Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct activation of TGF‐β1 transcription by androgen and androgen receptor complex in Huh7 human hepatoma cells and its tumor in nude mice

Importance of androgen for promotion of hepatocelullar carcinoma (HCC) has long been supported by clinical and experimental evidences. However, mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis have not yet been fully elucidated. Moreover, unbalanced expression of TGF‐β1 during tumor progression results in prooncogenic rather than growth inhibition. To investigate the effect of androgen on transcriptional regulation of TGF‐β1, we isolated rat TGF‐β1 promoter, based on our previous report (GenBank AF249327), and examined regulation of its promoter activity by dihydrotestosterone in Huh7, LNCaP, and PC3 cells. Several putative transcription factor‐binding sites were found, but no TATA box. When the full‐length (−4784 to +68) and variously deleted promoter DNAs were evaluated, the promoter region spanning from −2732 to −1203 showed the highest activity towards dihydrotestosterone in a dose‐dependent manner in both Huh7 and PC3 cells with androgen receptor (AR) expression. Putative androgen response sequence half site (5′‐TGTCCT‐3′) was identified to be located within −1932 to −1927, proved by mutant (5′‐AGACCT‐3′) analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. AR mediated upregulation of TGF‐β1 expression was confirmed by HCC developed in nude mice with AR‐overexpressed Huh7‐cells. This work presents in vivo and in vitro evidences of activation of TGF‐β1 expression by androgen and AR, and implicates the modulation of hepatocarcinogenesis by AR through the regulation of TGF‐β1 expression. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analyzing Hospital Length of Stay: Mean or Median Regression?

Background. Length of stay (LOS) is an important measure of hospital activity and health care utilization, but its empirical distribution is often positively skewed. Objective. This study reviews the mean and median regression approaches for analyzing LOS, which have implications for service planning, resource allocation, and bed utilization. Methods. The two approaches are applied to analyze hospital discharge data on cesarean delivery. Both models adjust for patient and health-related characteristics, and for the dependency of LOS outcomes nested within hospitals. The estimation methods are also compared in a simulation study. Results. For the empirical application, the mean regression results are somewhat sensitive to the magnitude of trimming chosen. The identified factors from median regression, namely number of diagnoses, number of procedures, and payment classification, are robust to high-LOS outliers. The simulation experiment shows that median regression can outperform mean regression even when the response variable is moderately positively skewed. Conclusion. Median regression appears to be a suitable alternative to analyze the clustered and positively skewed LOS, without transforming and trimming the data arbitrarily.
Different regional climatic drivers of Holocene large wildfires in boreal forests of northeastern America

Global warming could increase climatic instability and large wildfire activity in circumboreal regions, potentially impairing both ecosystem functioning and human health. However, links between large wildfire events and climatic and/or meteorological conditions are still poorly understood, partly because few studies have covered a wide range of past climate-fire interactions. We compared palaeofire and simulated climatic data over the last 7000 years to assess causes of large wildfire events in three coniferous boreal forest regions in north-eastern Canada. These regions span an east-west cline, from a hilly region influenced by the Atlantic Ocean currently dominated by Picea mariana and Abies balsamea to a flatter continental region dominated by Picea mariana and Pinus banksiana. The largest wildfires occurred across the entire study zone between 3000 and 1000 cal. BP. In western and central continental regions these events were triggered by increases in both the fire-season length and summer/spring temperatures, while in the eastern region close to the ocean they were likely responses to hydrological (precipitation/evapotranspiration) variability. The impact of climatic drivers on fire size varied spatially across the study zone, confirming that regional climate dynamics could modulate effects of global climate change on wildfire regimes.
Expected Value of Sample Information Calculations in Medical Decision Modeling

There has been an increasing interest in using expected value of information (EVI) theory in medical decision making, to identify the need for further research to reduce uncertainty in decision and as a tool for sensitivity analysis. Expected value of sample information (EVSI) has been proposed for determination of optimum sample size and allocation rates in randomized clinical trials. This article derives simple Monte Carlo, or nested Monte Carlo, methods that extend the use of EVSI calculations to medical decision applications with multiple sources of uncertainty, with particular attention to the form in which epidemiological data and research findings are structured. In particular, information on key decision parameters such as treatment efficacy are invariably available on measures of relative efficacy such as risk differences or odds ratios, but not on model parameters themselves. In addition, estimates of model parameters and of relative effect measures in the literature may be heterogeneous, reflecting additional sources of variation besides statistical sampling error. The authors describe Monte Carlo procedures for calculating EVSI for probability, rate, or continuous variable parameters in multi parameter decision models and approximate methods for relative measures such as risk differences, odds ratios, risk ratios, and hazard ratios. Where prior evidence is based on a random effects meta-analysis, the authors describe different ESVI calculations, one relevant for decisions concerning a specific patient group and the other for decisions concerning the entire population of patient groups. They also consider EVSI methods for new studies intended to update information on both baseline treatment efficacy and the relative efficacy of 2 treatments. Although there are restrictions regarding models with prior correlation between parameters, these methods can be applied to the majority of probabilistic decision models. Illustrative worked examples of EVSI calculations are given in an appendix.
A New Optimization Model for the Sustainable Development: Quadratic Knapsack Problem with Conflict Graphs

New information technology constantly improves the efficiency of social networks. Using optimization and decision models in the context of large data sets attracts extensive attention. This paper investigates a novel mathematical model for designing and optimizing environmental economic policies in a protection zone. The proposed model is referred to as the quadratic knapsack problem with conflict graphs, which is a new variant of the knapsack problem family. Due to the investigated problem processing a high complex structure, in order to solve efficiently the problem, we develop a metaheuristic which is based on the large neighborhood search. The proposed method embeds a construction procedure into a sophistical neighborhood search. For more details, the construction procedure takes charge of finding a starting solution while the investigated neighborhood search is used to generate and explore the solution space issuing from the provided starting solution. In order to highlight our theoretical model, we evaluate the model on a set of complex benchmark data sets. The obtained results demonstrate that the investigated algorithm is competitive and efficient compared to legacy algorithms.
An Analysis of Minor Hysteresis Loops of Nanoparticles for Hyperthermia

In this work, we have undertaken a study of the hysteresis loops of two sets of nanoparticles as a function of the maximum applied field (HSAT) used to generate the loop. The particle sizes chosen were ~13 nm and ~30 nm. These two sizes represent particles which are single domain and particles which lie close to the single-domain/multidomain boundary. As expected the small 13-nm particles show virtually no hysteresis at room temperature and hence no thermal effect from hysteresis loss would be expected for these materials. In contrast, the 30-nm particles show a significant hysteresis with a saturation coercivity of 83 Oe. However, the area of the hysteresis loop diminishes significantly with reduced applied saturating field and a consequent reduction in the coercivity. Theoretical calculations predict the experimental data well for the 13-nm particles using an effective anisotropy constant of 5 × 105 ergs/cm3 gives a good fit to the experimental data. For 30-nm particles, the effective anisotropy constant that gives a fit to the data is 1.8 × 105 ergs/cm3. This decrease in the effective anisotropy constant is due the different reversal mechanism in the particles.
A Reassessment of the Effect of Activated Notch1 on CD4 and CD8 T Cell Development1

The Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in the early steps of T cell development and in the generation of T cell tumors, but its role in the CD4 vs CD8 lineage decision is controversial. Notch1 is not essential for CD4 or CD8 T cell development; however, there are suggestions that multiple Notch family members may act in a redundant fashion during thymic development. In theory, expressing a constitutively activated form of Notch in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes could provide clues about the normal role of Notch in developing CD4 and CD8 T cells. Unfortunately, two different studies of transgenic mice expressing activated forms of Notch1 (Notch1IC) led to conflicting conclusions. In this study, we re-examine the effect of the two Notch1IC transgenes on thymocyte development. We find that both Notch1IC transgenic lines display a decrease in CD4 single positive (SP) thymocytes and a corresponding increase in CD8 SP thymocytes. The enhanced development of CD8 SP thymocytes is dependent on either class I or II MHC. Thus, data from two different Notch1IC transgenic lines indicate that Notch activity promotes CD8 and inhibits CD4 SP development. We suggest that the discrepancies in previous reports of Notch1IC transgenic mice are due to differences in the propensity of the two different transgenic lines to develop tumors.
University teachers’ perceptions about assessment practices: a study in five Portuguese universities

This paper looks at how Portuguese university teachers look at assessment in Higher Education. It focuses on their perspectives about assessment in higher education after the implementation of the Bologna Process, the connection between assessment, teaching and learning process and the selection of criteria and methods of assessment. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and online open-ended questionnaires in five Portuguese Public Universities in different fields of knowledge. In total, 57 teachers participated in this study. Findings are presented according the categories emerging from the data. Issues of change in assessment practices, the connection between teaching, learning and assessment as well as difficulties to assessing students’ work are analysed. Implications of the findings are discussed.
PEMODELAN NEURO-GARCH PADA RETURN NILAI TUKAR RUPIAH TERHADAP DOLLAR AMERIKA

Exchange rate can be defined as the value of a currency against other currencies. Exchange rates always fluctuate all the time. Very high fluctuations and unconstant becoming problem in forecasting where the data changed extremely. Most of economic data have heteroskedasticity characteristic analyzed using (Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity) GARCH models. Another model that commonly used as an alternative is Artificial Neural Network (ANN). However, both models have weaknesses. ARIMA models are linear, but the residual probably still contains non-linear relationship, while the ANN model used to non-linear relationship there is difficulty in determining the input. In this research combination of the two models is Neuro-GARCH model, with GARCH model used as input of ANN model. The purpose of this study was determined the best variance model Neuro-GARCH of return exchange rates rupiah against US dollar. The data used is daily return value of the rupiah (IDR) against the US dollar (USD) from August 27 th , 2012 to March 31 st , 2016. In this research, the mean model obtained is MA (1) and varian model is GARCH (1,1). The best model is Neuro-GARCH (2-10-1) which MSE smaller than the GARCH (1,1). Keywords: exchange rate, return, GARCH, Neuro-GARCH.
Pricing Ecolabeled Seafood Products with Heterogeneous Preferences: An Auction Experiment in Japan

ABSTRACT In an already large, complex Japanese seafood market, demand for ecolabeled seafood can vary across consumer segments in a way that may have important implications for marketing strategies for sustainable seafood. In contrast to previous studies of consumers' willingness to pay for ecolabeled seafood, this article analyzes retailers' best pricing strategy when consumer preferences for ecolabeled seafood are heterogeneous. An auction experiment involving consumers in Tokyo is analyzed with a latent class model to estimate variation in willingness to pay, differentiated by consumer characteristics. Results show that there is heterogeneity in price premiums, implying that representative consumer estimates are misleading. Further, higher premiums are not easily associated with observable demographic factors or high willingness to pay for the unlabeled product, leading to a complex pricing problem for retailers who wish to capture maximum revenue through price pairs for unlabeled seafood and seafood bearing an ecolabel for sustainability. JEL Codes: Q22, C14, C93, D12.
Candida albicans protein kinase CK2 governs virulence during oropharyngeal candidiasis

To identify Candida albicans genes whose proteins are necessary for host cell interactions and virulence, a collection of C. albicans insertion mutants was screened for strains with reduced capacity to damage endothelial cells in vitro. This screen identified CKA2. CKA2 and its homologue CKA1 encode the catalytic subunits of the protein kinase CK2. cka2Δ/cka2Δ strains of C. albicans were constructed and found to have significantly reduced capacity to damage both endothelial cells and an oral epithelial cell line in vitro. Although these strains invaded endothelial cells similarly to the wild‐type strain, they were defective in oral epithelial cell invasion. They were also hypersusceptible to hydrogen peroxide, but not to high salt or to cell wall damaging agents. A cka1Δ/cka1Δ mutant caused normal damage to both endothelial cells and oral epithelial cells, and it was not hypersusceptible to hydrogen peroxide. However, overexpression of CKA1 in a cka2Δ/cka2Δ strain restored wild‐type phenotype. Although the cka2Δ/cka2Δ mutant had normal virulence in the mouse model of haematogenously disseminated candidiasis, it had significantly attenuated virulence in the mouse model of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Therefore, Cka2p governs the interactions of C. albicans with endothelial and oral epithelial cells in vitro and virulence during oropharyngeal candidiasis.
Whites but Not Blacks Gain Life Expectancy from Social Contacts

Background. Recent research suggests that the health gain from economic resources and psychological assets may be systematically larger for Whites than Blacks. Aim. This study aimed to assess whether the life expectancy gain associated with social contacts over a long follow up differs for Blacks and Whites. Methods. Data came from the Americans’ Changing Lives (ACL) Study, 1986–2011. The sample was a nationally representative sample of American adults 25 and older, who were followed for up to 25 years (n = 3361). Outcome was all-cause mortality. The main predictor was social contacts defined as number of regular visits with friends, relatives, and neighbors. Baseline demographics (age and gender), socioeconomic status (education, income, and employment), health behaviors (smoking and drinking), and health (chronic medical conditions, obesity, and depressive symptoms) were controlled. Race was the focal moderator. Cox proportional hazard models were used in the pooled sample and based on race. Results. More social contacts predicted higher life expectancy in the pooled sample. A significant interaction was found between race and social contacts, suggesting that the protective effect of more social contacts is smaller for Blacks than Whites. In stratified models, more social contacts predicted an increased life expectancy for Whites but not Blacks. Conclusion. Social contacts increase life expectancy for White but not Black Americans. This study introduces social contacts as another social resource that differentially affects health of Whites and Blacks.
New Ehrlichia Species Closely Related toEhrlichia chaffeensis Isolated from Ixodes ovatusTicks in Japan

ABSTRACT Seven Ehrlichia strains (six HF strains and one Anan strain) that were obtained from laboratory mice by intraperitoneally inoculating homogenates of adult Ixodes ovatus collected in Japan were characterized. 16S rRNA sequences of all six HF strains were identical, and the sequences were 99.7, 98.2, and 97.7% identical to those of Anan strain, Ehrlichia chaffeensis (human monocytic ehrlichiosis agent), and E. muris, respectively. Partial GroEL amino acid sequencing also revealed that the six HF strains had identical sequences, which were 99.0, 98.5, and 97.3% identical to those of E. chaffeensis, the Anan strain, andE. canis, respectively. All HF strains were lethal to mice at higher dosages and intraperitoneal inoculation, whereas the Anan orE. muris strain induced only mild clinical signs. Light and electron microscopy of moribund mice inoculated with one of the HF strains revealed severe liver necrosis and the presence of numerous ehrlichial inclusions (morulae) in various organs. The study revealed that members of E. canis genogroup are naturally present inIxodes ticks. HF strains that can cause severe illness in immunocompetent laboratory mice would be valuable in studying the pathogenesis and the roles of both cellular and humoral immune responses in ehrlichiosis caused by E. canisgenogroup.
Impact of Hypertriglyceridemia on the Outcome of Acute Biliary Pancreatitis

Background:Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a well-recognized cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the role of HTG in modulating disease course remains to be cleared. We aimed to explore the impact of HTG on the outcome of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Methods:A total of 90 ABP patients with HTG were enrolled in this study and were divided into 3 groups based on ABP severity: mild AP, moderately severe AP (MSAP) and severe AP (SAP), according to the modified Atlanta classification. Besides, patients were divided into type I, II and III HTG groups based on the triglyceride (TG) level, according to the national cholesterol education program (NCEP). Disease severity, Ranson score and complications were recorded and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen predictive risk factors of severe outcomes. Results:There were 23 patients with SAP, 41 with MSAP and 26 with mild AP among the ABP patients with HTG. Significant differences were observed in the obesity, plasma TG level and Ranson score among groups. The risk of developing MSAP in ABP patients with type II and III HTG was increased. Similarly, the risk of developing SAP in ABP patients with type III HTG was also enhanced. The incidence of systemic, especially respiratory failure, and local complications in type III HTG group were significantly higher than normal lipid group. Conclusions:High TG level (≥2.26 mmol/L or 200.11 mg/mL) may be a risk factor for severe ABP and the development of systemic and local complications in ABP.
TaserX26 current increases with dart depth

The TaserX26 output current waveform consists of an arc phase and a stimulation phase, which is responsible for electromuscular stimulation. We modeled the current discharge during the stimulation phase using a simplified overdamped series R-L-C circuit. The model provides a reasonable approximation to the TaserX26 current waveform and explains the changes in the peak current and rise and fall time constants due to load variations. We simulated a physiological load using a 0.2% saline solution in a 75 × 30 × 17.2 cm fish tank to represent a supine human torso with resistivity similar to skeletal muscles. The peak current and load resistance varied more with the depth of the Taser darts in saline than with their distance of separation. Experiments performed on three pigs confirmed the decrease in resistance and increase in current with the depth of the Taser dart in the body. An R-C circuit with a time constant of about 2 ms was used to measure the variation of the Taser in stimulating cardiac cells. The Taser is 2.05 times more likely to stimulate the cardiac cell when the darts penetrate 9 mm into the load as compared to when they were just touching the load.
The mobile controlled handover method for fixed mobile convergence between WLAN, CDMA and LAN

The wired wireless integration network (WWIN) can be sorted out two approach ways of fixed mobile convergence (FMC) and fixed mobile integration (FMI). FMC means the convergence of the existing wired network and wireless network. The FMC infrastructure consists of wired and wireless network infra. Therefore a mobile device needs the function of connection method on the FMC infrastructure. Handover is one of methods for channel connect and connection control. Authors develop the mobile controlled handover algorithm, which can keep channel continuity in the wired wireless mixture network environment that consists of WLAN, CDMA and wired network. Mobile controlled handover algorithm accesses data by using transport layer and TCP/IP through each network in the wired wireless mixture network environment. User can move freely by using PDA in the wired wireless mixture network environment. Mobile controlled handover maintains the channel and the seamless transmission from PDA to server to provide real time service continuity. The channel of mobile controlled handover and the result of data transmission are presented by using data recorded on server. It is expected that the result of this thesis will contribute for a study on FMC network by using the wired wireless mixture network