Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Postoperative Risks in Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy Using RENAL, Mayo Adhesive Probability and Renal Pelvic Score.

AIM To evaluate the Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) score, renal pelvis score, and RENAL nephrometry score for the prediction of surgical outcome in patients with renal masses undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy at a single center. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 280 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were identified retrospectively. Thirty-eight patients were excluded because of a lack of preoperative imaging. The outcome measures included surgical technique, patient characteristics, MAP score, renal-pelvis-score, RENAL nephrometry score, and complication rates according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Regression analysis was performed for assessment of the predictive value of the given scores. RESULTS Complications occurred after 32 (13%) operations. There was a significant positive association between the development of complications and RENAL nephrometry score (p=0.003). Prediction of complications was improved by the RENAL nephrometry score [area under the curve (AUC) =0.675] and the MAP score (AUC=0.655): With an increasing MAP score, there was a significantly increased operative time (p=0.033). The renal pelvis score had a minor predicitive role (AUC=0.516) and no correlation was found with postoperative urine leakage. CONCLUSION The MAP score and RENAL nephrometry score seem to be able to predict a complex or complicated intra- and postoperative course, while the renal pelvis score is not suitable for predicting postoperative complications, especially urine leakage.
Highly Efficient Staphylococcus carnosus Mutant Selection System Based on Suicidal Bacteriocin Activation

ABSTRACT Strains from various staphylococcal species produce bacteriocin peptides, which are thought to play important roles in bacterial competition and offer interesting biotechnological avenues. Many bacteriocins are secreted as inactive prepeptides with subsequent activation by specific proteolytic cleavage. By deletion of the protease gene gdmP in Staphylococcus gallinarum Tü3928, which produces the highly active lanthionine-containing bacteriocin gallidermin (lantibiotic), a strain was created producing inactive pregallidermin. On this basis, a new suicidal mutant selection system in the food-grade bacterium Staphylococcus carnosus was developed. Whereas pregallidermin was inactive against S. carnosus, it exerted potent bactericidal activity toward GdmP-secreting S. carnosus strains. To take advantage of this effect, gdmP was cloned in plasmid vectors used for random transposon mutagenesis or targeted allelic replacement of chromosomal genes. Both mutagenesis strategies rely on rare recombination events, and it has remained difficult and laborious to identify mutants among a vast majority of bacterial clones that still contain the delivery vectors. The gdmP-expressing plasmids pGS1 and pGS2 enabled very fast, easy, and reliable identification of transposon and gene replacement mutants, respectively. Mutant selection in the presence of pregallidermin caused suicidal inactivation of all clones that had retained the plasmids and allowed growth of only plasmid-cured mutants. Efficiency of mutant identification was several magnitudes higher than standard screening for the absence of plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance markers and reached 100% specificity. Thus, the new pregallidermin-based mutant selection system represents a substantial improvement of staphylococcal mutagenesis methodology.
Occludin‐mediated premature senescence is a fail‐safe mechanism against tumorigenesis in breast carcinoma cells

We have previously demonstrated that epigenetic silencing of occludin, a tight junction‐associated membrane protein, results in the acquisition of apoptotic resistance to various apoptogenic stimuli, causally contributing to the enhanced tumorigenicity of cancer cells. However, it remains to be examined whether occludin expression in transformed cells has an alternative impact that is important for cancer progression. Here we show that forced expression of occludin induces anoikis and promotes oxidative stress‐induced premature senescence in breast carcinoma cells, which is accompanied by upregulation of negative cell cycle regulators such as p16INK4A, p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27Kip1 but not p53. The senescent phenotype is reversed by specific inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Endogenous reexpression of occludin mediated by a synergistic effect with a demethylator and histone deacetylase inhibitor or retinoids that stimulate retinoic acid receptor α is also sufficient for provoking the senescent phenotype. In addition, tumors that developed from occludin‐expressing cells in mice showed a feature of cellular senescence that has not been described as a consequence of occludin signaling. These findings suggest that the loss of occludin expression is at least partially involved in the senescence‐escape program during mammary tumorigenesis. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1027–1034)
Linoleic acid in multiple sclerosis: Failure to show any therapeutic benefit

We have studied the effect of a dietary supplement with linoleic acid (LA) in 76 patients with MS. We could detect no effect of this supplement on the progression of neurological findings, the relapse rate, or the severity of relapses. We were also able to show that oral supplementation with a linoleic acid preparation would raise the blood level of LA in these patients. We were unable to show that there was any reduction in the linoleic acid blood levels associated with acute relapses of MS during this study.
Revealing new dynamical patterns in a reaction–diffusion model with cyclic competition via a novel computational framework

Understanding how patterns and travelling waves form in chemical and biological reaction–diffusion models is an area which has been widely researched, yet is still experiencing fast development. Surprisingly enough, we still do not have a clear understanding about all possible types of dynamical regimes in classical reaction–diffusion models, such as Lotka–Volterra competition models with spatial dependence. In this study, we demonstrate some new types of wave propagation and pattern formation in a classical three species cyclic competition model with spatial diffusion, which have been so far missed in the literature. These new patterns are characterized by a high regularity in space, but are different from patterns previously known to exist in reaction–diffusion models, and may have important applications in improving our understanding of biological pattern formation and invasion theory. Finding these new patterns is made technically possible by using an automatic adaptive finite element method driven by a novel a posteriori error estimate which is proved to provide a reliable bound for the error of the numerical method. We demonstrate how this numerical framework allows us to easily explore the dynamical patterns in both two and three spatial dimensions.
BELIEFS ABOUT JOINING A BONE MARROW REGISTRY 1 Running head: Beliefs about joining a bone marrow registry Identifying belief targets to increase bone marrow registry participation among students who have never donated blood

New members on bone marrow registries worldwide are needed to allow sufficient diversity in the donor pool to meet patient needs. We used the theory of planned behaviour belief-basis and surveyed students who had not donated blood previously (i.e. non-donors) (N = 150) about the behavioural, normative, and control beliefs informing their intentions to join the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Key beliefs predicting non-donors’ intentions included: viewing bone marrow donation as an invasion of the body (β = -.35), normative support from parents (β = .40), anticipating pain/side effects from giving blood (β = -.27), and lack of knowledge about how to register (β = -.30). Few non-donors endorsed these beliefs, suggesting they are ideal targets for change in strategies encouraging bone marrow donor registration.
A Language-Related Comparison of Generation 1.5 and L1 Student Writing.

“Generation 1.5” is a term being used to describe a type of second language (L2) long-term U.S. resident who may demonstrate persistent language-related challenges (Roberge, Siegel, & Harklau, 2009). Among the difficulties commonly noted with Generation 1.5 students are problems in controlling the academic register expected in university writing tasks. Because of the growth of this population in U.S. schools, tertiary instructors need a better sense of whether patterns of language and literacy challenges are present in the writing of Generation 1.5 students. The goal of this exploratory study was to analyze linguistic/textual features of students’ writing. Specifically, this study was designed to determine whether 25 language-related measures of Generation 1.5 student writing would distinguish their texts from those of L1 classmates of similar writing proficiency. Results indicate similar patterns of textual features between groups. Implications are discussed in relation to the prevalent claims of Generation 1.5 writing.
Success and Virulence in Toxoplasma as the Result of Sexual Recombination Between Two Distinct Ancestries

Toxoplasma gondii is a common human pathogen causing serious, even fatal, disease in the developing fetus and in immunocompromised patients. Despite its ability to reproduce sexually and its broad geographic and host range, Toxoplasma has a clonal population structure comprised principally of three lines. We have analyzed 15 polymorphic loci in the archetypal type I, II, and III strains and found that polymorphism was limited to, at most, two rather than three allelic classes and no polymorphism was detected between alleles in strains of a given type. Multilocus analysis of 10 nonarchetypal isolates likewise clustered the vast majority of alleles into the same two distinct ancestries. These data strongly suggest that the currently predominant genotypes exist as a pandemic outbreak from a genetic mixing of two discrete ancestral lines. To determine if such mixing could lead to the extreme virulence observed for some strains, we examined the F1 progeny of a cross between a type II and III strain, both of which are relatively avirulent in mice. Among the progeny were recombinants that were at least 3 logs more virulent than either parent. Thus, sexual recombination, by combining polymorphisms in two distinct and competing clonal lines, can be a powerful force driving the natural evolution of virulence in this highly successful pathogen.
Investigation of processing variables of Ni substrate for YBCO coated conductors

We fabricated cube textured Ni substrates for YBCO coated conductors from the initial specimens prepared by powder metallurgy (P/M) and casting and evaluated the effects of annealing temperature on microstructural evolution and texture formation. To characterize the roles of the two preparation methods, the initial specimens were prepared to be of the same size and experienced the same rolling conditions, and were then annealed in the temperature range of 600/spl deg/C to 1200/spl deg/C. The texture was evaluated by X-ray pole-figure analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The texture analysis indicated that a strong cube texture formed for the substrate made by P/M and this texture did not vary significantly with annealing temperature in the range of 600-1200/spl deg/C. On the other hand, the texture of the substrate made by casting was more dependent on the annealing temperature, and a twin texture ({221}<221>) and several minor texture components began to form at 1000/spl deg/C. Microstructural observation showed that the morphology of deformation band together with micro-band in the as-rolled tape prepared by P/M was more homogeneous and of higher density than that produced by casting, resulting in a strong cube texture in wider range of annealing temperatures and a finer microstructure after recrystallization.
Financial liberalization and capital flight : evidence from the African continent

During the past decades, many countries experienced considerable capital flight. Residents moved their wealth abroad, using different ways to accumulate foreign assets. Since the 1990s, several of these countries reformed their domestic financial markets in an attempt to improve the functioning of their domestic financial systems and to increase the efficiency of resource allocation—that is, to enhance financial development. In this paper, we examine the relationship between financial liberalization and capital flight, with special emphasis on countries on the African continent, and carry out an empirical analysis using data for a sample of 18 countries from this region for the period 1973–2005. We find that whereas reforms related to opening up domestic banking markets for new domestic and foreign entrants and bank privatization programs seem to reduce capital flight, policies focusing on liberalizing the capital account increase capital flight.
Apolipoprotein E Phenotyping: A Word of Caution

Using two different techniques, phenotyping and genotyping, we have studied allelic variation at amino acids 112 and 158 of the apolipoprotein E gene locus in 52 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and in 58 non-diabetic controls. Phenotypes were determined by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting of delipidated, neuraminidase-treated plasma. Genotypes were determined by using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify a 227 base pair fragment of the apolipoprotein E gene spanning both allelic sites. This was then digested with the restriction endonuclease CfoI and the alleles identified by Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Discrepancies between phenotype and genotype were observed in 16 (15%) of the individuals studied, 7 (13%) in the diabetics and 9 (17%) in the controls. From these results it is concluded that isoelectric focusing can lead to the erroneous assignment of apolipoprotein E phenotype even after pretreatment with neuraminidase. It is suggested that genotyping by DNA analysis is the method of choice in determining apolipoprotein E status.
Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastric Ulcer Exhibits Enhanced Mucosal Chemokine Activity at the Ulcer Site

Background and Aim: Although mucosal α- and β-chemokines are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, little is known how these chemokines are related to the ulcerogenesis in peptic ulcer patients. We examined the levels of interleukin (IL)-8 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) in organ cultures and the numbers of inflammatory cells infiltrating the lamina propria by using the mucosal tissues obtained from gastric ulcer (GU) patients with and without H. pylori infection. Methods: Levels of IL-8 and MIP-1α secreted in organ cultures were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Numbers of myeloperoxidase-positive neutrophils, CD68-positive macrophages, and mononuclear cells were determined in tissue sections. Results: The mucosal tissues of both the gastric antrum and the ulcer site obtained from patients with H. pylori-positive GU showed significantly higher levels of IL-8 and MIP-1α and increased numbers of inflammatory cells compared with the corresponding mucosal tissues from those with H. pylori-negative GU or the antral mucosal tissues from H. pylori-negative controls. When the values were compared between the mucosal tissues from the gastric antrum and those from the ulcer site, the latter group of tissues showed significantly higher levels of IL-8 and MIP-1α and increased numbers of neutrophils and macrophages than the former group regardless of its healing process in patients with H. pylori-positive GU. Conclusion: Mucosal α- and β-chemokines may be important to the ulcerogenesis in H. pylori-associated GU disease.
The Growth of Local Education Transfers

We argue that previous research studying the relationship between a growing elderly population and local support for public education has overlooked a key component to public education finance: redistribution payments made by older households. A fuller accounting of these payments indicates that a growing elderly population might very well prove to be a boon to local public school students not a burden as has been previously suggested. Beginning with a national sample of suburban school districts, this article shows that a higher elderly to student ratio within a district actually increases per-student revenues, even after accounting for the downward pressure that older households place on tax rates. We then explore a specific channel through which elderly households redistribute resources to school-age children: local property taxes. Focusing on Chicago-area suburban school districts, we show that a rise in a community’s elderly to student ratio actually increases the level of per-student property tax redistribution that occurs.
Performance measurement system in the situation of simultaneous vertical and horizontal integration

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge of the use of performance measurement systems (PMS) in situations where the benefits of both vertical and horizontal integration strategies are sought simultaneously. Design/methodology/approach This is a single case study, the purpose of which is to build a contextual theory. Findings The main results highlight three competing and partly contradictory tendencies in the development and use of PMS in organizational integration. In addition, the authors have identified features of PMS that may benefit or hinder integration. Grounded on empirical findings the paper presents a more complete theoretical framework of PMS for integration. Research limitations/implications The propositions of the framework need to be tested in different contexts with case and field studies or a large sample of data using statistical techniques to improve external validity. The causal relationships explored in this study may be further developed using longitudinal studies. Practical implications In acquisition situations there exists the need for vertical integration to control the growing complexity but at the same time for horizontal control to advance customer-centred production. Performance measurement is the key issue to examine the execution and results of such integrations. Originality/value Case study findings are used to develop a more comprehensive theory of PMS design and use in situations where both vertical and horizontal integration are sought. Contrary to current understandings, the central statement of this study is that horizontal organization is not an alternative to vertical organizational structure but they can be effectively coupled.
Urban Productivity Estimation with Heterogeneous Prices and Labour

This study estimates differences in productivity (mfp) across New Zealand urban areas, with a focus on the size of Auckland’s productivity premium. The estimates are based on analysis of firm-level data from Statistics New Zealand’s Longitudinal Business Database. The methods used in the paper overcome some of the biases that arise in standard approaches to spatial productivity estimation - biases arising from imperfect competition, spatial price variation, firm heterogeneity, and labour-sorting across cities. Ignoring these factors leads to biased estimates of the Auckland’s relative productivity performance. The study also investigates industry differences in spatial productivity patterns.
[Psychotherapeutic and psychosocial approaches in bipolar disorder: a systematic literature review].

OBJECTIVE Aim of this systematic review was critical presentation of psychosocial approaches in bipolar disorders with regard to their fundamentals and impact on the clinical course and outcome of the illness. METHOD PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO and Turkish databases between 1980 and 2009 were searched by using keywords "bipolar disorder" and "psychotherapy", "psychosocial approaches", "psychological intervention". Randomized controlled trials, reviews and meta analysis were included. RESULTS Fifty studies met the inclusion criteria where four types of interventions -psychoeducation, family focused, cognitive behavioral and interpersonal psychosocial rhythm therapy-were studied. Twenty two of 24 original research papers were randomized controlled trials, 23 were reviews and 3 were meta analysis. In almost all studies psychotherapeutic approach was applied as adjunctive to pharmacotherapy. Group psychoeducation was more effective in preventing manic relapses, whereas cognitive behavioral and family focused therapies showed efficacy in preventing depressive episodes. Additional benefits on such secondary outcomes as medication compliance, number and duration of hospitalizations, time to recurrence were reported. Effects on functionality and quality of life were assessed rarely, but reported to be beneficial. Cultural adaptation studies are scarce and needs exploration. CONCLUSION Psychosocial interventions adjunctive to pharmacotherapy in bipolar disorder seem to be effective in relapse prevention. Stage of illness where the therapy is initiated and the targeted episode for prevention varies between interventions. Future studies are needed to strengthen the place of psychosocial interventions in treatment guidelines and would contribute to narrow the gap between effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and functional improvement.
Effect of Concurrent Resistance and Endurance Training on Physiologic and Performance Parameters of Well-Trained Endurance Cyclists

Levin, GT, Mcguigan, MR, and Laursen, PB. Effect of concurrent resistance and endurance training on physiologic and performance parameters of well-trained endurance cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 23(8): 2280-2286, 2009-The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of concurrent resistance and endurance cycle training on physiologic and performance parameters of cyclists. Before and after a 6-week training intervention period, 14 well-trained male cyclists completed a maximal graded exercise test, a 30-km dynamic cycling test with 3 intermittent 250-m and 1-km sprints, and a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat test for the assessment of lower-limb strength. Subjects were allocated into 2 groups: a resistance training group (RT; n = 7) that completed a 6-week undulating, periodized resistance training program (3/wk) in conjunction with their regular cycle training and a control group (CON; n = 7) that maintained their usual cycle training. Upon completion of the training intervention, there was no change in graded exercise test parameters in either group, but the RT group showed a significantly greater increase in 1RM squat strength compared with CON (p < 0.05). Moreover, the change in 30-km time trial and sprinting performance did not differ between RT and CON, except for the final 1-km sprint where the percent change in 1-km final sprint performance was greater in CON (+11%) compared with RT (−5%). In conclusion, although concurrent resistance and endurance training in well-trained cyclists enhanced 1RM strength, it did not improve overall cycle time trial performance and in fact was shown to reduce 1-km final cycle sprint performance compared with a CON group performing their normal cycle training.