Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Organization and neural connections of the anterior optic tubercle in the brain of the locust, Schistocerca gregaria

The anterior optic tubercle is a small neuropil in the insect brain and a major target of visual interneurons from the optic lobe. The functional role of the tubercle is poorly understood, but recent evidence from locusts points to a possible involvement in polarization vision. The present study examines the organization of the anterior optic tubercle in the locust Schistocerca gregaria and its connections with other brain areas. The tubercle of the locust consists of an upper and a lower subunit. Both units are connected in parallel with the medulla and lobula of the optic lobe, with the contralateral tubercle, and with the lateral accessory lobe in the median protocerebrum. Wide‐field transmedullary neurons provide input from the medulla. Neurons with processes in the dorsal rim of the medulla, a relay station in the polarization vision pathway, project exclusively to the lower unit of the tubercle. Visual input from the lobula to the upper and lower unit originates from topographically distinct strata. The most prominent output target of the tubercle is the lateral accessory lobe in the median protocerebrum. Neurons from the upper unit project widely in the lateral accessory lobe, whereas neurons from the lower unit have focused projections confined to the median olive and to the lateral triangle. The two subunits of the anterior optic tubercle are, therefore, processing stages in two parallel visual pathways from the optic lobe to the median protocerebrum. Pathways via the lower unit of the tubercle appear to be involved in polarization vision. J. Comp. Neurol. 462:415–430, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How does public participation affect perceptions of public–private partnerships? A citizens’ view on push, pull, and network approaches in PPPs

ABSTRACT In this study, we analysed US-based public opinion data to determine the influence of particular modes of participation on citizen perceptions of public–private partnerships (PPP). Our summary finding is that information dissemination can improve community support of PPPs, but interactive engagement is more important, and likely required, for assuring citizens that projects reflect their interests – an issue vital to the long-term sustainability of PPPs. Counter to expectations, respondents indicated a preference for meetings with private partner representatives over those with their public sector counterparts; implying the value of citizen-direct relationships in holding third-party providers to account.
Clinical cardiotoxicity following anthracycline treatment for childhood cancer: the Pediatric Oncology Group experience.

PURPOSE To determine the incidence of clinical cardiotoxicity from anthracycline chemotherapy in children with cancer and to identify associated risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study population consisted of 6,493 children with cancer who had received anthracycline chemotherapy on Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) protocols from 1974 to 1990. Cardiotoxicity, defined as congestive heart failure not due to other causes, abnormal measurements of cardiac function that prompted discontinuation of therapy, or sudden death from presumed cardiac causes, was determined by a review of protocol records. RESULTS Cardiotoxicity was confirmed in 106 patients (1.6%): 58 had congestive heart failure, 43 had changes in measures of cardiac function that prompted the discontinuation of therapy, and five died suddenly from presumed cardiac causes. In a multivariate analysis, factors that contributed to the relative risk (RR) of toxicity were a cumulative anthracycline dose > or = 550 mg/m2 of body-surface area (RR = 5.2), maximal dose > or = 50 mg/m2 (RR = 2.8), female sex (RR = 1.9), black race (RR = 1.7), presence of trisomy 21 (RR = 3.4), and exposure to amsacrine (RR = 2.6). Cardiotoxicity within 1 year after the completion of anthracycline treatment (early cardiotoxicity) represented 89.5% of all cases. CONCLUSION Early clinical cardiotoxicity in children treated with anthracycline is rare. A high maximal dose, or cumulative dose of anthracycline, female sex, black race, presence of trisomy 21, and treatment with amsacrine increase the risk for anthracycline-associated cardiotoxicity.
Antineoplastic Strategy: Irreversible Tumor Blood Flow Stasis Induced by the Combretastatin A-4 Derivative AVE8062 (AC7700)

Despite extensive research efforts, effective therapies for refractive cancers have not yet been established, and development of successful treatment strategies remains the most important task in the field of oncology. We recently showed that AVE8062 (formerly AC7700), a derivative of combretastatin A-4, achieved irreversible stasis of tumor blood flow (TBF), thereby causing necrosis of tumor tissue by halting the supply of nutrients. Such effects were unrelated to cancer type. In this review, we summarize our experiments on antivascular and antitumor effects by AVE8062. We maintain that such starvation tactics against solid tumors constitute a new therapeutic strategy for all solid tumors, including refractory cancers.
Stereologic Estimation of the Number of Neuroendocrine Cells in Normal Human Prostate Detected by Immunohistochemistry

Neuroendocrine cells may play a role in both normal and pathologic conditions of the human prostate. It may be interesting to investigate 1) whether there are significant amounts of neuroendocrine cells in human adult normal prostate, and 2) whether the distribution of these cells shows regional differences. This study estimates both absolute and relative amounts of neuroendocrine cells immunostained for two neuronal markers (chromogranin A and protein gene product 9.5) and for serotonin in the three regions of human prostate, transition zone, central zone, and peripheral zone, using unbiased stereologic measurements. There was observed a predominance of neuroendocrine cells in the transition zone of the normal prostate. The neuroendocrine cells of this region may play a role in the genesis of benign prostate hyperplasia. The significant presence of neuroendocrine cells secreting neuropeptides in peripheral zone could be correlated with the induction of androgen-independent growth in prostate carcinogenesis. The wolffian origin attributed to the central zone can explain its poor population of neuroendocrine cells.
Does the Federal Constitutional Court Ruling Mean the German Financial Market is Efficient?

Following the landmark ruling by the German Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe on 7th February 2014 in which they endorsed the efficient market hypothesis, we present evidence on the efficiency of the German financial market. Introducing a new variance bound test based on the Component-GARCH model of volatility to analyse the long- and short-runs effects on the efficiency of the German financial market, we test the price volatility of four markets: DAX stock index, German sovereign debt index as provided by Barclays and Bloomberg, Euro gold index by the World Gold Council and Euro currency index by the Bank of England. Our use of the Component-GARCH-T model highlight two key contributions, the first being the analysis of the efficiency of the market in the long and short runs. However, a more important contribution is the result of our variance bound test highlight the relatively strong acceptance of the efficient market hypothesis in both the short and long runs in all the observed financial markets. It must be stated our research is of importance to researches in both applied finance and portfolio management. The influencing question of what moves specific markets is crucial to market participants seeking market alpha for their investments strategies and portfolio optimisations.
Vaccination against Helicobacter pylori - an old companion of man

Helicobacter pylori infection induces an important systemic and mucosal antibody response and a predominant Th1 cellular response. These immune responses, although powerful, fail to eliminate the infection. Studies in animals have shown that prophylactic and therapeutic immunisations are efficacious, although complete protective immunity has usually not been achieved. Initial human trials with recombinant urease showed that a mucosal immune response can be obtained following immunisations, with a decrease in bacterial density, but successful immunisation is still awaited. Progress is being made in several areas of vaccine design. A human vaccine against H. pylori would be favourable in terms of health benefits and costs in developed and developing countries.
SPERM COMPETITION GAMES: A GENERAL MODEL FOR PRECOPULATORY MALE–MALE COMPETITION

Reproductive males face a trade‐off between expenditure on precopulatory male–male competition—increasing the number of females that they secure as mates—and sperm competition—increasing their fertilization success with those females. Previous sperm allocation models have focused on scramble competition in which males compete by searching for mates and the number of matings rises linearly with precopulatory expenditure. However, recent studies have emphasized contest competition involving precopulatory expenditure on armaments, where winning contests may be highly dependent on marginal increases in relative armament level. Here, we develop a general model of sperm allocation that allows us to examine the effect of all forms of precopulatory competition on sperm allocation patterns. The model predicts that sperm allocation decreases if either the “mate‐competition loading,”a, or the number of males competing for each mating, M, increases. Other predictions remain unchanged from previous models: (i) expenditure per ejaculate should increase and then decrease, and (ii) total postcopulatory expenditure should increase, as the level of sperm competition increases. A negative correlation between a and M is biologically plausible, and may buffer deviations from the previous models. There is some support for our predictions from comparative analyses across dung beetle species and frog populations.
A new heuristic method for optical network topology optimization

This paper develops a new heuristic algorithm for optical network topology design and optimization. An optical network topology typically has a ring topology; therefore, it can be modelled with the Travelling Salesman Problem. Furthermore, solution can be obtained from the TSP's model using heuristic method and get an optimal ring topology in a quick time. The quality and result of the topology result is based on the minimum weight value. This proposed algorithm will determine the starting point or set of links that are below some value and then will grow until every node are successfully passed or visited. This algorithm's quality is tested by comparing the minimum weight value with others algorithms such as brute force algorithm, ant colony algorithm, and another related algorithm. This proposed algorithm can produce a ring topology with a minimum weight value better than ant colony algorithm and the computing time is much faster than brute force.
The Relationship between interest rate and exchange rate in India

The theoretical as well as empirical relationship between the interest rate and exchange rate has been a debatable issue among the economists. According to MundellFleming model, an increase in interest rate is necessary to stabilize the exchange rate depreciation and to curb the inflationary pressure and thereby helps to avoid many adverse economic consequences. The high interest rate policy is considered important for several reasons. Firstly, it provides the information to the market about the authorities’ resolve not to allow the sharp exchange rate movement that the market expects given the state of the economy and thereby reduce the inflationary expectations and prevent the vicious cycle of inflation and exchange rate depreciation. Secondly, it raises the attractiveness of domestic financial assets as a result of which capital inflow takes place and thereby limiting the exchange rate depreciation. Thirdly, it not only reduces the level of domestic aggregate demand but also improves the balance of payment position by reducing the level of imports. But the East Asian currency crisis and the failure of high interest rates policy to stabilize the exchange rate at its desirable level during 1997-1998 have challenged the credibility of raising interest rates to defend the exchange rate. Critics argue that the high interest rates imperil the ability of the domestic firms and banks to pay back the external debt and thereby reduce the probability of repayment. As a result, high interest rates lead to capital outflows and thereby depreciation of the currency.
Experimental models of acute pancreatitis and their relevance to human disease.

There are no experimental models which mimic the most common causes of human acute pancreatitis, i.e. gallstones and alcohol abuse. However, existing models can reproduce the morphology and physiological derangements of certain phases of the illness. Current models have been useful in elucidating the earliest events involved in the initiation and progression of pancreatitis. However, very few animal studies demonstrate effective therapeutic intervention when treatment is given after the induction of experimental pancreatitis. Since immediate intervention is unachievable in human disease, most experimental therapies have not been successfully applied to clinical disease.
Fake News: : As the Problem or a Symptom of a Deeper Problem?

Fake news is considered to be a significant problem that faces global society and the way it functions. There has been a considerable amount of attention that has been given to this problem, which makes it seem like a modern issue. However, historically fake news has been something that has existed for some time now and has evolved into something far more invasive owing to the development of information communication technologies that allows for rapid transmission and communication. Fake news has been perceived and defined differently over time, it is linked to how the ideal role of news was conceived within the frame of being a fourth estate to the current times that is more attune to an instrument of influence and persuasion. This present article attempts to highlight that fake news is not the root of the problem, but rather a symptom of deeper problems that affect the political and information spheres.
Dietary fat and age-related maculopathy.

OBJECTIVE To describe the relationship between type and level of fat in the diet and the prevalence of age-related maculopathy. DESIGN Retrospective population-based study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Residents of Beaver Dam, Wis, between the ages of 45 and 84 years, participating in the Beaver Dam Eye Study and Nutritional Factors in Eye Disease Study. DATA COLLECTION Presence and severity of age-related maculopathy were determined from masked grading of fundus photographs taken from 1988 through 1990. Diets in the past (1978 through 1980) were assessed retrospectively using a food frequency questionnaire during in-person home interviews. RESULTS Persons with intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in the highest compared with the lowest quintile had 80% and 60% increased odds for early age-related maculopathy, respectively, after adjusting for age and intake of beer. These relationships were not influenced by adjusting for several other potential confounding variables (carotenoid intake, intake of vitamins C or E in supplements, smoking, body mass index, time spent outdoors in the summer, gender, and history of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease). Odds ratios for late age-related maculopathy were in similar directions but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS High intake of saturated fat and cholesterol is associated with increased risk for early age-related maculopathy in the Beaver Dam population. This supports the hypothesis that atherosclerosis or its risk factors are related to age-related maculopathy. Confirmation of this finding in other populations and in prospective studies is needed.
Single‐ and Multiple‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Etoricoxib, a Selective Inhibitor of Cyclooxygenase‐2, in Man

The single‐ and multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics of etoricoxib, a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase‐2, were examined in two clinical studies. Single‐dose pharmacokinetics—including dose proportionality, absolute bioavailability of the highest dose‐strength (120‐mg) tablet, and the effect of a high‐fat meal on the bioavailability of that tablet—were investigated in a two‐part, open, balanced crossover study in two panels of healthy subjects (12 per panel). Steady‐state pharmacokinetics were investigated in an open‐label study in which 24 healthy subjects were administered 120‐mg single and multiple (once daily for 10 days) oral doses of etoricoxib tablets. The pharmacokinetics of etoricoxib were found to be consistent with linearity through doses at least twofold greater than the highest anticipated clinical dose of 120 mg. Etoricoxib administered as a tablet was rapidly and completely absorbed and available; the absolute bioavailability was estimated to be 100%. A high‐fat meal decreased the rate of absorption without affecting the extent of absorption of etoricoxib; therefore, etoricoxib can be dosed irrespective of food. Steady‐state pharmacokinetics of etoricoxib, achieved following 7 days of once‐daily dosing, were found to be reasonably predicted from single doses. The accumulation ratio averaged 2.1, and the corresponding accumulation t1/2 averaged 22 hours, supporting once‐daily dosing. Etoricoxib was generally well tolerated.
Enhancement of BRCA1 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Activity through Direct Interaction with the BARD1 Protein*

The breast and ovarian cancer-specific tumor suppressor RING finger protein BRCA1 has been identified as an E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase through in vitro studies, which demonstrated that its RING finger domain can autoubiquitylate and monoubiquitylate histone H2A when supplied with Ub, E1, and UBC4 (E2). Here we report that the E3 ligase activity of the N-terminal 110 amino acid residues of BRCA1, which encodes a stable domain containing the RING finger, as well as that of the full-length BRCA1, was significantly enhanced by the BARD1 protein (residues 8–142), whose RING finger domain itself lacked Ub ligase activity in vitro. The results of mutagenesis studies indicate that the enhancement of BRCA1 E3 ligase activity by BARD1 depends on direct interaction between the two proteins. Using K48A and K63A Ub mutants, we found that BARD1 stimulated the formation of both Lys48- and Lys63-linked poly-Ub chains. However, the enhancement of BRCA1 autoubiquitylation by BARD1 mostly resulted in poly-Ub chains linked through Lys63, which could potentially activate biological pathways other than BRCA1 degradation. We also found that co-expression of BRCA1 and BARD1 in living cells increased the abundance and stability of both proteins and that this depended on their ability to heterodimerize.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the facial nerve: Intraoperative study on the effect of stimulus parameters on the excitation site in man

Magnetic stimulation (magStim) of the intracranial facial nerve is performed in clinical and research settings, but the activation site is a matter of controversy. Latencies of nasalis muscle responses to magStim were, therefore, compared with those obtained by direct electrical stimulation of the facial nerve (a) at the root exit zone (REZ); (b) at the porus of the facial canal; and (c) in the stylomastoid fossa during microvascular decompression operations in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Measurements of latencies of the nasalis muscle response, obtained while the stimulating coil was placed over the parieto‐occipital area of the scalp, indicated that it was the labryinthine segment of the facial canal, 5 to 16 mm distal to the CPA, that was activated. This would be in agreement with studies of physical models reported in the literature that showed (a) the strength of the electrical current generated by a magnetic field is particularly high close to a nerve foramen; and (b) excitation to magStim is most likely to occur where the induced electrical field changes rapidly over distance, i.e., at anatomical boundaries between media of high and low specific resistance. These characteristics are found at the end of the labyrinthine segment of the facial canal, where the facial nerve leaves the low‐resistance cerebrospinal fluid and enters the high‐resistance petrous bone. The site of neural excitation is robust and unaffected by stimulus intensity and current direction within a wide range, or by large changes in location of the coil. The practical implication of this study is that transcranial magStim does not reflect nerve conduction in segments of the facial nerve that are located proximal to the facial canal, which accounts for about 40% of the nerve length between the REZ and the stylomastoid fossa.
Aromatase Inhibition: Translation into a Successful Therapeutic Approach

The development of the novel third-generation aromatase inhibitors and inactivators for breast cancer treatment is one of the most successful contemporary achievements in cancer therapy. Parallel to studies evaluating toxicity and clinical efficacy in metastatic disease, the endocrine effects of multiple compounds were evaluated, leading to the identification of the highly potent third-generation aromatase inhibitors based on estrogen deprivation and aromatase inhibition in vivo. Thus, translational studies have been of vital importance identifying the unique characteristics of these compounds. Whereas first- and second-generation aromatase inhibitors inhibit estrogen synthesis in vivo by up to 90%, the third-generation compounds anastrozole, exemestane, and letrozole were found to cause ≥98% aromatase inhibition. This article summarizes and discusses the “translational research” that provided the background for the implementation of the third-generation aromatase inhibitors and inactivators into large clinical trials. The need for future translational research exploiting the mechanisms of resistance to these compounds for future improvement of endocrine therapy is emphasized.
Identification of cpsD, a gene essential for type III capsule expression in group B streptococci

We showed previously that a mutant strain of group B Streptococcus (GBS) defective in capsule production was avirulent. This study describes the derivation of an unencapsulated mutant from a highly encapsulated wild‐type strain of type III GBS, COH1, by transposon mutagenesis with Tn916ΔE. The mutant, COH1‐13, was sensitive to phagocytic killing by human leukocytes in vitro and was relatively avirulent in a neonatal rat sepsis model compared with the wild‐type strain. No capsular polysaccharide was evident in the cytoplasm or on the cell surface of the mutant strain. The Tn916ΔE insertion site in COH1‐13 was mapped to the same chromosomal location as the Tn916 insertion site in the unencapsulated type III mutant COH31‐15 reported previously. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA flanking the insertion site in COH1‐13 revealed an open reading frame, designated cpsD, with significant homology to the rfbP gene of Salmonella typhimurium. RfbP encodes a galactosyl transferase enzyme that catalyses the transfer of galactose to undecaprenol phosphate, the initial step in O‐polysaccharide synthesis. A particulate fraction of a lysate of wild‐type strain GBS COH1 mediated the transfer of galactose from UDP‐galactose to an endogenous acceptor. The galactose–acceptor complex partitioned into organic solvents, suggesting it is lipid in nature or membrane‐associated. Galactosyl transferase activity was significantly reduced in the unencapsulated mutant strain COH1‐13. These results, together with the similarity in deduced amino acid sequence between cpsD and rfbP suggest that cpsD encodes a galactosyl transferase essential for assembly of the GBS type III capsular polysaccharide.