Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acetylshikonin is a novel non‐selective cytochrome P450 inhibitor

Acetylshikonin is a biologically active compound with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity, which is isolated from the roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizoma. An inhibitory effect of acetylshikonin against CYP2J2 activity was discovered recently. Based on this result, this study was expanded to evaluate the inhibitory effects of acetylshikonin against nine different cytochrome P450 (P450) isoforms in human liver microsomes (HLMs) using substrate cocktails incubation assay. Acetylshikonin showed a strong inhibitory effect against all P450s tested with IC50 values of 1.4-4.0 μ m. Pre-incubation of acetylshikonin with HLMs and NADPH did not alter the inhibition potency, indicating that acetylshikonin is not a mechanism-based inhibitor. SKF-525A, a widely used non-specific P450 inhibitor, had no inhibitory activity against CYP1A2, 2A6, 2E1 and 2J2, while it showed an inhibitory effect against CYP2B6, CYP2C19 and 2D6 with IC50 values of 2.5, 3.6 and 0.5 μ m, respectively. Our findings indicate that acetylshikonin may be a novel general P450 inhibitor, which could replace SKF-525A.
Effect of Operating Parameters on the Performance Evaluation of Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells Using Sediments from the Bay of Campeche, Mexico

Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFC) are devices that remove organic matter (OM) and generate energy from sediments rich in organic nutrients. They are composed of electrodes with adequate different distances and floating air cathodes in an aqueous medium with saturated oxygen. In this study we proposed to design, build, analyze and evaluate a set of BMFCs with floating air cathodes to test the optimal distance between the electrodes, using sediment from the Bay of Campeche as a substrate. For the analysis of OM removal, COD tests, volatile solids (VS), E4/E6 study and FTIR analysis were performed. Power generation was evaluated through polarization curves, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We achieved a current density and power density at 10 cm depth of 929.7 ± 9.5 mA/m2 and 109.6 ± 7.5 mW/m2 respectively, with 54% removal of OM from the sediment, obtaining formation of aliphatic structures. BMFCs are proposed as adequate systems for bioremediation and power generation. The system at 10 cm depth and 100 cm distance between sediment and the floating air cathode had a good performance and therefore the potential for possible scaling.
Perceived Disagreement and Heterogeneity in Social Networks: Distinct Effects on Political Participation

ABSTRACT Although the coexistence of conflicting opinions in society is the very core of democracy, people’s tendency to avoid conflict could keep them away from political discussion and participation. On the other hand, being exposed to diverse political views could motivate citizens to participate. We conducted secondary analyses on two 2013 ITANES (Italian National Election Studies) probability samples in order to test the hypotheses that perceived network disagreement (between an individual and her/his discussion partners) and heterogeneity (among discussants holding different political opinions) exert independent and opposite effects on political participation through motivation and knowledge. Results converged in showing that disagreement dampened, while heterogeneity encouraged, political participation (voting, propensity to abstain in future, offline and online activism, and timing of vote decision) by decreasing or increasing, respectively, political interest and, in turn, knowledge.
Isolation of ATMEKK1 (a MAP kinase kinase kinase)-interacting proteins and analysis of a MAP kinase cascade in Arabidopsis.

In plants, a number of MAP kinase (MAPK), MAPK kinase (MAPKK), and MAPKK kinase (MAPKKK) homologues have been reported. However, there have been no reports of protein-protein interactions between these kinases or molecular analysis of MAPK cascades in higher plants. To analyze a possible MAPK cascade in Arabidopsis thaliana, we took two molecular approaches. One is the two-hybrid screening of ATMEKK1 (a MAPKKK)-interacting proteins; the other is an analysis of physical and functional interactions among isolated MAPK, MAPKK, and MAPKKK homologues from Arabidopsis. In two-hybrid screening using ATMEKK1 as bait, we isolated a novel MAPKK homologue, ATMKK2, a MAPK homologue, ATMPK4, and an unknown protein. ATMKK2 has high sequence similarity with MEK1 (a MAPKK) in Arabidopsis. Based on yeast two-hybrid analysis, we detected protein-protein interactions between ATMEKK1 and ATMKK2/MEK1 (MAPKKs), between ATMKK2/MEK1 and ATMPK4 (a MAPK), and between ATMPK4 and ATMEKK1. ATMPK4 and ATMKK2/MEK1 interacted with two distinct regions of ATMEKK1, the N-terminal regulatory domain and the C-terminal kinase domain, respectively. Coexpression of ATMEKK1 increased the ability of two closely related MAPKKs, ATMKK2 and MEK1, to complement a growth defect of the yeast pbs2 mutant. Coexpression of ATMPK4 and MEK1 complemented a growth defect of the yeast mpk1 and bck1 mutants. By contrast, other combinations of MAPKs and MAPKKs did not suppress these yeast mutations. These results suggest that ATMEKK1, ATMKK2/MEK1, and ATMPK4 may constitute a MAP kinase cascade.
A community-based study of menstrual hygiene practices and willingness to pay for sanitary napkins among women of a rural community in northern India.

BACKGROUND Hygiene-related practices of women during menstruation are of paramount importance. There is a lack of sizeable literature on menstrual practices from northern India. We documented the menstrual hygiene practices of rural women and assessed their willingness to pay for sanitary napkins. METHODS A cross-sectional study was done in villages under the Comprehensive Rural Health Services Project (CRHSP), situated in Ballabgarh, Haryana. The study participants were women in the age group of 15-45 years. Nine villages were selected randomly while the number of respondents in each selected village was decided through the probability propor-tionate to size sampling method. The households were selected using systematic sampling. One woman was interviewed in each household using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 995 women were interviewed. A majority of them (62%) were unaware of the reason(s) for menstruation. The role of the health sector in providing information regarding menstruation was low as only a few women (1.5%) had got information from the auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM)/health worker (HW). For the majority of women, besides religious activities, other routine activities did not suffer during menstruation. Only 28.8% of women were using sanitary napkins and of those who did not use napkins, only one-fourth (25.3%) were willing to buy them. The mean (SD) price per napkin that these women were ready to pay was Rs. 0.54 (0.43), equivalent to US$ 0.01. CONCLUSION Women in the reproductive age group should be provided with appropriate information about menstruation, and they should be told about the advantages of using sanitary napkins. Health sector functionaries should play a proactive role in the delivery of such information.
Risk management and dynamic network performance: an illustration using a dual banking system

ABSTRACT This study applies dynamic network data envelopment analysis to compare a dual banking system, namely conventional and Islamic banks, with emphasis on risk measures. Non-oriented, variable return-to-scale dynamic network slacks-based measure is used to model the banking performance for the period 2008–2012. Under the consideration of risk measures, the findings highlight that Islamic banks excel in managerial efficiency while conventional banks surpass in profitability efficiency. Furthermore, the regression results find that the number of directors on the risk management committee has a positive impact on banking performance. Meanwhile, the high number of independent directors improves the profitability efficiency but worsens the managerial efficiency.
Clinical Evaluation of Intraparenchymal Spiegelberg Pressure Sensor

OBJECTIVEThe Spiegelberg 3-PN intraparenchymal pressure sensor was clinically evaluated. DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUMENTATIONThe Spiegelberg intraparenchymal pressure sensor is a low-cost device that uniquely performs regular automatic zeroing in situ throughout the measurement period. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUEThe Spiegelberg sensor was inserted in 87 patients who required intracranial pressure monitoring as part of their routine management. Complications were assessed by postoperative computed tomographic scanning and clinical investigation. The automated zeroing procedure was assessed after implantation of the sensor and during long-term measurement. In five patients, the “gold standard‘ of intraventricular pressure was measured simultaneously and compared with the intraparenchymal or subdural Spiegelberg 3-PN pressure. EXPERIENCE AND RESULTSNo complications associated with the Spiegelberg sensor were observed. The duration of monitoring ranged from 3 to 28 days (mean, 10 d). In 3 patients, technical problems occurred, and in 84 patients, the pressure measurement was successful, including the automatic zeroing procedures performed by the monitor after insertion and hourly thereafter. The absolute difference between the Spiegelberg reading and the intraventricular pressure was less than ±3 mm Hg in 99.6% and less than ±2 mm Hg in 91.3% of readings. An Altman-Bland bias plot revealed good agreement between the two methods, with an average bias of 0.5 mm Hg, but revealed a significant trend toward 10% lower Spiegelberg readings with increasing intracranial pressure of >25 mm Hg. There was no difference between intraparenchymal and subdural locations. CONCLUSIONThe Spiegelberg 3-PN sensor was reliable and simple to use. It can be recommended for routine intraparenchymal and subdural pressure measurement at a considerably lower price compared with other tip transducers and has the unique advantage of automated zeroing in vivo.
Impact of entrepreneurial proclivity on firm performance: The role of market and technology turbulence

This study was aimed at examining the impact of entrepreneurial proclivity on business performance of SMEs in West Sumatera, Indonesia. The moderating variables of this study were role of market and technology turbulence. Data was collected from survey of selected managers or owners of SMEs and later analysed using Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Findings show dimensions of entrepreneurial proclivity have significant effects on business performance. There is no significant moderating effect of the role market and technology turbulence on entrepreneurial proclivity of SMEs. Therefore, this study contributes to literature by highlighting the relationship between entrepreneurial proclivity and business performance. Managerial implications are discussed as well.
Intraoperative assessment of depth of myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the adequacy of intraoperative assessment of depth of myometrial invasion in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma. METHODS Of the 58 evaluable cases, depth of myometrial invasion was estimated by gross examination of fresh tissue by an experienced surgeon and a pathologist and on the frozen section by the same pathologist. This was compared with the depth of invasion on the final microscopic examination performed by another pathologist. RESULTS The depth of invasion was accurately predicted by the surgeon in 89.7% of the patients, while the pathologist's accurate prediction rates on fresh tissue and frozen section were 86.2% and 91.4%, respectively. The accurate prediction rate gradually diminished for both the surgeon and the pathologist as the histologic grade increased. Frozen section examination was reliable in grade I cancer (100%), while gross examination of the surgeon and the pathologist had a significant error rate in predicting accurate depth of invasion (7.6%-33%). CONCLUSION If frozen section shows that myometrial invasion in patients with grade 1 endometrial carcinoma is less than 1/3, lymphadenectomy may be omitted. In all other cases radical surgery and surgical staging is mandatory to avoid undertreatment.
Human Capital Sorting: The 'When' and 'Who' of the Sorting of Educated Workers to Urban Regions

The sorting of high-ability workers is often advanced as one source of spatial disparities in economic outcomes. There are still few papers that analyze when human capital sorting occurs and whom it involves. Using data on 16 cohorts of university graduates in Sweden, we demonstrate significant sorting to urban regions on high school grades and education levels of parents, i.e., two attributes typically associated with latent abilities that are valued in the labor market. A large part of this sorting has already occurred in deciding where to study, because the top universities in Sweden are predominantly located in urban regions. The largest part of directed sorting on ability indicators occurs in the decision of where to study. Even after controlling for sorting prior to labor market entry, the “best and brightest” are still more likely to start working in urban regions. However, this effect appears to be driven by Sweden's main metropolitan region, Stockholm. We find no influence of our ability indicators on the probability of starting to work in urban regions after graduation when Stockholm is excluded. Studies of human capital sorting need to account for selection processes to and from universities, because neglecting mobility prior to labor market entry is likely to lead to an underestimation of the extent of the sorting to urban regions.
Evolution of Multiresistance in Nontyphoid Salmonella Serovars from 1984 to 1998 in Argentina

ABSTRACT Molecular evolution of multiresistance in nontyphoid Salmonella spp. was investigated with 155 isolates obtained in Argentina from 1984 to 1998. In 74 isolates obtained from 1984 to 1988 resistance was associated with the presence of Tn3, Tn9, class I (In0) and II (Tn7) integrons, and the aac(3)-IIa gene. Extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) resistance in Salmonella spp. emerged in 1989, and 81 isolates resistant to at least one ESC and one aminoglycoside were collected thereafter. Among these, two patterns of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms were found: from 1989 to 1992, resistance was related to the spreading of Tn1331 and blaCTX-M-2, in addition to the persistence of In0 and Tn7. From 1993 to 1998, several integrons were added to the first pattern and three integron groups (IG), namely, IG1 (38% of the isolates), IG2 (51%), and IG3 (11%), were identified. At least two β-lactamase genes were detected in 65% of the isolates (after 1989) by PCR analysis. Furthermore, five β-lactamase genes, blaCTX-M-2, blaOXA-9, blaOXA-2, blaTEM-1, and blaPER-2, were found in two isolates. The blaCTX-M-2 gene was found in several complex sulI-type integrons with different rearrays within the variable region of class I integrons, suggesting evolution of these integrons in nontyphoid Salmonella. In conclusion, progressive acquisition and accumulation of plasmid-mediated resistance determinants occurred from 1984 to 1998 in nontyphoid Salmonella isolates of the most prevalent serovars from Argentina. It is suggested that antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in these bacteria may have been the consequence of plasmid exchange between Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli or Shigella flexneri and/or spreading of mobile elements from the nosocomial environment.
Potential value of vintristine‐adriamycin‐dexamethasone combination chemotherapy (VAD) in refractory and rapidly progressive myeloma

10 patients with myeloma refractory to alkylating agents were treated with either 4‐d pulses of high‐dose dexamethasone therapy, or 4‐d pulsed high‐dose dexamethasone in combination with 4‐d continuous infusions of vincristine and adriamycin (VAD). 8 patients were evaluated after a median duration of treatment of 2.3 courses (range 1 to 4). 6 of the 8 evaluable patients achieved reduction in serum and/or urine paraprotein levels with a mean reduction in serum paraprotein of 74.1%. There was a concomitant improvement in wellbeing in these responding patients. 2 evaluable patients failed to show biochemical or clinical response (1 treated with VAD, 1 high‐dose dexamethasone). 2 patients currently survive 390 d and 180 d, respectively, on continuing therapy. 8 patients died with a mean duration of survival of 99 d (range 10 to 246 d). We conclude that the use of VAD chemotherapy in patients with refractory myeloma confers both a worthwile remission of disease symptoms and biochemical evidence of disease regression, and that trials of VAD as primary treatment for myeloma are indicated.
Teaching Research Methods: Learning by Doing

Abstract This paper outlines ways to structure a research-methods class so that students gain a practical knowledge of how research is done. Emphasis is placed on data collection, using statistical software, and writing up results. Included in this article are several assignments and exercises that, when combined, work to produce a scholarly empirical report. Students gain an appreciation of the fruits and frustrations involved in the research process, and learn to be more critical consumers of research projects.
Rifaximin vs. conventional oral therapy for hepatic encephalopathy: a meta-analysis.

AIM To characterize the efficacy of rifaximin in the management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) as several randomized controlled studies have shown contradictory results on its effectiveness in comparison to other oral agents. METHODS We performed a systematic review and random effects meta-analysis of all eligible trials identified through electronic and manual searches. Twelve randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria with a total of 565 patients. RESULTS The clinical effectiveness of rifaximin was equivalent to disaccharides or other oral antibiotics [odds ratio (OR) 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94-4.08] but with a better safety profile (OR 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12-0.59). At the completion of treatment protocols, patients receiving rifaximin showed lower serum ammonia levels [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -10.65; 95% CI: -23.4-2.1; P = 0.10], better mental status (WMD = -0.24; 95% CI: -0.57-0.08; P = 0.15) and less asterixis (WMD -0.1; 95% CI -0.26-0.07; P = 0.25) without reaching statistical significance. On the other hand, other psychometric outcomes such as electroencephalographic response and grades of portosystemic encephalopathy were superior in patients treated with rifaximin in comparison to the control group (WMD = 0.21, 95% CI: -0.33-0.09, P = 0.0004; and WMD = -2.33, 95% CI: -2.68-1.98, P = 0.00001, respectively). Subgroup and sensitivity analysis did not show any significant difference in the above findings. CONCLUSION Rifaximin appears to be at least as effective as other conventional oral agents for the treatment of HE with a better safety profile.
How Test Power Impacts Research Relevance: The Case of Earnings Management Research

We argue that the broader applicability of accounting research is often limited by the way accounting researchers typically place far greater weight on the relative cost of type I versus type II errors. To illustrate the extent of this problem, we examine the performance of simple financial ratio-type analysis for detecting earnings overstatements when the total misclassification costs are minimized subject to the relative cost of type I versus type II errors. We then contrast the likelihood of type I versus type II errors from this approach with those arising from several widely used measures of unexpected accruals. The results demonstrate how commonly-used unexpected accruals measures reduce the type I error rate by sacrificing the type II error rate. Given that accounting information users and auditors typically face much higher costs of type II errors, we explicitly identify why unexpected accruals models are likely far less useful in detecting earnings overstatements than a relatively simple approach using financial statement analysis red flags. Our results highlight the fundamentally contrasting incentives facing accounting researchers relative to those who might otherwise use the research in practice, and serve as a warning when the broader relevance of accounting research is increasingly under question.
Employment Adjustments of Regular and Non-Regular Workers to Exogenous Shocks: Evidence from Exchange-Rate Fluctuation

The authors investigate the adjustments in employment of regular and non-regular workers, exploiting the exchange-rate fluctuation and heterogeneous dependence on international trade across firms as a source of exogenous variation. An analysis of panel data of Japanese manufacturers reveals that the appreciation of the Japanese yen spontaneously decreased the sales of exporters and the employment of non-regular workers, but it did not reduce the employment of regular workers. This finding provides support for the claim that firms are likely to adjust the employment of non-regular workers to absorb exogenous shocks and to insulate regular workers from the shocks in an uncertain business environment. In exploring the mechanism driving these results, the authors also find that exporters use the employment of non-regular workers and wages of regular workers as adjustment margins for the exchange-rate fluctuation to hoard regular workers, who presumably hold higher levels of firm-specific human capital.
Preemptive Bidding in Common Value Takeover Auctions: Social Surplus and Seller's Revenue

This paper develops a model of preemptive jump bidding in common value takeover auctions. It shows that in a case of common values jump bidding increases the social surplus, and, under certain conditions, can lead to higher expected seller’s revenue. It also demonstrates that an increase in investigation costs may improve social efficiency even if they lead to direct social costs. Based on its results, the paper provides several implications related to legal fees and the length of takeover auctions.
Relationship between timed 25-foot walk and diffusion tensor imaging in multiple sclerosis

Objective/Background The majority of multiple sclerosis patients experience impaired walking ability, which impacts quality of life. Timed 25-foot walk is commonly used to gauge gait impairment but results can be broadly variable. Objective biological markers that correlate closely with patients’ disability are needed. Diffusion tensor imaging, quantifying fiber tract integrity, might provide such information. In this project we analyzed relationships between timed 25-foot walk, conventional and diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance imaging markers. Design/Methods A cohort of gait impaired multiple sclerosis patients underwent brain and cervical spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging. Diffusion tensor imaging mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were measured on the brain corticospinal tracts and spinal restricted field of vision at C2/3. We analyzed relationships between baseline timed 25-foot walk, conventional and diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance imaging markers. Results Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between several magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging metrics and timed 25-foot walk: brain mean diffusivity corticospinal tracts (p = 0.004), brain corticospinal tracts axial and radial diffusivity (P = 0.004 and 0.02), grey matter volume (p = 0.05), white matter volume (p = 0.03) and normalized brain volume (P = 0.01). The linear regression model containing mean diffusivity corticospinal tracts and controlled for gait assistance was the best fit model (p = 0.004). Conclusions Our results suggest an association between diffusion tensor imaging metrics and gait impairment, evidenced by brain mean diffusivity corticospinal tracts and timed 25-foot walk.