Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A single administration of interleukin‐1 or amphetamine induces long‐lasting increases in evoked noradrenaline release in the hypothalamus and sensitization of ACTH and corticosterone responses in rats

Single administration of the cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1) or the psychostimulant amphetamine causes long‐term sensitization of the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, i.e. enhanced adrenocorticotropine hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone responses weeks later. HPA responses to these stimuli involve activation of hypothalamic corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neurons by noradrenergic projections to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). In search of the underlying mechanisms, we studied the temporal pattern of HPA sensitization in relation to (1) the reactivity of noradrenergic projections to the PVN and (2) altered secretagogue production in hypothalamic CRH neurons. Single exposure to IL‐1 or amphetamine induced cross‐sensitization of ACTH and corticosterone responses 11 and 22 days later, but not after 42 days. Amphetamine‐induced HPA sensitization was not accompanied by increased costorage of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in CRH terminals, as found previously after IL‐1 pretreatment. The reactivity of noradrenergic terminals was assessed by measuring the electrically evoked release of [3H]‐noradrenaline from superfused PVN slices. Single administration of amphetamine and IL‐1 induced a long‐lasting (up to 22 days) increase (up to 165%) of evoked noradrenaline release. This indicates that single exposure to psychostimulants or to cytokines can induce a long‐lasting increase in stimulus–secretion coupling in brainstem noradrenergic neurons that innervate the PVN. This common, long‐lasting functional change may underlie, at least in part, IL‐1‐ and amphetamine‐induced HPA cross‐sensitization. In addition, increased AVP signalling by hypothalamic CRH neurons appears to play a role in IL‐1‐induced, but not in amphetamine‐induced, HPA sensitization.
Pattern of Optometry Practice and Range of Services in India

Purpose This study was conducted to evaluate the range of services provided by optometrists in various modes of optometric practice in India. Methods An online questionnaire was administered to 1674 optometrists to collect information on the range of optometric services offered. Data were analyzed based on variables including sex, educational qualification, and modes of practice. Two-sample Wilcoxon rank sum tests, &khgr;2 tests, and Fisher exact text were used to conduct inferential statistics. Results A total of 563 valid and completed survey questionnaires were received from graduates of 41 optometry institutes working across 23 states of India. Of these, 225 (40.0%) were female, 288 (51.2%) had completed postgraduate education, and 340 (60.5%) were involved in more than one mode of practice. The top three modes of practice were hospital-based practice (44.8%), academia (42.8%), and optical retail (33.0%). Of the 441, out of 563 (78.3%) respondents involved in patient care, the majority (98.4%) performed refraction and routine eye examination, 70.3% dispensed contact lenses, and 66.9% practiced optical dispensing. Lower involvement was seen in providing binocular-vision (45.1%) and low-vision services (30.2%). Higher education was associated with advanced level of practice (p < 0.05) except clinical investigative procedures. There was a significant association between postgraduate studies and involvement in academics and research (p < 0.01). Conclusions Most optometrists are engaged in multiple modes of practice, with optical practice, hospital-based practice, and academia being the leading modes. Optometrists need to be more involved in providing the core optometric services of binocular vision and low vision. Higher education has an impact on the level of optometric practice.
Ultrastructural study on human placenta from intrauterine growth retardation cases

A morphological study was performed on 27 human placentas from normal gestations (Group 1) and compared with those from eight cases of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (Group 2). Semithin section light microscopy, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out on trophoblastic terminal villi, carefully identified under the stereomicroscope. In growth retardation cases, villi appear longer, thinner, and less vascularized, compared to the normal condition. Fibrinoid, an extracellular material of hematic origin, frequently fills villar stroma. The density of apical microvilli appears considerably reduced and occasional microvilli‐free areas are observed in growth retardation cases. Moreover, the underlying basal membrane appears significantly thicker than that of normal syncytiotrophoblast. Recently, particular attention has been paid to apoptosis as a possible cell deletion mechanism in growth restriction. In our study, a majority of typical apoptotic features appear indifferently in both IUGR and normal pregnancy. Our data hints that growth retardation might be correlated with a complex of structural changes, suggestive of maternofetal traffic downregulation, but further studies are required to understand the underlying functional mechanisms. Microsc. Res. Tech. 65:150–158, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two consecutive high‐fat meals affect endothelial‐dependent vasodilation, oxidative stress and cellular microparticles in healthy men

Summary. Background: A large body of evidence has accumulated indicating a relation between postprandial hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia, and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Objective: We studied possible mechanisms underlying the postprandial proatherogenic state by exposing healthy males to two consecutive high‐fat mixed meals. Patients/methods: Seventeen healthy males [age 25.4 ± 3 years, body mass index 23.6 ± 2 kg m−2] were studied during two randomized visits. During the meal visit, subjects consumed standardized meals (50 g of fat, 55 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of proteins) as breakfast and 4 h later as lunch. During the control visit, subjects remained fasted. Prior to each blood collection (before and every 2 h after the first meal), flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured. Results: Although within the normal range, postprandial plasma glucose and triacylglycerol concentrations increased significantly, especially after the second meal, as compared with baseline (4.8 ± 0.3 to 5.4 ± 0.4, 0.8 ± 0.2 to 1.7 ± 0.7 mmol L−1, respectively; both P < 0.05) and the fasting visit. After the second meal, FMD was significantly impaired (6.9% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.05) whereas oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL)/LDL cholesterol ratio and malondialdehyde concentrations were markedly elevated (both P < 0.01). Finally, an increase in total microparticle (MP) numbers was observed during the meal visit (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In healthy males, after two consecutive fat‐rich meals, mild elevations in plasma glucose and triacylglycerol were paralleled by impaired FMD, increased markers of oxidative stress and circulating MPs, in particular, after the second meal. These findings may have consequences for subjects with postprandial dysmetabolism, including those with Type 2 diabetes.
Transient Increase in Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)-Associated Genital Ulcers Following Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV/HSV-2-Coinfected Individuals.

BACKGROUND Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons beginning antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been incompletely characterized for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). METHODS We evaluated genital ulcer disease (GUD) and HSV-2-associated GUD at quarterly visits or when spontaneously reported at monthly visits in 3381 HIV/HSV-2-coinfected individuals in a placebo-controlled trial of suppressive acyclovir therapy to prevent HIV transmission, 349 of whom initiated ART during the study. Incidence was calculated for months before and after ART initiation, and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated. RESULTS GUD incidence increased from 15.0 episodes per 100 person-years before ART to 26.9 episodes per 100 person-years in the first full quarter after ART initiation (IRR, 1.83;P= .03), and the incidence of HSV-2-associated GUD increased from 8.1 to 19.0 episodes per 100 person-years (IRR, 2.20;P= .02). Subsequently, the incidence of GUD was similar to that before ART, although the numbers were small. Persons receiving suppressive acyclovir had fewer GUD episodes, but the IRR after beginning ART was similar in the acyclovir and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS Initiation of ART in HIV/HSV-2-coinfected persons is associated with a transient increase in GUD and HSV-2 GUD. Acyclovir reduces the incidence of GUD but does not prevent an increase in GUD incidence during the first quarter following initiation of ART.
Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

The purpose of this book is to help you learn how to manage your money to derive the maximum benefit from what you earn. Mixing investment instruments and capital markets with the theoretical detail on evaluating investments and opportunities to satisfy risk-return objectives along with how investment practice and theory is influenced by globalization leaves readers with the mindset on investments to serve them well. The material is intended to be rigorous and empirical yet not overly quantitative. We continue with unparalleled international coverage, newly rewritten and reorganized derivatives material to be more intuitive and clearer, three additional chapters on derivatives pricing for those who want more detail, rewritten material on multifactor models of risk and return, and new CFA problems for more practice on computations concerning investment decisions. To manage money and investments, one needs to learn about investment alternatives and develop a way of analyzing and thinking about investments that will be of benefit and allow a foundation as new tools and investment opportunities become available. Reilly/Brown provide the best foundation, used extensively by professionals, organizations, and schools across the country. A great source for those with both a theoretical and practical need for investment expertise.
The relationship between economic growth and inequality

This paper reviews some recent research analyzing the growth-inequality relationship among heterogeneous agents. The primary source of heterogeneity is due to the initial endowments of physical capital, although extensions to include human capital and ability are also briefly considered. The models considered fall into three structural categories. The first is the one-sector endogenous growth model, which abstracts from distributional, as well as aggregate, dynamics. The second assumes neoclassical production and is characterized by transitional dynamics in both aggregates and inequality, enabling us to discuss both intratemporal and intertemporal tradeoffs. It introduces only one source of heterogeneity and cannot address issues pertaining to wealth and income mobility. To achieve that, it requires at least two sources of heterogeneity, such as capital and ability or skills, which are introduced in a third model. An important characteristic of the framework is that the effects of any changes on the measures of inequality are path-dependent, a characteristic that has important policy implications.
Controlling Illegal Immigration: On the Scope for Cooperation with a Transit Country

We consider the implications of cooperation with respect to immigration control between a final-destination country (D) and its poorer neighbor (T). Assuming that the latter serves as a transit country for undocumented immigrants, a key question is how much aid should D provide to T for the purpose of strengthening its immigration controls. The problem for T is to determine what proportion of aid to use strictly for immigration control rather than trying to meet other border-security objectives. We examine the Nash equilibrium values of the policy instruments of both countries and compare them with those which are optimal when international cooperation on immigration control extends to maximization of joint welfare. We also consider a two-stage game in which D first decides on how much aid to transfer to T, with the latter subsequently choosing how to use it.
The duty to report disease outbreaks: of interest or value? Lessons from H5N1

Since the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2003, it has been argued that there has been a substantial revision to the norm dictating the behaviour of states in the event of a disease outbreak. This article examines the evolution of the norm to ‘report and verify’ disease outbreaks and evaluates the extent to which this revised norm has begun to guide state behaviour. Examination of select East Asian countries affected by human infections of the H5N1 (avian influenza) virus strain reveals the need to further understand the mutually constitutive relationship between the value attached to prompt reporting against the capacity to report, and how states manage both in fulfilling their duty to report.
Use of Quantitative Mass Spectrometric Analysis to Elucidate the Mechanisms of Phospho-priming and Auto-activation of the Checkpoint Kinase Rad53 in Vivo

The cell cycle checkpoint kinases play central roles in the genome maintenance of eukaryotes. Activation of the yeast checkpoint kinase Rad53 involves Rad9 or Mrc1 adaptor-mediated phospho-priming by Mec1 kinase, followed by auto-activating phosphorylation within its activation loop. However, the mechanisms by which these adaptors regulate priming phosphorylation of specific sites and how this then leads to Rad53 activation remain poorly understood. Here we used quantitative mass spectrometry to delineate the stepwise phosphorylation events in the activation of endogenous Rad53 in response to S phase alkylation DNA damage, and we show that the two Rad9 and Mrc1 adaptors, the four N-terminal Mec1-target TQ sites of Rad53 (Rad53-SCD1), and Rad53-FHA2 coordinate intimately for optimal priming phosphorylation to support substantial Rad53 auto-activation. Rad9 or Mrc1 alone can mediate surprisingly similar Mec1 target site phosphorylation patterns of Rad53, including previously undetected tri- and tetraphosphorylation of Rad53-SCD1. Reducing the number of TQ motifs turns the SCD1 into a proportionally poorer Mec1 target, which then requires the presence of both Mrc1 and Rad9 for sufficient priming and auto-activation. The phosphothreonine-interacting Rad53-FHA domains, particularly FHA2, regulate phospho-priming by interacting with the checkpoint mediators but do not seem to play a major role in the phospho-SCD1-dependent auto-activation step. Finally, mutation of all four SCD1 TQ motifs greatly reduces Rad53 activation but does not eliminate it, and residual Rad53 activity in this mutant is dependent on Rad9 but not Mrc1. Altogether, our results provide a paradigm for how phosphorylation site clusters and checkpoint mediators can be involved in the regulation of signaling relay in protein kinase cascades in vivo and elucidate an SCD1-independent Rad53 auto-activation mechanism through the Rad9 pathway. The work also demonstrates the power of mass spectrometry for in-depth analyses of molecular mechanisms in cellular signaling in vivo.
The Impact of CEO and Director Turnover on Financial Performance in Venezuela

ABSTRACT We test whether CEO and director turnover has any impact on firms' financial performance. The results derived from our sample indicate that, as measured by the subsequent three-year industry-adjusted return on assets, financial performance after CEO and/or director turnover worsens, on average. In the case of CEOs, the coefficients obtained in our panel data regression show that firm performance decreased around 1.4 percent on average after the former CEO left the firm. In the case of directors, we obtained a significant and negative coefficient, but this was of little economic significance, leading us to conclude that removing directors has little subsequent economic impact on firms' performance. RESUMEN. Durante nuestro estudio, examinamos si la rotación de CEOs y directores ejerce algún tipo de impacto sobre el desempeño de las empresas financieras. Los resultados obtenidos con la muestra analizada indican que, de acuerdo con la medición del retorno sobre los activos ajustados por la industria a lo largo de los últimos tres años, el promedio del desempeño financiero empeoró considerablemente, debido a la rotación de los CEOs y/o directores. En el caso de los CEOs, los coeficientes obtenidos en nuestra regresión de la base de datos, muestra que el pro-medio de la merma observada en el desempeño ronda el 1.4% en el caso de los CEOs, después que el antiguo CEO dejó la empresa. En el caso de los directores, obtuvimos un coeficiente negativo bastante significativo pero con poco valor económico. Esto nos llevó a concluir que la retirada de los directores ejerce un impacto económico muy pequeño sobre el desempeño de las empresas. RESUMO. Testamos se a troca de CEO e diretores tem algum impacto sobre o desempenho financeiro das empresas. Os resultados derivados de nossa amostra indicam que o desempenho financeiro, medido pelo re-torno do ativo ajustado para o setor dos três anos subseqüentes, após a troca do CEO e/ou diretor piora, na média. No caso de CEOs, os coeficientes obtidos em nossa regressão dos dados do painel mostram que o desempenho da empresa caiu cerca de 1,4 por cento em média após o antigo CEO deixar a empresa. No caso de diretores, obtivemos um co-eficiente significativo e negativo, mas de pouca importância econômica, levando-nos à conclusão de que remover diretores tem pouco impacto econômico subseqüente sobre o desempenho das empresas.
Creeping Discharge Characteristics of Nanofluid-Impregnated Pressboards Under AC Stress

This paper presents experimental research on creeping discharge characteristics of TiO2 nanofluid-impregnated pressboards (NPs) under sustained ac voltage. It was found that NPs possess higher resistance to creeping discharge than that of pure oil-impregnated pressboard. The results of permittivity and surface charge accumulation and decay characteristics reveal that the modification of nanoparticles can not only make the electric field more uniformly distributed at the interface of nanofluid/pressboard due to a better matching in permittivity but also significantly increase the surface charge decay rate via a trapping and detrapping process in shallower traps. Thus, the creeping discharge characteristics of NPs are greatly improved by the modification of TiO2 nanoparticles.
Matching DSGE models to data with applications to fiscal and robust monetary policy

Diese Doktorarbeit untersucht drei Fragestellungen. Erstens, wie die Wirkung von plotzlichen Anderungen exogener Faktoren auf endogene Variablen empirisch im Allgemeinen zu bestimmen ist. Zweitens, welche Effekte eine Erhohung der Staatsausgaben im Speziellen hat. Drittens, wie optimale Geldpolitik bestimmt werden kann, wenn der Entscheider keine eindeutigen Modelle fur die okonomischen Rahmenbedingungen hat. Im ersten Kapitel entwickele ich eine Methode, mithilfe derer die Effekte von plotzlichen Anderungen exogener Faktoren auf endogene Variablen geschatzt werden konnen. Dazu wird die gemeinsame Verteilung von Parametern einer Vektor Autoregression (VAR) und eines stochastischen allgemeinen Gleichgewichtsmodelles (DSGE) bestimmt. Auf diese Weise konnen zentrale Probleme gelost werden: das Identifikationsproblem der VAR und eine mogliche Misspezifikation des DSGE Modells. Im zweitem Kapitel wende ich die Methode aus dem ersten Kapitel an, um den Effekt einer angekundigten Erhohung der Staatsausgaben auf den privaten Konsum und die Reallohne zu untersuchen. Die Identifikation beruht auf der Einsicht, dass endogene Variablen, oft qualitative Unterschiede in der Periode der Ankundigung und nach der Realisation zeigen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der private Konsum negativ im Zeitraum der Ankundigung reagiert und positiv nach der Realisation. Reallohne steigen zum Zeitpunkt der Ankundigung und sind positiv fur zwei Perioden nach der Realisation. Im abschliesendem Kapitel untersuche ich gemeinsam mit Christian Stoltenberg, wie Geldpolitik gesteuert werden sollte, wenn die Modellierung der Okonomie unsicher ist. Wenn ein Modell um einen Parameter erweitert wird, kann das Modell dadurch so verandert werden, dass sich die Politikempfehlungen zwischen dem ursprunglichen und dem neuen Modell unterscheiden. Oft wird aber lediglich das erweiterte Modell betrachtet. Wir schlagen eine Methode vor, die beiden Modellen Rechnung tragt und somit zu einer besseren Politik fuhrt. %%%%This thesis is concerned with three questions: first, how can the effects macroeconomic policy has on the economy in general be estimated? Second, what are the effects of a pre-announced increase in government expenditures? Third, how should monetary policy be conducted, if the policymaker faces uncertainty about the economic environment. In the first chapter I suggest to estimate the effects of an exogenous disturbance on the economy by considering the parameter distributions of a Vector Autoregression (VAR) model and a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model jointly. This allows to resolve the major issue a researcher has to deal with when working with a VAR model and a DSGE model: the identification of the VAR model and the potential misspecification of the DSGE model. The second chapter applies the methodology presented in the preceding chapter to investigate the effects of a pre-announced change in government expenditure on private consumption and real wages. The shock is identified by exploiting its pre-announced nature, i.e. different…
An efficient and accurate semivectorial spectral collocation method for analyzing polarized modes of rib waveguides

A novel solution method based on the semivectorial spectral collocation method with domain decomposition is proposed to calculate the modal characteristics of rib waveguides. We formulate the scheme in terms of the transverse magnetic components H/sub x/ and H/sub y/. The optical field expanded by a suitable set of orthogonal basis functions and the refractive index profile are all represented on a grid of discrete points in each subdomain. In addition, the a priori determination of the scaling factor of Laguerre-Gauss (LG) functions is introduced by means of the effective index method. The subdomains are then patched by imposing the continuities of longitudinal electric component E/sub z/ and magnetic component H/sub z/ at all internal dielectric interfaces. Because of the zero divergence constraint of magnetic field vector explicitly included, the occurrence of spurious modes is prevented. The present method is tested for various rib waveguide structures with lossless or lossy materials. Even with a coarse mesh, our results are still found to be in good agreement with those produced by other various full-vectorial methods, but without complexity of the latter approaches.