Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simvastatin inhibits production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and cell proliferation induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha in fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the synovial environment is characterized by intense immunological activity. Evidence suggests that statins modulate immune functions and may have a beneficial effect on patients with RA. We investigated whether simvastatin could inhibit the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and cell proliferation induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) obtained from RA patients undergoing joint replacement therapy. METHODS RA FLS were cultured with or without 0.05-10 microM simvastatin for 12 h. Cytokine mRNA expression and secretion levels were detected using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. Cell proliferation of FLS induced by TNF-alpha was determined by MTT assay. RESULTS Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expressed by FLS were reduced by simvastatin in a dose-dependent manner. Levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in FLS culture supernatants were decreased by simvastatin in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. MTT assay revealed that simvastatin could inhibit proliferation of FLS induced by TNF-alpha. These effects of simvastatin on IL-6 and IL-8 production and cell proliferation were reversed in the presence of mevalonic acid or geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate, but not with farnesyl-pyrophosphate. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the beneficial effect of simvastatin in RA patients may involve inhibition of IL-6 and IL-8 production, as well as reduction of cell proliferation.
Removal of Pb from sewage sludge by electrokinetics: Effect of pH and washing solution type

In this study, the effect of pH and washing solution on the removal of lead from sewage sludge by electrokinetics was investigated. The six experimental runs were carried out at two different pH values – 3 and 4 – using acetic acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid. In addition, the sequential chemical extraction scheme according to the BCR’s (Community Bureau of Reference) guidelines was applied to the sludge samples to evaluate the effect of acidic solutions on Pb fractionation during electrokinetic processes. Using nitric acid as the washing solution resulted in the highest removal efficiency of Pb (39%) amongst all the experiments. Acetic acid also provided similar removal percentages (37% and 38%) at different pre‐acidification conditions. On the other hand, the removal efficiencies were 36% and 27% with pre‐acidification using phosphoric acid at pH 3 and 4, respectively, resulting in the lowest efficiencies. The results obtained by BCR analysis showed that the metal present near the anode partitioned in to more mobile forms while the metal near the cathode partitioned in to less mobile forms, such as precipitated or adsorbed forms, as the electrokinetic process proceeded. The inter‐fractional transformations of Pb formed only when using acetic acid. The similar percentages obtained by using different washing solutions indicated that the type of acid used as washing solution was less effective than the values of pH for removal of Pb from sewage sludge during the electrokinetic process.
The effect of a couples intervention to increase breast cancer screening among korean americans.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of Korean Immigrants and Mammography-Culture-Specific Health Intervention (KIM-CHI), an educational program for Korean American (KA) couples designed to improve mammography uptake among KA women. DESIGN A two-group cluster randomized, longitudinal, controlled design. SETTING 50 KA religious organizations in the Chicago area. SAMPLE 428 married KA women 40 years of age or older who had not had a mammogram in the past year. The women and their husbands were recruited from 50 KA religious organizations. METHODS Couples were randomly assigned to intervention or attention control groups. Those in the KIM-CHI program (n = 211 couples) were compared to an attention control group (n = 217 couples) at baseline, as well as at 6 and 15 months postintervention on mammogram uptake. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Sociodemographic variables and mammography uptake were measured. Level of acculturation was measured using the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale. Researchers asked questions about healthcare resources and use, health insurance status, usual source of care, physical examinations in the past two years, family history of breast cancer, and history of mammography. FINDINGS The KIM-CHI group showed statistically significant increases in mammography uptake compared to the attention control group at 6 months and 15 months postintervention. CONCLUSIONS The culturally targeted KIM-CHI program was effective in increasing mammogram uptake among nonadherent KA women. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses and healthcare providers should consider specific health beliefs as well as inclusion of husbands or significant others. They also should target education to be culturally relevant for KA women to effectively improve frequency of breast cancer screening.
Preface

Executive Summary This paper argues that corporate sustainability is built on the integration of two alternate approaches to viewing sustainability — human and ecological. The paper outlines a comprehensive sustainability phase model that emerges from a review of the literature on the development of both ecological and human sustainability approaches. It is proposed that the development of a more proactive position on corporate sustain-ability issues requires significant investments in human and ecological capability, and a willingness to engage in innovative activities. The papers in this volume present case studies, theoretical advances and lessons from some of the major contemporary innovations and challenges in achieving sustainability. Collectively, the papers demonstrate the importance and complexity involved in building and innovating towards corporate sustainability — at the level of polity and governance, through to industrial and corporate strategy and finally in applications and methods for sustainability. Implications for managers, polity makers and researchers are also presented.
Successful treatment of hypercalcemia with cinacalcet in renal transplant recipients with persistent hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND Cinacalcet lowers plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The efficacy and safety of cinacalcet have not been examined in renal transplant patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cinacalcet as a novel therapy for the management of such patients. METHODS Eleven renal allograft recipients with persistent hyperparathyroidism were treated with cinacalcet. The total study time was 10 weeks. Individual cinacalcet doses were adjusted to obtain a serum calcium in the predefined normal target range of 2.10-2.60 mmol/l. RESULTS Serum calcium decreased significantly from 2.73+/-0.05 mmol/l to 2.44+/-0.05 and 2.42+/- 0.04 mmol/l after 2 and 10 weeks of treatment, respectively. All patients reached the target range rapidly and remained normocalcaemic throughout the study. Serum PTH significantly decreased 16.1 and 21.8% at study weeks 2 and 10, respectively, compared with week 0. Serum phosphate increased. Renal function remained stable and no allograft rejection was observed. From weeks 2 to 10, daily cinacalcet doses administered were 30 mg (n = 8), 15 mg (n = 1) and 60 mg (n = 1), respectively. CONCLUSION Cinacalcet was effective in correcting the hypercalcaemia associated with persistent hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation. It appears to be safe. Thus, cinacalcet represents a promising alternative for parathyroidectomy in these patients.
Differences Among Estimates of Critical Power and Anaerobic Work Capacity Derived From Five Mathematical Models and the Three-Minute All-Out Test

Abstract Bergstrom, HC, Housh, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Traylor, DA, Lewis, RW Jr, Camic, CL, Schmidt, RJ, and Johnson, GO. Differences among estimates of critical power and anaerobic work capacity derived from five mathematical models and the three-minute all-out test. J Strength Cond Res 28(3): 592–600, 2014—Estimates of critical power (CP) and anaerobic work capacity (AWC) from the power output vs. time relationship have been derived from various mathematical models. The purpose of this study was to examine estimates of CP and AWC from the multiple work bout, 2- and 3-parameter models, and those from the 3-minute all-out CP (CP3min) test. Nine college-aged subjects performed a maximal incremental test to determine the peak oxygen consumption rate and the gas exchange threshold. On separate days, each subject completed 4 randomly ordered constant power output rides to exhaustion to estimate CP and AWC from 5 regression models (2 linear, 2 nonlinear, and 1 exponential). During the final visit, CP and AWC were estimated from the CP3min test. The nonlinear 3-parameter (Nonlinear-3) model produced the lowest estimate of CP. The exponential (EXP) model and the CP3min test were not statistically different and produced the highest estimates of CP. Critical power estimated from the Nonlinear-3 model was 14% less than those from the EXP model and the CP3min test and 4–6% less than those from the linear models. Furthermore, the Nonlinear-3 and nonlinear 2-parameter (Nonlinear-2) models produced significantly greater estimates of AWC than did the linear models and CP3min. The current findings suggested that the Nonlinear-3 model may provide estimates of CP and AWC that more accurately reflect the asymptote of the power output vs. time relationship, the demarcation of the heavy and severe exercise intensity domains, and anaerobic capabilities than will the linear models and CP3min test.
Intellectual capital reporting in Spain: a comparative view

In the knowledge economy, caracterized by complex and dynamic competitive environments, knowledge‐based resources represent the true source of sustained competitive advantage for the firm. However, most of these intangible resources are not reported on the traditional annual report. As “what is measured is managed”, firms increasingly need to measure and report these resources. Thus, the intellectual capital report offers a holistic view of the organization's roots of value. There are three main parts to this paper. First, the growing importance of organizational knowledge‐based resources is addressed. Second, a concise review of the most significant on intellectual capital is summarized. Third, an image is shown of what Spanish firms are doing in terms of knowledge management and intellectual capital measuring and reporting. This situation is compared with intellectual capital reports of firms from Asia, the Middle East and other European countries.
Neuroprotective effects of vildagliptin in rat rotenone Parkinson's disease model: role of RAGE‐NFκB and Nrf2‐antioxidant signaling pathways

Gliptins have been recently shown to conquer neuronal degeneration in cell cultures via modulating glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1. This peptide produced in the gut not only crosses the blood–brain barrier but is also synthesized in the brain and acts on GLP‐1R exerting central anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects, thus impeding neuronal damage. This study investigated the antiparkinsonian effect of vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitor in a rat rotenone model targeting mainly the RAGE‐NFκB/Nrf2‐signaling pathways, to judge the potential anti‐inflammatory/antioxidant effects of the drug. Vildagliptin markedly improved the motor performance in the open field and rotarod tests, effects that were emphasized by the accompanied reduction in striatal dopamine content. It modified the striatal energy level (ADP/ATP) associated with partial antagonism of body weight reduction. This incretin enhancer suppressed nuclear factor (NF)κB and, consequently, the downstream inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor‐α. Normalization of receptor for advanced glycated end product (RAGE) is a main finding which justifies the anti‐inflammatory effects of vildagliptin, together with hampering striatal inducible nitric oxide synthase, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 as well as myeloperoxidase. The antioxidant potential of vildagliptin was depicted as entailing reduction in thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and the transcriptional factor Nrf‐2 level. Vildagliptin guarded against neuronal demise through an antiapoptotic effect as reflected by the reduction in the mitochondrial matrix component cytochrome c and the key downstream executioner caspase‐3. In conclusion, vildagliptin is endowed with various neuroprotective effects and thus can be a promising candidate for the management of Parkinson's disease.
The complete sequence of mitochondrial genome of Bama miniature pig (Sus scrofa)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial nucleotide sequence of the Bama miniature pig was sequenced in this study. This sequence is homologous to that of the other vertebrate mitochondrial genome. The mitochondrial genome of the Bama miniature pig is 16,711 bp and contains 37 genes including 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 1 control region (D-loop). The 13 PCGs initiated with ATN as start codon and terminated with TAA, TA or T as stop codon. The DNA sequence in the Bama miniature pig D-loop region contains the repeat motif (-TACACGTGCG-) and 5′nucleotide of the first repeat is at the position 796 bp.
Implementation of TQM in China and Organisation Performance: An Empirical Investigation

Abstract This research on Total Quality Management (TQM) investigates the essences and processes of TQM implementation and its effects on organisation performance. In particular, it reports the results of a questionnaire survey of TQM practices in Chinese companies. The research identifies a series of concepts under TQM and the significant benefits it can bring to organisations to help them continuously improve, not only in product or service quality but also in integrated company management. The results from the questionnaire indicate that the adoption of TQM in China is extensive, and the majority of the expected benefits in the literature have been delivered to these Chinese companies. In addition, the questionnaire also includes two comparisons of organisation performance: one is between companies with and without TQM; the other is among TQM companies. The findings provide evidence that TQM can positively impact firm performance depending on the degree of implementation.
Oxidative Stress Response in Telomerase‐Immortalized Fibroblasts from a Centenarian

Abstract: It has been reported that cells with ectopic expression of telomerase are more resistant to apoptotic cell death than their normal counterpart. However, controversial results were obtained when the cellular response to oxidative stress was analyzed. The present research was therefore aimed at defining the effect of the oxidative stress induced by tert‐butylhydroperoxide (tBOOH) and 2‐deoxy‐d‐ribose (d‐ribose) in human fibroblasts from a centenarian (cen3) and, in parallel, on the same cells after telomerase immortalization (cen3tel cells). By studying different parameters of apoptosis in situ (i.e., chromatin condensation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and DNA fragmentation), we found that both tBOOH and d‐ribose induce apoptosis to a greater extent in cen3 than in cen3tel cells, suggesting a protective role of telomerase toward apoptotic death. However, monitoring the cell number during treatment with the drugs, we found a decrease in cell number; since this reduction was lower in cen3 fibroblasts compared to cen3tel cells, it is likely that telomerase does not fully protect cells from drug toxicity.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibody to Treponema hyodysenteriae antigens

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated and compared with the microtitration agglutination test for the detection of swine antibody to Treponema hyodysenteriae lipopolysaccharide antigens. Cells of T. hyodysenteriae serotypes 1 and 2 were extracted with hot phenol-water (68 degrees C). The lipopolysaccharide fraction from the aqueous phase was coated on plastic wells at concentrations of 1 micrograms (serotype 1) and 10 micrograms (serotype 2) of carbohydrate per ml. The ELISA was serotype specific when lipopolysaccharide antigens were reacted against sera from convalescent swine. Seroconversion of infected pigs was detectable with the ELISA within 1 to 2 weeks postinoculation and with the microtitration agglutination test 2 to 3 weeks postinoculation. Antibody titers could be detected in convalescent pigs as long as 19 weeks postinoculation by the ELISA and 12 to 13 weeks postinoculation by the microtitration agglutination test. Therefore, the ELISA may be useful for the detection of asymptomatic carriers.
The first Plymouth: pictorial element and destination image

The historic English city of Plymouth is not a primary tourist destination although it has much to offer. This study examines the construct of destination image in relation to the views of 209 visitors interviewed in 2007. Respondents were shown images from the current Visitors Guide and presented with bi-polar adjectives in order to ascertain their impressions. Visitors had a low level of advertising awareness, in relation to Plymouth yet were conscious that one of the images shown was somewhat dated; nonetheless, the picture was considered to portray that area as exciting, familiar and affordable but not peaceful, surprisingly.
Levamisole and fluorouracil for adjuvant therapy of resected colon carcinoma.

Twelve hundred ninety-six patients with resected colon cancer that either was locally invasive (Stage B2) or had regional nodal involvement (Stage C) were randomly assigned to observation or to treatment for one year with levamisole combined with fluorouracil. Patients with Stage C disease could also be randomly assigned to treatment with levamisole alone. The median follow-up time at this writing is 3 years (range, 2 to 5 1/2). Among the patients with Stage C disease, therapy with levamisole plus fluorouracil reduced the risk of cancer recurrence by 41 percent (P less than 0.0001). The overall death rate was reduced by 33 percent (P approximately 0.006). Treatment with levamisole alone had no detectable effect. The results in the patients with Stage B2 disease were equivocal and too preliminary to allow firm conclusions. Toxic effects of levamisole alone were infrequent, usually consisting of mild nausea with occasional dermatitis or leukopenia, and those of levamisole plus fluorouracil were essentially the same as those of fluorouracil alone--i.e., nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, diarrhea, dermatitis, and leukopenia. These reactions were usually not severe and did not greatly impede patients' compliance with their regimen. We conclude that adjuvant therapy with levamisole and fluorouracil should be standard treatment for Stage C colon carcinoma. Since most patients in our study were treated by community oncologists, this approach should be readily adaptable to conventional medical practice.
Rotor current observer in finite-state model predictive control of five-phase IM

Observers are used in relation to several controllers: IFOC, sensor-less drives and for fault detection but they have not been used yet for predictive control of drives. This paper shows the benefits of incorporating a rotor current observer to enhance the predictions needed for predictive control of stator currents in VSI driven IM. The new scheme is compared with the standard one in which non-measurable variables are lumped into one term that is updated using a simple error tracking idea.
Sleep disorders and their determinants in multiple system atrophy

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence, types, determinants, and consequences of sleep disorders in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA) and determine whether their characteristics are similar to those of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Information about sleep disorders was collected using a standardised questionnaire in an unselected group of 57 patients with MSA and in 62 patients with PD matched as a group for age, sex distribution, and disease duration. Results: Seventy percent of patients with MSA complained of sleep disorders compared with 51% of patients with PD (p=0.03). The most commonly reported sleep disorders were sleep fragmentation (52.5%), vocalisation (60%), REM sleep behaviour disorder (47.5%), and nocturnal stridor (19%). Except for sleep fragmentation, the incidence of these disorders was significantly higher than in PD. Sleep problems tended to be associated with more severe motor symptoms, longer disease duration, depression, and longer duration of levodopa treatment. Half of patients with MSA with sleep disorders complained of daytime somnolence compared with 30% of patients with PD. Daytime somnolence was significantly associated with disease severity in MSA. Conclusion: This study shows that sleep disorders are more common in patients with MSA than in those with PD after the same duration of the disease, reflecting the more diffuse underlying pathological process in MSA.
Using Remotely Sensed Imagery to Detect Urban Change: Viewing Detroit from Space

Abstract The data integration capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are providing new opportunities for urban analysis. This article describes the work of a multidisciplinary team who used spatial data from NASA's Landsat earth observation satellite to analyze the net vegetation change between 1975 and 1992 in Detroit, Michigan. Furthermore, by integrating the satellite-derived change data with census data from 1970, 1980, and 1990, this research shows how the extensive demographic changes that occurred in Detroit over the past quarter century have resulted in physical landscape changes detectable from space. Strong correlations were found between the patterns of social, economic, and demographic data and the pattern of vegetation change seen in the satellite imagery, both for certain points in time and changes over time. These correlations suggest that the imagery reflects processes of urban growth, inner-city decline, population shifts, and change in urban form.
Institutional and regulatory changes in the financial markets after the crisis emergence (2007-09)

In this paper we analyze the most likely and the most desirable developments in financial markets and in a broader sense, the most desirable regulation of the financial sector. The purpose of the essay is in fact to analyze the most important issues of financial regulation and to highlight that finding the most desirable solutions are particularly difficult. These difficulties come from purely technical reasons, the multi-dimensionality of the analyzed problems, but also some aspects of the methodology and philosophy under the current methodological approach for financial regulation.
Regularities in the equity price response to earnings announcements in Spain

This paper studies the market's reaction to 660 earnings announcements made during the period 1991-95 in Spain. This period starts shortly after the completion of the revision of Spanish financial accounting practices to bring them into line with EC requirements. As expected, we find that the earnings disclosures are accompanied by abnormal volatility; however, we also discover positive abnormal returns and an upward shift in beta. Furthermore, both expected and unexpected changes in earnings have explanatory power for abnormal returns accompanying earnings announcements - although this result is largely driven by the smaller firms in the sample. This evidence is consistent with a change in the risk-return relationship and with unsophisticated investors neglecting value-relevant information.