Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Apoptotic Caspase Activity in Chronic Hepatitis C and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Background Apoptotic caspases are substantially activated in liver and serum caspase activity has been suggested as a marker of early liver injury. Aim To investigate whether serum levels of caspase-generated fragments of cytokeratin-18 are associated with the severity of histologic lesions in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods We included 134 patients with chronic HCV infection and 58 patients with NAFLD, who consecutively underwent liver biopsy, and 40 healthy controls. Caspase-generated cytokeratin-18 fragment levels were blindly measured in stored serum samples. Results Median cytokeratin-18 fragment levels were lower in HCV-positive patients with minimal/mild than patients with moderate/severe histologic lesions (174 U/L vs. 223 U/L, P<0.001) offering moderate accuracy for differentiation between the 2 groups (c-statistic: 0.74). Cytokeratin-18 fragments levels were lower in healthy subjects (148 U/L) than patients with simple fatty liver (174 U/L, P=0.013) than patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (355 U/L, P<0.001) offering excellent diagnostic accuracy for differentiation between the 2 latter groups (c-statistic: 0.87). Conclusions Serum apoptotic caspase activity is associated with the severity of liver histologic lesions in both chronic HCV infection and NAFLD, but it has excellent diagnostic accuracy in NAFLD and moderate accuracy in chronic HCV patients.
Is the world flat? Economic consequences of geographic information in financial reports

Abstract This study examines whether investors are concerned about textual geographic information in annual reports. Based on a sample of China’s listed firms, we report the following findings: First, the more low marketisation districts (LMDs) appear in the annual reports, the higher the market return will be. Second, the result is more pronounced in non-state companies. Third, the frequency of LMDs is positively related with Tobin Q and CEO’s compensation. Fourth, we are unable to detect any relation between the frequency of high marketisation districts (HMDs) and firm characteristics including short term market reaction, Tobin Q and CEO’s compensation. Lastly, frequencies of both LMDs and HMDs are positively related with corporate innovation measured by patents. Taken together, the results show that a company can succeed in a developing area by filling the void of infrastructure. The strategy of expanding business in developing areas does not impair long term innovative activities.
Absorption of short-chain fatty acids from the in-situ-perfused caecum and colon of the guinea pig.

BACKGROUND Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) originate from microbial fermentation of carbohydrates in the hindgut. Mechanisms involved in SCFA absorption are not fully understood. METHODS The caecum and proximal and distal colon of the guinea pig were perfused in situ. RESULTS SCFA absorption per gram mucosal dry weight was highest in the proximal colon and lowest in the caecum. Owing to the large surface, quantitatively SCFA absorption was highest from the caecum. In the distal colon clearance of SCFA increased with chain length (Ac < Pr < Bu); in the caecum and proximal colon only a comparatively small or no such influence was observed. Inhibition of the proton antiport systems in the apical membrane and inhibition of the carbonic anhydrase activity diminished SCFA absorption. The diffusive and carrier components of absorption were calculated for propionate at increasing propionate concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Marked segmental differences in SCFA absorption are apparent in the large intestine of the guinea pig.
Awareness and Utilization of Family Planning Among Married Women in the Traditional Core Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State

The study examined the awareness and utilization of family planning among married women in the traditional core areas of Ibadan, Oyo State. Data was collected through the administration of 136 copies of structure questionnaire to married women in five selected traditional core areas. Result showed that the utilization of family planning methods was low among married women in Opo Yiosa (9%) and Ayeye (11.2%), but high in Mapo, Oja Oba and Inalende with utilization rates of 31.5%, 29.2% and 19.1% respectively. Oral contraceptive pills, injectable contraceptives and IUCD were mostly used, while implant was not widely used. Fear of infertility, associated side effects and husband’s influence were major barriers to women use of family planning measures. Logistic regression result showed that the socioeconomic characteristics of married women were responsible for 12.6 per cent of the use of family planning. The Wald criterion showed that monthly income of N10,000 – N20, 000 (X 2 = 5.317, p 0.05). EXP (B) value further indicated that the monthly income (N10, 000 – N20, 000) of married women in the traditional core areas of Ibadan was 3 more times likely to predict the use of family planning. The study recommends the need to increase the campaign on the use of family planning methods in the traditional core areas of Ibadan mostly in Opo Yiosa and Ayeye where the level of utilisation is still low. Keywords: Family planning, Traditional Core Areas, Ibadan, Contraceptives, Awareness, Utilization
Integrated Reporting-Concept and Impact on Performance of Croatian Companies

Integrated reporting is a combination of financial and non-financial information intended primarily for external stakeholders. However, it is also an effective management control tool, as it promotes integrated thinking, strengthens the company’s reputation and overall success. The aim of this paper is to investigate the extent to which The International Framework (IR) is recognized in Croatian companies and whether a higher level of efficiency encourages companies to socially more responsible performance. The starting point is The International Framework whose concept is analytically expound with a critical review of the distinction between reporting on social responsibility and the concept of integrated reporting. The empirical research included companies from Zagreb Stock Exchange and those companies that are members of Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development (HR BCSD). The research is based on the data collected from Amadeus base, Annual Financial Statements Registry of FINA and company’s websites. A content analysis of 138 companies is conducted according to their repots and performance by selected relevant indicators. The results confirm that companies that more transparently report about their results through data on economic, environmental and social aspect of business have greater efficiency measured by financial results. Furthermore, the results show that these same companies, in addition to the economic aspect pay more attention to ecological and less to social indicators in their reports.
A multi-user multi-beam selection scheme based on orthonormal random beamforming for mimo downlink system

This paper investigates multi-user scheduling with limited feedback of partial channel state information for MIMO downlink system based on orthonormal random beamforming (ORBF). It already shows that ORBF could reduce feedback information remarkably at the same time the throughput is asymptotically optimal and scale as DPC. However ORBF yields severely degraded performance with low to moderate number of users. In this work, we present a multi-user multi-beam selection scheme based on ORBF. The core idea is to feedback more channel information for the group of users identified by ORBF so that much more sum-rate could be achieved even with low number of users. We analyze equal power allocation and adaptive power allocation among beams respectively. Simulation results show that substantial gain could be achieved at the expense of more feedback channel state information and more complexity at the transmitter.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax In Mexico.

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Bilirubin-Induced Neurotoxicity and Environmental Impacts onHyperbilirubinemia Development

Hyperbilirubinemia (also known as jaundice), caused by the accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin, is one of the most common clinical diagnoses in both premature and term newborns. Owing to the fact that bilirubin is metabolized solely through glucuronidation by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1, it is now known that immaturity of UGT1A1 in combination with overproduction of bilirubin during the developmental stage acts as a bottleneck to bilirubin elimination and predisposes the infant to high TBS levels. While neonatal jaundice is mostly benign, excessively high levels of serum bilirubin in a small percentage of newborns can cause acute or chronic bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND), potentially progressing to acute encephalopathy leading to irreversible brain damage and death. As a series of hereditary UGT1A1 mutations have been identified that are associated with UGT1A1 deficiency, new evidence has verified that developmental expression of UGT1A1 is a tightly controlled event, and both genetic polymorphisms and developmental regulation of UGT1A1 are major contributing factors determining the severity of hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity. This review recapitulates the progress that has been made in recent years in understanding etiology and physiopathology of severe hyperbilirubinemia, investigating molecular mechanisms underlying bilirubin-induced encephalopathy, and searching for potential therapies for treating pathologic hyperbilirubinemia. Several animal models have been developed to make it possible to examine bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity from multiple directions. Moreover, environmental factors that may alleviate or worsen the condition of hyperbilirubinemia are discussed.
Expression of three extracellular matrix degradative enzymes in bladder cancer

The relationship between expression of extracellular matrix degradative enzymes, angiogenesis and survival of multistage bladder cancer was determined. Expression of 3 extracellular matrix degradative enzymes (metalloproteinase‐2, ‐9 and heparanase) and microvessel formation were examined in 40 resected bladder cancer specimens by immunohistostochemic staining, and then the association of the enzyme expression with angiogenesis and various stages of cancer was investigated. Heparanase protein expression in muscular invasive or lymph‐node metastatic cancer was significantly higher than in superficial or nonmetastatic cancer, respectively (69% vs. 8%, p < 0.001, and 80% vs. 40%, p = 0.028, respectively). Interestingly, heparanase was expressed at much higher levels than matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9. The mean microvessel count in cancers with heparanase expression was significantly higher than that in cancers without heparanase expression (32.3 ± 18.2 vs. 5.5 ± 6.1, p = 0.0008). The microvessel formation was not associated with the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9. The cancer‐specific and overall survival rates of patients with heparanase expression were significantly lower than those of patients without it (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0008, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that heparanase expression was a significantly independent prognostic factor for both cancer‐specific (p = 0.0047) and overall survival (p = 0.0200). Our study suggested that heparanase plays important roles in invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis of bladder cancer, and thus, this molecule could be a new molecule to inhibit invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis of bladder cancer. Moreover, our results indicate that expression of heparanase could be a new prognostic factor of this disease. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High Tofu Intake Is Associated with Worse Memory in Elderly Indonesian Men and Women

Background/Aims: Cell culture studies suggest that phytoestrogens, abundant in soy products such as tempe and tofu, could protect against cognitive decline. Paradoxically, the Honolulu Asia Aging Study reported an increased risk for cognitive impairment and other dementia markers with high tofu (soybean curd) intake. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2 rural sites (Borobudur and Sumedang) and 1 urban site (Jakarta) among mainly Javanese and Sundanese elderly (n = 719, 52–98 years of age). Memory was measured using a word learning test sensitive to dementia and soy consumption was assessed using Food Frequency Questionnaire items. Results: High tofu consumption was associated with worse memory (β = –0.18, p < 0.01, 95% CI = –0.34 to –0.06), while high tempe consumption (a fermented whole soybean product) was independently related to better memory (β = 0.12, p < 0.05, 95% CI = 0.00–0.28), particularly in participants over 68 years of age. Fruit consumption also had an independent positive association. The analyses were controlled for age, sex, education, site and intake of other foods. Conclusion: The results for tofu consumption as a risk factor for low memory function may tie in with the Honolulu Asia Aging Study data. It is unclear whether these negative associations could be attributed to potential toxins or to its phytoestrogen levels. Estrogen (through which receptors phytoestrogens can exert effects) was found to increase dementia risk in women over 65 years of age. Tempe contains high levels of phytoestrogens, but (due to fermentation) also exhibits high folate levels which may exert protective effects. Future studies should validate these findings and investigate potential mechanisms.
Effects of extracellular products of Vibrio alginolyticus on penaeid prawn plasma components

The effects of both crude extracellular products (ECP) and a partially purified protease of Vibrio alginolyticus on the plasma components of kuruma prawn (Penaeus japonicus) and tiger prawn (P. monodon) were studied using crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE). A component of the plasma, tentatively identified as coagulogen, apparently disappeared after incubation with the ECP, while the amount of a component tentatively identified as haemocyanin decreased. The coagulogen and an unknown component (component 1) in the penaeid plasma showed an increased migration rate after incubation with a partially purified 33 kDa protease of the bacterium. In contrast, incubation with protease had no detectable effect on the amount of haemocyanin. These events may significantly contribute to the pathogenicity of Vibrio alginolyticus in penaeids.
Effect of aspect-ratio on vortex distribution and heat transfer in rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection

Numerical and experimental data for the heat transfer as function of the Rossby number Ro in rotating Rayleigh-Benard are presented for Pr = 4.38 and up to Ra = 4.52 × 109 . The aspect ratio is varied between Γ = 0.5 and Γ = 2.0. Without rotation, where the aspect ratio influences the global flow structure, we see a small aspect-ratio dependence in the Nusselt number. For stronger rotation, i.e. 1/Ro ≫ 1/Roc, the heat transport becomes independent of the aspect-ratio. We interpret this finding as follows: In the rotating regime the heat is mainly transported by vertically-aligned vortices. Since these vortices are local, the aspect ratio has a negligible effect on the heat transport in the rotating regime. Indeed, an analysis of the vortex statistics shows that the fraction of the horizontal area that is covered by vortices is aspect-ratio independent when 1/Ro ≫ 1/Roc. In agreement with the results of Weiss & Ahlers (2011) we find a vortex-depleted area close to the sidewall. Here, we show that there is also an area with enhanced vortex concentration next to the vortex-depleted edge region and that the absolute widths of both regions are independent of the aspect ratio. This proceeding is a summary of Stevens et al. (2011).
Characterization of a Novel Human Serine Protease That Has Extensive Homology to Bacterial Heat Shock Endoprotease HtrA and Is Regulated by Kidney Ischemia*

We report the isolation and characterization of a cDNA encoding the novel mammalian serine protease Omi. Omi protein consists of 458 amino acids and has homology to bacterial HtrA endoprotease, which acts as a chaperone at low temperatures and as a proteolytic enzyme that removes denatured or damaged substrates at elevated temperatures. The carboxyl terminus of Omi has extensive homology to a mammalian protein called L56 (human HtrA), but unlike L56, which is secreted, Omi is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Omi has several novel putative protein-protein interaction motifs, as well as a PDZ domain and a Src homology 3-binding domain. Omi mRNA is expressed ubiquitously, and the gene is localized on human chromosome 2p12. Omi interacts with Mxi2, an alternatively spliced form of the p38 stress-activated kinase. Omi protein, when made in a heterologous system, shows proteolytic activity against a nonspecific substrate β-casein. The proteolytic activity of Omi is markedly up-regulated in the mouse kidney following ischemia/reperfusion.
ANALISIS PENGARUH PEMBIAYAAN BANK SYARIAH DAN TENAGA KERJA TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PRODUK DOMESTIK BRUTO (PDB): ANALISIS SEKTORAL TAHUN 2006 - 2013

Melambatnya pembangunan ekonomi sektoral Indonesia, yang dilihat dari perkembangan produk domestik bruto. Peran investasi dari pembiayaan bank syariah dan tenaga kerja yang menjadi salah satu pendorong pembangunan ekonomi disetiap sektor.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pembiayaan bank syariah dan tenaga kerja terhadap peningkatan produk domestik bruto sektoral.Teknik analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan panel data. Dengan uji Chow Test dan Hausman Test untuk menguji pengguaan model Common Effect, Fixed Effect atau Random Effect. Data sektoral ekonomi Indonesia yang diuji dalam kurun waktu 8 tahun (2006-2013) yaitu sektor pertanian dan peternakan, pertambangan dan penggalian, industri pengolahan,, listrik, gas dan air, bangunan, perdagangan, hotel dan restoran, pengangkutan dan komunikasi.Hasil penelitian menunjukan model Fixed Effect yang mempengaruhi pembiayaan bank syariah dan tenaga kerja terhadap produk domestik bruto sektoral. Berdasarkan hasil estimasi tersebut variabel pembiayaan bank syariah berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap produk domestik bruto (PDB) sektoral.Kemudian hasil variabel tenaga kerja berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap produk domestik bruto (PDB) sektoral.Pembiayaan bank syariah pada sektor pertambangan dan penggalian saja yang kurang berpengaruhi karena sektor ini lebih banyak investasi dari pihak luar negeri.Pada sektor tenaga kerja hanya sektor pertambangan dan penggalian serta sektor listrik, gas dan air yang mempunyai pengaruh positif terhadap PDB.
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteases (MMP-2, MT1-MMP) and Their Tissue Inhibitor (TIMP-2) by Rat Sertoli Cells in Culture: Implications for Spermatogenesis

Abstract During testicular development and maturation, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling is a fundamental process which requires the presence of several proteases and protease inhibitors. Among the proteases, a pivotal role has been proposed for matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Here we report an analysis of MMP-2, MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 expression by rat Sertoli cells in culture using RTPCR and zymographic techniques. Stimulating Sertoli cells with folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) in vitro induced evident changes in the level of their mRNA in a timedependent manner. In the case of TIMP-2 and MT1-MMP, the respective transcripts were augmented up to threefold after 24 h of treatment, and MMP-2 transcripts increased by four times in the same period. MMP-2 activity determined by gelatin zymography showed an increase in enzyme secretion after FSH stimulation. The results of this study suggest that: (i) at the surface of Sertoli cells proMMP-2 activation mediated by MT1-MMP may occur, involving TIMP-2 as a receptor; and (ii) the expression of these molecules is not constitutive in this cell type, but may be modulated by FSH and is therefore implicated in spermatogenesis.
Unassisted refolding of urea‐denatured arginine kinase from shrimp Feneropenaeus chinensis: Evidence for two equilibrium intermediates in the refolding pathway

The refolding process and the equilibrium intermediates of urea‐denatured arginine kinase (AK) were investigated by 1‐anilino‐8‐naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) intrinsic fluorescence, far‐UV circular dichroism (CD), size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC), and enzymatic activity. In dilute denaturant, two equilibrium refolding intermediates (I and N′) were discovered, and a refolding scheme of urea‐denatured AK was proposed. During the refolding of urea‐denatured AK, the fluorescence intensity increased remarkably, accompanied by a significant blue shift of the emission maximum and a pronounced increase in molar ellipticity of CD at 222 nm. The first folding intermediate (I) was inactive in urea solution ranging between 2.4 and 3.0 M. The second (N′) existed between a 0.4‐ and 0.8‐M urea solution, with slightly increased activity. Neither the blue shift emission maximum nor the molar ellipticity of CD at 222 nm showed significant changes in these two regions. The two intermediates were characterized by monitoring the ANS binding ability in various residual urea solutions, and two peaks of the emission intensity were observed in urea solutions of 0.6 and 2.8 M, respectively. The SEC results indicated that a distribution coefficient (KD) platform existed in urea solutions ranging between 2.4 and 3.0 M urea, suggesting that there was a similarly apparent protein profile and size in the urea solution region. The refolding kinetics showed that the urea‐denatured AK was in two‐phase refolding. Proline isomerization occurred in the unfolding process of AK, which blocked the slow phase of refolding. These results suggested that the refolding process of urea‐denatured AK contained at the least two equilibrium refolding intermediates.
Extracellular Electrical Fields Direct Wound Healing and Regeneration

Endogenous DC electric fields (EFs) are important, fundamental components of development, regeneration, and wound healing. The fields are the result of polarized ion transport and current flow through electrically conductive pathways. Nullification of endogenous EFs with pharmacological agents or applied EFs of opposite polarity disturbs the aforementioned processes, while enhancement increases the rate of wound closure and the extent of regeneration. EFs are applied to humans in the clinic, to provide an overwhelming signal for the enhancement of healing of chronic wounds. Although clinical trials, spanning a course of decades, have shown that applied EFs enhance healing of chronic wounds, the mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to these weak cues remains unknown. EFs are thought to influence many different processes in vivo. However, under more rigorously controlled conditions in vitro, applied EFs induce cellular polarity and direct migration and outgrowth. Here we review the generation of endogenous EFs, the results of their alteration, and the mechanisms by which cells may sense these weak fields. Understanding the mechanisms by which native and applied EFs direct development and repair will enable current and future therapeutic applications to be optimized.