Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between changes in dietary sucrose and high density lipoprotein cholesterol: the CARDIA study. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults.

PURPOSE Cross-sectional data from several observational studies have suggested that dietary sucrose may be inversely associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This study examined associations between energy from dietary sucrose and HDL-C at baseline, year 7 and longitudinally (year 7 minus baseline) in a cohort of young black and white men and women from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. METHODS The sample included 4734 black men, black women, white men and white women, ages 18-30 years, in 1985-86 (baseline); 3513 at year 7; and 3335 for longitudinal analyses. Multivariate analyses was used with adjustment for age, BMI, cigarettes smoked per day, physical activity score, and alcohol intake. RESULTS Multivariate analyses indicated that energy intake from sucrose was inversely associated with HDL-C for each race-gender group at baseline, year 7, and longitudinally from baseline to year 7. This association was significant at baseline for black men, and white men and women (p < 0.01); at year 7 for white men and black women (p < 0.01), and longitudinally for white men, white women, and black women (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The consistent inverse associations between energy from dietary sucrose and HDL-C observed in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, and in different race and gender groups in CARDIA suggest that lowering dietary sucrose intake may be beneficial for those who may have low HDL-C.
Firm Engagement and Social Issue Salience, Consensus, and Contestation

Facing an increasing number and variety of issues with social salience, firms must determine how to engage with issues that likely have a significant impact on them. Integrating issues management (IM) and salience theories, the authors find that firms engage with socially contested issues—where there is a high degree of societal disagreement—in a different manner from issues that have social consensus, or high agreement. Examining social issue resolutions filed by shareholders from 1997 to 2009 (3,887 total observations), the study finds that socially contested issues, as well as those issues with social consensus, are both likely to result in engagement by the firm. For social issues with consensus, a firm is more likely to opt for a low level of shareholder engagement whereas resolutions regarding contested issues lead to engaging shareholders at a higher level. These findings shed new light on the IM and issue salience literature streams that have suggested firms will react differently to these types of issues, even while they remain largely untested. Finally, firms become less engaged with perennial issues over time. rather than more, providing new guidance to researchers, shareholder activists, and firms alike. To the authors’ knowledge, such fined-grained insight into expected levels of firm engagement with social issue salience has not been put forth previously.
Ferruginol Inhibits Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Growth by Inducing Caspase-Associated Apoptosis

Purpose. The anti–lung cancer effect of Cryptomeria japonica leaf extractive and its active phytocompound was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo assays. Experimental Design. The anti–lung cancer mechanism was investigated using flow cytometry and western blot analyses, and the antitumor activity was evaluated in a xenograft animal model. Results. MTT assay indicated that the cytotoxic effects of ferruginol in A549 and CL1-5 cells were dose-dependent. According to the results of cell cycle and annexin V/PI analyses, the sub-G1 population and annexin V binding in the 2 cell lines were increased after ferruginol treatment. The results of western blot analyses revealed that the cleaved forms of caspase 3, 8, 9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase were activated after ferruginol treatment in A549 and CL1-5 cells. Moreover, the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was decreased, while the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was elevated, after ferruginol treatment in both lung cancer cell lines. These results indicated that ferruginol acted via a caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in the 2 cell lines. Intraperitoneal administration of ferruginol significantly suppressed the growth of subcutaneous CL1-5 xenografts. Conclusions. The findings of the present study provided insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying ferruginol-induced apoptosis in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, indicating that this compound may be a potential candidate drug for anti-NSCLC.
Thoracic Epidural Anesthesia and Central Hemodynamics in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris

The effects of high thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) on central hemodynamics as measured by pulmonary arterial catheterization were studied in nine patients with severe coronary artery disease and unstable angina pectoris. The patients were also treated with a combination of betablockers, calcium antagonists, and nitrates, as well as salicylates, low-dose heparin, and nitroglycerin infusion for >24 hr. Management of pain with high TEA was started with the bolus epidural injection of 4.3 ± 0.2 mL bupivacaine (5 mg/mL), which induced a sympathetic blockade from Th1–8. During ischemic chest pain, pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures were significantly increased. TEA, while relieving the chest pain, significantly decreased systolic arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures, without any significant changes in coronary perfusion pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, and systemic or pulmonary vascular resistances. In some patients, ST-segment depression was less pronounced during TEA. Thus, during ischemic chest pain, TEA has beneficial effects on the major determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption, without jeopardizing coronary perfusion pressure. TEA may therefore favorably alter the oxygen supply/demand ratio within ischemic myocardial areas.
The Fed, the Bond Market, and Gradualism in Monetary Policy ∗

We develop a model of monetary policy with two key features: (i) the central bank has some private information about its long-run target for the policy rate; and (ii) the central bank is averse to bond-market volatility. In this setting, discretionary monetary policy is gradualist: the central bank only adjusts the policy rate slowly in response to changes in its target. Such gradualism represents an attempt to not spook the bond market. However, this effort is unsuccessful in equilibrium, as long-term rates rationally react more to a given move in short rates when the central bank moves more gradually. The same desire to mitigate bond-market volatility can lead the central bank to lower short rates sharply when publicly-observed term premiums rise. In both cases, there is a time-consistency problem, and society would be better off with a central banker who cares less about the bond market.
A Non-Linear Dynamic Model of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) Cantilever Actuator

This work presents development of an effective non-linear mathematical model for dynamic analysis of Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) cantilever actuators undergoing large bending deformations under AC excitation voltages. As the IPMC actuator experiences dehydration (solvent loss) in open environment, a model has been proposed to calculate the solvent loss due to applied electric potential following Cobb-Douglas production method. D’Alembert’s principle has been used for the derivation of the governing equation of motion of the system. Generalized Galerkin’s method has been followed to reduce the governing equation to the second-order temporal differential equation of motion. Method of multiple scales has been used to solve the non-linear equation of motion of the system and dehydration effect on the vibration response has been demonstrated numerically.
Marlboro UltraSmooth: a potentially reduced exposure cigarette?

Aim: To compare relative toxic emissions scores (RTE) of the carbon filter cigarette Marlboro UltraSmooth (MUS), against regular Marlboro, Holiday, and British Columbian brands. Method: MUS cigarettes were purchased in Tampa, Florida; Marlboro regular and Holiday were purchased in Auckland, New Zealand, and all emissions tested by Labstat International Inc, Kitchener, Ontario under Health Canada Intensive (HCI) machine-smoking conditions (55 ml puff per 30 seconds, filter ventilation holes blocked) against: (1) previous same brand emissions tested under ISO (International Organization for Standardization) conditions; (2) ISO and HCI average emissions for 16 regular brands sold in British Columbia (BC), the reference standard. Toxicants, selected by toxicological risk assessment, enabled estimation of an RTE per brand, and RTE per mg of nicotine. Results: The BC standard for RTE in both ISO and HCI test modes, including metals and nitrosamines, was set at 100. Hereafter excluding them, RTE in ISO mode for BC was 97, MUS 4, Marlboro 102, and Holiday regular 99; and in HCI test mode BC was 97, MUS 42, Marlboro regular 107, and Holiday 95. From ISO to HCI, MUS total puff volume increased 50%, from 252 ml to 380 ml; nicotine yield increased 2.6 fold. Normalising for nicotine (RTE per mg nicotine), in ISO test mode, the BC standard was 97, MUS 10, Marlboro regular 124, and Holiday regular 107. In HCI mode, however, MUS/nicotine at 104 exceeded the average BC standard of 97; Marlboro regular was 137, and Holiday regular 97; MUS ranked sixth highest among 18 regular brands. MUS contained 103 mg of carbon in its 304 mg filter, which was 55% ventilated. Conclusion: The combined acetate-carbon filter of MUS performed best at low smoke volumes on ISO testing. Under more smoker-realistic intensive machine testing, and correcting for relative nicotine concentration and compensatory smoking, MUS increased the RTE, for all toxicants combined, for carcinogens, and for cardiovascular toxicants, compared with most regular brands. MUS was not a potentially reduced-exposure product (PREP) under smoker-realistic test conditions, and thus would not be expected to reduce overall harm. It is unrealistic to expect that even major design changes, as seen in MUS, or a regulatory framework to enforce such changes, could reduce cigarette smoking mortality risks to acceptable levels.
Scintimammographic detection of usual ductal breast hyperplasia with increased proliferation rate at risk for malignancy

ObjectivesTo estimate whether breast uptake of 99mTc-(V)DMSA and 99mTc-sestamibi in usual ductal epithelial breast hyperplasia (UDH) and apocrine metaplasia is related to cell proliferation rate (Ki-67) and oestrogen receptor (ER) expression, both of which are associated with the potential risk of evolving to malignancy. MethodsAmong patients referred for suspicious breast findings on palpation and/or mammography and evaluated preoperatively with both radiopharmaceuticals, we retrospectively studied 17 (10 with UDH: group I; and seven with apocrine metaplasia: group II). Lesion-to-background (L/B) ratios in early and late acquisitions were calculated for both radiotracers in both groups, as well as their retention ratios. Ki-67 and oestrogen receptor expression were determined immunohistochemically. The late L/B ratios between the two tracers were compared, as were the late ratios for each tracer between Ki-67 ≤3% and >3%, and between ER ≤15% and >15%. Linear regression analysis was also performed between L/B and retention ratios and Ki-67 expression. ResultsThere was a significant increase of the 99mTc-(V)DMSA L/B ratio in late images as compared to the early images in group I (P<0.05), while in group II it was not significantly increased (P=0.084). 99mTc-sestamibi ratios did not demonstrate variability over time in either group (P=0.156 and 0.274, respectively). Significant coefficient correlation was found between the 99mTc-(V)DMSA L/Blate ratios and retention ratios and Ki-67 levels only for group I (r=0.889, P<0.001 and r=0.802, P<0.01, respectively). The 99mTc-(V)DMSA L/Blate ratios in group I were significantly higher when Ki-67 >3% than when Ki-67 ≤3% (P=0.016) but did not differ considerably between ER >15% and ≤15% (P=0.732). Conclusion99mTc-(V)DMSA uptake in UDH correlates with Ki-67 expression. This could prove useful in identifying women with benign but high-risk breast pathologies who might benefit from chemoprophylaxis.
Expression of the Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer (EMMPRIN) and the Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Bronchopulmonary and Breast Lesions

Tumor cells interact with stromal cells via soluble or cell-bound factors stimulating the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of enzymes largely involved in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in tumor invasion. Among these factors, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been shown to stimulate in vitro the fibroblast production of various MMPs such as interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), and gelatinase A (MMP-2). In this study, the EMMPRIN protein was detected by immunohistochemistry prominently in malignant proliferations of the breast and the lung. It was present at the surface of both tumor epithelial and peritumor stromal cells. Because previous studies have reported that stromal cells do not express EMMPRIN mRNAs, it is very likely that EMMPRIN is bound to stromal cells via a specific receptor. Moreover, our observations also demonstrated that the same peritumor stromal cells strongly express MMP-2. Our results show that EMMPRIN is an important factor in tumor progression by causing tumor-associated stromal cells to increase their MMP-2 production, thus facilitating tumor invasion and neoangiogenesis.
Targeting the vasculature: anti-angiogenic agents for malignant mesothelioma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive malignancy of the pleura and other serosal membranes originating from mesothelial cells that, despite decades of research, continues to have limited therapeutic options and is associated with a poor prognosis. Areas covered: MMs induce a strong inflammatory response that is also associated with neoangiogenesis and activation of proangiogenic factors. Given this, several anti-angiogenic agents have been trialled in a variety of malignancies including mesothelioma. Herein we summarise the role of angiogenesis in MM and the current available data targeting these pathways. Expert commentary: The addition of bevacizumab to cisplatin/pemetrexed chemotherapy is currently a therapeutic option with a proven 2.7 month overall survival benefit in fit patients less than 75. Other antiangiogenics such as nintedinib show early promise, although the Phase III trial results are eagerly awaited before this therapy enters treatment paradigms. Beyond this, it is likely that combinations of antiangiogenics with immunotherapies will be investigated in future studies.
U-model based design procedure for non-linear control systems: A generic approach

In this paper, a control oriented plant model known as the U-model is proposed to build a generic design strategy for a wide range of non-linear control systems. This is accomplished through a novel three step design procedure that involves NARX model based black-box system identification followed by the U-model representation and finally the generation of an iterative root solving algorithm. As a testimony to the viability of this design procedure, the scheme is implemented on a laboratory scale Maglev model, the HUMUSOFT® CE-152. The behaviour of the proposed controller is compared with that of the default scheme and the simulation results are presented.
Cholesterol content in meat of some poultry and fish species as influenced by live weight and total lipid content.

Total cholesterol content in 24 fillets (F) of males and females of common carp, 35 samples of male chicken breast meat (BM) and thigh meat (TM), and 48 samples of male turkey BM and TM, respectively, was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography after total lipid (TL) extraction using n-hexane/2-propanol mixture. Cholesterol content in male carp fillets (77.6 mg/100 g) was higher (P < 0.001) in comparison with females (69.4 mg/100 g). Irrespective of the sex differences, cholesterol content increased (P < 0.01) in the sequence chicken BM (53.0 mg/100 g) = turkey BM (53.0) < turkey TM (61.5) < carp F (73.5) < chicken TM (82.9 mg/100 g). Cholesterol content in chicken TM decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing live weight reached at the age of 43 days, but did not change (P > 0.05) in other tested tissues. Cholesterol concentration in TL of all five tested tissues within three animal species decreased sharply (P < 0.001) with increasing TL content reached in a given tissue at the fixed age. It follows from the results of the study that a two hundred gram portion of carp F and chicken TM without skin represents 49 and 55% of the upper limit of daily cholesterol intake, respectively.
Multiphoton laser tomography and fluorescence lifetime imaging of basal cell carcinoma: morphologic features for non‐invasive diagnostics

Multiphoton laser tomography (MPT) combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) is a non‐invasive imaging technique, which gives access to the cellular and extracellular morphology of the skin. The aim of our study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of MPT/FLIM descriptors for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), to improve BCC diagnosis and the identification of tumor margins. In the preliminary study, FLIM images referring to 35 BCCs and 35 healthy skin samples were evaluated for the identification of morphologic descriptors characteristic of BCC. In the main study, the selected parameters were blindly evaluated on a test set comprising 63 BCCs, 63 healthy skin samples and 66 skin lesions. Moreover, FLIM values inside a region of interest were calculated on 98 healthy skin and 98 BCC samples. In the preliminary study, three epidermal descriptors and 7 BCC descriptors were identified. The specificity of the diagnostic criteria versus ‘other lesions’ was extremely high, indicating that the presence of at least one BCC descriptor makes the diagnosis of ‘other lesion’ extremely unlikely. FLIM values referring to BCC cells significantly differed from those of healthy skin. In this study, we identified morphological and numerical descriptors enabling the differentiation of BCC from other skin disorders and its distinction from healthy skin in ex vivo samples. In future, MPT/FLIM may be applied to skin lesions to provide direct clinical guidance before biopsy and histological examination and for the identification of tumor margins allowing a complete surgical removal.
Effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and Celox on the Tissue Factor Activities of Warfarin-Treated Rats

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of these new generation hemostatic agents on early-stage soft tissue healing of warfarin-treated rats by measuring the tissue factor (TF) activities. Rats in the warfarin group were treated intraperitonally with 0.1 mg/kg warfarin, and rats in the control group were treated with 1 mL/kg saline. All rats had 3 incisions on dorsal dermal tissue applied Celox, Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), or no hemostatic agent. Six rats from each group were killed on day 4, and the other 6 were killed on day 8. Prothrombin time (PT) and TF activities were evaluated, respectively. Both the hemostatic agents positively affected the hemostasis. Warfarin treatment increased the PT levels as expected. Celox-treated dermal tissues had higher TF activity when compared to ABS-treated ones. The ABS affected the early-stage healing positively in clinical aspect, whereas Celox was more effective on hemostasis by means of increasing TF activities.
Measuring Community-Engaged Departments: A Study to Develop an Effective Self-Assessment Rubric for the Institutionalization of Community Engagement in Academic Departments

An abstract of the dissertation of Kevin John Kecskes for the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and Policy presented October 28, 2008. Title: Measuring Community-Engaged Departments: A Study to Develop an Effective Self-Assessment Rubric for the Institutionalization of Community Engagement in Academic Departments Change in American higher education is occurring at a rapid pace. The increasing reemergence of civic or community engagement as a key component in the overall landscape of American higher is emblematic of that change. Academic departments play a critical role in higher education change, including institutionalizing community engagement on campuses. Yet, designing a way of measuring community engagement specifically at the level of the academic department has not been undertaken. Based on advice from national expert/key informant interviews and the recognition of the importance of the role of academic departments in the overall institutionalization of community engagement in higher education, this study addresses a methodological gap in the literature concerning the measurement of community engagement. Several instruments have been developed primarily for institution-wide application, and some have been applied to academic units including colleges, schools, departments and programs. This study employs a grounded theory research strategy to develop and test a self-assessment rubric solely for use in academic departments. To ascertain the utility and validity of the rubric, this study pilot tests the explanatory framework in twelve social science departments located in five, geographically-diverse American universities. A secondary purpose of the study is to initiate an exploration of the potential use of institutional theory to more completely understand the constitutive role of the academic unit in the institutional transformation process. The research confirms the utility and validity of the departmental engagement self-assessment rubric. Additionally, the study categorizes and displays via histograms six overarching dimensions by level of support for community engagement for each of the twelve test departments. Finally, this research recommends instrumental as well as substantive areas for future research, including those that better connect institutional theory with efforts to embed civic engagement in the mission of traditional academic departments.
Is There Any Relation between Intellectual Capital and the Capital Structure of a Company? The Case of Polish Listed Companies

Abstract This study investigates the relationship of the intellectual capital of a company (proxied by its intangible assets), with leverage and equity and capital structure. Our empirical results indicate that there is a negative relation between the intellectual capital (intangible assets) of a company and its leverage based on the Warsaw Stock Exchange main market and NewConnect alternative market. Moreover, the equity capital is found positively related to the level of intangibles in each of the two markets. These results support the thesis that intellectual capital (intangible assets) influences the capital structure of a company.