Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Malignant transformation of oral verrucous leukoplakia: a clinicopathologic study of 53 cases.

BACKGROUND Oral verrucous leukoplakia (VL) is one of the non-homogenous oral leukoplakias. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic features of VL and identify the clinicopathologic risk factors that might be associated with VL malignant transformation from China. METHODS Among 1541 patients with oral leukoplakia, a total of 53 patients with clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of VL between 1996 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively in our hospital. RESULTS Of the 53 patients, 11 (20.8%) with VL were observed to develop cancer in the study period. The average age at diagnosis was 59.8 years with a male/female ratio of 1.7:1. Tongue was the predominant site (41.5%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the elderly patients (>65 years old) were associated with 8.36-fold [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.45-48.09; P = 0.017] increased risk of malignant transformation compared with the non-elderly patients. The lesion located on gingiva was associated with 20.81-fold (95% CI, 1.94-222.80; P = 0.012) increased risk of malignant transformation compared with tongue. However, the gender, smoking, alcohol intake, and epithelial dysplasia were not risk factors. CONCLUSION Clinicopathologic features of VL in China were elucidated. The utilization of age and lesion site at diagnosis as significant factors for evaluating malignant transformation risk in patients with VL was suggested. Further studies are required to investigate the roles of the potential risk factors in the VL malignant transformation.
La dimension matérielle de l'urbanisation : flux et stocks de matériaux de construction en Ile-de-France

Les materiaux de construction constituent la matiere la plus consommee par les villes apres l’eau ainsi que la majeure partie des dechets que ces dernieres generent. La relation entre cette mobilisation de materiaux et les processus d’urbanisation est peu etudiee et fait l’objet de cette these, menee en collaboration avec la Direction regionale et interdepartementale de l’environnement et de l’energie d’Ile-de-France, responsable du schema regional des carrieres, et le Conseil regional, responsable du plan regional de prevention et gestion des dechets. Cette recherche, qui a donne lieu au developpement de methodes pour la quantification et localisation des flux et stocks de materiaux a l’echelle de l’Ile-de-France, montre que ressources primaires et ressources secondaires sont proches en quantites disponibles et extraites. En revanche, le taux d’utilisation des ressources secondaires est nettement plus faible car il est contraint par un cadre reglementaire et normatif. La mobilisation de materiaux de l’Ile-de-France en 2013 est essentiellement generee par un processus de renouvellement urbain. Ce dernier engendre une forte demolition-reconstruction de bâtiments mais se realise aussi par densification et necessite l’apport de materiaux exterieurs. En outre, renouvellement des ouvrages bâtis et configuration des espaces amenages sont lies. Une projection de flux jusqu’en 2032 montre que l’atteinte des objectifs de construction de logements definis dans le schema directeur regional (SDRIF) engendrerait une forte hausse du taux d’importation de materiaux. Ce constat appelle la recherche d’une autre action publique visant un amenagement des ressources urbaines.
Comparison of integral equation and transmission line methods for analysis of a loop antenna located on the surface of an axially magnetized plasma column

Electrodynamic characteristics of a loop antenna operated on the surface of an axially magnetized plasma column in a background isotropic medium are analyzed using the integral equation method and the approximate transmission line theory. Results given by the two methods are compared in the case where the plasma inside the column is resonant. Conditions have been determined under which the transmission line theory ensures reasonably accurate predictions for the antenna characteristics in this case.
Perspective Space as a Model for Distance and Size Perception

In the literature, perspective space has been introduced as a model of visual space. Perspective space is grounded on the perspective nature of visual space during both binocular and monocular vision. A single parameter, that is, the distance of the vanishing point, transforms the geometry of physical space into that of perspective space. The perspective-space model predicts perceived angles, distances, and sizes. The model is compared with other models for distance and size perception. Perspective space predicts that perceived distance and size as a function of physical distance are described by hyperbolic functions. Alternatively, power functions have been widely used to describe perceived distance and size. Comparison of power and hyperbolic functions shows that both functions are equivalent within the range of distances that have been judged in experiments. Two models describing perceived distance on the ground plane appear to be equivalent with the perspective-space model too. The conclusion is that perspective space unifies a number of models of distance and size perception.
Using molecular diagnostic testing to personalize the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors

ABSTRACT Introduction: The diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has emerged as a paradigm for modern cancer treatment (‘precision medicine’), as it highlights the importance of matching molecular defects with specific therapies. Over the past two decades, the molecular classification and diagnostic work up of GIST has been radically transformed, accompanied by the development of molecular therapies for specific subgroups of GIST. This review summarizes the developments in the field of molecular diagnosis of GIST, particularly as they relate to optimizing medical therapy. Areas covered: Based on an extensive literature search of the molecular and clinical aspects of GIST, the authors review the most important developments in this field with an emphasis on the differential diagnosis of GIST including mutation testing, therapeutic implications of each molecular subtype, and emerging technologies relevant to the field. Expert commentary: The use of molecular diagnostics to classify GIST has been shown to be successful in optimizing patient treatment, but these methods remain under-utilized. In order to facilitate efficient and comprehensive molecular testing, the authors have developed a decision tree to aid clinicians.
Oxygen-Insensitive Nitroreductases NfsA and NfsB of Escherichia coli Function under Anaerobic Conditions as Lawsone-Dependent Azo Reductases

ABSTRACT Quinones can function as redox mediators in the unspecific anaerobic reduction of azo compounds by various bacterial species. These quinones are enzymatically reduced by the bacteria and the resulting hydroquinones then reduce in a purely chemical redox reaction the azo compounds outside of the cells. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the addition of lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) to anaerobically incubated cells of Escherichia coli resulted in a pronounced increase in the reduction rates of different sulfonated and polymeric azo compounds. In the present study it was attempted to identify the enzyme system(s) responsible for the reduction of lawsone by E. coli and thus for the lawsone-dependent anaerobic azo reductase activity. An NADH-dependent lawsone reductase activity was found in the cytosolic fraction of the cells. The enzyme was purified by column chromatography and the amino-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein was determined. The sequence obtained was identical to the sequence of an oxygen-insensitive nitroreductase (NfsB) described earlier from this organism. Subsequent biochemical tests with the purified lawsone reductase activity confirmed that the lawsone reductase activity detected was identical with NfsB. In addition it was proven that also a second oxygen-insensitive nitroreductase of E. coli (NfsA) is able to reduce lawsone and thus to function under adequate conditions as quinone-dependent azo reductase.
Awareness of occupational hazards and utilization of safety measures among welders in Kaduna metropolis, northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Welders are exposed to a variety of occupational hazards with untoward health effects. However, little is known of welders' awareness of health hazards and their adherence to safety precautions in developing countries. This study assessed the awareness of occupational hazards and adherence to safety measures among welders in Kaduna metropolis in northern Nigeria. METHODS A structured questionnaire was administered on a cross-section of 330 welders in Kaduna metropolis in northern Nigeria. Information was sought on their socio-demographic characteristics, their awareness of occupational hazards and adherence to safety measures. RESULTS All welders were males with a mean age of 35.7 +/- 8.4 years. The illiteracy rate was 7.6%. Overall, 257 (77.9%) of the welders were aware of one or more workplace hazards. This was positively influenced by educational attainment, age, nature of training and work experience. Of the 330 respondents, 282 (85.3%) had experienced one or more work-related accidents in the preceding year. The most common injuries sustained were cut/injuries to the hands and fingers (38.0%), back/waist pain (19%), arc eye injuries/foreign bodies (17.0%), burns (14.0%), hearing impairment (7.0%), fractures (4.0%) and amputation (1.0%). Only 113 (34.2%) welders used one or more types of protective device with eye goggles (60.9%), hand gloves (50.3%) and boots (34.5%) being more frequently used. Regular use of safety device, shorter working hours and increasing experience were protective of occupational accidents. CONCLUSIONS The level of awareness of occupational hazards was high with sub optimal utilization of protective measures against the hazards. There is therefore need for health and safety education of these workers for health and increased productivity.
Analysis of opioid peptides by on‐line SPE‐CE‐ESI‐MS

In this study, SPE‐CE‐ESI‐MS is explored for the preconcentration and separation of dilute solutions of six opioid peptides. First, a CE‐ESI‐MS methodology was developed and validated. LODs of around 1 μg/mL were obtained for all the studied peptides. For SPE‐CE‐ESI‐MS experiments, a home‐made SPE microcartridge containing a C18 sorbent was constructed near the inlet of the separation capillary. After optimizing the on‐line preconcentration methodology, LODs between 10 and 0.1 ng/mL were achieved. Repeatability, reproducibility, durability of the microcartridges and linearity of the SPE‐CE‐ESI‐MS methodology were also investigated and compared to the values obtained by CE‐ESI‐MS. Finally, human plasma samples fortified with opioid peptides were analyzed by SPE‐CE‐ESI‐MS in order to show the potential of the methodology for the analysis of biological fluids.
Investor Sentiment and Momentum Profitability: A Case of Pakistan

This study measures profitability of momentum strategies in Pakistan Stock Exchange. Further, this study compares the profitability of two price momentum strategies i.e. Jegadeesh and TitmanâÂÂs winner-loser momentum strategy and Georg and Hwang 52-week high momentum strategy. Also, the study investigates the relationship momentum strategies and investor sentiment. Monthly stock prices data of all listed companies is used over the period of January 2002 to December 2015. The analysis showed that Hwang and George, 52-week high momentum strategy have higher returns as compared to Jegadeesh and Titman, momentum strategy. Further, the results showed that the investor sentiment can explain variations in momentum time-varying patterns because the 52-WH has a positive and significant relationship with investor sentiment. Momentum strategy provides a positive significant return in periods of investor optimism while the return decreases in periods of investor pessimism. The current study supports the hypothesis of the George and Hwang, that the investorâÂÂs decisions are affected by behavioral biases. Results further indicate that using investorâÂÂs sentiment; an investor can easily predict variation in stock prices occurred in the basis of changes in monetary policy, legislation, business cycles and market status.
Serum levels of CD14 in neonatal sepsis by Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria

The purpose of this study is to measure soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels in sera from newborn with sepsis, to compare it with other markers, and to study its evolution in Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive sepsis. Forty normal newborns were included (26 were full term and 14 were preterm infants), 20 babies had a positive blood culture (11 Gram‐positive and 9 Gram‐negative) and 16 cases were suspected of having sepsis based on clinical and laboratory findings, but a negative blood culture. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), sCD14, and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) were measured by enzyme immunoassay, and fibronectin (FN) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) by radial immunodiffusion. Neonates with a positive blood culture had increased levels of sCD14(3.20 ± 1.26μgml‐1, p < 0.001), CRP(69 ± 46 μgml‐1, p < 0.001)and IL‐6 (134 ± 150 pg ml‐1, p < 0.001), and decreased values of FN (12.3 ± 6.6 mg ml‐1, p < 0.001). TNFα levels were also high (160 ± 37 pg ml‐1), but this increase was not statistically significant. Newborn infants suspected of having sepsis but a negative blood culture had similar but milder abnormalities. Soluble CD 14 levels correlated with CRP values; however, there was no correlation between sCD 14, TNFα and IL‐6. Neonates with sepsis by Gram‐positive bacteria had lower sCD14 levels than patients with Gram‐negative sepsis (2.63 ± 1.2 versus 4.04 ± 1.0μgml‐1, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the sCD14 level is increased in newborn infants with sepsis, and this is higher in infections by Gram‐negative bacteria, suggesting a different contribution of monocyte and macrophage cells. In contrast, IL‐6, TNFα, CRP and FN values are similar in infections by Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
Ramsey Strikes Back: Optimal Commodity Taxes and Redistribution in the Presence of Salience Effects

An influential result in modern optimal tax theory, the Atkinson and Stiglitz (1976) theorem, holds that for a broad class of utility functions, all redistribution should be carried out through labor income taxation, rather than differential taxes on commodities or capital. An important requirement for that result is that commodity taxes are known and fully salient when consumers make income-determining choices. This paper allows for the possibility consumers may be inattentive to (or unaware of) some commodity taxes when making choices about income. We show that commodity taxes are useful for redistribution in this setting. In fact, the optimal commodity taxes essentially follow the classic “many person Ramsey rule” (Diamond 1975), scaled by the degree of inattention. As a result, to the extent that commodity taxes are not (fully) salient, goods should be taxed when they are less elastically consumed, and when they are consumed primarily by richer consumers. We extend this result to the setting of corrective taxes, and show how nonsalient corrective taxes should be adjusted for distributional reasons.
Comparison of protein expression in human deltoideus and vastus lateralis muscles using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis

We have used two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) to study the expression of contractile and regulatory proteins in human vastus lateralis and deltoideus muscles, in order to understand protein turnover and isoform switching in muscles with the same fiber‐type composition but different functional properties. We demonstrate a two‐ to six‐fold overexpression of enzymes associated with glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and substrate transport in vastus lateralis compared to deltoideus. Expression levels of contractile protein isoforms correlated to the proportion of slow‐twitch fibers in deltoideus compared to vastus lateralis are consistent with the different contractile properties of the two muscles. Two proteins involved in free radical homeostasis were differentially expressed, suggesting a direct relationship between radical scavenging and the muscle function. The application of 2‐DE and MS to studies of muscle physiology thus offers a more comprehensive assessment of the molecular determinants of muscle function than traditional approaches.
Identification of natural plasma emissions observed close to the plasmapause by the Cluster-Whisper relaxation sounder

We use the data collected by the Whisper instru- ment onboard the Cluster spacecraft for a first test of its capa- bilities in the identification of the natural plasma waves ob- served in the Earth' s magnetosphere. The main signatures observed at the plasma frequency, upper hybrid frequency, and electron Bernstein modes were often difficult to be reli- ably recognized on previous missions. We use here the char- acteristic frequencies provided by the resonances triggered by the relaxation sounder of Whisper to identify with good confidence the various signatures detected in the complex wave spectra collected close to the plasmapause. Coupled with the good sensitivity, frequency and time resolution of Whisper, the resonances detected by the sounder allow one to precisely spot these natural emissions. This first analy- sis seems to confirm the interpretation of Geos observations: the natural emissions observed in Bernstein modes above the plasma frequency, now widely observed onboard Cluster, are not modeled by a single Maxwellian electrons distribution function. Therefore, multi-temperature electron distribution functions should be considered.
Variations in the diffusion of social media content across different cultures: A communicative ecology perspective

ABSTRACT Along with traditional marketing channels, social media outlets are integrated into firms’ marketing mix. Social media has changed the dynamics of interactions between organizations and their consumers by fostering an online relationship. These dynamic channels are challenging the belief in the effectiveness of traditional unidirectional marketing. This study uses communicative ecology theory to explore the diffusion of social media content within the communicative ecology framework to improve the existing theoretical understanding of the dimensions of social networking services. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effect of culture on the diffusion of social media content within the communicative ecology framework. We analyzed 1,787 posts to firms’ Facebook brand fan pages for 5 different brands of a single product category in 3 different countries. Ordinary least squares and hierarchical moderated regression was used to test the hypotheses. The current study extends the information system success-related dimensions by finding that the volume of moderator posts to a brand fan page on Facebook is the most important predictor of consumer engagement in the United Kingdom, the day of the post is a highly significant predictor in the United States and the time of the post is a substantial predictor of enhanced customer engagement in Australia. Practical implications for managers are also discussed.
Heterogeneous binding of [3H]4‐DAMP to muscarinic cholinergic sites in the rat brain: Evidence from membrane binding and autoradiographic studies

The present study shows that [3H]4‐DAMP binds specifically, saturably, and with high affinity to muscarinic receptor sites in the rat brain. In homogenates of hippocampus, cerebral cortex, striatum, and thalamus, [3H]4‐DAMP appears to bind two sub‐populations of muscarinic sites: one class of high‐affinity, low capacity sites (Kd < 1 nM; Bmax = 45–152 fmol/mg protein) and a second class of lower‐affinity, high capacity sites (Kd > 50 nM; Bmax = 263–929 fmol/mg protein). In cerebellar homogenates, the Bmax of [3H]4‐DAMP binding sites was 20 ± 2 and 141 ± 21 fmol/mg protein for the high‐ and the lower‐affinity site, respectively. The ligand selectivity profile for [3H]4‐DAMP binding to its sites was similar for both the high‐ and lower‐affinity sites; atropine = (—)QNB = 4‐DAMP » pirenzepine > AF‐DX 116, although pirenzepine was more potent (16‐fold) at the lower‐ than at the high‐affinity sites. The autoradiographic distribution of [3H]4‐DAMP sites revealed a discrete pattern of labeling in the rat brain, with the highest densities of [3H]4‐DAMP sites present in the CA1 sub‐field of Ammon's horn of the hippocampus, the dentate gyrus, the olfactory tubercle, the external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb and layers I–II of the frontoparietal cortex. Although the distribution of [3H]pirenzepine sites was similar to that of [3H]4‐DAMP sites in many brain regions, significant distinctions were apparent. Thus, both the ligand selectivity pattern of [3H]4‐DAMP binding and the autoradiographic distribution of sites suggest that although the high‐affinity [3H]4‐DAMP sites may consist primarily of muscarinic‐M3 receptors, the lower‐affinity [3H]4‐DAMP sites may be composed of a large proportion of muscarinic‐M1 receptors.
Effects of Transplanted Pituitary Tumors on Host Pituitary Prolactin Secretion.∗

Summary The effects of transplanted “mammosomatotropic” pituitary tumors (MtTW5, or MtTW15) were determined on hypothalamic PIF content and pituitary prolactin concentration in host adrenalectomized-ovariectomized rats. The high concentration of prolactin in the blood of the tumor bearing rats significantly increased hypothalamic PIF content and reduced pituitary prolactin concentration and pituitary weight. This constitutes the first evidence that high prolactin in the blood can increase production of hypothalamic PIF, and presumably thereby depress pituitary prolactin secretion.
PHARMACOLOGY OF BENZODIAZEPINE RECEPTORS: AN UPDATE

Benzodiazepine receptors are allosteric modulatory sites on GABAA receptors. GABAA receptors are probably composed of five protein subunits, at least some of which belong to different subunit classes. So far six alpha-, four beta-, three gamma-, and delta- and two rho = p subunits of GABAA receptors have been identified. A large number of different subunit combinations, each of which will result in a GABAA receptor with distinct electrophysiological and pharmacological properties, are therefore possible. Many compounds from different chemical classes which are able to bind to benzodiazepine receptors have been identified. Depending on their individual efficacy, binding of these compounds either enhances, reduces or does not influence GABAergic transmission. However, the individual efficacy of the benzodiazepine receptor ligands changes with the subunit composition of the GABAA receptor. The investigation of the regional distribution, subunit composition and pharmacology of GABAA receptors will result in the development of new and more selective compounds for psychiatry.
PENGARUH STRUKTUR KEPEMILIKAN, FREE CASH FLOW, DAN RETURN ON ASSETS TERHADAP DIVIDEND PAYOUT RATIO (STUDI EMPIRIS PADA PERUSAHAAN MANUFAKTUR YANG TERCATAT DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA PERIODE 2012-2014)

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menemukan bukti empiris adanya pengaruh struktur kepemilikan, free cash flow, dan return on assets terhadap dividend payout ratio. Sampel penelitian ini berjumlah 34 perusahaan yang diambil dari populasi perusahaan manufaktur yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) periode 2012-2014. Penentuan sampel dilakukan secara nonrandom atau menggunakan nonprobability sampling dengan metode purposive sampling. Data penelitian ini dianalisis menggunakan anaisis regresi berganda. Hasil penelitian menemukan bukti empiris bahwa managerial ownership dan return on assets berpengaruh terhadap dividend payout ratio. Sedangkan variabel yang lain tidak berpengaruh terhadap dividend payout ratio.Kata kunci : Dividend payout ratio, struktur kepemilikan, free cash flow, return on assets