Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Military Technology and Sample Selection Bias

Abstract Military enlistment is highly selective for reasons of both labor demand and supply. An early-twentieth-century evolution of military technology that shifted the demand for workers of different stature illustrates the importance of labor demand beyond the commonly discussed influences originating with labor supply. English-born soldiers in the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) were taller, on average, than those of World War I (1914–18), yet these differences cannot be attributed to standard of living or business cycle influences on the labor market. Rather, we argue, the mechanization and bureaucratization of warfare increased the relative value of shorter people permitting a decline in the average height of soldiers. Technological change over the period of these two wars affected labor demand in a way that must be recognized before using this evidence to test hypotheses about changes in population health.
Cardiorenal Reflexes Do Not Attenuate the Renal Effects of Infused Atriopeptin in Conscious Dogs

Abstract Low-dose infusions of atriopeptin produce only a modest diuresis and natriuresis. However, these infusions also decrease atrial pressures, a change that has been postulated to elicit an antidiuretic and antinatriuretic reflex from cardiac receptors and thereby to attenuate the direct renal effects of atriopeptin. To determine whether the renal effects of intravenously administered atriopeptin might be attenuated by a cardiorenal reflex, we infused α-human atrial natriuretic peptide (α-hANP) into cardiac-denervated and sham-operated (normal) conscious dogs. Following a control period, α-hANP was infused into each dog at 12.5, 25, or 50 ng·kg−1·min−1 for 1 hr. Infusion of α-hANP at 50 ng·kg−1·min−1 produced similar decreases in left atrial pressure in both normal and cardiac-denervated dogs (peak changes, −1.6 ± 0.8 vs −2.4 ± 0.9 mm Hg, respectively). Increases in urine flow (peak changes, 0.13 ± 0.05 vs 0.20 ± 0.06 ml/min) and sodium excretion (peak changes, 56 ± 22 vs 70 ± 11 μEq/min) also were not different between groups. The lower doses of α-hANP also elicited renal and hemodynamic responses in the cardiac-denervated dogs that did not differ significantly from those in the normal dogs. These data indicate that the diuresis and natriuresis elicited by intravenously administered α-hANP are not attenuated by a cardiorenal reflex in conscious dogs.
World Price Transmission for Differentiated Products: The Case of Shrimp in the US Market

The traditional approach to testing the law of one price is modified to allow for product differentiation. Applying the modified framework to the US market for shrimp, the pass-through elasticity of the import price into the domestic price was found to be less than one, as predicted by theory when domestic and imported versions of a good are imperfect substitutes. Among the supply and demand shifters included in the model, the most important variables to affect the domestic price are exchange rate and the price of diesel fuel. The pass-through elasticities for diesel fuel (0.38) and exchange rate (0.55) are almost as large as for import price (0.60). This suggests changes in exchange rates and fuel prices are not to be overlooked as important drivers of the domestic price. The US market for shrimp is highly efficient, with 70% of disequilibrium caused by a demand or supply shock “corrected” within one month.
FXR2P Exerts a Positive Translational Control and Is Required for the Activity-Dependent Increase of PSD95 Expression

In brain, specific RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associate with localized mRNAs and function as regulators of protein synthesis at synapses exerting an indirect control on neuronal activity. Thus, the Fragile X Mental Retardation protein (FMRP) regulates expression of the scaffolding postsynaptic density protein PSD95, but the mode of control appears to be different from other FMRP target mRNAs. Here, we show that the fragile X mental retardation-related protein 2 (FXR2P) cooperates with FMRP in binding to the 3′-UTR of mouse PSD95/Dlg4 mRNA. Absence of FXR2P leads to decreased translation of PSD95/Dlg4 mRNA in the hippocampus, implying a role for FXR2P as translation activator. Remarkably, mGluR-dependent increase of PSD95 synthesis is abolished in neurons lacking Fxr2. Together, these findings show a coordinated regulation of PSD95/Dlg4 mRNA by FMRP and FXR2P that ultimately affects its fine-tuning during synaptic activity.
Polymorphic expression of the glutathione S-transferase P1 gene and its susceptibility to Barrett's esophagus and esophageal carcinoma.

Factors determining individual susceptibility to esophageal cancer or premalignant Barrett's epithelium are still largely unclear. An imbalance between phase I drug metabolism [e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP)] and phase II detoxification [e.g., glutathione S-transferase (GST)] may contribute to the development of these diseases. Polymorphic variants in the CYP1A1 gene were described leading to increased levels of bioactive compounds, whereas polymorphisms in GST genes often resulted in impaired detoxification. We studied the frequencies of polymorphic variants in CYP1A1, GSTP1, GSTT1, and GSTM1 genes in 98 patients with Barrett's epithelium and 34 patients with esophageal cancer. The results were compared with those obtained from 247 healthy blood donors. DNA was extracted, and PCR-RFLP methods were used to detect genetic polymorphisms. Chi2 analysis, Spearman rank correlation, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used for statistical evaluation. Polymorphisms in CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 occurred at an equal frequency in patients and controls. Occurrence of the polymorphic GSTP1b variant in the GSTP1 gene resulted in a significantly lower GST enzyme activity (P < 0.05), and GSTP1b was found significantly more often in patients with Barrett's epithelium (70%; P < 0.001) and patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (76%; P = 0.005), as compared to healthy blood donors (41%). In conclusion, presence of the GSTP1b allele leads to lower GST enzyme activity levels and, consequently, impaired detoxification. This most important esophageal GST isoform may, therefore, contribute to the development of Barrett's epithelium and adenocarcinoma.
A Prospective Study of Calcium Intake and Incident and Fatal Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common incident cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in U.S. males. Higher milk intake has been relatively consistently associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, especially advanced prostate cancer. Some data suggest that high intake of calcium might account for this association, but this relationship remains controversial. We hypothesized that high calcium intake, possibly by lowering 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D levels, is associated with poorer differentiation in prostate cancer and thereby with fatal prostate cancer. We examined calcium intake in relation to prostate cancer risk using data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a prospective cohort study of 47,750 male health professionals with no history of cancer other than nonmelanoma skin cancer at baseline. We assessed total, dietary, and supplementary calcium intake in 1986, 1990, 1994, and 1998, using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We calculated the multivariable relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using Cox proportional hazards regression. Over 16 years of follow-up, we identified 3,544 total cases of prostate cancer, 523 advanced (extraprostatic) cases, and 312 fatal cases. Higher calcium intake was not appreciably associated with total or nonadvanced prostate cancer but was associated with a higher risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancer [for fatal prostate cancer, compared with men whose long-term calcium intake was 500-749 mg/d (excluding supplement use of <5 years); those with intakes of 1,500-1,999 mg/d had a RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.17-3.01; and those with ≥2,000 mg/d had a RR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.32-4.48; Ptrend = 0.003]. Dietary calcium and supplementary calcium were independently associated with an increased risk. For high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason ≥ 7), an association was observed for high versus low calcium intake (RR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.32-2.71; Ptrend = 0.005), but a nonsignificant, inverse association was observed for organ-confined, low-grade prostate cancer (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.50-1.25; Ptrend = 0.09). In a sample of this cohort, higher calcium intake was associated with lower circulating 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D levels. Our findings suggest that calcium intakes exceeding 1,500 mg/d may be associated with a decrease in differentiation in prostate cancer and ultimately with a higher risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancer but not with well-differentiated, organ-confined cancers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(2):203–10)
Sexual differences in exploration behavior in Xenopus tropicalis?

ABSTRACT The two sexes of a species often differ in many ways. How sexes differ depends on the selective context, with females often investing more in reproductive output and males in territory defense and resource acquisition. This also implies that behavioral strategies may differ between the two sexes, allowing them to optimize their fitness in a given ecological context. Here, we investigated whether males and females differ in their exploration behavior in an aquatic frog (Xenopus tropicalis). Moreover, we explored whether females show different behavioral strategies in the exploration of a novel environment as has been demonstrated previously for males of the same species. Our results show significant sex differences, with males exploring their environment more than females. Yet, similar to males, female exploratory behavior varied significantly among individuals and broadly fell into three categories: shy, intermediate and bold. Moreover, like in males, behavioral strategies are decoupled from morphology and performance. Our results suggest that females are more sedentary than males, with males engaging in greater risk taking by exploring novel environments more. Male and female behaviors could, however, be classified into similar groups, with some individuals being bolder than others and displaying more exploration behavior. The decoupling of morphology and performance from behavior appears to be a general feature in the species and may allow selection to act on both types of traits independently. Summary: Differences in exploration behavior exist between male and female frogs, with males exploring novel environments more than females; this behavior is decoupled from performance in both sexes.
Factors that affect the demand of tourism in Mexico: competitive analysis

Purpose Several studies have been made that analyze factors that affect the demand of tourism from several optics. This paper aims to study the factors that determine the demand for tourism in Mexico, through an econometric analysis, by using the Johansen cointegration model (1991) to determine the long-term elasticity between the demand of tourists and the wealth related to its main markets (the USA and Canada) and the relative prices in Mexico and its two main competitors (the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica). Design/methodology/approach The authors used econometric analysis using Johansen’s cointegration model (1991), using as a dependent variable the demand of tourists from the main countries of origin (the USA and Canada), taking as data the number of tourists by air in the period 1980-2015, according to information from the SIIMT. The independent variables are the relative wealth of the country of origin of the tourists (wealth of the tourist in Mexico concerning the wealth in their country of origin) and the relative prices of the destination country with respect to the country of competition. The source for per capita income and the consumer price index is the World Bank. Findings The results obtained in this document show that in the long-term the price is a factor of impact in the purchase decision of both markets analyzed. Presenting an elastic demand to the price, which implies that the market is sensitive to the variations of the price of tourist services, opting for the destination that offers better prices, with a higher sensitivity to the price when compared with Costa Rica. Coinciding with previous studies carried out in other tourist destinations, such as in the work of Patsouratis et al. (2005). Originality/value The main contribution of this work is to determine the long-term relationship, through a cointegration analysis of Johansen (1991). A methodology that has not been used to perform a competitive analysis between countries. Additionally, the present work uses variables different from those considered in previous works; the dependent variable is the demand of tourists from the main countries of origin (the USA and Canada) and as dependent variables the relative wealth of the country of origin of the tourists (Wealth of the tourist in Mexico with respect to wealth in their country of origin) and the relative prices of the destination country with respect to the country of competition.
Cognitive functioning in long-term cancer survivorship: A survey utilizing both standardized neuropsychological and self-report measures

ABSTRACT Since long-term cancer survivorship is a reality for an increasing number of people, understanding their cognitive functioning is useful for both research and clinical purposes. This study described the cognitive functioning of Italian long-term cancer survivors, using both an objective standardized battery and a self-report questionnaire. A total of 136 Italian adults 5+ years free from cancer and its treatments were administered the Esame Neuropsicologico Breve, the Self-Assessment Scale of Cognitive Functioning, and assessments of other psychological dimensions. A total amount of 15% of the sample showed impaired performance on 2+ of the assessed cognitive functions, and 32% had 1+ impaired function. The subjective perception of their cognitive functioning was worse in the present sample, compared to the normative data (p < 0.001). Cognitive functioning, objectively and subjectively measured were significantly correlated (p = 0.006). The number of tests scored outside the normal range correlated positively with depression (p = 0.042) and negatively with both the estimated total IQ (p < 0.001) and with estimated performance IQ (p = 0.001). Self-perceived cognitive functioning correlated positively (p < 0.001) with depression, anxiety, and fatigue. These data document how cognitive difficulties may remain for a long time in cancer patients, who are likely to continue to subjectively perceive themselves as impaired, although sometimes to a greater extent than objective impairment.
TCGF Production for Cloning and Growth of Functional Human T Lymphocytes

In an effort to increase the potency of T cell growth factor (TCGF), several variables were examined for their effects on the production of TCGF. The following manipulations enhanced the potency of TCGF: first, the removal of adherent cells and addition of indomethacin to the producing cultures; second, irradiation with 1000 rads of the cells used to produce TCGF; and, third, the addition of Epstein‐Barr virus transformed lymphoblastoid (LCL) cells. It was also noted that the addition of irradiated feeder cells increased the efficiency of limiting dilution cloning.
Identification of the CREB-binding Protein/p300-interacting Protein CITED2 as a Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor α Coregulator*

Like other nuclear receptors, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) use a wide variety of protein-protein interactions to properly regulate transcription of target genes. In an attempt to identify novel PPAR-interacting proteins, a cDNA expression library was screened with bacterially expressed PPARα. One of the genes identified as a PPARα-associated protein by interaction cloning was the CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting transactivator with ED-rich tail 2 (CITED2, also called p35srj/mrg1/msg1). This coactivator interacted directly with PPARα in the presence or absence of ligand predominantly via the ligand binding domain of the nuclear receptor. In transient transfection reporter assays, CITED2 acted as a dose-dependent coactivator of PPARα-dependent transcriptional regulation in the presence of several exogenous ligands. CITED2 also increased PPARγ-dependent regulation of reporter genes but had no effect on PPARβ activity. To determine whether CITED2 affects endogenous gene expression, this protein was stably overexpressed (CITED2+) or repressed by small inhibitor RNA (CITED2–) in immortalized mouse hepatocytes. Relative to the control stably transfected or CITED2–cells, CITED2+ cells had an increased rate of cell proliferation. Microarray analysis and real time PCR showed that several genes are differentially affected by PPARα ligands in CITED2+ versus CITED2–cells. Genes that were affected by PPARα ligands in a CITED2-modulatory manner include angiopoietin-like protein 4, forkhead C2, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and MAPK phosphatase 1. Interestingly these genes share common functions in that they are known to promote vascularization and angiogenesis in response to hypoxia. The results described here suggest that CIT-ED2 is a coactivator of PPARα and that both proteins may participate in signaling cascades of hypoxic response and angiogenesis.
[Medicoeconomic evaluation of the treatment of morbid obesity by Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB)].

INTRODUCTION Aim of the present study was to analyze the medicoeconomic impact of each treatment for obesity in France, taking into account morbid obesity-associated comorbidities from a health insurance perspective and to calculate the cost-effectiveness ratio of SAGB compared to the non-surgical treatment for various kinds of patients, as well as the budget impact on a given cohort of patients. METHODS The model studied surgery-eligible patients and compared the effectiveness of the SAGB treatment to the conventional treatment. The follow-up extended from 1 to 5 years. Costs analyzed were treatment-related direct medical costs, as well as potential comorbidities costs. The effectiveness is determined according to the BMI loss and its maintenance over time, together with the level of improved quality of life. RESULTS An evaluation on a series of 1,000 patients shows that the treatment with SAGB is dominant (less expensive, more effective in terms of loss of BMI and its duration) compared to the conventional treatment for patients suffering from type II diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea. The same evaluation in terms of QALYs shows that the treatment with SAGB is dominant compared to the conventional treatment for patients with a BMI >or= 35 kg/m(2) and a type II diabetes, as well as for patients whose BMI >or= 40 kg/m(2) (with or without type II diabetes mellitus).
Potential Antidepressant Activity of Areca catechu Nut via Elevation of Serotonin and Noradrenaline in the Hippocampus of Rats

The current study was aimed at investigating the potential antidepressant activity of Areca catechu nut ethanol extract and its various fractions using behavioral (acute and sub‐chronic forced swim tests) and biochemical (monoamines and their metabolite levels using high performance liquid chromatography) tests. The areca nut ethanol extract and its aqueous fraction exhibited antidepressant activity in both acute and sub‐chronic forced swim tests (IC50 ~ 50 and 20 mg/kg, respectively), which was further confirmed by unaltered locomotor (horizontal and vertical) activities of rats in the activity cage. Phytochemical analysis revealed that saponins of areca nut may be the active component in its antidepressant action. The rats treated sub‐chronically with areca nut extract displayed toxic effects, whereas its active aqueous fraction was non‐toxic, indicating the presence of different constituents for antidepressant and toxic effects. In the hippocampus of rats, the areca nut extract (50 mg/kg) and aqueous fraction (20 mg/kg) caused a significant elevation of serotonin (around 35%) and noradrenaline (around 30%) compared with the control (261 ± 25 and 512 ± 29 ng/g, respectively). In conclusion, the areca nut possesses potential antidepressant effect via the elevation of serotonin and noradrenaline. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatotoxicity of Agents Used in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk for hepatobiliary disease and toxicity, and the diagnosis of drug-induced liver disease in patients being treated for IBD can represent a clinical challenge. There are a number of disease states associated with IBD, which are primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholangiocarcinoma and autoimmune hepatitis. There is a wide spectrum of hepatic injury that can occur from the agents used to treat IBD, such as acute or chronic hepatic injury directly attributable to the drugs used to treat IBD (e.g. sulfasalazine, mesalamine, thiopurines, methotrexate, TNF antagonists, quinolone antibiotics); liver toxicity from drugs used to treat complications of immunomodulators and TNF antagonists (e.g. isoniazid for treatment of reactivation tuberculosis), and exacerbation of underlying chronic viral hepatitis with infliximab and other TNF antagonists. Thiopurines are also associated with the development of hepatic vascular lesions, such as nodular regenerative hyperplasia and peliosis hepatic. In addition, biologics can be associated with the reactivation of underlying chronic viral hepatitis, mandating universal screening prior to initiation of TNF-alpha antagonist therapy.
Probabilistic risk assessment of emerging materials: case study of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Abstract The development and use of emerging technologies such as nanomaterials can provide both benefits and risks to society. Emerging materials may promise to bring many technological advantages but may not be well characterized in terms of their production volumes, magnitude of emissions, behaviour in the environment and effects on living organisms. This uncertainty can present challenges to scientists developing these materials and persons responsible for defining and measuring their adverse impacts. Human health risk assessment is a method of identifying the intrinsic hazard of and quantifying the dose–response relationship and exposure to a chemical, to finally determine the estimation of risk. Commonly applied deterministic approaches may not sufficiently estimate and communicate the likelihood of risks from emerging technologies whose uncertainty is large. Probabilistic approaches allow for parameters in the risk assessment process to be defined by distributions instead of single deterministic values whose uncertainty could undermine the value of the assessment. A probabilistic approach was applied to the dose–response and exposure assessment of a case study involving the production of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide in seven different exposure scenarios. Only one exposure scenario showed a statistically significant level of risk. In the latter case, this involved dumping high volumes of nano-TiO2 powders into an open vessel with no personal protection equipment. The probabilistic approach not only provided the likelihood of but also the major contributing factors to the estimated risk (e.g. emission potential).