Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Identification of genes that predict lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer cases].

INTRODUCTION Currently, Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and laparoscopic surgery with colorectal cancer (CRC) and has been expanding rapidly. In handling of colon cancer, adaptation of EMR is determined by the depth of tumor invasion. It is important to identify genes to predict lymph node metastasis in early CRC tumors precisely in a reproducible fashion to determine the adaptation of EMR treatment. We performed the comprehensive analysis of gene expression and genomic copy number simultaneously in CRC primary tumors to identify the bona-fide indicator of lymph node metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected cancer cells specifically by Laser Microdissection (LMD) on 157 cases of primary colorectal cancer, and performed oligo microarrays for gene expression (GE) and aCGH for copy number aberration. As for candidate genes to be associated with lymph node metastasis, we examined reprodicibility by quantitative RT-PCR using cDNA created from the RNA extracted from 172 cases of CRC. RESULTS As for the association of lymph node metastasis, we found that 240 genes and 54 genes by aCGH and by oligo GE microarray, respectively. According to database of those two arrays, 501 genes were significantly correlated (correlation coefficient > 0.7) with each other, and we found that 11 out of 501 genes were identified as lymph node metastasis related genes with copy number alteration. Of these 11 genes, we focused on PCM1, MTUS1, ASAH1 on 8p22. Then, we confirmed that the decreased expression and genomic deletion of MTUS1 were observed in lymph node positive cases (p = 0.0195) in another subset of 172 cases of CRC. CONCLUSIONS To measure the expression of MTUS1 of the tumor by PCR, we can predict the presence of lymph node metastasis. We expected that the loss of MTUS1 should be an important marker in determining the adaptation of endoscopic resection.
Vocational education and food and beverage experience: issues for career development

The research presented here examines the use of vocational education and food and beverage experience in the development of a hotel manager’s career. To achieve this aim, the paper begins by introducing the concept of career development. This is followed by an outline of the current debate surrounding the shifting emphasis from craft to managerial skills training. Next, a range of findings from a study of the career paths of hotel managers in the UK is presented. These include the role of vocational education in career development, and experience in the food and beverage function as a recognised career track to general management. The study indicates the prevalence of vocational education as a starting point for managers’ careers, and illustrates that, despite calls from industry for increased management training, traditional food and beverage experience is still important for a career in the hospitality industry. The implications of these findings for career development are discussed.
Relationship Between Export Strategy Variables and Export Performance for Brazil-Based Manufacturers

The growth of exports originating from Brazil has garnered substantial interest, much of which has focused upon the changing composition of the exports. In terms of specific export-oriented variables that could be linked with export growth, several authors have speculated conceptual relationships. However, very few studies have attempted to empirically identify hypothesized associations. In this investigation, responses were gathered from export managers of thirty-one manufacturing firms based in Brazil. An analysis of the results indicated that high-performing exporters produced standardized goods, trained their managers in international business, and reliably met delivery dates.
Sovereign Money Reforms and Welfare

A monetary reform is submitted for vote to the Swiss people in 2018. The Sovereign Money Initiative proposes that all sight deposits should be controlled by the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and that the SNB could distribute its additional resources. While a sovereign money reform would clearly a ect the structure of the banking sector, it would also have macroeconomic implications, in particular because it transfers resources from banks to the central bank. The objective of this paper is to analyze these macroeconomic implications using a simple infinite-horizon open-economy model calibrated to the Swiss economy. While we consider several policy experiments, we find that there is a key trade-o between a reduction in distortionary labor taxes and an increase in the opportunity cost of holding money. However, in the proposed Swiss reform it is this latter cost that dominates and we find that the reform unambiguously lowers welfare.
A Review of the Placenta and Trophoblast Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) imparts a tremendous health burden with psychological, social, and economic implications. The biology of ASD is complex involving genetic, molecular, hormonal and immunologic factors however the convergence point of these various factors has not been identified as of yet. Limited evidence exists to suggest that the placenta may play such a governing role in ASD manifestation. The placenta is a neuroendocrine modulator by participating in the fetal hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis and also regulates the intrauterine environment mitigating fetal exposure to damaging factors to modulate the fetal stress response. Placental dysfunction has been associated with developmental abnormality and neuropsychiatric pathology adding to the biologic plausibility of the governing role the placenta may play in ASD development. By using current technology like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a practical model system can be created to study ASD providing an alternative method to further research the placenta in ASD development
Nice Thinking! An Educational Intervention That Teaches Children to Think Gratefully

Abstract. Gratitude is essential to social life and well-being. Although research with youth populations has gained momentum recently, only two gratitude interventions have been conducted in youth, targeting mostly adolescents. In the current research, we tested a new intervention for promoting gratitude among the youngest children targeted to date. Elementary school classrooms (of 8- to 11-year-olds) were randomly assigned either to an intervention that educated children about the appraisal of benefit exchanges or to a control condition. We found that children's awareness of the social-cognitive appraisals of beneficial social exchanges (i.e., grateful thinking) can be strengthened and that this, in turn, makes children more grateful and benefits their well-being in terms of increased general positive affect. A daily intervention produced evidence that this new approach induced gratitude immediately (2 days later) and led children to express gratitude more behaviorally (i.e., they wrote 80% more thank-you cards to their Parent–Teacher Association). A weekly intervention induced gratitude up to 5 months later and additionally showed an effect on well-being (i.e., positive affect). Evidence thus supported the effectiveness of this intervention. Results are discussed in terms of implications for positive youth development and academic functioning.
Effects of a Long-Duration, Professional Development Academy on Technology Skills, Computer Self-Efficacy, and Technology Integration Beliefs and Practices

Abstract A variety of barriers relating to resources, institutional and administrative policies, skills development and attitudes can hinder the effectiveness of technology professional development resulting in underutilized technology resources and lack of integration of those resources within instruction. Multiple methods were used to evaluate the effectiveness of a long-term professional development academy intended to address those barriers and promote increased use of technology in the academy participants’ instruction. Results revealed significant gains in participants’ self assessed technology skills and computer self efficacy, with little or no change to self assessed technology integration beliefs and practices despite interview data indicating participants felt their teaching had changed as a result of their academy participation. This article suggests the design of the academy was successful in addressing some but not all of its intended objectives. Suggestions for the design of long-term technology professional development are discussed.
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Small T Antigen Induces Cancer and Embryonic Merkel Cell Proliferation in a Transgenic Mouse Model

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) causes the majority of human Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) and encodes a small T (sT) antigen that transforms immortalized rodent fibroblasts in vitro. To develop a mouse model for MCV sT-induced carcinogenesis, we generated transgenic mice with a flox-stop-flox MCV sT sequence homologously recombined at the ROSA locus (ROSA sT), allowing Cre-mediated, conditional MCV sT expression. Standard tamoxifen (TMX) administration to adult Ubc CreERT2; ROSA sT mice, in which Cre is ubiquitously expressed, resulted in MCV sT expression in multiple organs that was uniformly lethal within 5 days. Conversely, most adult Ubc CreERT2; ROSA sT mice survived low-dose tamoxifen administration but developed ear lobe dermal hyperkeratosis and hypergranulosis. Simultaneous MCV sT expression and conditional homozygous p53 deletion generated multi-focal, poorly-differentiated, highly anaplastic tumors in the spleens and livers of mice after 60 days of TMX treatment. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts from these mice induced to express MCV sT exhibited anchorage-independent cell growth. To examine Merkel cell pathology, MCV sT expression was also induced during mid-embryogenesis in Merkel cells of Atoh1 CreERT2/+; ROSA sT mice, which lead to significantly increased Merkel cell numbers in touch domes at late embryonic ages that normalized postnatally. Tamoxifen administration to adult Atoh1 CreERT2/+; ROSA sT and Atoh1 CreERT2/+; ROSA sT; p53f lox/flox mice had no effects on Merkel cell numbers and did not induce tumor formation. Taken together, these results show that MCV sT stimulates progenitor Merkel cell proliferation in embryonic mice and is a bona fide viral oncoprotein that induces full cancer cell transformation in the p53-null setting.
Simple susceptibility weighted image reconstruction method

Local susceptibility variation information is embedded in phase map of MR images. The phase map can be utilized to enhance contrast of MR images. However, the phase map includes information other than physiological information. Thus appropriate process for removing irrelevant information in phase map is needed. In this article, a simple band pass filtering based method for the process of phase map is proposed. The basic algorithm is described and then the process of constructing susceptibility weighted image is described. In vivo experiment was performed to verify the proposed method. The proposed method is compared with the conventional method. The result shows that the proposed method successfully removes unwanted information while retaining physiological information.
Dividend Yields for Forecasting Stock Market Returns - An ARDL Cointegration Analysis for Germany

This paper empirically assesses the ability of dividend yields to predict future tock returns in Germany assuming efficient markets and rational expectations. Since the order of integration of repressors are not exactly known, a bound procedure, namely a n autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, is applied to test for cointegrating relationships among future stock returns and today’s divided yields. It is also capable of dealing with the controversial issue of exogeneity of the dividend yield. ARDL and error-correction models are estimated for (future) stock returns and the dividend yield based on consistent estimates and standard normal asymptotic theory. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Peginterferon alfa-2a in patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with cirrhosis is difficult to treat. In patients with chronic hepatitis C but without cirrhosis, once-weekly administration of interferon modified by the attachment of a 40-kd branched-chain polyethylene glycol moiety (peginterferon alfa-2a) is more efficacious than a regimen of unmodified interferon. We examined the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis or bridging fibrosis. METHODS We randomly assigned 271 patients with cirrhosis or bridging fibrosis to receive subcutaneous treatment with 3 million units of interferon alfa-2a three times weekly (88 patients), 90 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a once weekly (96), or 180 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a once weekly (87). Treatment lasted 48 weeks and was followed by a 24-week follow-up period. We assessed efficacy by measuring HCV RNA and alanine aminotransferase and by evaluating liver-biopsy specimens. A histologic response was defined as a decrease of at least 2 points on the 22-point Histological Activity Index. RESULTS In an intention-to-treat analysis, HCV RNA was undetectable at week 72 in 8 percent, 15 percent, and 30 percent of the patients treated with interferon alfa-2a and with 90 microg and 180 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a, respectively (P=0.001 for the comparison between 180 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a and interferon alfa-2a). At week 72, alanine aminotransferase concentrations had normalized in 15 percent, 20 percent, and 34 percent of patients, respectively (P=0.004 for the comparison between 180 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a and interferon alfa-2a). In the subgroup of 184 patients with paired liver-biopsy specimens, the rates of histologic response at week 72 were 31 percent, 44 percent, and 54 percent, respectively (P=0.02 for the comparison between 180 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a and interferon alfa-2a). All three treatments were similarly tolerated. CONCLUSIONS In patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis or bridging fibrosis, 180 microg of peginterferon alfa-2a administered once weekly is significantly more effective than 3 million units of standard interferon alfa-2a administered three times weekly.
TRPV 4 deficiency increases skeletal muscle metabolic capacity and resistance against diet-induced obesity

Kusudo T, Wang Z, Mizuno A, Suzuki M, Yamashita H. TRPV4 deficiency increases skeletal muscle metabolic capacity and resistance against diet-induced obesity. J Appl Physiol 112: 1223–1232, 2012. First published December 29, 2011; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01070. 2011. — Transient receptor potential channel V4 (TRPV4) functions as a nonselective cation channel in various cells and plays physiological roles in osmotic and thermal sensation. However, the function of TRPV4 in energy metabolism is unknown. Here, we report that TRPV4 deficiency results in increased muscle oxidative capacity and resistance to diet-induced obesity in mice. Although no difference in body weight was observed between wild-type and Trpv4 / mice when fed a standard chow diet, obesity phenotypes induced by a high-fat diet were significantly improved in Trpv4 / mice, without any change in food intake. Quantitative analysis of mRNA revealed the constitutive upregulation of many genes, including those for transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and for metabolic enzymes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. These upregulated genes were especially prominent in oxidative skeletal muscle, in which the activity of Ca -dependent phosphatase calcineurin was elevated, suggesting that other Ca channels function in the skeletal muscle of Trpv4 / mice. Indeed, gene expressions for TRPC3 and TRPC6 increased in the muscles of Trpv4 / mice compared with those of wild-type mice. The number of oxidative type I fiber also increased in the mutant muscles following myogenin gene induction. These results strongly suggested that inactivation of Trpv4 induces compensatory increases in TRPC3 and TRPC6 production, and elevation of calcineurin activity, affecting energy metabolism through increased expression of genes involved in fuel oxidation in skeletal muscle and thereby contributing to increased energy expenditure and protection from diet-induced obesity in mice.
Characterization of the MRC OX40 antigen of activated CD4 positive T lymphocytes‐‐a molecule related to nerve growth factor receptor.

The antigen recognized by the monoclonal antibody (mAb) MRC OX40 is present on activated rat CD4 positive T lymphocytes but not other cells. cDNA clones were isolated from an expression library using the MRC OX40 mAb and the protein sequence for the OX40 antigen deduced. It contains a typical signal sequence and a single putative transmembrane sequence of 25 predominantly hydrophobic amino acids giving an extracellular domain of 191 amino acids and a cytoplasmic domain of 36 amino acids. The sequence of the extracellular domain includes a cysteine‐rich region with sequence similarities with the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) of neurons and the CD40 antigen present on human B cells. Within this region three cysteine‐rich motifs can be recognized in OX40 compared with four similar motifs in both NGFR and CD40. OX40, CD40 and NGFR constitute a new superfamily of molecules with expression including lymphoid cells (OX40, CD40) and neuronal cells (NGFR). This is reminiscent of the immunoglobulin superfamily whose molecules are variously found at the surface of lymphoid or brain cells or both.
Liquidity of the CBOE Equity Options

The author examines the CBOE option market depth and bid-ask spreads. Absence of price effects surrounding large option trades suggests excellent market depth. However, bid-ask spreads for the CBOE options and the NYSE stocks are nearly equal, even though an average option is equivalent to less than half a stock plus borrowing. The author explains this trade-off between market depth and bid-ask spreads on the CBOE and the NYSE by differences in market mechanisms. The author also shows that the adverse-selection component of the option spread, which measures the extent of information-related trading on the CBOE, is very small. Copyright 1990 by American Finance Association.
An Incentive Model of the Effect of Parental Income on Children

Economists explain the positive relationship between parental income and children’s outcomes using an investment model. Building on work in psychology and sociology, this paper emphasizes the importance of child‐rearing practices, which vary with income. I argue that parents’ ability to mold their children’s behavior through pecuniary incentives is limited at low incomes, leading to lower outcomes and increased reliance on nonpecuniary mechanisms such as corporal punishment. My model generates a positive relationship between parental income and children’s outcomes especially at low incomes and endogenously produces a relationship between parental income and child‐rearing practices. Empirical work confirms these implications.
Computer simulations of the effects of different synaptic input systems on the steady-state input-output structure of the motoneuron pool.

1. The effects of different types of synaptic input on the steady-state input-output relations of the mammalian motoneuron pool were investigated by the use of computer simulations. The properties of the simulated motor units and their synaptic inputs were based as closely as possible on the experimental data from studies in the cat hindlimb. 2. Three basic types of synaptic input systems were simulated: postsynaptic, presynaptic, and neuromodulatory. The effects of these inputs on three aspects of the system input-output structure were studied: gain, precision, and motor-unit type utilization. 3. The gain analyses were based on a simulation of the steady-state homonymous Ia input. The gain of this steady-state Ia "reflex" was found to be determined largely by the slope of the pool input-output function. Precision was evaluated in two ways, from the amplitudes of the quantal steps due to motor-unit recruitment and from the sensitivity of the input-output function to noise. The pattern of motor-unit type utilization allowed indirect assessment of fatigue resistance: the larger the percentage of force generated by FF units, the lower the fatigue resistance. 4. A uniformly distributed input (i.e., one that generates equal input in all motoneurons) generates outputs that are solely determined by the intrinsic properties of the motor units. Thus the gain, precision, and motor-unit type patterns generated by a uniform input were used as the basis with which the effects of all other input systems were compared. 5. Postsynaptic excitatory inputs with nonuniform distributions within the pool did influence gain. The greatest effect was the increase mediated by the rubrospinal excitatory input (27% increase at 30% of maximal force). However, this input also greatly decreased both fatigue resistance and precision, due to increased activation of FF units at low force levels. In contrast, the Ia input slightly decreased gain (12% decrease at 30% of maximum force) while slightly increasing fatigue resistance and precision. 6. The simulated neuromodulatory input was based on the monoaminergic reticulospinal effect on motoneurons. Gain was generally increased by the monoaminergic input. However, the magnitude of the increase strongly depended on whether the monoaminergic effects were largest on S units (giving a 20% increase at 30% of maximum force), equal on all types (52%), or largest on FF units (102%). Presynaptic inhibition reduced gain with no effect whatsoever on fatigue resistance or precision. 7. Therefore Ia reflex gain was modifiable by all three types of input: postsynaptic, presynaptic, and neuromodulatory. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Performance Management System of “The City School Bahawalpur”

The purpose of this research is to explore the various factors related to performance management system used by the school for teaching and non-teaching staff. This is an exploratory research where data has been collected from The City School of Bahawalpur. Questionnaires and semi structured face to face interviews had been conducted to collect the data. This study in quantitative in nature and percentage analysis was used to interpret the collected data. It is concluded that the majority of teachers in school are satisfied with the current performance management system. They are getting the benefits in the form of their personal and professional development. It is suggested that the problems faced by the new teachers should be overcome by proper orientation programs. They should get a chance to observe other branches of schools so that they can learn from them in every possible way. This study can play a vital role by successfully implementing performance management system. The results could be in the form of maximum output by employees, high level of employee motivation, job engagement and fully satisfied employees. Keywords: Performance Management System, Human Resource Management, Teachers, Performance Evaluation.