Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trefoil Factor 3 is Highly Predictive of Complete Mucosal Healing Independently and in Combination with C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.

AIM In the current study we aimed to evaluate the role of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) as a marker for complete mucosal healing (MH) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS We enrolled 116 consecutive UC patients. Trefoil factor 3 levels were measured by ELISA and were compared to the clinical activity, assessed by Lichtiger Index, fecal calprotectin (FCP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Colonoscopy was performed in all the patients and the findings were graded according to Mayo endoscopic score (EMS) and UC endoscopic index of severity (UCEIS). RESULTS Trefoil factor 3 levels were significantly correlated with Lichtiger Index (r=0.736, p<0.001), EMS (r=0.811, p<0.001), UCEIS (r=0.820, p<0.001), FCP (r=0.696, p<0.001) and CRP (r=0.405, p<0.001). The TFF3 cut-off level of 6.74 ng/ml indicated complete MH (EMS=0; UCEIS=0) with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.879 and 0.869, respectively (area under the curve, AUC 0.927; 95% confidence interval, 0.877-0.976). The DeLong's test revealed no significant difference between the AUC of TFF3+CRP and the AUC of FCP (Z=1.717, p=0.086), AUC of TFF3+FCP (Z=1.908, p=0.056), and AUC of TFF3+CRP+FCPP (Z=1.915, p=0.056). However, the AUC of TFF3+CRP showed significant difference compared with the AUC of TFF3 (Z=2.210, p=0.027) and the AUC of CRP (Z=3.145, p=0.002) for predicting complete MH. CONCLUSIONS Trefoil factor 3 levels correlated significantly with clinical activity, endoscopic indices, CRP and FCP in our patients. TFF3 is a highly predictive marker of complete MH independently and in combination with CRP in patients with UC.
Flat tax reforms: a general equilibrium evaluation for Spain

This paper quantifies the aggregate and distributional implications of an array of revenue neutral flat tax reforms for Spain. A standard general equilibrium economy with heterogeneous agents is used to evaluate the impact of the tax reforms. We find that different flat tax reforms may generate important changes of aggregate allocations in opposite directions. Among all the reforms, a marginal tax equal to 23.11% and a fixed deduction equal to 30% of per capita income will yield increases in aggregate output, aggregate consumption and labor productivity equal to 5.1%, 4.8% and 2.8% respectively. Admittedly, this type of reforms also generate increases in the gini indexes of after tax income and consumption. However, the proposed reform reduces the tax bill of the bottom 60% of the income distribution.
Drug metabolizing enzymes-associated chemo resistance and strategies to overcome it

Abstract Regardless of continuous research to develop effective chemotherapies and improve patient’s prognosis, cancer still remains one of the most deadly diseases worldwide. The reduction in the pace of successfully developing an effective anti-cancer drug is due to the rapid emergence of drug resistance exhibited by tumor cells. One of the resistance mechanisms which is least considered and somewhat overlooked is chemoresistance via drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs). Therefore, this review emphasizes on pharmacokinetic resistance specifically the DMEs associated chemoresistance, in which drug molecule is rapidly metabolized by DMEs resulting in diminished potential of anti-cancer drugs. The current review will be covering DMEs that are associated with chemoresistance such as ALDH1A1, GST-π, DPD, CYP1B1 and so forth. Although several strategies have been developed to solve this problem such as prodrug designing, analog designing, DMEs inhibitors designing and development of specific pharmaceutical formulations but the inhibition of DMEs is still not considered significantly. Considering the significance of DMEs in chemoresistance, this review shed light on the mechanism of DMEs associated resistance at molecular level, their reported inhibitors that can be used as an adjuvant therapy and strategies (like prodrug designing, analog designing etc.) used so far to combat this problem.
Perspectives on Postharvest Biopesticides and Storage Technologies for Organic Produce

Fewer postharvest technologies are available for use on organic than conventional fruits and vegetables. Even though biopesticides are perceived as likely candidates for postharvest use on organic produce, only some biopesticides will be approved as organic compounds for various reasons. An example is the defi nition of a biopesticide used by regulatory agencies such as the EPA which includes compounds that will not be considered organically acceptable. Fortunately, there are other existing or new technologies that could be acceptable on organic fruits and vegetables. Some examples are hot water immersion treatment or a hot water rinsing and brushing, new innovative controlled atmosphere techniques, alternative sprout control agents, naturally occurring volatiles and biofumigants. More re- search is needed on each of these technologies, both singly and in combination with each other.
Pharmacologic management and prevention of acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present article will focus in pharmacologic agents that have been studied to improve acute pancreatitis outcomes, and to prevent the disease at different levels. RECENT FINDINGS Too little and too much early fluid resuscitation can be harmful. The optimal volume, rate, and duration of intravenous fluid therapy is still unknown. Nonopioid analgesics should be the first line of analgesia in patients with acute pancreatitis. A few pharmacologic agents evaluated in acute pancreatitis have resulted in positive pilot trials; however, larger randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are needed before final conclusions. Statin use is associated with lower incidence of acute pancreatitis in the general population and ongoing studies are evaluating its preventive role in acute pancreatitis recurrences. The preventive role of rectal indomethacin in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis is indisputable, with subject selection and timing of administration requiring further investigation. SUMMARY There is still no proven effective disease-specific pharmacologic therapy that changes the natural history of acute pancreatitis. New therapeutic targets and pharmacologic agents are in the horizon. Careful refinement in study design is needed when planning future RCTs. There is also a need for drug development aiming at reducing the incidence of the disease and preventing its sequelae.
Technology-assisted communication in older persons in a residential care facility in South Africa

Relocation to residential care facilities by older persons (60+) can decrease their social connectedness with their primary networks. The purpose of the study was to identify the use and acceptance of technology-assisted communication to increase social connectedness in older persons (N = 103) in an urban residential care facility in South Africa. The research design was a non-experimental quantitative descriptive survey using self-administered questionnaires based on the Technology Acceptance Model. All residents were included in the study. Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness and Attitude scales were calculated and the Behavioural Intention for technology use was measured. Participants with the highest Behavioural Intention were residents in their first year of relocation, younger participants (60–74 years), divorced participants and participants with higher educational qualifications. Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness were low and were directly correlated. Perceived Ease of Use contributed significantly towards Attitudes concerning technology use. The overall Behavioural Intention for technology use was good (60/75) and the Technology Acceptance Model pathway was confirmed using Structural Equation Modelling. Video chat offered greatest appeal for future use.
Capital Structure and Profitability: An Empirical Analysis of SMEs in the UK

This study examines the relationship between capital structure and the profitability of non-financial SMEs in the UK for the period of 1998-2008. Using the Two Stage Least Squares, (2SLS) the results show a significant relationship with capital structure and profitability which is negatively related. The size of the firm appears a more important factor that determines the profitability in SMEs in the UK. There is consistent evidence for positive size-profitability relationship. The results of this study have shown that the capital structure of the firm has a significant influence on the profitability of SMEs in the UK. Especially, long-term debt to total assets ratio is negatively related with the profitability and this is an indication that SMEs are averse to use more equity because of the fear of losing the control.
Diagnostic Performance for Hepatic Artery Occlusion After Liver Transplantation: Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) when used to diagnose significant hepatic artery occlusion (HAO) in patients that was suspected on Doppler ultrasound (US). Among 3465 adult liver transplantations (LTs) performed between January 2010 and February 2018, 329 recipients were suspected of having HAO by Doppler US. In these patients, 139 recipients who had undergone both CTA and CEUS as second‐line studies were included. CTA and CEUS were retrospectively reviewed using the criteria for HAO used in previous studies (CTA, ≥50% stenosis at the anastomosis; CEUS, no HA enhancement or delayed and discontinuous enhancement). The diagnostic values of CTA and CEUS were compared using the McNemar test. CEUS showed statistically significant better accuracy and specificity than CTA in patients with Doppler US abnormality seen after LT (accuracy, 99.3% versus 89.2%, P < 0.001; specificity, 100% versus 83.1%, P < 0.001). CTA had 15 false‐positive diagnoses, and CEUS had 1 false‐negative diagnosis. In conclusion, CEUS showed higher specificity and positive predictive value than CTA for the diagnosis of HAO in selected patients with a Doppler US abnormality. However, even if there is no HAO diagnosed on CEUS, continuous monitoring and follow‐up imaging are required when HAO is strongly suspected in the clinical setting and on CTA.
18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT in Suspected Residual or Recurrent High-Grade Glioma.

PURPOSE To retrospectively investigate the uptake of F-fluciclovine on PET/CT in patients with suspected recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG). METHODS Twenty-one patients were included. The standard of truth was histopathologic interpretation if available. When histopathology was not available or rebiopsy did not show signs of malignancy, clinical follow-up including MRI and clinical outcome was considered the standard of truth. RESULTS All 21 patients met the reference standard of either histopathologic proof of HGG recurrence (n = 10) or disease progression clinically and with tumor growth corresponding to the primary tumor sites on follow-up MRI (n = 11). Median time from PET/CT to death was 5 months (range, 1-20 months). Median time from primary diagnosis to death was 14.5 months (range, 6 to >400). Average SUVmax of the lesions was 8.3 ± 5.3 (SD) and 0.34 ± 0.13 for normal brain tissue. Median lesion-to-background ratio was 21.6 (range, 3.1-84.4). In 4 patients, F-fluciclovine PET/CT detected small satellite tumors that had not been reported on MR. CONCLUSIONS The uptake of F-fluciclovine in clinically and/or histopathologically confirmed recurrent HGG is high compared with the uptake reported for other amino acid PET tracers. Because of the high tumor uptake and thus high tracer contrast, small satellite tumors with a diameter below usual reported PET spatial resolution and not reported on MRI were detected in 4 patients. As no patients with confirmed treatment-related changes were included, we cannot as of yet ascertain the ability of F-fluciclovine PET to discriminate between recurrent HGG and treatment-related changes, for example, pseudoprogression and radionecrosis.
Intuitive physics of collision effects on simulated spheres differing in size , velocity , and material

This is an intuitive physics study of collision events. In two experiments the participants were presented with a simulated 3D scene showing one sphere moving horizontally towards another stationary sphere. The moving sphere stopped just before colliding with the stationary one. Participants were asked to rate the positions which both spheres would have reached after a fixed time if the collision had really occurred. The simulated masses of both spheres and the velocity of the moving one were manipulated. Specifically, in Experiment 1 different implied masses were defined by varying only the size of the spheres; in Experiment 2, different implied masses were defined by varying both the size and the apparent texture (material) of the spheres. Functional Measurement was used to compare the physical laws of collision events with cognitive integration rules. Cognitive rules proved to be more similar to physical laws in Experiment 2, i.e., when both spheres size and apparent texture were manipulated. Surprisingly, in both experiments only half the participants took into account the possibility that the moving sphere could have bounced back after the collision. These and other results are important for teaching elementary physics.
Computer, electrical and electronic engineering students' attitude towards cooperative learning

The aim of this study is to adapt the Cooperative Learning Attitude Scale into Turkish and determine engineering students’ attitudes towards the cooperative learning. The study is based on the descriptive scanning model. The study group consists of 466 engineering students. The validity of the scale is confirmed through exploration factor analysis and item discriminative power methods. On these data descriptive statistics and t, Anova and Scheffe tests have been employed (p<0, 05). The findings show that the adapted scale is valid and reliable in determining the level of cooperative learning attitudes of the engineering students in Turkish cultural environment. Moreover, the level of the attitude towards the cooperative learning for engineering students is found to be high and does not show any meaningful difference across the gender and engineering disciplines. On the other hand, the level of the attitudes shows a meaningful difference across the grade levels in engineering education. Keywords: Cooperative learning, attitude, engineering education, reliability, validity;
PIDEs for Pricing European Options in Lévy Models - A Fourier Approach

Our aim is to establish a precise link between prices of European options in Levy models and PIDEs. We follow a Fourier transform based approach and outline a structural affinity of PIDE and Fourier methods in this context. Our analysis provides a framework that is extendible to more complex problems, such as to PIDEs for pricing barrier options. Since the payoff functions of a wide range of options such as calls or puts, written as functions on the log-price of the underlying, are not in L2 (R), exponentially weighted Sobolev-Slobodeckii spaces are studied. It turns out that the exponential weight corresponds to a shift of the symbol of the Levy process in the complex plane. We derive natural assumptions on the symbol and its analytic extension, under which the associated evolution problem has a unique weak solution in an exponentially weighted Sobolev-Slobodeckii space. To provide the characterization of option prices as weak solutions of PIDEs in weighted Sobolev-Slobodeckii spaces, a Feynman-Kac formula for weak solutions of PIDEs is proved. Furthermore, an explicit solution in terms of the Fourier transform is derived.
Efficacy of 177Lu Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy for the Treatment of Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Lu-labeled peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) induction treatments for patients with unresectable metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Ovid were systematically searched with keywords "lutetium," "Lu-177," "PRRT," "neuroendocrine," and "prognosis. " Studies evaluating treatment with Lu-labeled PRRT were assessed for disease response and/or disease control rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.0 or 1.1, modified RECIST, Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), or modified SWOG criteria. Pooled proportions of disease response and control rates were calculated for both fixed- and random-effects models. RESULTS Eighteen studies with 1920 patients were included (11 with 1268 patients using RECIST and 6 with 804 patients using SWOG). By RECIST criteria, the pooled disease response rate by random-effects model was 29.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.2%-38.9%), and disease control rate was 74.1% (95% CI, 67.8%-80.0%). By SWOG criteria, the pooled disease response rate by random-effects model was 30.6% (95% CI, 20.7%-41.5%), and disease control rate was 81.1% (95% CI, 76.4%-85.4%). CONCLUSIONS Induction therapy, typically 4 treatments, with Lu PRRT is an effective method of treating unresectable metastatic neuroendocrine tumors with significant disease response and control rates.
Electronic response of graphene to an ultrashort intense terahertz radiation pulse

We have recently reported a study (Ishikawa 2010 Phys. Rev. B 82 201402) on a nonlinear optical response of graphene to a normally incident terahertz radiation pulse within the massless Dirac fermion (MDF) picture, where we have derived physically transparent graphene Bloch equations (GBE). Here we extend it to the tight-binding (TB) model and oblique incidence. The derived equations indicate that interband transitions are governed by the temporal variation of the spinor phase along the electron path in the momentum space and predominantly take place when the electron passes near the Dirac point. At normal incidence, the equations for electron dynamics within the TB model can be cast into the same form of GBE as for the MDF model. At oblique incidence, the equations automatically incorporate photon drag and satisfy the continuity equation for electron density. Single-electron dynamics strongly depend on the model and pulse parameters, but the rapid variations are averaged out after momentum-space integration. Direct current remaining after the pulse is generated in graphene irradiated by an intense monocycle terahertz pulse, even if it is linearly polarized and normally incident. The generated current depends on the carrier-envelope phase, pulse intensity and Fermi energy in a complex manner.
Cystic fibrosis drug ivacaftor stimulates CFTR channels at picomolar concentrations

The devastating inherited disease cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) anion channel. The recent approval of the CFTR potentiator drug ivacaftor (Vx-770) for the treatment of CF patients has marked the advent of causative CF therapy. Currently, thousands of patients are being treated with the drug, and its molecular mechanism of action is under intensive investigation. Here we determine the solubility profile and true stimulatory potency of Vx-770 towards wild-type (WT) and mutant human CFTR channels in cell-free patches of membrane. We find that its aqueous solubility is ~200 fold lower (~60 nanomolar), whereas the potency of its stimulatory effect is >100 fold higher, than reported, and is unexpectedly fully reversible. Strong, but greatly delayed, channel activation by picomolar Vx-770 identifies multiple sequential slow steps in the activation pathway. These findings provide solid guidelines for the design of in vitro studies using Vx-770.
Pathogenicity of Lecanicillium muscarium against Ricania simulans

Lecanicillium muscarium (Petch) Zare et Gams is a widely occurring entomopathogenic fungus. The effect of L. muscarium against Ricania simulans (Walker) (Rhynchota Ricaniidae) was studied under laboratory and field conditions. In laboratory studies, six isolates of L. muscarium were assessed against nymphs of R. simulans, at a single dose (1 x 10 7 conidia/ml) on tea leaflets. Mortality percentage caused by L. muscarium isolates after a seven-day period varied from 50.95 to 74.76% and median lethal time (LT50) values ranged from 2.34 to 3.90 days. In a field experiment, L. muscarium strain Lm4 was assessed against nymphs and adults of R. simulans, at a single dose (1 x 10 7 conidia/ml) on kiwifruit plants. The LT50 values for nymphs and adults of R. simulans were 4.18 days and 6.49 days, respectively. The results of the field study indicated that R. simulans nymphs were more susceptible to the fungus than adults. L. muscarium strain Lm4 could be considered as an environmentally friendly alternative for biocontrol of R. simulans.
Life-Cycle Inventory of Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Two Hydropower Projects in China

Two different sized hydropower projects in China, one with a capacity of 44 MW and the other of 3,600 MW, were examined through life-cycle assessment (LCA) from the perspective of both sustainability and environmental impact and the influence of project scale. Using the economic input-output based LCA approach, energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were quantified. The resulting energy payback ratios were found to be 7 and 48, whereas the normalized GHG emissions were 44 and 6 g CO 2 equivalent per kW h of electricity production, both in favor of the larger project. Compared with published data on other renewable and nonrenewable options, temperate hydropower, particularly large hydropower, is indicated as an efficient electrical source with relatively low GHG emissions.
A comparative study of three techniques for using the spectral matrix in wave analysis. [for magnetospheric ULF waves

Digital power spectral analysis and coherency analysis are powerful techniques for studying ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves in the earth's magnetosphere. Wave polarization parameters provided by these techniques are important in the development of theoretical models for wave generation. Because of this, it is important to understand the capabilities of the digital analysis techniques. Three different techniques of using the spectral matrix to do wave analysis have been presented in the literature. Because data for wave studies involve measurement in arbitrary coordinate systems, it is necessary to transform the spectral matrix to the principal plane of the wave before coherency analysis can be performed. The fundamental differences in the three techniques lie in how they determine the transformation to the principal plane. A comparative study of these three techniques was done using simulated data involving known wave and noise properties and real ULF wave event data from the geosynchronous satellites ATS 1 and ATS 6. In general, the quality of performance of the three different techniques on both simulated and real wave events was approximately the same.