Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of estrogen‐stimulated growth of uterine leiomyomas by selective estrogen receptor modulators

Uterine leiomyoma is the most frequent gynecologic neoplasm in women. By using a panel of cell lines derived from spontaneous Eker rat leiomyomas, we examined the estrogen‐responsive phenotype of these tumor cells. Leiomyoma‐derived ELT cell lines proliferated in response to estrogen, and estrogen‐induced cell proliferation could be inhibited by the estrogen antagonist ICI 182780 and the selective estrogen‐receptor modulators (SERMs) raloxifene and tamoxifen. In addition to inhibiting cell growth, these antagonists also inhibited estrogen‐induced increases in progesterone‐receptor expression. These data indicate that SERMs such as raloxifene and tamoxifen act as estrogen antagonists in uterine myometrial cells and suggest that this class of compounds may be effective for treatment of this important gynecologic neoplasm. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of Hydrophobicity in Adhesion of the Dissimilatory Fe(III)-Reducing Bacterium Shewanella alga to Amorphous Fe(III) Oxide

The mechanisms by which the dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Shewanella alga adheres to amorphous Fe(III) oxide were examined through comparative analysis of S. alga BrY and an adhesion-deficient strain of this species, S. alga RAD20. Approximately 100% of S. alga BrY cells typically adhered to amorphous Fe(III) oxide, while less than 50% of S. alga RAD20 cells adhered. Bulk chemical analysis, isoelectric point analysis, and cell surface analysis by time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis demonstrated that the surfaces of S. alga BrY cells were predominantly protein but that the surfaces of S. alga RAD20 cells were predominantly exopolysaccharide. Physicochemical analyses and hydrophobic interaction assays demonstrated that S. alga BrY cells were more hydrophobic than S. alga RAD20 cells. This study represents the first quantitative analysis of the adhesion of a dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium to amorphous Fe(III) oxide, and the results collectively suggest that hydrophobic interactions are a factor in controlling the adhesion of this bacterium to amorphous Fe(III) oxide. Despite having a reduced ability to adhere, S. alga RAD20 reduced Fe(III) oxide at a rate identical to that of S. alga BrY. This result contrasts with results of previous studies by demonstrating that irreversible cell adhesion is not requisite for microbial reduction of amorphous Fe(III) oxide. These results suggest that the interaction between dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacteria and amorphous Fe(III) oxide is more complex than previously believed.
Multi-scale finite element modelling at the posterior lumbar vertebra: analysis of pedicle stresses due to pars fracture

Multi-scale finite element (FE) model is a cost-effective way to analyse stress response of micro-level structures to the changes in loading at macro-level. This study deals with the development of a multi-scale model of a human vertebra and stress changes in the pedicle at high resolution after a gross fracture at the posterior neural arch. Spondylolysis (pars fracture) is a painful condition occurring in the vertebral neural arch and common especially among the athletic young population. The fracture of the pars significantly alters load distribution and load transfer characteristics at the neural arch. Structural changes in the posterior vertebra due to the new loading patterns can trigger secondary complications. Clinical reports have shown the association of pedicle hypertrophy or pedicle fracture with unilateral pars fractures. However, the biomechanical consequences of pars fracture and its effect on the pedicle have never been studied in detail. Therefore, we prepared a multi-scale model of posterior vertebra with continuum laminar complex model combined with micro-FE model of a pedicle section. The results showed that stress at the contralateral pars and pedicle increased after unilateral pars fracture simulation. High-stress regions were found around the outer boundaries of the pedicle. This model and information are helpful in understanding the stress changes in the pedicle and can be used for adaptive remodelling studies.
Auxins as Signals in Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Formation

Plant hormones such as auxin derivatives are likely signals during the establishment of an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. Although reports on auxin levels during AM in different plant species are contradictory, the contribution of auxins to the establishment of an AM symbiosis might be an important factor especially for the development of lateral roots which are the preferred infection sites for the fungi. In addition to evidence that different auxins could be elevated after colonization with AM fungi, there are also overlapping gene expression patterns between auxin-treated and AM-inoculated roots that provide further clues on auxin-triggered colonization events. Using an auxin-inducible promoter-reporter system it was shown that the reporter was strongly induced in AM colonized roots, although co-localization with AM fungi was not observed. Our data are discussed in frame of a model together with other plant hormones which might be involved in the AM colonization processes.
Biodiversity reporting and organised hypocrisy

Purpose This study aims to examine biodiversity reporting by South African food producers and retailers. It not only draws attention to the disconnect between reporting on an important environmental issue and the sense of commitment to environmental responsibility, but also shows that over time, organisations are becoming more proactive about biodiversity reporting. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a content analysis of sustainability and integrated reports and organised hypocrisy as a theoretical framework for analysing biodiversity-related disclosures. Findings Consistent with an organised hypocrisy framework, the research finds that the several companies rely on corporate reporting to emphasise actions and internal management strategies that are already producing favourable results. In contrast, mission statements, firm policy commitments and forward-looking analysis are avoided. There is, however, evidence to suggest that the gaps between corporate reporting and action may be giving companies the time to reform their practices, align biodiversity disclosures with genuine corporate action and move towards truly integrated business models. Research limitations/implications Poor biodiversity reporting raises questions about the extent to which companies are managing serious environmental issues that can have a direct impact on their business models. Improvements in biodiversity reporting also suggest that corporate reporting is maturing and that some organisations are beginning to understand the need for managing their biodiversity impact. Originality/value The paper offers empirical evidence on how the disconnect between organisational rhetoric and action is used to manage stakeholder expectations and negate the need for environmental reforms. In this manner, organised hypocrisy is framed as a specific legitimisation strategy. The research also shows that organised hypocrisy is not absolute; despite the opportunity to engage in organised hypocrisy, some companies are taking a more proactive approach to biodiversity reporting. As a result, it may be appropriate to see organised hypocrisy as part of a transition to higher quality integrated or sustainability reporting.
A Comprehensive Assessment and Spatial Analysis of Vulnerability of China’s Provincial Economies

Vulnerability theory is a fundamental scientific knowledge system in sustainable development, and vulnerability assessment is important in vulnerability studies. Economic vulnerability affects economic growth sustainability. Comprehensive assessment of economic vulnerability in the process of economic growth under the theoretical framework of vulnerability will provide a new perspective for vulnerability studies. Based on a vulnerability scoping diagram assessment model, this study selected 22 economic sensitivity indexes and 25 economic adaptability indexes from the economic, social, and nature–resource–environmental subsystems to comprehensively assess and spatially analyse the vulnerability of China’s provincial economies since the year 2000, while applying the entropy method, multilevel extension assessment, spatial measurement method, and geographic information system technology. The results showed the following: (1) There are great differences in the vulnerability of China’s provincial economies. Western China’s vulnerability is higher and the fluctuation range of economic vulnerability is larger. The vulnerability increased significantly based on spatial differential features; (2) Regional differences in economic vulnerability, mainly caused by differences within a region, increased gradually. Eastern and Western China showed the spatial pattern characteristics of prominent and reinforcing regional imbalance, while Central and Northeast China showed declining regional imbalance. The spatial structure evolution of economic vulnerability is characterized by a volatility curve, and regional separation and divergence are strengthened; (3) Growth of China’s provincial economies and economic vulnerability are related negatively. In Eastern, Central, and Northeast China, vulnerability of the provincial economies has a negative spillover effect on neighbouring provinces’ economic growth, while in Western China it has a slight positive spillover effect.
A wider web, a wider world

The spread of the internet combined with the rise of participatory media platforms like weblogs and video sharing sites means that it's possible to receive first hand news and opinion from virtually any corner of the globe. Some early internet theorists - John Perry Barlow, Nicholas Negroponte - predicted that the pervasiveness of the internet would lead towards increasingly internationalized communications, interaction and governance. Evidence suggests that these predictions were too optimistic. Interest in international information is limited, and the vast majority of online communication is domestic. This may lead us to worry about the echo chambers Cass Sunstein predicts, or towards a state of "imaginary cosmopolitanism", where we erroneously believe we can access a global perspective on issues and events. If the internet is not inexorably leading to a cosmopolitan perspective, it remains a powerful tool for building international perspective and understanding. A group of people positioned to build understanding between cultures - bridge figures - can help lead interested parties - xenophiles - into international dialog using online tools to enable translation, filtering and contextualization of content. This talk explores the evidence to support a theory of imaginary cosmopolitanism, the dangers of an insufficiently globalized internet, and possible solutions towards building increased international connections online.
Phenotypic and Functional Changes of Cytotoxic CD56pos Natural T Cells Determine Outcome of Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Innate CD56pos natural killer (NK) and natural T (NT) cells comprise important hepatic antiviral effector lymphocytes whose activity is fine-tuned through surface NK receptors (NKRs). Dysregulation of NKRs in patients with long-standing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been shown, but little is known regarding NKRs in acute infection. Treatment-naïve patients with acute HCV (n = 22), including 10 with spontaneous recovery, were prospectively studied. CD56pos NT levels were reduced early in acute HCV infection and did not fluctuate over time. In resolving HCV infection, NT cells with a more activated phenotype (lower CD158A and higher natural cytotoxicity receptor expression) at baseline predated spontaneous recovery. Moreover, NKG2A expression on CD56+ NT cells correlated directly with circulating HCV RNA levels. Deficient interleukin-13 (IL-13) production by NT cells and reduced IL-2-activated killing (LAK) at baseline were associated with the ultimate development of persistence. These results indicate a previously unappreciated role for NT cells in acute HCV infection and identify a potential target for pharmacologic manipulation.
A New Proposal to Model the Relationships between Total Factor Productivity, Institutions and Accumulation

In this paper, we discuss the relationship between Total Factor Productivity (TFP), accumulation and institutions. In order to show these connections, a new model is presented that is able to shed some light on the links involving this multi-dimensional relationship, which goes from countries’ quality of institutions to their stocks of physical and human capital and from these to TFP. The model is constructed in analogy with the physical law of thermal expansion and it introduces a new parameter that measures the response of TPF to variations in stocks of capital, in relation to institutional quality. Thanks to the proposed model, an operational methodology of such a parameter is defined (based on certain macroeconomic variables) and an estimate of it is provided (on the basis of a time series relative to a wide range of countries).
Clostridium difficile Infection and Limitations of Markers for Severity in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy

Objective. To describe characteristics of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and markers of severe CDI among patients with hematologic malignancies. Design. Case-control study. Setting. Tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients and Methods. Inpatients with hematologic malignancies and CDI were age and time matched with 2 control inpatients without hematologic malignancies. Chart reviews were performed, and C. difficile isolates were strain typed. Results. Case patients (n = 41) and control patients (n = 82) patients were different in respect to receipt of immunosuppressive agents within 2 months (92.7% vs 25.6%; P < .0001); neutropenia within 2 months (75.6% vs 3.7%; P < .0001) and mean (± standard deviation) white blood cell (WBC) count at diagnosis (4.9 ± 14.1 vs 11.8 ± 6.8 × 103 cells/mL; P = .0002); baseline mean creatinine level (0.89 ± 0.1 vs 1.6 ± 2.4 mg/dL; P = .003), mean creatinine level at diagnosis (0.83 ± 0.4 vs 1.85 ± 1.9 mg/dL; P = .004), and creatinine increases of 1.5 times over baseline (2.4% vs 15.1%; P = .02). Immunosuppressive agents and creatinine level remained significant in multivariable analysis (P = .03 for both variables). Severity correlated with mortality when measured by alternate severity criteria but not when measured by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria, which are based solely on WBC count and creatinine elevation. The prevalence of the epidemic BI/NAP1/027 strain was similar in both groups. Conclusions. Patients with hematologic malignancies had lower creatinine levels at the time of CDI diagnosis compared with control patients. WBC counts also tended to be lower in case patients. CDI severity criteria based on WBC count and creatinine level may not be applicable to patients with hematologic malignancies.
Hyoid Bone Advancement for Improving Airway Patency

Objective. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of anterior forces applied to the hyoid bone on upper airway dimensions and airflow. The study also evaluated the feasibility of applying these forces using a novel magnet-based system. Study Design. Human cadaver specimens. Setting. Surgical laboratory. Subjects and Methods. Five fresh cadaveric specimens were evaluated using fluoroscopy and computed tomography to examine upper airway opening as well as an airflow model to examine upper airway collapse. Anteriorly directed force was applied to the hyoid bone directly using a wire and with a magnet-based system called the Magnap device. Direct application of force was examined with an axial load frame or suspended weights. The magnet-based system applied similar forces using an internal, implanted magnet secured to the hyoid bone and an external magnet housed within an orthotic brace. Results. A force of 2 N perpendicular to the neck skin advanced the hyoid 1 cm, opened the upper airway, and significantly improved airflow. The implanted magnet-based device generated similar forces, with similar effects on the upper airway. Conclusion. Application of anterior force to the hyoid bone improved upper airway dimensions and airflow in the human cadaver model. These results justify additional study to evaluate the benefits of this magnet-based system as a possible treatment of upper airway obstruction.
An SNR-aware inter-symbol data-mapping precoding scheme for single-carrier systems

This work proposes an inter-symbol data-mapping (ISDM) precoding scheme, which allows the receiver to adaptively select its most suitable data decoder based on the estimated SNR or channel conditions, for single carrier systems. For conventional modulation schemes, the only decoding method for traditional modulations, such as PSK and QAM, is to apply the maximum likelihood (ML) method after channel equalizations. Moreover, if the estimated SNR is unreliable enough to correctly decode the incoming signal, the received frame is usually discarded. As such, the communication system has to lower the symbol modulation order and re-transmit the data. The proposed ISDM scheme rearranges and re-maps a block of data bits to be transmitted so that they are correlated. Then, the receiver can decode the received signal by dynamically selecting the following three proposed decoders: post-equalization ML (PEML) decoder, full-rate most-significant-bit (FR-MSB) decoder and down-rate (DR) decoder based on estimated channel SNRs. For the FR-MSB decoder, its performance is close to the conventional BPSK decoder. On the other hand, PEML decoder can have roughly 2dB better performance than the FR-MSB one, while the DR decoder performs poorer than the FR-MSB one but with a lower computational complexity. Although the DR decoder has lower performance than the other two, its major advantage is able to decrease the ADC sampling rate with the help of multi-phase PLL. As such, the ISDM precoding scheme can provide the system better flexibility in data decoding.
Classical Photoreceptors Regulate Melanopsin mRNA Levels in the Rat Retina

Recent studies have demonstrated that melanopsin is a key photopigment in the mammalian circadian system. This novel opsin is exclusively expressed in retinal ganglion cells that are intrinsically sensitive to light, perhaps responding via a melanopsin-based signaling pathway. Previous investigations using transgenic mice have also demonstrated that ablation of the classical photoreceptors and of melanopsin prevents entrainment of several circadian rhythms, thus demonstrating that these photoreceptors are necessary and sufficient for circadian photoreception. In this study, we investigated the effect of photoreceptor degeneration on melanopsin mRNA regulation in RCS/N-rdy rats (Royal College of Surgeons rats with a defect in the retinal dystrophy gene). We used animals at postnatal day 21 (P21), P33, P45, and P60. At P60 degeneration of the retina in RCS/N-rdy has advanced to the point where the majority of the photoreceptors have degenerated. Our data indicate that melanopsin mRNA levels were rhythmic in light/dark cycle and in constant darkness in congenic controls (RCS/N-rdy+) and in RCS/N-rdy at P21 (i.e., before the degeneration of the photoreceptors). On the other hand, in RCS/N-rdy at P60, melanopsin mRNA levels were greatly reduced (<90%) and not rhythmic. Photoreceptor degeneration did not affect the expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide mRNA (a marker for melanopsin-containing ganglion cells). Our results suggest that classical photoreceptors (rods and cones) regulate the expression of melanopsin mRNA in the rat. Because RCS/N-rdy rats are a model for studies on retinitis pigmentosa in human, our data may provide an important insight on melanopsin function in patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa.
Modeling and treating internalizing psychopathology in a clinical trial: a latent variable structural equation modeling approach

Background Clinical trials are typically designed to test the effect of a specific treatment on a single diagnostic entity. However, because common internalizing disorders are highly correlated (‘co-morbid’), we sought to establish a practical and parsimonious method to characterize and quantify changes in a broad spectrum of internalizing psychopathology targeted for treatment in a clinical trial contrasting two transdiagnostic psychosocial interventions. Method Alcohol dependence treatment patients who had any of several common internalizing disorders were randomized to a six-session cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) experimental treatment condition or a progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) comparison treatment condition. Internalizing psychopathology was characterized at baseline and 4 months following treatment in terms of the latent structure of six distinct internalizing symptom domain surveys. Results Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) identified a two-factor solution at both baseline and the 4-month follow-up: Distress (measures of depression, trait anxiety and worry) and Fear (measures of panic anxiety, social anxiety and agoraphobia). Although confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated measurement invariance between the time-points, structural models showed that the latent means of Fear and Distress decreased substantially from baseline to follow-up for both groups, with a small but statistically significant advantage for the CBT group in terms of Distress (but not Fear) reduction. Conclusions The approach demonstrated in this study provides a practical solution to modeling co-morbidity in a clinical trial and is consistent with converging evidence pointing to the dimensional structure of internalizing psychopathology.
Mechanisms regulating brain docosahexaenoic acid uptake: what is the recent evidence?

Purpose of review To summarize recent advances pertaining to the mechanisms regulating brain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) uptake. DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid highly enriched in neuronal membranes and it is implicated in several important neurological processes. However, DHA synthesis is extremely limited within the brain. Recent findings There are two main plasma pools that supply the brain with DHA: the nonesterified pool and the lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho) pool. Quantitatively, plasma nonesterified-DHA (NE-DHA) is the main contributor to brain DHA. Fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) in addition to fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5) are key players that regulate brain uptake of NE-DHA. However, the plasma half-life of lysoPtdCho-DHA and its brain partition coefficient are higher than those of NE-DHA after intravenous administration. Summary The mechanisms regulating brain DHA uptake are more complicated than once believed, but recent advances provide some clarity notably by suggesting that FATP1 and FABP5 are key contributors to cellular uptake of DHA at the blood–brain barrier. Elucidating how DHA enters the brain is important as we might be able to identify methods to better deliver DHA to the brain as a potential therapeutic.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin as second‐line therapy in the treatment of patients with advanced classic Kaposi sarcoma

Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) is a rare neoplasm that predominantly occurs in elderly subjects and has a variable clinical evolution. The clinical course is usually indolent, but occasionally the neoplasm progresses rapidly and spreads to internal organs, necessitating systemic chemotherapy. Because of the rarity of CKS, the best treatment has not been determined to date. To the authors' knowledge, few data exist regarding the use of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) as first‐line and second‐line treatment in advanced CKS. The current retrospective study investigated the activity and toxicity of PLD in pretreated patients with aggressive, nonvisceral CKS.