Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PTHrP Modulates Chondrocyte Differentiation through AP-1 and CREB Signaling*

During the process of differentiation, chondrocytes integrate a complex array of signals from local or systemic factors like parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), Indian hedgehog, bone morphogenetic proteins and transforming growth factor β. While PTHrP is known to be a critical regulator of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, the signaling pathways through which this factor acts remain to be elucidated. Here we show that both cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and AP-1 activation are critical to PTHrP signaling in chondrocytes. PTHrP treatment leads to rapid CREB phosphorylation and activation, while CREB DNA binding activity is constitutive. In contrast, PTHrP induces AP-1 DNA binding activity through induction of c-Fos protein expression. PTHrP activates CRE and TRE reporter constructs primarily through PKA-mediated signaling events. Both signaling pathways were found to be important mediators of PTHrP effects on chondrocyte phenotype. Alone, PTHrP suppresses maturation and stimulates proliferation of the chondrocyte cultures. However, in the presence of dominant negative inhibitors of CREB and c-Fos, these PTHrP effects were suppressed, and chondrocyte maturation was accelerated. Moreover, in combination, the effects of dominant negative c-Fos and CREB are synergistic, suggesting interaction between these signaling pathways during chondrocyte differentiation.
Optimal Contracts for Loss Averse Consumers

We report initial findings from a household survey of Pacific island migrants and their remittances, conducted in 2010-11 in New South Wales (NSW). The study covers three Polynesian communities, Samoans and Tongans as in previous studies, but also Cook Islanders. We cover migrants in both Sydney and regional NSW. We quantify remittances of all types, formally and informally transferred, and distinguish those sent to households and organizations (mainly churches) or invested, beyond the migrantsâ€™ home country household, which account for almost 40% of total remittances. We provide the first estimates of remittances to Cook Islands since the mid-eighties, and the first estimates of remittances from regional areas in Australia. We investigate a number of potential socio-economic determinants of remittance behavior including the migrantsâ€™ income, duration of absence, strength of ties to home country, and major events in home country and Australia. We identify a number of important differences among the three groups, and between the Riverina- and Sydney-based communities. Areas for further research from this dataset are identified.
Immunity to chlamydial infections of the eye. VI. Homologous neutralization of trachoma infectivity for the owl monkey conjuctivae by eye secretions from humans with trachoma.

Neutralization of trachoma infectivity for the owl monkey was demonstrated by use of two pools of eye secretions, with low or high titers of antibody, from children with trachoma. Type specificity of antibody to the strain used in the neutralization test (HAR-13, type 1) was found in all individual eye fluids comprising the pool with a high titer of antibody. No neutralization was found when eye fluids from normal adult subjects were used. Neutralization of trachoma infectivity by secretions from the human eye is described. Trachoma persists as the leading chronic disabling eye disease in the world. Efforts to unravel the defense mechanisms of the host that influence the course of infection have been underway for several years in research laboratories throughout the world. Much of the knowledge acquired was gained from experiments with animals, including primates; this knowledge now needs to be applied to the natural infection in man. Bernkopf first reported that eye secretions from humans with trachoma contained antibodies to
Pax‐6 expression during retinal regeneration in the adult newt

The present study examined the expression of Pax‐6 during retinal regeneration in adult newts using in situ hybridization. In a normal retina, Pax‐6 is expressed in the ciliary marginal zone, the inner part of the inner nuclear layer, and the ganglion cell layer. After surgical removal of the neural retina, retinal pigment epithelial cells proliferate into retinal precursor cells and regenerate a fully functional retina. At the beginning of retinal regeneration, Pax‐6 was expressed in all retinal precursor cells. As regeneration proceeded, differentiating cells appeared at the scleral and vitreal margins of the regenerating retina, which had no distinct plexiform layers. In this stage, the expression of Pax‐6 was localized in a strip of cells along the vitreal margin of the regenerating retina. In the late stage of regeneration, when the layer structure was completed, the expression pattern of Pax‐6 became similar to that of a normal retina. It was found that Pax‐6 is expressed in the retinal precursor cells in the early regenerating retina and that the expression pattern of Pax‐6 changed as cell differentiation proceeded during retinal regeneration.
Pre-perceptual pain sensory responses (N1 component) in type 1 diabetes mellitus

We investigated the integrity of the ascending pathways for pain sensitivity in the early stage of type 1 diabetes mellitus, by measuring the N1 component and the conventional N2/P2 vertex potentials of laser evoked potentials (LEPs). Brain responses to laser stimuli were obtained in 21 healthy volunteers and 21 type 1 diabetic patients, without either clinical neuropathy or electrophysiological evidence of large-fiber damage. In diabetic patients N1 and P2 latencies were prolonged and the N1 and N2/P2 amplitudes were decreased after foot stimulation. A significant reduction of the conduction velocity of A&dgr; fibers in the lower limbs was also observed. LEPs reveal an early, subclinical and selective damage of pain sensation in diabetic patients. N1 and P2 potentials are delayed and decreased in parallel giving evidence that LEP abnormalities are not secondary to a cognitive dysfunction and mostly reflect a small-fiber dysfunction.
Supplier Relationship Characteristics and Disclosure of Forward-Looking Information

This study investigates whether characteristics of supplier relationships influence the disclosure of forward-looking information. Prior literature on relationship-specific investments argues that suppliers are reluctant to invest in such assets because of the risks associated with these investments. The value of these investments to the supplier depends on the continuation of the relationship, and thus on the future performance and prospects of a buyer firm. In addition, investing in these assets results in hold-up problems, which become more severe when the buyer's performance deteriorates. Uncertainty about buyers' future performance therefore limits a supplier's willingness to invest in relationship-specific assets. This provides a buyer with incentives to share reliable information about its future performance to resolve some of this uncertainty. I examine whether managers use financial reporting and disclosures to communicate this information to suppliers. I find a positive association between the importance of relationship-specific investments in supplier industries and the likelihood a buyer discloses forward-looking information. I also find that this relationship is more pronounced when suppliers have higher relative bargaining power and are thus in a position to demand such information. Overall, the findings suggest that firms use financial reporting to inform suppliers and reduce contracting frictions in supply chains.
Continuous Time Decision-Making in a Partially Decentralized Multiple Dealership Forex Market, and the Equilibrium Exchange Rate

The paper introduces a model of bid/ask price formation in an imperfectly centralized forex dealership market in continuous time. The dealers have costly access to best quotes while interpreting signals from the joint dealer-customer order flow and deciding upon their own price quotes and activities in the inter-dealer market. The lowest ask/highest bid price of a foreign currency becomes the single transaction price in equilibrium. Each dealer uses the observed order flow to improve the subjective estimates of relevant aggregate variables, which are the sources of uncertainty. These are: returns on domestic and foreign assets, the equilibrium FX transaction price and the size of the aggregate dealer transactions in the FX market. These uncertainties have diffusion form and are dealt with according to principles of portfolio optimization in continuous time. The price information content of the local order flow observed by the dealer, has to do with the existence of "global" investors in the dealer's customer base. Global investors have access to bid-ask quotes of more than one dealer, along with superior information about fundamentals. These two factors help them generate better estimates of the future inter-dealer transactions than both the "local" investors (i.e. those who only trade with their single local dealer) and any of the dealers themselves. I obtain the formula for the dealer spread around the equilibrium price. I also show how informational customer-dealer asymmetries generate non-stationary cumulative order flows as well as deviations of the inter-dealer transaction price from uncovered parity of national asset returns.
A method for distinguishing ionized, complexed and protein-bound Mg in normal and diseased subjects.

Since 1932, it has been known that Mg exists in blood in several forms: protein-bound, complexed to certain anions, and ionized. However, there is discrepancy and debate on what these fractions are, how to accurately assess them, and whether they are important in diagnosis and prognosis of disease syndromes. Using the NOVA ISE for IMg2+, a controlled method for ultrafiltration of Mg and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, we have found four distinct fractions of Mg in healthy normal plasma and serum: 1. ultrafilterable Mg (81%) (made up of ionized and complexed); 2. ionized Mg (67%); 3. protein-bound Mg (19%); and 4. complexed Mg (14%). The amount of each fraction appears to depend upon the pathophysiologic state of the patients. Previous observations on the amount of complexed and ionized Mg are at best, only approximations, due to the absence of a device (i.e., ISE) to measure accurately IMg2+.
Specific laboratory methodologies achieve higher model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores for patients listed for liver transplantation

Priority for liver transplantation is currently based on the Model for Endstage Liver Disease (MELD) score, a mathematical function which includes the following objective variables: bilirubin, creatinine (Cr), and international normalized ratio (INR). We have noted that specific laboratory methodologies may yield consistently higher values of bilirubin, Cr, and INR. Therefore, we performed a study to determine if higher MELD scores could be obtained by utilizing laboratory methodologies selected to return higher laboratory values than standard methodologies used in our hospital's clinical laboratory. Phlebotomy was performed for routine clinical indications in 29 consecutive patients listed for liver transplantation. MELD scores were calculated using bilirubin, Cr, and INR from laboratory methods in our hospital's clinical laboratory (designated Lab #1) and from 2 other clinical laboratories (designated Lab #2 and Lab #3). The mean MELD score in our hospital's clinical laboratory (Lab #1) (13.6) was not significantly different than in Lab #2 (14.7), but in Lab #3, it was significantly higher by 20% (17.1), P < . 03. Virtually all of the difference in MELD score between our hospital's clinical laboratory (Lab #1) and Lab #3 could be attributed to the INR, which was significantly higher by 26% in Lab #3 (1.9) vs. Lab #1 (1.4), P < . 00002. Using MELD scores calculated from our hospital's clinical laboratory, the average change in priority for liver transplantation was from the 58th percentile to the 77th percentile (compared to Lab #3), P = . 01. In conclusion, patients listed for liver transplantation at our center achieved significantly higher MELD scores and therefore a higher priority for liver transplantation by using laboratory methodologies that yield higher INR values than our hospital laboratory. The selection of laboratory methodologies may have a significant impact on MELD score. (Liver Transpl 2004;10:995–1000.)
The Influence of Trust and Perceptions of Risks and Benefits on the Acceptance of Gene Technology

A causal model explaining acceptance of gene technology was tested. It was hypothesized that trust in institutions using gene technology or using modified products has a positive impact on perceived benefit and a negative influence on perceived risk of this technology. Furthermore, perceived benefit and perceived risk determine acceptance of biotechnology. In other words, trust has an indirect influence on the acceptance of the technology. The postulated model was tested using structural equation modeling procedures and data from a random quota sample of 1001 Swiss citizens between 18 and 74 years old. Results indicated that the proposed model fits the data very well. The same causal model explains females' and males' acceptance of gene technology. Gender differences were found for the latent variables trust, perceived benefit, and acceptance of gene technology. Females indicated more trust, perceived less benefit, and demonstrated less acceptance than did males. No significant difference was observed for perceived risk. The implications of the results are discussed.
Heterocyst differentiation and pattern formation in cyanobacteria: a chorus of signals

Heterocyst differentiation in filamentous cyanobacteria provides an excellent prokaryotic model for studying multicellular behaviour and pattern formation. In Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, for example, 5–10% of the cells along each filament are induced, when deprived of combined nitrogen, to differentiate into heterocysts. Heterocysts are specialized in the fixation of N2 under oxic conditions and are semi‐regularly spaced among vegetative cells. This developmental programme leads to spatial separation of oxygen‐sensitive nitrogen fixation (by heterocysts) and oxygen‐producing photosynthesis (by vegetative cells). The interdependence between these two cell types ensures filament growth under conditions of combined‐nitrogen limitation. Multiple signals have recently been identified as necessary for the initiation of heterocyst differentiation, the formation of the heterocyst pattern and pattern maintenance. The Krebs cycle metabolite 2‐oxoglutarate (2‐OG) serves as a signal of nitrogen deprivation. Accumulation of a non‐metabolizable analogue of 2‐OG triggers the complex developmental process of heterocyst differentiation. Once heterocyst development has been initiated, interactions among the various components involved in heterocyst differentiation determine the developmental fate of each cell. The free calcium concentration is crucial to heterocyst differentiation. Lateral diffusion of the PatS peptide or a derivative of it from a developing cell may inhibit the differentiation of neighbouring cells. HetR, a protease showing DNA‐binding activity, is crucial to heterocyst differentiation and appears to be the central processor of various early signals involved in the developmental process. How the various signalling pathways are integrated and used to control heterocyst differentiation processes is a challenging question that still remains to be elucidated.
Phase I Distribution-Free Analysis of Multivariate Data

ABSTRACT In this study, a new distribution-free Phase I control chart for retrospectively monitoring multivariate data is developed. The suggested approach, based on the multivariate signed ranks, can be applied to individual or subgrouped data for detection of location shifts with an arbitrary pattern (e.g., isolated, transitory, sustained, progressive, etc.). The procedure is complemented with a LASSO-based post-signal diagnostic method for identification of the shifted variables. A simulation study shows that the method compares favorably with parametric control charts when the process is normally distributed, and largely outperforms other multivariate nonparametric control charts when the process distribution is skewed or heavy-tailed. An R package can be found in the supplementary material.
Physical and mental health of medical professionals : a systematic review

The objective of this systematic literature review was to identify the main diseases that affect physicians worldwide, through an electronic survey in the Virtual Health Library (BVS) database based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (Prisma) methodology. We analyzed 57 of the 374 scientific papers published on this subject between 2005 and 2015 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The findings showed that mental affections prevailed, highlighting the occupational exhaustion (burnout syndrome). Among the physical ailments, musculoskeletal affections prevailed.
Subjective Quality of Life in Schizophrenic Outpatients in a Catalan Urban Site

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the subjective quality of life of chronic schizophrenic outpatients living in an urban site in Catalonia (Spain) during a stable phase of the illness. We included 44 patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of psychotic disorder. Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment variables were obtained and compared with the subjective quality of life as assessed by the Lehman Quality of Life Interview-short version. The descriptive analysis of the subjective quality of life profile obtained in our sample shows moderate levels of satisfaction in most subscales. Results regarding comparisons showed that sociodemographic, clinical, premorbid adjustment and treatment variables were only related to subjective quality of life in particular life domains and in a nonconclusive way. The need to include other relevant variables such as insight or psychological traits in the study of the quality of life phenomenon in schizophrenia is highlighted.
Associations of caesarean delivery and the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood based on Taiwan birth cohort study

Objectives Whether birth by caesarean section (CS) increases the occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma or obesity in childhood is controversial. We tried to demonstrate the association between children born by CS and the occurrence of the above three diseases at the age of 5.5 years. Methods The database of the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study which was designed to assess the developmental trajectories of 24 200 children born in 2005 was used in this study. Associations between children born by CS and these three diseases were evaluated before and after controlling for gestational age (GA) at birth, children’s characteristics and disease-related predisposing factors. Results Children born by CS had significant increases in neurodevelopmental disorders (20%), asthma (14%) and obesity (18%) compared with children born by vaginal delivery. The association between neurodevelopmental disorders and CS was attenuated after controlling for GA at birth (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.34). Occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders steadily declined with increasing GA up to ≤40–42 weeks. CS and childhood asthma were not significantly associated after controlling for parental history of asthma and GA at birth. Obesity in childhood remained significantly associated with CS (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24) after controlling for GA and disease-related factors. Conclusions Our results implied that the association between CS birth and children’s neurodevelopmental disorders was significantly influenced by GA. CS birth was weakly associated with childhood asthma since parental asthma and preterm births are stronger predisposing factors. The association between CS birth and childhood obesity was robust after controlling for disease-related factors.
The effect of joint role of creative analogy and concept-in-context map on the learning interest and performance of first year mechanical engineering undergraduates

High School science to engineering education transition of students offers challenge for instructors to adopt distinct teaching strategies which enable holistic learning matrix and to provide conceptual framework which links their prior knowledge with the freshmen engineering curriculum. In order to achieve these two objectives, an instructional teaching strategy combining the attributes of visual analogy and concept-in-context maps (CC maps) is been illustrated. In this case, engineering strain-stress curve of metals enumerating variation in its strength was used as the subject to be taught to mechanical engineering freshmen. The technical questionnaires, feedback forms and random interviews unveiled three significant things. First, analogy fostered interest and exposed students to creative form of learning. Second, mapping helped in the development of technical inventory. Finally the synergistic treatment of both techniques assisted freshmen to gain complete confidence to attempt any subject related technical query.
The quantitative genetics of sex differences in parenting

Sex differences in parenting are common in species where both males and females provide care. Although there is a considerable body of game and optimality theory for why the sexes should differ in parental care, genetics can also play a role, and no study has examined how genetic influences might influence differences in parenting. We investigated the extent that genetic variation influenced differences in parenting, whether the evolution of differences could be constrained by shared genetic influences, and how sex-specific patterns of genetic variation underlying parental care might dictate which behaviors are free to evolve in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. Females provided more direct care than males but did not differ in levels of indirect care or the number of offspring they were willing to rear. We found low to moderate levels of heritability and evolvability for all 3 parenting traits in both sexes. Intralocus sexual conflict was indicated by moderately strong intersex genetic correlations, but these were not so strong as to represent an absolute constraint to the evolution of sexual dimorphism in care behavior. Instead, the pattern of genetic correlations between parental behaviors showed sex-specific tradeoffs. Thus, differences in the genetic correlations between parental traits within a sex create sex-specific lines of least evolutionary resistance, which in turn produce the specific patterns of sex differences in parental care. Our results therefore suggest a mechanism for the evolution of behavioral specialization during biparental care if uniparental and biparental care behaviors share the same genetic influences.