Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
KCa1.1 Potassium Channels Regulate Key Proinflammatory and Invasive Properties of Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis*

Background: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes participate in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Results: KCa1.1 is the major potassium channel on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and blocking KCa1.1 channels perturbs the function of these cells. Conclusion: KCa1.1 channels play important regulatory roles in the function of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Significance: KCa1.1 channel are potential new therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Potassium channels have regulatory roles in many cell functions. We have identified the calcium- and voltage-gated KCa1.1 channel (BK, Maxi-K, Slo1, KCNMA1) as the major potassium channel expressed at the plasma membrane of FLS isolated from patients with RA (RA-FLS). We further show that blocking this channel perturbs the calcium homeostasis of the cells and inhibits the proliferation, production of VEGF, IL-8, and pro-MMP-2, and migration and invasion of RA-FLS. Our findings indicate a regulatory role of KCa1.1 channels in RA-FLS function and suggest this channel as a potential target for the treatment of RA.
How Do Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Abilities Influence Stock Market Participation?

[enter Abstract Body]We study how cognitive and non-cognitive abilities influence stock market participation and what distinguishes investors from non-investors. Combining five datasets enables to observe the effect of mental abilities in the finest detail. We find that economic activity and occupation as well as religion and other characteristics influence stock market participation. More intelligent investors have a higher probability to participate in the stock market but the effect is clearly smaller for women than for men. We conclude that stock market investors tend to be more ambitious, prone to risk and also more intelligent, but less restricted in their nature.
Compiling Global Name-Space Parallel Loops for Distributed Execution

Compiler support required to allow programmers to express their algorithms using a global name-space is discussed. A general method for the analysis of a high-level source program and its translation into a set of independently executing tasks that communicate using messages is presented. It is shown that if the compiler has enough information, the translation can be carried out at compile time; otherwise; run-time code is generated to implement the required data movement. The analysis required in both situations is described, and the performance of the generated code on the Intel iPSC/2 hypercube is presented. >
Sequence analysis of the HBV S protein in Chinese patients with coexisting HBsAg and anti‐HBs antibodies

The coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg (anti‐HBs) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been discovered and explained for several decades, but debate still exists. This study was to explore the relationship between this special serological pattern and mutations in S gene region. Fifteen patients with coexisting HBsAg and anti‐HBs were selected as the experimental group, and 27 patients with HBsAg positive only were selected as the control group. The S gene region was amplified and sequenced. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to age, gender, alanine aminotransferase level, HBsAg titer, genotype, and HBV DNA level. The patients from the two groups were infected with HBV of the genotype B and C. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a higher variability in amino acid within the N‐terminal region and the MHR, especially the “a” determinant. The most frequent change in patients from the experimental group was located at positions s126. The coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs might be associated with the increased amino acid mutations in the “a” determinant. Further studies should be performed to determine the clinical implication of this serological pattern, including the binding of anti‐HBs to HBsAg, escape from immune system, and efficacy of antiviral therapy. J. Med. Virol. 87:2067–2073, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The new beta-lactamases.

The β-lactamases are the major bacterial defense of gram-negative bacteria against β-lactam antibiotics. This review details the many types of β-lactamases, explains how they can be detected, and summarizes information on the genetics of this form of resistance. The authors also suggest strategies for clinical management and prevention of this difficult type of antibiotic resistance.
Minimum Dividend Payout Obligation Special Feature: The Brazilian Case

On their profits, companies must decide whether to distribute to its shareholders or invest in profitable projects that enhance future results. However, some countries require a minimum payment of dividends. In this context, we exploit a feature in Brazilian regulation that requires firms to pay a minimal dividend (depending on the firm’s bylaws and yearly income) to study the factors influencing firms to pay above minimum rates and its consequences. Due to this fact we consider their desire to pay occurs only when they pay an amount higher than this minimum, otherwise it is their law or contractual obligation fulfillment. To this end, we analyzed a sample of 1531 dividend distributions from 2007 to 2013. It was found that the variables size of company, ownership concentration and dividends of the previous year influenced companies listed on the Brazilian stock exchange to pay higher remuneration rates than their obligatory minimums. This study contributes to understanding of the subject of dividends by focusing on the “extra” portion, meaning real decision to pay dividends. No legal and bylaws deep interpretation may bring us a misunderstanding of financial decisions. Then, based on information obtained in this research, investors will allocate their capital more consciously, reducing risks and increasing profitability, with respect to payment of dividends.
Respiratory resistance and transcutaneous P  o 2 during histamine provocation in children with bronchial asthma

Bronchial reactivity was assessed in 66 children with bronchial asthma (aged 8–15 years) by provocation with histamine‐HCl during a symptom‐free period. A significant bronchial reaction to histamine was defined as a 50% increase in the resistance of the respiratory system (Rrs) determined by the forced oscillation technique. The provocative dose causing a 50% increase in the Rrs (PD50Rrs) was interpolated from the log dose‐response curve. The mean PD50Rrs was significantly lower in children with asthma (0.22 mg/mL) compared with a group of healthy children in the same age range (1.55 mg/mL) (P < 0.001). In children with clinically severe asthma, the mean PD50Rrs was lower (0.13 mg/ml) than in children with mild asthma (0.34 mg/mL) (P < 0.001). Transcutaneous Po2 (Ptco2) was monitored in 25 of the children with asthma. In this group the proportion of mild and severe asthma, the baseline lung function variables, and the PD50Rrs were not significantly different from those of the whole group of children. During the reaction, the Ptco2 fell on average by 29% of the baseline value (P < 0.001); in 88% of the children, the fall in Ptco2 was 20% or more of the baseline value. We conclude that histamine provocation tests using the forced oscillation technique and transcutaneous Po2 to assess a bronchial reaction have a good discriminatory capacity for different degrees of clinical severity of asthma in children. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne.

BACKGROUND Hirsutism is the presence of excessive hair growth in women and is an important cosmetic condition often resulting in severe distress. Hirsutism is most often caused by increased production of male sex hormones also known as androgens. It is also affected by increased sensitivity to androgens in the hair follicles, and the secretory glands around the hair follicles, called sebaceous glands. Spironolactone is an antiandrogen and aldosterone antagonist used to treat hirsutism. Since 1978, many studies have been conducted to determine its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES The objective of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of spironolactone and/or in combination with steroids (oral contraceptive pill included) in reducing excess hair growth and/or acne in women. SEARCH STRATEGY All publications of randomised controlled trials of spironolactone versus placebo and/or in combination with steroids (oral contraceptive pill included) were identified. Search strategy was developed by the Menstrual Disorder Group. All accessable electronic databases were searched. In addition, all reference lists of relevant trials were searched and drug companies contacted for details of unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled comparisons of spironolactone versus: placebo steroids (oral contraceptive pill included)) spironolactone of varying dosages or spironolactone and steroids versus steroids alone when used to reduce hair growth and acne in women. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four trials were included in the review, seven trials were excluded. Two other trials are awaiting assessment. All included trials were small (no more than 31 participants) randomised and controlled. Only one trial studied acne as an outcome, the remaining three were concerned with hirsutism. One trial investigated spironolactone versus placebo; one trial was a dosage studies of spironolactone; one trial compared spironolactone with spironolactone in combination with dexamethasone; the remaining trial used topical spironolactone for the treatment of acne. Major outcome measures include the following: - subjective observations - Ferriman and Gallwey hair scores - hormonal and biochemical parameters - side effects - sebum production measurement MAIN RESULTS All sample populations were small and confidence intervals were wide. There was no significant difference between treatments for any of the observed outcomes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of treatment for either acne vulgaris or hirsutism cannot be determined due to the small sample populations involved in the trials. Its value in clinical practice is difficult to assess from currently available research.
Effects of hydrogen peroxide on action potentials and intracellular Ca2+ concentration of guinea pig heart.

Oxygen free radicals and Ca2+ overload have been implicated in the genesis of reperfusion induced arrhythmia and injury. Effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on action potentials and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were studied using guinea pig papillary muscles and ventricular myocytes. High concentration of H2O2 (10 mmol.litre-1) caused delayed afterdepolarisations in all six papillary muscles, and induced triggered activity in 3/6 preparations. Pretreatment with ryanodine (1 mumol.litre-1) abolished delayed afterdepolarisations and triggered activity induced by H2O2. [Ca2+]i and morphological changes in isolated ventricular myocytes of guinea pig were measured using fura-2. Quiescent and rod shaped myocytes became shortened and rounded (contracture) after the application of 0.1 and 1 mmol.litre-1 H2O2. [Ca2+]i increased from the control values of 53 (SEM 4) and 62(8) nmol.litre-1 to 110(29) and 105(24) nmol.litre-1 (p less than 0.05 v control) when cells were shortened during perfusion with 0.1 and 1 mmol.litre-1 H2O2, respectively. The values were 130(26) nmol.litre-1 (p less than 0.05 v control) and 100(18) nmol.litre-1 (p less than 0.05 v control) when the cells became rounded during perfusion with 0.1 and 1 mmol.litre-1 H2O2. We suggest that the arrhythmia caused by Ca2+ overload was induced by H2O2, possibly by lipid peroxidation of cell membrane. H2O2 was also shown to shorten cells and cause cell contracture (rounding). The mechanism of cell injury is not likely to be due to the Ca2+ overload, since the increase in [Ca2+]i during perfusion with H2O2 was not large.
The Impact of Electronic Banking on Customers ’ Satisfaction in Ethiopian Banking Industry (The Case of Customers of Dashen and Wogagen Banks in Gondar City)

This study presents what impact electronic banking has on customer satisfaction in comparing with traditional brick and mortar banking service, its relationship with that of age, occupation and education, its impact on branch visits, the level of customer understanding about e-banking and the opportunities and challenges of e-banking. The paper tried to see all the above among 402 properly filled and returned questionnaires of e-banking customers and interview with four branches of the two commercial banks which have started e-banking service in Gondar city when this study was conducted. The study used tables, percentages, chi-square independency test to see the relationship between demographic characteristics and e-banking, independency t-test to see the visits of branches before and after e-banking by customers is significant or not and regression analysis test has been conducted to explain the variables which determine customers’ satisfaction in e-banking. The results of the study implied t that majority of users of e-banking are the young, the educated, salaried and students, business men and women are not actively using the service of e-banking and there is also a relationship between e-banking and demographic characteristics, e-banking currently provided for saving and current accounts holders only, e-banking has improved customer satisfaction, reduced frequency of bank hall for banking service, reduced waiting time for customers, there are customers who don’t know the fee charged for being e-banking users, the bank customers’ satisfaction increased after being e-banking users, enabled customers to control their account movements and there is high opportunity to expand e-banking service in the city.
Acute orbital abscess complicating deep posterior subtenon triamcinolone injection

A 54-year-old diabetic female presented with orbital abscess and corneal infiltrate 3 days after deep posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection in her right eye. This was administered immediately after focal laser photocoagulation for diabetic macular edema. The orbital abscess and corneal infiltrate responded to systemic and topical antibiotics.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Deficiency Increases Disease and Mortality after Mouse Hepatitis Virus Type 1 Infection of Susceptible C3H Mice

ABSTRACT Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is characterized by substantial acute pulmonary inflammation with a high mortality rate. Despite the identification of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) as the etiologic agent of SARS, a thorough understanding of the underlying disease pathogenesis has been hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model that recapitulates the human disease. Intranasal (i.n.) infection of A/J mice with the CoV mouse hepatitis virus strain 1 (MHV-1) induces an acute respiratory disease with a high lethality rate that shares several pathological similarities with SARS-CoV infection in humans. In this study, we examined virus replication and the character of pulmonary inflammation induced by MHV-1 infection in susceptible (A/J, C3H/HeJ, and BALB/c) and resistant (C57BL/6) strains of mice. Virus replication and distribution did not correlate with the relative susceptibilities of A/J, BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, and C57BL/6 mice. In order to further define the role of the host genetic background in influencing susceptibility to MHV-1-induced disease, we examined 14 different inbred mouse strains. BALB.B and BALB/c mice exhibited MHV-1-induced weight loss, whereas all other strains of H-2b and H-2d mice did not show any signs of disease following MHV-1 infection. H-2k mice demonstrated moderate susceptibility, with C3H/HeJ mice exhibiting the most severe disease. C3H/HeJ mice harbor a natural mutation in the gene that encodes Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) that disrupts TLR4 signaling. C3H/HeJ mice exhibit enhanced morbidity and mortality following i.n. MHV-1 infection compared to wild-type C3H/HeN mice. Our results indicate that TLR4 plays an important role in respiratory CoV pathogenesis.
A survey of the ixodid ticks parasitising cattle in the Eastern Province of Zambia

The results of tick surveys carried out in the Eastern province of Zambia between December 1982 and February 1996 were principally in agreement with the findings of earlier surveys conducted during the period 1965–72. Boophilus decoloratus has almost been replaced by Boophilus microplus. Hyalomma truncatum was found in small numbers throughout the province and Hyalomma marginatum rufipes was only rarely encountered in collections made from cattle. Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi was largely confined to the southern part of the plateau and the valleys of the Zambezi tributaries. The main difference between the present survey and the previous one concerns the status of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. This species is currently expanding its range in a westward direction, whereas it was virtually absent from the southern part of the province during the period 1965–72. The majority of specimens collected are morphologically intermediate between R. appendiculatus and the closely allied Rhipicephalus zambeziensis. The available evidence indicates that R. zambeziensis (sensu stricto) is absent from the province. The phenology of R. appendiculatus is aberrant in the province: at lower altitudes a second generation of adult ticks is recorded on the hosts at the start of the dry season.
Medical sociology: modelling well-being for elderly people in Jamaica.

OBJECTIVE Advances in nutrition, sanitation, water supply, technology and drugs have managed to add years to life. However, with the continuing increase in the non-communicable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that disabilities have eroded nine years from the healthy quality of life of Jamaicans. The current study aims to provide factors that will explain how to attain 'good' health. METHOD The research design for this study is an explanatory one. This research utilizes cross-sectional data taken from the Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC) 2002 in order to identify and explain some of the determinants of well-being among the Jamaican elderly. Information collected used self-administered questionnaire. Multivariate regression was used to establish the well-being model. The surveyedpopulation was 3009 respondents ages 60 years and older, with 52.7% females (n=1423) and 47.3% males (n=1423). The average age of the surveyed population was 71 years 10 months +/- 8 years six months. RESULT Of the 14 predisposed variables that were used to test the general hypothesis, 11 were found to be statistically significant. From the selected variables of this study, the six most important factors that impact on the well-being of the Jamaican elderly in descending order are as follows: social support (beta = 0.486), average occupancy per room (beta = -0.428), area of residence--living in Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMA) with reference to rural areas (beta = 0.179) or dwelling in other towns with reference to rural area (beta = 0.157), education (beta = 0.155) followed by the physical environment (beta = -0.138) and age of respondents (beta = -0.129). CONCLUSION The predisposed variables used in this study explain 45.9% of the variance in quality of life. The variable that has the most influential impact on well-being is social support. The general wellbeing of the Jamaican elderly is low (mean of 3.9/14 +/- 2.3). The model provides a basis upon which we can address patient care and 'good' health.
Preparation and characterization of carbon nanotube@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles

CNTs@SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized via tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) hydrolyzing and condensing on the CNTs' surface. The effect of reaction parameters, including temperature, time, ratio of the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)/ CNTs, and TEOS/CNTs on the structure of nanoparticles was investigated. Results showed that the optimized temperature, time, ratio of CTAB/CNTs were 30°C, 24 hours, and 1:2, respectively. The controlled thickness of SiO2 shell, ranging from 0 to 35 nm, can be obtained by controlling the ratio of TEOS/CNTs in the range of 0.1 mL/ to 1.0 mL / 0.1 g. The CNTs@SiO2 nanoparticles are promising candidate as the fillers for electronic packaging application.
Payback of Mining Activities Within Entropia Universe

In subscription-based virtual worlds the fee a user pays for participation is clear. However, in worlds in which the provider's revenue is generated via transactions made by users using a real in-world currency, lack of transparency in the underlying mechanisms can make it difficult for a user to gauge the service fee being paid. This paper studies the payback of mining activities within the virtual world Entropia Universe, with an aim to determine the cost of participation in this activity for the user. Entropia Universe developer MindArk estimates the normal service fee for an active user averages at $1 per hour. We compare our findings to this figure and observe how transactions between players can affect a user's returns. A statistical approach is employed, based on a large number of data points acquired by two Entropia Universe avatars. A theoretical mining-returns model is also created, consistent with our data sets, and is used to make predictions about general cost and profitability for Entropia Universe miners. These methods could be used to analyse the economy of other activities in Entropia Universe, and possibly activities other virtual worlds.
Surgery for ganglia of the flexor tendon sheath

There are very few reports in the literature on the results of surgery for ganglia of the flexor tendon sheaths of the digits. We reviewed 24 patients operated for flexor tendon sheath ganglia 8 (3–11) years previously. Two operations were for recurrences and one of these recurred again. There was one permanent digital nerve injury and one patient complained of cold sensibility. VAS (0=best; 100=worst) for mean general complaints from the hand was remembered as 51 before surgery and was 5 at review. Mean pain at review was reported as VAS 4 and general satisfaction with the operation as VAS 3. All stated that they would have consented to surgery if they had known the outcome in advance. We conclude that the results of surgery are good, although complications do occur.
Molecular cloning and three‐dimensional structure prediction of a novel α‐tubulin in Caenorhabditis elegans

This paper reports on the isolation of a cDNA clone (tba‐6) encoded by a novel a‐tubulin gene in the nematode C. elegans. The tba‐6 gene is located on chromosome I, that encode a protein of 460 amino acids, as well as the expression of the gene during the development. Here we discuss the structure of the coding region and the regulatory sequences in the promoter region. The comparison of the amino acid sequence of TBA6 with other α‐tubulin isotypes of C. elegans, suggests that these proteins are highly conserved in most of the N‐terminal and intermediate sequence, but they have highly divergent C‐terminal sequences. TBA6 has also high homology with other α‐tubulin families (e.g. human, mouse, Drosophila melangaster). The in situ experiment results suggest that the tba‐6α‐tubulin gene is required during the entire embryonic development, therefore it is required during the early cell division stages. Further, we determined the 3D structure of C. elegans TBA6 α‐tubulin by altering (computationally) the crystal structure of the α‐tubulin (TBA_pig) from porcine α‐β tubulin dimer. We discuss structural conservation and changes in the pattern of interactions between secondary structure elements of TBA_pig and TBA6, respectively.