Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fibrogenic Effects of Cyclosporin A on the Tubulointerstitium: Role of Cytokines and Growth Factors

The clinical utility of cyclosporin A (CyA) as an immunosuppressive agent has been significantly limited by the frequent occurrence of chronic nephrotoxicity, characterised by tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis and progressive renal impairment. The pathogenesis of this condition remains poorly understood, but has been postulated to be due to either direct cytotoxicity or indirect injury secondary to chronic renal vasoconstriction. Using primary cultures of human proximal tubule cells (PTCs) and renal cortical fibroblasts (CFs) as an in vitro model of the tubulointerstitium, we have been able to demonstrate that clinically relevant concentrations of CyA are directly toxic to these cells and promote fibrogenesis by a combination of suppressed matrix metalloproteinase activity and augmented fibroblast collagen synthesis. The latter effect occurs secondary to the ability of CyA to stimulate autocrine secretion of insulin-like growth factor-I by CFs and paracrine secretion of transforming growth factor-β1 by PTCs. Many of these pro-fibrotic mechanisms are completely reversed by concurrent administration of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, enalaprilat, which has proven efficacy in preventing chronic CyA nephropathy in vivo. These studies highlight the unique potential that human renal cell cultures offer for studying the role of local cytokine networks in tubulointerstitial disease and for developing more effective treatment strategies which specifically target fibrogenic growth factor activity following nephrotoxic injuries.
Integration of an Environmental Sound Module to an Existing In-Home Activity Simulator

In this paper, we present a software tool for in- home resident activity simulation, incorporating now an environmental sound module, and developed for the purpose of home health care data fusion studies. Activities, represented by displacements scenarios and modeled using a Markov model, are correlated with ambient audio events. Physiological and environmental data are also integrated in the simulation process on demand by the users. The goal of the simulator is to generate huge amounts of data in short periods of time, allowing the evaluation of preliminary custom algorithms, before the recording of long-term constraining patient health monitoring using medical intelligent systems. Direct applications of the simulator are briefly exposed in the paper showing the potentiality of the software tool.
The contribution of secondary education on regional economic growth in Greece, over the period 1995-2012s

This study empirically investigates the causal short-run and long-run relationship between secondary education/human capital endowment and regional economic growth in Greece. It applies the extended neoclassical Mankiw, Romer and Weil's model. Panel data models are used in the estimation based on regional data from 1995 to 2012. Two different proxies of secondary education were used: enrolment rates in secondary education and the proportion of the labour force that has received secondary education. The empirical analysis reveals that secondary education with both proxies has had a positive and statistical significant effect on regional economic growth. The coefficient of elasticity of economic growth with respect to enrolment rates varies from 0.31 to 0.37, and for the proportion of the labour force, it varies from 0.17 to 0.21. The results of the panel vector error correction model support the growth hypothesis that indicates long-run causality from secondary education to economic growth.
Interferometric measurement of the pyroelectric coefficient in lithium niobate

We report the measurement of pyroelectric field in LiNbO3 by introducing a new method, based on optical interferometry. The pyroelectric coefficient of the congruent LiNbO3 crystals has been determined by this method and the value obtained for it, ∼95 μC/(m2 · K), is consistent with previous results reported in literature, obtained by other methods.
UNCERTAINTIES IN ELECTRON-ABSORBED FRACTIONS AND LUNG DOSES FROM INHALED BETA-EMITTERS

The computer code LUDUC (Lung Dose Uncertainty Code), developed at the University of Florida, was originally used to investigate the range of potential doses from the inhalation of either plutonium or uranium oxides. The code employs the ICRP Publication 66 Human Respiratory Tract model; however, rather than using simple point estimates for each of the model parameters associated with particle deposition, clearance, and lung-tissue dosimetry, probability density functions are ascribed to these parameters based upon detailed literature review. These distributions are subsequently sampled within LUDUC using Latin hypercube sampling techniques to generate multiple (e.g., ∼1,000) sets of input vectors (i.e., trials), each yielding a unique estimate of lung dose. In the present study, the dosimetry component of the ICRP-66 model within LUDUC has been extended to explicitly consider variations in the beta particle absorbed fraction due to corresponding uncertainties and biological variabilities in both source and target tissue depths and thicknesses within the bronchi and bronchioles of the thoracic airways. Example dose distributions are given for the inhalation of absorption Type S compounds of 90Sr (Tmax = 546 keV) and 90Y (Tmax = 2,284 keV) as a function of particle size. Over the particle size range of 0.001 to 1 &mgr;m, estimates of total lung dose vary by a factor of 10 for 90Sr particles and by a factor of 4 to 10 for 90Y particles. As the particle size increases to 10 &mgr;m, dose uncertainties reach a factor of 100 for both radionuclides. In comparisons to identical exposures scenarios run by the LUDEP 2.0 code, Reference Man doses for inhaled beta-emitters were shown to provide slightly conservative estimates of lung dose compared to those in this study where uncertainties in lung airway histology are considered.
Generation of light-sensitive photoreceptor phenotypes by genetic modification of human adult ocular stem cells with Crx.

PURPOSE This study compared the effect of the transcription factor Crx (cone, rod homeobox) on the differentiation of human adult corneal (hCSC) and retinal (hRSC) stem cells into functional photoreceptors. METHODS Stem cells isolated from postmortem human corneas and retinal ciliary bodies were maintained in serum-free culture and genetically modified by electroporation to express exogenous epitope-tagged murine Crx. Expression of stem cell markers (Pax6, Oct3/4, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]), neuronal markers (nestin, neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin, Map2 a/b, and neurofilament), and photoreceptor-specific markers (rhodopsin, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel-3, blue-cone opsin, and beta-6-PDE) was evaluated by immunocytochemistry. A cGMP enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to assess phototransduction cascade activity by measurement of light-induced hydrolysis of cGMP. RESULTS Expression of the stem cell markers of proliferation and pluripotency Pax6, PCNA, and Oct3/4 was decreased by exogenous Crx expression in both hCSCs and hRSCs. Correspondingly, the expression of the mature neuronal markers Map2 a/b and neurofilament was increased. Both hCSCs and hRSCs displayed photoreceptor-specific immunolabeling. However, light-activated GMP hydrolysis was observed only in hRSCs after exogenous expression of Crx. CONCLUSIONS The present study extends previous findings that exogenous Crx expression can promote differentiation of human retina-derived stem cells into light-sensitive photoreceptor phenotypes. Although Crx can induce human cornea-derived stem cells to express photoreceptor-specific proteins, it does not seem to be sufficient to direct their differentiation into functional photoreceptors. Nevertheless, this study demonstrates that genetic modification of adult human retinal stem cells can cause differentiation into light-sensitive photoreceptor phenotypes.
Should we measure routinely oxidised and atherogenic dense low‐density lipoproteins in subjects with type 2 diabetes?

Beyond low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol concentrations, in recent years, several clinical studies have shown that both oxidised and small, dense LDL have a strong predictive role for the presence of vascular atherosclerosis. These two lipid parameters seem to have a synergistic impact on cardiovascular risk, with a greater importance in patients at higher‐risk, such as those with type‐2 diabetes. Increased levels of oxidised and small, dense LDL levels are a feature of diabetic dyslipidaemia, and small, dense LDL have been shown to be a good predictor of future cardiovascular events, at both univariate and multivariate analyses. On the other hand, although the association of oxidised LDL with surrogate markers of atherosclerosis is consistent, the correlation with hard clinical end points seems to be smaller. Yet, measurement of these two lipid parameters has not been widely used in daily practice because of the limited availability of clinical data and methodological problems: lack of availability of easy, cheap and reproducible essays for measurement of oxidised and, particularly, small, dense LDL has reduced their assessment in large clinical end‐points trials. However, on the basis of available data, the therapeutic modulation of small, dense LDL is significantly associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, even after adjustment for confounding factors. In conclusion, the routine measurement of oxidised and small, dense LDL in patients with type‐2 diabetes cannot be recommended in daily clinical practice so far; yet, their measurement is strongly encouraged to better understand their role on the cardiovascular risk of patients with type‐2 diabetes.
Liver Cell Polyploidization: A Pivotal Role for Binuclear Hepatocytes*

Polyploidy is a general physiological process indicative of terminal differentiation. During liver growth, this process generates the appearance of tetraploid (4n) and octoploid (8n) hepatocytes with one or two nuclei. The onset of polyploidy in the liver has been recognized for quite some time; however, the cellular mechanisms that govern it remain unknown. In this report, we observed the sequential appearance during liver growth of binuclear diploid (2 × 2n) and mononuclear 4n hepatocytes from a diploid hepatocyte population. To identify the cell cycle modifications involved in hepatocyte polyploidization, mitosis was then monitored in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Twenty percent of mononuclear 2n hepatocytes failed to undergo cytokinesis with no observable contractile movement of the ring. This process led to the formation of binuclear 2 × 2n hepatocytes. This tetraploid condition following cleavage failure did not activate the p53-dependent checkpoint in G1. In fact, binuclear hepatocytes were able to proceed through S phase, and the formation of a bipolar spindle during mitosis constituted the key step leading to the genesis of two mononuclear 4n hepatocytes. Finally, we studied the duplication and clustering of centrosomes in the binuclear hepatocyte. These cells exhibited two centrosomes in G1 that were duplicated during S phase and then clustered by pairs at opposite poles of the cell during metaphase. This event led only to mononuclear 4n progeny and maintained the tetraploidy status of hepatocytes.
Accounting based valuation: a simultaneous equations model for forecasting earnings to proxy for ‘other information’

This paper develops and tests a simultaneous equations model (SEM) for extending accounting based valuation models used in empirical studies. Rather than using analysts’ forecasts, we derive forecasts of operating income from the SEM to calculate the ‘other information’ variable in the Ohlson (Contemp Account Res 11:661–687, 1995) model. The SEM forecasts are based on observable data contained in the firms’ reporting, like order backlog, and other publicly available information. The SEM produces more accurate out-of-sample forecasts of operating income compared to simple benchmark models particularly in years around economic changes and instability, like the years 2001 and 2009. Integrating the SEM forecast as ‘other information’ in market value regressions significantly increases the explanatory power compared to simpler versions without or with single information proxies for ‘other information’. Finally, we find that the SEM forecast is able to explain a major portion of the information advantage of analysts relevant for explaining market values.
The Effect of CSR Practices on Employee Affective Commitment in the Airline Industry

ABSTRACT This study investigates the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of airlines and their influence on the affective commitment (AC) of their employees. The CSR practices were derived from medium-scale airlines in Hong Kong, their annual sustainability reports, and the previous literature. The CSR practices were factor analyzed and grouped under the dimensions of safety, the community, people, the environment, and business operations. While all five dimensions were relevant, employees considered the environmental dimension to be the most important. The dimensions of environment and people were found to have the most influence on employee AC.
Cost and cost-effectiveness of conventional and liquid-based cytology in South Africa: A laboratory service provider perspective

Background. South Africa has a high prevalence of cervical cancer. Early detection can significantly reduce the burden of this disease. New screening technologies to detect cervical pathology have become available in recent years. Objectives. To determine the cost and cost-effectiveness of liquid-based cytology (LBC) versus conventional cervical cytology, from the perspective of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). Methods. The unit of effectiveness was defined as the number of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN) II or higher lesions detected. Costs were assessed retrospectively for the financial year (2010/11) from a laboratory service provider perspective. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed by combining secondary data collected from NHLS expenditure records and cytology laboratory data sources with data from the literature. Results. Total average cost per conventional slide was found to be R (South African rands) 64 (95% confidence interval (CI) 59 - 69) compared with R85 (95% CI 77 - 92) for an LBC slide. Conventional cytology was found to be more cost-effective (R10 786; 95% CI 9 335 - 12 699) than LBC (R18 911; 95% CI 16 180 - 22 435) in detecting CIN II or greater lesions. An improvement in the specificity of LBC and/or a decrease in the cost of consumables utilised in processing LBC specimens could potentially make it a cost-effective alternative to conventional cytology. Conclusion. An estimate of the total average public sector laboratory cost per slide for each modality was calculated. Definitive assessment of cost-effectiveness will require a prospective study that incorporates human papillomavirus testing and is conducted from a societal perspective.
An improved V-BLAST receiver based on reliability normalization

We present an improved V-BLAST receiver that cancels co-channel interference (CCI), based on reliability normalization over frequency-selective channels, in the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) sense. The performance has been evaluated in the exponential decay channel model with various normalized rms delay spreads and different filter taps. It is also compared with the ordered successive interference cancellation-decision feedback equalizer (OSIC-DFE). Simulation results show that the proposed receiver outperforms the OSIC-DFE, especially when the filter taps are short.
New time-domain sufficient conditions for stability analysis of linear time-delay systems

In this paper, we study the problem of stability of linear time-delay systems. Specifically, using the notion of structured phase margin, which characterizes stability margins in terms of a nominal plant transfer function in the presence of unknown structured phase perturbations, we derive several new time-domain sufficient conditions for stability of linear time-delay systems. We provide both delay-independent as well as delay-dependent sufficient conditions for stability. It should be noted that all the sufficient conditions presented in this paper are in terms of linear matrix inequalities
Factor structure of the Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale

Abstract Depression is common in patients following stroke and has been found to be related to the degree of functional disability, recovery and engagement in rehabilitation. Consequently, screening for depression is crucial in this group in order to facilitate the delivery of appropriate psychological support. The current study sought to determine key psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in this group. Three versions of the GDS were evaluated, these being the 30-item original measure (GDS-30), the short-form version comprising 15 items (GDS-SF) and a recently developed innovative four-item version (GDS-4). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed the GDS-30 and GDS-SF to offer an acceptable fit to data suggesting utility of these measures for screening. However, the GDS-4 offered a poor fit to the data, suggesting this measure was an inadequate measure of depression in this clinical group. Further, though GDS-30 and GDS-SF measures revealed good internal consistency, the performance of the GDS-4 was marginal. However, all GDS-derived measures demonstrated excellent convergent and divergent validity. It is concluded that the GDS-30 is a useful and appropriate screening instrument in this group. Further, the GDS-SF shows promise in terms of development as a multidimensional measure of depression that may have predictive and outcome monitoring potential. The psychometric shortcomings of the GDS-4 strongly suggest that this measure is unsuitable for screening in this clinical group.
How fast can one numerically reconstruct digitally recorded holograms?

Results of comparative study of the computational complexity of different algorithms for numerical reconstruction of electronically recorded holograms are presented and discussed. The following algorithms were compared: different types of Fourier and convolutional algorithms and a new universal DCT-based algorithm, in terms of the number of operations. Based on the comparison results, the feasibility of real-time implementation of numerical reconstruction of holograms is evaluated.
T1198C Polymorphism of the Angiotensinogen Gene and Antihypertensive Response to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

This study examined the association between T1198C polymorphism of the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene and the blood pressure response to ACE inhibitors in a Chinese hypertensive cohort. After a 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period, benazepril (10–20 mg/day) or imidapril (5–10 mg/day) was administered for 6 weeks to 509 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. Polymerase chain reaction combined with restriction enzyme digestion was used to detect the polymorphism, and the patients were classified as having the TT, TC, or CC genotype. The achieved changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were analyzed to determine their association with genotypes at the AGT gene locus. In the total 509 patients, the TT genotype was observed in 44 patients (8.7%), the TC genotype in 214 patients (42.0%), and the CC genotype in 251 patients (49.3%). The SBP reductions in patients with the TT genotype, TC genotype, and CC genotype were −15.3±12.7 mmHg, −14.0±12.7 mmHg, and −14.4±12.4 mmHg, respectively (p=0.809). The DBP reductions in patients with the TT genotype, TC genotype, and CC genotype were −8.5±8.1 mmHg, −8.3±7.5 mmHg, and −8.9±6.6 mmHg, respectively (p=0.638). There were no significant differences in the changes in SBP or DBP after treatment among the three genotype groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that the AGT genotype does not predict the blood pressure-lowering response to antihypertensive treatment with ACE inhibitors in Chinese hypertensive patients.
Visible 405 nm SLD light photo‐destroys methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro

Infections with MRSA remain a growing public health concern, prompting the need to explore alternative treatments instead of the on‐going effort to develop stronger drug‐based therapies. We studied the effect of 405 nm blue light on two strains of MRSA—US‐300 strain of CA‐MRSA and the IS853 strain of HA‐MRSA—in vitro.
Abdominal Wall Reconstruction After Temporary Abdominal Closure: A Ten-Year Review

Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is often required for hernias created after temporary abdominal closure (TAC). Demographic and clinical data from patients undergoing TAC and AWR between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2002, were collected and univariate analysis performed. Temporary abdominal closure and AWR were performed in 21 patients. Complications developed in 12 patients (57.1%) after TAC; associated risk factors were mesh placement (P = .04) and skin grafting (P = .04). Successful AWR included mesh (n = 6), component separation (n = 6), primary repair (n = 4), and 3 combination techniques. Six patients (28.6%) developed intraoperative complications, and 14 (66.7%) developed postoperative complications. Intraoperative complications were increased in patients with tissue expanders (P = .01). Postoperative complications (P = .04) were less likely with component separation. The complication rate with TAC and AWR is high. Tissue expanders are associated with an increased risk of intraoperative complications with AWR, whereas component separation is associated with a reduction in postoperative complications.
Why do tenants leave social housing? Exploring residential and social mobility at the lowest rungs of Australia's socioeconomic ladder

Historically, social housing in Australia operated as a springboard for social mobility. For many working families, public housing tenancy was an opportunity to save for a house purchase deposit. Latterly, tenant exits from public to private housing have declined to very low levels. This has raised concerns about systemic barriers to residential and social mobility for social renters, and about the consequent longer waiting times for applicants in need of social housing. Drawing on administrative data collected by social housing providers in NSW and Victoria, and in‑depth interviews with 95 former and current social housing tenants in both states, this paper examines tenant attitudes, intentions and motivations as regards future house‑moves. We argue that the primary disincentives to exit relate to affordability and security of tenure in private rental, rather than factors related to the social housing system itself.