversion and recently this agent has been shown to protect against ER stress induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. In this study we begin to identify the mechanism by which ibutilide exerts its cardioprotection in tunicamycin treated cardiomyocytes. We examined ER stress markers including calumenin; a calcium binding ER chaperone protein that has recently been linked to ER stress in cardiomyocytes, in our treated cells. Methods To assess the effect of ibutilide we used the well characterized in vitro model of ER stress induced apoptosis in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes (RNC). RNC were treated with tunicamycin and the degree of ER stress was assessed by quantifying mRNA and protein levels of GRP78, GRP94 and calumenin, and examined the extent of apoptosis by assessing the protein levels of caspase-3/9/12, CHOP, ATF6, p-PERK, spliced XBP-1, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the percentage of deoxynucleotidyl-transferase- mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells. Results We demonstrate ibutilide attenuated the up-regulation of ER stress markers GRP78 and GRP94 and rescued the decline in calumenin mRNA and protein levels in tunicamycin treated cardiomyocytes. The up-regulation of apoptotic markers caspase-3, CHOP, ATF6, p-PERK, spliced XBP-1, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the percentage of TUNEL positive cells were also attenuated after ibutilide treatment while the protein levels of Caspase-9 and Caspase-12 were unaffected. Conclusions This study suggests another cardioprotective effect of the antiarrhythmic agent ibutilide whereby pretreatment leads to the attenuation of ER stress induced apoptosis by regulating calumenin expression. This study provides further evidence for the role of calumenin in the cardiomyocyte ER stress response.
An Exploratory Study of Government Websites Usability in Jordan

The level of usability of the current eGovernment infrastructure in Jordan was investigated by soliciting the views of the management, i.e. the professionals in charge of managing eGovernment projects. The management was addressed in order to gain an understanding of the root causes of the existing usability problems. The study was based on questionnaire which distributed to 37 managers from different institutions providing eGovernment services. The findings show that the main problems undermining the Jordanian eGovernment usability are: 1) the lack of the general usability awareness amongst the management, 2) the lack of clear usability standards and guidelines, 3) the insufficient level of end-user involvement in the process of design and maintenance of eGovernment services, 4) limited budgets and 5) the lack of expert web-designers. Unearthing the views of those in the position to make a change, these findings are useful not only in the context of redefining the strategy for improving eGovernment in Jordan, but also in other developing countries.
Services, e-Services and e-Service Innovations - combination of theoretical and practical knowledge

The starting point of this article is the earlier service definition by Lehtinen (1984). By the aid of this and other service definitions we examine current definitions of e-services and the most common service characteristics. Thereafter, we study empirically the nature of chosen eservices; bank services, insurance services, financial advice services, hotel booking services, flight and railway ticket services, packaged tour services, real estate services and food takeaway services. Some of these e-services act as core services and some as supplementary services. We limit our study to cover only e-services provided on screen and leave other processes connected to e-services outside the scope of the study. On the basis of the theoretical considerations and empirical analysis we propose new e-service definition and tackle with issues that are essential in new e-service innovations. At the end of the article we discuss the importance of interaction and trust in electronic environment and suggest several viewpoints for future research.
Mathematical modeling of the effect of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump function on load dependent myocardial relaxation.

Earlier, we developed a mathematical model of myocardial contraction-relaxation cycle regulation. A great number of mechanical experiments was simulated in the model, the phenomenon of load dependent relaxation (LDR) included. In the present work we used the same model to analyze experimental data revealing that high temperature leads to reduction of LDR. We simulated three main factors arising due to high temperature, which a priori may cause LDR reduction: increasing the cross-bridges cycling rate, decreasing the duration of the Ca transient ascending limb, and increasing Ca pumping rate. Indeed, these factors together result in LDR reduction; i.e., the model correctly simulates the effect of high temperature on LDR in general. At the same time, the sensitivity of LDR to the third factor is much higher than to the first and the second ones; i.e., increasing the rate of Ca pumping is sufficient to induce the observed effect in the framework of the model. This seems to contrast with the result of our previous study dealing with the simulation of LDR disappearance due to increasing Ca pumping rate as it happens during relatively severe cardiac hypertrophy. However, the model analysis shows that the specific mechanism underlying the change in Ca pumping rate in either case is extremely important for the effect on LDR. Particularly, the model predicts that LDR will reduce if this rate increases due to enhanced ATP hydrolysis rate by the Ca pump; and vice versa, if this rate increases due to decreasing retroinhibition of the pump ATPase, it may result in LDR increase. Probably, but the first mechanism is operational due to high temperature and makes LDR to reduce, whereas slowing down Ca pumping due to increasing retroinhibition results in LDR disappearance during severe cardiac hypertrophy.
Conditions Affecting the Isolation from Transformed Cells of Bacillus subtilis of High-Molecular-Weight Single-Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid of Donor Origin

The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction procedure of Piechowska and Fox was evaluated to determine which steps are required for the isolation of high-molecular-weight single-stranded material from transformed cultures of Bacillus subtilis. The results indicate that high-molecular-weight single-stranded DNA can be isolated when certain basic proteins are present at the time of lysis. In the absence of such protective agents as lysozyme or cytC the single-stranded DNA is degraded. The single-stranded DNA can also be protected by being treated with lysozyme at low temperature. The high molecular weight of this single-stranded material and its kinetics of appearance are consistent with its being an intermediate in the transformation process.
Supply chain alignment for improved business performance: an empirical study

Purpose – This study aims to explain how supply chain alignment, which remains a major challenge for supply chains, can be achieved and its implications for business performance (BP) by testing the strengths of the relationships between previously identified enablers, supply chain alignment and BP. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review develops hypotheses on the relationships between enablers, alignment and BP. A survey of medium-to-large UK manufacturing companies was conducted where the sample comprised 151 randomly selected companies, and the response rate was 56 per cent. Partial least square regression was used to test the hypothesis. Findings – Two types of supply chain alignment are defined – shareholder and customer – but only customer alignment (CA) has a direct positive impact on BP, while shareholder alignment (SA) is its antecedent. Top management support was shown to be an enabler of both shareholder and CA, while organisation structure, information sharing and performance measure.
Role of the blink reflex in the evaluation of sensory neuronopathy

Article abstract Because of an incidental observation that the blink reflex was normal in paraneoplastic sensory neuronopathy (SN) and frequently abnormal in nonparaneoplastic SN, the authors reviewed the electromyographic records of patients with SN in whom blink reflex studies were performed. The blink reflex was normal in all 17 patients with paraneoplastic SN and abnormal in 20 of 43 patients with nonparaneoplastic SN. Although it does not exclude paraneoplastic SN, an abnormal blink reflex favors a nonparaneoplastic etiology.
Does Short Selling Erode Market Liquidity?

This study examines how stock market liquidity dynamically responds to the spike in short interest ratio and dissects the causal linkage between short interest ratio and stock market liquidity. Based on the analysis of monthly data from 1931M6 to 2013M7, the results show that the percentage change in the NYSE share volume turnover significantly drops structurally following the spike to the percentage change in the NYSE short-interest ratio. The Granger causality test also shows that there is a causal direction running from the percentage change in the NYSE short-interest ratio to the percentage change in the NYSE share volume turnover suggesting that short selling causes the erosion of stock market liquidity.
BI-DIRECTIONAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE AXILLARY POUCH OF THE GLENOHUMERAL CAPSULE : IMPLICATIONS FOR SURGICAL REPAIR

INTRODUCTION Traumatic anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint accounts for 80% of shoulder dislocations. [2] The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) complex has been shown to be the primary restraint for anterior-inferior stability [7], and is composed of two bands (anterior and posterior) separated by its axillary pouch. While experimental and analytical models have focused on the uniaxial tensile properties of these bands [1], surgical repair techniques shift the IGHL in the medial-to-lateral and superior-to-inferior direction. This translates the axillary pouch perpendicular and parallel to the long axis of the anterior band (AB) of the IGHL. Additionally, the axillary pouch has been shown to transmit forces between these bands. [3] Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the mechanical properties of the axillary pouch in the directions perpendicular (transverse) and parallel (longitudinal) to the long axis of the AB-IGHL. Based on its force transmission characteristics, we hypothesize that the mechanical properties of the axillary pouch are similar in both directions.
Course of treatment response in first-episode and chronic schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE The timing and clinical correlates of symptom change following antipsychotic treatment were examined in first-episode and chronic schizophrenia. METHOD The subjects were 36 first-episode schizophrenic patients who had received minimal or no neuroleptics and 34 patients with chronic illness whose neuroleptics had been withdrawn. They were followed for 2 years and assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. Treatment decisions during follow-up were made clinically by the treating physicians. RESULTS At 6-month follow-up, both the neuroleptic-naive and previously treated patients showed significant improvement in positive symptoms (52% and 44% reductions from baseline, respectively). The previously treated but not the neuroleptic-naive patients also showed a significant reduction in negative symptoms (19% from baseline). A longer duration of illness before baseline assessment and inconsistent treatment during follow-up were independently associated with poorer treatment outcome in terms of positive symptoms in both groups. There were no significant changes on the outcome measures in either group after the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that maximum symptomatic improvement occurs within the first 6 months of treatment and that disease progression may blunt treatment efficacy in both first-episode and chronic schizophrenia.
Biochemical effects of lead exposure on oxidative stress and antioxidant status of battery manufacturing workers of Western Maharashtra, India

Abstract Background: Lead induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant status of population exposed to high lead levels, i.e. battery manufacturing workers. The aim of this study was to know the current scenario of blood lead (PbB) levels and their effect on the oxidative stress parameter, i.e. serum lipid peroxide (LP), and antioxidant parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC)-superoxide dismutase (SOD), RBC-catalase (CAT), plasma ceruloplasmin (CP), and serum nitrite, of battery manufacturing workers. Methods: Forty-three battery manufacturing workers from Western Maharashtra, India, with ages between 19 and 42 years, were selected as study group and compared with 38 age-matched, healthy male subjects (control group). From both group subjects, 10 mL of blood sample was drawn by puncturing the antecubital vein, and PbB, serum LP, RBC-SOD, RBC-CAT, plasma CP, and serum nitrite were estimated using standard methods. Results: The PbB levels of the battery manufacturing workers were significantly higher (p<0.001, 1050%) as compared with the control subjects. The serum LP levels were significantly increased (p<0.001, 96.86%); all antioxidant status parameters such as RBC-SOD (p<0.001, –26.32%), RBC-CAT (p<0.001, –51.57%), and plasma CP (p<0.001, –35.13%) were significantly decreased; and serum nitrite levels (p<0.001, 154%) were significantly increased in the battery manufacturing workers as compared with the control subjects. Conclusions: Despite modern techniques used to reduce lead exposure in battery manufacturing workers, PbB levels remain high, inducing oxidative stress and altering the antioxidant status of battery manufacturing workers.
Bank Health and Lending to Emerging Markets

Over the past decade, many emerging markets have increased their dependence on credit from foreign banks. However, the ongoing financial crisis may prompt banks to reassess their exposures to these economies. Panel regression analysis of data since the early 1990s indicates that a deterioration in bank health is associated with a decline in the growth of credit to emerging markets.
Safety and feasibility of a diagnostic algorithm combining clinical probability, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography for suspected upper extremity deep venous thrombosis: a prospective management study.

BACKGROUND Although well-established for suspected lower limb deep venous thrombosis, an algorithm combining a clinical decision score, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography has not been evaluated for suspected upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT). OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and feasibility of a new diagnostic algorithm in patients with clinically suspected UEDVT. DESIGN Diagnostic management study. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01324037) SETTING: 16 hospitals in Europe and the United States. PATIENTS 406 inpatients and outpatients with suspected UEDVT. MEASUREMENTS The algorithm consisted of the sequential application of a clinical decision score, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography. Patients were first categorized as likely or unlikely to have UEDVT; in those with an unlikely score and normal d-dimer levels, UEDVT was excluded. All other patients had (repeated) compression ultrasonography. The primary outcome was the 3-month incidence of symptomatic UEDVT and pulmonary embolism in patients with a normal diagnostic work-up. RESULTS The algorithm was feasible and completed in 390 of the 406 patients (96%). In 87 patients (21%), an unlikely score combined with normal d-dimer levels excluded UEDVT. Superficial venous thrombosis and UEDVT were diagnosed in 54 (13%) and 103 (25%) patients, respectively. All 249 patients with a normal diagnostic work-up, including those with protocol violations (n = 16), were followed for 3 months. One patient developed UEDVT during follow-up, for an overall failure rate of 0.4% (95% CI, 0.0% to 2.2%). LIMITATIONS This study was not powered to show the safety of the substrategies. d-Dimer testing was done locally. CONCLUSION The combination of a clinical decision score, d-dimer testing, and ultrasonography can safely and effectively exclude UEDVT. If confirmed by other studies, this algorithm has potential as a standard approach to suspected UEDVT. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE None.
Cerebral hemispheric asymmetry revisited: effects of handedness, gender and schizophrenia measured by radius of gyration in magnetic resonance images

Synopsis Abnormal patterns of cerebral hemispheric asymmetry have been inconsistently reported in association with schizophrenia. Radius of gyration (Rg) is a measure of the mean dispersion of points in a radially organized structure about that structure's centre of gravity. We developed computerized methods for estimating Rg of the magnetic resonance image (MRI) boundary between cortex and subcortex, and applied these methods to measurement of cerebral hemispheric asymmetry in 37 schizophrenics (SZs) and 30 controls (CONs). In right-handed CONs, Rg of right brain boundaries was significantly greater than Rg of left brain boundaries; in left-handed CONs, Rg of left brain boundaries was significantly greater than Rg of right brain boundaries. In right-handed males (both SZ and CON), there were significant differences in Rg between hemispheres; whereas in females (both SZ and CON) there were no such differences. Right-handed male SZs (N = 26) were distinguished by reversal of the right-handed male CON pattern of interhemispheric difference in Rg, and by global reduction in Rg of right brain boundaries. There was no evidence for significant abnormality of Rg in right-handed female SZs (N = 7). These findings suggest an important interactive effect of gender and schizophrenia on lateralized cerebral structure.
The Regional Dimension of Industrial Policy and Performance in the Republic of Ireland

From its inception in the late 1940s, Irish industrial policy has attempted to disperse industrial plants across regions, thereby avoiding the problem of rural-urban migration experienced by many developing countries. Analysing a large sample of companies which established in Ireland in the early 1980s, we examine whether the survival rates of companies and jobs are lower in peripheral compared with core regions, and whether indigenous and foreign companies differ in this regard. We find higher (lower) company and job survival rates for indigenous (foreign) companies at the core than at the periphery.
Failure to follow evidence-based best practice guidelines in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES Evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis have been established. This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that deviation from guidelines occurs frequently. METHODS With institutional review board approval, the outside medical records of patients with severe pancreatitis who were transferred to the study institution during the period from July 2005 to May 2012 were reviewed. Severe pancreatitis was defined using the Atlanta Classification criteria. Records were reviewed with respect to published guidelines defining the appropriate use of imaging, antibiotics and nutritional support. RESULTS A total of 538 patients with acute pancreatitis were identified. Of 67 patients with severe acute pancreatitis, 44 (66%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 55 years. Forty-five of 61 (74%) patients for whom relevant data were available were imaged upon admission, but only 15 (31%) patients were imaged appropriately by computerized tomography with i.v. contrast to assess the presence of necrosis or other complications. In patients for whom relevant data were available, prophylactic antibiotics were initiated in the absence of culture data or a specific infectious target in 26 (53%) patients. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was administered to 38 (60%) of 63 patients for whom relevant data were available; only 10 (17%) patients received enteric feeding. No nutritional support was provided to 15 (23%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to best practice guidelines in the treatment of severe pancreatitis is poor. The consistent application of current knowledge might improve outcomes in these patients.
Serologic response in a marine worm, Sipunculus nudus.

Earlier experiments had shown that injection of crab blood containing large numbers of a ciliate parasite, Anophrys magii, into a marine worm, Sipunculus nudus, was followed by the development of a lysin for the ciliate in the plasma. Lysis of the ciliate was first apparent in a slower rate of swimming, then erratic motion, cessation of forward motion, all within a minute. The ciliate then fell to the bottom of the fluid, the shape changed to a rounded balloon form with a swollen posterior vacuole, the cilia disappeared and the whole ciliate superficially resembled a cyst. Lysis continued and in strongly positive plasmas, the entire ciliate disintegrated within 15 min. The lysin was destroyed by heating to 45°C for 5 min, and was inactivated by ether. It was “used up” by repeated additions of Anophrys to the plasma. The presence of bacteria did not inhibit the test. The response, i.e., the development of the lysin, lasted 5 to 7 days in most cases, and was evoked repeatedly, but did not persist. A regular but briefer response was evoked by injection of fresh broth cultures of Vibrio sp. or large amounts of heat-killed bacteria. No response was evoked by injecting fresh or sterilized sea water or a preparation of endotoxin. The release of an apparently identical substance from the blood cells of Sipunculus was evoked in vivo within 15 min of injection of either Anophrys or bacteria. This released substance apparently persisted in the plasma only for a few hours after the injection, and then 1 or 2 days later the lysin reappeared and persisted for 5 to 7 days. The release of lysin was also evoked by in vitro addition of Anophrys to freshly drawn blood. The in vivo release of lysin from cells was regularly accompanied by the failure of blood to form irregular loose clots of several types of blood cells, by a number of changes in the cells, including a breakdown of innominate cells and a release of crystalline substance from these cells. However, in animals which had lysin again for several days after the injection, innominate cells with crystals were frequently found. A spontaneous disease, apparently caused by a flagellate which burrowed into surface ulcerations and papules, was accompanied by a high titer of lysin. All Sipunculus nudus were negative for lysin if tested within 1 to 2 days of capture, but about a third became positive 1 to 2 weeks after capture. By 14 days, laboratory-“adapted” (recovered? ) worms were negative. Repeated bleedings of such negative laboratory-adapted animals did not provoke the appearance of the lysin.
Tight upper tail bounds for cliques

With ξk =ξ kn,p the number of copies of Kk in the usual (Erdős‐Rényi) random graph G(n,p), p ≥ n‐2/(k‐1) and η > 0, we show when k > 1 \documentclass{article}\usepackage{mathrsfs}\usepackage{amsmath}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}\begin{align*} \Pr(\xi_k > (1+\eta)[\textbf[ E]] \xi_k) < \exp \left\lbrack -{\Omega}_{\eta,k} \min\left\{n^2p^{k-1}\log(1/p), n^kp^{\binom{k}{2}}\right\}\right\rbrack. \end{align*}\end{document} This is tight up to the value of the constant in the exponent. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 2012