Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Zoledronic acid exerts its antitumor effect in multiple myeloma interfering with the bone marrow microenvironment

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by an excess of monotypic plasma cells which localize almost exclusively in the bone marrow provoking bone destruction via the activation of the osteoclasts. The bone marrow microenvironment, mainly through stromal cells, is strictly involved in the evolution of the disease supporting MM cell growth and survival [1]. MM plasma cells reside in the bone marrow by binding to adhesion molecule of extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal cells. The activation of some signaling pathways within the stromal cells increases the production of several cytokines which in turn favors the myeloma cell proliferation and survival [2–6], and enhance the drug resistance by anti-apoptotic mechanisms [1,7–9]. Novel therapeutic agents target not only the myeloma cells but also the interaction between MM cells and the bone marrow microenvironment [8]. Bisphosphonates (Bps) interfere as well with bone microenvironment inhibiting the survival of stromal cells and hampering the contact between plasma and stromal cells. In this review we will revise preclinical evidences, and the potential mechanisms of the antitumor activity of zoledronic acid.
A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Master Degree in Finance from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics A PROPOSED SOLUTION FOR THE NON-PERFORMING LOANS IN THE PORTUGUESE BANKING SYSTEM

This paper aims to propose a solution for the current problem of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in the Portuguese banking system. The analysis starts with an overview of the theoretical responses to an overall NPL problem. This is followed by a description of the relevant events in the last decade within the Portuguese banking system and of the solution currently being studied by the Portuguese government. The paper concludes that the solution has severe flaws, and proposes an alternative solution that consists on a centralized asset management company.
Cholinoceptive neurons in the retina of the chick: an immunohistochemical study of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies directed against nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) were used to identify and characterize cholinoceptive neurons in the chick retina. Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), mAb 210 and mAb 270, stained many neurons in both the inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). A class of large labeled cells in the inner INL were positioned at the INL/IPL (inner plexiform layer) border and resembled displaced ganglion cells (DGCs). Their identity was confirmed with injections of rhodamine-labeled microspheres into the ventral tectum and nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR). Four days after the injection, large nAChR-positive neurons in the inner INL were labeled with beads. The distribution of these cells matched that reported for DGCs in the chicken and pigeon (Reiner et al., 1979; Fite et al., 1981). Many smaller cells in the INL also exhibited nAChR immunoreactivity. These cells were not retrogradely labeled after bead injections into retinal recipient areas. Their processes entered the IPL where they arborized in a band comprised of the inner leaflet of lamina 1 and all of lamina 2. In some instances, a process continued inward to lamina 4. These neurons were tentatively identified as amacrine cells because of their position and branching pattern. Approximately 12–18% of the cells in the GCL exhibited nAChR immunoreactivity. Many of these cells could be classified as ganglion cells as their axons were also labeled following exposure to nAChR antibodies. Their distribution mirrored that of all ganglion cells with a higher density of cells in the central retina than in the periphery (Ehrlich, 1981). A “double label” technique was used to compare the distribution of nAChR-positive neurons with that of the choline acetyltransferase-positive (ChAT), cholinergic neurons in the chick retina. The two antigens were visualized with two different fluorophores: FITC and RITC. We were unable to find any cells in either the INL or GCL that exhibited both ChAT- and nAChR-like immunoreactivity. The nAChR-positive cells and the ChAT-positive cells both arborized in two bands within the IPL. The patterns were in perfect register in the inner IPL (lamina 4). But, in the outer IPL, the nAChR-positive dendrites were observed in the inner leaflet of lamina 1 and in all of lamina 2 while the ChAT-positive dendrites did not extend into the innermost portion of lamina 2.
Production of pectic enzymes by barepatch isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG 8

This study investigated the production of pectic enzymes by the phytopathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani AG 8 (ZG1-1). The principal types of pectic enzymes produced during growth in citrus-pectin medium are polygalacturonase and pectin lyase. Electrophoretic analysis of culture supernatant proteins revealed a number of proteins associated with virulence. Isoelectric focusing of proteins and staining for pectic enzyme activity showed that all field isolates synthesised a complex mixture of pectic enzymes. There were no differences in the pectic enzyme pro file of highly and weakly virulent isolates, or between isolates from sites hundreds of kilometres apart. Pectic enzymes did segregate clearly among single-spore progeny of a highly virulent field isolate. The results suggest that there are additional factors that contribute to the virulence of these isolates.
Design and application of water‐in‐oil emulsions for use in lipstick formulations

The addition of water to lipsticks in the form of a water‐in‐oil emulsion is an attractive opportunity for cosmetics manufacturers to deliver hydrophilic molecules to the consumers, as well as improving the moisturizing properties. In this work, the effect of the emulsifier type and water content on the structural properties of the designed products was investigated. It has been shown that PGPR leads to smaller droplets than the other emulsifiers tested. This was attributed to the ability of PGPR to form elastic interfaces that slow the coalescence between droplets during the process. It was also observed that crystals of wax tend to form structures at the interface upon cooling that prevent coalescence during storage. These structures also prevent leakage of water into the continuous phase. No effect of the water content on the melting properties of the emulsions was observed. Upon addition of more than 10% water, softening of the material was measured, due to the overall decrease in solid content. Addition of crystalline material (hard paraffin) was successfully used to reinstate the material properties.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Traffic Monitoring and AADT Estimation in a Small Rural College Town

Non-motorized (i.e., bicycle and pedestrian) traffic patterns are an understudied but important part of transportation systems. A key need for transportation planners is traffic monitoring programs similar to motorized traffic. Count campaigns can help estimate mode choice, measure infrastructure performance, track changes in volume, prioritize projects, analyze travel patterns (e.g., annual average daily traffic [AADT] and miles traveled [MT]), and conduct safety analysis (e.g., crash, injury and collision). However, unlike for motorized traffic, nonmotorized traffic has not been comprehensively monitored in communities throughout the U.S. and is generally performed in an ad hoc fashion. My thesis explores how to (1) best count bicycles and pedestrians on the entire transportation network, rather than only focus on off-street trail systems or specific transportation corridors and (2) estimate AADT of bicycles and pedestrians in a small college town (i.e., Blacksburg, VA). I used a previously developed count campaign in Blacksburg, VA to collect bicycle and pedestrian counts using existing monitoring technologies (e.g., pneumatic tubes, passive infrared, and RadioBeam). I then summarized those counts to (1) identify seasonal, daily, and hourly patterns of non-motorized traffic and (2) develop scaling factors (analogous to those used in motor vehicle count programs) derived from the continuous reference sites to estimate long-term averages (i.e., AADT) for short-duration count sites. I collected ~40,000 hours of bicycle and pedestrian counts from early September 2014 to January 2016. The count campaign included 4 continuous reference sites (~ full year-2015 counts) and 97 short-duration sites (≥ 1-week counts) that covered different road and trail types (i.e., major road, local road, and off-street trails). I used 25 commercially available counters (i.e., 12 MetroCount MC 5600 Vehicle Classifier System [pneumatic tube counters], 10 Eco-counter “Pyro” [passive infrared counters], and 3 Chambers RadioBeam Bicycle-People Counter [radiobeam counters]) to conduct the traffic count campaign. Three MetroCount, 4 Eco-counter, and 1 RadioBeam counter were installed at the 4 continuous reference sites; the remaining counters were rotated on a weekly basis at the short-duration count sites.
Scaling in electron scattering from a relativistic Fermi gas.

Within the context of the relativistic Fermi gas model, the concept of ''y scaling'' for inclusive electron scattering from nuclei is investigated. Specific kinematic shifts of the single-nucleon response in the nuclear medium can be incorporated with this model. Suggested generalizations beyond the strict Fermi gas model, including treatments of separated longitudinal and transverse responses, are also explored.
Widening Participation: A Rough Guide for Higher Education Providers

Widening Participation in Higher Education has been a major area of government priority over recent years. One consequence of this has been an increase in policy and practice activity at national, regional and institutional level. Given this volume and range of activity, the need for colleagues in the sector to keep apprised of Widening Participation developments has grown ever greater. This guide has been produced to offer summary information on the main issues and questions relating to Widening Participation. It is a guide to practice rather than an overview of theory and research, although the ‘resources’ section at the end will point you in these directions. The information provided is in summary form giving readers an introduction which can be followed up via reference with further reading. The web version of this guide can be updated and we would welcome reader feedback on both information gaps and shelf-life of the information.
Biomarkers for Early Detection of Familial Breast Cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is classified as sporadic, familial, or hereditary. In familial BC, an unusual high number of members in a family are affected by breast, ovarian, or a related cancer. Family history is crucial in determining an individual’s BC susceptibility. A person’s risk of developing BC increases with an increasing number of affected family members. Only 5%–10% of all BC appears to have strong inheritance. Of these, 4%–5% is caused by genes with high penetrance and transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. Testing for well-characterized mutations in blood based on a clinical suspicion of familial cancer is a well-known approach for genetic testing in cancer susceptibility. This review summarizes known genetic biomarkers, CONTENTS 5.
Assessment of a novel screening test for neutrophil collagenase activity in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND Increased levels of active neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) are associated with progressive periodontitis. The measurement of this enzyme in GCF could facilitate diagnosis. However, assays with sufficient sensitivity to detect collagenase in whole-mouth GCF currently use radiolabeled substrates and require several days to complete. To provide more rapid analyses of collagenase activity that are better adapted to clinical studies, we developed and validated a novel assay (soluble biotinylated-collagen assay: SBA) based on chemiluminescent detection of biotinylated collagen digestion products. METHODS The concordance of the novel SBA assay with a radioactive collagen substrate assay was assessed by parallel analyses of enzyme from 35 neutrophil preparations and from 41 samples of GCF from periodontitis patients, followed by Pearson correlation analysis. To test whether the assay appropriately measured MMP-8 activity, enzyme activity was assessed after incubation with specific collagenase blockers. We examined the diagnostic utility of the SBA in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of 125 patients with adult periodontitis, 5 patients with early-onset periodontitis, 1 edentulous patient, and in 32 control patients without periodontitis. RESULTS The assay detected <56 pg collagen degraded/hour/microl sample, which is comparable to the most sensitive radioactive assay. The total assay time was 22 hours and reproducibility on replicate measurements was high (r = 0.96). In direct comparisons of MMP-8 activity in GCF with enzyme from peripheral blood neutrophils using the SBA and radioactive assays, there was a high correlation (r = 0.97). As expected, EDTA and TIMP-1 and -2, known inhibitors of MMP-8, completely blocked enzyme activity with this assay. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of GCF showed that MMP-8 activity was >18-fold higher in severe periodontitis than in stable periodontitis and decreased to <25% of pretreatment levels following therapy. Based on measurements of collagenase activity in different disease groups, we estimated a value of 80 nano units as a threshold for severe periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that active MMP-8 is detected in GCF by a novel assay that is specific, simple, rapid, and reproducible and which may facilitate diagnostic discrimination between stable and progressive lesions.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Smoking Cessation Intervention for Pregnant Adolescents

Background: The smoking prevalence rate among pregnant adolescents has been estimated at 59-62%, and 60-80% of these adolescents continue to smoke throughout their pregnancies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of smoking cessation strategies tailored to the pregnant adolescent to attain and maintain abstinence. The specific aim was to examine differences in short- and long-term smoking behaviors among three groups: Teen FreshStart (TFS), Teen FreshStart Plus Buddy (TFS-B), and Usual Care (UC) control. Methods: In this randomized controlled intervention study, a3-group (TFS, TFS-B, and UC) by 3-occasion (baseline, 8 weeks postrandomization, and 1-year following study entry) design was used. The study included 142 pregnant adolescents who were aged 14 to 19 years. Both self-reported smoking status collected on the Smoking History Questionnaire and saliva cotinine levels were used to identify smoking behaviors. Results: There were no significant differences among the three treatment groups at baseline in terms of the racial distribution, age, gestational age, age of menses initiation, number in family household, number of family members who smoked, or tobacco use. A significant difference between the UC group and the TFS-B group (p = .010) was seen in smoking behaviors measured 8 weeks following treatment initiation. At 1 year following study entry, however, there were no differences between the groups in smoking behaviors. Discussion: The TFS-B intervention was more effective in attaining short-term smoking cessation in the pregnant adolescent than TFS or UC. Findings suggest that the peer-enhanced programming had a limited effect but could not sustain the participant beyond postpartum (1 year following study entry). Future studies should include relapse prevention to sustain smoking abstinence into the postpartum period.
Connexin 32 dominant‐negative mutant transgenic rats are resistant to hepatic damage by chemicals

Connexins are subunits of gap junction channels, which allow direct transfer of ions, secondary messenger molecules, and other metabolites between contacting cells. Gap junctions are believed to be involved in tissue homeostasis, embryonic development, and control of cell proliferation. Several studies have shown that cell damage signals are transmitted through gap junctions when cells are irradiated or when cells bearing the herpes simplex virus‐thymidine kinase (HSV‐TK) gene are treated with ganciclovir. We established 2 lines of transgenic rats with a dominant‐negative mutant of connexin 32 gene under control of the albumin promoter. In the livers of transgenic rats, membrane localization of normal endogenous connexin 32 protein is disturbed, and gap junction capacity measured by scrape dye‐transfer assay in vivo is markedly decreased when compared with wild‐type rats. The present investigation concerned susceptibility to the liver‐toxic substances D‐galactosamine and carbon tetrachloride. These toxicants induced massive liver cell death and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in the wild‐type rats; however, much fewer liver cells were damaged and serum enzyme elevation was much lower in the transgenic rats. In conclusion, gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) plays an important role in toxic effects of chemicals; damage or death signals may pass through gap junctions in the rat liver in vivo. (HEPATOLOGY 2004;40:205–210.)
Electronic Structure and Optical Limiting Behavior of Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes prepared by catalytic (CO) disproportionation were studied using TEM, XRD, UPS, XPS, and optical spectroscopies. In comparison with graphite, the carbon nanotubes show greater interplanar distance, smaller work function, steeper Fermi edge, negative core-level shift, and stronger plasma excitation. Their valence band is basically the same as that of graphite, with lower intensity in the binding energy region of 2--7 eV. The carbon nanotubes exhibit a strong optical limiting effect, superior to both carbon black and ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$.
Trapped surfaces and spherical closed cosmologies.

This article gives necessary and sufficient conditions for the formation of trapped surfaces in spherically symmetric initial data defined on a closed manifold. Such trapped surfaces surround a region in which there occurs an enhancement of matter over the average. The conditions are posed directly in terms of physical variables and show that what one needs is a relatively large amount of excess matter confined to a small volume. The expansion of the Universe and an outward flow of matter oppose the formation of trapped surfaces; an inward flow of matter helps. The model can be regarded as a Friedmann-Lemaitre-Walker cosmology with localized spherical inhomogeneities. We show that the total excess mass cannot be too large
Pressor and Subpressor Doses of Angiotensin II Increase Insulin Sensitivity in NIDDM: Dissociation of Metabolic and Blood Pressure Effects

There is evidence that the renin-angiotensin system may be involved in the metabolic as well as the cardiovascular features of diabetes and that pressor doses of angiotensin II (ANG II) increase insulin sensitivity in parallel with blood pressure (BP) in healthy subjects, but the effects of ANG II on insulin sensitivity have not been previously reported in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 11 patients with NIDDM attended 3 study days to evaluate the effects of a 3-h infusion of subpressor and pressor doses of ANG II on whole body insulin sensitivity using the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. BP and heart rate were recorded, and blood samples were collected for serum insulin, C-peptide, potassium, catecholamines, plasma renin activity, and plasma ANG II concentrations. Plasma levels of ANG II (means ± SD) were 9 ± 4, 29 ± 9, and 168 ± 47 pmol/ml after placebo, low dose infusion, and high dose infusion, respectively. The higher dose of ANG II was associated with significant increases in BP (e.g., 18 mmHg systolic BP at 150 min) and plasma aldosterone. Whole body insulin sensitivity was 23.8 ± 12.7 mumol glucose.kg−1 · min−1 after placebo and 30.6 ± 12.7 and 27.2 ± 13.3 following low and high dose ANG II infusions, respectively (P < 0.05, analysis of variance). In summary, acute infusion of ANG II, with or without an increase in BP, increases insulin sensitivity in normotensive patients with NIDDM. The dissociation of metabolic and BP effects of ANG II suggests that hemodynamic alterations and redistribution of cardiac output might not be the sole underlying mechanism in patients with NIDDM.
A Research Review on Effect of eWOM

With the development of the electronic commerce, the electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) has become important reference information of the consumer shopping. EWOM has attracted considerable interest from researchers in the past decade. There are plenty of academics who looked into what factors play the important roles in effect of eWOM. In this paper, a research review is conducted and an integrated framework is proposed on effects of eWOM. The effects of eWOM are influenced by the characteristics, communicators, and other factors. The characteristics of eWOM include the source, the volume and the valence. The communicators of eWOM refer to the sender, the receiver and the relationship between them. In addition, dispersion and consistency, persistence and observability, anonymity and deception, and community engagement are related factors for effect of eWOM.
The Influence Factors towards the Interest to Use "Mandiri E-Money Card" in Depok, Indonesia

The influence of technological advancement and Indonesian lifestyle today has birthed the need for everything practical and instantaneous. One of the new technologies currently under the spotlight is e-money or electronic money. Electronic money is not very popular yet its development was quite significant in 2009 to 2013. The object of this study is to determine the influence of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and promotion appeal towards the interest to use "Mandiri E-Money Card" and to find the dominant factors. Data is collected through the distribution of questionnaires to 100 respondents in Depok, Indonesia. Sample is determined by the Slovin technique. Data is then analyzed by conducting the t test, F test, and coefficient of determination test. SPSS is also used to support the tests. The results show that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and promotion appeal have a positive and significant influence on the interest to use "Mandiri E-Money Card", both partially and simultaneously. Keywords—perceived usefulness; perceived ease of use; promotion appeal; interest to use