Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ecotopic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) regulates multiple cellular processes important for cancer and is a synergistic partner for FOS protein in invasive tumors

Ecotropic viral integration site 1 (EVI1) is an oncogenic dual domain zinc finger transcription factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell renewal, and its overexpression in myeloid leukemia and epithelial cancers is associated with poor patient survival. Despite the discovery of EVI1 in 1988 and its emerging role as a dominant oncogene in various types of cancer, few EVI1 target genes are known. This lack of knowledge has precluded a clear understanding of exactly how EVI1 contributes to cancer. Using a combination of ChIP-Seq and microarray studies in human ovarian carcinoma cells, we show that the two zinc finger domains of EVI1 bind to DNA independently and regulate different sets of target genes. Strikingly, an enriched fraction of EVI1 target genes are cancer genes or genes associated with cancer. We also show that more than 25% of EVI1-occupied genes contain linked EVI1 and activator protein (AP)1 DNA binding sites, and this finding provides evidence for a synergistic cooperative interaction between EVI1 and the AP1 family member FOS in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, and colony formation. An increased number of dual EVI1/AP1 target genes are also differentially regulated in late-stage ovarian carcinomas, further confirming the importance of the functional cooperation between EVI1 and FOS. Collectively, our data indicate that EVI1 is a multipurpose transcription factor that synergizes with FOS in invasive tumors.
Capsule enlargement in Cryptococcus neoformans confers resistance to oxidative stress suggesting a mechanism for intracellular survival

Cryptococcus neoformans is a facultative intracellular pathogen. The most distinctive feature of C. neoformans is a polysaccharide capsule that enlarges depending on environmental stimuli. The mechanism by which C. neoformans avoids killing during phagocytosis is unknown. We hypothesized that capsule growth conferred resistance to microbicidal molecules produced by the host during infection, particularly during phagocytosis. We observed that capsule enlargement conferred resistance to reactive oxygen species produced by H2O2 that was not associated with a higher catalase activity, suggesting a new function for the capsule as a scavenger of reactive oxidative intermediates. Soluble capsular polysaccharide protected C. neoformans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae from killing by H2O2. Acapsular mutants had higher susceptibility to free radicals. Capsular polysaccharide acted as an antioxidant in the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction coupled to β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)/phenazine methosulfate (PMS) assay. Capsule enlargement conferred resistance to antimicrobial peptides and the antifungal drug Amphotericin B. Interestingly, the capsule had no effect on susceptibility to azoles and increased susceptibility to fluconazole. Capsule enlargement reduced phagocytosis by environmental predators, although we also noticed that in this system, starvation of C. neoformans cells produced resistance to phagocytosis. Our results suggest that capsular enlargement is a mechanism that enhances C. neoformans survival when ingested by phagocytic cells.
Hormone replacement therapy and arterial blood pressure in postmenopausal women with hypertension

Background. Data on the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive menopausal women are limited. Objective. To investigate the association between HRT and longitudinal changes in BP in hypertensive menopausal women. Patients and methods. We recruited a total of 161 hypertensive menopausal women (mean age = 52.2±6.6 years) attending the hypertension clinic in our hospital that required HRT to attenuate the effect of menopause symptoms. These women were followed for up to 36 months, being evaluated every 6 months with measurements of their BP, weight and the number of drugs needed to control their BP. We also measured serum cholesterol levels before and after the initiation of HRT. Results. The systolic BP remained unaffected throughout the whole follow‐up period, whereas the diastolic BP was slightly reduced at 6, 24 and 36 months. This decrease was accompanied by an increased need for antihypertensive medication throughout the entire follow‐up period, while the body weight also increased at 18, 24 and 36 months. No particular differences were noted with respect to ethnicity, history of pre‐eclampsia or surgical menopause, before and after the initiation of HRT. Serum cholesterol levels remained unchanged during the evaluation period. Oestrogen–progestogen combination therapy use was associated with a lower diastolic BP and a smaller number of antihypertensive drugs compared to other forms of HRT. Conclusion. HRT use does not have an adverse gross effect on BP in hypertensive menopausal women who need it, although there may be an increased need for antihypertensive therapy during the 36‐month follow‐up period of our study.
Arabinosylcytosine stability in aqueous solutions: pH profile and shelflife predictions.

Apparent first-order rate constants, k, for the degradation of arabinosylcytosine in aqueous solutions were determined as a function of pH, temperature, and buffer concentrations. Profiles showing the effect of pH on k were constructed from data obtained in hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide and by extrapolation of buffer data to zero buffer concentration. Maximum stability is observed in the neutral pH region where arabinosylcytosine undergoes deamination to arabinosyluracil and 90% potency is maintained for 6.5 months in 0.06 M phosphate buffer, pH 6.9, at 25°. The observed rate constant, k, increases as the pH decreases from 6 to 2.8, where it passes through a maximum value and again decreases as the pH approaches zero. In the pH region 0–6, the loss of substrate is accompanied by the formation of an intermediate which reacts further to yield arabinosyluracil. The profile for the maximum yields of the intermediate as a function of pH resembles the k versus pH profile. Kinetics for deuterium exchange at the H5 on arabinosylcytosine and TLC studies characterizing the intermediate were combined with the other kinetic data in developing a proposed mechanism involving 2 '-hydroxyl participation and the formation of an intermediate in acid pH. In alkaline solutions the loss of arabinosylcytosine is about 10 times more rapid than in acid and most likely is due to hydrolysis of the pyrimidine ring since no arabinosyluracil UV absorption spectra were detected.
Impact of ERP Implementation on Business Process Outcomes: A Replication of a United States Study in a Sub-Saharan African Nation

This study is a conceptual replication of Karimi et al.’s (2007) study on the impact of ERP implementations on business process outcomes among US manufacturing firms in a Sub-Saharan African (SSA) nation. The results of the measurement model are valid and reliable, which are consistent and comparable with that of the original study, enhancing the external validity of the constructs proposed in the original model. However, only one of the four hypotheses tested in the structural model was confirmed in the current study although all four were supported in the original study. While the original model was tested on manufacturing firms in the US, the replicated study was carried out in several industries in Ghana, a SSA nation. Thus the differences in the structural model results do not invalidate the original model but suggest the need for capturing contextual or environmental variables such as culture, industry, ethical behavior, and data culture in order to enhance the external validity and theoretical contribution of the original model in the SSA context.
Dampening of Blood-Flow Pulsatility along the Carotid Siphon: Does Form Follow Function?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The tortuous distal part of the ICA may have an attenuating effect on pulsatile arterial flow. We investigated local arterial blood flow patterns in the ICA proximal and distal to the carotid siphon to detect quantitative waveform changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arterial flow patterns were analyzed by using flow-sensitized 4D PC MR imaging (time-resolved 3D PCMR) at 3T in 17 healthy volunteers. Time-resolved blood flow velocities were extracted from the source data at the C4 and C7 segments of the ICA. PI, RI, and PA were calculated by using time-resolved flow volume. A linear mixed-effects model was applied to compare values at C4 and C7. Furthermore, 3D blood flow visualization was performed for all 34 ICAs. RESULTS: PI, RI, and PA were significantly lower at the distal C7 segment compared with the proximal C4 segment of the ICA (P < .0001). Helical flow patterns were observed in 5 ICAs of 4 subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial flow patterns showed a significant reduction in PI, RI, and PA when compared distal to proximal to the carotid siphon. The observed attenuation of flow pulsatility is most likely related to the contorted shape of the distal ICA and may bear a protective effect for downstream cerebral vasculature.
New Iterative Detector of MIMO Transmission Using Sparse Decomposition

This paper addresses the problem of decoding in large-scale multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) systems. In this case, the optimal maximum-likelihood (ML) detector becomes impractical due to an exponential increase in the complexity with the signal and the constellation dimensions. This paper introduces an iterative decoding strategy with a tolerable complexity order. We consider a MIMO system with finite constellation and model it as a system with sparse signal sources. We propose an ML relaxed detector that minimizes the Euclidean distance with the received signal while preserving a constant $\ell_{1} $-norm of the decoded signal. We also show that the detection problem is equivalent to a convex optimization problem, which is solvable in polynomial time. Two applications are proposed, and simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the proposed detector.
Decreased hippocampal cell proliferation in R6/1 Huntington's mice

In order to ascertain whether disturbances of neurogenesis occur in chronic neurodegenerative disorders, we assessed hippocampal cell proliferation in the R6/1 transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease (HD). Using BrdU labelling for dividing cells at two different time points (5 and 20 weeks) in transgenic and wild type control mice, we have shown that cell proliferation in the hippocampus was similar in younger asymptomatic R6/1 mice and wild type controls, but that older R6/1 mice had significantly fewer BrdU+ cells than controls. Such a decrease in cell proliferation may be relevant to some of the deficits seen in these mice, although further work is needed to prove this.
ACE and AGTR1 polymorphisms and left ventricular hypertrophy in endurance athletes.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the role of angiotensin type 1 receptor gene (AGTR1) polymorphism (A1166C) in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) mediated by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in endurance athletes. METHODS A group of 74 white, healthy male endurance athletes, aged between 25 and 40 yr, were enrolled in this study. All of them participated primarily in isotonic sports, training for at least >10 h x wk(-1), for at least 5 yr. The ACE genotype (insertion [I] or deletion [D] alleles) was ascertained by polymerase chain reaction (DD in 35, ID in 36, and II in 3). Group II was excluded from the analysis because of its small size. No difference was found between the two groups as regards age, blood pressure, HR, and echocardiographic data. RESULTS The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly higher in group DD rather than in group ID (P = 0.029). The group DD showed a slightly higher prevalence of subjects with LVH (LVMI > 131 g x m(-2); 62.9%) than group ID (44.4%, P = 0.120). No association was found between ACE-DD and LVH (odds ratio (OR) = 2.12, 95% confidence interval = 0.82-5.46). Concerning the role of AGTR1 polymorphism, the highest LVMI was found in 15 athletes with ACE-DD and AGTR1-AC/CC genotypes (150 +/- 23 g x m(-2)); the lowest value of LVMI was found in the case of ACE-ID and AGTR1-AA (127 g x m(-2) +/- 18 g x m(-2)), whereas LVMI in subjects with ACE-DD + AGTR1-AA was similar to that in the ACE-ID + AGTR1-AC/CC group (134 +/- 18 g x m(-2) vs 133 +/- 20 g x m(-2), P = 0.880). The presence of ACE-DD + AGTR1 + AC/CC was strongly associated with LVH (OR = 4.6, P = 0.029). Moreover, subjects with LVH showed longer left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time and higher end-systolic wall stress. The latter was strongly correlated to LVMI (r = 0.588), especially in the presence of ACE-DD + AGTR1 + AC/CC (r = 0.728). CONCLUSIONS LVMI may be greater in the presence of ACE- DD and AGTR1-AC/CC polymorphisms.
Enhancing Financial Decision Making Using Multi-Objective Financial Genetic Programming

This paper presents a multi-objective genetic programming based financial forecasting system, MOFGP. MOFGP is built upon our previous decision-making tool, FGP (financial genetic programming). By taking advantage of the techniques of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs), MOFGP enhances FGP in a number of ways. Firstly, MOFGP is faster in obtaining the same quantity of diverse forecasting models optimized with respect to multiple conflicting objectives. This is attributed to the inherent property of MOEAs, i.e., a set of Pareto front solutions can be obtained in a single execution of its algorithm. Secondly, MOFGP is friendlier and simpler from the user's perspective. It is friendlier because it eliminates a number of user-supplied parameters previously required by FGP. Consequently, it becomes simpler as the user no longer needs to have a priori domain knowledge required for the proper use of those parameters. Finally, compared with FGP, which exploits a canonical single-objective approach to tackle a multi-criterion financial forecasting problem, MOFGP demonstrates the above advantages without seriously sacrificing its forecasting performance, although it suffers from an inadequate generalization capability over the test data in this study. Given its strengths and weaknesses, MOFGP could be employed as a useful starting investigative tool for financial decision making.
Intercomparison of wind speeds observed by AMSR and seawinds on ADEOS-II

The ADvanced Earth Observing Satellite-II (ADEOSII) carried two microwave sensors, AMSR (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer) and SeaWinds, which can measure near-surface wind speed over the global oceans. The wind speeds observed by AMSR and SeaWinds were compared with each other in order to assess consistency of the measurements. It is clearly shown that the first version of the AMSR wind (version 1) has systematic bias with reference to SeaWinds. The trend of bias discontinuously changes around wind speed of 5-6 m/s. This systematic bias in the AMSR wind speed is also confirmed by comparison with data from off-shore ocean buoys, while the SeaWinds wind speed agrees well with buoy data and shows no systematic bias. In an intercomparison of wind speed histograms calculated from global 7-months observations, the AMSR wind (version 1) also shows a skewed histogram with reference to those of SeaWinds and ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts) analysis. It is also shown that the systematic bias is significantly reduced in the revised version (version 3) of the AMSR wind product.
Types of Competitive Advantage and Analysis

The internal sources of competitive advantage cover a wide range of areas. The important competitive advantages behind an organization are not merely determined by its external factors. The internal sources of competitive advantage of a firm have been considered as crucial factors to success. The research looks at the extensive literature in relation to competitive advantage. The formation of main theories in literature review was illustrated by the concepts of competitive advantages through proper management action when managing the structure, process, culture and people of an organization. Therefore, the aim of competitive advantage recognition is connect with resources, capabilities and core competencies of the organization. By means of exploring and understanding the theories in literature review, to underpin the research.
Role of contrast-enhanced sonography in differentiation of subtypes of hepatocellular adenoma: correlation with MRI findings.

OBJECTIVE Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are divided into three subtypes according to genotype and phenotype. The two main subgroups are hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α)-inactivated HCA and inflammatory HCA. Specific imaging features of these subgroups of adenoma have been delineated with MRI. The aim of this study was to document the contrast-enhanced sonographic (CEUS) features specific for adenoma subtypes and to correlate them with MRI findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data on 38 patients with HCA confirmed at pathologic examination in all cases. All cases were classified with MRI. RESULTS HNF1α-inactivated HCA (n = 16) was found to have a homogeneous hyperechoic aspect at baseline gray-scale sonography, isovascularity or moderate hypervascularity with mixed filling in the arterial phase, and isoechogenicity in the portal and late portal venous phases. Homogeneous hyperechogenicity during B-mode sonography was the most specific pattern (sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 91%) and correlated with diffuse fat repartition observed on MR images obtained with chemical-shift sequences. In inflammatory HCA (n = 17) the association of arterial hypervascularity with centripetal filling, linear vascularities, peripheral rim of sustained enhancement, and central washout in the late venous phase was specific (sensitivity, 64%; specificity, 100%). Discrepancy between delayed washout during CEUS and sustained enhancement during MRI could be related to differences between gadolinium and microbubbles in diffusing in the interstitial spaces. In the five other HCA cases (four unclassified, one β-catenin activated) CEUS showed characteristics of benign hepatocellular tumors with no specific features. CONCLUSION HNF1α-inactivated HCA and inflammatory HCA had characteristic CEUS patterns. Delayed washout, an unusual finding in benign hepatic lesions, is of particular interest and was a characteristic of inflammatory HCA subtype.
Chemical modification of extracellular matrix by cold atmospheric plasma‐generated reactive species affects chondrogenesis and bone formation

The goal of this study was to investigate whether cold plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) modifies extracellular matrices (ECM) to influence chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification. Replacement of cartilage by bone during endochondral ossification is essential in fetal skeletal development, bone growth and fracture healing. Regulation of this process by the ECM occurs through matrix remodelling, involving a variety of cell attachment molecules and growth factors, which influence cell morphology and protein expression. The commercially available ECM, Matrigel, was treated with microsecond or nanosecond pulsed (μsp or nsp, respectively) DBD frequencies conditions at the equivalent frequencies (1 kHz) or power (~1 W). Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 was added and the mixture subcutaneously injected into mice to simulate ectopic endochondral ossification. Two weeks later, the masses were extracted and analysed by microcomputed tomography. A significant increase in bone formation was observed in Matrigel treated with μsp DBD compared with control, while a significant decrease in bone formation was observed for both nsp treatments. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed Matrigel treated with μsp plasma increased the number of invading cells, the amount of vascular endothelial growth factor and chondrogenesis while the opposite was true for Matrigel treated with nsp plasma. In support of the in vivo Matrigel study, 10 T1/2 cells cultured in vitro on μsp DBD‐treated type I collagen showed increased expression of adhesion proteins and activation of survival pathways, which decreased with nsp plasma treatments. These results indicate DBD modification of ECM can influence cellular behaviours to accelerate or inhibit chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Yield Non-detergent Isolation of Photosystem I-Light-harvesting Chlorophyll II Membranes from Spinach Thylakoids

Background: Light-harvesting chlorophyll (LHC) II associates with photosystem (PS) I to form a PS I-LHC II supercomplex. Results: Treatment of thylakoid membranes with styrene-maleic acid copolymer allows isolation of PS I-LHC II membranes. Conclusion: LHC II present in these membranes is functionally associated with PS I. Significance: A significant amount of the PS I present is normally associated with LHC II. Styrene-maleic acid copolymer was used to effect a non-detergent partial solubilization of thylakoids from spinach. A high density membrane fraction, which was not solubilized by the copolymer, was isolated and was highly enriched in the Photosystem (PS) I-light-harvesting chlorophyll (LHC) II supercomplex and depleted of PS II, the cytochrome b6/f complex, and ATP synthase. The LHC II associated with the supercomplex appeared to be energetically coupled to PS I based on 77 K fluorescence, P700 photooxidation, and PS I electron transport light saturation experiments. The chlorophyll (Chl) a/b ratio of the PS I-LHC II membranes was 3.2 ± 0.9, indicating that on average, three LHC II trimers may associate with each PS I. The implication of these findings within the context of higher plant PS I antenna organization is discussed.
Influence of Drawing Conditions on the Properties and Radiation Sensitivities of Pure-Silica-Core Optical Fibers

The structure and radiation sensitivities of three different pure-silica-core fluorine-doped-cladding optical fibers, made from the same original preform, were investigated by several experimental techniques. The fibers were obtained by changing the drawing speed and tension in the typical ranges of values used for the radiation-tolerant waveguides. The Raman spectroscopy revealed no significant difference among the fibers before irradiation. At variance, the comparison between the fibers and their associated preform highlighted an increase in the amplitude of the D2 band that is related to the concentration of three-member rings. Moreover, in the zones where the D2 increase is larger, we observed that the R band peak shifts to higher energy values. The larger shifts are detected in the fluorine-doped cladding. These data suggest higher values of fictive temperature and density in the fibers with respect to the associated preform. The study of the concentrations of γ-ray induced nonbridging oxygen hole centers and E'Si centers provided no evidence for significant dependence on the investigated drawing conditions. Under γ-rays, a linear relation between the concentrations of these two defects is observed. These concentrations increase sublinearly with the dose suggesting the breaking of the Si-O-Si strained bonds as the main generation channel. Finally, under X-rays, we observed that C1-related defects are mainly responsible for the induced absorption at about 3.5 eV. These defects are unstable at room temperature and a bleaching of their related attenuation is observed 1h after the end of the irradiation.