Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tranilast Inhibits the Function of Cancer‐Associated Fibroblasts Responsible for the Induction of Immune Suppressor Cell Types

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the dominant stromal component in the tumour microenvironment (TME), playing critical roles in generation of pro‐tumourigenic TME; however, their contribution to suppression of antitumour immune responses has not been fully understood. To elucidate the interaction between CAFs and immune suppressor cells, we examined whether inhibition of CAFs function would impair the induction of immune suppressor cell types in vitro. In this study, we applied an anti‐allergic and antifibrotic agent tranilast, which is used clinically, and evaluated a potential of tranilast to serve as a CAFs inhibitor. CAFs that had been isolated from E.G7 or LLC1 tumour‐bearing mice were cultured in the presence of tranilast, and thereafter, CAFs functions on the secretion of some soluble factors as well as the induction of immune suppressor cells were evaluated. As a result, tranilast inhibited the proliferation of CAFs and reduced the levels of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1, prostaglandin E2 and transforming growth factor‐β1 from CAFs in a dose‐dependent manner. On the other hand, tranilast exerted no inhibitory effects on immune cells at doses under 100 μm. The induction of regulatory T cells and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells from their progenitor cells was suppressed in the medium that CAFs had been cultured in the presence of tranilast; however, these findings were not observed when those progenitor cells were cultured in the medium containing tranilast alone. These data demonstrate that tranilast inhibits CAFs function, which is responsible for the induction of immune suppressor cells, and possesses a potential to serve as a specific CAFs inhibitor.
Happiness over the financial crisis

ABSTRACT This paper adds to the literature on the macroeconomic driving forces of happiness. Using data for 106 countries over the financial crisis (2006–2013), we estimate a dynamic panel data model. We find that there is a strong relation between income and happiness. Further, individuals have a stronger aversion against unemployment than against inflation. We perform various robustness checks including cultural differences and additional driving forces such as gender inequality and macroeconomic policies. Finally, we identify happiness shocks using the performance of ones’ country at the FIFA World Cups. We show that movements in happiness can generate business cycles. Interestingly, happiness shocks increase income on impact but decrease it after 1 year.
Review of mycotoxin reduction in food and feed: from prevention in the field to detoxification by adsorption or transformation

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites present worldwide in agricultural commodities and produced by ﬁlamentous fungi that cause a toxic response (mycotoxicosis) when ingested by animals. Prevention of mycotoxicoses includes pre- and post-harvest strategies. The best way to reduce the mycotoxin content in food and feed is the prevention of mycotoxin formation in the ﬁeld, but this is often not sufficient, so other methods are needed. To decontaminate and/or detoxify mycotoxin-contaminated food and feed, the most prevalent approach in the feed industry is the inclusion of sorbent materials in the feed thus obtaining more or less selective removal of toxins by adsorption during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Another reliable approach is to add enzymes or microorganisms capable of detoxifying some mycotoxins. Through a comprehensive review of published reports on the strategies for mycotoxin removal, this present work aims to update our understanding of mycotoxin removal. It provides an insight into the detoxification of mycotoxin present in food and feed. In the future, more emphasis needs to be placed on adsorption of mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Concerning the enzymatic transformation of mycotoxins, further efforts are required in understanding detoxification reactions, the toxicity of transformation products and in the characterization of enzymes responsible for transformations.
Cynicism about Change, Work Engagement, and Job Satisfaction of Public Sector Nurses

This paper uses the job demands-resources theory to examine the consequences of changes on nursing work. Data were collected from 220 public sector nurses in Australia to test the model. We conducted a two-wave data collection process where independent variables (organisational change, workload, job control, nursing administrative stressors, cynicism about organisational change, and demographic variables) were collected in Time 1. The dependent variables (nursing work engagement and job satisfaction) were collected 6 months later. Changes to nursing work were found to cause high workload and an increase of administrative stressors that leads to an increase in nurses change cynicism. Job control was needed to cope with the increase in workload and reduction in cynicism about change. Cynicism about organisational change was found to have a direct negative effect on nurses engagement which in turn was found to negatively impact job satisfaction. Our contribution to theory and practice arises from the discovery that the connections between organisational change, work environment variables, and job outcomes of nurses are more complicated than previous research suggests. Theoretical and practical implications will be discussed.
The work role transition of new career faculty in the Technical College System of Georgia

TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM OF GEORGIA by AMY L. HOLLOWAY (Under the Direction of J. Douglas Toma) ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the first-year experiences of eleven new career faculty members in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) who transitioned into higher education from business and industry. Primary findings suggested that these new career faculty members experienced a developmental process of enculturation into the academic work environment that included negotiating an unfamiliar culture, confronting challenges in learning their new work role, relationship building, and reflecting on their evolving professional identities. The data revealed that these new technical college faculty members‟ emerging professional identities were rooted in their roles as classroom instructors and in the career preparation of their students. The results of this study suggest that technical colleges can better facilitate the work role transition of new career faculty through improved orientation and more comprehensive faculty development programs to include mentoring and pedagogical training. This study also recommends further research to examine the socialization experiences of new faculty across institution types and populations.
Spillover Effects of Foreign Direct Investment Inflows and Exchange Rates on the Banking Industry in China

The study examines the magnitude of economic spillover and the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on the efficiency of the bank industry in China. This study employs unit root tests, cointegration tests and cointegrating regression analysis, including fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), canonical cointegrating regression (CCR) and dynamic OLS (DOLS) to test the proposed hypotheses. The sample is restricted to the period of time in which monthly data is available and comparable among variables for the period from January 2002 to October 2013 (142 observations). All of the time series data was collected and retrieved from the People’s Bank of China, China Monthly Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, and International Financial Statistics database from International Monetary Fund. The results of the Johansen cointegration test suggest that there is a long-run equilibrium relationship between FDI inflows, foreign exchange rate and banks performance in China. The results of cointegrating regression analysis using FMOLS, CCR and DOLS suggest that M2 supply and FDI inflows are significant at the 0.01 level. The results confirm that FDI inflows in the banking sector are positively related to the increase of banks productivity and performance and short-term loans in China. However, the results suggest that Chinese Yuan currency exchange rate to U.S. dollar is not significant in the banking and financial industry of China.
TYPES, PURPOSE, AND STRATEGIES OF TEACHER’S QUESTIONS IN INDONESIAN EFL CLASSROOM OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN BALI

This study was a case study which aimed to analyze the types of questions used by an English teacher, the purposes of questions asked by the teacher, and the strategy used to cope with non-responded questions. The subject of this study was an English teacher who taught seventh grade students at SMPN 1 Singaraja which is located in Singaraja, Buleleng regency, Bali, Indonesia. The data were collected through observation, interview, and video recording. The result of the analysis showed that from 241 questions, the teacher more frequently asked convergent, closed, and display questions rather than divergent, open, and referential questions. Procedural questions were also found. The teacher’s questions served several purposes such as to check students’ knowledge and understanding, to attract students’ activeness, to develop students’ interest and curiosity, and to stimulate students in stating information. It was also found that the teacher used seven strategies to cope with non-responded questions. This study suggested the teacher to balance the number of convergent, closed, and display with divergent, open, and referential questions to be used during teaching and learning process. In addition, the teacher should know more about the strategies for non-responded questions and the proper way to use those strategies to make the teaching and learning process runs smoothly.
Selective action of human sera differing in fatty acids and cholesterol content on in vitro gene expression

Serum constituents might directly affect metabolic diseases pathogenesis and are commonly used as diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to investigate the human serum effect on in vitro gene expression, related to nutrients action and involved in lipid metabolism. In detail, 40 human sera were firstly analyzed in fatty acids profile by gas‐chromatography. Then samples were tested through direct addition within culture medium on Hep G2 human hepatoma cells, comparing samples from hypercholesterolemic (average 273 mg/dl) versus normocholesterolemic male subjects (average 155 mg/dl), since this condition is a relevant disease risk factor and is typically consequent to nutritional style. Hypercholesterolemic sera produced a 0.4‐fold reduction of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) mRNA (P < 0.05) and a 1.5‐fold increase of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) mRNA (P < 0.01). Samples with higher concentrations of n‐6 fatty acids produced a higher expression of UGT1A1 mRNA. Total fatty acids [docosahexaenoic, eicosopentanoic, arachidonic, linolenic, and linoleic acid (DHA, EPA, AA, LNA, and LA, respectively)] in each serum resulted roughly inverse with trend of SREBP‐1c mRNA expression. Serum AA, LA, and trans fatty acids were more abundant in hypercholesterolemic subjects (P < 0.01) while DHA as quota of detected fatty acids was significantly higher in normocholesterolemic subjects (P < 0.05). While it is not possible to indicate which component was responsible for the observed gene modulations, our data indicate that sera differing in lipid profiles, mainly associated with dietary behavior, differentially affect gene expression known to be involved in metabolic and nutritional related conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 815–823, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sedative effect of central administration of Coriandrum sativum essential oil and its major component linalool in neonatal chicks

Abstract Context Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae) (coriander) is an herb grown throughout the world as a culinary, medicinal or essential crop. In traditional medicine, it is used for the relief of anxiety and insomnia. Systemic hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extract from aerial parts and seeds had anxiolytic and sedative action in rodents, but little is known about its central effect in chicks. Objective To study the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of essential oil from coriander seeds and its major component linalool on locomotor activity and emotionality of neonatal chicks. Materials and methods The chemical composition of coriander essential oil was determined by a gas-chromatographic analysis (> 80% linalool). Behavioural effects of central administration of coriander oil and linalool (both at doses of 0.86, 8.6 and 86 μg/chick) versus saline and a sedative diazepam dose (17.5 μg/chick, standard drug) in an open field test for 10 min were observed. Results Doses of 8.6 and 86 μg from coriander oil and linalool significantly decreased (p < 0.05) squares crossed number, attempted escapes, defecation number and distress calls, and significantly increased (p < 0.05) the sleeping posture on an open field compared with saline and were similar to the diazepam group. Discussion and conclusion The results indicate that intracerebroventricular injection of essential oil from Coriandrum sativum seeds induced a sedative effect at 8.6 and 86 μg doses. This effect may be due to monoterpene linalool, which also induced a similar sedative effect, and, therefore, could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent similar to diazepam.
The effect of concentration of phenols on their batch methanogenesis.

The biodegradability of phenol and six other phenolic compounds (o-, m-, and p-cresol, 2-, 3-, and 4-ethylphenol) was examined in batch methanogenic cultures. The effect of concentration of these alkyl phenols on the anaerobic biodegradation of phenol was also evaluated. The inoculum used in this study was cultivated in a continuous flow laboratory fermenter with phenol as the primary substrate. Phenol, at initial concentrations as high to 1400 mg/L was completely degraded to methane and carbondioxide after 350 hours incubation. Complete degradation of m- and p-cresol was also observed while the ethylphenols and o-cresol were not significantly degraded.At initial concentrations exceeding 600 mg/L, phenol inhibited the phenol-degrading microorganisms but not the methanogens. At about 600 mg/L, cresols reduced the rate of phenol degradation to 50% of that observed in a control culture containing only 200 mg/L phenol. Ethylphenols were more inhibitory than cresols. Phenol degrading microorganisms were more susceptible to inhibition by cresols and ethylphenols than were the methanogens. The inhibitory effects of the three isomers of cresol and ethylphenol did not vary with the isomer but rather with the substituted functional group.
An Empirical Analysis of VCPE Exits: Evidence from Indian Infrastructure Sector

The choice of exit between IPO and M&A is an inevitable decision faced by venture capital and private equity (VCPE) investors. This article examines the exits of VCPE funds from their portfolio companies in the Indian infrastructure sector. The analysis covers the influence of VCPE investors’ characteristics in terms of stages of financing and origin of funds on their choice of exit route. The article also explores the influence of syndication and board representation devices as controlling mechanisms on the exit route. The findings suggest the type of exit can be well predicted by the size of the investment, the duration of investment, and the extent of syndication. This article highlights the growing importance of VCPE for the infrastructure sector in India and makes the case that more exit options should be facilitated in order to promote further investment in the sector.
A contrastive morphological analysis of tense formation in Igbo and Yoruba: implication on learners and teachers

This paper is a contrastive morphological study of tenses in the Igbo and Yoruba languages. It is limited to tenses only excluding aspects. It intends to aid speakers of the two languages in their effort to learn another’s language. This is considered vital since the two languages are among the major languages in Nigeria and people have become interested in learning them. Globalization has also necessitated the transfer of technological information into these languages, thus making this paper an invaluable one. Data for the two languages are collected from the primary and secondary sources in addition to the researchers’ intuitive knowledge of the languages. Data are analyzed using a contrastive analysis approach. Our findings show that there are differences in the processes of forming tenses in both languages. For instance, Igbo has indicative suffix –rV which may be deleted or optionally used with certain verbs in the present, and obligatorily used for verbs in the past, but in Yoruba, the present tense and past tense are unmarked. A hyphen is written between the future morpheme and the verb in Igbo, but Yoruba has a separate free morpheme to express the future. Also, in Igbo the 1 st person singular pronoun and the 3 rd person plural pronoun can come after the future morpheme –ga which is prefixed with a followed by the prefixed verbroot, but in Yoruba all the subject pronouns come before the future morpheme. These areas of differences are predicted by contrastive analysis as constituting learning difficulties. This paper proffers solution to the perceived tense problem by advocating that teachers should be more attentive to their students’ speeches and write-ups in order to immediately correct any error that might occur. They should avail themselves of the available materials on contrastive analysis such as this and guide the students to know the formation of tenses in these languages and immediately correct any error that might occur or better prevent the errors from manifesting.
Indigenous women's perceptions on community based family planning in rural Morobe of Papua New Guinea

Introduction: According to WHO and World Bank reports Papua New Guinea had high maternal mortality and fertility rate in the last ten years. PNG has more than 800 languages, ethnic groups and cultures that health policy developers need to be aware of when developing maternal health policies. Culture and traditions may be obstacles to poor accessibility to modern family planning services. In order to address these issues of increased maternal mortality and fertility rate family planning programme need to be culturally sensitive. Not all cultural practices are detrimental to women’s reproductive health. Indigenous women have cultural practices that enable women survived through child birth experiences and family planning in order to regenerate human race. Having these significant cultural roles women’s health in reproduction and child rearing is important. However, women’s perceptions on how family planning will promote women’s health were not considered when introducing family planning services in PNG. Aim of research: To explore women’s perceptions in regard to current community based family planning and roles of volunteers in promoting reproductive health of indigenous women in rural PNG. Methodology: An indigenous feminist approach has been employed in this research utilising in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to collect data from ten indigenous women who live in one of the small village community in Morobe Province of PNG. Findings and discussions: Women’s interpretation and understanding of the benefits of family planning and their attitudes towards modern family planning matters were largely informed by their local and practical knowledge, that are shared by women in their communities for many generations. The result of this study suggested that the introduction of modern contraception and family planning had weakened and challenged existing traditions, cultural practices and norms in relation to the context of indigenous childbirth culture. Modern family planning has somehow changed the equilibrium of the social and gender relations that somehow have been disadvantageous to women. For example, since the introduction of modern family planning, the community has stopped supporting and building hauskarim or a birthing house for women. This resulted in women’s feeling ashamed, uncomfortable and exposed when they have to give birth in their own homes. Traditionally, giving birth has been seen as a sacred experience and
Clinical correlates of working memory deficits in youth with and without ADHD: A controlled study

ABSTRACT Objective: Both working memory (WM; a brain system that provides temporary storage and manipulation of the information) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with educational deficits. Since WM deficits are prevalent in children with ADHD, the main aim of the present study was to examine whether educational deficits are driven by working memory deficits or driven by the effect of ADHD itself. Method: Participants were referred youth with (N = 276) and without (N = 241) ADHD ascertained from pediatric and psychiatric sources. Assessment included measures of psychiatric, psychosocial, educational, and cognitive functioning. Education deficits were defined as grade retention or placement in special classes and were assessed using interviews and written rating scales. Working memory was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised (WISC–R) Freedom from Distractibility (FFD) factor based on Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Coding. Results: Significantly more youth with ADHD had WM deficits than controls (31.9% vs. 13.7%, p < .05). In ADHD children, WM deficits were significantly (p < .01) associated with an increased risk for grade retention and placement in special classes as well as lower scores on reading and math achievement tests than for ADHD children without WM deficits. In contrast, no other differences were noted in other areas of functioning. Although WM deficits also had some adverse impact on educational and cognitive correlates in non-ADHD controls, these differences failed to attain statistical significance. Conclusion: WM deficits significantly and selectively increase the risk for academic deficits and cognitive dysfunction in children with ADHD beyond those conferred by ADHD. Screening for WM deficits may help identify children with ADHD at high risk for academic and cognitive dysfunction.