Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Dextran Sulfate on the Inhibition of Coagulation Factor XIa by Serpins

Summary We investigated the influence of low molecular weight dextran sulfate (LMWdxs) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH: dalteparin, enoxaparin and nadroparin) on the inhibition of FXIa by C1-inhibitor, α1-antitrypsin, α2-antiplasmin and antithrombin in a purified system and in plasma. The second order rate constant for inactivation of FXIa by C1-inhibitor, α1-antitrypsin, α2-antiplasmin, and antithrombin was 1.23, 0.056, 0.33 and 0.59 × 103 M–1 s–1, respectively. LMWdxs and LMWH dose-dependently increased the second order rate constant of the inactivation of FXIa by C1-inhibitor up to 39-fold. The second order rate constant of the inactivation of FXIa by anti-thrombin was increased up to 6-fold by LMWH, whereas LMWdxs had no effect. In plasma, FXIa was inactivated to about 50% by C1-inhibitor, while the other serpins contributed together to the remaining 50% of plasma’s inhibitory capacity towards FXIa. In the presence of LMWdxs or LMWH, FXIa was inactivated in plasma to more than 90% by C1-inhibitor. LMWH at maximal therapeutic plasma levels enhanced the contribution of antithrombin to the inactivation of FXIa in plasma up to 5-fold. In conclusion, we found that the tested low molecular weight glycosaminoglycans dalteparin, enoxaparin and nadroparin and LMWdxs stimulate inactivation of FXIa by C1-inhibitor in a system using purified proteins as well as in plasma. Furthermore, LMWH but not LMWdxs slightly enhanced FXIa inhibition by antithrombin.
Cognitive functions over the course of 1 year in multiple sclerosis patients treated with disease modifying therapies

Objectives: Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are applied to delay or prevent disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). While this has mostly been proven for physical symptoms, available studies regarding long-term effects of DMTs on cognitive functions are rare and sometimes inconsistent due to methodological shortcomings. Particularly in the case of fingolimod, comprehensive data on cognitive functions are not yet available. Therefore, we set out to reliably assess cognitive functions in patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) treated with DMTs over 1 year. Methods: Cognitive functions were assessed with eight tests at three timepoints: baseline, 6-month follow up and 12-month follow up. First, we investigated whether the stability of cognitive functions (i.e. not falling below the 5% cut-off in more than one test) over 1 year in RRMS patients (n = 41) corresponds to the stability in healthy individuals (n = 40) of a previous study. Second, we compared the percentage of declined and improved patients in the different tests. Third, we compared patients treated with fingolimod (n = 22) with patients treated with natalizumab (n = 11) with regard to cognitive stability. Fourth, based on the patient data, the Reliable Change Index was applied to compute cut-offs for reliable cognitive change. Results: Approximately 75% of RRMS patients treated with DMTs remained stable over the course of 1 year. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and the Spatial Recall Test (SPART), produced improvements in 12.5% and 30.6%, respectively, probably due to practice effects. Patients treated with fingolimod did not differ from patients treated with natalizumab with regard to cognitive stability. Conclusions: Cognitive functions remain relatively stable under DMT treatment over 1 year, irrespective of the type of medication. Furthermore, the tests PASAT and SPART should be interpreted cautiously in studies examining performance changes over time. The provided RCI norms may help clinicians to determine whether a difference in two measurements observed in a RRMS patient is reliable.
Comparison of the residual income and the pricing - multiples equity valuation models

The paper aims at analyzing the performance of two of the equity valuation models, the residual income (RIVM) and the pricing - multiples model. I test first how the residual income valuation model performs relative to the pricing - multiples model for a set of different value drivers and industries, second whether the performance of the different multiples increases when these are measured either with the mean, the median or the harmonic mean of the absolute prediction error and the signed prediction error. The pricing - multiples approach is in most cases a better predictor of market prices than the residual income valuation model. In addition, the harmonic mean yields to more reliable estimates of value for a set of different industries. Finally, there are some value drivers that are supposed to be more reliable than others in specific industries, but there isnâ€™t any value driver that dominates all the industries.
Lignan Derivatives from Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Inhibitory Activity on Pancreatic Lipase

Pancreatic lipase digests dietary fats by hydrolysis, which is a key enzyme for lipid absorption. Therefore, reduction of fat absorption by the inhibition of pancreatic lipase is suggested to be a therapeutic strategy for obesity. We previously reported coumarins and secoiridoids of Fraxinus rhynchophylla as inhibitory constituents on adipocyte differentiation. Further investigation on F. rhynchophylla led to the isolation of lignan derivatives such as lignans (1 - 10), sesquilignans (11 - 14) and coumarinolignans (15 - 17). Among them, coumarinolignans and sesquilignans were first reported from Fraxinus species. Among the constituents isolated, sesquilignans showed the significant inhibition on pancreatic lipase, whereas lignans and coumarinolignans exerted weak effects.
The evaluation and treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections

Background: Skin and skin structure infections are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Fortunately, these infections usually produce only mild to moderate symptoms and signs. Some, however, are severe and may even be life-threatening. Objective: To review the approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients with complicated skin and skin structure infections and to discuss when to consider using either established antibiotics or recently licensed agents for treating these infections. Methods: In addition to a non-systematic literature review of complicated skin and skin structure infections and necrotizing fasciitis, we identified recent articles examining the microbiology and describing recently licensed antibiotics for treating these infections. Results/conclusions: Clinicians must learn to recognize the early symptoms and signs of severe skin and skin structure infections to ensure they select appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy and, when needed, obtain prompt surgical consultation. While the recent approvals of new agents for treating these infections are welcome, particularly in light of the continued emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, traditional antibiotic regimens remain appropriate for most cases.
Effects of Resource Changes and Stock Levels on Cooperative Behavior: Experimental Evidence

Resource stock levels in common-pool resources have received little attention by academic research so far, and the results delivered are inconclusive as of yet. Furthermore, the reactions of users to resource changes, and the related variations in the levels of cooperation are still mostly unknown. In this paper we present the result of an experimental study that aims to test the effect of both resource changes and stock levels on harvesting behavior. We conducted common-pool resource laboratory experiments, using a student sample, with different resource stock levels, in order to test for differences in harvesting behavior, and presenting them just a payoff table, to minimize framing effects. We also collected further personal data and we tried to define what goal the students chose for themselves during the game. Our results suggest that, at least without framing the experiment, the resource levels do not induce different behavior, while other-related preferences seem to play a major role.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibition attenuates platelet‐activating factor‐induced platelet activation by reducing protein kinase C activity

Summary. Glycoprotein (GP)IIb/IIIa inhibition may abolish activated leukocyte‐induced platelet activation, in which leukocyte‐released platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is a major mediator. The present study thus investigated if and how GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors interfere with PAF‐induced platelet activation. Platelet and leukocyte activation were monitored by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors (c7E3, non‐peptide SR121566, and MAb RFGP56) attenuated PAF‐induced, but not adenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ or thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)‐induced platelet P‐selectin expression in whole blood. GPIIb/IIIa blockade enhanced ADP‐ or TRAP‐induced leukocyte CD11b expression, but not the response to PAF. GPIIb/IIIa blockade attenuated PAF‐induced, but enhanced ADP‐ or TRAP‐induced platelet–leukocyte aggregation. Under the present experimental conditions, thromboxane A2 receptor antagonism did not significantly influence PAF‐induced platelet activation, and GPIIb/IIIa inhibition did not interfere with calcium mobilization/influx in platelets. Protein kinase C (PKC) blockade inhibited PAF‐induced platelet P‐selectin expression, and PAF‐induced PKC activity was reduced by GPIIb/IIIa inhibition. PAF (=1 µm) did not induce MEK 1/2 or ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, whilst thrombin induced marked responses, which were enhanced by GPIIb/IIIa blockade. Thus, GPIIb/IIIa inhibition attenuates PAF‐induced platelet activation via inhibiting PKC activity. GPIIb/IIIa blockade enhances thrombin‐induced platelet MEK 1/2 and ERK 1/2 activation, and augments ADP‐ and TRAP‐induced leukocyte activation by enhancing platelet–leukocyte aggregation.
Phenotype and Functionality of CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells in the Upper Reproductive Tract of Healthy Premenopausal Women

The goal of this study was to investigate the phenotype and functional responsiveness of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells in the upper reproductive tract of healthy premenopausal women. The lower reproductive tract is frequently studied as a site of sexually transmitted infections; however, the upper reproductive tract may also be a portal of entry and dissemination for pathogens, including HIV‐1.
Patient Preferences and Physician Practices for Laboratory Test Results Notification

Introduction: This study assessed patient preferences and physician practices for laboratory test results notification in ambulatory care. Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older (n = 728) who were scheduled to see their primary care physician at 5 clinics were offered the opportunity to participate in an anonymous survey during their clinic visit. Their primary care physicians were also invited to participate in a separate online survey. Questions on both surveys included the current method of laboratory test results notification and satisfaction with the method. Results: The majority of patients reported satisfaction with the current method of notification of normal results—the US mail—which was also the preferred method for notification of normal test results by both patients and physicians. Direct phone contact by the physician was the preferred method for notification of abnormal results by both patients (64%) and physicians (41%). Patients’ preferred method of notification of normal results significantly agreed with the current method (P < .0001), whereas that of abnormal results did not (P = .52). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that patients and physicians both prefer the US mail for notification of normal laboratory test results and a direct phone call by the physician for notification of abnormal results.
Earnings Quality Effect on Corporate Excess Cash Holdings and Their Marginal Value

ABSTRACT By using panel data from Korea’s listed firms, we find that firms with poor earnings quality are more likely to accumulate excess cash holdings, perhaps in an attempt to buffer themselves from information asymmetry problems. We also find that firms with poor earnings quality are more likely to discount the marginal value of their excess cash holdings because their shareholders appear to question the reason for such cash policy changes from the agency theory perspective. Overall, our results suggest that information asymmetry and agency problems are likely to co-exist in firms with poor earnings quality.
A new mechanism of antibiotic resistance in Enterobacteriaceae induced by a structural modification of the major porin

In Enterobacter aerogenes, multidrug resistance involves a decrease in outer membrane permeability associated with changes in an as yet uncharacterized porin. We purified the major porin from the wild‐type strain and a resistant strain. We characterized this porin, which was found to be an OmpC/OmpF‐like protein and analysed its pore‐forming properties in lipid bilayers. The porin from the resistant strain was compared with the wild‐type protein and we observed (i) that its single‐channel conductance was 70% lower than that of the wild type; (ii) that it was three times more selective for cations; (iii) a lack of voltage sensitivity. These results indicate that the clinical strain is able to synthesize a modified porin that decreases the permeability of the outer membrane. Mass spectrometry experiments identified a G to D mutation in the putative loop 3 of the porin. Given the known importance of this loop in determining the pore properties of porins, we suggest that this mutation is responsible for the novel resistance mechanism developed by this clinical strain, with changes in porin channel function acting as a new bacterial strategy for controlling β‐lactam diffusion via porins.
Pleomorphic Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma: Fact or Fiction? A Critical Reappraisal Based on 159 Tumors Diagnosed as Pleomorphic Sarcoma

Pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is regarded as the most common soft tissue sarcoma of adulthood, but no definable criteria exist for its diagnosis. Possibly its only distinctive feature is its apparent lack of specific differentiation. To determine the validity of pleomorphic MFH, 159 tumors diagnosed as pleomorphic sarcomas have been reassessed morphologically, immuno-histochemically, and ultrastructurally, where possible. Of these 97 cases (63%) proved to be specific sarcomas other than MFH, 20 proved to be nonmesenchymal neoplasms, and 42 were unclassifiable (of which 21 were either small biopsies or subtotally necrotic). Only 13% of these cases were eligible for consideration as MFH, but these showed no reproducible histological differences from the other tumors studied, nor was this group morphologically consistent. These tumors showed no evidence of true monocyte/macrophage differentiation. It is postulated that pleomorphic MFH is a noncohesive heterogeneous group of poorly differentiated neoplasms, a term that has become a meaningless diagnosis of convenience. With sufficient effort, a specific line of differentiation can be identified in the majority of pleomorphic malignant soft tissue tumors; with advances in investigative technology, the proportion that remain unclassifiable is very likely to diminish further in the future.
Public perception of climate engineering and carbon capture and storage in Germany: survey evidence

ABSTRACT Climate engineering (CE) and carbon capture and storage are controversial options for addressing climate change. This study compares public perception in Germany of three specific measures: solar radiation management (SRM) via stratospheric sulphate injection, large-scale afforestation, and carbon capture and storage sub-seabed (CCS-S). In a survey experiment we find that afforestation is most readily accepted as a measure for addressing climate change, followed by CCS-S and lastly SRM, which is widely rejected. Providing additional information decreases acceptance for all measures, but their ranking remains unchanged. The acceptance of all three measures is especially influenced by the perceived seriousness of climate change and by trust in institutions. Also, respondents dislike the measures more if they perceive them as a way of shirking responsibility for emissions or as an unconscionable manipulation of nature. Women react more negatively to information than men, whereas the level of education or the degree of intuitive vs reflective decision making does not influence the reaction to information. POLICY RELEVANCE Current projections suggest that the use of climate engineering (CE) technologies or carbon capture and storage (CCS) is necessary if global warming is to be kept well below 2°C. Our article focuses on the perspective of the general public and thus supplements the dialogue between policymakers, interest groups, and scientists on how to address climate change. We show that in Germany public acceptance of potentially effective measures such as SRM or CCS-S is low and decreases even more when additional information is provided. This implies that lack of public acceptance may turn out to be a bottleneck for future implementation. Ongoing research and development in connection with CCS-S and SRM requires continuous communication with, and involvement of, the public in order to obtain feedback and assess the public’s reservations about the measures. The low level of acceptance also implies that emission reduction should remain a priority in climate policy.
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KINERJA TRANSAKSI BERJALAN INDONESIA

This paper attempt to describe factors affecting the performance of current account in Indonesia. Current account performance is showed by surplus or deficit position. Analysis of the factors is conducted based on periodization of current account performance. Other analysis was carried out by using scatter graph to show the relationship between two variables in question. The results show that some factors affecting current account performance are global economic growth, Indonesian major trading partners growth, domestic economic growth, international commodities prices, exchange rate management, economic policy, and financial crisis.
The Impact of Applying Basel Committee Norms on Asset Quality of Egyptian Banks

This paper attempts to investigate the impact of applying Basel committee norms on asset quality of Egyptian banks as applied on a sample of 15 banks represented in Egyptian banks over the period from 2007 to 2015. Asset quality is measured by “non-performing loans to gross loans” and “loan provisions to non-performing loans”, while Basel committee norms are measured by the “response to Basel implementation” according to Financial Stability Institute survey of July 2013. Results indicate that there is a significant effect of applying Basel committee norms on asset quality of Egyptian banks. This has been conducted using panel data analysis according to both of fixed and random effect models according to OLS technique. Besides, robustness check supports these results using GLS technique.
Marginal fit and short-term clinical performance of porcelain-veneered CICERO, CEREC, and Procera onlays.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM Onlay preparations are very complex surfaces for computer surface digitization, CAD, and CAM of all-ceramic onlay cores. PURPOSE This study tested the hypothesis that onlays can be fabricated with CICERO, CEREC, and Procera core technologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen mandibular and 10 maxillary molars were prepared for onlays in 17 patients (11 women and 6 men). The onlay design was experimental. Molars were prepared with deep gingival chamfers in the proximal boxes and around the functional cusps. The nonfunctional cusps were prepared with broad bevels. Eight stone dies of preparations were measured with a laser beam (CICERO), 10 dies with a light beam (CEREC), and 7 dies with a contact probe (Procera). Two onlay cores were produced for the same stone die. One core was used to analyze fit on the stone die, and the other core was porcelain veneered for optimizing anatomy, esthetics, and fit of the onlay and cemented. The fit of the onlay core on the stone die and the cement width on a stone cast were measured by a microscopic digital imaging system. The onlays were evaluated for function every 6 months for 2 years. RESULTS Measurements of the margins by the CICERO system were (1) precise (error <4%) and (2) accurate with an SD of less than 9 microm. The proposed onlay preparation design met the requirement that all points of the surface be visible from a single point of view for optical 3-dimensional mapping by the CEREC system. For the surface measurements by the Procera contact probe, the orientation of the sapphire tip toward the preparation surface was critical, and it was necessary to apply wax to smooth internal edges. The marginal gaps of the CICERO, CEREC, and Procera cores on the stone dies were 74 microm (SD 15), 85 microm (SD 40), and 68 microm (SD 53), respectively. The cement width was 81 microm (SD 64). No fractures occurred. CONCLUSION Marginal gaps for the onlay cores were no more than 85 microm. The cement width of the semicomputer-produced onlays of 81 microm was a favorable measurement value for a clinically acceptable, strong all-ceramic onlay. However, this value as well as anatomy and esthetics of the onlay depended on the craftsmanship of the porcelain veneering by the dental technician.
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for parkinson's disease after successful pallidotomy: Clinical and electrophysiological observations

Unilateral pallidotomy is an effective treatment for contralateral parkinsonism and dyskinesia, yet symptoms progress in many patients. Little is known about whether such patients obtain a useful response to subsequent bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS). Changes in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Motor and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores, medication requirements, and dyskinesias were measured. Clinical outcomes were compared to patients with de novo STN DBS. Neuronal recordings were performed. STN DBS resulted in a significant reduction in UPDRS Motor scores (42.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.9–57.4; P = 0.03), comparable with de novo STN DBS surgery (41%; 95% CI, 26–46%; P < 0.001). There was also less change in dyskinesia duration and disability scores (P = 0.017, 0.005). There were no side‐to‐side differences clinically or in the STN neuronal firing rates and patterns. Bilateral STN DBS is safe and efficacious in improving motor symptoms in patients with prior pallidotomy. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Antiproliferative effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extract in urinary bladder carcinoma cell lines.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to evaluate the antiproliferative potency of Viscum album extract (VA-E) in human bladder carcinoma cell lines with regard to its possible use for intravesical therapy of superficial bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Proliferation (MTT-test or 3H-thymidine incorporation), necrotic disintegration (3H-thymidine release of prelabelled cells) and portions of apoptotic and/or necrotic cells (Annexin-V binding, propidium iodide (PI) labelling and DNA-fluorescence profiles by flow cytometry) were measured in four different human bladder carcinoma cell lines (T24, TCCSUP, J82 and UM-UC3) cultured in vitro. RESULTS Antiproliferative effects of VA-E were observed in the four bladder carcinoma cell lines tested. Metabolic activity could also be completely abrogated by short-time contact of the cells with VA-E. Apoptosis and necrosis, as underlying mechanisms of action, were differentially expressed by the different cell lines. CONCLUSION VA-E and cytotoxic proteins, i.e., mistletoe lectins (ML) and viscotoxins (VT), were able to block the growth of bladder carcinoma cells. Together with the immunomodulating properties of VA-E, the observed antiproliferative potency might give a rationale for the topical intravesical application of VA-E for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer.