Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Renal Metastases of Pancreatic Medullary Carcinoma: A Case Report

In this report, we present a case of a 69-year old female who underwent a mastectomy for bilateral breast carcinoma. She was treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Fifteen years later, a follow-up computer-tomography revealed two tumor nodules on the left kidney measuring 1 and 3 cm with enlarged paraaortic lymph nodes measuring up to 2.5 cm in diameter, clinically suggesting further dissemination of breast cancer. Surprisingly, surgery revealed a huge neoplastic mass in the pancreatic tail. A pancreatic tumor showed a strongly positive immunohistochemical expression for CK-8 (MSIP protocol), CK-18 and MUC-1 markers.
Analysis of AWG based Elementary Switches for Multistage WDM Optical Switches

This paper is a precedent study to design AWG based elementary switch for constructing large-scale optical switch with multistage architectures. To decide the appropriate size and architecture of AWG based elementary switches, burst drop rate and throughput are evaluated in terms of the number of input/output ports and wavelengths by numerical analysis and simulation is also executed to verify the results of numerical analysis. AWG based switches with slow-light buffer are also considered as a candidate for the elementary switch. Performance is evaluated by Markov state transition diagram, for the equivalent virtual buffer model, and is compared with OPNET simulation results. Finally, we provide insight into the design of multistage WDM optical switches by investigating the effect of various parameters.
Interactions between the S-Domain Receptor Kinases and AtPUB-ARM E3 Ubiquitin Ligases Suggest a Conserved Signaling Pathway in Arabidopsis1[W][OA]

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome encompasses multiple receptor kinase families with highly variable extracellular domains. Despite their large numbers, the various ligands and the downstream interacting partners for these kinases have been deciphered only for a few members. One such member, the S-receptor kinase, is known to mediate the self-incompatibility (SI) response in Brassica. S-receptor kinase has been shown to interact and phosphorylate a U-box/ARM-repeat-containing E3 ligase, ARC1, which, in turn, acts as a positive regulator of the SI response. In an effort to identify conserved signaling pathways in Arabidopsis, we performed yeast two-hybrid analyses of various S-domain receptor kinase family members with representative Arabidopsis plant U-box/ARM-repeat (AtPUB-ARM) E3 ligases. The kinase domains from S-domain receptor kinases were found to interact with ARM-repeat domains from AtPUB-ARM proteins. These kinase domains, along with M-locus protein kinase, a positive regulator of SI response, were also able to phosphorylate the ARM-repeat domains in in vitro phosphorylation assays. Subcellular localization patterns were investigated using transient expression assays in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) BY-2 cells and changes were detected in the presence of interacting kinases. Finally, potential links to the involvement of these interacting modules to the hormone abscisic acid (ABA) were investigated. Interestingly, AtPUB9 displayed redistribution to the plasma membrane of BY-2 cells when either treated with ABA or coexpressed with the active kinase domain of ARK1. As well, T-DNA insertion mutants for ARK1 and AtPUB9 lines were altered in their ABA sensitivity during germination and acted at or upstream of ABI3, indicating potential involvement of these proteins in ABA responses.
Inhibition of an equilibrative nucleoside transporter by cannabidiol: A mechanism of cannabinoid immunosuppression

The plant-derived cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) both have immunosuppressive effects; although some effects of THC are mediated by the CB2 receptor, CB2 binds CBD weakly. In examining the effects of THC and CBD on microglial proliferation, we found that these compounds potently inhibit [3H]thymidine incorporation into a murine microglial cell line with no effect on cell cycle. Treatment with THC and CBD decreased [3H]thymidine uptake into microglia, with IC50 values that match inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. CBD and, less potently, THC decreased uptake of [3H]adenosine to a similar extent as [3H]thymidine in both murine microglia and RAW264.7 macrophages. Binding studies confirm that CBD binds to the equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 with a Ki < 250 nM. Because adenosine agonists have antiinflammatory effects, and because uptake of adenosine is a primary mechanism of terminating adenosine signaling, we tested the hypothesis that CBD is immunosuppressive because it enhances endogenous adenosine signaling. In vivo treatment with a low dose of CBD decreases TNFα production in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice; this effect is reversed with an A2A adenosine receptor antagonist and abolished in A2A receptor knockout mice. These studies demonstrate that CBD has the ability to enhance adenosine signaling through inhibition of uptake and provide a non-cannabinoid receptor mechanism by which CBD can decrease inflammation.
Evaluating cartographic design in flood risk mapping

In order to mitigate flood hazards and to minimize associated losses, technical protection measures have been additionally and increasingly supplemented by non-technical mitigation, i.e. land-use planning activities. This is commonly done by creating maps which indicate such areas by different cartographic symbols, such as colour, size, shape and typography. Hazard and risk mapping is the accepted procedure when dealing with natural hazards and is therefore required in the European Member States in order to meet the demands of the European Flood Risk Directive. However, available information is sparse concerning the impact of such maps on different stakeholders, i.e. specialists in flood risk management, politicians and affected citizens. The lack of information stems from a traditional approach to map production which does not take into account specific end-user needs. In order to overcome this information shortage the current study used a circular approach such that feedback mechanisms originating from different perception patterns of the end user would be considered. Different sets of small-scale as well as large-scale risk maps were presented to different groups of test persons in order to (1) study reading behaviour as well as understanding and (2) deduce the most attractive components that are essential for target-oriented communication of cartographic information. Therefore, the method of eye tracking was applied using a video-oculography technique. This resulted in a suggestion for a map template which fulfils the requirement to serve as an efficient communication tool for specialists and practitioners in hazard and risk mapping as well as for laypersons. Taking the results of this study will enable public authorities who are responsible for flood mitigation to (1) improve their flood risk maps, (2) enhance flood risk awareness and, therefore, (3) create more disaster-resilient communities.
Multilobated B cell lymphomas. A study of 7 cases

Seven cases of multilobated lymphomas with B cell surface markers are presented. Clinical, histological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features are detailed. These observations serve to underscore the importance of not relying on morphology alone for the phenotypic classification of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Una aproximación de la teoría de portafolio a las siefores en México

This article is an application of the Markowitz Portfolio Theory (1952) to SIEFORES in Mexico. Through these workers can invest their savings and create a personalized portfolio and access to money and capital markets with this instrument, bounded by guidelines of the law. It seeks to make a measurement with the methodology proposed by Markowitz to determine the performance of such portfolios and suggest the most optimal combination of resources to invest in each of these instruments. As a complementary tool to the risk analysis, VaR is used, and to measure the performance management of the portfolios analyzedrTreynor and Sharpe index was applied.
Developing a Measurement of Child Welfare Policy and Practice: Local Supervisory Review Instrument

As child welfare systems move toward evidence-based practice, one state implemented a statewide program to amass data on child welfare outcomes and child welfare workers’ performance. This measurement tool, called the Local Supervisory Review Instrument (LSRI), was used on the individual level to provide feedback to case workers as well as on a county and statewide basis to monitor trends on select indicators of child safety, permanency and well-being. The purpose of this study is to review the design and development of the LSRI, including data from throughout the state and to examine a reliability analysis of the instrument. For the differing program areas of the LSRI, descriptive statistics were used to assess response rates and mean rating score. Cronbach's alpha (α) for internal consistency was used to assess the reliability of the LSRI. The results indicate that the reliability of the LSRI is moderate or high, although there are significant exceptions as well. With revisions of some items, the LSRI can contribute to building a model for other states to increase data driven outcomes and workers’ assessments in the field of child welfare.
A INDEPENDÊNCIA DOS AUDITORES INDEPENDENTES: UM ESTUDO DA PERCEPÇÃO DOS AUDITORES SOBRE AS SITUAÇÕES QUE INFLUENCIAM A SUA PERDA

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a percepcao dos auditores independentes sobre situacoes capazes de influenciar na perda da propria independencia profissional. O estudo utilizou-se de um questionario contemplando quatro eixos de analise relacionados a eventual perda de independencia: 1) Quanto ao cliente; 2) Quanto as atividades do auditor; 3) Quanto ao perfil do auditor e 4) Quanto ao contrato. O questionario foi constituido de 23 questoes de multipla escolha. A amostra do estudo foi composta por auditores independentes atuantes na Regiao Metropolitana da Cidade do Recife (RMR), capital do Estado de Pernambuco, obtendo-se o total de 48 respondentes. Apos a coleta dos dados, efetuou-se a tabulacao dos mesmos no software Microsoft Excel , e realizou-se posterior analise dos dados atraves do software IBM SPSS Statistics , utilizando-se do teste qui-quadrado. Os resultados apontaram que os auditores apresentaram, em sua maioria, discordância quanto aos fatores dispostos no questionario. Contudo, os fatores relacionados as atividades dos auditores, como aqueles referentes ao vinculo pessoal existente entre auditor e cliente, ao interesse financeiro na entidade auditada, a relacao trabalhista existente entre auditor e cliente e, com maior representatividade, ao parentesco com membros da gestao, apresentaram maior concordância pelos respondentes e indicam maior influencia na perda da independencia do auditor. Por outro lado, foram apontados resultados com elevado grau de discordância (mais de 80%) relacionados a categoria de perfil do auditor (genero, cor, experiencia, remuneracao, formacao) presumindo-se sua baixa interferencia na independencia da prestacao do servico. O resultado desse estudo sugere maior aprofundamento de variaveis que podem interferir na independencia do auditor de forma mais qualitativa, demonstrando a percepcao critica dos auditores, assim como a sugestao de aumento da amostra estudada para todo o pais.
Clozapine-related EEG changes and seizures: dose and plasma-level relationships

Clozapine is a widely used atypical antipsychotic with a unique effectiveness in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. An important adverse effect is seizures, which have been observed at all stages of clozapine treatment. Valproate has traditionally been considered the drug of choice for the prophylaxis of clozapine seizures, however it may not be the most suitable choice for all patients. There is disagreement as to the best point to prescribe valproate or a suitable antiepileptic: as seizure prophylaxis at a certain clozapine dose or level, or only as remedial treatment. In this review, we examine the relevant literature with an aim to evaluate the following relationships: clozapine dose and electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities, plasma levels and EEG abnormalities, dose and occurrence of seizures and plasma levels and occurrence of seizures. Weighted linear regression models were fitted to investigate these relationships. There was a strong relationship between clozapine dose and plasma level and occurrence of clozapine-induced EEG abnormalities. However, a statistically significant relationship between dose and occurrence of seizures was not found. A relationship between clozapine plasma level and occurrence of seizures was not established because of the scarcity of useful data although our review found three case reports which suggested that there is a very substantial risk of seizures with clozapine plasma levels exceeding 1300 µg/l. Seizures are more common during the initiation phase of clozapine treatment, suggesting a slow titration to target plasma levels is desirable. An antiepileptic drug should be considered when the clozapine plasma level exceeds 500 µg/l, if the EEG shows clear epileptiform discharges, if seizures, myoclonic jerks or speech difficulties occur and when there is concurrent use of epileptogenic medication. The antiepileptics of choice for the treatment and prophylaxis of clozapine-induced seizures are valproate (particularly where there is mood disturbance) and lamotrigine (where there is resistance to clozapine).
Packaging PrEP to Prevent HIV: An Integrated Framework to Plan for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Implementation in Clinical Practice

Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs may be partially effective for preventing HIV transmission. In anticipation of clinical trial results, behavioral HIV prevention scientists have begun examining possible challenges in the implementation of PrEP in clinical practice or community settings. These efforts have acknowledged the need to supplement PrEP drug delivery with risk-reduction counseling and ongoing HIV testing, and we suggest that an even wider range of clinical, diagnostic, behavioral, and monitoring services will be necessary to support PrEP as a population-level HIV prevention strategy. This Commentary offers an integrated structure for optimizing PrEP delivery in clinical practice, which includes five components: 1) PrEP drugs; 2) safety screening and repeated HIV testing; 3) behavioral interventions to facilitate PrEP initiation, maintain adherence, and minimize risk compensation; 4) the development of strategies to engage PrEP users and the healthcare system over the long term; and 5) population-level monitoring. We provide a brief overview of each component and highlight implications of this five-part package for implementation. Attempts to plan for scale-up without explicitly addressing non-pharmaceutical elements may overlook critical implementation needs, barriers, and facilitators.
Clinical and pathologic characteristics of dilated cardiomyopathy in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Some dialysis patients have impaired left ventricular (LV) function without coronary artery disease. The pathologic changes and prognoses of these patients have not been well described. METHODS We performed LV endomyocardial biopsies on 40 hemodialysis patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM; an ejection fraction <50% and a left ventricular end-diastolic volume index >90 mL/m(2) without coronary artery disease), and on 50 nondialysis patients with idiopathic DCM as the control group. Following LV biopsies, the patients were followed-up for a mean of 3.1 +/- 2.3 years. RESULTS The pathologic characteristics of the dialysis group were severe myocyte hypertrophy (the mean myocyte diameter across the nucleus: 37.6 +/- 10.5 mum vs. 25.6 +/- 7.7 mum, P= 0.001), myocyte disarray (30%), and extensive fibrosis (the mean percent area of left ventricular fibrosis: 22.3 +/- 18.4% vs. 21.3 +/- 14.6%, P= NS). These pathologic characteristics resembled the dilated phase of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In the dialysis group, a high percent area of LV fibrosis was the only significant predictor of cardiac death by multivariate analysis (P= 0.02). The 3-year cumulative event-free survival rate for cardiac death in dialysis patients with severe fibrosis (more than 30%) was 42%, while that for patients without severe fibrosis was 82% (P= 0.03). CONCLUSION The pathologic characteristics of the heart in dialysis patients with DCM are interstitial fibrosis and severe myocyte hypertrophy with occasional disarray. The extent of LV fibrosis is a strong predictor of cardiac death. Careful follow-up and treatment are necessary for dialysis patients with a high percent area of LV fibrosis.
The Investment Opportunity Set and Acquired Goodwill

This paper examines how managers allocate the cost of firms' investments in subsidiaries between net tangible assets and acquired goodwill. We find a negative relation between acquired goodwill and leverage, and this could be interpreted as the result of managers of acquiring firms opportunistically allocating a lower portion of the acquisition price to acquired goodwill. However, this analysis, like much of the research on accounting choice, suffers from an omitted variables problem. We present evidence that the observed negative relation between acquired goodwill and leverage is likely to stem from each variable's relation to the acquiring firm's investment opportunity set. Further, we find that acquired goodwill is not related to the existence of debt covenants. Together, these results suggest an endogenous relation between the firm's asset structure, its financing policy, and acquired goodwill.
Switched Bias Differential MOSFET Dosimeter

This paper presents a differential MOSFET sensor reading technique based on the bias controlled cycled measurement. The circuit was implemented, and tested with gamma radiation from a 60-cobalt source. Temperature rejection performance was assessed during the exposure in real-time measurements. The results show that in comparison with a single MOSFET dosimeter the thermal drift is 20 times smaller and the radiation sensitivity is approximately 10% higher. The switched biasing allows to extend the measurement range beyond MOSFET's threshold voltage saturation.
A core hSSB1–INTS complex participates in the DNA damage response

Summary Human single-stranded DNA-binding protein 1 (hSSB1) plays an important role in the DNA damage response and the maintenance of genomic stability. It has been shown that the core hSSB1 complex contains hSSB1, INTS3 and C9orf80. Using protein affinity purification, we have identified integrator complex subunit 6 (INTS6) as a major subunit of the core hSSB1 complex. INTS6 forms a stable complex with INTS3 and hSSB1 both in vitro and in vivo. In this complex, INTS6 directly interacts with INTS3. In response to the DNA damage response, along with INTS3 and hSSB1, INTS6 relocates to the DNA damage sites. Moreover, the hSSB1–INTS complex regulates the accumulation of RAD51 and BRCA1 at DNA damage sites and the correlated homologous recombination.
Neisseria meningitidis NhhA is a multifunctional trimeric autotransporter adhesin

NhhA, Neisseriahia/hsf homologue, or GNA0992, is an oligomeric outer membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis, recently included in the family of trimeric autotransporter adhesins. In this study we present the structural and functional characterization of this protein. By expressing in Escherichia coli the full‐length gene, deletion mutants and chimeric proteins of NhhA, we demonstrated that the last 72 C‐terminal residues are able to allow trimerization and localization of the N‐terminal protein domain to the bacterial surface. In addition, we investigated on the possible role of NhhA in bacterial–host interaction events. We assessed in vitro the ability of recombinant purified NhhA to bind human epithelial cells as well as laminin and heparan sulphate. Furthermore, we shown that E. coli strain expressing NhhA was able to adhere to epithelial cells, and observed a reduced adherence in a meningococcal isogenic MC58ΔNhhA mutant. We concluded that this protein is a multifunctional adhesin, able to promote the bacterial adhesion to host cells and extracellular matrix components. Collectively, our results underline a putative role of NhhA in meningococcal pathogenesis and ascertain its structural and functional belonging to the emerging group of bacterial autotransporter adhesins with trimeric architecture.
The political activities of American corporate leaders

What is the nature and extent of corporate leader involvement in American national politics? The results of a mail survey of nearly 100 such individuals show that leaders are quite active, devoting an average of nearly 1 hour per day to national political activity. We also show that corporate leaders engage in a wide range of advocacy activities. Monetary activities loom particularly large in the political lives of American corporate leaders, as large numbers are approached by members of Congress for contributions, and many who are approached answer the call. In addition, we find that corporate leaders, unlike advocacy professionals, do a great deal of their advocacy work in private; for the most part they eschew public activities such as testifying before congressional committees. Speaking to the question of which leaders are most politically active, our data evince a strong relationship between firm political activity and firm leader political activity. In sum, politically active firms have politically active leaders. We thus contribute to the ongoing academic discussion of corporate political activity by showing that the CEO's office is an additional locus of political power within business firms, and that CEO political activity is instrumental rather than consumptive in nature.
The accidental traders: marginalization and opportunity from the southern republics to late Soviet Moscow

Shrinking opportunities on the Soviet periphery pushed increasing numbers of Caucasus and Central Asian peoples to late twentieth-century Moscow. This article analyses the migration experiences of two Kyrgyz, one Uzbek and one Azeri who left their native villages, eventually engaging in private trade in Moscow's streets and markets. Using oral histories, the article reveals the importance and extent of trading networks across the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and the opportunities as well as perils that faced those who participated in this grey-market activity. Traders confronted complicated dynamics of inclusion and exclusion, and sometimes racism, from the host society. The migrant experience transformed ideas of identity and ethnicity, at home and away. As each realized economic goals, these traders also considered pursuit of social mobility, attracted by Moscow's dynamism. Strong family relationships and a tenuous sense of incorporation in the Soviet capital drove them home in the late 1980s.