Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of the Role of CBP- and p300-Mediated Wnt Signaling on Colonic Cells

Background The Wnt signaling pathway, mediated through active beta-catenin, is responsible for initiating the majority of cases of human colorectal cancer (CRC), and we have previously shown that hyperactivation of this pathway by histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis), such as butyrate, can induce the death of CRC cells. An important cellular switch that mediates the effects of Wnt-signaling activation is variation in the association between beta-catenin and the transcriptional coactivators cAMP response element binding (CREB) binding protein (CBP) and p300. Association of CBP with beta-catenin is thought to activate a set of genes linked to cell proliferation, while the p300-mediated Wnt genetic program is believed to promote cell differentiation. Small molecule agents have been discovered that modulate CBP/p300 Wnt transcriptional programs by altering the association of CBP and p300 to beta-catenin. ICG-001 and ICG-427 inhibit CBP- and p300-mediated Wnt activity, respectively, while IQ-1 prevents the shift from CBP-mediated to a p300-mediated Wnt activity. Objective Aim 1 of this proposal is designed to determine the role of CBP- and p300-mediated Wnt signaling in the response of CRC cells to HDACis. Aim 2 is to determine the role of CBP and p300 in the maintenance of high- and low-Wnt fractions in CRC cell line. Aim 3 will compare the effects of CBP- and p300-mediated Wnt activity on CRC initiation and progression. Methods In Aim 1, cells will be cotreated with HDACis and ICG-001, ICG-427, or IQ-1 and the levels of Wnt activity, apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, and CBP- or p300-beta-catenin binding measured. Aim 2 of this proposal may mirror similar heterogeneity observed in human tumors and which may be of clinical significance. Aim 3 will use CRC cell line model systems of initiation and progression: the normal colon cell lines CCD-841CoN, the adenoma line LT97, the primary colon carcinoma cell line SW480, and the lymph node metastasis cell line SW620. Cells will be treated with HDACis and the small molecule agents, and assayed as described above. Results We will also attempt to use changes in CBP- and p300-mediated Wnt signaling to shift colonic cells between cell type, modifying CBP- and p300-mediated gene expression in the LT97 adenoma line to shift the adenoma phenotype to more characteristic of the CCD-841CoN normal cells, or the SW480 carcinoma cells. We will use microarray analyses to determine the patterns of gene expression responsible for these CBP- or p300-mediated changes in colonic neoplastic phenotype. Conclusions The findings generated from this study will lead to future, more in-depth projects to further dissect the action of CBP/p300 Wnt–mediated transcriptional programs in colonic neoplasia, with an emphasis on methods to modulate these genetic programs for chemopreventive effect.
Indices of Comparative Advantage: A Study with Focus on Differences between Gross Trade and Value-Added Trade

xv Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.1 Background of the Study. 1 1.1.1 Inter-linkage between the Comparative Advantage Theories. 2 1.1.2 Importance of Inter-Industry Trade in the Presence of Intra-IndustryTrade. 4 1.1.3 Emergence of Revealed Comparative Advantage Indices. 6 1.1.4 RCA Indices and Global Supply Chains. 8 1.1.5 Relation between Comparative Advantage, Global Supply Chains and Intra-Industry Trade. 9 1.2 Gap Areas. 12 1.3 Research Questions. 14 1.4 Hypotheses. 14 1.5 Data and Methodology. 15 1.6 Structure of the Thesis. 18 Chapter 2: Review of the Literature 21 2.
Factorial validity, cross-cultural equivalence, and latent means examination of the organizational career growth scale in Italy and China

Abstract Organizational Career Growth scale (OCG scale) is a measure of employee perceptions of their chances of development and advancement within an organization. Despite the growing interest of scholars in this field, research using the OCG scale is in its early infancy. The current study aims to contribute to the validation of the OCG scale by testing its dimensionality and measurement invariance across Italian (N = 882) and Chinese (N = 256) samples. Structural Equation Modeling with Confirmatory Factorial Analysis, Multi-Group Confirmatory Factorial Analysis and latent means analysis were used. The four-factor model of the OCG scale prevailed both in the Italian and Chinese samples. Moreover, full metric and partial scalar invariance were achieved. Overall, the results supported the factorial validity and cross-cultural equivalence of the OCG scale. Latent means examination showed evidence of significantly higher latent means in the Chinese sample for three dimensions of the OCG scale (career goal progress, professional ability development, promotion speed) than in the Italian sample. Limitations, suggestions for future research and practical implications are discussed.
3-D analysis of LiNbO3: Ti channel waveguides and directional couplers

An efficient method of calculation of effective refractive indexes and field distribution of guided optical modes in diffused channel waveguides and directional couplers is presented. Refractive index distribution which follows from the theory of two-dimensional anisotropic diffusion is considered. Experiments which relate the refractive index profile with fabrication parameters are described. Then the coupling length of a directional coupler can be calculated from the fabrication parameters. The results correspond well to recently published experimental data.
Dual Effect of Catecholamines and Corticosterone Crosstalk on Pineal Gland Melatonin Synthesis

Background/Aim: The nocturnal production of melatonin by the pineal gland is triggered by sympathetic activation of adrenoceptors and may be modulated by immunological signals. The effect of glucocorticoids on nocturnal melatonin synthesis is controversial; both stimulatory and inhibitory effects have been reported. During pathophysiological processes, an increased sympathetic tonus could result in different patterns of adrenoceptor activation in the pineal gland. Therefore, in this investigation, we evaluated whether the pattern of adrenergic stimulation of the pineal gland drives the direction of the glucocorticoid effect on melatonin production. Methods: The corticosterone effect on the pineal hormonal production induced by β-adrenoceptor or β+α1-adrenoceptor activation was evaluated in cultured glands. We also investigated whether the in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inhibition of melatonin is dependent on the interaction of glucocorticoids and the α1-adrenoceptor in adrenalectomized animals and on the in vivo blockade of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) or the α1-adrenoceptor. Results: Corticosterone potentiated β-adrenoceptor-induced pineal melatonin synthesis, whilst corticosterone-dependent inhibition was observed when melatonin production was induced by β+α1-adrenoceptors agonists. The inhibitory effect of corticosterone is mediated by GR, as it was abolished in the presence of a GR antagonist. Moreover, LPS-induced reduction in melatonin nocturnal plasma content was reversed by adrenalectomy and by antagonizing GR or α1-adrenoceptors. Conclusions: The dual effect of corticosterone on pineal melatonin synthesis is determined by the activation pattern of adrenoceptors (β or β+α1) in the gland during GR activation, suggesting that increased activation of the sympathetic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are necessary for the control of melatonin production during defense responses.
Pretreatment lymphocyte–monocyte ratio as a potential prognostic factor in a cohort of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Aims To investigate the potential prognostic impact of the lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR) in a large European cohort of patients with localised upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). The LMR as an indicator of systemic inflammatory response has been shown to represent a potential prognostic factor in various types of human cancers. Up to date, the prognostic significance of the LMR in UTUC has not been evaluated. Methods Clinico-pathological data from 182 non-metastatic patients with UTUC, operated between 1990 and 2012 at a single tertiary academic centre, were evaluated retrospectively. Pretreatment LMR was assessed 1 day before surgery. Patients were categorised using an LMR cut-off value of 2.0 according to a calculation by receiver-operating curve analysis. Patients’ overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. To evaluate the independent prognostic significance of the LMR, a multivariate proportional Cox regression model was applied for OS. Results In multivariate analyses, age on the date of surgery (<65 vs ≥65 years, HR=2.10, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.64), pathological T-stage (pT1 vs pT2–4, HR=2.15, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.67), as well as the LMR (<2 vs ≥2, HR=0.56, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.92) were independent predictors of OS of patients with UTUC. Conclusions In the cohort studied, patients with an elevated (≥2) preoperative LMR had a subsequently longer OS after radical surgery for UTUC, compared with those with a low (<2) preoperative LMR. Thus, we believe this parameter might be considered an additional prognostic factor in UTUC in the future.
Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia/Fibrosis: Clinical Manifestations, Histologic and Radiologic Features

Objectives Customarily used classification of IPF did not satisfy a sizable group of patients with IPF that in the past had been lumped with UIP and now currently has begun to be recognized as nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis (NIP). There are few reports about the clinical features of NIP. Methods The pathologic slides of 66 patients having open lung biopsy (OLB) for the differential diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) from 1984 to 1995 were reviewed. Seven cases were confirmed as NIP. The clinical record, pulmonay function tests (PFT), chest PA and HRCT were reviewed and analysed retrospectively. Results Six patients with NIP were female. The median age was 56 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 4 months. Five patients had systemic flu-like symptoms. the most common respiratory symptom was gradual dyspnea Two patients revealed a mild degree of anemia Four cases had leukocytois of more than 10,000/mm3. ESR and CRP O.K. elevated in all measured cases. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in three of six patients and ds-DNA antibody was positive in one of six patients Restrictive pattern of PFT was predominant. Diffusion capacity of carbonmonoxide (DLCO) decreased markedly. In bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), total cell counts elevated about three times of normal value. On differntial counts of BAL cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were higher than those of normal controls. The prominent finding of chest radiology was bilaterally patchy opacifications in parenchyme of lower lung zones. On HRCT, bilaterally patchy areas of ground-glass attenuation and/or areas of alveolar consolidation were commonly shown. The number of pathologic type was one case of group I, four cases of group II and two cases of group III. The average period from diagnosis to the last follow-up was 24.8 months. Five patients were clinically recovered to the previously well-being state. Conclusion Patients with NIP had different clinical features from UIP, AIP and DIP. They also had characteristic findings of radiology and their prognosis seems to be better than UIP.
Outside Directors and Firm Performance During Institutional Transitions: New Evidence from Dissenting Opinions

Prior studies examine outside directors’ characteristics without considering their behaviors and document mixed results. We propose a new measure based on dissenting opinions expressed by outside directors in board meetings, which provide unique insights into their active monitoring actions. We use the data to examine their role in the context of rapidly evolving institutional transitions in China and in the light of the methodological implications of the endogeneity problem of the relevant literature. After addressing the problem by applying propensity score matching, we find that neither board independence nor dissenting opinions alone improve firm performance. However, as per our predictions drawn from agency and power circulation theories, their joint effect significantly improves firm performance in that board independence empowers active outside directors to discipline managers.
Copeptin in the differential diagnosis of the polydipsia-polyuria syndrome--revisiting the direct and indirect water deprivation tests.

BACKGROUND The water deprivation test (WDT) with direct or indirect measurement of plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) is the method of choice for the differential diagnosis of the polydipsia-polyuria syndrome. In theory, direct measurement of AVP is highly attractive but is hampered by technical difficulties. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of copeptin, a surrogate of AVP secretion, in the diagnostic work-up of the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome and to compare its performance with the current diagnostic standard. SETTING AND DESIGN In two tertiary referral centers, 20 healthy subjects and 50 patients with polydipsia-polyuria syndrome underwent WDT with measurements of both plasma AVP and copeptin levels. The reference diagnosis was based on clinical information and treatment response. RESULTS Twenty-two patients (44%) were diagnosed with primary polydipsia, 17 (34%) with partial central diabetes insipidus (DI), nine (18%) with complete central DI, and two (4%) with nephrogenic DI. The indirect WDT led to a correct diagnosis in 35 of 50 patients (70%). The direct WDT with AVP or copeptin measurement correctly diagnosed 23 patients (46%) or 36 patients (72%), respectively. Baseline copeptin values greater than 20 pmol/liter identified patients with nephrogenic DI, and concentrations below 2.6 pmol/liter indicated complete central DI. The ratio between Δ copeptin (0800 to 1600 h) and serum sodium concentration at 1600 h yielded optimal diagnostic accuracy, allowing us to also discern partial central DI from primary polydipsia (sensitivity 86%, and specificity 100%). CONCLUSION Copeptin holds promise as a diagnostic tool in the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, improving significantly the diagnostic accuracy of the direct WDT.
Revisiting the importance of virulence determinant magA and its surrounding genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae causing pyogenic liver abscesses: exact role in serotype K1 capsule formation.

BACKGROUND Mucoviscosity-associated gene A (magA) is proposed to play a decisive role in the pathogenesis of liver abscesses due to Klebsiella pneumoniae. Although some investigators consider MagA to be a putative O-antigen ligase, it is also reportedly associated with the K1 antigen. METHODS Using magA-positive serotype K1 K. pneumoniae STL43 isolated from a patient with liver abscess, we constructed 3 bacterial mutants by targeting genes within the same transcription unit, including magA, wcaG, and rfbP. The virulence of these mutants was determined by neutrophil phagocytosis and inoculation of mice. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blot analysis were used to define their surface polysaccharides. RESULTS STL43 was resistant, and all 3 mutants were highly susceptible, to phagocytosis. None of the mutant strains caused death in mice at the lethal dose of STL43. In contrast to previous reports, transmission electron microscopy revealed that all 3 mutants were nonencapsulated. Analysis of surface polysaccharides revealed that all 3 mutants retained their O antigen but lost their K antigen/capsule. Furthermore, amino acid analysis showed that MagA shared a conserved domain of Wzy, the serotype-specific capsular polysaccharide polymerase. CONCLUSIONS In accordance with the bacterial polysaccharide gene nomenclature (BPGN) scheme, MagA should be renamed Wzy(KpK1), the capsular polymerase specific to K. pneumoniae serotype K1.
Natural Limits of Wealth Inequality and the Effectiveness of Tax Policy

This article examines Thomas Piketty’s thesis that there are no natural limits on the accumulation of wealth. We undertake our examination in the context of a simple general equilibrium model with infinitely lived dynasties. We show that extreme wealth accumulation does not happen in general equilibrium unless capital and labor are substitutes, an assumption which also leads to unbalanced growth. We also show that even with unbalanced growth, differences in rates of return and effective labor are not sufficient to cause unbounded inequality. Only permanent savings rate differences can lead to extreme wealth concentration. Finally, we show that while a flat wealth tax will not eliminate extreme wealth concentration, both a graduated wealth tax and a flat income tax will.
Refining Financial Analysts’ Forecasts by Predicting Earnings Forecast Errors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the way serial correlation in quarterly earnings forecast errors varies with firm and analyst attributes such as the firm’s industry and the analyst’s experience and brokerage house affiliation. Prior research on financial analysts’ quarterly earnings forecasts has documented serial correlation in forecast errors. Design/methodology/approach Finding that serial correlation in forecast errors is significant and seemingly independent of firm and analyst attributes, the consensus forecast errors are modeled as an autoregressive process. The model of forecast errors that best fits the data is AR(1), and the obtained autoregressive coefficients are used to predict consensus forecast errors. Findings Modeling the consensus forecast errors as an autoregressive process, the present study predicts future consensus forecast errors and proposes a series of refinements to the consensus. Originality/value These refinements were not presented in prior literature and can be useful to financial analysts and investors.
Analysis of clinical efficacy of different initial antimicrobial treatment in healthcare associated pneumonia patients in emergency department

Background Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common infectious disease in emergency department. In 2005 the concept of healthcare associated pneumonia (HCAP) was proposed by the ATS/IDSA guidelines. The clinical features and microbiology of HCAP are different from CAP, however, the initial antimicrobial treatment is still controversial. We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy between HCAP patients treated initially with HCAP guideline‐concordant antimicrobial agents and those with CAP guideline‐concordant antimicrobial agents. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study on HCAP patients who were admitted to emergency department between December 2011 and December 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their different initial antimicrobial treatment. We compared clinical features, distribution of pathogen, severity, days and spending on intravenous antimicrobial, length and charge of hospitalization and clinical outcomes, and meanwhile analyzed the clinical efficacy as well. Results Of the 125 HCAP patients, 55 patients received CAP guideline‐concordant antimicrobial agents and 70 received HCAP agents. The major pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae, methicillin‐resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The 2 groups were similar at baseline, including old age, comorbidities, Pneumonia Severity Index scores, APACHE scores, and length of intravenous antimicrobial use and hospitalization duration, and in‐hospital mortality. Overall efficacy rate occurred in 70.0% of HCAP agent patients and 50.9% of CAP agent patients (P=0.029). Antimicrobial charge and total hospital charge for HCAP agent patients were significantly higher than that for CAP agent patients. Conclusions Initial treatment of HCAP patients in emergency department with HCAP guideline‐concordant antimicrobial could increase clinical efficacy rate, as well as antimicrobial charge and total hospital charge, but was not associated with shortening the length of stay, or lowering in‐hospital mortality.
An empirical analysis of attitudes toward online auctions: a comparison of Europe, India, and the United States

Attitudes toward online auctions are evaluated across three geographic entities: including the European Union, India, and the United States of America. A unidimensional 5-item scale was developed and tested across an on-line sample of 445 Internet users. Factor analysis results supported the unidimensionality of the scale for all three geographic subsamples. Cultural differences toward the scale items resulted in significant differences across the groups. Other similarities and differences were examined across the three subsamples based upon reported frequency of online purchases, use of online auctions, hours spent on the Internet each week and average monthly amount spent on online purchases. The similarities and differences were examined and discussed in the form of basic findings, managerial implications and directions for future research.
Marriage Dissolution: Property Rights or Social Ties?

The division of property rights affects the probability of marriage dissolution. However, this effect depends on the institutional environment. Throughout a comparative institutional analysis, we use data from the 2000 censuses of Brazil and the United States. The results, following previous economic predictions indicating that the probability of divorce, both in Brazil and the United States, is negatively related to the amount of property and income, as well as to the costs of leaving the relationship. Additionally, we found that this relation is moderated by the enforcement and coercion degrees presents in each country, including divorce laws (formal institutions) and social coercion, as religious orientation (informal institutions). Specifically for social coercion, our results present that religious orientation is relevant for marital dissolution in both countries. Nonetheless, the divorce laws and formal institutional environment as a whole, reduce the probability of divorce in Brazilian jurisdiction, but do not affect the divorce occurrence among the USA couples, even when controlled for the differences between state legislation. We suggested that this difference on law’ impact is related with a greater subjectivity on North American law, if compared with the written Brazilian code.
Diagnosis of Arthritis Using Near-Infrared Fluorochrome Cy5.5

Purpose:Near-infrared range fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a potential tool to diagnose biologic processes in vivo. This applicability study sought to define whether imaging with fluorochrome Cy5.5 can identify arthritis in murine antigen-induced arthritis (AIA). Materials and Methods:On day 7 of AIA (n = 9 mice), fluorescence intensities in inflamed and contralateral knee joints (the latter as internal control) were measured before and after intravenous injection of Cy5.5 (until 72 hours). Cy5.5 joint deposition was verified by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Dye phagocytosis was evaluated in cultured macrophages (cell line PMJ2-R) by FACS analysis. Cy5.5 binding to serum protein was tested by NIRF scanning and gel electrophoresis. Results:Between 2 and 72 hours, the arthritic knee joints showed significantly higher fluorescence intensities compared with contralateral joints. Microscopy confirmed Cy5.5 deposition in the synovial membrane. Cultured macrophages actively phagocytosed Cy5.5. Cy5.5 bound mainly to albumin as the main serum protein. Conclusion:NIRF imaging with Cy5.5 can identify arthritic joints in vivo, likely due to nonspecific deposition.