Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central functions of neuropeptide Y in mood and anxiety disorders

Introduction: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a highly conserved neuropeptide belonging to the pancreatic polypeptide family. Its potential role in the etiology and pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders has been extensively studied. NPY also has effects on feeding behavior, ethanol intake, sleep regulation, tissue growth and remodeling. Findings from animal studies have delineated the physiological and behavioral effects mediated by specific NPY receptor subtypes, of which Y1 and Y2 are the best understood. Areas covered: Physiological roles and alterations of the NPYergic system in anxiety disorders, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol dependence and epilepsy. For each disorder, studies in animal models and human investigations are outlined and discussed, focusing on behavior, neurophysiology, genetics and potential for novel treatment targets. Expert opinion: The wide implications of NPY in psychiatric disorders such as depression and PTSD make the NPYergic system a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. These include intranasal NPY administration, currently under study, and the development of agonists and antagonists targeting NPY receptors. Therefore, we are proposing that via this mode of administration, NPY might exert CNS therapeutic actions without untoward systemic effects. Future work will show if this is a feasible approach.
Competing for Investment Proposals in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)? Evidence from Indian States, 1998–2009

After 1991 economic reforms, India relaxed investment regulation norms, allowing states to form their own investment policy frameworks. Withdrawal of controls exercised by the central government to approve investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs) has unleashed fierce competition among states to attract investment which generates jobs and boosts the local economy. Using spatial econometric estimations on panel data on 30 states in India during the 1998–2009 period (12 years), we find that the approval of SEZ and EOU investment proposals in one state are positively correlated with the approval of proposals elsewhere (i.e., potential hosts are more likely to approve SEZ and EOU investment proposals when their competitors have done so). These results are not only robust to alternative weighting schemes but also controlling for endogeneity. Our findings might suggest policy implications in terms of costs associated with undue competition. It is likely, due to differing initial conditions prevailing during the time of economic reforms, that in high-income industrial states the benefits from competition might outweighs the costs, while in low-income states the competition for investment might result in race to the bottom.
Professionalism and Performance Incentives in Accounting Firms

SYNOPSIS: This study investigates the structure of profit-sharing schemes and performance incentives within accounting firms. Accounting firms have a strong historical tradition of professionalism but they are also commercial entities. In particular, the audit function within accounting firms serves an important public interest role. Profit-sharing schemes and performance incentives play a valuable role in managing the tension between commercialism and professionalism. Interviews with partners from all Big 4 firms and four mid-tier firms were conducted to gain insights into details of the firms' profit-sharing schemes and performance incentives. We found that the Big 4 firms have established sophisticated commercial performance measurement systems in an attempt to accurately measure the contributions of individual partners, and a number of these metrics are nonfinancial in nature. The range of partner salaries within firms has increased significantly in recent years, providing a further reason for a great.
Collaborative governance in a sport system: a critique of a “one-size-fits-all” approach to administering a national standardized sport program

The purpose of this study is to explore and critique the collaborative governance structure within a small province, such as New Brunswick (NB), Canada, by identifying the challenges of implementing a national standardized program such as the National Coaching Certification Program. Collaborative governance is understood as two or more organizations working together to make decisions that are the most appropriate for the sport or recreation activity. To explore this purpose, data were collected through surveys, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that the Importance of Coach Education for Sport Organizations and Coaches, the Provincial Government, School Sports, Organizational Culture, Cost, Geography, Communications, and Provincial Demographics in NB were themes that emerged. Based on the themes, it can be concluded that those organizations that are in a governance position need to consider the impact that a standardized program can have on those provinces that are smaller in size and with limited resources.
High prevalence of adherent-invasive Escherichia coli associated with ileal mucosa in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) pathovar has been identified in the intestinal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). AIEC reference strain LF82 is able to adhere to intestinal epithelial cells, to invade epithelial cells via a mechanism involving actin polymerization and microtubules, and to survive and replicate within macrophages. This study was performed to assess the prevalence of AIEC associated with intestinal mucosa of patients with CD, ulcerative colitis (UC), and of controls. METHODS A search for E. coli strains was performed with ileal specimens of 63 patients with CD and 16 controls without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and with colonic specimens of 27 patients with CD, 8 patients with UC, and 102 controls. The abilities of E. coli strains to invade epithelial cells and to survive and replicate within macrophages were assessed using the gentamicin protection assay. Bacterial uptake by epithelial cells was analyzed using cytoskeletal inhibitors. Bacterial adhesion was quantified with Caco-2 and Intestine-407 cells. The presence of known E. coli virulence genes was assessed by polymerase chain reaction and DNA hybridization. RESULTS In ileal specimens, AIEC strains were found in 21.7% of CD chronic lesions vs. in 6.2% of controls. In neoterminal ileal specimens, AIEC strains were found in 36.4% of CD early lesions (P = 0.034 vs. controls) and 22.2% of healthy mucosa of CD patients. In colonic specimens, AIEC strains were found in 3.7% of CD patients, 0% of UC patients, and 1.9% of controls. CONCLUSIONS AIEC strains are associated specifically with ileal mucosa in CD.
Diversity of algal endosymbionts (zooxanthellae) in octocorals: the roles of geography and host relationships

The presence, genetic identity and diversity of algal endosymbionts (Symbiodinium) in 114 species from 69 genera (20 families) of octocorals from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the far eastern Pacific (EP) and the Caribbean was examined, and patterns of the octocoral–algal symbiosis were compared with patterns in the host phylogeny. Genetic analyses of the zooxanthellae were based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region. In the GBR samples, Symbiodinium clades A and G were encountered with A and G being rare. Clade B zooxanthellae have been previously reported from a GBR octocoral, but are also rare in octocorals from this region. Symbiodinium G has so far only been found in Foraminifera, but is rare in these organisms. In the Caribbean samples, only Symbiodinium clades B and C are present. Hence, Symbiodinium diversity at the level of phylogenetic clades is lower in octocorals from the Caribbean compared to those from the GBR. However, an unprecedented level of ITS1 diversity was observed within individual colonies of some Caribbean gorgonians, implying either that these simultaneously harbour multiple strains of clade B zooxanthellae, or that ITS1 heterogeneity exists within the genomes of some zooxanthellae. Intracladal diversity based on ITS should therefore be interpreted with caution, especially in cases where no independent evidence exists to support distinctiveness, such as ecological distribution or physiological characteristics. All samples from EP are azooxanthellate. Three unrelated GBR taxa that are described in the literature as azooxanthellate (Junceella fragilis, Euplexaura nuttingi and Stereonephthya sp. 1) contain clade G zooxanthellae, and their symbiotic association with zooxanthellae was confirmed by histology. These corals are pale in colour, whereas related azooxanthellate species are brightly coloured. The evolutionary loss or gain of zooxanthellae may have altered the light sensitivity of the host tissues, requiring the animals to adopt or reduce pigmentation. Finally, we superimposed patterns of the octocoral–algal symbiosis onto a molecular phylogeny of the host. The data show that many losses/gains of endosymbiosis have occurred during the evolution of octocorals. The ancestral state (azooxanthellate or zooxanthellate) in octocorals remains unclear, but the data suggest that on an evolutionary timescale octocorals can switch more easily between mixotrophy and heterotrophy compared to scleractinian corals, which coincides with a low reliance on photosynthetic carbon gain in the former group of organisms.
A clinical prediction model to determine outcomes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy undergoing surgical treatment: data from the prospective, multi-center AOSpine North America study.

BACKGROUND Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a progressive spine disease and the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction worldwide. The objective of this study was to develop a prediction model, based on data from a prospective multi-center study, relating a combination of clinical and imaging variables to surgical outcome in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS Two hundred and seventy-eight patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated surgically were enrolled at twelve different sites in the multi-center AOSpine North America study. Univariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between outcome, assessed with the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, and various clinical and imaging predictors. A set of important candidate variables for the final model was selected on the basis of author consensus, literature support, and statistical findings. Logistic regression was used to formulate the final model. RESULTS Univariate analyses demonstrated that the odds of a successful outcome decreased with a longer duration of symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.65 to 0.98, p = 0.030); a lower baseline mJOA score (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.65 to 0.84, p < 0.0001); the presence of psychological comorbidities (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.92, p = 0.024); the presence of broad-based, unstable gait (OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.47 to 5.06, p = 0.0018) or other gait impairment (OR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.75 to 7.22, p = 0.0005); and older age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93 to 0.98, p = 0.0004). The dependent variable, the mJOA score at one year, was dichotomized for logistic regression: a "successful" outcome was defined as a final score of ≥16 and a "failed" outcome was a score of <16. The final model included age (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94 to 0.99, p = 0.0017), duration of symptoms (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.997, p = 0.048), smoking status (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.98, p = 0.043), impairment of gait (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.17 to 6.06, p = 0.020), psychological comorbidities (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.69, p = 0.0035), baseline mJOA score (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.41, p = 0.0084), and baseline transverse area of the cord on magnetic resonance imaging (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.99 to 1.05, p = 0.19). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.79, indicating good model prediction. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the results of the AOSpine North America study, we identified a list of the most important predictors of surgical outcome for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Human plasma melatonin and urinary 6‐sulphatoxy melatonin:studies in natural annual photoperiod and in extended darkness

Summary. Objectives The alms of the study were (1) to examine the human plasma melatonin rhythm at the equinoxes and the solstices in the natural photoperlod (35.S); (2) to examine melatonin rhythms in the same subjects under extended darkness conditions to expose any suppressive (gating) effects of light at any time of the year; (3) to undertake a rigorous examination of the relationship between plasma melatonin and the urinary metabolite 6‐suiphatoxy melatonin at varying times of the year.
Effect of fenofibrate and niacin on intrahepatic triglyceride content, very low-density lipoprotein kinetics, and insulin action in obese subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

CONTEXT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly increased plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations and insulin resistance. Fenofibrate and extended release nicotinic acid (Niaspan) are used to treat hypertriglyceridemia and can affect fatty acid oxidation and plasma free fatty acid concentrations, which influence intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content and metabolic function. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine the effects of fenofibrate and nicotinic acid therapy on IHTG content and cardiovascular risk factors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial to determine the effects of fenofibrate (8 wk, 200 mg/d), Niaspan (16 wk, 2000 mg/d), or placebo (8 wk) on IHTG content, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) kinetics, and insulin sensitivity. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Twenty-seven obese subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (body mass index 36 +/- 1 kg/m(2), IHTG 23 +/- 2%) were studied at Washington University. RESULTS Neither fenofibrate nor Niaspan affected IHTG content, but both decreased plasma TG, VLDL-TG, and VLDL-apolipoprotein B concentrations (P < 0.05). Fenofibrate increased VLDL-TG clearance from plasma (33 to 54 ml/min; P < 0.05) but not VLDL-TG secretion. Niaspan decreased VLDL-TG secretion (27 to 15 micromol/min; P < 0.05) without affecting clearance. Both fenofibrate and Niaspan decreased VLDL-apolipoprotein B secretion (1.6 to 1.2 and 1.3 to 0.9 nmol/min, respectively; P < 0.05). Niaspan reduced hepatic, adipose tissue, and muscle insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05), whereas fenofibrate had no effect on insulin action. CONCLUSIONS Fenofibrate and Niaspan decrease plasma VLDL-TG concentration without altering IHTG content. However, the mechanism responsible for the change in VLDL-TG concentration is different for each drug; fenofibrate increases plasma VLDL-TG clearance, whereas nicotinic acid decreases VLDL-TG secretion.
A Bayesian approach to misclassified binary response: female employment and intimate partner violence in urban India

ABSTRACT We examine the effect of female employment on the odds of physical spousal violence using a Bayesian misclassification model combined with propensity score regression estimation. While a classical propensity score model finds a significant violence-provoking effect of female employment, our model finds no evidence of a significant effect. This suggests that misleading inferences are caused by falsely small standard errors in a model that does not account for uncertainties around propensity scores. Further, we confirm our misclassification model as a preferred specification using Deviance Information Criterion (DIC).
Genetic counseling of adults with Williams syndrome: A first study

We report on a study of genetic counseling to 43 adults with Williams syndrome (WS). Participants were initially asked what they knew about how WS occurs. Genetic counseling was provided with a focus on the basic genetics of WS, recurrence risk, and on participants' attitudes toward socio‐cultural topics. Forty‐nine percent indicated that they would be okay or happy if their baby had WS, 44% said they would be sad or upset, and 5% were unsure. The sad/upset group was significantly older than the okay/happy group and a significantly higher proportion of the former group indicated that they did not plan to have children. During the post‐counseling session participants were questioned to determine if they recalled the facts previously presented. Eighty‐one percent correctly gave the odds that their child would have WS. Fifty‐three percent considered the 50–50 odds to be a high chance. After genetic counseling, 61% were able to state something that had been taught and 88% indicated that they would want to test their baby for WS before birth. Ninety‐eight percent would recommend genetic counseling to others. Findings indicate that based on the type of genetic counseling provided in this study, the majority of individuals with WS—a genetic disorder associated with intellectual disability but with relative strengths in (concrete) language and in verbal rote memory—are able to learn simple facts about the genetics of WS and are eager to respond to socio‐cultural questions regarding topics typically included in genetic counseling sessions. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tax Justice and the Informal Sector Taxation: Advocacy for Improved Revenue Base in Nigeria

Taxes are compulsory, unrequited payments to general government. They are unreciprocated in the sense that benefits provided by government to taxpayers are not normally in proportion to their payments. This study is set out to is to investigate the effect of Tax Justice and the Informal Taxation Advocacy on Revenue Base in Sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria). This study employed ex-post facto research design using time series data analyses of tax revenue generated by government for the per 2000 to 2014 as surrogates for the need for tax justices and informal sector taxation. The figure of gross domestic produces (GDP) same period were used to indicate the share of taxation and tax type in GDP. The outputs of multiple regression which demonstrates that Babstat: R2=. 0.933, E-view: R2=0.973529, Babstat: Adjusted R2=0.9622, E-view: Adjusted R2=0.962940 and Babstat: Prob. F-statistic=0.000002, E-view: Prob. F-statistic=0.00000. The R2 shows that there is a positive relationship existing between the variables of interest (Log of Personal Income Tax, Log of Company Income Tax log of Petroleum Profit Tax, and log of Value Added Tax). The adjusted R2 of 0.96 implies that about 96 percent of the variation in Revenue base in Nigeria and in term of GDP is explained by the independent variables captured in this study. This means that 96 percent of changes are attributed to the together effect Log of Personal Income Tax, Log of Company Income Tax log of Petroleum Profit Tax, and log of Value Added Tax (LNPIT, LNCIT, LNPPT, and LNVAT) and the remaining 4 percent of Revenue base in Nigeria is accounted for by other exogenous variables not included in the model for the present study. From this study, it is noted that government in Nigeria for over a century has been facing with the dilemma of how to source revenue to finance government budget and its laudable projects. The one reduction in the price of crude oil has also contributed to the lack of fund to finance government project. The study noted that when every Naira of taxes as paid by the tax payers provides an equivalent legitimate benefit to taxpayers, there would be a regime of tax compliance which will limit the evasion, and avoidance. Government is therefore advised to take seriously the issue of diversifying the economy and also shift focus on taxation while the administration of taxation should be in a more coordinated manner that would help the government in their revenue drive.
Results of Right Atrial to Right Ventricular and Right Atrial to Pulmonary Artery Conduits for Complex Congenital Heart Disease

The Fontan procedure was initially proposed for tricuspid atresia (TA). We describe our experience with modifications of this operation and its application to previously uncorrectable congenital lesions. From 1975 to 1979,26 patients have undergone a Fontan-like procedure, at a mean age of 14 years (range: 3 months to 23 years). Nineteen patients had TA, one patient had mitral atresia, four patients had a univentricular heart, one patient had a “criss-cross” heart, and one patient had pulmonary atresia. Previous procedures included eight Glenn shunts, 18 systemic to pulmonary artery (PA) shunts, two PA bands, and two atrial septectomies. Thirteen patients underwent right atrial (RA) to PA connections, with a valved conduit in nine patients and without in four. Two patients had simultaneous Glenn shunts. Thirteen had RA to right ventricular (RV) conduits, with a valve in 12 patients and without in one. There were five early deaths (<30 days, 19%) and no significant difference between the RA to PA connection (four deaths of 13) versus the RA to RV connection (one death of 13). The mortality rate was higher in patients undergoing RA to PA connection without valved conduit (one death of nine with a valve, three deaths of four without, p < 0.05), while the Glenn shunt did not affect mortality (one death of seven with, three of six without, p < 0.1). There were no late deaths (mean follow-up: 24 months). Seven patients underwent recatheterization with a mean RA pressure of 14 rnmHg (range: 9–25 mmHg). Thus, the “Fontan” procedure can be done with an acceptably low mortality with good functional results, both for TA and other complex lesions.
Implementation strategy for the school-based sex education program Long Live Love: A Dynamic Process

This dissertation aims to answer the following question: how can you make sure that your programme is well-known and effective, and reaches young people at school? In order to improve sexual health among Dutch youngsters, a national implementation strategy has been developed and evaluated in collaboration with teachers and public health professionals. This strategy focuses on the education programme Long Live Love, which is proven to be effective. The programme is intended for the junior stages of secondary education and covers the themes relationships and sexuality. This dissertation focuses on the most innovative part of the implementation strategy, namely a coaching website (www.longlivelove.nl) aimed at supporting teachers in giving the best possible sex and relationship education. The implementation process is dynamic. It is based on not only the development of a high-quality education programme, but also the continuous collaboration with the target group and intermediaries, anticipation of and intervention in the implementation process and the promotion of expertise among teachers.
A Clathrin-binding Site in the Hinge of the 2 Chain of Mammalian AP-2 Complexes (*)

The assembly of cytosolic clathrin into the cytoplasmic face of coated pits and coated vesicles appears to be driven by the clathrin-associated protein (AP) complexes. We have previously shown that one of the large chains of the AP complexes, the β chain, is sufficient to drive coat assembly in vitro. This chain consists of two domains, the amino-terminal trunk and the carboxyl-terminal ear, linked by a “hinge. ” We report here that presence of the hinge in recombinant β trunk or in recombinant β ear fragments is essential for driving in vitro assembly of clathrin into coats. We have also used a binding assay to map the clathrin-binding site by nested deletion of hinge sequences to a 50-residue region in the center of the hinge. This sequence is conserved in all known β sequences from multicellular organisms. The interaction of a single β hinge with a clathrin triskelion is weak, and we propose that recruitment of cytosolic clathrin to a forming coated pit involves simultaneous contacts between the legs of single clathrin trimers and the β hinges of two or three membrane-bound AP complexes. Uncoating is likely to require interruption of these contacts.