Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NUCLEAR RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN FETAL AND PEDIATRIC LIVER: CORRELATION WITH CYP3A EXPRESSION

The mechanisms underlying interindividual variation and developmental changes in cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) expression and activity are not fully understood. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods were used to detect, during human fetal and pediatric development, mRNA expression of nuclear receptors involved in the regulation of CYP3A genes. Quantitative RT-PCR was conducted on RNA extracted from prenatal (n = 60, 76 days to 32 weeks estimated gestational age) and pediatric (n = 20, 4 days to 18 years of age) liver tissue with primers for nuclear receptors implicated in regulating CYP3A gene expression. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) were expressed at low (and highly variable) levels in pre- and neonatal liver relative to liver tissue derived from older children. CAR was expressed at higher levels relative to PXR in prenatal liver (757 ± 480 molecules CAR/ng of RNA versus 271 ± 190 molecules PXR/ng of RNA after correction for 18S rRNA). In contrast, mRNA expression of the heterodimer partner RXRα was less variable (33-fold) and did not differ appreciably between pre- and postnatal liver samples (219 ± 101 molecules/ng of RNA prenatal versus 253 ± 232 molecules/ng of RNA postnatal). Expression of HNF4α1 mRNA was similar to that of RXRα. Log CYP3A7 mRNA expression was significantly correlated with PXR (r2 = 0.372) and CAR (r2 = 0.380) mRNA in fetal liver, but associations were weaker than those observed with CYP3A4 mRNA in postnatal liver (r2 = 0.610 and 0.723 for PXR and CAR, respectively). In conclusion, nuclear receptor mRNA expression demonstrates considerable interindividual variability in human fetal and pediatric liver and is significantly correlated with CYP3A expression.
Protest in Italy in Times of Crisis: A Cross-Government Comparison

Abstract Using protest event analysis methodology and conceptual and theoretical toolkits developed in social movement studies, this article analyses protest mobilisation during the period of the height of the economic crisis in Italy (2009–2014) by comparing the protest trends in diachronic and comparative perspectives over a period of four different governments. Data show that the Italian anti-austerity protest arena was dominated by ‘old actors’ (the traditional trade unions) and was not able to produce the strong social and political coalitions that emerged in other South European countries. This was due to the specific relationship that developed between civil society and political parties that shaped the forms of anti-austerity mobilisation in this period.
People with intellectual disability who offend or are involved with the criminal justice system

Purpose of review This review assesses the impact of recent research on the field of offenders with intellectual disabilities. Research includes work on prevalence, developments in appropriate assessments and investigations into the effectiveness of treatment procedures. Recent findings Methodological difficulties continued to beset studies on prevalence, with estimates ranging between 2 and 10% of the offender population having intellectual disabilities. Research on risk assessment has developed quickly in the last 7 years and current studies establish both the framework for assessment and new instruments that have been shown to predict offending incidents. There have been a number of promising studies on sex offender treatment and on the treatment of issues related to general offending. These studies continue to evaluate treatment progress in terms of improvements in behaviour, cognitive distortions and reductions of offending. One notable study had targeted reductions in sexual deviancy. With two exceptions, the main drawback in treatment studies continues to be the lack of control conditions. Summary These research studies will aid clinicians in the implementation of the assessment reviews and treatment programs for offenders with intellectual disabilities.
Purification and Characterization of (Per)Chlorate Reductase from the Chlorate-Respiring Strain GR-1

ABSTRACT Strain GR-1 is one of several recently isolated bacterial species that are able to respire by using chlorate or perchlorate as the terminal electron acceptor. The organism performs a complete reduction of chlorate or perchlorate to chloride and oxygen, with the intermediate formation of chlorite. This study describes the purification and characterization of the key enzyme of the reductive pathway, the chlorate and perchlorate reductase. A single enzyme was found to catalyze both the chlorate- and perchlorate-reducing activity. The oxygen-sensitive enzyme was located in the periplasm and had an apparent molecular mass of 420 kDa, with subunits of 95 and 40 kDa in an α3β3 composition. Metal analysis showed the presence of 11 mol of iron, 1 mol of molybdenum, and 1 mol of selenium per mol of heterodimer. In accordance, quantitative electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed the presence of one [3Fe-4S] cluster and two [4Fe-4S] clusters. Furthermore, two different signals were ascribed to Mo(V). The Kmvalues for perchlorate and chlorate were 27 and <5 μM, respectively. Besides perchlorate and chlorate, nitrate, iodate, and bromate were also reduced at considerable rates. The resemblance of the enzyme to nitrate reductases, formate dehydrogenases, and selenate reductase is discussed.
A Systematic Review of the Impact of Potentially Inappropriate Medication on Health Care Utilization and Costs Among Older Adults

Background:Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are defined as those medicines having a greater potential risk than benefit for older adults. In this systematic literature review, we evaluate the current evidence on health care service use and health care costs associated with PIMs among older adults. Methods:A literature search was conducted in August 2015 without publication date restrictions using the databases PubMed and Scopus. Selected articles included in the review of articles were: (1) observational cohort or case-control, or intervention studies; (2) investigating PIM use among older adults aged 65 years or older with outcomes on health care utilization (eg, hospitalization) or health care costs; and (3) use of some published criteria for assessing PIMs. Results:Of 825 abstracts screened, in total 51 articles proceeded to full-text review. Of those full-text articles, 39 articles were included in this review. Most of the articles found that PIMs had a statistically significant effect on health care service use, especially on hospitalization, among older adults. The findings of impact on length of stay or readmissions were inconclusive. Five studies found statistically significant higher medical or total health care costs for PIM users compared those who did not use any PIMs. Conclusions:PIMs can, in addition to health and quality of life problems, also lead to greater health care service use and, thus, higher health care costs. However, the heterogeneity of the study settings makes the interpretation of the results difficult. Further studies, especially on economic issues with country-specific criteria, are needed.
Why Does Import Competition Favor Republicans?

Evidence that local exposure to Chinese import competition favors right-wing parties has often been attributed to the success of economic nationalism. We advance an alternative account. Trade shocks catalyze cultural backlash, which drives support for conservative candidates, as they compete electorally by targeting out-groups. We test this hypothesis in the 2008-2016 U.S. Presidential elections. First, a quantitative text analysis of campaign speeches shows that Republican candidates moved from support of free trade to protectionism, but they consistently assumed harsher stances on immigration and minority inclusion. Second, using individual-level survey data, we provide evidence that Chinese import shocks drive negative attitudes towards immigrants and minorities. Opinions about free trade are not affected. Finally, a causal mediation analysis highlights that attitudes towards out-groups mediate the effect of localized trade shocks on voting behavior. Altogether, these results point to the role played by trade-induced cultural backlash in shaping political outcomes in the U.S.
Evaluation of manometric temperature measurement as a method of monitoring product temperature during lyophilization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate manometric temperature measurement as a non-invasive method of monitoring product temperature during the primary drying phase of lyophilization. This method is based on analysis of the transient response of the chamber pressure when the flow of water vapor from the chamber to the condenser is momentarily interrupted. Manometric temperature measurements (MTM) were compared to product temperature data measured by thermocouples during the lyophilization of water, mannitol, lactose and potassium chloride solutions. The transient pressure response was mathematically modeled by assuming that four mechanisms contribute to the pressure rise: 1) direct sublimation of ice through the dried product layer at a constant temperature, 2) an increase in the temperature at the sublimation interface due to equilibration of the temperature gradient across the frozen layer, 3) an increase in the ice temperature due to continued heating of the frozen matrix during the measurement, and 4) leaks in the chamber. Experimental transient pressure response data were fitted to an equation consisting of the sum of these terms containing three variables corresponding to the vapor pressure of ice, product resistance to vapor flow, and the vial heat transfer coefficient. Excellent fit between the mathematical model and the experimental data was observed, and the value of the variables was calculated from the measured transient pressure response by a least squares method. The product temperature measured by MTM, which measures the temperature at the sublimation interface, was compared with product temperature measured by thermocouples placed in the bottom center of the vials. Manometrically measured temperatures were consistently lower than the thermocouple measurements by about 2 degrees C, this difference being largely accounted for by the temperature gradient across the frozen layer. The resistance of the dried product to mass transfer calculated from MTM was found to agree reasonably well with values measured by a direct vial technique. Product resistance was observed to increase with increasing solute concentration, and to increase continuously as the depth of the dried product layer increases for mannitol and potassium chloride. For lactose, product resistance increases continuously with thickness up to the onset of collapse, at which point the product resistance becomes essentially independent of depth. Scanning electron microscopy was used to explain this observation based on changes in morphology of the solid. The vial heat transfer coefficients obtained from regression analysis were on the order of 10(-3)-10(-4) cal.sec-1. degrees C-1; however, the scatter in the vial heat transfer coefficient data prevents the method from being used for accurate measurement of the vial heat transfer coefficient. The results of the study show that the manometric method shows promise as a process development tool and as an alternative method of in-process product temperature measurement during primary drying.
Childhood and adolescent predictors of alcohol use and problems in adolescence and adulthood in the National Child Development Study.

AIMS To identify childhood and adolescent predictors of alcohol use and harmful drinking in adolescence and adulthood. DESIGN Longitudinal data from childhood to mid-life from the National Child Development Study (NCDS) were used, including predictors collected at ages 7, 11, 16 years and alcohol outcomes collected at ages 16, 23, 33 and 42 years. SETTING The NCDS is an ongoing longitudinal study of a cohort of 1 week's births in Britain in 1958. PARTICIPANTS Childhood and adolescent predictors and alcohol use data from at least one adolescent or adult wave were available from 7883 females and 8126 males. MEASUREMENTS Social background, family, academic and behavioural predictors measured at ages 7, 11 and 16 years were entered into hierarchical multiple and logistic regressions to predict quantity of alcohol use at ages 16, 23, and 33 years and harmful drinking [i.e. Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener (CAGE) questionnaire score] by age 42 years. FINDINGS Previous drinking was controlled in final models to predict change. Drinking was heavier among those with greater childhood and adolescent social advantage (especially females), less harmonious family relationships, more social maladjustment, greater academic performance, less internalizing problems, more truancy and earlier school-leaving plans. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use and problems in adulthood can be predicted by indicators of social background, adjustment and behaviour in childhood and adolescence. Results demonstrate that the early roots of adolescent and adult alcohol use behaviours begin in childhood.
Shots per casualty: an indicator of combat efficiency for the first Australian task force in South Vietnam

ABSTRACT In combat, the ratio of shots fired per casualty inflicted can provide a measure of the combat effectiveness of a force. The shots per casualty ratio achieved by the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam is shown to change according to factors including marksmanship, tactics and combat type. While, over the course of the campaign, 1ATF fired an increasing number of shots to achieve a casualty, this is explained by improvements in the quality of Viet Cong and People’s Army small arms. Australian Task Force and US Army shots per casualty ratios are briefly compared.
Selective Ablations Reveal That Orbital and Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Play Different Roles in Estimating Predicted Reward Value

Subregions of prefrontal cortex are important for estimating reward values and using these values to guide behavior. The present studies directly tested whether orbital prefrontal cortex (O-PFC) and lateral prefrontal cortex (L-PFC) are necessary for evaluating trial-to-trial changes in the reward values predicted by visual cues. We have compared intact rhesus monkeys, those with bilateral O-PFC lesions (n = 3), and those with bilateral L-PFC lesions (n = 3). We used three versions of a visually cued color discrimination task: we varied reward size, delay to reward, or both. O-PFC lesions altered estimations of predicted reward value in all versions of the task. L-PFC lesions disrupted performance only when both reward size and delay to reward were varied together. Neither lesion directly affected basic internal drive states (satiation curves). Our results suggest that O-PFC is essential for establishing independent, context-specific scales with which predicted reward values are measured. L-PFC appears necessary for integration of predicted reward value across these different scales.
Three Essays on International Macroeconomics

This thesis is comprised of three essays on international macroeconomics. The first chapter examines empirically both the long-run and short-run impacts of the exchange rate volatility on manufacturing sector and bilateral exports during the sample period of 1999-2010 in five major ASEAN countries. A set of autoregressive distributed lag bounds tests are applied to examine the long-run level relationships among the variables, and long-run impacts of exchange rate volatility on exports. Seemingly unrelated regressions models with error corrections are estimated to capture shortrun dynamics. Significant and negative impacts of exchange rate volatility on exports are widely observed, which suggests risk averse exporters shift resources away from exporting to reduce exposure to higher exchange rate risk. The second chapter employs the economic policy uncertainty index (EPU) developed by Baker et al. (2013) to empirically examine its effect on economic growth across both advanced and emerging countries over 1985-2006. In addition, this study aims to identify the channels through which the EPU affects economic growth. A series of Kiviet’s estimators are utilized for this dynamic panel data analysis. The results confirm that higher economic policy uncertainty reduces economic growth and the three channels of economic growth, physical capital accumulation, human capital accumulation, and total factor productivity (TFP) for both country groups. The third chapter develops a set of two-country open economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models to explore cross-country correlations among real variables. The third chapter develops a set of two-country open economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models to explore cross-country correlations among real variables. One contribution to the literature is to differentiate skilled and unskilled labour and to allow capital-skill complementarity in a cross-country setup. The other contribution is to seek features of modeling that affect international comovements among real variables. I find that these models are capable of resolving the existing international comovement puzzles even without the additive habit formations and retaining the key statistical characteristics of real variables in accordance to the data. Quantitative results indicate that spillovers between monetary policies and TFPs, and price stickiness are the three major factors that drive the international comovements among real variables. This finding overturns the conclusion by Dmitriev and Krznar (2012) that internal habit formation is the main driver for international comovements.
Investigating the quality of stored drinking water from the Harare water distribution system, Zimbabwe

This study investigated the effects of different storage conditions (refrigerator, cupboard and sunlight) on the quality of drinking water collected from the distribution system. The study was carried out in the period June–July 2017 and focussed on selected suburbs of Harare. Sampling sites on the distribution system were grouped into three zones (1, 2 and 3) depending on the proximity to the treatment plant, whether there was further chlorination or not and the water flow path. Three water samples were collected in opaque 5 L containers from one site (tap) in each zone and stored under the three storage conditions and periodically analysed for pH, free residual chlorine, temperature and chlorophyll-a. The pH of stored water increased with storage time for all storage conditions and in all zones. The residual chlorine decreased with time in all zones and under all storage conditions. The chlorophyll-a levels also decreased with time under all storage conditions. Refrigerator samples showed the slowest deterioration of water quality and sunlight the highest. Although the pH of stored water increased with time, it remained within both SAZ and WHO guideline values. Household disinfection of stored water is recommended generally after 1 week of storage.
On the Design of a Long Range WSN for Precision Irrigation

This research presents a WSN computer system model applied to precision irrigation, specifically for conditions in which sensor nodes may be located far from the coordinator. The proposed model is based on a tailored hardware and software aiming to extend both sensor nodes and WSN lifetime. The coordinator is aware of its sensor nodes’ available energy and such feature enables estimating the remaining lifetime of each sensor node. The so-called <underline>S</underline>ensor n<underline>O</underline>des’ system for data acq<underline>U</underline>isition of <underline>L</underline>ong range (SOUL) is the conceptual model for a sensor node hardware and software system design, concerning energy management and messages grouping, improving both sensor nodes and network lifetime. The sensor nodes were employed to monitor soil moisture and thus the SOUL computer system model was validated in field conditions. Sensor nodes lifetime was increased by 5.7 times when compared with a conventional use.
Sustained ER Ca2+ Depletion Suppresses Protein Synthesis and Induces Activation-enhanced Cell Death in Mast Cells*

Depletion of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induces large increases in cytoplasmic Ca2+, mitochondrial Ca2+ loading, protein synthesis inhibition, and cell death. To clarify the connections among these events, we have evaluated the effect of Ca2+mobilizing agents thapsigargin (Tg), econazole (Ec), and the growth factor Steel Factor (SLF) on bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). BMMC Ca2+ stores were found to consist of a Tg-sensitive ER compartment, the Tg-insensitive SIC store, and mitochondrial stores. Low levels of Ec interfered with Tg-stimulated mitochondrial loading while promoting progressive leakage of Ca2+ from the ER. Low levels of Ec completely reversed Tg toxicity while higher levels blocked store-operated influx and induced cell death in a SLF-enhanced manner. Both Ec and Tg inhibited protein synthesis, however, only SLF plus Tg or very high levels of Ec were able to significantly stimulate EIF-2α phosphorylation. Cycloheximide only partially protected BMMCs from Tg toxicity yet strongly synergized with Ec to induce cell death. These results therefore indicate that although both Tg and Ec deplete ER Ca2+ levels, Ec-induced cell death results from sustained protein synthesis inhibition while Tg toxicity results primarily from mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and secondarily from ER stress associated with Ca2+ depletion.
Magnetic resonance image–based hippocampal volumentry: Correlation with outcome after temporal lobectomy

We developed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based technique for measuring the volume of the hippocampal formation. In this study, the relationship between volumes of the hippocampal formation and outcome (i.e., postoperative seizure control) after anterior temporal lobectomy for intractable epilepsy was analyzed in 50 consecutive patients in whom the surgical specimen did not contain an epileptogenic mass lesion. Outcome was classified as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory. A significant relationship was found between outcome and volume of the operated of hippocampal formation (p = 0.012), as well as a derived volumetric measure (nonoperated minus operated volume of the hippocampal formation) (p = 0.004). The association between outcome and nonoperated volume was borderline (p = 0.057). Thirty‐four (97%) of 35 patients in whom the volumetric study and electroencephalography (EEG) concordantly lateralized the seizure disorder had satisfactory postoperative seizure control. Conversely, only 7 (42%) of 12 patients in whom the volume study was nonlateralizing and 1 (33%) of 3 in whom the EEG and volume study were discordant had a satisfactory outcome. We regard our MRI‐based study of hippocampal formation volume as a noninvasive surrogate for the identification of moderate or severe mesial temporal sclerosis. The technique is a useful adjunct in a multidisciplinary, preoperative epilepsy evaluation when T2‐weighted MRIs do not reveal an epileptogenic mass lesion. The reasons for the usefulness of this imaging technique are: (1) It is an independent source of information on seizure lateralization, (2) it will provide information as to expected postoperative outcome, and (3) it may aid in appropriately selecting patients for invasive preoperative monitoring studies.