Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin Modulates Prostate Carcinoma Invasive Capacity through RGD-Dependent Upregulation of Plasminogen Activators

Abstract Osteopontin, a noncollageneous bone matrix protein, is produced in several human tumors but its role in cancer progression has been only partially elucidated. In this study we investigated the potential role of osteopontin in the malignancy of prostate cancer cells. Chemotaxis and chemoinvasion analyses revealed a dosedependent increase in PC3 cell movement induced by osteopontin and a strict dependence of cell invasion on αvβ3 integrin function. The pattern of protease expression was modified by osteopontin and was characterized by an upregulation of plasminogen activators. Our findings suggest that osteopontin may confer selective malignant potential to prostate cancer cells through the enhancement of their invasive and proteolytic capability.
Sucrase‐isomaltase: A marker of foetal and malignant epithelial cells of the human colon

The presence of sucrase‐isomaltase (SI), a glycoprotein hydrolase normally restricted to the brush border membrane of the enterocytes of the small intestine, was investigated in tumours which developed in nude mice inoculated with six human colon carcinoma cell lines (HT‐29, Caco‐2, HRT‐18, HCT‐8R, SW‐480, and CO‐115). Foetal and normal adult human small intestines and colons were used as controls. SI was studied by (I) immunofluores‐cence with rabbit antibodies raised against purified human small intestine SI; (2) polyacrylamide gel elec‐trophoresis and immunoblotting; and (3) determination of the enzyme activity. SI was antigenically present, and enzymatically active, in all the tumours derived from Caco‐2 and HT‐29 cells. The presence of the enzyme was associated with that of typical brush borders at transmission electron microscopy examination. SI was absent from the tumours developed with the other four cell lines, as well as from the normal adult colon mucosa. SI was also present and active in the colons of mid‐gestation foetuses, ranging in ages between 20 and 28 weeks; it was absent from the colons of late‐gestation foetuses. The presence of SI in tumours derived from two cell lines suggests that this enzyme is a marker, so far unsuspected, of certain human colon cancers, and that the differentiation pattern of these particular cancers closely resembles that of the foetal colon.
Universal Cooperative Localizer for WSN With Varied Types of Ranging Measurements

This letter proposes a universal cooperative localizer (UCL) for wireless sensor network (WSN) with varied types of ranging measurements including time-of-arrival, radio signal strength, angle-of-arrival, and Doppler frequency. By representing the WSN node positions as complex numbers, the localization problem is converted as a generalized linear mixing problem, and then resolved by generalized approximate message passing with the importance sampling mechanism. The computational complexity of UCL is two orders lower than that of the belief propagation localizer. Simulation results validate that UCL outperforms most mainstream localizers, and cooperation significantly enhances the positioning accuracy.
Effects of interaction between estradiol‐17β and progesterone on the proliferation of cloned breast tumor cells (MCF‐7 and T47D)

We have previously reported that the proliferation of cloned MCF‐7 and T47D human mammary tumor cells can be inhibited by increasing concentrations of charcoal‐dextran stripped female human serum (CDFHS). The maximal proliferation rate was restored by the addition of 3 × 10−11 M estradiol‐17β to the culture media. These observations suggest that the proliferation of T47D and MCF‐7 cells is regulated by a blood‐borne inhibitor whose effects are neutralized by estrogens. In the present report we explore the possibility that progesterone alters the estrogenic response. MCF‐7 cells were grown in DME containing 2–40% CDFHS. Progesterone, at 3 × 10−7 M to 3 × 10−12 M, had no effect on the yield of MCF‐7 or T47D cells that were cultured in the presence or absence of estradiol‐17β.
Understanding the determinants of customer loyalty in swimming pools

Purpose : It is widely accepted that doing exercise regularly is essential to promote physical, psychological and social well-being. Yet, often dropout rates tend to be high. The current paper analyses the potential determinants of satisfaction and loyalty in the sports and fitness context looking in particular at four main dimensions of service quality: infrastructures/physical environment, relationship with instructors/staff, outcomes achieved and customer-to-customer interaction. Methodology : The proposed model was estimated using data collected from a sample of 384 users of four Portuguese swimming pools facilities by means of a survey questionnaire. Findings : The majority of the hypotheses tested found support in the data. In particular, the quality of the interaction with instructors and the results obtained from exercising have a strong impact on satisfaction, which, on its turn, is highly correlated with psychological commitment and positive word-of-mouth communication. Practical implications : Based on the findings some managerial implications can be derived. Such recommendations can enhance users’ perceptions of service quality and indirectly contribute to a more regular and effective sports practice. Originality/Value : The importance of enhancing loyalty has been emphasised in sports management literature. Yet, few studies have empirically investigated the simultaneous relationships among service quality dimensions, customer satisfaction and loyalty. This research partially addresses this gap.
Genetics and evolution of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis O-specific polysaccharides: a novel pattern of O-antigen diversity

Abstract O-antigen polysaccharide is a major immunogenic feature of the lipopolysaccharide of Gram-negative bacteria, and most species produce a large variety of forms that differ substantially from one another. There are 18 known O-antigen forms in the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis complex, which are typical in being composed of multiple copies of a short oligosaccharide called an O unit. The O-antigen gene clusters are located between the hemH and gsk genes, and are atypical as 15 of them are closely related, each having one of five downstream gene modules for alternative main-chain synthesis, and one of seven upstream modules for alternative side-branch sugar synthesis. As a result, many of the genes are in more than one gene cluster. The gene order in each module is such that, in general, the earlier a gene product functions in O-unit synthesis, the closer the gene is to the 5΄ end for side-branch modules or the 3΄ end for main-chain modules. We propose a model whereby natural selection could generate the observed pattern in gene order, a pattern that has also been observed in other species.
Any Justification for Creative Accounting: Where Are Fraud, Examiners?

The slippery slope is described as ‘playing the system’, ‘beating the system’, and fundamentally neglecting the laid down rules, regulation within the system for selfish reasons. This presentation revealed the justification, ethical or otherwise for creative accounting, aggressive earnings management and related concepts as it affects the professional judgement of fraud examiners. The role of fraud examiners is put to light in ensuring that the users of financial statements are not continued to be put in the dark with respect to the state of the concerned company. This presentation also explores both positive and negative side of Creative accounting and revealed the consequences of the same within the context of fraud examination and financial reporting structures. It is concluded that The use of aggressive accounting techniques may not necessarily be fraudulent. However, it may be the start of a slippery slope, where legitimate earnings management descends into earnings manipulation or fraudulent accounting. This presentation recommends that fraud examiners should take seriously the ACFE code of ethics in resolving the allegation of fraudulent activities as may also concern creative accounting by seeing the bigger picture.
Randomized Controlled Evaluation of Non-surgical Treatments for Temporomandibular Joint Anterior Disk Displacement without Reduction

The common methods for treating anterior disk displacement without reduction (ADDwor) are not based on randomized controlled clinical trials. Our study evaluated non-surgical treatments in 69 MRI-confirmed ADDwor subjects (m/f = 6/63). Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group and one of two treatment groups. Outcomes included maximum mouth opening, visual analogue scale of pain, and daily activity limitation. Calibrated examiners collected data at the initial interview and at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment. At the eight-week point, within-group improvements were present for all variables, for all groups. Between-group differences were not highly evident, with only mean daily activity limitation for the self-care/NSAID group being significantly lower than that of the occlusal appliance/jaw mobilization + self-care/NSAID group at the two- and four-week time-points. These results suggest that ADDwor subjects will improve with only minimal treatment intervention, and no significant difference was evident for the treatments tested and the control condition.
Increased drug reactions in HIV‐1‐positive patients: a possible explanation based on patterns of immune dysregulation seen in HIV‐1 disease *

Drug reactions are common in HIV‐1 disease, with the incidence having been reported to increase with increasing stage and with CD4+ T‐cell counts below 200/μl. However, there have been numerous reports of patients in which rechallenge, dosing changes or continued therapy have resulted in no recurrence or else clearing of the eruption.
Evaluating The Needs Of Female Student Service Members And Veterans In Higher Education

Increasing numbers of military service members are now reintegrating into higher education. This transition yields many challenges, leaving the student service member/Veteran at higher risk for poor mental health, substance abuse, and lack of social support. Females may have unique needs when pursing higher education. This study evaluates 18 female student service members and Veterans after completing a survey indicating the importance and personal likelihood to use resources at on-campus Student Veteran Centers. Results suggest that the respondents find mental health, substance abuse, and sexual assault resources to be most important, but respondents reported that they were more likely to personal utilize on-campus conveniences such as quiet study space, an information desk, and free printing. Results suggest there may be underlining stigma associated with military member help-seeking behavior in university settings.
The Combined CTA1-DD/ISCOM Adjuvant Vector Promotes Priming of Mucosal and Systemic Immunity to Incorporated Antigens by Specific Targeting of B Cells1

The cholera toxin A1 (CTA1)-DD/QuilA-containing, immune-stimulating complex (ISCOM) vector is a rationally designed mucosal adjuvant that greatly potentiates humoral and cellular immune responses. It was developed to incorporate the distinctive properties of either adjuvant alone in a combination that exerted additive enhancing effects on mucosal immune responses. In this study we demonstrate that CTA1-DD and an unrelated Ag can be incorporated together into the ISCOM, resulting in greatly augmented immunogenicity of the Ag. To demonstrate its relevance for protection against infectious diseases, we tested the vector incorporating PR8 Ag from the influenza virus. After intranasal immunization we found that the immunogenicity of the PR8 proteins were significantly augmented by a mechanism that was enzyme dependent, because the presence of the enzymatically inactive CTA1R7K-DD mutant largely failed to enhance the response over that seen with ISCOMs alone. The combined vector was a highly effective enhancer of a broad range of immune responses, including specific serum Abs and balanced Th1 and Th2 CD4+ T cell priming as well as a strong mucosal IgA response. Unlike unmodified ISCOMs, Ag incorporated into the combined vector could be presented by B cells in vitro and in vivo as well as by dendritic cells; it also accumulated in B cell follicles of draining lymph nodes when given s.c. and stimulated much enhanced germinal center reactions. Strikingly, the enhanced adjuvant activity of the combined vector was absent in B cell-deficient mice, supporting the idea that B cells are important for the adjuvant effects of the combined CTA1-DD/ISCOM vector.
Lymphocyte Activation as a Possible Measure of Atherosclerotic Risk in Patients with Sleep Apnea

Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a breathing disorder in sleep characterized by intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, constitutes an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity. Investigating how this breathing disorder modulates immune responses may facilitate understanding one of the risk factors for atherosclerosis. T cells play a significant role in atherogenesis and plaque development via cytokine production and by directly contributing to vascular injury. Using flow cytometry and chromium release assays, we found that CD4 and CD8 T cells of OSA patients undergo phenotypic and functional changes and acquire cytotoxic capabilities. Thus, a shift in CD4 and CD8 T cells toward type 2 cytokine dominance with increased IL‐4 expression was noted. IL‐10 expression in T cells was negatively correlated with the severity of OSA, as determined by the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), whereas TNF‐α was positively correlated. CD8 T cells of OSA patients expressed a fourfold increase in TNF‐α and CD40 ligand (CD40L), and exhibited an increased OSA severity‐dependent cytotoxicity against endothelial cells. The percentage of CD4+CD28null and cytotoxicity of CD4 T lymphocytes were also significantly higher in OSA patients than in controls. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment, which ameliorated the severity of OSA, significantly lowered TNF‐α and CD40L expression, and decreased cytotoxicity in CD8 T cells. In conclusion, increased cytotoxicity and cytokine imbalance in CD4 and CD8 T cells may be involved in atherogenesis in OSA. Nasal CPAP treatment ameliorates some lymphocyte dysfunctions and thus may moderate some atherogenic pathways.
The fine structure of Gonyaulax polyedra, a bioluminescent marine dinoflagellate.

An electron-microscope study of Gonyaulax polyedra , a holophytic marine dinoflagellate which is bioluminescent, has revealed 2 structures not previously described in free-living dino-flagellates: a polyvesicular body occuring at intervals along the cell9s periphery, and a large spherical body which may function in intracelluar digestion. Coated vesicles were found in the nuclear-Golgi region. Chloroplast lamellae were widely and regularly spaced in portions of the chloroplasts at the interior of cells harvested during the light period of the culture cycle. The lamellae were closer together and not so regularly arrayed in peripherally located chloroplast branches, or in chloroplasts harvested during the dark period. Other aspects of the ultrastructure of G. polyedra are described and discussed.
Pengaruh Leverage, Komisaris Independen Dan Corporate Social Responsibility Terhadap Penghindaran Pajak

This study aims to examine the effect of leverage, independent commissioners and corporate social responsibility on tax avoidance. The dependent variable used in this study is tax avoidance practice which is proxied by an effective tax rate (ETR), while the independent variables are leverage, independent commissioners and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The population in this study are food and beverage companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2013-2016 period. The sample in this study was selected using purposive sampling method where sampling was based on certain criteria and obtained 40 samples. The analysis technique used in this study is multiple linear analysis. The results showed that the leverage variable had no significant effect on tax avoidance. Variable independent commissioners did not have a significant effect on tax avoidance. While CSR variables have a significant effect on tax avoidance.
Management and Outcome of Local Recurrence Following Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery for Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a faster and safer alternative to traditional surgical treatment of adenomas and low-risk (T1) rectal tumors. However, although overall survival appears similar, transanal endoscopic microsurgery has been shown to have higher recurrence rates. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the management of patients with local recurrence after transanal endoscopic microsurgery and to evaluate their long-term outcome. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective review of medical records. SETTING: Patients were treated at a large tertiary-care hospital in Rome, Italy, between 1990 and 2011. PATIENTS: Of 298 patients who underwent local excision with transanal endoscopic microsurgery, 144 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Local excision was performed with transanal endoscopic microsurgery. In all cases complete full-thickness excision was attempted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient characteristics, operative record, pathology report, and tumor recurrence were analyzed. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meyer method and groups were compared with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Tumors were classified as pT1 in 86 patients (59.7%), pT2 in 38 (26.4%), and pT3 in 20 (13.9%). Median follow-up was 85 (range, 3–234) months. Median time to recurrence was 11.5 (range, 1–62) months; 44 patients had local or distal recurrence or both. The rate of local recurrence for patients with pT1 tumors was 11.6% (10/86). A total of 27 patients (18.8%) with local recurrence were eligible for salvage surgery: 17 had radical salvage resection, 9 had transanal re-excision, and 1 refused surgery. Overall 5-year survival was 83% in all 144 patients, and 92% in patients with pT1 tumors. The overall 5-year survival rate was higher in patients who had the radical salvage procedure than in those who had transanal re-excision (69% vs 43%; p = 0.05). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective nature, lack of technology at the beginning of the study, and the mixed nature of the study group. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome after transanal excision for rectal cancer depends on close surveillance for early detection of recurrence. In patients able to undergo surgery, endoluminal or pelvic recurrence should be treated with an immediate radical salvage operation. Overall long-term survival after local excision with transanal endoscopic microsurgery followed by radical salvage surgery in cases of local recurrence is comparable to overall survival after initial radical surgery.
Do US Firms Pay Less Tax than Their European Peers? On Firm Characteristics, Profit Shifting Opportunities, and Tax Legislation as Determinants of Tax Differentials

Using pairs of similar US and European firms listed on the S&P500 or StoxxEurope600, we examine effective tax differentials between US multinational corporations (MNCs) and their European peers. We show that statutory tax rates and profit shifting opportunities are important determinants of effective tax rates. Our findings suggest substantially lower total tax payments of US MNCs after the 2017 US tax reform. Based on past reforms of Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and of the principle of worldwide taxation, we confirm that international tax legislation affects effective tax expenses. We also provide evidence for heterogeneity in firm responses: MNCs with profit shifting opportunities benefit most from more-lenient CFC rules.
APOL1 risk variants, race, and progression of chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND Among patients in the United States with chronic kidney disease, black patients are at increased risk for end-stage renal disease, as compared with white patients. METHODS In two studies, we examined the effects of variants in the gene encoding apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) on the progression of chronic kidney disease. In the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK), we evaluated 693 black patients with chronic kidney disease attributed to hypertension. In the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study, we evaluated 2955 white patients and black patients with chronic kidney disease (46% of whom had diabetes) according to whether they had 2 copies of high-risk APOL1 variants (APOL1 high-risk group) or 0 or 1 copy (APOL1 low-risk group). In the AASK study, the primary outcome was a composite of end-stage renal disease or a doubling of the serum creatinine level. In the CRIC study, the primary outcomes were the slope in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the composite of end-stage renal disease or a reduction of 50% in the eGFR from baseline. RESULTS In the AASK study, the primary outcome occurred in 58.1% of the patients in the APOL1 high-risk group and in 36.6% of those in the APOL1 low-risk group (hazard ratio in the high-risk group, 1.88; P<0.001). There was no interaction between APOL1 status and trial interventions or the presence of baseline proteinuria. In the CRIC study, black patients in the APOL1 high-risk group had a more rapid decline in the eGFR and a higher risk of the composite renal outcome than did white patients, among those with diabetes and those without diabetes (P<0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS Renal risk variants in APOL1 were associated with the higher rates of end-stage renal disease and progression of chronic kidney disease that were observed in black patients as compared with white patients, regardless of diabetes status. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and others.).
Pharmacologic treatment and evaluation of permanent experimental spinal cord trauma

Permanent paralysis was induced in dogs by a 500 gram centimeter force injury on the spinal cord, and drug treatments were given 1 hour after injury and were continued for 3 days. Dogs were evaluated for 90 days. Isotonic saline or mannitol administration were ineffective in reversing the paralysis. In dogs receiving either dimethyl sulfoxide or dexamethasone, six of eight animals in the former and two of eight in the latter group regained partial or full recovery. The presence of somatosensory evoked responses taken before and at various intervals following trauma showed a good correlation in the prognostic recovery of each animal. It is concluded that dimethyl sulfoxide and dexamethasone can reverse a permanent experimental injury to the spinal cord when given within an hour after trauma.
¿De qué viviremos los informáticos? (Y tú, ¿por qué no enseñas gratis?)

el autor, profesor universitario de Informatica, reflexiona de forma heterodoxa sobre la profesion informatica en este articulo en el que responde a un oponente del Software Libre que le pregunta si esta dispuesto a aplicar el mismo enfoque en su actividad docente y dar clases de forma gratuita.
MOOCs Continuance Intention in Malaysia: The Moderating Role of Internet Self-efficacy

Previous researches have validated that students’ intention to continue use MOOCs was mainly determined by Usefulness and Enjoyment. This paper takes a different approach from previous studies and postulates that relationship between Usefulness and Enjoyment on MOOCs Continuance Intention are moderated by Internet Self-efficacy. Partial Least Square Path Modelling (PLS-PM) approach has been employed to analyse the data collected. Using online survey data from 251 students registered with Malaysia MOOCs program, the results revealed that Internet Self-efficacy moderates the relationship between Enjoyment and MOOCs Continuance Intention. However, the moderating effect of Internet Self-efficacy showed insignificant result on the path between Usefulness and MOOCs Continuance Intention.