Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thorium-induced oxidative stress mediated toxicity in mice and its abrogation by Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate

Purpose: Thorium (232Th, IV) preferentially accumulates in the liver, femur and spleen, which necessitates evaluation of its toxic effect in these organs. The present study was aimed at evaluation of liver function, oxidative stress and histological alterations in these organs. Materials and methods: Swiss albino mice were administered either with Thorium nitrate (10 mg/kg body weight/day equivalent to 1090 pCi/kg body weight/day) for 30 days (1/40th dose of LD50/30; the dose of thorium required to kill 50% of the test cohort within 30 days) intraperitoneally or with calcium salt of diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (Ca-DTPA, 100 μmole/kg body/weight) intravenously or both. Liver function tests and oxidative damage was assessed. The concentration of Th in the tissues was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) method. Results: Administration of Th prevented the increase in the body and liver weight and altered liver functions. Th treatment to mice showed a decrease in the activities and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes, and increased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. The extent of observed oxidative damage was correlated with accumulation of Th in examined organs and further associated with histological alterations. Furthermore it was found that these effects were significantly lower when the chelating agent, Ca-DTPA, was given 1 h after Th injection. Conclusion: Administration of subtoxic concentration of Th to mice markedly altered the liver functions and induced oxidative stress in the liver, femur and spleen of mice. The results further demonstrated that Ca-DTPA significantly protected mice against the toxic effects of Th.
Theme and variations on kinetics of GPCR activation/deactivation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) initiate intracellular signaling pathways in response to physiologically and medically important extracellular ligands such as peptide and large glycoprotein hormones, neurotransmitters, sensory stimuli (odorant and taste molecules, light), calcium, l-amino acids, and are the target of many clinical drugs. The conversion of these extracellular stimuli into intracellular signals involves sequential and reversible reactions that initially take place at the plasma membrane. These reactions are mediated not only by dynamic interactions between ligands, receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins, but also by conformational changes associated with the activation/deactivation process of each protein. This review discusses the kinetic characteristics and rate-limiting reactions engaged in signal propagation that are involved in systems as diverse as neurotransmitter and hormonal signaling, and that have been recorded in live cells by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches.
Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders localizing to the gastrointestinal tract after liver transplantation: Report of five pediatric cases

Abstract: Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a life‐threatening complication of organ transplantation. PTLD can occur in every kind of organ transplantation. From July 1992 to July 2004, five patients were diagnosed at our transplantation center with PTLD after pediatric liver transplantation. During this period, there were 52 pediatric patients (<18 yr) receiving an orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at our center. All five patients had transmural gastrointestinal (GI) PTLD, which occurred mostly in the stomach and duodenum. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in situ was demonstrated in each case. EBV viral load was noted to be an important risk factor. Treatment included dose reduction of immunosuppressants and anti‐CD20 antibody infusion. Chemotherapy, including cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone, was given to three patients. Four patients have survived more than 10 months until now after treatment. The one who was unresponsive to chemotherapy and anti‐CD20 antibody had diffuse metastasis and died of systemic candidiasis. In our series, each PTLD involved the GI tract. The mechanism of this phenomenon is unclear, but these five cases indicate the high incidence of PTLD in pediatric solid organ transplantation.
Recent estimates of exchange rate pass-through to import prices in the euro area

AbstractThis paper provides an update on the exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) estimates for 12 euro area (EA) countries. First, based on quarterly data over the 1990–2012 period, the study does not find a significant heterogeneity in the degree of pass-through across the monetary union members, in contrast to previous empirical studies. As the authors use a longer time span for the post-EA era than existing studies, this is not surprising, since the process of monetary union has entailed some convergence towards more stable macroeconomic conditions across EA member states. Second, when assessing the stability of pass-through elasticities, the authors find very weak evidence of a decline around the inception of the euro in 1999. However, their results reveal that a downtrend in ERPT estimates became apparent starting from the beginning of the 1990s. This observed decline was synchronous to the shift towards reduced inflation regimes in their sample of countries. Finally, the authors notice that the distinction between “peripheral” and “core” EA economies in terms of pass-through has significantly decreased over the last two decades.
(μ-4,4′-Bipyridine-κ2 N:N′)bis[bis(N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamato-κ2 S,S′)zinc(II)]

The title dinuclear ZnII complex, [Zn2(C3H6NS2)4(C10H8N2)], is centrosymmetric; the mid-point of the C—C bond linking the two pyridine rings is located on an inversion center. The pyridine N atom coordinates to the ZnII cation, which is also chelated by two dimethyldithiocarbamate anions, giving a trigonal-bipyramidal ZnNS4 geometry. Weak intermolecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal structure.
An Investigation of Model Risk in a Market with Jumps and Stochastic Volatility

The aim of this paper is to investigate model risk aspects of variance swaps and forward-start options in a realistic market setup where the underlying asset price process exhibits stochastic volatility and jumps. We devise a general framework in order to provide evidence of the model uncertainty attached to variance swaps and forward-start options. In our study, both variance swaps and forward-start options can be valued by means of analytic methods. We measure model risk using a set of 21 models embedding various dynamics with both continuous and discontinuous sample paths. To conduct our empirical analysis, we work with two major equity indices (S&P 500 and Eurostoxx 50) under different market situations. Our results evaluate model risk between 50 and 200 basis points, with an average value slightly above 100 basis points of the contract notional.
Mother conversational behaviour as a function of interactional intent

ABSTRACT Previous research has suggested that the syntactic and semantic characteristics of mother speech are determined by the underlying intention of mothers to control (Newport 1977) or to converse with (Snow 1977) the child. The present study attempts to delineate the structure among functionally categorized mother conversational behaviours, especially those which might reflect the mother's intention to control or converse with her child. The utterances of II mothers with their children (aged 2; 5–3; 0) were categorized according to their illocutionary force or function. Conversational parameters, such as topic change rate and talkativeness, were also measured. Intercorrelations among all these mother variables showed a polarized pattern, reflecting two predominant mother intentions for conversational interaction: the control of the child's physical actions, and the elicitation of his conversational participation. Implications of the findings, especially those indicating the incompatibility of controlling and conversation-eliciting intentions, are discussed.
The Posterior Shearing Tibial Plateau Fracture: Treatment and Results via a Posterior Approach

Objectives: This study was designed to describe the fracture patterns and early results of treatment of posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: Tertiary care hospital. Patients: Thirteen patients identified from prospective trauma database with posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures. Intervention: Open reduction and internal fixation through a posterior approach to the knee. Main Outcome Measurements: Functional outcome assessed by Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment score and Visual Analogue Scale pain scores. Clinical and radiographic outcome. Results: A consistent fracture pattern was identified with a primary, inferiorly displaced posteromedial shear fracture with variable amounts of lateral condylar impaction. The average duration of clinical patient follow-up was 20 (range, 13-27) months. All fractures healed after index surgery. Two complications (1 wound dehiscence and 1 flexion contracture) were all managed nonoperatively. Three independent surgeons graded patients' articular reduction, with good interobserver reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82). The average Musculoskeletal Function Assessment dysfunction score for the 9 patients who responded was 19.5/100, and average resting Visual Analogue Scale pain score was 1.8 cm/10 cm, indicating good function. The functional outcome score was significantly related to the quality of articular reduction (P < 0.017, R = 0.456). Conclusions: Posterior shearing tibial plateau fractures form a consistent pattern. They can be successfully managed using a posterior approach with direct reduction and buttress fixation of articular fragments. Quality of articular reduction is one factor that influences short-term functional outcome.
Selection of objects and tasks in working memory

When people hold several objects (such as digits or words) in working memory and select one for processing, switching to a new object takes longer than selecting the same object as that on the preceding processing step. Similarly, selecting a new task incurs task- switching costs. This work investigates the selection of objects and of tasks in working memory using a combination of object-switching and task-switching paradigms. Participants used spatial cues to select one digit held in working memory and colour cues to select one task (addition or subtraction) to apply to it. Across four experiments the mapping between objects and their cues and the mapping between tasks and their cues were varied orthogonally. When mappings varied from trial to trial for both objects and tasks, switch costs for objects and tasks were additive, as predicted by sequential selection or resource sharing. When at least one mapping was constant across trials, allowing learning of long-term associations, switch costs were underadditive, as predicted by partially parallel selection. The number of objects in working memory affected object-switch costs but not task-switch costs, counter to the notion of a general resource of executive attention.
Referral of Terminally Ill Patients for Hospice: Frequency and Correlates

Background Despite the central role of hospice in end-of-life care, little is known about the proportion of terminally ill patients referred for hospice and the physician factors associated with hospice referral. Methods Cross-sectional data from a self-administered survey of 231 physicians were used to estimate the proportion of terminally ill patients who were referred for hospice and to assess the independent effects of physician factors on hospice referral. Results On average, physicians reported referring about 55% of their terminally ill patients for hospice; 26.7% of the physicians referred less than one quarter of their terminally ill patients. Physician specialty, board certification, and physicians’ knowledge level about hospice were independently associated with the proportions of terminally ill patients referred for hospice. Conclusion Many terminally ill patients are not referred for hospice care and physician factors influence the use of hospice significantly. The study suggests effective factors and groups to target with interventions to enhance the appropriate use of hospice.
SDN Enabled 5G-VANET: Adaptive Vehicle Clustering and Beamformed Transmission for Aggregated Traffic

With the anticipated arrival of autonomous vehicles, supporting vehicle generated data traffic due to the dramatically increased use of in-vehicle mobile Internet access will become extremely challenging in 5G-based vehicular networks. This is mainly due to the high mobility of vehicles on the road and the high complexity of 5G HetNets. In order to support the increasing traffic and improve Het- Net management, an SDN enabled 5G VANET is proposed in this article, where neighboring vehicles are clustered adaptively according to real-time road conditions using SDN's global information gathering and network control capabilities. With proposed dual cluster head design and dynamic beamforming coverage, both trunk link communication quality and network robustness of vehicle clusters are significantly enhanced. Furthermore, an adaptive transmission scheme with selective modulation and power control is proposed to improve the capacity of the trunk link between the cluster head and base station. With cooperative communication between the mobile gateway candidates, the latency of traffic aggregation and distribution is also reduced. Computer simulation results show that the proposed design substantially improved 5G users' bit error rate and trunk link throughput rate.
The Hybrid Orient: Japonisme and Nationalism of the Takashimaya Mandarin Robes

Abstract This article examines the hybrid imagery of the Orient exhibited in two mandarin-style robes made by the Japanese company Takashimaya for export in the early twentieth century. I argue that these robes embodied two parallel and interactive impulses in a specific historical period: Japan’s political quest for national identity dovetailed with the Western cultural undercurrent searching for renewed exoticism.
Fundamentals of PET and PET/CT imaging

In this review, the fundamental principles of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging have been described. The basic physics of PET instrumentation, radiotracer chemistry, and the artifacts, as well as normal physiological or benign pathological variants, have been described and presented to the readers in a lucid manner to enable them an easy grasp of the fundamentals of the subject. Finally, we have outlined the current developments in quantitative PET imaging, including dual time point and delayed PET imaging, time‐of‐flight technology in PET imaging and partial volume correction, and global disease assessment with their potential of being incorporated into the assessment of benign and malignant disorders.
UX Strategy as a Kick-starter for Design Transformation in an Engineering Company

Digitalization is driving established companies to become software providers. To succeed in software, these companies must excel beyond traditional engineering and take user experience seriously. How do you make this kind of a change? In this case study, we describe a start of a UX improvement program at a global company with a number external and internal software offerings, but no culture of utilizing design or dealing with user experience. The story starts from the design research, leads to a UX strategy framework and an eventual launch of a UX transformation project. We explain the elements of UX strategy developed in the project and provide insights on what are the key actions and enablers, such as the executive buy in, for a such project. Our goal with this report is to inform the UX researchers of the need for strategic UX work as an enabler of practical UX.
Nitrogen and carbon contents and δ15N and δ13C signatures in six bryophyte species: assessment of long‐term deposition changes (1980–2010) in Spanish beech forests

In this study we used recent (2010) and herbarium material (1980) of six bryophyte species to assess long‐term atmospheric deposition in natural forested areas in northern Spain. For this purpose, tissue nitrogen and carbon content, as well as δ13C and δ15N signatures of samples of Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichastrum formosum, Leucobryum juniperoideum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Homalothecium lutescens and Diplophyllum albicans were analysed and comparisons made between years and species. In addition, the usefulness of each of the six species was evaluated. The range of values observed was similar to that in other studies carried out in rural areas. Significantly lower values were found in 2010 for N (H. cupressiforme), δ15N (R. loreus and D. albicans), C (R. loreus) and δ13C (all except L. juniperoideum). Our natural areas are thus now less influenced by atmospheric pollutants than they were, most probably due to changes in some traditional local activities. Differences were observed between species for all the four parameters studied, so different species must not be analysed together. Finally, R. loreus and H. lutescens seem to be good bioindicators, sensitive even with a few samples, although further studies are needed to corroborate their usefulness.
A long-term investigation of the comprehension of OOP concepts by novices

This article describes research on the learning of object-oriented programming (OOP) by novices. During two academic years, we taught OOP to high school students, using Java and BlueJ. Our approach to teaching featured: objects-first, teaching composed classes relatively early, deferring the teaching of main methods, and focusing on class structure before algorithms. The research used a constructivist qualitative research methodology using observations and field notes, audio and video recordings, and an analysis of artifacts such as homework assignments. The findings were divided into four primary categories: class vs. object, instantiation and constructors, simple vs. composed classes, and program flow. In total, 58 conceptions and difficulties were identified. Nevertheless, at the end of the courses, the students understood the basic principles of OOP. The two main contributions of this research are: (i) the breadth and depth of its investigation into the concepts held by novices studying OOP, and (ii) the nature of the constructivist qualitative research methodology.
The Changing Behavior of Trading Volume Reactions to Earnings Announcements: Evidence of the Increasing Use of Accounting Earnings News by Investors

The increase in investor diversity over the last 35-40 years (ICI 2014) prompted us to revisit trading volume reactions to earnings announcements and how these reactions vary with firm size. This increase in investor diversity would likely lead to an increase in differences in the precision of pre-announcement information and potentially increase the importance of earnings announcements to resolve investor disagreement. We find that the nature of trading volume reactions to earnings announcements has fundamentally changed over the 35-year time period 1977-2011. There has been a dramatic increase in the magnitude and frequency of volume reactions to earnings announcements over this time period, and this effect is more pronounced in large firms where volume reactions were previously infrequent. The increase in large firms’ trading volume reactions is so pronounced that the relation between volume reactions and firm size has turned positive in recent years, thereby reversing Bamber’s (1986, 1987) previously documented negative relation. We provide intuition and empirical evidence that our results are attributable to the resolution of differential prior precision among an increasingly diverse set of investors following large firms.
Transscleral red laser cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of therapy-resistant inflammatory glaucoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate in a retrospective study the long-term usefulness of red 647 nm krypton and 670 nm diode laser for transscleral contact cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in the treatment of therapy-resistant inflammatory glaucoma. METHODS The authors treated 48 eyes of 38 consecutive patients (mean age 36.8 years, range 6-81 years) with therapy-resistant inflammatory glaucoma secondary to chronic uveitis (45/48), chronic scleritis (1/48), or combined scleritis with keratouveitis (2/48) using transscleral red 647 nm Krypton or 670 nm Diode laser. All eyes had failed maximum tolerated medical therapy and 19/48 (40%) eyes also previous antiglaucoma surgery. Laser power at the scleral surface was 0.35 to 0.45 W and the application time 10 seconds each. The follow-up was 42.8+/- 40.0 (range 2-145) months. RESULTS The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) of 35.6+/-8.1 mmHg fell to 6-21 mmHg level in 75% after one or repeated CPC. Among adult patients this was achieved in 85%, among children in 54%. More than one treatment was needed in 52%. No cases of hypotony, phthisis bulbi, or other devastating complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS Transscleral CPC using red 647 nm krypton or 670 nm diode laser is an effective and well-tolerated procedure for the treatment of therapy-resistant inflammatory glaucoma in adults. CPC can be considered before incisional antiglaucoma surgery with a shunt or antimetabolites is undertaken.
A Study of Seasonality on the Safex Wheat Market

ABSTRACT This paper examines seasonality in returns and volatilities in the South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX) wheat futures contract in order to seek market inefficiencies that can be exploited for financial gain. Non-parametric and parametric-based techniques are used to study sample regimes before and after the peak in wheat prices that occurred during the global economic crisis in 2008. Findings of the study indicate that wheat returns on Mondays and Kansas City Board of Trade (KCBT) holidays are significant and positive while Tuesday returns are negative and significant. These seasonal patterns occur largely in the second sample of the wheat dataset. Furthermore, it is observed that volatility diminished after the global financial crisis. Finally, based on the return seasonality detected and by applying Monte Carlo simulation in an out-of-sample period, some trading rules are developed that yield higher returns than any trading approach based on chance.