Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacodynamics of the G-quadruplex-stabilizing telomerase inhibitor RHPS 4 in vitro : activity in human tumor cells correlates with telomere length and can be enhanced , or antagonized , with cytotoxic agents

Telomeric integrity is required to maintain the replicative ability of cancer cells and is a target for the G-quadruplex-stabilising drug, RHPS4. We report a senescent-like growth arrest in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, within 14-17 days, and a reduction in telomere length (5.2 4.7 and 4.3 kb after 17 days treatment at 0.5 and 1μM respectively). These effects occurred at non-acutely toxic doses compatible with chronic drug dosing. The telomere length of cancer cells influences their sensitivity to growth inhibition by RHPS4: mt-hTERT expressing MCF7 cells (short TRF-length 1.9 kb; IC50 0.2 μM) were 10-times as sensitive to RHPS4 compared to wt-hTERT expressing vector transfected control cells (longer TRF-length 5.2 kb; IC50 2 μM) in the 5 day SRB assay. This relationship was corroborated in a panel of 36 human tumor xenografts grown in vitro showing a positive correlation between telomere length and growth inhibitory potency of RHPS4 (15 day clonogenic assay, r = 0.75). These observations are consistent with loss of the protective capping status of telomeres mediated by RHPS4 G-quadruplex-stabilisation, thus leading to greater susceptibility of cells with shorter telomeres. In combination studies, taxol, adriamycin and the Hsp90-inhibitory experimental therapeutic agent 17-AAG conferred enhanced sensitivity in RHPS4 treated MCF-7 cells, whereas the DNA-interactive temozolomide and cisplatin antagonized the action of RHPS4. Our results support the combined use of certain classes of cytotoxic anticancer agents with RHPS4 to enhance potential clinical benefit. This article has not been copyedited and formatted. The final version may differ from this version. Molecular Pharmacology Fast Forward. Published on September 8, 2005 as DOI: 10.1124/mol.105. 013300 at A PE T Jornals on O cber 9, 2017 m oharm . aspeurnals.org D ow nladed from
Bank-Intermediated Arbitrage

We argue that post-crisis banking regulations pass through from regulated institutions to unregulated arbitrageurs. We document that, once post-crisis regulations bind post 2014, hedge funds use a larger number of prime brokers and diversify away from GSIB-affiliated prime brokers, and that the match to such prime brokers is more fragile. Tighter regulatory constraints disincentivize regulated institutions not only to engage in arbitrage activity themselves but also to provide leverage to other arbitrageurs. Indeed, we show that the maximum leverage allowed and the implied return on basis trades is considerably lower under post-crisis regulation, in spite of persistently wider spreads.
Mammalian homologues of the plant Tousled gene code for cell‐cycle‐regulated kinases with maximal activities linked to ongoing DNA replication

The Tousled (TSL) gene of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana encodes a serine/threonine kinase that is essential for proper flower development. Here we report the cloning and characterization of two human putative homologues of the Arabidopsis TSL gene, termed TLK1 and TLK2 (Tousled‐like kinase). At the protein level, the two human Tlks share 84% sequence similarity with each other and almost 50% with Arabidopsis Tsl. Furthermore, nuclear localization signals and predicted coiled‐coil regions are conserved in the N‐terminal domains of all three kinases. The mammalian Tlks share several functional properties with plant Tsl, including a broad expression, a propensity to dimerize and autophosphorylate, and a preference for similar substrates. Most interestingly, human Tlks are cell‐cycle‐regulated enzymes, displaying maximal activities during S phase. Whereas protein levels are virtually constant throughout the cell cycle, both Tlks appear to be regulated by cell‐cycle‐dependent phosphorylation. Drug‐induced inhibition of DNA replication causes a rapid loss of Tlk activity, indicating that Tlk function is tightly linked to ongoing DNA replication. These findings provide the first biochemical clues as to the possible molecular functions of Tlks, a highly conserved family of kinases implicated in the development of multicellular organisms.
Problematizing customization and IT in the fashion industry: A case study of an Italian shoemaker

Abstract This paper focuses on the problematization of customization processes in the fashion industry. We investigate how companies may face and orchestrate customization processes that are based on the use of specific Information and Technology (IT) tools such as online sales configurators. Most studies on customization in fashion have considered the roles of consumers and their impact on the development of customization strategies. The co-development of customized goods – the choices concerning which IT system should be implemented to allow customers to design their products – has been studied extensively. We offer new insights into the extent to which customization represents an issue to be managed in business relationships, particularly among different business actors involved in a supplier network. By considering the case of a shoe manufacturer we seek to answer to the following research questions: (1) How can a fashion company implement a customized solution via the Internet? (2) Which specific trade-offs affect the management of customization and IT when online customization must be linked to offline production? The paper concludes with implications and suggestions for further research.
Consumer willingness to pay for low acrylamide content

Purpose Acrylamide is a common dietary exposure present in many baby foods. Evidence of acrylamide causing tumours in rodents has led to the chemical being classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a reduction in the acrylamide content of baby food and, therefore, a reduction in the risk of cancer. Design/methodology/approach A discrete choice experiment is conducted on UK consumers incorporating different levels of seven attributes: packaging, production method (organic, GM and conventional), acrylamide level, sugar, salt, one of five portions of fruit and vegetable per day and price. Consumer WTP for low acrylamide content is estimated using a mixed logit model. Findings The empirical results indicate consumers assign a high value to safer baby food, with low acrylamide content. The WTP premium for baby food with low acrylamide (105 per cent) is the highest of all attributes assessed. Consumers also have a preference for organic baby food, in contrast to an aversion towards GM. The study results indicate that reducing the acrylamide content in baby food is desirable for consumers. Originality/value This is the first study to estimate consumers’ WTP for reducing the acrylamide content of baby food in the UK. Existing research has been limited to examining the exposure of young children, in addition to the potential health risks.
Electronic Word of Mouth (e-WoM): Is it an Effective Tool for ReVitalizing the Relationship between a Brand and Its Ex-Customers

The target of this study is to shed light into an unexplored area in the marketing literature by (1) identifying the factors contributing to the formation of a relationship revitalization effect of e-WoM in an e-commerce context, and (2) exploring the relationship between re-vitalization effect of e-WoM, current brand loyalty, current brand satisfaction level and old brand satisfaction level. The sample was chosen among the ex-customers of 3 e-retailers in Turkey and 150 customers responded to the survey. Model testing was done through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. Results of the study indicate that re-vitalization of the relationship between the customer and his/her old brand through the e-WoM communication is the function of Tie Strength between the customer and e-WoM message source (sender), the satisfaction level with the old brand before leaving the brand and the brand loyalty level towards the current brand purchased. Brands need to employ e-WoM communication before ex-customers become loyal to their current brand.
Meeting report—neuroblastoma research symposium, London, October 14, 2011

Neuroblastoma is a paediatric tumor originating from neural crest cells that give rise to the sympathetic nervous system [1]. It is the most frequent extra-cranial solid tumor of early childhood [2]. High risk neuroblastoma is fatal in more than 50% of patients, accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths [3,4]. It remains a therapeutic challenge for paediatric oncologists, and new approaches to therapy are required to improve survival. On Friday 14th October researchers gathered at the 2011 Neuroblastoma Research Symposium held at University College London Institute of Child Health. The meeting was organized by The Neuroblastoma Society, SIOP-EN (the European Neuroblastoma Group of the International Society for Paediatric Oncology) and the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). Dr. Peppy Brock (SIOP-EN President) of Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, welcomed participants to London and the Institute of Child Health. An excellent international panel of speakers followed in three themed sessions, Immunotherapy, Gene and micro-RNA signatures and New Treatments. Specific time was allocated for a poster highlights plenary session allowing younger scientists to present and discuss their work.
Pengembangan Komoditas Kelapa Sawit dan Karet serta Dampaknya Terhadap Pendapatan Petani di Kecamatan Pelepat Ilir

Kelapa sawit dan karet merupakan salah satu komoditi unggulan ekspor Indonesia yang sangat potensial untuk dikembangkan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi karakteristik, faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi produksi, skala pengembalian hasil dan pengembangan komoditas kelapa sawit dan karet serta dampaknya terhadap pendapatan masyarakat di Kecamatan Pelepat Ilir. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi Produksi perkebunan kelapa sawit dipengaruhi oleh output tenaga kerja, luas lahan, jumlah tanaman dan pupuk. Sedangkan faktor-faktor yang signifikan terhadap produksi karet dipengaruhi oleh tenaga kerja, luas lahan, dan jumlah tanaman. Selain itu, skala pengembalian usahatani keduanya berada pada kondisi Increasing Return to Scale. Selanjutnya, pengembangan kelapa sawit dan karet adalah dengan meningkatkan produktivitas petani, peremajaan tanaman tua, penggunaan bibit unggul dll.
Eye cancer incidence in Singapore

AIM To describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with primary intraocular, conjunctival, and orbital cancers seen in Singapore from 1968 to 1995. METHODS Epidemiological data of all cancers diagnosed in Singapore are collected by the Singapore Cancer Registry. The data of all cases of Singapore residents with eye cancers (ICD-9, site 190) were retrieved for analysis. This includes intraocular, conjunctival, and orbital cancers but excludes cancer of the eyelids. RESULTS There were 125 patients of which 67 (53.6%) were male and 58 (46.4%) were female. The average annual age standardised incidences for male and female Singapore residents were 1.89 and 1.81 per million respectively. The most common cancer was retinoblastoma (53.6%), followed by malignant melanoma (19.2%) and squamous cell carcinoma (11.2%). The most common cancer among patients younger than 15 years was retinoblastoma (95.7%) and that for those 15 years and older was malignant melanoma (42.6%). The most common subsite was the retina (53.6%), followed by conjunctiva (12.8%), orbit (8.8%), and lacrimal gland (6.4%). CONCLUSION The annual age standardised incidence have been stable for the 28 years studied. Retinoblastoma is much more common than melanoma in Singapore. These expanded epidemiological characteristics serve to provide ophthalmologists and epidemiologists with a foundation to monitor future disease patterns in Singapore and provide a basis for comparison with other selected populations elsewhere.
Survival Outcomes in Surgical Treatment of 72 Cases of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Temporal Bone

Objective: To evaluate surgical outcomes for squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Eye and ENT Hospital. Methods: Seventy-two patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone were analyzed for survival. The patients were staged according to the modified Pittsburgh staging system. Five patients with T1 cancers underwent local resection (LR), and 10 patients with T1 cancers underwent lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR). Two patients with T2 cancers underwent LR, and 1 patient with T2 cancer underwent LTBR. One patient with T3 cancer underwent LR, 8 patients with T3 cancers underwent LTBR, and 10 patients with T3 cancers underwent subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR). Ten patients with T4 cancers underwent LTBR, and 25 patients with T4 cancers underwent STBR. Results: Of all patients that underwent surgery, 18 died of their disease during the follow-up time. The 5-year survival rates of patients with T stages 1 through 4 were 100%, 67%, 21%, and 14%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in 5-year survival rate between T3 and T4 using the log-rank test (p > 0.05). The 5-year survival rates after LTBR and STBR for T3 were 26% and 16% (p > 0.05), respectively, and those for T4 were 17% and 11% (p > 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: An en bloc resection is favored in an effort to produce negative surgical margins for squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. Adjunctive radiotherapy is used for advanced lesions.
Human rotavirus genotypes causing acute watery diarrhea among under-five children in Benin City, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in the developing countries. Rotavirus is a major cause of acute watery diarrhea. AIM This study aims at characterizing the prevalent rotavirus G-genotypes among under-five children presenting with acute watery diarrhea in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY A total of 470 children <5 years presenting with diarrhea of <2 weeks duration, were over a period of 1 year consecutively recruited for the study. Stool samples were collected for rotavirus antigen detection using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and further analyzed with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for VP7 genotyping. RESULTS Comparing the ability of the two methods to detect rotavirus in stool samples, 65 (13.8%) and 90 (19.2%) of the stools tested positive for rotavirus using ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Using VP7 primers, genotypes G1 were detected in 49 out of 90 stool samples (54.4%), G2 in 26 out of 90 stool samples (28.9%), G3 in 19 out of 90 stool samples (21.1%), G4 in 34 out of 90 stool samples (37.8%) and G9 in 8 of the 90 stool samples (8.9%). Some strains were observed to be reactive with 2 or more of the primers yielding dual or triple VP7 genotype reactivity. CONCLUSION Rotavirus of varying genotypes as shown cause acute watery diarrhea among under-five children and vaccine with strains peculiar to this environment should be introduced. Techniques such as RT-PCR rather than ELISA, where affordable, should be used in stool rotavirus screening.
Changes in bite force and occlusal contact area after orthognathic surgery for correction of mandibular prognathism.

OBJECTIVE This study examined the long-term changes of bite force and occlusal contact area in patients with prognathous after orthognathic surgery with a newly developed pressure-sensitive sheet (Dental-Prescale; Fuji Photo Film Co). STUDY DESIGN Fifty-seven patients with prognathous were examined. Bite force and occlusal contact area were measured just before operation and at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after operation. Forty control subjects with normal occlusion were also measured. RESULTS The bite force and occlusal contact area of the patients were significantly greater than the preoperative level at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years after operation. However, they were still significantly lower than the control subject level even at 3 years after operation. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that orthognathic surgery improves the bite force and occlusal contact area of patients with prognathous. However, at 3 years from the time of operation, patients had not reached control subject levels.
Implementation of Strategic Plans and Performance of SACCOs in Nyeri County, Kenya

: Despite the market forces the co-operatives societies in Kenya have continued to flourish in membership and size. In the current open global economy, saving and credit co-operatives (SACCOs) just like other financial institutions in the private sector must endeavour to be effective in offering proficient services in order to attract and maintain their members. This has forced SACCOs to develop strategic plans as a roadmap to ensure sustained SACCO performance. This study aimed to establish the effect of implementation of strategic plans on SACCOs’ performance in Nyeri County, Kenya. Particularly, the study examined effect of leadership style, organisational structure, human resource management, and information communication technology on performance of SACCOs in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study employed explanatory research design. The target population for this study comprised of 36 SACCOs in Nyeri County. Due the size of target population, a census was conducted where all SACCOs were included in the study. Structured questionnaires were used for primary data collection. Descriptive, inferential analysis was used to analyse quantitative data while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study found that democratic leadership endeavoured to promote team spirit among the workers as well as encouraging team work while empowering individual employees. The study found that SACCOs’ management slightly involved junior teams in development of strategic plans. The study also found that human resource department in most SACCOs recognised and conducted rapid promotions for exemplary performance among the SACCOs employees. The study found that majority of the SACCOs had adopted and enhanced ICT culture across all departments in their SACCOs. However, the study found that majority of the SACCOs marketed their services to the local Kenyan market. The study concludes that quality of human resource management is important for success of SACCOs. The study concludes that adoption of appropriate Information Communication Technology not only promotes internal efficiency but also enhances external competitiveness by providing SACCOs with a platform to market their service to the global market. The study recommends that the SACCOs regulatory body should develop a guideline for SACCOs on organisation structure and help them implement over a period. The SACCOs regulatory body should enforce recruitment of qualified human resource management to ensure the functions of the HR are not overlooked. The study sought to establish the SACCOs performance for the last five years. The indicators of SACCO performance used are market share, number of products, customer outreach and customer satisfaction.
A CLASS OF BOUNDED STARLIKE FUNCTIONS

We consider functions f ( z ) = z + … that are analytic in the unit disk and satisfy there the inequality \alpha $" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3. org/1998/Math/MathML"> Re ( f ′ ( z ) + z f ″ ( z ) ) > α , α 1 . We find extreme points and then determine sharp lower bounds on Re f ′ ( z ) and Re ( f ( z ) / z ) . Sharp results for the sequence of partial sums are also found.
Second primary cancer in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM There is an increased incidence of secondary primary cancer (SPC) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The risk is stronger in the first year after the first malignancy (synchronous tumours). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SPC in patients with PTC, and to analyse whether the timing of tumour presentation influenced the clinicopathological characteristics of PTC. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 184 patients with PTC were included in the study. RESULTS There were 24 patients with SPC and nine with PTC and two other primary tumours (42 additional malignancies in total). Additional tumours were more prevalent in male and older patients. In 11 cases (33%), the two carcinomas were synchronous. PTCs from synchronous cases were significantly larger than those from non-synchronous cases. CONCLUSION Patients with PTC were at elevated risk for SPC. In one third of patients, both neoplasms were diagnosed within the same year. Male and older patients were more likely to have SPC.
Ethical issues for internet use policy: balancing employer and employee perspectives

An organisational internet use policy (IUP) is a recognised deterrent to manage insider internet misuse. However, IUPs have proven ineffective against this threat, perhaps because of their neglect of the ethical issues involved. An important part of setting an IUP involves the resolution of key ethical dilemmas when employer and employee perspectives conflict. This paper explores the ethical issues that must be addressed when developing an organisational IUP. It draws on a conceptual analysis and an interpretive study of five medium-size and large organisations in Australia and North America. The paper provides a set of key ethical issues for an IUP and compares and contrasts the employer and employee perspectives. It highlights the need to balance the employer and employee perspectives when setting an IUP. Other implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Hospitalization of people 50 years old or older living with HIV/AIDS.

Objective Identify the rate and predictive factors of the hospitalization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), aged 50 years or older. Method A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted at two inpatient units specialized in infectious diseases in a teaching hospital. Data were gathered through individual interviews between August 2011 and February 2015. All ethical precepts were followed. Results Of the 532 admitted patients, 95 were PLHA 50 years old or older; 30.5% were admitted 3 to 4 times after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion Rate of hospitalization was 17.8%, and being 50 to 60 years old was a protective factor against hospitalization.
The role of protective HCP5 and HLA-C associated polymorphisms in the control of HIV-1 replication in a subset of elite suppressors

Elite suppressors (ES) are untreated HIV-1-infected patients who maintain undetectable viral loads. A recent whole-genome analysis identified two independent polymorphisms associated with low viral loads in untreated HIV-1 infection. We screened 16 ES; none were positive for the protective HLA complex 5 gene polymorphism, and only four were positive for the protective polymorphism associated with the HLA-C gene. These results suggest that some ES control viremia by mechanisms independent of the newly-identified genetic factors.
Circularly Polarized Bandwidth-Enhanced Crossed Dipole Antenna With a Simple Single Parasitic Element

A method of using a simple single parasitic element to significantly enhance a 3-dB axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth of a crossed dipole antenna is presented. This approach is verified by introducing one bowtie-shaped parasitic element between two arms of crossed bowtie dipoles to generate additional resonance and thereby significantly broadening AR bandwidth. The final design, with an overall size of 0.79 <italic>λ<sub>o</sub></italic> × 0.79 <italic> λ<sub>o</sub></italic> × 0.27 <italic>λ<sub>o</sub></italic> (<italic>λ<sub>o</sub></italic> is the free-space wavelength of circular polarized center frequency), resulted in very large measured –10-dB impedance and 3-dB AR bandwidths ranging from 1.9 to 3.9 GHz (∼68.9%) and from 2.05 to 3.75 GHz (∼58.6%), respectively. In addition, the antenna also yielded a right-hand circular polarization with stable far-field radiation patterns and an average broadside gain of approximately 8.2 dBic.