Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prolonged swimming exercise training induce hypophosphatemic osteopenia in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP).

Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) induce spontaneous osteoporosis. To elucidate the specific characteristics of bone metabolism, the SHRSP was compared with age matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. We investigated the effects of prolonged swimming exercise training on bone mineral density (BMD) and metabolism in the SHRSP. Seven-week-old male SHRSP and WKY were divided into three groups; the sedentary control WKY group (n = 6, WKY), the sedentary control SHRSP group (n = 6, SP) and the swimming exercise training SHRSP group (n = 6, SWIM) (in pool with 60 min./day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks). The femoral BMD, bone mineral content (BMC), strength, Ca and P contents (%) of SHRSP were approximately 17, 27, 25, 20 and 9%, respectively, lower than that of WKY (p < 0.001). Serum alkaline phosphatase (AlP) had not changed between both of SP and WKY, but tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TrAcP) of SP approximately 3-fold higher than that of WKY (p < 0.05). Both serum calcium (Ca) and intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) were similar between SP and WKY. However, serum phosphate (P) of SP was approximately 18% lower than that of WKY (N.S.). These results suggested that SHRSP induces osteopenia by the bone turnover of the promoted osteoclast activity with disturbed phosphate homeostasis. On the other hand, the femoral BMD and strength were approximately 7% and 20%, respectively, decreased in the SWIM (p < 0.001), and femoral bone Ca and P contents (%) were also approximately 11% and 14%, respectively, lower than that of SP (p < 0.001). There were no significant difference between SWIM and SP on serum Ca, but serum P of SWIM was significantly lower than that of SP (p < 0.05). These results suggested that the prolonged swimming exercise training in the SHRSP induces more cruelly hypophosphatemia, and leading to osteopenia eventually. We conclude that SHRSP induces osteopenia with disturbance of phosphate homeostasis, and the prolonged swimming exercise in the SHRSP might deteriorate hypophosphatemia and osteopenia.
Business, Housing and Credit Cycles

We use multivariate unobserved components models to estimate trend and cyclical components in GDP, credit volumes and house prices for the U.S. and the five largest European economies. With the exception of Germany, we find large and long cycles in credit and house prices, which are highly correlated with a medium-term component in GDP cycles. Differences across countries in the length and size of cycles appear to be related to the properties of national housing markets. The precision of pseudo real-time estimates of credit and house price cycles is roughly comparable to that of GDP cycles. JEL Classification: C32, E32, E44
Maribavir Inhibits Epstein-Barr Virus Transcription through the EBV Protein Kinase

ABSTRACT Maribavir (MBV) inhibits Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication and the enzymatic activity of the viral protein kinase BGLF4. MBV also inhibits expression of multiple EBV transcripts during EBV lytic infection. Here we demonstrate, with the use of a BGLF4 knockout virus, that effects of MBV on transcription take place primarily through inhibition of BGLF4. MBV inhibits viral genome copy numbers and infectivity to levels similar to and exceeding levels produced by BGLF4 knockout virus.
Phylogeography of the Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata; Atelidae, Primates) across Its Geographical Range by Means of Mitochondrial Genetic Analyses and New Insights about the Phylogeny of Alouatta

We analyzed 156 specimens of diverse howler monkey taxa (Alouatta; Atelidae, Primates) for different mitochondrial genes (5,567 base pairs), with special emphasis on A. palliata and related taxa. Our results showed no relevant differences among individuals of different putative taxa, A. p. palliata, A. p. aequatorialis, A. coibensis coibensis, and A. c. trabeata. We found no spatial differences in genetic structure of A. p. palliata throughout Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. A. p. mexicana (genetic distance: 1.6-2.1%) was the most differentiated taxon within A. palliata. Therefore, we postulate the existence of only 2 clearly defined subspecies within A. palliata (A. p. palliata and A. p. mexicana). A. palliata and A. pigra (traditionally considered a subspecies of A. palliata) are 2 clearly differentiated species as was demonstrated by Cortés-Ortiz and colleagues in 2003, with a temporal split between the 2 species around 3.6-3.7 million years ago (MYA). Our results with the Median Joining Network procedure showed that the ancestors of the cis-Andean Alouatta gave rise to the ancestors of the trans-Andean Alouatta around 6.0-6.9 MYA. As Cortés-Ortiz et al. showed, A. sara and A. macconnelli are differentiable species from A. seniculus, although the first 2 taxa were traditionally considered subspecies of A. seniculus. Our findings agree with the possibility that the ancestor of A. sara gave rise to the ancestor of A. pigra in northern South America. In turn, the ancestor of A. pigra originated the ancestor of A. palliata. Two of our results strongly support the hypothesis that the South American A. palliata (the putative A. p. aequatorialis) was the original population of this species; it has high genetic diversity and no evidence of population expansion. The Central America A. palliata is the derived population. It has low genetic diversity and there is clear evidence of population expansion. However, A. palliata and A. pigra probably migrated into Central America by 2 different routes: the Isthmus of Panama (A. palliata) and Caribbean island arch (A. pigra). Finally, the red howler monkeys from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean Sea were not A. macconnelli (= A. s. stramineus) as Groves maintained in his influential 2001 publication on primate taxonomy. This taxon is more related to A. s. seniculus, although it formed a monophyletic clade. Future molecular and karyotypic studies will show if the Trinidad red howler monkeys should be considered as an extension of the Venezuelan taxon, A. arctoidea, as a subspecies of A. seniculus(A. s. seniculus), or, in the case of extensive chromosomal rearrangements, even a new species.
Essays on the interaction between risk and market structure in electricity markets

This thesis proposes a new framework to jointly analyze electricity spot market and hedging decisions in an oligopolistic setup. Firstly, we find that, when exogenous, both quantity of electricity hedged by contract and vertical integration decrease the equilibrium spot price. Secondly, we use a hybrid approach and show that market structure can affect a generator’s decision to vertically integrate under uncertain demand. Thirdly, we consider uncertainty in costs and demand and show that concentration in the spot market, for a given hedge quantum, can increase forward prices and affect the slope of the forward curve. Our empirical results indicate that the model fits the New Zealand electricity market well. This evidence that market structure and hedging decisions are closely connected is further explored in a three period equilibrium model for the spot and forward markets, where hedging occurs prior to the submission of supply curves. Taking into account demand-side and supply-side uncertainties, we find that when hedging is endogenous, hedging quantities are affected by spot market parameters, but market power is itself mitigated in the conscious hedging choice of generators. We also show that forward markets can coexist with highly vertically integrated markets. The importance of our results is general. Our models can be used by policy makers to analyze investment and forward price implications of changes in the spot market structure. Our results also indicate that electricity generators, in equilibrium, face a trade-off between market power and hedging. Given that it is socially beneficial to manage risk, the equilibrium impact of their choices on welfare should not be considered in isolation by competition authorities.
Drug-eluting metallic stents in urology

Drugeluting metal stents (DESs) have been extensively used in coronary and vascular disease. This type of stents has been proven to provide significantly lower restenosis rates due to the reduction of neo-intimal hyperplasia in comparison to the traditionally used bare metal stents (BMSs). The latter stents have been evaluated for more than a decade in urological practice in an attempt to provide permanent relief of urethral or ureteral obstruction. Although the initial results were promising, long-term experience revealed significant complications, which are mainly attributed to stent-related hyperplastic reaction compromising stent patency. The favorable experience of vascular DESs led to the application of DESs in both the urethra and ureter of animal models. These experimental results demonstrated a reduction of hyperplastic reaction of DESs in comparison to BMSs. Nevertheless, clinical data are currently not available. Considering the fact that DESs are under continuous development, the use of DESs in urology holds promise for the future and seems to be an intriguing field.
The fractal dimension approach in posture: a comparison between Down and Prader–Willi syndrome patients

The suitability of new dynamic system analysis was investigated to compare postural control in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and Down syndrome (DS) patients. Time-domain, frequency-domain parameters and fractal dimension (FD) of centre of pressure (CoP) were computed in maintaining normal standing on a force platform in 20 DS and 13 PWS patients, compared to 26 obese (obese control group, OCG) and 20 healthy individuals (healthy control group, HCG). DS and PWS showed greater displacements along both directions and longer sway path (SP) parameter than HCG and OCG, with statistical differences between PWS and DS for anteroposterior displacement and SP. DS used higher frequency strategy when compared to PWS, OCG and HCG. Both DS and PWS were characterised by greater values of FD than OCG and HCG, with higher values in DS. The analyses in frequency domain and of the dynamic nature of CoP suggest that DS patients are characterised by a more complex and irregular signal than PWS patients.
Determinants of fiscal rules

ABSTRACT This article empirically assesses determinants of countries’ fiscal rules suggested by the political science, sociology and economics literature. We find several of these variables to be related to the stringency of fiscal rules, providing indirect evidence for the relevance of governments’ deficit bias. These determinants may also serve as instruments in models with (endogenous) fiscal rules as explanatory variable.
The incidence and severity of acute respiratory illness in families exposed to different levels of air pollution, New York metropolitan area, 1971-1972.

The incidence and severity of acute respiratory disease was studied in families in three New York communities with different ambient levels of SO2 and particulate air pollution. Upper, lower, and total respiratory disease rates in fathers, mothers, and school children tended to be higher in the communities with higher pollution levels. Similar higher rates, however, were not observed among preschool children. Regression analyses were used to adjust rates for socioeconomic status, parental smoking, chronic bronchitis in parents, and possible indoor pollution resulting from the use of a gas stove for cooking. After these adjustments the community differences were still significant (P less than .01), for schoolchildren. The indoor pollution related to gas stoves was a significant covariate among children. The effects of smoking were inconsistent. It was not possible to attribute the higher rates observed to any specific pollutant, since both SO2 and particulate matter levels were higher in the high pollution communities, nor was it possible to attribute the excesses to current levels of exposure or to a residual effect of previous higher exposure concentrations. The fact that young children did not follow the pattern suggests the latter. It was concluded, however, that current or previous exposures to the complexity of air pollutants in New York City was at least partially responsible for increased incidences of acute respiratory disease.
An Active Site Substitution, F87V, Converts Cytochrome P450 BM-3 into a Regio- and Stereoselective (14S,15R)-Arachidonic Acid Epoxygenase*

Cytochrome P450 BM-3 catalyzes the high turnover regio- and stereoselective metabolism of arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids. To map structural determinants of productive active site fatty acid binding, we mutated two amino acid residues, arginine 47 and phenylalanine 87, which flank the surface and heme ends of the enzyme's substrate access channel, respectively. Replacement of arginine 47 with glutamic acid resulted in a catalytically inactive mutant. Replacement of arginine 47 with alanine yielded a protein with reduced substrate binding affinity and arachidonate sp3 carbon hydroxylation activity (72% of control wild type). On the other hand, arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acid epoxidation was significantly enhanced (154 and 137%, of control wild type, respectively). As with wild type, the alanine 47 mutant generated (18R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic, (14S,15R)-epoxyeicosatrienoic, and (17S,18R)-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acids nearly enantiomerically pure. Replacement of phenylalanine 87 with valine converted cytochrome P450 BM-3 into a regio- and stereoselective arachidonic acid epoxygenase ((14S,15R)epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, 99% of total products). Conversely, metabolism of eicosapentaenoic acid by the valine 87 mutant yielded a mixture of (14S,15R)- and (17S,18R)-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acids (26 and 69% of total, 94 and 96% optical purity, respectively). Finally, replacement of phenylalanine 87 with tyrosine yielded an inactive protein. We propose that: (a) fatty acid oxidation by P450 BM-3 is incompatible with the presence of residues with negatively charged side chains at the surface opening of the substrate access channel or a polar aromatic side chain in the vicinity of the heme iron; (b) the high turnover regio- and stereoselective metabolism of arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids involves charge-dependent anchoring of the fatty acids at the mouth of the access channel by arginine 47, as well as steric gating of the heme-bound oxidant by phenylalanine 87; and (c) substrate binding coordinates, as opposed to oxygen chemistries, are the determining factors responsible for reaction rates, product chemistry, and, thus, catalytic outcome.
Roles of Genotypes of β2-Adrenergic Receptor in the Relationship Between Eosinophil Counts and Lung Function in Taiwanese Adolescents

To examine the roles of genetic polymorphism of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) in the relationship between eosinophil (EOS) counts and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) counts and lung function, we recruited a random sample from the 1996 nationwide survey of asthma prevalence in middle school children. A total of 149 subjects—42 asthmatic children, 38 asthmatics in remission (no reported attack for more than 12 months), and 69 nonasthmatics—completed a physical evaluation, pulmonary function test, and determination of EOS, ECP, and β2AR genotypes at amino acids 16 and 27. Asthmatic children had higher EOS and ECP than did nonasthmatics. No association was found between asthma and β2AR genotypes. Lung function was significantly and inversely correlated with EOS but not with ECP in asthmatic children. By genotype, an inverse correlation between lung function and EOS was found in asthmatic children with Arg16Arg or Gln27Glu. A nonsignificant but similar inverse correlation was found in asthmatic children with Arg16Gly or Gln27Gln. However, a nonsignificant but positive correlation was found in asthmatic children with Gly16Gly. In conclusion, we suggest that EOS is a better clinical indicator of airway inflammation than ECP when children are not having an asthma attack. The association between an increase of EOS and lower lung function can be differentiated by β2AR genotypes at amino acid 16.
Prion Aggregates Are Recruited to the Insoluble Protein Deposit (IPOD) via Myosin 2-Based Vesicular Transport

Aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Sequestration of misfolded and aggregated proteins into specialized deposition sites may reduce their potentially detrimental properties. Yeast exhibits a distinct deposition site for amyloid aggregates termed “Insoluble PrOtein Deposit (IPOD)”, but nothing is known about the mechanism of substrate recruitment to this site. The IPOD is located directly adjacent to the Phagophore Assembly Site (PAS) where the cell initiates autophagy and the Cytoplasm-to-Vacuole Targeting (CVT) pathway destined for delivery of precursor peptidases to the vacuole. Recruitment of CVT substrates to the PAS was proposed to occur via vesicular transport on Atg9 vesicles and requires an intact actin cytoskeleton and “SNAP (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein) Receptor Proteins (SNARE)” protein function. It is, however, unknown how this vesicular transport machinery is linked to the actin cytoskeleton. We demonstrate that recruitment of model amyloid PrD-GFP and the CVT substrate precursor-aminopeptidase 1 (preApe1) to the IPOD or PAS, respectively, is disturbed after genetic impairment of Myo2-based actin cable transport and SNARE protein function. Rather than accumulating at the respective deposition sites, both substrates reversibly accumulated often together in the same punctate structures. Components of the CVT vesicular transport machinery including Atg8 and Atg9 as well as Myo2 partially co-localized with the joint accumulations. Thus we propose a model where vesicles, loaded with preApe1 or PrD-GFP, are recruited to tropomyosin coated actin cables via the Myo2 motor protein for delivery to the PAS and IPOD, respectively. We discuss that deposition at the IPOD is not an integrated mandatory part of the degradation pathway for amyloid aggregates, but more likely stores excess aggregates until downstream degradation pathways have the capacity to turn them over after liberation by the Hsp104 disaggregation machinery.
Perceived exercise barriers, enablers, and benefits among exercising and nonexercising adults with arthritis: results from a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE Rates of participation in regular exercise are lower among individuals with arthritis than those without arthritis. This study examined perceived exercise barriers, benefits, and enablers in exercising and nonexercising adults with arthritis. METHODS Twelve focus groups were conducted with 68 adults with arthritis. Groups were segmented by exercise status, socioeconomic status, and race. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and coded. NVivo software was used to extract themes for exercisers and nonexercisers. RESULTS A wide range of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors were perceived to influence exercise. Some of these factors were similar to those in general adult samples, whereas others were unique to individuals with chronic disease. Symptoms of arthritis were barriers to exercise, yet improvements in these outcomes were also seen as potential benefits of and motivations for exercise. Exercisers had experienced these benefits and were more likely to have adapted their exercise to accommodate the disease, whereas nonexercisers desired these benefits and were more likely to have stopped exercising since developing arthritis. Health care providers' advice to exercise and the availability of arthritis-specific programs were identified as needs. CONCLUSION This study has implications for how to market exercise to individuals with arthritis and how communities and health care professionals can facilitate the uptake of exercise. These implications are discussed.
Prevalence and risk factors of poor posture in school children in the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and the main risk factors of poor posture in school children in the Czech Republic. METHODS The cross-sectional study examined representative sample of children aged 7, 11, and 15 years in the year 2003. From the overall number of 3600 children, 3520 (97.7%) attended and were examined in preventive checkups. Data were obtained from medical examinations and from screening questionnaires. RESULTS Poor posture was diagnosed in 38.3% children, more frequently in boys. A significantly different occurrence of poor posture was found between 7-year-old and 11-year-old children (33.0% and 40.8%, respectively). The most frequently detected defects were as follows: protruding scapulae (50% of all children), increased lumbar lordosis (32%), and round back (31%). Children with poor posture reported headache and pain in the cervical and lumbar spine more frequently. A total of 14% of children had body mass index levels over the 90th percentile, and the occurrence of poor posture was significantly less likely. On average, children spent 4 hours weekly performing sports activities and 14 hours weekly watching TV/VCR and playing computer games. No sports activities were reported by 20% of children, and these children had a significantly higher probability of poor posture than children performing sports. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study can be used as an evidence with officials in the area of prevention, to support efforts to improve the health of our school children and to reduce the risk of postural damage to children's health.
Neurochemical and Histochemical Characterization of Neurotoxic Effects of 1‐Methyl‐4‐Phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐Tetrahydropyridine on Brain Catecholamine Neurones in the Mouse

Systemic administration of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) caused a rapid and long‐lasting reduction of both 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopamine, DA) and noradrenaline (NA) in mouse brain, as observed histo‐ and neurochemically. The depleting effects were more pronounced after repeated MPTP administration and the most marked reductions were observed after 2 × 50 mg MPTP/kg s.c. , when DA in striatum and NA in frontal cortex were reduced by > 90% 1 week after MPTP. Mice with such catecholamine depletions were markedly sedated and almost completely immobilized. The behavioural syndrome after MPTP resembled that seen after reserpine, a monoamine‐depleting drug. MPTP also caused a long‐lasting reduction of catecholamine uptake in striatal DA and cortical NA nerve terminals and reduced tyrosine hydroxylase activity in these regions. There was no evidence that MPTP caused any marked DA and NA cell body death. MPTP given acutely transiently elevated serotonin levels. The results are compatible with a neurotoxic action of MPTP on both DA and NA nerve terminals. The nigro‐striatal DA and the locus coeruleus NA neurone systems appeared to be most susceptible. Synthesis and utilization of residual striatal DA and cortical NA were increased, as often observed in partially denervated monoamine‐innervated brain regions. Both DA and NA showed a gradual recovery, which took months to become complete and may have been related to a regrowth of catecholamine nerve terminals.