Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A case of Schamberg's disease responding dramatically to PUVA treatment

Pigmented purpuric dermatoses are a group of chronic, recurrent disorders characterized by purpuric lesions mainly involving the lower extremities. Their etiology is unknown. Treatment options are limited and none of them have proven benefit. Phototherapy has been reported to be effective in a small number of patients in the literature. We present a case of Schamberg's disease showing a dramatic response to psoralen plus ultraviolet A therapy and discuss the current therapeutic options focusing mainly on phototherapy. We believe that phototherapy is a valuable alternative, especially for patients with long‐standing and widespread pigmented purpuric dermatitis.
Enhanced insulin sensitivity after acute exercise is not associated with changes in high-molecular weight adiponectin concentration in plasma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effect of exercise on the plasma concentration of high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin (i.e. the biologically active form of circulating adiponectin) and the possible role of HMW adiponectin in mediating the exercise-induced enhancement of insulin action are not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the post-exercise increase in insulin sensitivity and plasma HMW adiponectin concentration. DESIGN AND METHODS We measured total and HMW adiponectin concentrations in plasma using an ELISA kit, and insulin sensitivity using the updated homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-IS) score in the basal, overnight fasted state, once approximately 12 h after a single bout of moderate-intensity endurance exercise and once after an equivalent period of rest, in 27 healthy men and women (age: 29+/-1 years and body mass index: 24.7+/-0.8 kg/m(2)). RESULTS The HOMA2-IS score was 18+/-7% greater after exercise than after rest (229+/-20 and 196+/-17 respectively; P=0.006), whereas the concentrations of total adiponectin (7.8+/-0.5 and 7.7+/-0.5 mg/l respectively; P=0.597) and HMW adiponectin (3.0+/-0.3 and 3.0+/-0.3 mg/l respectively; P=0.625) were not different. The exercise-induced change in HOMA2-IS score was not related to changes in total and HMW adiponectin concentrations (P>0.3). CONCLUSIONS Changes in HMW adiponectin concentration are not involved in the acute exercise-induced enhancement of insulin action.
Structure determination of the glutamate dehydrogenase from the hyperthermophile Thermococcus litoralis and its comparison with that from Pyrococcus furiosus.

Glutamate dehydrogenase catalyses the oxidative deamination of glutamate to 2-oxoglutarate with concomitant reduction of NAD(P)(+), and has been shown to be widely distributed in nature across species ranging from psychrophiles to hyperthermophiles. Extensive characterisation of this enzyme isolated from hyperthermophilic organisms has led to its adoption as a model system for analysing the determinants of thermal stability. The crystal structure of the extremely thermostable glutamate dehydrogenase from Thermococcus litoralis has been determined at 2.5 A resolution, and has been compared to that from the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus. The two enzymes are 87 % identical in sequence, yet differ 16-fold in their half-lives at 104 degrees C. This is the first reported comparative analysis of the structures of a multisubunit enzyme from two closely related yet distinct hyperthermophilies. The less stable T. litoralis enzyme has a decreased number of ion pair interactions; modified patterns of hydrogen bonding resulting from isosteric sequence changes; substitutions that decrease packing efficiency; and substitutions which give rise to subtle but distinct shifts in both main-chain and side-chain elements of the structure. This analysis provides a rational basis to test ideas on the factors that confer thermal stability in proteins through a combination of mutagenesis, calorimetry, and structural studies.
Effects of a Simulated Altitude Device on Endurance Performance and Mucosal Immunity

Blazek AD, Anderson PJ, Brichler JG, Slawinski MK, Rose MT, Kirby TE, Swain CB. Effects of a Simulated Altitude Device on Endurance Performance and Mucosal Immunity. JEPonline 2014;17 (6):45-57. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a simulated intermittent altitude device on endurance performance and mucosal immunity. Twenty well-trained male runners and/or triathletes were exposed to the hypoxic stimulus for 15 days. Time to complete a 10K race and salivary IgA antibodies were measured at baseline and post-treatment. Comparisons between groups were made using the non-parametric unpaired Mann-Whitney test. Time to complete the 10K race significantly decreased for the treatment group compared to the control group (P<0.05). No significant decrease in salivary IgA antibodies was detected in either group (P≥0.05). The simulated altitude from the handheld Alto2Lab device produced the same performance enhancing effects as a live high train low environment in a short time and without the added stress of live high train low training that could compromise the mucosal immune system. The simulated altitude device may be attractive to competitive endurance athletes to enhance training while decreasing the potential for upper respiratory tract infection that often occurs with rigorous endurance or altitude training.
Synthesis of immunoglobulins against Haemophilus parainfluenzae by tonsillar lymphocytes from patients with IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated glomerular deposition of Haemophilus parainfluenzae (HP) antigens and the presence of IgA antibody against HP antigens in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In this report we examine the synthesis of immunoglobulins against HP antigens in tonsillar lymphocytes from patients with IgAN. METHODS We used tonsillar lymphocytes isolated from the palatine tonsils of 15 patients with IgAN and 16 patients with chronic tonsillitis but without renal disease. We examined lymphocyte proliferation and production of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against HP antigens by measuring thymidine uptake and concentrations of these antibodies in culture supernatants after lymphocyte incubation with HP antigens by ELISA. RESULTS Lymphocytes from patients with IgAN showed a significantly higher stimulation index (SI) on exposure to HP antigens (thymidine incorporation in tonsillar lymphocytes exposed to HP (c.p.m.)/ thymidine incorporation in unstimulated tonsillar lymphocytes (c.p.m.)) than did controls (P=0. 0015). Lymphocytes from patients with IgAN also showed a significantly higher IgA SI (concentrations of IgA against HP antigens in supernatants from HP-stimulated lymphocytes/IgA against HP antigens in supernatants from unstimulated tonsillar lymphocytes) than did controls (P=0.0004). We found positive correlations between concentrations of IgA and IgG antibodies, between IgA and IgM antibodies, and between IgG and IgM antibodies against HP antigens after HP stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that HP antigens stimulate tonsillar T and B lymphocytes in patients with IgAN and that these patients have polyclonal activation of lymphocytes against HP antigens, with isotype switching of antibody production from IgM to IgA.
Intertemporal substitution, risk aversion and the Euler Equation for consumption

This paper investigates the empirical performance of intertemporal optimization models that relax the restriction imposed by expected utility that risk aversion and intertemporal substitution are negatively related. The authors estimate a system of rates of return and consumption growth equations, and interpret their results in the light of the expected utility, the ordinal certainty equivalence, and the Kreps and Porteus (1978) models. Their results are based on average cohort data for consumption, and thus should not reflect births or deaths. They suggest that non-expected-utility models afford major efficiency gains in the estimation of the elasticity of intertemporal substitution by providing simple cross-equation restrictions. Copyright 1989 by Royal Economic Society.
Rational agent-based understanding of the informal sector: A critical assessment

The main economic theories that have studied the informal sector have had little success in explaining the consistencies founded empirically and in proposing efficient policies to bring up to date the non-structured sector. This work proposes that more suitable theoretical analysis, which supports policies directed to encourage productivity in the informal sector, would emerge if new variables (such as institutional arrangements) were incorporated in the analysis and if some assumptions are modified – particularly those related to agent rationality – in the analysis of these social phenomenon.
Challenges posed by the new wave of farmland investment

Despite recent headlines about the ‘land rush’, scant empirical evidence implies that the debate is often theoretical and dominated by preconceived notions. To provide evidence that could better inform the debate, this paper focuses on three areas. First, we find that new land demand, which skyrocketed after the 2007/08 commodity price spike, remained at high levels, with a strong focus on Africa, and often countries with weak land rights protection. Some countries transferred large areas to investors, frequently locals, with limited benefits and in many cases negative impact due to weak processes and limited capacity. Second, complementing the focus on demand with an assessment of agro-climatic potential point towards major scope for productivity increase on currently cultivated areas and allows identification of countries where demand for land expansion may concentrate. Finally, comparative analysis of country policies highlights the need for recognition of existing rights, an emphasis on voluntary transfers, transparency, and thorough review of economic, social, and environmental viability as necessary—though by no means sufficient—conditions to reduce the likelihood of negative impacts.
Tumor progression: Small GTPases and loss of cell-cell adhesion.

Tumor progression involves the transition from normal to malignant cells, through a series of cumulative alterations. During this process, invasive and migratory properties are acquired, enabling cells to metastasize (reach and grow in tissues far from their origin). Numerous cellular changes take place during epithelial malignancy, and disruption of E-cadherin based cell-cell adhesion is a major event. The small Rho GTPases (Rho, Rac and Cdc42) have been implicated in multiple steps during cellular transformation, including alterations on the adhesion status of the tumor cells. This review focuses on recent in vivo evidence that implicates RhoGTPases in epithelial tumor progression. In addition, we discuss different hypotheses to explain disruption of cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion, directly or indirectly, through activation of Rho GTPases. Understanding the molecular mechanism of how cadherin adhesion and RhoGTPases interplay in normal cells and how this balance is altered during cellular transformation will provide clues as to how to interfere with tumor progression.
Price Leadership in the Spot Foreign Exchange Market

This study empirically investigates how new information is incorporated into intra-daily DM-$US quotes, and finds evidence that certain dealers consistently incorporate new information into their quotes before others and that their behavior is influenced by market conditions. In general, Chemical Bank's quotes are the first to contain new information. However, in the periods of uncertainty around central bank interventions, evidence suggests Deutsche Bank is the price leader and its quotes are influenced by information and inventory considerations.
How Low-Income Women Find Jobs and its Effects on Earnings

This article focuses on how low-income urban women find work and the effect it has on subsequent earnings. The results show that although most find jobs through strongly tied informal contacts—a method usually associated with lower quality jobs—tie strength has no effect on earnings. The social resource perspective is supported by an earnings penalty associated with unemployed contacts. Subgroup analyses show only minor racial and ethnic differences, but women who have recently left welfare are more likely to find jobs through potentially beneficial formal sources. The results are discussed in light of the social isolation and labor market conditions faced by less-skilled female workers.
Critical Role of WW Domain Phosphorylation in Regulating Phosphoserine Binding Activity and Pin1 Function*

Phosphoserine-binding modules help determine the specificity of signal transduction events. One such module, the group IV WW domain, plays an essential role in targeting the phosphorylation-specific prolyl isomerase Pin1 to its substrates. These modules require Ser/Thr phosphorylation of their ligands for binding activity. However, phosphorylation of these modules and its functional significance have not been described, nor is it known whether the function of Pin1 is regulated. Here we show that Pin1 WW domain is phosphorylated on Ser16 both in vitro and in vivo. Further, this phosphorylation regulates the ability of the WW domain to mediate Pin1 substrate interaction and cellular localization. Moreover, both Pin1 and WW domain mutants refractory to Ser16 phosphorylation act as dominant-negative mutants to induce mitotic block and apoptosis and increase multinucleated cells with 8 N DNA content. Thus, phosphorylation is a new mechanism critical for regulating WW domain phosphoserine binding activity and Pin1 function.
FIBRINOGEN-I-131, T-1824, AND RED CELL-CR51 SPACES FOLLOWING HEMORRHAGE.

Altered hemodynamics following hemorrhage causing extended mixing time of indicators, fluid shifts, and changes in indicator disappearance slopes were studied in 17 anesthetized splenectomized dogs. Fibrinogen-I131, T-1824, and red cell-Cr51 spaces were determined simultaneously and the animals were bled 11.3 ml/kg. There was a significant decline in concentration of the three indicators that could not be accounted for on the basis of hematocrit or plasma protein concentration changes. After 20 min stabilization, the spaces were again measured, and the animals were bled an average of 17.7 ml/kg (to an arterial pressure of 60 mm Hg). The decline in indicator concentration was again observed. After allowing the animals to stabilize for 20 min, the spaces were again measured. There was a mobilization of red cells following the first hemorrhage and a trapping of red cells following the second hemorrhage. Fibrinogen-I131 and T-1824 spaces agreed closely with the expected spaces calculated from changes in hemat.
Impact of Agriculture Volatility on Economic Growth: A Case Study of Pakistan

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy of developing countries, and it is the main source of food, income and employment for the rural population. So developing countries like Pakistan need to sustain growth of agriculture sector. But in past few decades huge variations occurred in agriculture production. Stability is an important objective for any economy because development requires sustain growth of different sectors. So this study is an attempt to view the nature of volatility of the agriculture sector in Pakistan and trying to find out that to what extant do volatility, production and employment in agriculture sector associated with the economic growth. In first step, Auto Regressive Conditional Heteroscadesticity (ARCH) family models applied to detect volatility of agriculture sector in Pakistan. In second step, augmented dickey fuller is applied for unit root and shows that all the variables are integrated of order one. In third step, Co-integration: Trace Statistics and Eigen Values Tests are used to capture the long term effect of these variables on economic performance. The Empirical results of co-integrating equation show that agriculture productivity and employment in agriculture sector and positively and significantly associated with economic growth. While agricultural volatility is negatively contributing in economic growth in case of Pakistan. On the basis of empirical findings of this study, it is suggested for long term and sustain economic growth is that Government should take widespread transparent programs for agriculture sector and rural development, so that agriculture volatility can be controlled.
Interventions for wound healing among diabetic patients infected with Staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent agent isolated in diabetic foot infections and may be associated with changes to wound healing times. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature, including studies that assessed the efficacy of any clinical or surgical intervention, as well as oral or topical therapy for diabetic ulcers infected with S. aureus. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review with a search conducted in databases. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review with a comprehensive search in the Lilacs, SciELO, PubMed/Medline, Old Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, for articles published from 1966 to 2010. The articles selected were limited to studies on diabetic patients with wounds infected with S. aureus for whom their healing was followed up, with the use of either antibiotics or experimental treatments. Animal studies and those that did not report the wound healing, as well as review articles, were excluded. RESULTS: Five studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies reporting the healing of wounds infected with S. aureus in diabetic patients, although this is the most commonly found pathogen in this type of wound and it frequently consists of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). There is insufficient evidence to support early use of broad-spectrum antibiotics against MRSA to promote healing of diabetic ulcers, since antibiotic resistance may develop from such treatment. This highlights the need for further studies on the subject.
Measuring the Economic Value of Ecotourism Resources: The Case of South Korea

This article attempts to quantify the economic benefits of ecotourism resources. The contingent valuation method was employed to measure the economic value of ecotourism resources for recreational use at Mt. Minju in South Korea using a dichotomous choice questionnaire. The empirical results show that the economic value of ecotourism resources per recreationist was estimated at 20, 792 won (approximately U.S.$24) and 23,307 won (approximately U.S.$27) using the parametric and nonparametric approaches, re spectively, under the hypothetical market scenario. The total economic benefits then were estimated by multiplying the per capita economic benefit by the number of visitors. The findings are sufficient to demonstrate that ecotourism resources as nonmarket goods have their own economic value and have considerable economic benefits. This implies that significant economic benefits will be lost as a result of the development of a ski resort with golf courses in an environmentally sensitive area.
Analysing tourist satisfaction at a mature and multi-product destination

The paper investigates whether the relationship between destination attributes and overall visitor satisfaction, at a mature and multi-product destination, changes over time and with respect to tourist types. Multi-group multi-wave LISREL models are tested on data taken from the Tourist Satisfaction Survey conducted in Rimini from 2004 to 2006. The analysis shows that leisure service is the main destination attribute affecting overall satisfaction. In evaluating the destination, no differences over time and between tourist types are also detected. Empirical findings are used to propose management strategies supporting destination competitiveness.
Export Commitment and the Global Financial Crisis: Perspectives from the New Zealand Wine Industry

The study investigates how firms adjusted their export commitment in response to the recent global financial crisis. Findings based on New Zealand wine companies suggest that firms' commitment to exporting is influenced by both their export performance achieved before the crisis and the negative effect that the crisis exerted on their subsequent export performance. These two performance‐induced influences can be further moderated by managerial attitude toward exporting and managers' perceptions of export market uncertainty. Theoretically, the study builds on the behavioral theory of the firm and extends the past performance–strategy relationship to the situation of exporting in a financial crisis.
Envisaging change: Supporting grassroots efforts in Colombia with agonistic design processes

Design has become increasingly engaged with bringing about social change. Shifting domains and perspectives to conflict stricken contexts yield opportunities to explore emerging forms of design that enable the expression and articulation of difference in productive ways, which can contribute positively to efforts related to civic issues and struggles in urban settings from developing countries. We explore the recently developed notion of Adversarial Design to support the integration of diverging perspectives and grassroots voices in the design process. This paper presents the findings and design insights from our study with two grassroots organisations in Bogota, Colombia. We present three themes that expose ways in which conflict motivates bringing about change, the importance of the social and physical features of the urban landscape, and the way in which social change acts as catalyst for acquiring new knowledge. To finalise, we discuss two design areas and how design could be used to integrate dissimilar worldviews.
Turkey's Bid for European Union Membership: Between "Thick" and "Thin" Conceptions of Europe

A team of Central Europe-based political geographers examines Turkey's bid for European Union (EU) membership, one of the most controversial issues confronting that country's and EU politics. The authors analyze Eurobarometer public opinion survey data on EU enlargement (and particularly Turkey's EU membership) across the 27 polities of the enlarged EU as well as in Turkey itself. The analysis of the data points to clear regional differences in support for Turkey's EU membership. Moreover, the authors' statistical analysis indicates two major components around which public perceptions of Turkey's EU membership coalesce. The first, identified as a "thick" component, based on the idea that EUrope embodies a specific cultural identity, opposes Turkish membership, whereas a second "thin" component, comprised of institutional-procedural norms, leaves the door open to Turkey. They argue that it is at the complex intersection of these two opposing views that Turkey's bid for EU membership should be located and eventually decided.
Social Assistance and EU Poverty Thresholds 1990–2008. Are European Welfare Systems Providing Just and Fair Protection Against Low Income?

It has been suggested that income adequacy is an important condition for a fair work-test to apply. This article provides new evidence about the construction of just social minimums by analysing the relationship between social assistance, benefit adequacy, and labour market activation. Does social assistance provide benefits at levels necessary to escape poverty? To what extent is the development of benefit adequacy related to active labour market policy? The empirical analyses combine macro-level institutional data from the SaMip data set and micro-level income data for 28 European welfare systems in 1990-2008. It is shown that social assistance seldom reaches commonly applied poverty thresholds. The adequacy of social assistance has also declined, along with the increased emphasis on the activation of beneficiaries. It therefore appears difficult to perceive European social assistance programmes as just distributive instruments.