Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential innate immune cell signatures and effects regulated by toll-like receptor 4 during murine lung tumor promotion

ABSTRACT Tumor promotion is an early and critical stage during lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). We previously demonstrated that Tlr4 mutant mice were more susceptible to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)-induced pulmonary inflammation and tumor promotion in comparison to Tlr4-sufficient mice. Our study objective was to elucidate the underlying differences in Tlr4 mutant mice in innate immune cell populations, their functional responses, and the influence of these cellular differences on ADC progenitor (type II) cells following BHT-treatment. BALB (Tlr4-sufficient) and C.C3-Tlr4Lps-d/J (BALBLpsd; Tlr4 mutant) mice were treated with BHT (promoter) followed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and flow cytometry processing on the lungs. ELISAs, Club cell enrichment, macrophage function, and RNA isolation were also performed. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) co-cultured with a type II cell line were used for wound healing assays. Innate immune cells significantly increased in whole lung in BHT-treated BALBLpsd mice compared to BALB mice. BHT-treated BALBLpsd mice demonstrated enhanced macrophage functionality, increased epithelial wound closure via BMDMs, and increased Club cell number in BALBLpsd mice, all compared to BALB BHT-treated mice. Cytokine/chemokine (Kc, Mcp1) and growth factor (Igf1) levels also significantly differed among the strains and within macrophages, gene expression, and cell surface markers collectively demonstrated a more plastic phenotype in BALBLpsd mice. Therefore, these correlative studies suggest that distinct innate immune cell populations are associated with the differences observed in the Tlr4-mutant model. Future studies will investigate the macrophage origins and the utility of the pathways identified herein as indicators of immune system deficiencies and lung tumorigenesis.
Characterization of the promoter regions involved in galactose‐ and nisin‐mediated induction of the nisA gene in Lactococcus lactis ATCC 11454

The nisA promoter is positively regulated in Lactococcus lactis ATCC 11454 by autoinduction via a two‐component NisRK‐mediated system. However, induction of this promoter can also occur when introduced into the plasmid‐free L. lactis LM0230 during growth in galactose or lactose, independent of the NisRK system. In this study, we also characterized this galactose‐mediated induction by determining the nisA start site during growth in galactose, which was identical to the nisA start site upon nisin induction. The region involved in the galactose‐mediated induction of the nisA promoter was investigated by directed deletion analysis of a 200 bp region upstream of the nisA promoter in the transcription fusion pDOC99. The induction of the deletion derivatives by galactose and nisin was compared phenotypically using β‐galactosidase measurements, and the regions necessary for the induction were determined by sequence analysis. Analysis of these regions revealed two sets of a TCT direct repeat [TCT‐N8‐TCT] present at positions (−107 to −94) and (−39 to −26) relative to the transcription initiation site. Disruption of the upstream repeat abolished galactose induction and significantly reduced the nisin induction capacity, suggesting a potential pivotal role for these repeats in transcription induction of the nisA promoter. It was also observed that the galactose‐mediated induction was abolished when a plasmid containing the phosphotransferase system (PTS), phospho‐β‐galactosidase and tagatose pathway genes was introduced into this strain. As this effectively made the Leloir pathway redundant, it points to some component of this pathway as the specific inducer of the nisA promoter.
The effects of a long wait for children's dental general anaesthesia.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to monitor the effect of an interruption in a service for children who were scheduled to have dental extractions under general anaesthesia (GA). The reasons for offering GA and the treatment given while the service was not available, together with the history of the pain, antibiotic usage and alterations to the number of teeth extracted were recorded. METHODS When the GA extraction service stopped, the children who were scheduled to have their teeth extracted were placed on a waiting list. When the service recommenced 6 months later, the children were invited to attend a reassessment. Relevant data were collected at this visit using a proforma. RESULTS A total of 321 children had their extractions delayed. Only 249 of these attended for a reassessment. During the waiting period, 102 parents (41.0%) reported that their children required analgesics, 71 (28.5%) stated that their children's sleep was disturbed and 82 (32.9%) recorded problems with eating. One hundred and twenty-three children (49.4%) had received antibiotics, with 49 (19.6%) having been prescribed two or more courses. The majority of treatment plans (85.5%) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Many children who had had their extractions delayed suffered further pain and disruption to their life.
SEMI‐PARAMETRIC ESTIMATION OF PROGRAM IMPACTS ON DISPERSION OF POTENTIAL WAGES

Policy evaluations require estimation of program impacts on both mean and dispersion of potential outcomes, even though the previous identi cation e orts have focused mostly on impacts on the mean. We propose the use of instrumental variables and pairwise matching to identify the average treatment e ect on conditional variance in potential outcomes. We show that it is possible to identify and estimate program impact on conditional dispersion of potential outcomes in an endogenous switching model, without using the identification-at-infinity argument, if we impose semi-parametric conditions on the error structure of the outcome equation. In the presence of a multi-valued or continuously distributed instrument, we recommend the pairwise-matching method if the error term and the latent index are symmetrically distributed around zero. Simulation results show that the proposed estimators converge at the regular parametric rate. We apply the new estimators to a well-known empirical study of the e ect of education on potential wage inequality.
Endoderm specification

In this chapter I focus on the emergence of endoderm, the origin of these cells and their organization in space. I also discuss the molecular events that lead to endoderm formation and how endoderm can be molecularly defined. Although the molecular control of endoderm formation has initially been deciphered using Xenopus, Zebrafish, sea urchin and several other species many molecular switches have been confirmed in mice. This article preferentially cites references in the mouse model system but data from other model organisms are used when they provide important information missing in mice. Extensive references to other species can be found in Grapin-Botton; Constam, 2007 and Stainier, 2002. This article presents endoderm engineering from ES cells and provides molecular triggers and landmarks that may be used for optimized engineering based on normal development. Due to the similarity of markers between definitive and extraembryonic endoderm and the recent discovery that visceral endoderm can contribute to the digestrive tract, the generation of these lineages is also discussed (Kwon et al., 2008). Although endoderm stem cells, that is stem cells endowed with the ability to give rise to all endodermal derivatives but not ectoderm or mesoderm, have not been reported yet, there are stem cells in specific endodermal organs which will be discussed in the following chapters.
3D printed chitosan / hydroxyapatite scaffolds for potential use in regenerative medicine

The present study investigates properties of direct 3D printed chitosan/hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Chitosan is biodegradable which is beneficial for certain indications in the field of regenerative medicine. Hydroxyapatite on the other hand improves the mechanical properties and occurs as a major component in the mineral phase of bones. These two materials were combined and processed on an optimized 3D printing method to produce scaffolds with promising mechanical properties.
An Application of the Spectral Kurtosis to Monitor Container Gantry Cranes' Machinery

The Spectral Kurtosis (SK) enhances non-Gaussian behavior associated to deviations from the nominal operation of the cranes machinery. This fact easies fault detection, with the subsequent prevention of dramatic malfunction. In this paper the rotor of a container gantry crane is monitored to get the kurtosis of its normal operation. Then, two types of rolling bearings faults are modeled, according to the design of the rotors crane. These signals are added to the real normal operation recordings, and processed under an estimator of the SK. The experience allows the conformation of a higher-order statistical fault-pattern data base, without the need of stopping huge machinery, and with the subsequent saving, settling the basis of an automatic surveillance system.
Leading Indicators of Heating Coal Pricing in Turkey: A Coal Pricing Model (2003-2009)

In this study, a coal pricing model for Turkey is developed employing Granger causality and cointegration analysis by using monthly data between January 2003 and April 2009. Empirical results based on Granger causality tests indicate that foreign coal futures prices and domestic consumer price index for energy sector can be used as the leading indica- tors for domestic coal prices for Turkey. An error correction model for Turkish coal pricing is specified by taking into account the results of Granger causality. The forecast of the coal prices based on error correction model is giving very successful results. It is observed that the coal prices and forecasted coal prices values are almost moving together or very close to each other.
Immigrant-Native Substitutability: The Role of Language Ability

Wage evidence suggests that immigrant workers are imperfectly substitutable for native-born workers with similar education and experience. Using U.S. Censuses and recent American Community Survey data, I ask to what extent differences in language skills drive this. I find they are important. I estimate that the response of immigrants' relative wages to immigration is concentrated among immigrants with poor English skills. Similarly, immigrants who arrive at young ages, as adults, both have stronger English skills and exhibit greater substitutability for native-born workers than immigrants who arrive older. In U.S. markets where Spanish speakers are concentrated, I find a "Spanish-speaking" labor market emerges: in such markets, the return to speaking English is low, and the wages of Spanish and non-Spanish speakers respond most strongly to skill ratios in their own language group. Finally, in Puerto Rico, where almost all workers speak Spanish, I find immigrants and natives are perfect substitutes. The implications for immigrant poverty and regional settlement patterns are analyzed.
THINK Systemically, ACT Strategically: Sustainable development of information literacy in the broader context of students' learning

A challenge for educators is to fuse the learning of information literacy to an academic education in such a way that the outcome is systematic and sustainable learning for students. This challenge can be answered through long-term commitment to information literacy education bound to organisation-wide, renewable strategic planning and driven through systemic reform. This paper explores the process of reforming information literacy education in an academic environment, drawing on the experiences of one Australian university which has undertaken the implementation of a strategic, systemic approach to information literacy learning and teaching.
Towards a model of adoption in mobile banking by the unbanked: a qualitative study

Purpose – This paper presents a qualitative study on mobile banking technology acceptance by the rural unbanked. The number of mobile phone users has long exceeded the number of people with bank accounts across the world. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that will affect the acceptance of mobile banking by the rural unbanked.Design/methodology/approach – The main purpose of this qualitative research is to discover the deeper motivations and associations that underlie an unbanked consumer's intentions to adopt mobile banking services. The use of open‐ended questions in the group discussions allowed participants to explain, comment and share experiences, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs, with specific focus on the consumer (his cognition and emotions as a result of the consumption intentions). Focus groups provide an opportunity to capture the meaning that consumers give to different aspects of reality they live in through group dynamics and interactions.Findings – The findings of the s.
Inertial Measurement System for Human Gait Analysis

An inertial measurement system is described in this study. In the first part of the paper history and gait cycle terminology are described and a relevant research is made. The system is used for an analysis of human gait and determination of its major parameters. Several inertial measurement units (IMUs) are attached to subject's feet. The program is used to analyze original signals from the IMUs. The analysis algorithm is described in detail. Performed experiments and the ways the data were analyzed are also described. The paper also includes the statistical estimation of the data.
Melanoma-Associated Adhesion Molecule MUC18/MCAM (CD146) and Transcriptional Regulator Mader in Normal Human CNS

The proteins MUC18 and Mader have been identified as markers of tumor progression in melanoma cells. MUC18, also known as MCAM (melanoma cell adhesion molecule) and as CD146 (endothelial antigen), is a cell adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Mader is a transcriptional regulator shown to negatively regulate EGR-1. As it is known that neoplastic cells of neuroectodermal origin frequently express neuron-specific molecules, we studied whether these melanoma-associated antigens are found in normal CNS tissue. We investigated the expression of MUC18/MCAM and Mader in adult human post mortem CNS tissue by immunohistochemistry, immunoblot and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Our results show that Mader is preferentially expressed on neurons and glial cells and that the adhesion protein MUC18/MCAM is mainly expressed on vasculature within the CNS. These observations may have important implications for further studies investigating their possible roles in cell adhesion and proliferation control within the CNS.
REZUMAT PROTEASES AS BIOMARKERS IN WOUND HEALING

Introduction: Wound healing complications could sometimes cause a transformation of acute wounds in chronic wound. Pathophysiology studies revealed that the physiological process of wound healing may be disrupted by high levels of proteases and/ or an imbalance between the protease and their inhibitors. In recent decades, research have reported sustained concerns about the role of proteases as biomarkers present in the healing process, in order to develop new evaluation methods. It was suggested that measurement of the systemic and local response to injury using serum inflammatory biomarkers as indicator, may allow accelerated intervention for wound closure and treatment. Objective: The main aim of the study was to explore the literature that refers on proteases role as biomarkers in predicting wound healing progress. The secondary aim was to establish the relevance of this knowledge for practice area. Material and methods: A systematic literature review using the PubMed database was conducted to identify relevant articles. The articles were selected in accordance with preset criteria and were then critically evaluated. Additionally, a search was conducted to identify possibly relevant information about the topics of interest. Results: We identified no eligible studies based on our inclusion criteria. After we performed the additional search, 47 papers with relevant information about proteases’ role in wound healing were found. Discussions: Chronic wounds with abnormally elevated protease levels not controlled by the physiological mechanisms of the body, impairs healing. The findings in this field are controversial. Conclusions: Future study of protease activity could lead to innovative solutions for the development of diagnostic tests in the field of wound healing.
Implementation of the continuous auditing system in the ERP‐based environment

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to introduce the continuous auditing system based on continuous monitoring and its implementation methodology; also to present a systematic case study of actual continuous auditing systems implemented in the financial industry and the manufacturing industry. Design/methodology/approach - The paper examines the method of implementing the continuous auditing system in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) environment, and suggests how the continuous auditing system can take firm root by looking at the successful introduction of the continuous auditing system in the financial industry and the manufacturing industry. Findings - The proposed method of implementing the continuous auditing system has the 2stage approaches which can be applied to various kinds of companies in the ERP-based environment. In addition, the proposed cases have the important practical implications acquired in the process of implementing the continuous auditing system in the financial industry and the manufacturing industry. Practical implications - This study will help many corporations facing various types of corruption or circumvention of internal control, with their internal auditing, by showing them how to use the continuous auditing system to reinforce internal control. Also, it will make the independent auditor understand audited company's continuous monitoring system and lead to use the infrastructure for efficient and effective external auditing. Originality/value - The proposed method and cases of implementing the continuous auditing system offer an innovative approach to auditing in the ERP-based environment because it facilitates both internal auditor and external auditor to achieve the audit objectives efficiently and effectively.
Criminal Justice, Mental Health and the Politics of Risk

Criminal Justice, Mental Health and the Politics of Risk addresses the important issues which lie at the forefront of decision making and policy in criminal justice and health care. The book brings together several perpectives from a number of distinguished academic lawyers, criminologists, psychologists and psychiatrists. It is multi-disciplinary in its approach and is jointly edited by a lawyer, a criminologist and a psychologist - all of whom have expertise and experience in this field. The book is written in the light of the current emphasis on risk assessment and management as well as the recent government proposals to reform mental health law and detain dangerous and severely personality disordered individuals. It provides a theoretical overview for academics and students in the fields of medical law, mental health law, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, criminology and psychiatry. In addition, the book's highly topical and pragmatic approach will appeal to numerous professionals and practitioners.
Agricultural policy reform and policy convergence: An actor‐centered institutionalist approach

Abstract This article examines the entry into the agricultural policy arena of a new market liberal vision. Battles over market liberalism are some of the defining struggles of the present age. The article develops a stylized framework designed to help understand some of these political struggles and some of the underlying dynamics of the complex policy debates that have occurred. It begins with a brief review of the changed economic context for farming that gradually took place in the 1990s and then provides an overview of how market liberal values and norms might be applied to agriculture. Constructing a stylized set of negotiations in a game‐theoretic form that might take place in a debate over the merits of a market liberal approach, it shows two different paths for agricultural policy reform. The analysis suggests that policy change is likely to move more in a market‐liberal direction under a center‐left government than under a conservative one. This model is then tested by looking at policy change in two sectors (cereal grains, dairy) in three countries (Australia, Canada, and the United States of America). The analysis suggests that the models are more helpful and policy convergence is more pronounced when sectors are open to international competition. In contrast, the models work less well and convergence is lower in highly protected sectors.
Causality Between Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth in Turkey: An ARDL Bounds Testing Approach

Turkey is a candidate for becoming a European Union member and has an important geopolitical position for energy sources; hence, the increasing attention given to electric consumption and economic growth in Turkey has been seen in energy journals. In this study, the nexus between electricity consumption and economic growth for Turkey is examined by using the autoregressive distributed lag bound test. After we concluded that there was a long-run relationship between electricity consumption-gross domestic product (GDP) and vice versa, we also found that electricity consumption has a positive and a statistically significant impact on Turkey's economic growth and vice versa. In order to examine causality between electricity consumption-GDP, the Granger test was employed and while we concluded that while the neutrality hypotheses is valid for the short run in Turkey, there exists bidirectional Granger causality between electricity consumption and GDP which confirms the feedback hypothesis for the long run.
Cardiac morphology and blood pressure in the adult zebrafish

Zebrafish has become a popular model for the study of cardiovascular development. We performed morphologic analysis on 3 months postfertilization zebrafish hearts (n ≥ 20) with scanning electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining, and morphometric analysis on cell organelles with transmission electron photomicrographs. We measured atrial, ventricular, ventral, and dorsal aortic blood pressures (n ≥ 5) with a servonull system. The atrioventricular orifice was positioned on the dorsomedial side of the anterior ventricle, surmounted by the single‐chambered atrium. The atrioventricular valve was free of tension apparati but supported by papillary bands to prevent retrograde flow. The ventricle was spanned with fine trabeculae perpendicular to the compact layer and perforated with a subepicardial network of coronary arteries, which originated from the efferent branchial arteries by means of the main coronary vessel. Ventricular myocytes were larger than those in the atrium (P < 0.05) with abundant mitochondria close to the sarcolemmal. Sarcoplasmic reticulum was sparse in zebrafish ventricle. Bulbus arteriosus was located anterior to the ventricle, and functioned as an elastic reservoir to absorb the rapid rise of pressure during ventricular contraction. The dense matrix of collagen interspersed across the entire bulbus arteriosus exemplified the characteristics of vasculature smooth muscle. There were pressure gradients from atrium to ventricle, and from ventral to dorsal aorta, indicating that the valves and the branchial arteries, respectively, were points of resistance to blood flow. These data serve as a framework for structure‐function investigations of the zebrafish cardiovascular system. Anat Rec 264:1–12, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.