Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental Expression and Endocrine Regulation of CYP1B1 in Rat Testis

Mammalian testis expresses xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, including cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1), which catalyzes the bioactivation of procarcinogens and other chemicals. The factors that control testicular expression of CYP1B1 are largely not known. In the present study, we investigated the influence of age and pituitary, gonadal, and thyroid hormones on CYP1B1 expression in rat testis. Immunoblot analysis showed that testicular CYP1B1 protein was expressed at a level of 5.9 ± 2.0 (mean ± S.E.M.) pmol/mg microsomal protein in prepubertal 22-day-old rats, whereas it was 6.6-fold greater in pubertal rats (34 days old) and 9.6-fold greater in adult rats (84–91 days old). Hypophysectomy decreased testicular CYP1B1 protein levels by 69% in adult rats when compared with intact rats of the same age. Intermittent subcutaneous administration of growth hormone to hypophysectomized adult rats further decreased it by 63%. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone increased CYP1B1 expression in hypophysectomized rats, but they did not restore protein levels to those in intact adult male rats. Prolactin treatment alone had no effect; however, it potentiated the increase in CYP1B1 mRNA and protein expression by LH. 3,5,3′-Triiodothyronine, but not thyroxine, resulted in a small increase in testicular CYP1B1 protein levels. Likewise, treatment of hypophysectomized rats with testosterone propionate elicited a small increase in CYP1B1 protein expression. In contrast, treatment of intact adult male rats with 17β-estradiol benzoate decreased it by 91%. Overall, our findings indicate that rat testicular CYP1B1 protein expression is subject to developmental and endocrine control, with multiple hormones playing a role.
The ornithodorin‐thrombin crystal structure, a key to the TAP enigma?

Ornithodorin, isolated from the blood sucking soft tick Ornithodoros moubata, is a potent (Ki = 10(‐12) M) and highly selective thrombin inhibitor. Internal sequence homology indicates a two domain protein. Each domain resembles the Kunitz inhibitor basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and also the tick anticoagulant peptide (TAP) isolated from the same organism. The 3.1 A crystal structure of the ornithodorin‐thrombin complex confirms that both domains of ornithodorin exhibit a distorted BPTI‐like fold. The N‐terminal portion and the C‐terminal helix of each domain are structurally very similar to BPTI, whereas the regions corresponding to the binding loop of BPTI adopt different conformations. Neither of the two ‘reactive site loops’ of ornithodorin contacts the protease in the ornithodorin‐thrombin complex. Instead, the N‐terminal residues of ornithodorin bind to the active site of thrombin, reminiscent of the thrombin‐hirudin interaction. The C‐terminal domain binds at the fibrinogen recognition exosite. Molecular recognition of its target protease by this double‐headed Kunitz‐type inhibitor diverges considerably from other members of this intensely studied superfamily. The complex structure provides a model to explain the perplexing results of mutagenesis studies on the TAP‐factor Xa interaction.
Assessment of Vitamin D level in Cerebrovascular Accident Patients in Eastern India

Aims and objectives: Vitamin D in addition to its effect on bone- mineral homeostasis has many extraskeletal effects. Recently its association with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension are well described. In our study we have tried to find out any of its association with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients. Material and Methods: In a cross sectional study serum 25 OH vitamin D3, parathormone, calcium and phosphate were estimated in 38 CVA patients and 46 age and sex matched controls. Results: Vitamin D level was found to be low in CVA patients [mean 20.01(±7.13) ng/ml] irrespective of their sex, residence, diabetes and hypertension. However there was no significant difference with control population [mean 20.37(±5.74) ng/ml; P= 0.79]. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in vitamin D level between CVA patients or non-CVA population. So the role of vitamin D deficiency in the causation of CVA needs reevaluation, especially in Indian patients.
Identifying risk using ODC based growth models

The paper uses the relative growth of defects, classified using orthogonal defect classification to get a finer insight into dynamics of the software development process during later parts of testing. This is particularly useful to help identify management actions to better use people resources (both skill and staffing levels) to respond to difficulties experienced with the product in test. Specifically, the technique helps to: identify the reasons for instability in the product demonstrated by growth modelling. Evaluate the relative stability of specific aspects of the product, such as design, code, etc. Guide the choice of resource levels and skills necessary to respond to difficulties faced in the development process. <<ETX>>
Biochemical Analysis of Distinct Activation Functions in p300 That Enhance Transcription Initiation with Chromatin Templates

ABSTRACT To investigate the mechanisms of transcriptional enhancement by the p300 coactivator, we analyzed wild-type and mutant versions of p300 with a chromatin transcription system in vitro. Estrogen receptor, NF-κB p65 plus Sp1, and Gal4-VP16 were used as different sequence-specific activators. The CH3 domain (or E1A-binding region) was found to be essential for the function of each of the activators tested. The bromodomain was also observed to be generally important for p300 coactivator activity, though to a lesser extent than the CH3 domain/E1A-binding region. The acetyltransferase activity and the C-terminal region (containing the steroid receptor coactivator/p160-binding region and the glutamine-rich region) were each found to be important for activation by estrogen receptor but not for that by Gal4-VP16. The N-terminal region of p300, which had been previously found to interact with nuclear hormone receptors, was not seen to be required for any of the activators, including estrogen receptor. Single-round transcription experiments revealed that the functionally important subregions of p300 contribute to its ability to promote the assembly of transcription initiation complexes. In addition, the acetyltransferase activity of p300 was observed to be distinct from the broadly essential activation function of the CH3 domain/E1A-binding region. These results indicate that specific regions of p300 possess distinct activation functions that are differentially required to enhance the assembly of transcription initiation complexes. Interestingly, with the estrogen receptor, four distinct regions of p300 each have an essential role in the transcription activation process. These data exemplify a situation in which a network of multiple activation functions is required to achieve gene transcription.
Rapid diagnosis of Argentine hemorrhagic fever by reverse transcriptase PCR-based assay

Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF) is an endemo-epidemic disease caused by Junín virus. This report demonstrates that a reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR-based assay developed in our laboratory to detect Junín virus in whole blood samples is sensitive and specific. The experiments were conducted in a double-blinded manner using 94 clinical samples collected in the area in which AHF is endemic. The RT-PCR-based assay was compared with traditional methodologies, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, plaque neutralization tests, and occasionally viral isolation. The calculated parameters for RT-PCR diagnosis, with seroconversion as the "gold standard," were 98% sensitivity and 76% specificity. It is noteworthy that 94% of the patients with putative false-positive results (RT-PCR positive and no seroconversion detected) exhibited febrile syndromes of undefined etiology. These results could be interpreted to mean that most of those patients with febrile syndromes were actually infected with Junín virus but did not develop a detectable immune response. Furthermore, 8 laboratory-fabricated samples and 25 blood samples of patients outside the area in which AHF is endemic tested in a similar way were disclosed correctly (100% match). The RT-PCR assay is the only laboratory test available currently for the early and rapid diagnosis of AHF. It is sensitive enough to detect the low viremia found during the period in which immune plasma therapy can be used effectively, reducing mortality rates from 30% to less than 1%.
Effective condylar growth and chin position changes in activator treatment: a cephalometric roentgenographic study.

Effective condylar growth (a summation of condylar remodeling, glenoid fossa remodeling, and condylar position changes within the fossa) and its influence on the position of the chin was analyzed in 40 class II, division I malocclusions treated successfully with activators. Additionally, the amount of mandibular rotation was assessed. Lateral head films in habitual occlusion from before and after an average treatment period of 2.6 years were evaluated. The Bolton Standards (32 untreated individuals with ideal occlusion) served as controls. Two different treatment effects were evaluated: overall growth change and treatment effects (overall growth changes minus age-related Bolton values). In comparison with the Bolton group, the activator patients exhibited an increase in the amount of vertical effective condylar growth (3.0 mm; P < .001), a decrease in the amount of sagittal effective condylar growth (0.6 mm; P < .05), and an increase in the amount of vertical development of the chin (1.8 mm; P < .001). No group differences could be found for sagittal development of the chin. In the Bolton group, the mandible rotated posteriorly, and in the activator group it rotated anteriorly (2.7 degrees; P < .001). The present investigation revealed that effective condylar growth can be increased and the chin position can be changed by activator treatment. Thus activator treatment induces skeletal changes, although not always in the desired (sagittal) therapeutic direction.
Profiles in the Offending Process of Nonserial Sexual Murderers

The aim of this study was to investigate specific pathways in the offending processes of nonserial sexual murderers and to examine possible relationships with different precrime, per-crime, and postcrime factors. Included in this study were 36 offenders who have committed at least one sexual murder against a female victim and they were classified using cluster analysis. Participants using the sadistic pathway planned their offenses and used physical restraints during the offenses. Furthermore, they mutilated and humiliated their victims. Finally, they hid the bodies of the victims. Participants using the anger pathway had not premeditated the homicide. Mutilation, humiliation, and physical restraints were less predominant with these participants than with those using the sadistic pathway. Moreover, these offenders were more likely to leave the bodies at the crime scenes after the killings occurred. These two profiles are compared with empirical studies addressing sexual homicide.
Weekly TP regimen as a postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for completely resected breast cancer in China: final result of a phase II trial.

OBJECTIVES To investigate the safety and long-term survival with weekly paclitaxel combined with cisplatin (wTP) as a postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer. METHODS Patients with breast cancer were treated postoperatively with paclitaxel 40 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15, cisplatin 25 mg/ m2 also intravenously on days 1,8 and 15, repeated every 21-28 days as a cycle. Toxicity and survival rate were evaluated after chemotherapy. RESULTS Between September 1993 and August 2001, 20 patients were enrolled. Median age was 52 years (range, 35-71 years). According to the TNM stage system, all patients were staged II or III. Median number of chemotherapy cycles was 3 (range, 1-6), and 10 patients received 4 to 6 cycles of wTP. After a median follow-up of 83 months, 2 deaths and 6 relapses were documented. The five year overall survival rate was 90%. All patients could be evaluated with regard to toxicity. No treatment related deaths were recorded. Neutropenia occurred in 75% of patients during treatment, all recovering after G-CSF injection. Other symptoms included nausea/vomiting, elevation of transaminase, urea nitrogen/creatinine and alopecia. CONCLUSIONS wTP is safe and effective at the doses tested. However, a randomized clinical trial is needed to compare wTP with other conventional adjuvant regimens of breast cancer postoperatively.
Simple adaptive voltage control of permanent magnet synchronous machine

This paper presents a voltage control strategy for a DC load powered by a three phase inverter connected to a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG). The DC load consists of a DC capacitor in parallel with the inverter and the unknown current load. The control strategy is designed based on Simple Adaptive Control (SAC) technique. The structure is a cascade controller designed in rotor reference frame. In the inner loop the torque control is performed while, in the outer loop, the voltage of the DC link capacitor is regulated. Disturbance observers are used to increase the robustness of the control system. Parameter variations are simulated in order to asses the performance of the control strategy. Simulations are performed in Matlab-Simulink.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN FREE-RANGING CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS)

Abstract The coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects humans and warm-blooded animals worldwide. The ecology of this parasite in marine systems is poorly understood, although many marine mammals are infected and susceptible to clinical toxoplasmosis. We summarized the lesions associated with T. gondii infection in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) population and investigated the prevalence of and risk factors associated with T. gondii exposure, as indicated by antibody. Five confirmed and four suspected cases of T. gondii infection were identified by analysis of 1,152 medical records of necropsied sea lions from 1975–2009. One suspected and two confirmed cases were identified in aborted fetuses from a sea lion rookery. Toxoplasmosis was the primary cause of death in five cases, including the two fetuses. Gross and histopathologic findings in T. gondii-infected sea lions were similar to those reported in other marine mammals. The most common lesions were encephalitis, meningitis, and myocarditis. The antibody prevalence in stranded, free-ranging sea lions for 1998–2009 was 2.5% (±0.03%; IgG titer 640). There was an increase in odds of exposure in sea lions with increasing age, suggesting cumulative risk of exposure and persistent antibody over time. The occurrence of disseminated T. gondii infection in aborted fetuses confirms vertical transmission in sea lions, and the increasing odds of exposure with age is consistent with additional opportunities for horizontal transmission in free-ranging sea lions over time. These data suggest that T. gondii may have two modes of transmission in the sea lion population. Overall, clinical disease was uncommon in our study which, along with low prevalence of T. gondii antibody, suggests substantially less-frequent exposure and lower susceptibility to clinical disease in California sea lions as compared to sympatric southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis).
Socio-Economic Determinants of Poverty in Turkey: Panel Logit Approach

In recent years, the phenomenon of poverty takes the first place in the development agenda throughout the world. Majority of the world’s countries, especially least developed countries of Africa, struggle with bitter poverty. Turkey, as a developing middle-income country, has not been faced by pervasive excess poverty but it has been an important problem for decades. In this study, the determinants of relative poverty in Turkey have been investigated with a special emphasis to gender. Relying on a novel data set and using a panel logit regression model, the findings of the analysis suggest that factors being man, being married, higher level of education, higher level of age, improvement in health status, being employer and self employed, having social security reduce the probability of poverty in Turkey.
[CT-expo--a novel program for dose evaluation in CT].

CT-Expo is a novel MS Excel application for assessing the radiation doses delivered to patients undergoing CT examinations, based on computational methods that were used to analyze the data collected in the German survey on CT practice in 1999. The program enables the calculation of all dose quantities of practical value, such as axial dose free-in-air, weighted CTDI, dose-length product, effective dose and uterine dose. In contrast to existing programs for CT dose assessment, CT-Expo offers a number of unique features, such as gender-specific dose calculation for all age groups (adults, children, newborns), applicability to all existing scanner models including correction of scanner-specific influences, and the possibility of comparison with the results from the German CT survey on CT practice. Three different application modules offer free and standardized dose calculations as well as a comprehensive benchmarking section including guidance on dose optimization. The program is available as shareware in both German and English version. Additional information and a demo version free of charge can be requested via e-mail from the author's address stamm.georg@mh-hannover. de) or from the web page http://www.mh-hannover.de/kliniken/radiologie/str_04. html.
Monolithic integrated ceramic waveguide filters

Design techniques for a new class of integrated monolithic high permittivity ceramic waveguide filters are presented. These filters enable a size reduction of 50% compared to air-filled TEM filters with the same unloaded Q-Factor. Designs for both chebyshev and asymmetric generalized chebyshev filter are presented, with experimental results for an 1800 MHz chebyshev filter showing excellent agreement with theory.
Revisiting the dimensional structure of the emotion domain

Recent research has claimed that a novelty dimension is needed to represent the cognitive emotion structure over and above valence, power and arousal. Novelty emerged when student samples evaluated the meaning of 24 emotion terms on 142 emotion features. This claim is debatable, however, because to date novelty has never been found in similarity sorting studies. It is possible that novelty emerged because sophisticated student samples evaluated emotion terms on emotion features. The current research identified a large, representative set of emotion terms using a free-listing task in a middle childhood up to early adulthood sample (N = 5071). Children, adolescents, students and adults (N = 1184) then evaluated the similarity between these emotion terms using a similarity rating task without priming any emotion feature. Novelty robustly emerged as the fourth dimension. The existence of novelty is thus confirmed with a different method across a wide variety of participants.
2012 VAT Reform in Spain: The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Case. Welfare Consequences

This paper analyzes the e¤ects that the 2012 VAT reform in Spain had on the households welfare, focusing on one of the main expenditure groups: food and non-alcoholic beverages. To that end, householdsdemands are modeled as a QUAIDS, which is then estimated by means of a consistent two-step estimator introduced in Tauchmann (2010) and never before applied to studies of this type. This procedure allows to properly impose the traditional parameter restrictions that utility maximization requires on candidate demand functions in a context of a censored model. The results indicate that the higher the income level of a household, the lower the welfare loss of that household relative to its annual income. As a conclusion, the increment in the VAT tax rates that took place in Spain in 2012 could be considered as regressive. Additionally, the tax reform would have caused a lower social loss the higher the inequality aversion of Spanish society as a whole. JEL classi cation: D12; D63; H25
Submaximal motor unit firing rates after 8 wk of isometric resistance training.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that average motor unit firing rates change in parallel with the contractile properties of vastus lateralis following 8 wk of isometric resistance training. METHODS The firing rates from more than 400 motor units of vastus lateralis were obtained during voluntary isometric contractions of 50% MVC, before and again after training in male subjects (N = 10) and their untrained controls (N = 10). Single motor unit spike trains were recorded with tungsten microelectrodes. RESULTS Training resulted in a 36% (P < 0.05) increase in MVC. We also found significant increases (P < 0.05) in maximal twitch amplitude (+17%), time to peak tension (+9%) and the maximal instantaneous rate of contraction (+20%) in the trained leg of the experimental group. Neither the maximal integrated EMG nor the rate of increase of integrated EMG was different after training. There were no significant changes in any of these measures from the untrained leg or the control group. Average firing rates were not different after training despite the increase in twitch contractile speed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the control properties of the nervous system are not altered despite sizable changes in the contractile properties of muscle following 8 wk of resistance training.
The role of credit ratings on capital structure and its speed of adjustment: an international study

ABSTRACT Using an international dataset, we examine the role of issuers’ credit ratings in explaining corporate leverage and the speed with which firms adjust toward their optimal level of leverage. We find that, in countries with a more market-oriented financial system, the impact of credit ratings on firms’ capital structure is more significant and that firms with a poorer credit rating adjust more rapidly. Furthermore, our results show some striking differences in the speed of adjusting capital structure between firms rated as speculative and investment grade, with the former adjusting much more rapidly. As hypothesized, those differences are statistically significant only for firms based in a more market-oriented economy.