Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological modulation of spontaneous renal blood flow dynamics.

Two mechanisms contribute to renal autoregulation. The faster system, which is thought to be myogenic, operates at 0.1-0.2 Hz (i.e., 5-10 s/cycle), while the slower one, tubuloglomerular feedback, operates at 0.03-0.05 Hz (i.e., 20-30 s/cycle). Both attenuate spontaneous or induced fluctuations of blood pressure, but it has proven difficult to separate their individual contributions because there is potential for interaction between the two. The present study was designed to examine the dynamics of the faster system during pharmacological blockade of tubuloglomerular feedback. Normotensive and hypertensive rats were studied under isoflurane or halothane anesthesia. Administration of the loop diuretic furosemide plus the angiotensin II (ANGII) AT1 receptor antagonist losartan caused a 10-fold or greater natriuresis, indicating profound inhibition of ascending limb salt transport, and also produced characteristic changes in the transfer function relating blood pressure (input) to renal blood flow (output). Operation of the 0.1-0.2 Hz mechanism was essentially unaltered, as shown by the presence of a peak in phase angle at 0.1-0.2 Hz and reduction of gain at frequencies slower than 0.15 Hz. The 0.03-0.05 Hz mechanism was markedly inhibited, as shown by loss of the second phase angle peak at 0.03-0.05 Hz, loss of the local maximum in gain at 0.05 Hz, and loss of the second gain reduction below 0.05 Hz. Both during control and after inhibition of tubuloglomerular feedback, the 0.1-0.2 Hz system attenuated = 50% of the effects of spontaneous blood pressure fluctuations, suggesting that this mechanism, operating alone, can significantly stabilize renal blood flow in the face of spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure.
Cat Fight! The TNR Wars

Author(s): Schmidt, Robert H. | Abstract: Although trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs for feral cats are in use or being proposed in many communities, a number of non-governmental organizations have gone on record as being opposed to them. For example, The Wildlife Society’s (TWS) policy statement on feral cats (2011) includes a comment that TWS “Oppose the passage of any local or state ordinances that legalize the maintenance of “managed” (trap/neuter/release) free-ranging cat colonies. ” Similarly, the American Bird Conservancy’s (ABC) resolution on free-roaming cats (feral and tamed) states that ABC “strongly opposes managed free-roaming cat colonies. ” Wildlife managers often lament the loss of tools and techniques (e.g., traps, pesticides, regulatory authority) for managing “nuisance” animals. The attack against TNR programs is indicative of an active program to eliminate a management tool. Is the negativity toward TNR justified? Stated another way, do the negative aspects of TNR programs outweigh any positive elements? I argue that the complete rejection of TNR is premature, erroneous, and without merit.
Unruly entrepreneurs – investigating value creation by microfinance clients in rural Burundi

ABSTRACT This study explores the entrepreneurial potential of the rule-breaking practices of microfinance programs’ beneficiaries. Using the storyboard methodology, we examine the strategies employed by the poor in Burundi to bypass institutional rules. Based on 66 short interviews conducted in seven rural provinces of Burundi, our exploratory study analyzes the entrepreneurial potential in four instances of rule-evasion: consumption spending, illegitimate investment, loan juggling and loan arrogation. We argue that some of the unruly practices are in fact entrepreneurial, as they create tangible and intangible value for the rural poor at both household and community levels. These include strengthening social ties through gift exchange and ceremonies, which then help poor households to self-insure against shocks through social networks. By analyzing the push and pull factors for unruly behavior, we show that rule-breaking practices are often necessitated by the microfinance industry itself and call for increased flexibility and adaptability of microfinance products.
Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Induces Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

ABSTRACT Trypanosoma cruzi infection causes cardiomyopathy and vasculopathy. Previous studies have demonstrated that infection of human umbilical vein endothelial and smooth muscle cells resulted in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In the present study, smooth muscle cells were infected with trypomastigotes, and immunoblot analysis revealed an increase in the expression of cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), important mediators of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Interestingly, after infection, the expression of caveolin-1 was reduced in both human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses of lysates of carotid arteries obtained from infected mice revealed increased expression of PCNA, cyclin D1, its substrate, phospho-Rb (Ser780), and phospho-ERK1/2. The expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1/Waf1, caveolin-1, and caveolin-3 was reduced in carotid arteries obtained from infected mice. There was an increase in the abundance of pre-pro-endothelin-1 mRNA in the carotid artery and aorta from infected mice. The ETA receptor was also elevated in infected arteries. ERK activates endothelin-1, which in turn exerts positive feedback activating ERK, and cyclin D1 is a downstream target of both endothelin-1 and ERK. There was significant incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into smooth muscle cell DNA when treatment was with conditioned medium obtained from infected endothelial cells. Taken together, these data suggest that T. cruzi infection stimulates smooth muscle cell proliferation and is likely a result of the upregulation of the ERK-cyclin D1-endothelin-1 pathway.
Comparison of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in moderate-size renal stones.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the success and complications of ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy and micro-percutaneous nephrolithotomy techniques. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed data from 74 patients. Moderate-size stones were included in the study. RESULTS Forty-two patients were included in MPNL, and 32 patients were included in UPNL groups. Among our patient cohort, 42 (56.7%)were males, and 32 (43.3%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 40±13.2 years in the MPNL group, and the mean age of the patients was 42±14.1 years in the UPNL group. The mean stone size was 17±3.2 mm in the MPNL group and 16.4±3.7 mm in the UPNL group. The stonefree rates were 88.1% (37/42) and 90.6% (29/32)in the MPNL and UPNL groups, respectively; there was no statically significant difference between the groups. The mean hospital stay was 1.4±0.23 days in the MPNL group and 1.1±0.12 day in the UPNL group. CONCLUSIONS Two techniques have similar success and complication rates, and both may be preferred particularly in moderate-size stones. Our experience supports that our UPNL technique is safe and effective using with a standard ureteroscope.
The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Social Intimacy, and Academic Burn-Out in Students of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Academic burnout leads to creation of a series of negative and scattered thoughts, loss of hope and emotional and physical exhaustion in carrying out activities. Two factors that affect academic burnout are sleep quality and social intimacy. This study was conducted in order to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and social intimacy, and academic burn-out in the students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Materials & Methods: This study was descriptive and correlational. The population of this study consisted of the students in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and 196 medical students were selected. They completed Berso et al. Academic Burnout Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Miller Social Intimacy Scale (MSIS). The validity of the questionnaires confirmed by experts’ views. Their reliability were obtained as 77%, 64% and 85% for academic burnout, sleep quality and social intimacy questionnaires respectively by calculating the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha). For data analysis, descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test, Regression, cluster analysis and t-test were used. Results: The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between sleep quality and academic burnout at the level p<0.05 (r=0.38). There was a negative and significant relationship between social intimacy and academic burnout at the level p<0.05 (r=-0.40). Also, the regression results showed that sleep quality and social intimacy were able to predict 37% and 39% of academic burnout respectively. Moreover, the students were divided into two clusters of individuals with high social intimacy and individuals with low social intimacy. No significant difference was found between the two types in terms of the variable of academic burn-out. Conclusion: Based on the research results, it can be stated that the variables of sleep quality and social intimacy are the predictor factors of academic burn-out.
Lead Exposure and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background. Previous interview-based studies have suggested that exposure to neurotoxicants including metals might be related to ALS. Methods. We evaluated the relation of lead exposure to ALS, using both biological measures and interviews, in a case-control study conducted in New England from 1993 to 1996. Cases (N = 109) were recruited at two hospitals in Boston, MA. Population controls (N = 256) identified by random-digit dialing were frequency-matched to cases by age, sex, and region of residence within New England. Results. Risk of ALS was associated with self-reported occupational exposure to lead (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–3.3), with a dose response for lifetime days of lead exposure. Blood and bone lead levels were measured in most cases (N = 107) and in a subset of controls (N = 41). Risk of ALS was associated with elevations in both blood and bone lead levels. ORs were 1.9 (95% CI = 1.4–2.6) for each &mgr;g/dl increase in blood lead, 3.6 (95% CI = 0.6–20.6) for each unit increase in log-transformed patella lead, and 2.3 (95% CI = 0.4–14.5) for each unit increase in log-transformed tibia lead. Conclusions. These results are consistent with previous reports and suggest a potential role for lead exposure in the etiology of ALS.
Are Prominent Equity Market Anomalies in India Fading Away?

In this study, we revisit prominent equity market anomalies documented for India, namely size, value, volume and momentum. Using data for NSE 500 companies, we test for the persistence of these anomalies for a recent period from July 2005 to June 2016 employing one-factor capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and three-factor Fama–French model as asset pricing benchmarks. We test for the robustness of these anomalies by (a) forming both quintile and decile portfolios and (b) forming univariate and variety of bivariate-sorted portfolios. Corner portfolios based on deciles provide greater return differentials compared to quintile portfolios. Bivariate-sorted portfolios do not seem to outperform univariate-sorted portfolios. The value and momentum anomalies are explained by risk models which is contrary to prior evidence. Size and volume anomalies continue to provide significant returns but seem to have faded substantially over time when compared with the past results. The findings about weakening prominent Indian equity market anomalies shall pose a challenge for portfolio managers who may have to look for other sources of extra-normal profits. Indian market also seems to be informationally more efficient which is in line with recent financial market reforms and growing emphasis on financial inclusion and corporate governance.
Impact of Auditor Report Changes on Financial Reporting Quality and Audit Costs: Evidence from the United Kingdom

While substantial revisions to auditor and audit committee reporting are being discussed internationally, including in the United States, the impact of these reforms on audit quality is unknown. We exploit the United Kingdom’s recent regulatory changes and find that the U.K.’s new reporting regime is associated with an improvement in audit quality as proxied by significant decreases in absolute abnormal accruals and the propensity to just meet or beat analyst forecasts. While we find that audit fees marginally increased after the reporting changes, the increase is not significantly different from the fee change documented in the prior year, suggesting a possible time trend of increasing fees unrelated to the new requirements. We also fail to document a significant change in audit delay. Taken together, this study finds that new auditor and audit committee reporting requirements are associated with a significant improvement in audit quality without detecting significant incremental costs.
The interval between birth and sternal recumbency as an objective measure of the vitality of newborn calves

The time from birth to attaining sternal recumbency (T-SR) was recorded for 219 newborn calves in order to evaluate its use as a parameter for diagnosing vitality. Calves were defined as vital if they received routine care without medical treatment and survived seven days from birth without any symptom of illness (n = 192). Those which did not fulfil these conditions were categorised as non-vital (n = 27). Ten calves were born spontaneously and the others were delivered either by caesarean section (n = 105), normal extraction (n = 78) or forced extraction (n = 26). The mean (+/- sd) T-SR values of the vital calves in these delivery groups were: 4.0 +/- 2.2, 4.5 +/- 3.1, 5.4 +/- 3.3 and 9.0 +/- 3.3 minutes, respectively. Jugular blood gas and pH measurements were performed at several fixed times after birth until pH and base excess had reached values of over 7.2 and more than -5.0 mmol/litre, respectively. Mean pH and base excess values of vital calves 10 minutes post partum were significantly higher and lower, respectively, than those of non-vital calves. Forcefully extracted calves had longer T-SR, more serious acidosis, recovered more slowly from acidosis, died more, and exhibited trauma more frequently. A T-SR of at least 15 minutes had a predictive value of 84 per cent for non-vitality, while 10 minute pH values of less than 6.9 had a lower predictive value, namely 68 per cent, for non-vitality. Correlations between T-SR values and 10 minute pH and base excess values were moderate, whereas correlations between T-SR values and PCO2 values were weaker still and much more dependent on the type of delivery. It is concluded that T-SR determination is a valuable, practicable and objective diagnostic tool for estimating the condition of newborn calves during the first 15 minutes of life. The diagnostic value of a single pH measurement on the jugular blood of a neonatal calf is doubtful.
Reduced satellite cell number in situ in muscular contractures from children with cerebral palsy

Satellite cells (SC) are quiescent adult muscle stem cells critical for postnatal development. Children with cerebral palsy have impaired muscular growth and develop contractures. While flow cytometry previously demonstrated a reduced SC population, extracellular matrix abnormalities may influence the cell isolation methods used, systematically isolating fewer cells from CP muscle and creating a biased result. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to use immunohistochemistry on serial muscle sections to quantify SC in situ. Serial cross‐sections from human gracilis muscle biopsies (n = 11) were labeled with fluorescent antibodies for Pax7 (SC transcriptional marker), laminin (basal lamina), and 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (nuclei). Fluorescence microscopy under high magnification was used to identify SC based on labeling and location. Mean SC/100 myofibers was reduced by ∼70% (p < 0.001) in children with CP (2.89 ± 0.39) compared to TD children (8.77 ± 0.79). Furthermore, SC distribution across fields was different (p < 0.05) with increased percentage of SC in fields being solitary cells (p < 0.01) in children with CP. Quantification of SC number in situ, without any other tissue manipulation confirms children with spastic CP have a reduced number. This stem cell loss may, in part, explain impaired muscle growth and apparent decreased responsiveness of CP muscle to exercise. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1039–1045, 2015.
Relative efficiency of government and non-government organisations in implementing a nutrition intervention programme – a case study from Bangladesh

Abstract Objective: The Bangladesh Integrated Nutrition Programme (BINP) experimented with two models of delivery: the first model uses the Government of Bangladesh's (GOB) own management structure and the second uses the non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the local community. This study compares the relative efficiency of GOB and NGO management in the provision of nutrition services. Design: A detailed costing survey was carried out to estimate the cost of delivering nutrition services from the Community Nutrition Centres (CNCs). The number of individuals enrolled, the number actually participating in the programme and person-days of service delivered were used as effectiveness measures. Setting: Thirty-five CNCs were randomly selected from five BINP areas, of which 21 were in GOB-run areas and 14 in NGO-run areas. Results: The cost of providing nutrition services per enrolee was US$ 24.43 for GOB-run CNCs and US$ 29.78 for NGO-run CNCs. Conclusions: Contrary to the widely held view, the analysis implies that the NGO facilities are not more efficient in the delivery of nutrition services when cost per person-days of service delivered is considered. The food cost component of BINP is so high that, irrespective of the delivery mode, policy makers should examine carefully the components of BINP in order to find the most cost-effective mix of services.
Membrane Components of Treponema denticola Trigger Proteinase Release from Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Tissue destruction during periodontitis is believed to be primarily brought about by leukocyte proteinases. We postulate that oral spirochetes cause discharge of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) lysosomal enzymes. Effects of Treponema denticola 53-kDa outer membrane protein, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and peptidoglycan on degranulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-8 (collagenase) and -9 (gelatinase), cathepsin G, and elastase by human peripheral blood PMNs were studied by specific enzyme assays and Western blot analysis. T. denticola 53-kDa outer membrane protein was found to be a particularly efficient inducer of MMP-8 release. The induction was comparable with that of phorbol myristate acetate, a known inducer of PMN specific granule discharge. All of the treponemal substances, most notably the 53-kDa protein and LPS, induced release of MMP-9, a component of C-type granules. Both collagenase and gelatinase released from PMNs were mostly in active forms. Release of cathepsin G and elastase was also observed with the 53-kDa protein treatment. The other T. denticola substances did not induce release of these serine proteinases. Lactate dehydrogenase was not released from PMNs by the treatments, indicating that the degranulation was specific and not caused by toxic effects of the substances. This was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy of PMNs treated with the 53-kDa protein that showed rapid vacuole formation and cell shape changes but no disintegration of the cells. Thus, T. denticola may participate in the PMN-dependent extracellular matrix degradation during the course of periodontal inflammation by triggering the secretion and activation of matrix metalloproteinases.
Impact of Ambidexterity and Environmental Dynamism on Dynamic Capability Development Trade-Offs

Based on the dynamic capabilities view, this study first examines whether the co-existence of explorative and exploitative capabilities can directly cause organizational tensions. In addition, this study employs the combination of these two capabilities to examine how organizational ambidexterity affects organizational tensions. The research subjects consisted of high-tech firms in Taiwan developing new, high-tech products, and a total of 154 valid questionnaires were returned from these. A hierarchical multiple regression model was used for hypotheses testing. Our findings show that explorative capability is not statistically significant, but that exploitative capability significantly and positively influences organizational tensions. This study provides support for the strong moderating effect of environmental dynamism on the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and organizational tensions.
Degrowing tourism: rethinking tourism

Abstract Concerns with growth have steadily advanced since the Limits to Growth report due particularly to human impacts on the natural environment. Since that time, neoliberal capitalism has become increasingly reliant on growth exacerbating these problems. The destructive outcomes of these strategies has led to a growing interest in degrowth. Analysts are examining how we can create economies that eschew a growth imperative while still supporting human thriving. Tourism as a key facet of capitalism is implicated in these issues and recent concerns with “overtourism” are only one symptom of the problem. This article presents a conceptual consideration of issues of degrowth in tourism. It examines current tensions in international mobility and argues just and sustainable degrowth will require greater attention to equity. This analysis suggests that essential to such an agenda is redefining tourism to focus on the rights of local communities and a rebuilding of the social capacities of tourism. This article argues for the redefinition of tourism in order to place the rights of local communities above the rights of tourists for holidays and the rights of tourism corporates to make profits.
The secondary sex ratio, paternal age, maternal age and birth order in Japan

The simultaneous effects of several variables on the secondary sex ratio have been examined using data from over 3.7 million births which occurred in Japan during 1975--6. A weak and negative association between sex ratio and birth order was observed but it was not significant in the statistical sense. A negative effect of paternal age--birth order interaction was obtained when maternal age was controlled. The quadratic model is much more powerful than the linear model in explaining the sex ratio variability.