Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antitumor effects of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)/interleukin‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) signaling pathway inhibition in clear cell carcinoma of the ovary

Among epithelial ovarian cancers, clear cell carcinoma of the ovary (CCC) has unique clinical and molecular characteristics that include chemoresistance resulting in poor prognosis. It was shown that CCC recently was characterized by specific upregulation of the IL‐6/IL‐6R‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling pathway. In this study, we aim to clarify whether IL‐6/IL‐6R mediated signaling pathway could have clinical relations with CCC and to evaluate inhibitory effects of the pathway on CCC carcinogenesis. A total of 84 CCC cases collected from primary surgical specimens were evaluated by the immunohistochemical analysis for IL‐6R and phosphorylated Stat3 (pStat3), and we found that high IL‐6R expression correlated with poor patient survival both by the univariate and multivariate analyses, suggesting that IL‐6/IL‐6R signaling pathway could be implicated in the progression of CCC. We further investigated the effects of IL‐6/IL‐6R mediated signaling pathway inhibition either by IL‐6R small interfering RNA (siRNA) approach or humanized anti‐human IL‐6R antibody (tocilizumab) in CCC. Inhibition of endogenous IL‐6R including tocilizumab in CCC cells did reduce cell invasion ability and restored their response to cytotoxic reagent. These data suggest that IL‐6/IL‐6R signaling pathway could act on CCC cells to enhance invasion and chemoresistance and, therefore, targeting IL‐6/IL‐6R mediated signaling pathway could be a promising therapeutic strategy for CCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bequests and Informal Long-Term Care⍈

Informal long-term caregiving for frail elderly individuals by their children may induce parents to compensate their children for their help. To test this hypothesis, I use the exit interview from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). My results show that the decision to care for one’s parents has a significant positive impact on the incidence and amount of bequests received. In addition, increasing the amount of care relative to one’s siblings significantly increases the proportion of bequest within a family. Furthermore, I find that the positive nexus of caregiving and bequest requires a written will as a contract between the parent and the helping child.
Mental Strategies Predict Performance and Satisfaction with Performance among Soccer Players

Abstract This study investigated the changes in mental strategies across the season and their effects on performance and satisfaction with individual performance. Data were collected three times: at the pre-season at Time 1 (T1; baseline), in the mid-season at Time 2 (T2; two-month follow-up), and at the end-of-season at Time 3 (T3; nine-month follow-up) among male soccer players (N = 97) aged 16-27. Athletes completed the questionnaires assessing the use of nine psychological strategies in competition and the level of satisfaction with individual performance. Endurance performance was measured objectively with a 300 m run. A high level of relaxation (T1) explained better 300 m run performance (T3) and a high level of self-talk explained a higher satisfaction with individual performance (T3). A rare use of distractibility and emotional control (T1) predicted a higher level of satisfaction with individual performance (T3). No predictive role of other psychological strategies was found. The use of emotional control, relaxation, and distractibility increased over the season, whereas the use of imagery and negative thinking declined. Besides the roles of self-talk, imagery, relaxation and goal-setting, the effects of distractibility and emotional control should be taken into account when considering athletes’ mental training programs.
A 12Gb/s, 8.6µApp input sensitivity, monolithic-integrated fully differential optical receiver in CMOS 45nm SOI process

A high-sensitivity, fully-differential optical receiver for high-density photonic interconnects is presented. To realize fully-differential operation, a 3-dB power splitter and SiGe photodetector are integrated with the receiver, all in a CMOS 45nm SOI process. The proposed receiver improves sensitivity by suppressing common-mode and supply noise through fully-differential (FD) operation, achieving 12Gb/s at BER <10−12 with input sensitivity of 8. 6µAPP while consuming 4.3mW. To understand the effectiveness of the proposed solution, we compare it to a conventional single-ended (SE) receiver on the same test-chip. Measured sensitivity is >2× better than the closest state-of-the-art design, achieving same energy per bit at higher data-rate.
First-Row Late Transition Metals for Catalytic Alkene Hydrofunctionalisation: Recent Advances in C-N, C-O and C-P Bond Formation

This review provides an outline of the most noteworthy achievements in the area of C-N, C-O and C-P bond formation by hydroamination, hydroalkoxylation, hydrophosphination, hydrophosphonylation or hydrophosphinylation reaction on unactivated alkenes (including 1,2- and 1,3-dienes) promoted by first-row late transition metal catalytic systems based on manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc. The relevant literature from 2009 until mid-2017 has been covered.
Exercise for intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND Exercise is an inexpensive, low risk option compared with other more invasive therapies for leg pain on walking (intermittent claudication). OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to determine the effects of exercise for leg pain. SEARCH STRATEGY The reviewers searched the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group trials register, Embase, reference lists of relevant articles, and contacted principal investigators of trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials of exercise regimens in patients with leg pain on walking (intermittent claudication). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two reviewers extracted and assessed data trial quality independently. The reviewers contacted investigators to obtain information or data needed for the review that could not be found in published reports. MAIN RESULTS Fifteen trials were identified that met the inclusion criteria, but five were subsequently excluded because of poor quality. The remaining ten trials involved a total of almost 250 male and female patients with stable leg pain. The follow-up ranged from 12 weeks to 15 months. There was also some variation in the exercise regimens used, although all recommended at least two weekly sessions of, mostly, supervised exercise. All trials used a treadmill walking test as one of the outcome measures. The overall quality of the included trials was generally good, though the trials were all small (20-49 patients). Exercise therapy significantly improved maximal walking time (minutes) (weighted mean difference 6.51, 95% confidence interval 4.36 to 8.66, fixed effect model [FE]), with an overall improvement in walking ability of approximately 150% (range 74% to 230%). Exercise produced significant improvements in walking time compared with both angioplasty at six months (weighted mean difference 3.30, 95% confidence interval 2.21 to 4.39, FE) and antiplatelet therapy (weighted mean difference 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 1.97, FE), and did not differ significantly from surgical treatment. In one small trial, exercise was less effective than pentoxifylline (weighted mean difference -0.45, 95% confidence interval -0.66 to -0.24, FE). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Exercise is of significant benefit to patients with leg pain.
Prognostic significance of the nocturnal decline in blood pressure in individuals with and without high 24-h blood pressure: the Ohasama study

Objective To examine the relationship between the normal nocturnal decline in blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular mortality in individuals with and without high 24-h blood pressure values. Methods We obtained 24-h ambulatory blood pressure readings from 1542 residents of Ohasama, Japan, who were aged 40 years or more and were representative of the Japanese general population. We then followed up their survival for a mean of 9.2 years. The relationship was analysed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for possible confounding factors. Results There was a linear relationship between the nocturnal decline in blood pressure and cardiovascular mortality. On average, each 5% decrease in the decline in nocturnal systolic/diastolic blood pressure was associated with an approximately 20% greater risk of cardiovascular mortality. There were no significant interactions for the risk between 24-h systolic/diastolic blood pressure values and continuous values for the nocturnal decline in blood pressure (P for interaction > 0.6). Even when 24-h blood pressure values were within the normal range (< 135/80 mmHg, average 118/69 mmHg), diminished nocturnal decreases in systolic/diastolic blood pressure were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate that a diminished nocturnal decline in blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality, independent of the overall blood pressure load during a 24-h period, in the general population.
The Effects of Tone at the Top and Coordination with External Auditors on Internal Auditors’ Fraud Risk Assessments

Prior research suggests that internal auditorsâ€™ judgements are subject to management influence resulting in compromised risk assessments. This study investigates the effects of the tone at the top and coordination with external auditors on internal auditorsâ€™ fraud risk assessments. Results of an experiment involving 64 internal auditors indicate that when the tone at the top is poor, rather than favouring management, internal auditors report a higher risk of intentional misstatements and that coordination with external auditors can further reduce expectations of the incidence of intentional misstatements.
Flotation technique with coagulant and polymer application applied to the post-treatment of effluents from anaerobic reactor treating sewage.

This paper presents the results of a study performed with a lab-scale batch DAF unit fed with previously coagulated (with FeCl3 and/or cationic polymer) effluent from a pilot-scale expanded bed anaerobic reactor treating domestic sewage. The association between ferric chloride and polymers was studied, aimed at sludge reduction. Ferric chloride dosages ranging from 15 to 65 mg.l-1, and polymer dosages from 0.25 to 7.0 mg.l-1 were investigated. Flocculation conditions were kept constant: 20 min of time (Tf) and 80 s-1 of mean velocity gradient (Gf). Air requirement was kept to 19.0 g of air.m-3 wastewater, using 20% recycle ratio and saturation pressure at 450 kPa. When the anaerobic reactor was operating at steady state conditions, it was possible to reduce the FeCl3 dosage from 65 to 30 mg.l-1 after applying 0.4 mg.l-1 of non-ionic polymer, before the DAF process. For these dosages, 79% COD removal (residual of 23 mg.l-1), 86% total phosphate removal (residual of 0.9 mg.l-1) and 98% turbidity removal (residual of 2.6 NTU) were observed. Furthermore, the use of adequate polymer together with 30 mgFeCl3.l-1 leads to the production of high rising rate flocs.
Cognitive Adaptation and Self-Consistency in Hearing-Impaired Older Persons: Testing Roy’s Adaptation Model

This study, based on constructs from Roy’s adaptation model, examined the relationship between cognitive adaptation processes and self-consistency in hearing-impaired elders (N = 130). Data were collected through survey questionnaires. Major research hypotheses were formulated and tested. Results of this study supported Roy’s theoretical proposition of cognitive adaptation processes and their role in the maintenance of self-consistency. Three cognitive processes (clear focus and methods, knowing awareness, and self-perception) significantly contributed to the maintenance of self-consistency. Understanding these cognitive processes helps nurses to promote effective adaptation in older persons.
Frequency of Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia in Critical Care Patients

The diagnosis of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in critically ill patients is complicated by lack of information on the frequency of HIT relative to thrombocytopenia from other causes. In addition, results from HIT diagnostic tests have not been clearly evaluated for clinical utility. In this prospective study, we estimated the frequency of HIT and the predictive performance of the heparin‐platelet factor 4 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (heparin‐PF4 ELISA) in 748 consecutive, heparin‐treated patients in a combined intensive and coronary care unit. The criteria for diagnosis were as follows: two or more consecutive platelet counts below 150 times 103/mm3 or a 33% or greater decrease in platelet count 5 or more days after beginning heparin, or any time after starting heparin for patients exposed to the agent within the previous 8 weeks; and a positive 14C‐serotonin release assay (SRA), the reference standard. Specificity and predictive values for the heparin‐PF4 ELISA were estimated in patients who met the clinical criteria for HIT. Of 748 patients, 267 were exposed to heparin for a sufficient length of time to be considered to be at risk for HIT. Forty of these patients (15.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.7%‐19.3%) met the clinical criteria for HIT. Serum samples were available for 32 of these patients, one of whom tested positive by the SRA, yielding a HIT frequency of 0.39% (95% CI 0.01–2.1%). The specificity of the heparin‐PF4 ELISA among thrombocytopenic patients with negative SRA results was 71%, and the positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of this test were estimated to be 10% and 100%, respectively. The point estimate of the frequency of HIT in critically ill patients was less than 1% in this cohort. The low PPV and high NPV of the heparin‐PF4 ELISA suggest that it can be used to exclude HIT as a cause of thrombocytopenia in this patient population.
A 3-D FD-TD algorithm for the simulation of a 90 GHz active integrated slotring antenna

In this paper, important aspects of a 3D-FDTD algorithm are presented for the analysis of an active integrated antenna (AIA). As millimetre-wave frequencies have a small wavelength, active integrated antennas (AIAs) have a huge potential to exploit this. A successful CAD should be able to handle the non- linearities of the active elements as well as the radiation from the radiating structure. Overall successful circuit- antenna integration depends on the availability of accurate software package. The method chosen is the FD-TD as it is an established and flexible method that solves Maxwell's equations efficiently and accurately.
A New Strategy to Guarantee Retirement Income Using Tips and Longevity Insurance: A Second Look

Shankar (2009) proposes a new investment strategy for retirees that bundles Treasury Inflation Protected Securities with a deferred annuity to guarantee real annual withdrawal rates of 5% or more with no risk of financial ruin. This strategy addresses three problems that retirees face: longevity risk, inflation risk, and liquidity risk inherent in the purchase of an immediate annuity. In our article, we evaluate the performance of this proposed strategy under realistic assumptions about costs, security design, and markets. In addition, we evaluate how the bequest motive might affect the choice between Shankar’s strategy and an immediate annuity.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous amdinocillin in healthy subjects and patients with renal insufficiency

Five healthy volunteers and 31 patients with various degrees of renal impairment received a 10-mg/kg intravenous dose of amdinocillin by infusion over 15 min to establish the disposition profile of the drug in plasma and urine. Both clearance from plasma and elimination rate constant showed a linear relationship with creatinine clearance. It was noted that in subjects with creatinine clearances of greater than 50 ml/min, the elimination half-life remained relatively constant; however, as the creatinine clearance decreased from 50 to 5 ml/min, there was a progressive rise in the elimination half-life. Despite the removal of the drug by hemodialysis (32 to 72% of the dose), concentrations of amdinocillin in plasma remained in the therapeutic range. In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, less than 4.0% of the infused dose was removed by dialysis during the hourly exchanges over a 14- to 18-h period. Although the clearance from plasma and the half-life of amdinocillin were altered up to fourfold in patients with creatinine clearances of less than 15 ml/min, the amdinocillin dosage per se may not need to be reduced for these patients if the frequency of dosing is reduced from six to three or four times daily. This is based on drug accumulation estimates of 56% from a regimen of 10 mg/kg every 8 h in these patients as compared with less than 10% from a regimen of 10 mg/kg every 4 h in subjects with normal renal function. In addition, supplemental doses may not be necessary during or at the end of hemodialysis for patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Intoxicating Entertainment? The Influence of “Star Music Trek” on the Drinking Practices of Nigerian Students

Sophisticated marketing strategies are increasingly used by transnational alcohol companies in Nigeria. While this facilitates alcohol availability and encourages alcohol consumption, there are no effective policies to regulate alcohol marketing. This study draws on qualitative interviews with 31 Nigerian university students (aged 19–23 years) to explore some of the ways in which “Star Music Trek” (SMT, a brewer-sponsored music concert) establishes spaces that facilitate alcohol consumption among Nigerian youths. The data were analyzed to generate themes with the aid of NVivo 10 software. The article argues that although the rationale for attending the SMT event is to be entertained by famous artists for a reduced entrance fee, the event creates conditions that influence young people to use alcohol in diverse ways. Among nondrinkers, SMT establishes conditions that influence alcohol initiation because purchasing “Star beer,” the brand that sponsors SMT, not only serves as a ticket or gate pass to some of the concerts, but it is also the only brand sold at the event. Among those who use alcohol, SMT creates spaces that encourage a culture of intoxication because of the easy availability and accessibility of Star beer and promotional activities in the form of price reductions, raffle draws, and free drinks. The participants also discussed the ways in which the sponsor uses its marketing representatives to promote brand allegiance by encouraging attendees to favor Star beer after the concert. Overall, the findings reveal that SMT is a sophisticated marketing strategy to promote the Star brand. The study discusses the implications of the findings and concludes that effective national alcohol control policies should be formulated and implemented in Nigeria.
Syntactic priming of noun phrases in children : investigating susceptibility to preferred and dispreferred structures

The present study investigates syntactic priming with children aged three and four. It examines whether children can be primed to use two alternative complex noun phrases (an adjective+noun structure and a noun+relative clause construction) to describe pictures, how susceptible children are to priming (in comparison to adult subjects) and which of the two alternative phrases is preferred according to a baseline condition (a bare noun prime). The priming task was a children’s game, ‘Snap’, in which the picture cards were described. The participant heard the experimenter describe her card then described their own: the phrase they produced was thus primed from their comprehension. The main result was that children were primed to use both structures, although following the baseline condition the adjective+noun phrase was used at most, and at more than chance level, leading to the conclusion that this structure is the preferred. The results from the experiment with adults were only marginally significant in the items analysis only. Otherwise there were no significant effects with these participants; the experiment design was considered as a possible reason for this outcome. Since the adults were not reliably primed using this method, no firm conclusion as to the susceptibility of children to priming, compared to adults, could be made. There was however a strong priming effect among the child participants.
Regulation of endothelial calcium-dependent phenomena by calcium-regulated proteins

The inner lining of the vasculature is a monolayer of endothelial cells that performs a multitude of functions with importance for cardiovascular health. Many of the functions are regulated by or are dependent on the calcium ion (Ca2+), a major intracellular signalling factor. The overall aim of this thesis was to investigate molecular mechanisms and pharmacology of Ca2+ entry mechanisms and their downstream signalling in endothelial cells. Molecular, biochemical and electrophysiology techniques and cell functional assays were used to address two main objectives. The first objective was to investigate putative Ca2+ channel regulator proteins, CRACR2A and golli-MBP. Based on previous reported studies, it was hypothesised that both of these proteins would have a role in regulating endothelial cell store-operated Ca2+ entry. However, unexpectedly these proteins had Ca2+ channel-independent functions, leading to alternative hypotheses about their roles in endothelial cells. The second objective was to generate new information about pharmacology targeted to a Ca2+ channel subunit, TRPC6, which has been suggested to be important in endothelial cell biology. Specifically, it was hypothesised that the anti-cancer agent carboxyamidotriazole (CAI) and the flavanol galangin and its derivatives, which have previously been shown to inhibit intracellular Ca2+, were TRPC6 channel inhibitors. Endothelial cells did not express CRACR2A as reported for T cells (Srikanth et al., 2010) but did express a longer splice variant arising from the same gene, EFCAB4B isoform a (EFCAB4B-a). CRACR2A and EFCAB4B-a have the same putative Ca2+ binding domains at their N termini but EFCAB4B-a, unlike CRACR2A, had no role in the regulation of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. Instead, EFCAB4B-a contained a predicted Rab domain in its C terminus and was therefore a putative monomeric G protein. It localised to endothelial cell specific Weibel-Palade bodies and influenced the abundance of the pro-thrombotic agent von Willebrand factor. Golli-MBP was found expressed in endothelial cells but again there was little effect on CRAC channel activity. Instead golli-MBP was identified as a positive regulator of the important endothelial growth factor receptor, VEGFR2. The small-molecule CAI, was identified as an inhibitor of TRPC6 channels without effect on TRPC5 or TRPV4 channels. A range of flavonol compounds was also identified as TRPC6 inhibitors. In summary, this research has generated new information and hypotheses about a putative Ca2+-regulated Rab protein of Weibel-Palade bodies, a novel regulator of a key endothelial growth factor receptor, and a molecular target for CAI. It has, therefore, led to understanding of molecular mechanisms and pharmacology in endothelial cells which may be useful for devising strategies to treat life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.