Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Xanthates As Useful Probes for Testing the Active Sites of Cytochromes P450 4A11 and 2E1

Xanthates (alkyl or aryl derivatives of dithiocarbonic acid) have been shown to be selective mechanism-based inactivators of cytochromes P450 2B1/2B6 and 2E1 due to covalent binding of a reactive intermediate to apoprotein after double hydrogen abstraction at α-carbon atom, suggesting interaction of the xanthate dithiocarbonic head with the enzyme heme. The structures of xanthates with a long alkyl chain are similar to the fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids (FA) such as lauric acid (LA), are metabolized by different cytochrome P450 isoforms to ω- and (ω-1)-hydroxy products, in humans done by CYP4A11 and CYP2E1, respectively. In the present study we aimed at elucidating the possible interactions of xanthates with two cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP4A11 and CYP2E1 involved in the metabolism of the FA. Our experiments showed that LA-ω-hydroxylation by CYP4A11 is inhibited in a competitive manner by xanthates with long alkyl chain (C12-xanthate being the most potent inhibitor). On the other hand LA-(ω-1)-hydroxylation reaction by purified CYP2E1 is inactivated by a mechanism-based type. The suggested differences in the interactions of C12-xanthate with the two cytochrome P450 isoforms were investigated by molecular modeling using docking approach. The results suggested that in CYP2E1 active site C12-xanthate coordinates to the heme with its most vulnerable dithiocarbonic head leading to a mechanism-based inactivation. In CYP4A11 xanthate alkyl chain is exposed to the heme, thus, a potenial ω-hydroxylated xanthate product could be formed, which could inhibit in a competitive manner the hydroxylation of LA. The observed differences of xanthates interactions with the active sites of the two similar cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP4A11 and CYP2E1) involved in the metabolism of FA, which lead to different changes in the enzyme activity, suggest that xanthates can be used as probing tools for analyzing enzyme active sites when exploring useful and selective compounds influencing FA homeostasis.
Assessment of Institutional Provision of Ict for Effective Learning in Institutions: A Study of Ict Development in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

Information Communication Technology has been at the fulcrum of National policies, debates and actions on ICT service delivery in institutions. Despite the Â fact that NUC Â has Â adopted National policies geared towards making learning Â in higher Â institutions ICT based, many institutions seem Â not Â to reach the Â expected Â NUC Â benchmark. The students ICT awareness have increased and so they are in a better position to assess the adequacy of provision of ICT facilities for their growth and development. The main purpose of the study is to assess the extent of provision of ICT facilities. The overall objectives are to obtain data based information on adequacy of ICT provision. All the students who attended Afri-Hub ICT training formed the population. Using purposive technique, eighty students from eight departments within Faculty of Education were selected . Three research questions were designed to elicit information from the students. Simple statistical analysis was used to analyze the data. Based on the findings, recommendations were made.
Amplification at 11q23 targets protein kinase SIK2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), several recurrent chromosomal aberrations have been described where the presumed target genes remain unknown, including gain/amplification at 11q23–24. Here, we characterized amplification at 11q23 in the DLBCL cell line KARPAS-422. Quantitative genomic PCR and FISH analysis were used to define the region altered, thus showing an amplification peak at 111.1 Mb, the region hosting SIK2/SNF1LK2. Expression profiling, quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytology identified overexpression of SIK2, highlighting this gene as a likely key target of 11q23 amplification. SIK2 encodes a protein kinase that has been shown to inhibit transcription factor CREB via phosphorylation of its cofactor TORC2/CRTC2. Accordingly, siRNA-mediated downregulation of SIK2 expression resulted in upregulation of the CREB target gene BIM. Functional analysis by treatments with cAMP, the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, and 2-deoxy-d-glucose revealed a regulatory role for SIK2 in survival and glucose metabolism, respectively. However, overexpression of SIK2 was not detectable in primary DLBCL samples. Nevertheless, identification of SIK2 as an amplification target highlights this kinase along with its regulatory network as potential therapeutic targets in DLBCL.
Spontaneous and induced production of endogenous type‐C RNA virus from a clonal line of spontaneously transformed BALB/3T3

This report describes the different levels of expression of the endogenous type‐C viral genome in a spontaneously transformed, tumor‐producing clone (S16) derived from the BALB/3T3 murine cell line. Four of nine subclones of S16 were found to continuously release high titers of endogenous virus. Five other S16 subclones were virus‐nonproducers, but could be readily induced with 5′‐bromodeoxyuridine to release large quantities of the endogenous virus. The transformed subclones were much more readily induced to produce virus compared to the parent BALB/3T3 cell line. All virus‐producing subclones and one non‐virus‐producing subclone contained considerably larger quantites of the major group‐specific antigens of the mouse type‐C viruses than did the untransformed BALB/3T3 cells themselves. Kinetics of induction of type‐C virus was studied in two clones that did not spontaneously release virus. Extracellular viral polymerase could be detected within 24 h of BrdU application; it increased exponentially over a thousand‐fold range during the next 48 h, and then slowly declined. Thus, the probability of expression of the endogenous type‐C viral genome is increased in spontaneously transformed BALB/3T3 cells.
„WWW.DEPRESIJA/ANKSIOZNOST.HR...“ – INFORMACIJE O DEPRESIJI I ANKSIOZNOSTI NA INTERNETSKIM STRANICAMA

Zadnjih smo desetljeća svjedoci dramatične promjene u izvorima informiranja o zdravlju (1, 2). Internet je nesumnjivo stvorio sasvim novi informacijski krajolik koji oblikuje društvenu stvarnost, a u području mentalnog zdravlja oblikuje vjerovanja o uzrocima psihičkih smetnji i poremećaja, njihovoj pojavnosti i načinima liječenja. Istraživanja pokazuju kako je za oko 50-80 % odraslih korisnika internet glavni izvor informacija o zdravlju (3), pri čemu se više od jedne trećine pretraživanja odnosi na mentalno zdravlje (4). Svaka četvrta osoba će radije pretraživati inSoc. psihijat. , 43 (2015) 209 – 218 Stručni rad
OWNERSHIP, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND MANDATORY TAX DISCLOSURE INFLUENCING VOLUNTARY FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE IN INDONESIA

This study examines the impact of ownership, corporate governance and mandatory tax disclosure on voluntary financial disclosure in Indonesia using 102 Indonesian listed companies in the period of 2009 to 2012, a total sample is 408 annual reports. The results show that proportion of independent director, managerial ownership, institutional ownership, foreign ownership and mandatory tax disclosure are assosiated with voluntary financial disclosure. Analysis reveals a moderate level of 59,90% score of disclosure in the period of 2009 to 2012 in Indonesian listed companies. Statistical analysis shows that the lowest disclosure score is in 2009 with the “Projected Information” as the subcategory of the disclosure. The highest voluntary financial disclosure is in 2012 with the “stock price information” as the subcategory of the disclosure. This study implies that ownership, corporate governance and mandatory tax disclosure are the key factors to explain communicating companies’ voluntary financial disclosures.
Presentation of Hodgkin's disease as an endobronchial lesion

Presentation of Hodgkin's disease as an endobronchial lesion is rare. Four such cases are described and nine other previously reported cases are reviewed. The difficulties in diagnosis and management, when the disease presents in this manner, are discussed. This diagnosis must be considered when patients present with an endobronchial tumor because careful staging and treatment may lead to cure with the avoidance of major surgery. Cancer 53:147‐150, 1984.
Biological Effects and Modes of Action of Carvacrol in Animal and Poultry Production and Health - A Review

| The carvacrol compound is an antioxidant nutrient, used to enhance growth and productive performance via modification and activation of gastrointestinal tract structure and function and to inhibit/prevent cancer initiations. Numerous studies performed on animal diets supplemented with phytogenic supplements/feed additives containing natural antioxidants such as carvacrol demonstrated its capability to improve performance indices, feed utilization, immune functions and health of livestock as well as reducing the risks of different animal diseases like cancer and other diseases. Such properties could be due to its ability as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, immunomodulatory, anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents by preventing free radicals and hazardous compounds from interacting with cellular DNA and its ability to change the gut microflora, improving digestion coefficient and absorption of nutrient compounds. The present review illustrates the chemical and physical proprieties, modes of action, metabolism and excretion, biological properties, natural sources and beneficial aspects of carvacrol in animal and poultry production and health.
Mechanism of Ca2+ release at fertilization in mammals.

At fertilization in mammals the sperm triggers a series of oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ within the egg. These Ca2+ oscillations activate the development of the egg into an embryo. It is not known how the sperm triggers these Ca2+ oscillations. There are currently three different theories for Ca2+ signaling in eggs at fertilization. One idea is that the sperm acts as a conduit for Ca2+ entry into the egg after membrane fusion. Another idea is that the sperm acts upon plasma membrane receptors to stimulate a phospholipase C (PLC) within the egg which generates inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)). We present a third idea that the sperm causes Ca2+ release by introducing a soluble protein factor into the egg after gamete membrane fusion. In mammals this sperm factor is also referred to as an oscillogen because, after microinjection, the factor causes sustained Ca2+ oscillations in eggs. Our recent data in sea urchin egg homogenates and intact eggs suggests that this sperm factor has phospholipase C activity that leads to the generation of InsP(3). We then present a new version of the soluble sperm factor theory of signaling at fertilization. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 285:267-275, 1999.
Parameterization of an effective potential for protein–ligand binding from host–guest affinity data

Force field accuracy is still one of the “stalemates” in biomolecular modeling. Model systems with high quality experimental data are valuable instruments for the validation and improvement of effective potentials. With respect to protein–ligand binding, organic host–guest complexes have long served as models for both experimental and computational studies because of the abundance of binding affinity data available for such systems. Binding affinity data collected for cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexes, a popular model for molecular recognition, is potentially a more reliable resource for tuning energy parameters than hydration free energy measurements. Convergence of binding free energy calculations on CD host–guest systems can also be obtained rapidly, thus offering the opportunity to assess the robustness of these parameters. In this work, we demonstrate how implicit solvent parameters can be developed using binding affinity experimental data and the binding energy distribution analysis method (BEDAM) and validated using the Grid Inhomogeneous Solvation Theory analysis. These new solvation parameters were used to study protein–ligand binding in two drug targets against the HIV‐1 virus and improved the agreement between the calculated and the experimental binding affinities. This work illustrates how benchmark sets of high quality experimental binding affinity data and physics‐based binding free energy models can be used to evaluate and optimize force fields for protein–ligand systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A gene therapy approach to enhance the targeted radiotherapy of neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND The aims of this study were to determine whether the introduction and expression of the noradrenaline transporter (NAT) gene into NAT-negative neuroblastoma cell lines would make them amenable to targeted radiotherapy using [(131)I]MIBG. PROCEDURE Neuroblastoma cell lines were transfected with a eukaryotic expression vector containing the bovine noradrenaline transporter cDNA under the expression of the CMV promoter. Stable transfectants were created by selection in geneticin (G418) and were characterised for their MIBG uptake ability and susceptibility to [(131)I]MIBG therapy. RESULTS The cell line SK-N-MC, which normally shows no ability to take up MIBG, was successfully transfected with bNAT. SK-N-MC.bNAT transfectants exhibited uptake and release kinetics similar to those of the natural NAT-expressing cell line SK-N-BE(2c). Levels of [(131)I]MIBG uptake were 33% of those of the highest naturally NAT-expressing cell line SK-N-BE(2c). Growth delay assays using multicellular spheroids indicated that this degree of [(131)I]MIBG uptake was sufficient to inhibit growth at radioactive concentrations of 4 Mbq/ml. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the feasibility of combining gene therapy with targeted radiotherapy to enhance uptake, and hence radiation dose, to neuroblastoma tumours using [(131)I]MIBG. With the appropriate delivery vehicle and tumour-specific control of expression, the introduction of noradrenaline transporter molecules may be a viable means of enhancing the response of neuroblastoma tumours to [(131)I]MIBG therapy.
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency presenting as isolated positional vertigo or dizziness: A double‐blind retrospective cohort study

Vertebral artery (VA) stenosis caused mainly by atherosclerosis accounts for up to 20% of posterior circulation strokes. Isolated positional vertigo or dizziness can be the initial presentation symptom. The objective is to compare the presence of isolated positional vertigo or dizziness in patients with evaluation of VA morphology, thrombotic stroke risk factors, and evolution of symptoms with time.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas Invading the Cavernous Sinus

The authors assessed whether gamma knife radiosurgery is effective for patients with acromegaly where the pituitary tumors invaded the cavernous sinus. Radiosurgery was performed on 9 patients (average of 20 Gy to the tumor margin), 8 of whom had already undergone transsphenoidal surgery and/or craniotomy with occasional medication of octreotide to reduce tumor size as well as hormonal levels. All tumors have been well controlled so far with follow-up periods ranging from 12 to 69 months (mean: 42). No complications occurred. Forty percent of the patients showed hormonal normalization at 2 years, with the median being 31 months. Similarly, 50% of the patients demonstrated normalization of GH and IGF-I at 36 months. We conclude that gamma knife radiosurgery is a safe and effective tool to treat these tumors invading the cavernous sinus.
Variability of Tear Osmolarity in Patients With Dry Eye.

IMPORTANCE Knowledge about the variability of measurements using the TearLab Osmolarity System is necessary when evaluating the clinical utility of readings. OBJECTIVE To examine the variability of tear osmolarity measured by the TearLab Osmolarity System in patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS), patients with blepharitis, and control participants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional study at a tertiary care academic center from June 13, 2012, to March 21, 2013. Participants included 74 eyes of 37 patients from a volunteer sample (18 patients with SS, 11 patients with blepharitis, and 8 control participants) who were evaluated using the TearLab Osmolarity System, with 3 consecutive osmolarity measurements taken at 1-minute intervals in a session; 15 of these patients had the same measurements taken by the same examiner in 2 additional sessions on the same day (9 AM-10 AM, 12 PM-1 PM, or 3 PM-4 PM). Most patients with SS and patients with blepharitis were taking systemic or topical dry eye medications at the time of enrollment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Mean osmolarity and its variability calculated from a linear mixed model for each disease group that accounts for the variations attributable to different patients, eyes, and sessions and measurement error specific to each disease group. RESULTS Mean tear osmolarity was 307 mOsm/L, 304 mOsm/L, and 301 mOsm/L in the SS, blepharitis, and control groups, respectively (P = .46). The error associated with repeated measurements within a session in the patients without dry eye (10.5 mOsm/L [95% CI, 9.0-12.4]) was significantly lower than in the patients with blepharitis (14.6 mOsm/L [95% CI, 12.5-17.5]; P = .006) and patients with SS (15.8 mOsm/L [95% CI, 14.2-17.8]; P < .001) but a difference in the error of repeated measurements between patients with blepharitis and patients with SS was not identified (P = .46). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE There was increased variability attributable to error in repeated measurements in patients with SS and patients with blepharitis compared with control participants. The high variability of TearLab osmolarity readings in all groups makes the clinical interpretation of measurements unclear.
Design study of single and three-phase synchronous generator using J-MAG designer

Synchronous Generator (SG) can be either using permanent magnet (PM) or field-excitation (FE) coil as their main flux sources are located in rotor part. However, synchronous generator using FE has advantages of variable flux control capabilities when compared to fix permanent magnet flux. In this research SG with various FEC configurations is investigated. Several slot-pole SG configurations such as 12S-4P, 12S-6P, 36S-12P, and 36S-18P are analyzed. The speed, maximum turns for the rotor and maximum turns for the stator are set to 1200 rpm, 28 turns and 8 turns respectively. JMAG version 12.0 is used for the geometry editor and analysis based on 2D-FEA to defined appropriate combination of stator and rotor pole number. Initially, each phase configuration is determined using flux linkage generated from coil test analysis and induced voltages are calculated. Furthermore, various winding configuration of concentrated and distributed are also considered during the design. In conclusion, the three-phase synchronous generators are obtained from 36S-12Pand 12S-4Pdesigns, while the single-phase are obtained from36S-18P and 12S-6P.
Corruption and Service Delivery in Public Sector of Uganda: Causes and Consequences

Quality service delivery is a precondition of Good governance. Corruption retards quality services and this has been prevailing in public procurement process in Uganda. The purpose of the study is to identify the significant causes of corruption in public procurement system of Uganda. The focus of analysis was to answer the research question: what are the major causes of procurement corruption, what are the consequences of procurement corruption on quality service delivery and be able to suggest remedial ways of reducing procurement corruption in the public sector. The method of data collection was through customized questionnaire which covered both quantitative and qualitative information. There are several state laws and regulations on corruption and those who have been found guilty of corruption have been named and also exposed in public but corruption has remained high. It was found that Violation of Procurement Procedures, Use of High Ranking Officers to influence decisions, Influence Peddling during bid evaluation, Bribery of Procurement Officers and Use of gifts to get contracts are the major causes of public procurement corruption to deliver the quality services in Uganda. The key consequences of procurement corruption on service delivery were noted as follows; corruption affects the quality of services offered to the citizens, corruption diverts Government revenues, corruption affects the economic growth of the Country, corruption leads to loss of confidence in public officials and corruption breeds impunity and dilutes public. It can be concluded that making guilty officers to refund, improvement in accountability and Transparency, Strong and independent Judiciary, revision of laws and acts on procurement and inception of Eprocurement systems might be the measures to be taken to eradicate public procurement corruption in order to provide optimum service delivery which would ultimately accelerate the pace to uplift the Uganda to a middle income country as per the agenda 2040.
Determinants of Profitability of Commercial Banks in Kenya

xi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.1.1 Profitability . 2 1.1.2 Factors Influencing Profitability . 4 1.1.3 Commercial Banks in Kenya . 7 1.2 Research Problem . 8 1.3 Research Objective . 10 1.4 Value of the study . 10 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 12 2.
Use of Doppler ultrasonography to predict the outcome of therapy for renal-artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND Prospectively identifying patients whose renal function or blood pressure will improve after the correction of renal-artery stenosis has not been possible. We evaluated whether a high level of resistance to flow in the segmental arteries of both kidneys (indicated by resistance-index values of at least 80) can be used prospectively to select appropriate patients for treatment. METHODS We evaluated 5950 patients with hypertension for renal-artery stenosis using color Doppler ultrasonography, and we measured the resistance index ([1 - end-diastolic velocity divided by maximal systolic velocity] x 100). Among 138 patients who had unilateral or bilateral renal-artery stenosis of more than 50 percent of the luminal diameter and who underwent renal angioplasty or surgery, the procedure was technically successful in 131 (95 percent). Creatinine clearance and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure were measured before renal-artery stenosis was corrected; 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure; and yearly thereafter. The mean (+/-SD) duration of follow-up was 32+/-21 months. RESULTS Among the 35 patients (27 percent) who had resistance-index values of at least 80 before revascularization, the mean arterial pressure did not decrease by 10 mm Hg or more after revascularization in 34 (97 percent). Renal function declined (defined by a decrease in the creatinine clearance; of at least 10 percent) in 28 (80 percent); 16 (46 percent) became dependent on dialysis and 10 (29 percent) died during follow-up. Among the 96 patients (73 percent) with a resistance-index value of less than 80, the mean arterial pressure decreased by at least 10 percent in all but 6 patients (6 percent) after revascularization; renal function worsened in only 3 (3 percent), all of whom became dependent on dialysis; and 3 (3 percent) died (P<0.001 for the comparison with patients with a resistance-index value of at least 80). CONCLUSIONS A renal resistance-index value of at least 80 reliably identifies patients with renal-artery stenosis in whom angioplasty or surgery will not improve renal function, blood pressure, or kidney survival.