Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
M2 muscarinic receptor‐mediated inhibition of the Ca2+ current in rat magnocellular cholinergic basal forebrain neurones.

1. The actions of muscarinic agonists and antagonists upon the Ca2+ current (ICa) in acutely dissociated magnocellular cholinergic basal forebrain neurones from 11 to 14‐day‐old postnatal rats were studied using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. 2. In all cells studied, muscarinic agonists inhibited a transient component of high‐voltage‐activated (HVA) current, but had no effect upon the low‐voltage‐activated (LVA) current. The mean IC50 values for ACh and oxotremorine methiodide (oxo‐M), obtained from non‐cumulative dose‐response curves, were 204 and 363 nM respectively. Superfusion with the K+ channel blocker, tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA; 30 mM) shifted the ACh dose‐response curve to the right giving an IC50 value of 22:9 microM. 3. Pirenzepine (0.1‐1 microM) and methoctramine (0.03‐0.3 microM) produced parallel shifts to the right in the agonist dose‐response curves. Schild analysis of the agonist dose ratios yielded pA2 (negative log of the apparent dissociation constant KB) values for pirenzepine and methoctramine of 6.8 and 8.2 respectively, indicating the involvement of an M2 receptor subtype. 4. In the presence of GTP‐gamma‐S (10‐500 microM) in the patch pipette, the agonist‐induced inhibition of ICa became irreversible. Dialysis with GDP‐beta‐S (1 mM) abolished all agonist‐induced inhibition of the Ca2+ current. The agonist‐induced inhibition of ICa was totally blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (500 ng ml‐1) but unaffected by preincubation with cholera toxin (500 ng ml‐1). Superfusion with 8‐bromo cAMP (0.5‐1 mM) did not mimic or prevent the effect of agonist application. 5. Inhibition of the Ca2+ current by muscarinic agonists was only partially blocked by omega‐conotoxin GVIA (omega‐CgTX GVIA), with approximately 46% of the agonist‐sensitive current being resistant to omega‐CgTX GVIA. Both the agonist‐ and omega‐CgTX GVIA‐sensitive components of the current were abolished following maximal inhibition of ICa by GTP‐gamma‐S. 6. These results indicate that inhibition of the Ca2+ current by muscarinic agonists is mediated via an M2 muscarinic receptor coupled to a pertussis toxin‐sensitive G‐protein. The possible modulation of multiple HVA Ca2+ channels by muscarinic agonists and the role that these receptors may play in presynaptic modulation of neurotransmitter release are discussed.
Exercise therapy for improved neck muscle function in helicopter aircrew.

INTRODUCTION To address the high prevalence of neck dysfunction in helicopter aircrew, a 12-wk training program was designed to examine the effects on neck muscular strength and endurance. METHODS Subjects were recruited from Canadian Forces (CF) helicopter aircrew and randomized into either a neck coordination training program (CTP; N = 10), an endurance training program (ETP; N = 11), or a nontreatment control (CON; N = 8). Baseline assessments determined maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) strength and endurance capacity using a submaximal contraction to fatigue at 70% of their MVC for extension, flexion, and left (Ltflx) and right (Rtflx) lateral flexion. The ETP subjects performed dynamic contractions at 30% of their MVC in the four testing directions using a head harness and Thera-band tubing. The CTP consisted of exercises that focused on strengthening the deep cervical musculature using the mass of the head as resistance and progressing to exercises that incorporated the superficial cervical muscles. RESULTS Post-intervention, the ETP achieved the only statistically significant increase in maximal force when compared to the CON (14.4%). Improved times to fatigue were achieved by the CTP for flexion (26.34 +/- 20.72 s), Ltflx (23.54 +/- 13.94 s), and Rtflx (28.72 +/- 4.88 s). CONCLUSION The provision of an ETP and CTP resulted in a positive trend toward improved maximal force and muscular endurance. The greatest improvements in endurance and strength were found for those subjects assigned to the CTP treatment. Our research demonstrates the importance of including a designed and supervised training program into the daily routine of helicopter aviators.
Exchange-Traded Fund Introductions and Closed-End Fund Discounts and Volume (Unabridged Version)

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), like closed-end funds (CEFs), are managed portfolios traded like individual stocks. We hypothesize that the introduction of an ETF in an asset class similar to an existing CEF results in a substitution effect that reduces the value of the CEF's shares relative to that of its underlying assets. Our event studies show that upon the introduction of a similar ETF, CEF discounts widen significantly and relative volume declines significantly. Single-equation and systems estimation models show that the widening in discounts and reduction in volume are related to returns-based measures of the substitutability of ETFs for CEFs.
RELATIVE VARIABILITY IN WHEAT YIELDS ACROSS COUNTRIES AND OVER TIME

Wheat yield variability is analysed in light of recent concern that rapid technological change has caused increased instability in world cereal production. The coefficient of variation of wheat yields is estimated for 57 countries from detrended data for various periods between 1951 and 1986. The coefficient of variation in wheat yields is shown to be determined by country size, moisture regime and temperature. Technological variables, such as level of adoption of high‐yielding varieties and fertiliser dose, had no effect on differences in yield variability across countries. Analysis of yield variability for the same set of countries for three periods from 1951 to 1986 shows a general decline in yield variability since 1975 in developing countries. Analysis of wheat yield variability in India at the state and district levels confirms the analysis of country level data. The coefficient of variability of wheat yields in India in the period 1976‐85 has fallen to less than half the level in the 1950s and this decline is statistically significant.
Divergence of Opinion and Long-Term Performance of Initial Public Offerings

Miller posits that divergence of opinion can lead to asset overvaluation and subsequent long-term underperformance in markets (such as IPOs) with restricted short-selling. Consistent with this hypothesis, we find that early-market return volatility, a proxy for divergence of opinion, is negatively related to subsequent IPO long-term abnormal returns. This relation holds after accounting for other factors that previous studies suggest affect long-term abnormal returns for IPOs (including another proxy for divergence of opinion). Moreover, we find that this relation is stronger in IPO markets than in non-IPO markets (where short-selling restrictions are less stringent), again consistent with Miller's hypothesis.
Developing and Sustaining an Ultrasound‐Guided Peripheral Intravenous Access Program for Emergency Nurses

Ultrasonography use in the emergency department (ED) has been well established. The use of ultrasonography that falls into the traditional practice of the emergency nurse is peripheral intravenous (IV) access. Benefits of using ultrasonography for peripheral IV access include decreasing patient throughput, cost reduction, decreasing complications, increased patient and emergency medicine physician satisfaction, and emergency nurse autonomy. Review of the literature demonstrates no discernable differences in ability and efficacy with ultrasound (US)-guided peripheral IV access when comparing data from studies about emergency medicine physicians, certified registered nurses anesthetists, emergency department technicians, physician assistants, and emergency registered nurses. In 2006, Duke University Hospital Emergency Department started a US-Guided Peripheral IV Access program for emergency nurses. Similar patient populations have been observed and the same types of complications have been encountered as described in the literature. Future goals include perfecting nurses' vein selection, and to study skill mastery with US-guided peripheral IV access.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through into Import Prices: A Macro or Micro Phenomenon?

Exchange rate regime optimality, as well as monetary policy effectiveness, depends on the tightness of the link between exchange rate movements and import prices. Recent debates hinge on whether producer-currency-pricing (PCP) or local currency pricing (LCP) of imports is more prevalent, and on whether exchange rate pass-through rates are endogenous to a country's macroeconomic conditions. We provide cross-country and time series evidence on both of these issues for the imports of twenty-five OECD countries. Across the OECD and especially within manufacturing industries, there is compelling evidence of partial pass-through in the short-run- rejecting both PCP and LCP. Over the long run, PCP is more prevalent for many types of imported goods. Higher inflation and exchange rate volatility are weakly associated with higher pass-through of exchange rates into import prices. However, for OECD countries, the most important determinants of changes in pass-through over time are microeconomic and relate to the industry composition of a country's import bundle.
Aurintricarboxylic acid inhibits complement activation, membrane attack complex, and choroidal neovascularization in a model of macular degeneration.

PURPOSE Immunocytochemical and genetic data implicate a significant role for the activation of complement in the pathology of AMD. Individuals homozygous for a Y402H polymorphism in Factor H have elevated levels of membrane attack complex (MAC) in their choroidal blood vessels and RPE relative to individuals homozygous for the wild-type allele. An R95X polymorphism in C9, a protein necessary for the final assembly of MAC, is partially protective against the formation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in AMD patients. Aurintricarboxylic Acid (ATA) is a small molecule inhibitor of MAC. Our hypothesis was that attenuation of the formation of MAC on ocular tissues by ATA may protect mice against laser-induced CNV. METHODS The ability of ATA to inhibit human complement-mediated cell lysis, inhibit formation of human MAC, and inhibit formation of tubes by endothelial cells was examined in vitro. Subsequently, the Bruch's membrane of adult mice was damaged using an argon laser, followed by intravitreal injection of ATA. One week later, choroidal flat mounts from these mice were stained for the presence of MAC, endothelial cells, and macrophages. RESULTS ATA protects cells from human complement-mediated lysis, attenuates assembly of the MAC, and inhibits tube formation by endothelial cells in vitro. ATA also attenuates CNV, MAC deposition, and macrophage infiltration in a murine model of exudative AMD. CONCLUSIONS ATA warrants further study as a potential drug for the treatment of exudative and nonexudative AMD.
Lack of genetic differentiation between monarch butterflies with divergent migration destinations

Monarch butterflies are best known for their spectacular annual migration from eastern North America to Mexico. Monarchs also occur in the North American states west of the Rocky Mountains, from where they fly shorter distances to the California Coast. Whether eastern and western North American monarchs form one genetic population or are genetically differentiated remains hotly debated, and resolution of this debate is essential to understand monarch migration patterns and to protect this iconic insect species. We studied the genetic structure of North American migratory monarch populations, as well as nonmigratory populations in Hawaii and New Zealand. Our results show that eastern and western migratory monarchs form one admixed population and that monarchs from Hawaii and New Zealand have genetically diverged from North American butterflies. These findings suggest that eastern and western monarch butterflies maintain their divergent migrations despite genetic mixing. The finding that eastern and western monarchs form one genetic population also suggests that the conservation of overwintering sites in Mexico is crucial for the protection of monarchs in both eastern and western North America.
To determine of the prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis, Candida sp, mixed infections (Bacterial Vaginosis + Candida sp), Trichomonas Vaginalis, Actinomyces sp in Turkish women from Ankara, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE To determine of the prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis, Candida sp, mixed infections (Bacterial Vaginosis + Candida sp), Trichomonas Vaginalis, Actinomyces sp in Ankara, Turkey and analyze whether there is seasonal variation in these infectious agents. METHODS A retrospective study on the results of 23298 cervical cytology examinations of patients which were performed in Fatih University Faculty of Medicine, Pathology Laboratory in Ankara, Turkey from January 2007 to July 2011. Patients were included in the study if a Pap smear was performed for any reason. RESULTS The prevalence of Bacterial Vaginosis, Candida sp, mixed infections (Bacterial Vaginosis + Candida sp), Trichomonas Vaginalis, Actinomyces sp was 7.76%, 2.81%, 0.32%, 0.13%, and 0.27%, respectively A seasonal variation was not observed in the prevalence of any of the infectious agents (p>0.05). CONCLUSION We conclude that cervical cytology is well suited for diagnosis of cervical infections. Bacterial vaginosis appears to be the predominant cause of vaginitis.
Activation of the human diaphragm from the motor cortex.

1. Rapidly conducting corticofugal pathways were activated by percutaneous electrical stimulation of the motor cortex in normal subjects. The electromyographic response produced in the diaphragm was assessed with recordings via a gastro‐oesophageal catheter and the mechanical response was measured as a change in transdiaphragmatic pressure. 2. The mean latency from the cortical stimulus to the muscle action potential in the diaphragm was 12.3 ms. The latency to the diaphragm from stimulation of the cervical spinal cord at the C4 level was 8.0 ms. The mean 'central conduction time' to the phrenic motor nucleus of 4.3 ms (range 4.0‐4.6 ms) was similar to that for the deltoid (mean 4.4 ms; range 4.0‐4.8 ms) recorded in the same subjects. 3. The largest twitch contractions of the diaphragm were evoked by cortical stimuli near the vertex during inspiration. The amplitude and duration of the electromyographic and mechanical responses often exceeded those produced by a supramaximal stimulus to both phrenic nerves simultaneously. 4. These results provide the first direct evidence that there is a rapidly conducting oligosynaptic pathway from the motor cortex to the human diaphragm.
The Football Players' Labor Market: Empirical Evidence from the Major European Leagues

The growing economic importance of professional football and the recent fundamental changes in the regulatory regime governing the football players' labor market together with the availability of detailed information on player salaries, transfer fees and contract lengths have convinced an increasing number of economists from all over Europe to devote their attention to the operation of that particular market. The following paper reviews the available evidence on the various dimensions of that market (remuneration, transfers, contracts and mobility) and points out some promising directions for further research.
Production linkages, technological intensities and economic performance: small and medium enterprises in Malaysian manufacturing

This paper examines the impact of proximate domestic sourcing on productivity, exports and technological upgrading in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in electric-electronics, textiles-garments, automotives and wood products industries in Malaysia. The results show that the intensity of backward subcontracting in the domestic economy was important in domestic and export intra-industry purchases. The significant technological variables were that less-integrated firms showed higher intensities than more-integrated firms. Econometric results show that technological intensity is positively correlated with productivity and export-orientation; this infers that technology matters in economic performance. The Probit estimations confirm that domestic supplies matter in labour productivity and export-intensities, but not in technological intensities. Low export-intensities need not discourage technological upgrading if inward-oriented firms operate as subcontractors supplying exporters. Governments should be encouraged to examine the nexus between suppliers, buyers and economic performance to stimulate national inter-firm production synergies to increase competitiveness by domestic firms.
Effect of Strength Training and Short-term Detraining on Muscle Mass in Women Aged Over 50 Years Old

Background: The loss of muscle mass is associated with aging. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of resistance training and detraining on muscle mass in elderly women. Methods: Twenty post-menopausal women aged ≥50 years old were enrolled. Matching for age, they were randomly assigned into control and resistance training group (RT). The intervention consisted of three sets of 10 repetitions for 10 movements with Thera-Band tubing (based on 80-100% 10-RM), three times a week, for 12 weeks and thereafter, four weeks detraining. Skinfold thickness was determined by caliper. Percentage of body fat was estimated from skinfold thickness (triceps and subscapular) by McArdle method. Fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) were calculated. Range of motion for trunk flexion and extension was determined. Results: During 12 weeks of intervention, significant increases were observed in 1-RM of biceps curl, FFM, trunk flexion and extension and significant decreases during four weeks detraining in RT group. The RT group demonstrated significant decreases during resistance training and increases during detraining in skinfold thickness. FFM, trunk flexion, and extension decreased and skinfold thickness, %FM, and weight of body fat increased in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Resistance training with Thera-Band enhanced strength and muscle endurance in elderly women and a 4-week detraining period had an adverse effect on muscle power. This suggests that a strength training program is an effective intervention to prevent functional reductions, and can contribute to improve neuromuscular function in older adults.
The Government as Venture Capitalist

Government programs that finance small firms have attracted little empirical attention. This article examines the largest U.S. initiative, the Small Business Innovation Research program. Using a unique database, this article shows that SBIR awardees grew significantly faster than matched firms over a decade and were more likely to attract venture financing. The superior performance of awardees was confined to firms in regions with substantial venture capital activity and was particularly pronounced in high-technology industries. Multiple awards did not increase performance. These results suggest that awards played out an important role in certifying firm quality, but also that distortions of the award process do occur.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AMONG EUROPEAN CITIZENS

ABSTRACT Social capital has been recognized as one of the most influential concepts in social and political sciences. It is assumed that it has significant influence on several issues such as health status, educational achievement and environmental attitudes. In the present article we attempt to investigate the influence of social capital on the tendency of European citizens to contribute money for the environment using data from EVS 1999/2000. Firstly, an estimation of individual social capital is calculated for European citizens with the use of Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Secondly, the relation between individual social capital and willingness to pay (WTP) is examined. Thirdly, further evidence is provided by introducing in the analysis the influence of other factors such as income, age, gender and educational level. In addition, the influence of contextual factors on WTP is explored. Through the results of the study it is observed that most European citizens are willing to pay for the environment and their decision is influenced significantly from elements of social capital. Furthermore, on a contextual level only some of the factors investigated explain the tendency to contribute money for the environment.
The income effect and supplier induced demand. Evidence from primary physician services in Norway

A much debated issue within the health economic literature is whether physicians can induce demand for their services. The relationship between physicians' ‘nonpractice income’ and supply of primary physician services in Norway is examined. It is argued that, if inducement exists, physicians with a low nonpractice income who work in municipalities where competition for patients is high, compensate for lack of patients by inducing demand. This model is adapted to the institutional setting of the Norwegian primary physician services, where there is a fixed fee schedule. The analyses were performed on a large set of data, encompassing all primary care physicians in Norway who are remunerated per item of treatment. Data on output in practice were merged with information about nonpractice income from the tax forms of the physician and her/his spouse. In municipalities with high physician density, nonpractice income had no effect on the number of consultations per physician, or on the number of treatment items per consultation. The results are interpreted as evidence against the inducement hypothesis.
Influences on Tourism Development Decision Making: Coastal Local Government Areas in Eastern Australia

With sustainable development and specifically sustainable tourism, decision making is perhaps the area where the impact on the future of communities is most crucial. Understanding better the decision-making process, provides possibly the most important potential tool in the sustainable management of tourism development. This paper examines the influence factors on tourism decision making and sheds some light on how important various influences are in the tourism development decision process. A typology of community decision-making influence factors was examined through research on local government councillors in Australian coastal regions. Three major categories of this typology were identified in the literature and further explored in this study: inter-personal, intra-personal and circumstantial influence. Results from this study show that a number of influence factors which relate to sustainable tourism are considered by councillors to have a more profound effect on their decision making than only the components of social influence theory which has been discussed in much of the literature. Utilising this typology of community decision-making influence factors may form the foundation for further studies of decision making. The results suggest that influence factors on decision makers need to be both understood and taken into consideration for sustainable tourism approaches to be effectively implemented.