Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Negative Regulation of RANKL-induced Osteoclastic Differentiation in RAW264.7 Cells by Estrogen and Phytoestrogens*

We studied estrogen effects on osteoclastic differentiation using RAW264.7, a murine monocytic cell line. Differentiation, in response to RANKL and colony-stimulating factor 1, was evaluated while varying estrogen receptor (ER) stimulation by estradiol or nonsteroidal ER agonists was performed. The RAW264.7 cells were found to express ERα but not ERβ. In contrast to RANKL, which decreased ERα expression and induced osteoclast differentiation, 10 nm estradiol, 3 μm genistein, or 3 μm daidzein all increased ERα expression, stimulated cell proliferation, and decreased multinucleation, with the effects of estrogen ≥ daidzein > genistein. However, no estrogen agonist reduced RANKL stimulation of osteoclast differentiation markers or its down-regulation of ERα expression by more than ∼50%. Genistein is also an Src kinase antagonist in vitro, but it did not decrease Src phosphorylation in RAW264.7 cells relative to other estrogen agonists. However, both phytoestrogens and estrogen inhibited RANKL-induced IκB degradation and NF-κB nuclear localization with the same relative potency as seen in proliferation and differentiation assays. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the direct effects of estrogen on osteoclast precursor differentiation and shows that, in addition to effecting osteoblasts, estrogen may protect bone by reducing osteoclast production. Genistein, which activates ERs selectively, inhibited osteoclastogenesis less effectively than the nonselective phytoestrogen daidzein, which effectively reproduced effects of estrogen.
Effects of classical insect hormones on the expression profiles of a lipase gene from the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)

A 967‐bp cDNA, encoding a 31 kDa lipase with an isoelectric point of 8.8, was cloned from Helicoverpa armigera. The gene was named Ha‐lipase. The Ha‐lipase transcript was present in the head‐thorax, midgut and fat body but not in integument and haemocytes from 5th instar larvae, with higher expression levels in feeding larvae than that in molting larvae. In the midgut, transcription of the gene during the 5th instar larval period was lower than during the 6th instar period. While in the fat body, lipase was not found at the 6th instar stage but only at the 5th instar stage. The expression of Ha‐lipase could be up‐regulated by methoprene and down‐regulated by methoxyfenozide (RH‐2485) and 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E).
Genome engineering through CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the human germline and pluripotent stem cells.

BACKGROUND With the recent development of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 genome editing technology, the possibility to genetically manipulate the human germline (gametes and embryos) has become a distinct technical possibility. Although many technical challenges still need to be overcome in order to achieve adequate efficiency and precision of the technology in human embryos, the path leading to genome editing has never been simpler, more affordable, and widespread. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this narrative review we seek to understand the possible impact of CRISR/Cas9 technology on human reproduction from the technical and ethical point of view, and suggest a course of action for the scientific community. SEARCH METHODS This non-systematic review was carried out using Medline articles in English, as well as technical documents from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and reports in the media. The technical possibilities of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology with regard to human reproduction are analysed based on results obtained in model systems such as large animals and laboratory rodents. Further, the possibility of CRISPR/Cas9 use in the context of human reproduction, to modify embryos, germline cells, and pluripotent stem cells is reviewed based on the authors' expert opinion. Finally, the possible uses and consequences of CRISPR/cas9 gene editing in reproduction are analysed from the ethical point of view. OUTCOMES We identify critical technical and ethical issues that should deter from employing CRISPR/Cas9 based technologies in human reproduction until they are clarified. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Overcoming the numerous technical limitations currently associated with CRISPR/Cas9 mediated editing of the human germline will depend on intensive research that needs to be transparent and widely disseminated. Rather than a call to a generalized moratorium, or banning, of this type of research, efforts should be placed on establishing an open, international, collaborative and regulated research framework. Equally important, a societal discussion on the risks, benefits, and preferred applications of the new technology, including all relevant stakeholders, is urgently needed and should be promoted, and ultimately guide research priorities in this area.
Extending the CONSORT statement to cluster randomized trials: for discussion.

The need for clear reporting of randomized controlled trials has been emphasized recently. The CONSORT Statement has made evidence-based suggestions for a checklist and a patient flow diagram. Adapting this for cluster randomized controlled trials presents particular challenges. Simple changes in the checklist and diagram for the completely randomized two level cluster randomized trials are suggested for discussion. An example taken from an unpublished trial demonstrates that these changes are less simple to implement, although extensions to electronic publications may be helpful. These suggestions should be formally evaluated. Further work is required to consider the cases of more levels and of stratified or pair-matched cluster randomized trials.
An Efficient Steganography Scheme Based on Edge Detection for High Payload

Steganography is widely used to embed a massive amount of secret information. Several methods focus on taking advantage of a sharp area in which to embed secret information due to its ability to contain more secret bits undetected than a smooth area. Consequently, we propose a scheme that presents a major distinction between sharp areas and smooth areas by utilizing hybrid edge detection. To reduce the additional payload, error in bit extraction, and enhance high capacity, we adopt a truncated value of pixel to detect whether the pixel is deﬁned as an edge pixel or not. As a result, we can not only reduce error in bit extraction, but also make the most of space for embedding secret data and maintain the good quality of the stego image. Compared to the scheme proposed by Ioannidou et al., our scheme enhances much higher capacity.
Lidocaine Prevents Oxidative Stress-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction of the Systemic Artery in Rats With Intermittent Periodontal Inflammation

BACKGROUND: Periodontal inflammation causes endothelial dysfunction of the systemic artery. However, it is unknown whether the use of local anesthetics during painful dental procedures alleviates periodontal inflammation and systemic endothelial function. This study was designed to examine whether the gingival or systemic injection of lidocaine prevents oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction of the systemic artery in rats with intermittent periodontal inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). METHODS: Some rats received 1500 µg LPS injections to the gingiva during a week interval from the age of 8 to 11 weeks (LPS group). Lidocaine (3 mg/kg), LPS + lidocaine (3 mg/kg), LPS + lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg), and LPS + lidocaine (3 mg/kg, IP) groups simultaneously received gingival 1.5 or 3 mg/kg or IP 3 mg/kg injection of lidocaine on the same schedule as the gingival LPS. Isolated aortas or mandibles were subjected to the evaluation of histopathologic change, isometric force recording, reactive oxygen species, and Western immunoblotting. RESULTS: Mean blood pressure and heart rate did not differ among the control, LPS, LPS + lidocaine (3 mg/kg), and lidocaine (3 mg/kg) groups. LPS application reduced acetylcholine (ACh, 10–9 to 10–5 mol/L)-induced relaxation (29% difference at ACh 3 × 10–8 mol/L, P = .01), which was restored by catalase. Gingival lidocaine (1.5 and 3 mg/kg) dose dependently prevented the endothelial dysfunction caused by LPS application (24.5%–31.1% difference at ACh 3 × 10–8 mol/L, P = .006 or .001, respectively). Similar to the gingival application, the IP injection of lidocaine (3 mg/kg) restored the ACh-induced dilation of isolated aortas from rats with the LPS application (27.5% difference at ACh 3 × 10–8 mol/L, P < .001). Levels of reactive oxygen species were double in aortas from the LPS group (P < .001), whereas the increment was abolished by polyethylene glycol-catalase, gingival lidocaine (3 mg/kg), or the combination. The LPS induced a 4-fold increase in the protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-&agr; in the periodontal tissue (P < .001), whereas the lidocaine (3 mg/kg) coadministration partly reduced the levels. Lidocaine application also decreased the protein expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunit p47phox, which was enhanced by the gingival LPS (5.6-fold increase; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine preserved the aortic endothelial function through a decrease in arterial reactive oxygen species produced by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and periodontal tumor necrosis factor-&agr; levels in rats with periodontal inflammation. These results suggest the beneficial effect of the gingival application of local anesthetics on the treatment of periodontal diseases on endothelial function of systemic arteries.
Road Network Extraction in VHR SAR Images of Urban and Suburban Areas by Means of Class-Aided Feature-Level Fusion

In this paper, we propose to combine two road extractors from very high resolution synthetic aperture radar scenes: one more successful in rural areas and one explicitly designed for urban areas. In order to get the best combination of both, a rapid mapping filter for discriminating rural and urban scenes is utilized. Finally, the results are fused on a feature level and connected by means of a network optimization. The approach is tested and evaluated on TerraSAR-X data containing complex urban areas and urban-rural fringe scenes.
X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Genetic and dental findings in 67 Danish patients from 19 families

This study aimed to investigate genotype and phenotype in males affected with X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) and in female carriers, to analyse a possible genotype–phenotype correlation, and to analyse a possible relation between severity of the symptoms and the X‐chromosome inactivation pattern in female carriers. The study group comprised 67 patients from 19 families (24 affected males and 43 female carriers). All participants had clinical signs of ectodermal dysplasia and a disease‐causing EDA mutation. The EDA gene was screened for mutations by single‐stranded conformational polymorphism and direct sequencing. Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis was used to detect deletions/duplications in female probands. Sixteen different EDA mutations were detected in the 19 families, nine not described previously. The MLPA analysis detected a deletion of exon 1 in one female proband. No genotype–phenotype correlations were observed, and female carriers did not exhibit a skewed X‐chromosome inactivation pattern. However, in two female carriers with pronounced clinical symptoms, in whom the parental origin of each allele was known, we observed that mainly the normal allele was inactivated.
The Influence Of Corporate Governance And Leverage On Accounting Conservatism

The purpose of this research is to provide empirical evidence of the influence of Corporate Governance and Leverage on Accounting Conservatism The population of the research are shares listed on Indonesian Stock Exchange. The sample are Property and Real Estate companies listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange. The sampling method is using purposive sampling that were sampled are 20 companies for the period 2013 to 2016. Method used for data analysis is multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 22. Independent Variables of this research are Corporate Governance and Leverage while Dependent Variables is Accounting Conservatism. The results of this research showed that Corporate Governance has significant influence on Accounting Conservatism. While Leverage has no influence on Accounting Conservatism.
Impact of management control systems on the return on sales of manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka

Management Control Systems are important tools supporting organization, organizational learning and innovation, as the premise of management control is to ensure the attainment of organizational objectives. The Sri Lankan manufacturing sector is the largest contributor to the industry sector, which in turn is the second largest contributor to the country’s GDP, has continuously shown improved financial results. This study focuses on the impact of Management Control Systems on the Return on Sales of manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. A structured questionnaire was developed and forwarded to a sample population of 83 public quoted manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. 85.5% or 71 of the companies responded to the questionnaire. Structured interviews were subsequently conducted with selected personnel in these 71 organizations to ensure proper completion of the questionnaire and to authenticate the information provided. Based on the analysis of data it was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between Management Control Systems and Return on Sales of manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka.
Cache Operations by MRU Change

The performance of set associative caches is analyzed. The method used is to group the cache lines into regions according to their positions in the replacement stacks of a cache, and then to observe how the memory access of a CPU is distributed over these regions. Results from the preserved CPU traces show that the memory accesses are heavily concentrated on the most recently used (MRU) region in the cache. The concept of MRU change is introduced; the idea is to use the event that the CPU accesses a non-MRU line to approximate the time the CPU is changing its working set. The concept is shown to be useful in many aspects of cache design and performance evaluation, such as comparison of various replacement algorithms, improvement of prefetch algorithms, and speedup of cache simulation. >
Multiscale Modeling for Graphene-Based Nanoscale Transistors

The quest for developing graphene-based nanoelectronics puts new requirements on the science and technology of device modeling. It also heightens the role of device modeling in the exploration and in the early assessment of technology options. Graphene-based nanoelectronics is the first form of molecular electronics to reach real prominence, and therefore the role of single atoms and of chemical properties acquires more relevance than in the case of bulk semiconductors. In addition, the promising perspectives offered by band engineering of graphene through chemical modifications increase the role of quantum chemistry methods in the assessment of material properties. In this paper, we review the multiphysics multiscale (MS) approaches required to model graphene-based materials and devices, presenting a comprehensive overview of the main physical models providing a quantitative understanding of the operation of nanoscale transistors. We especially focus on the ongoing efforts to consistently connect simulations at different levels of physical abstraction in order to evaluate materials, device, and circuit properties. We discuss various attempts to induce a gap in graphene-based materials and their impact on the operation of different transistor structures. Finally, we compare candidate devices in terms of integrated circuit performance and robustness to process variability.
User experiences with mobile supervision of school attendance

—This article presents a field study arranged at a Finnish primary school where two classes and a total of 23 pupils between the ages of 6 and 8 trialed an attendance supervision system supported by Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. In the trial the pupils marked their arrival at and departure from school by touching a reader device or a NFC-enabled mobile phone with a contactless smart card. Parents were able to get their children’s attendance details via an online ‘citizen’s portal’ and through text-messages sent to their mobile phones. The system was designed to simplify attendance monitoring and to replace teachers’ manual roll calls. Information about user experience was obtained by using a variety of data collection methods. We evaluate how various aspects identified in new technology adoption affect the design processes of home-school interaction systems by examining the findings from the viewpoint of three end-user groups (children, parents and teachers). Our analysis also shows that a technology supported attendance supervision system can bring value for all end-user groups but it seems that the system will serve primarily the teachers and the parents.
Rewarding the good and penalizing the bad? Consumers’ reaction to food retailers’ conduct

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to obtain insights into Vietnamese consumers’ knowledge and relevance of as well as their reaction to modern food retailers (MFRs) responsible and irresponsible conduct. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from an online survey applying content analysis, uni- and multivariate tests and multivariate regression models. Findings In total, 60 percent of respondents are not aware of (ir)responsible conduct of MFR. Most of those aware of such behavior indicate that this has induced a change in their shopping behavior. This holds to a similar extent for those not aware but envisaging the (ir)responsible conduct of MFRs. The findings point to a negativity bias in that consumers’ reaction is more sensitive regarding irresponsible than responsible firm behavior. This bias is higher for consumers already knowledgeable about the (ir)responsible behavior of MFRs. The likelihood that consumers punish irresponsible conduct is influenced by the importance they attach to “food quality and safety” while those having high concerns for environmental, social and ethical’ issues are more likely to reward responsible firm actions. Research limitations/implications The negativity bias which implies that consumers react more sensitive regarding irresponsible than responsible firm behavior is likely underestimated in hypothetical studies. Practical implications Customer loyalty is at stake for MFRs behaving irresponsible while it can be strengthened by responsible firm conduct. Originality/value This research is the first to highlight the importance consumers in Vietnam attach to responsible firm conduct. It also points to a lack of awareness of such behavior.
A novel noise removal using homomorphic normalization for multi-echo knee MRI

This paper presents a novel approach for removing noise from multi-echo knee magnetic resonance images using global intensity normalization and the averaging operation along the echo-time. Firstly, the global mean and standard deviation at the zero echo-time are estimated by applying the mono-exponential spin echo model to the means and standard deviations of multi-echo images. Secondly, the signal and noise levels at multi-echo images are normalized to the estimated mean and standard deviation at the zero echo-time. Then, the normalized multi-echo images are averaged along the echo-time into a noise-removed zero echo-time image. Finally, the multi-echo MR images are reconstructed from the noise-removed zero echo-time image by the inverse normalization. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed method effectively removes not only the noises of each multi-echo image but also noises of the Quantitative T2 image.
Determinants of electric baking stove adoption in Urban Tigrai, Ethiopia

The widespread use of biomass, as a source of energy, in urban centers, has serious environmental, health and economic implications. One important remedy is promoting transition to cleaner energy sources such as electricity. This study was, therefore, aimed at investigating the determinants of adoption of Enjera (a white leavened, Ethiopian bread, made from Teff flour) by baking in an electric stove (mitad), in Abi Adi District of Tigrai region, in northern Ethiopia. A total of 109 households (of which 47 were stove adopters), was surveyed for the study. Results, obtained from the probit model, revealed that age, education level, type of employment of household head, family size, household expenditure and prices of related goods, positively explained household's adoption of electric stove. Price of the electric stove negatively affected adoption. Policy intervention would facilitate the energy transition, from fuel wood and biomass to electricity and through widespread use of electric stoves, the pressure of urban centers on their rural hinterlands and the resulting deforestation, could be reduced.
The contingent roles of perceived budget fairness, budget goal commitment and vertical information sharing in driving work performance

Purpose Drawing on equity theory, social exchange theory and goal setting theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the contingencies on the link between employees’ budgetary participation and their work performance. Specifically, this study addresses the research questions: whether vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment mediate the relationship between employees’ budgetary participation and their work performance; and whether employees’ perceived budget fairness can strengthen the positive effects of budgetary participation on vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from a sample of 556 low to middle level managers of business organizations in Vietnam. The research model and its hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM. The standardized root mean squared residual value of the composite model was employed to assess model fit. Common method bias was also checked using the marker-variable approach. Findings This study has two key findings: both vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment partially mediate the positive effects of budgetary participation on work performance; and both dimensions of perceived budget fairness (distributive and procedural) elevate the positive relationships of budgetary participation – vertical information sharing and budgetary participation – budget goal commitment. Practical implications The findings could benefit businesses in Vietnam and similar market contexts. Specifically, top management needs to select a proper level of budgetary participation that can facilitate information sharing vertically within the organization and motivate their employees to be more committed to achieve budget goals. Besides, the top management also needs to ensure that their employees perceive the fairness in the budgeting process. Originality/value The study contributes a greater understanding as regards the mediating roles of vertical information sharing and budget goal commitment as well as the moderating role of perceived budget fairness on the relationship between employees’ participation in the budgetary process and their work performance, especially in the context of an emerging market – Vietnam. Overall, this study contributes to the management and accounting literature with insights concerning a more complex process explaining employees’ work performance and triggered by their budgetary participation.