Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pituicyte modulation of neurohormone output

Pituicytes have long been suspected to play a role in the regulation of neurohypophysial hormone output. This role has been mainly ascribed to morphological changes in these cells and subsequent modifications of their tight structural relationships with surrounding nerve terminals and capillaries. These entirely reversible changes are brought about by physiological states such as parturition, lactation, or dehydration, and it was inferred that they should facilitate neurohormone output, based on concerted analyses of in vitro, in situ, and ex vivo experiments. Pituicyte stellation, the in vitro counterpart of these morphological changes, can be induced by β‐adrenergic or A1‐adenosine receptor activation, and appears to result from inhibition of the small GTPase RhoA. Actin depolymerization is the key event allowing stellation. Vasopressin and oxytocin reverse stellation and return pituicytes to their basal shape by activating Cdc42, another small GTPase that reorganizes the actin cytoskeleton in a cortical position. Adenosine and neurohormones also have opposite actions on the efflux of taurine, a local messenger that is released by pituicytes in hypotonic conditions and accordingly inhibits vasopressin output from axon terminals. As adenosine is likely generated from endogenous ATP co‐released with neurohormones and broken down by local ectoATPases, these data suggest a subtle balance between a positive and a negative feedback on vasopressin output operated, respectively, by adenosine and vasopressin to maintain hydromineral homeostasis. A theoretical scenario is presented to account for the putative sequence of pituicyte‐related events following disturbance of the hydromineral system. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computed Tomography Scan to Detect Traumatic Arthrotomies and Identify Periarticular Wounds Not Requiring Surgical Intervention: An Improvement Over the Saline Load Test

Objective: To report our experience with computed tomography (CT) scans to detect traumatic arthrotomies of the knee (TAK) joint based on the presence of intra-articular air. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients: Sixty-two consecutive patients (63 knees) underwent a CT scan of the knee in the emergency department and had a minimum of 14 days follow-up. Cohort of 37 patients (37 knees) from the original 62 patients who underwent a saline load test (SLT). Intervention: CT scan and SLT. Main Outcome Measurements: Positive traumatic arthrotomy of the knee (+TAK) was defined as operating room (OR) confirmation of an arthrotomy or no intra-articular air on CT scan (−iaCT) (and −SLT if performed) with follow-up revealing a septic knee. Periarticular wound equivalent to no traumatic arthrotomy (pw = (−TAK)) was defined as OR evaluation revealing no arthrotomy or −iaCT (and −SLT if performed) with follow-up revealing no septic knee. Results: All 32 knees with intra-articular air on CT scan (+iaCT) had OR confirmation of a TAK and none of these patients had a knee infection at a mean follow-up of 140.0 ± 279.6 days. None of the 31 patients with −iaCT had a knee infection at a mean follow-up of 291.0 ± 548.1 days. Based on these results, the sensitivity and specificity of the CT scan to detect +TAK and pw = (−TAK) was 100%. In a subgroup of 37 patients that received both a CT scan and the conventional SLT, the sensitivity and specificity of the CT scan was 100% compared with 92% for the SLT (P < 0.001). Conclusion: CT scan performs better than the conventional SLT to detect traumatic knee arthrotomies and identify periarticular knee wounds that do not require surgical intervention and should be considered a valid diagnostic test in the appropriate clinical setting. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The location choice of US foreign direct investment: how do institutions matter?

We look at the institutional determinants of both within- and across-country variations in US foreign direct investment (FDI) flows over time. The strength of our approach is that in contrast to the previous work that has focused on average FDI flows across countries, we are able to explain both the variations in FDI flows across and within countries for a given year. Our core hypothesis is that in countries with high quality of contract enforcement, multinationals are more likely to invest in the industries, where by their very nature investments are relationship specific. Conversely, in countries with low quality of contract enforcement, multinationals are more likely to invest in industries where investments to a large degree are not relationship specific. Using-three dimensional panel data for US FDI flows to 50 countries and 6 sectors for the period 1984â€“2010, we find strong support for our hypothesis. Our findings suggest that countries that want to attract US FDI in sectors that are highly intensive in technology and institutions such as transportation and electronics should improve their property rights and contracting environment.
Earnings, Retained Earnings, and Book-to-Market in the Cross Section of Expected Returns

Abstract Book value of equity consists of two economically different components: retained earnings and contributed capital. We predict that book-to-market strategies work because the retained earnings component of the book value of equity includes the accumulation and, hence, the averaging of past earnings. Retained earnings-to-market predicts the cross section of average returns in U.S. and international data and subsumes book-to-market. Contributed capital-to-market has no predictive power. We show that retained earnings-to-market, and, by extension, book-to-market, predicts returns because it is a good proxy for underlying earnings yield (Ball, 1978; Berk, 1995) and not because book value represents intrinsic value.
Ethnic and sex differences in disease burden in patients undergoing coronary angiography: the confounding influence of obesity.

BACKGROUND Data from cohort studies, predominantly in Caucasians, have identified obesity as a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), irrespective of sex. In contrast, reports examining the effects of obesity on mortality in African Americans suggest a weak relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality, particularly among women. Data correlating body weight with angiographic severity of CAD is sparse in minority populations. We sought to investigate ethnic-sex differences in the influence of obesity on the extent and severity of CAD. METHODS We studied 640 patients (66.9% African American) who underwent coronary angiography at a tertiary care center. Cardiovascular risk factor profiles and CAD burden, quantified by the Duke Myocardial Jeopardy scoring system, a validated prognostication tool, were compared across ethnic and sex groups. RESULTS Clustering of major cardiovascular risk factors, a higher prevalence of obesity classes II and III, and a statistically significant inverse correlation between BMI and Duke scores were observed among the cohort of African American women. General linear model analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed Duke score to be negatively associated with BMI and higher classes of obesity after adjustment for age and other cardiovascular risk factors in African American women but not in other subgroups. CONCLUSIONS The observed inverse relationship between BMI and angiographic severity of CAD in African American women is novel and appears to support prior data on the weak association between BMI and cardiovascular mortality in this subgroup.
Intravenous fluid prescribing errors in children: Mixed methods analysis of critical incidents

Introduction Recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines aim to improve intravenous (IV) fluid prescribing for children, but existing evidence about how and why fluid prescribing errors occur is limited. Studying this can lead to more effective implementation, through education and systems design. Aims Identify types of IV fluid prescribing errors reported in practice Analyse factors that contribute to errors Provide guidance to educators and those responsible for designing systems Methods Mixed methods observational study which analysed critical incident reports relating to IV fluid prescribing errors in children aged 0–16, occurring between 2011 and 2015 in UK secondary care. We quantified characteristics and types of errors, then qualitatively analysed narrative descriptions, identifying underlying contributing factors. Results In the 40 incidents analysed, principal types of errors were incorrect rate of fluids, inappropriate choice of solution, and incorrect completion of prescription charts. Prescribers had to negotiate complex patients, interactions with other practitioners and teams, and challenging work environments; errors resulted from these inter-related contributing factors. Conclusions This study highlights the diverse range and complex nature of IV fluid prescribing errors reported in practice. While these findings have the inherent limitations of critical incident reports, they point to areas of potential improvement in education and systems design. Practising prescribing in context, inducting doctors within the many specialties who contribute to care of children, and educating them in joint working with nurses and pharmacists could help reduce errors.
Dynamic Economic Dispatch Considering Transmission Losses Using Quadratically Constrained Quadratic Program Method

In response to the challenges brought on by the energy conservation based generation dispatch (ECGD) in China, a dynamic economic dispatch model that considers transmission losses (DED-TL) and a new solution framework are proposed to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of generation scheduling. Transmission losses are presented explicitly in the model so that the total energy consumption, consisting of both the generators' operation costs and also the transmission losses, can be well considered. The model is formulated as a quadratically constrained quadratic program (QCQP) problem that can be solved by commercial solvers. A penalty-based algorithm is proposed to address the virtual transmission loss problem brought on by negative nodal marginal costs. Three cases-a 6-bus system, the IEEE 30-bus system, and a 2746-bus system based on the electric energy system of Poland-are employed in numerical experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the better scheduling results in higher accuracy, and that good computational efficiency can be acquired via the proposed method.
Barriers to and Facilitators of Physical Activity Program Use Among Older Adults

Objective Regular physical activity (PA) is important for maintaining long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional health. However, few older adults engage in routine PA, and even fewer take advantage of programs designed to enhance PA participation. Though most managed Medicare members have free access to the Silver Sneakers and EnhanceFitness PA programs, the vast majority of eligible seniors do not utilize these programs. The goal of this qualitative study was to better understand the barriers to and facilitators of PA and participation in PA programs among older adults. Design This was a qualitative study using focus group interviews. Setting Focus groups took place at three Group Health clinics in King County, Washington. Participants Fifty-two randomly selected Group Health Medicare members between the ages of 66 to 78 participated. Methods We conducted four focus groups with 13 participants each. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach and a social-ecological framework. Results Men and women were nearly equally represented among the participants, and the sample was largely white (77%), well-educated (69% college graduates), and relatively physically active. Prominent barriers to PA and PA program participation were physical limitations due to health conditions or aging, lack of professional guidance, and inadequate distribution of information on available and appropriate PA options and programs. Facilitators included the motivation to maintain physical and mental health and access to affordable, convenient, and stimulating PA options. Conclusion Older adult populations may benefit from greater support and information from their providers and health care systems on how to safely and successfully improve or maintain PA levels through later adulthood. Efforts among health care systems to boost PA among older adults may need to consider patient-centered adjustments to current PA programs, as well as alternative methods for promoting overall active lifestyle choices.
Three Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Affects Dihydrotestosterone to Testosterone Ratio in College-Aged Rugby Players

Objective:This study investigated resting concentrations of selected androgens after 3 weeks of creatine supplementation in male rugby players. It was hypothesized that the ratio of dihydrotestosterone (DHT, a biologically more active androgen) to testosterone (T) would change with creatine supplementation. Design:Double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study with a 6-week washout period. Setting:Rugby Institute in South Africa. Participants:College-aged rugby players (n = 20) volunteered for the study, which took place during the competitive season. Interventions:Subjects loaded with creatine (25 g/day creatine with 25 g/day glucose) or placebo (50 g/day glucose) for 7 days followed by 14 days of maintenance (5 g/day creatine with 25 g/day glucose or 30 g/day glucose placebo). Main Outcome Measures:Serum T and DHT were measured and ratio calculated at baseline and after 7 days and 21 days of creatine supplementation (or placebo). Body composition measurements were taken at each time point. Results:After 7 days of creatine loading, or a further 14 days of creatine maintenance dose, serum T levels did not change. However, levels of DHT increased by 56% after 7 days of creatine loading and remained 40% above baseline after 14 days maintenance (P < 0.001). The ratio of DHT:T also increased by 36% after 7 days creatine supplementation and remained elevated by 22% after the maintenance dose (P < 0.01). Conclusions:Creatine supplementation may, in part, act through an increased rate of conversion of T to DHT. Further investigation is warranted as a result of the high frequency of individuals using creatine supplementation and the long-term safety of alterations in circulating androgen composition. Statement of Clinical Relevance:Although creatine is a widely used ergogenic aid, the mechanisms of action are incompletely understood, particularly in relation to dihydrotestosterone, and therefore the long-term clinical safety cannot be guaranteed.
Usefulness of cerebral NIRS in detecting the effects of pediatric sleep apnea

Children with sleep apnea have increased morbidity if the sleep apnea is untreated. Polysomnography (PSG) is used to detect sleep apnea, but in children, there are technical difficulties that make the diagnosis more difficult. Cerebral near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has the ability to detect tissue hypoxia by measuring regional oxygen saturation (rSO2). We hypothesized that when used as an adjunct to PSG testing, cerebral NIRS would better detect the effects of sleep apnea in children than arterial pulse oximetry (SpO2). Specifically, we aimed to show that the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) calculated with rSO2 from the NIRS would be greater than that calculated with SpO2.
Molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae over a 10 year period in Calgary, Canada.

OBJECTIVES A study was designed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated in a centralized region over a 10 year period (2000-09). METHODS Molecular characterization was done using isoelectric focusing, PCR and sequencing for bla(CTX-M), bla(TEM) and bla(SHV) genes and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants. Genetic relatedness was determined with PFGE using XbaI and multilocus sequencing typing. RESULTS A total of 89 patients with incident infections were identified; the majority presented with hospital-onset urinary tract infections. The absolute number of ESBL-producing isolates remained very low until 2003, increased slightly in 2004, remained stable until 2008 and then in 2009 there was an abrupt increase in the numbers of ESBL producers identified. The majority of K. pneumoniae produced CTX-M-14 and -15, and have replaced SHV-12-producing isolates since 2005. We identified four different major sequence types (STs) among 32% of isolates (i.e. ST17, ST20, and the new ST573 and ST575) and provided insight into their clinical and molecular characteristics. The ST isolates were more likely to produce community-onset infections, were associated with bla(CTX-M) and emerged during the latter part of the study period. ST17 produced CTX-M-15 and SHV-12, and was more likely to be positive for qnrB; ST20 produced CTX-M-14 and was positive for qnrS. The multiresistant ST575 that produced CTX-M-15 appeared in 2009. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the importance of molecular epidemiology in providing insight into the emergence, characteristics and distribution of STs among ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae.
Managing Risk Taking with Interest Rate Policy and Macroprudential Regulations

We develop a model in which a financial intermediary’s investment in risky assets—risk taking—is excessive due to limited liability and deposit insurance and characterize the policy tools that implement efficient risk taking. In the calibrated model, coordinating interest rate policy with state-contingent macroprudential regulations, either capital or leverage regulation, and a tax on profits achieves efficiency. Interest rate policy mitigates excessive risk taking by altering both the return and the supply of collateralizable safe assets. In contrast to commonly used capital regulation, leverage regulation has stronger effects on risk taking and calls for higher interest rates.
beta-Lactamases of Branhamella catarrhalis and their inhibition by clavulanic acid

Three of four clinical isolates of Branhamella catarrhalis from Belgium produced a beta-lactamase identical to enzymes previously reported to occur in French and British isolates of this organism. One strain, however, produced a new type of beta-lactamase. Both beta-lactamase types were readily inhibited by low concentrations of clavulanic acid.
The Aggregate and Country-Specific Effectiveness of ECB Policy: Evidence from an External Instruments (VAR) Approach

This paper studies the transmission of ECB monetary policy, both at the aggregate euro area and the country level. We estimate a VAR model for the euro area in which monetary policy shocks are identified using an external instrument that refl ects policy surprises. For that purpose we use the change in German bunds at meeting days of the Governing Council. The identified monetary policy shock is then put into country-specific local projections in order to derive country-specific impulse responses. We find that (i) the transmission is very heterogeneous, both across channels and across countries, (ii) policy is transmitted through spreads, yields and the exchange rate, but less through banks and the stock market, and (iii) the strength of the transmission depends on structural characteristics of member countries, among them are current account balanced, debt to GDP levels, and the strength of banking systems.
Work Function Engineering Within a Single Metal Gate Stack: Manipulating Terbium- and Aluminum-Induced Interface Dipoles of Opposing Polarity

In this paper, a systematic study on combining n-type and p-type interface dipoles for metal gate work function (Phim) engineering within the same gate stack was conducted. Ultrathin terbium (Tb) and aluminum (Al)-based interlayers (ILs) were utilized for n- and p-type dipole formation, respectively, to modulate the net interface dipole magnitude and polarity within a metal gate stack. By controlling the net interface dipole through Tb- and Al-based ILs, continuous TaN Phim tunability of ~ 0.7-0.8 eV (after either a 500degC or 950degC anneal) on SiO2 dielectric was attained. The reversal of net interface dipole polarity was demonstrated using both TaN/SiO2 and TaN/high-kappa gate stacks by varying IL metal species and anneal conditions. A convenient way in reversing a Tb-induced (n-type) dipole through Al-incorporation via the TaN metal gate using a ldquogate-firstrdquo process is also shown. The dominant dipole that results in the metal gate stack hinges critically on the reactions of Al and Tb with SiO2 (or underlying SiO2 for high-kappa stacks) for Al-O-(Si) and Tb-O-Si bond formation, respectively. This concept of manipulating interface dipoles of opposing polarity for metal gate Phim tunability could open up new avenues for achieving multiple Phim using a single metal gate and a simple integration scheme.
The Representation of Inflectional Morphology: Evidence from Broca's Aphasia

Dualistic models of inflection assume a qualitative distinction between affix-based regular forms and stored irregular forms, predicting that the two distinct mechanisms can be selectively affected in language disorders. We present data on German participle formation from 11 agrammatic Broca's aphasics which show that irregular participles can be selectively affected in agrammatism. Moreover, the distribution of errors reveals a frequency effect for irregular but not for regular participles. Both findings argue for a dualistic representation of inflection. Moreover, we want to propose a modification of dualistic models by suggesting that both regularity and irregularity are better conceived of as scalar.
Segmental nature of the porcine liver and its potential as a model for experimental partial hepatectomy

In‐depth knowledge of pig liver anatomy allows potential research into segmental liver resections and hepatic regeneration, as well as liver transplantation techniques. The segmental anatomy, however, remains largely unknown. This study aimed to delineate the segmental anatomy of the porcine liver in comparison with that of the human.