Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Technology and Economic Determinants of Cryptocurrency Exchange Rates: The Case of Bitcoin

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, have ignited intense discussions. Despite receiving extensive public attention, theoretical understanding is limited regarding the value of blockchain-based cryptocurrencies, as expressed in their exchange rates against traditional currencies. In this paper, we conduct a theory-driven empirical study of the Bitcoin exchange rate (against USD) determination, taking into consideration both technology and economic factors. To address co-integration in a mix of stationary and non-stationary time series, we use the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model with a bounds test approach in the estimation. Meanwhile, to detect potential structural changes, we estimate our empirical model on two periods separated by the closure of Mt. Gox (one of the largest Bitcoin exchange markets). According to our analysis, in the short term, the Bitcoin exchange rate adjusts to changes in economic fundamentals and market conditions. The long-term Bitcoin exchange rate is more sensitive to economic fundamentals and less sensitive to technological factors after Mt. Gox closed. We also identify a significant impact of mining technology and a decreasing significance of mining difficulty in the Bitcoin exchange price determination. We theoretically discuss the technology and economic determinants of the Bitcoin exchange rateWe use the ARDL model with bounds test to address co-integration of a mix of stationary and non-stationary time seriesWe find Bitcoin exchange rate relates more with economic fundamentals and less with technology factors as Bitcoin evolvesWe find the impact of computational capacities on Bitcoin is decreasing as technology progresses
Neuroprotective and anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity of minocycline.

CONTEXT The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) central nervous system (CNS) disease has not decreased despite highly active antiretroviral therapy. Current antiretroviral drugs are expensive, have significant adverse effects including neurotoxicity, and few cross the blood-brain barrier. OBJECTIVE To examine the ability of minocycline, an antibiotic with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, to protect against encephalitis and neurodegeneration using a rapid, high viral load simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model of HIV-associated CNS disease that constitutes a rigorous in vivo test for potential therapeutics. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS Five SIV-infected pigtailed macaques were treated with 4 mg/kg per day of minocycline beginning at early asymptomatic infection (21 days after inoculation). Another 6 macaques were inoculated with SIV but remained untreated. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were taken on days 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 43, 56, 70, 77, and 84, and all macaques were humanely killed at 84 days after inoculation, a time that corresponds to late-stage infection in HIV-infected individuals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Blood and CSF samples were tested for viral load by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence and severity of encephalitis was determined by microscopic examination of tissues. Central nervous system inflammation was further assessed by measuring infiltration and activation of macrophages, activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and expression of amyloid precursor protein by quantitative immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Minocycline-treated macaques had less severe encephalitis (P = .02), reduced CNS expression of neuroinflammatory markers (major histocompatibility complex class II, P = .03; macrophage marker CD68 , P = .07; T-cell intracytoplasmic antigen 1, P = .03; CSF monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, P = .001), reduced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P<.001), less axonal degeneration (beta-amyloid precursor protein, P = .03), and lower CNS virus replication (viral RNA, P = .04; viral antigen, P = .04). In in vitro analysis, minocycline suppression of HIV and SIV replication in cultured primary macrophages did not correlate with suppression of activation of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, whereas suppression in primary lymphocytes correlated with suppression of p38 activation. CONCLUSIONS In this experimental SIV model of HIV CNS disease, minocycline reduced the severity of encephalitis, suppressed viral load in the brain, and decreased the expression of CNS inflammatory markers. In vitro, minocycline inhibited SIV and HIV replication. These findings suggest that minocycline, a safe, inexpensive, and readily available antibiotic should be investigated as an anti-HIV therapeutic.
Human Epidermal Embryogenesis

in subsequent years with detail obtained from more high resolution techniques, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Beginning in the 1960s, investigators from other areas recognized the potential in this developmental system: developmental biologists became interested in problems of induction and determination, epithelialmesenchymal interaction s and differentiation ; biochemists, hi stochemi sts and physiologists explored the developmental biochemi stry of particular enzyme systems, examined the course of appearance of particular molecules in the cytoplasm of epidermal ce ll s and questioned the relationship between the developing epidermis and its fluid environment. Clinical geneticists examined various genetic di sorders for the influence of single genes on epidermal development and attempted to define factors in the ti ssue and the environment which modified the action of such genes. At the same time, clinicians from specialties of dermatology, pediatrics,
Service provision patterns by main diagnoses and characteristics of patients.

Service provision patterns may be influenced not only by clinical oral health status leading to a diagnosis and treatment plan, but also by other variables such as patient characteristics. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether associations between services provided and patient factors would persist after controlling for the main presenting diagnosis or condition. A random sample of dentists surveyed in 1993-94 provided a response rate of 74%. Private general practitioners recorded service provision data from logs of 1-2 typical days of practice. Caries (26.5%) was the most prevalent diagnosis, followed by recall/maintenance care (19.0%), pulpal/periapical infection (10.9%), and failed restorations (10.4%). Diagnoses were associated with variation in the percentage of patients receiving services in main areas of service, and also with insurance status, sex and age distributions of patients, and type of visit (chi-square; P< 0.05). Logistic regressions of receipt of services indicated statistically significant associations with patient characteristics and diagnosis categories. Controlling for diagnosis, uninsured patients and those visiting for emergencies had less favourable service patterns (e.g., higher odds of extractions, but lower odds of preventive and crown and bridge services) compared to patients who had dental insurance or visited for check-ups or other non-emergency dental problems. The influence of these factors on services provided has implications of public health importance in terms of appropriateness of care and social inequality.
Edinburgh Explorer Mammography screening in Greece: an exploratory survey of women’s views, experiences and behaviours.

Background: Internationally, breast cancer comprises 29% of all cancer incidences. In Greece, 1,500-1,800 women die annually from breast cancer out of the 4,000 who are affected. Only 5% are detected at an early disease stage through mammography screening. Aim: This paper presents findings from a study exploring the factors that influence Greek women’s mammography screening behaviour. Methodology: Data were collected in Athens-Greece, during the period March-July 2008, from individuals who were members of six women’s associations. One hundred and eighty six questionnaires were completed and 33 interviews were conducted from a sub-sample. This paper reports the findings from the questionnaire survey. Results: Participants had a variety of demographic characteristics with 85% of them having attended mammography screening. Only 61% of them intended to continue in the future. Τhe majority of women agreed with a number of factors which supported their decision to participate in regular mammography screening, such as doctors’ encouragement and mammogram efficacy to detect breast cancer at an early stage, while anxiety was identified as a possible inhibitor to their participation. Conclusion: Women’s mammography screening behaviour and perceptions of mammography screening appeared to be positive in relation to their participation. However, the reasons as to why a large number of women indicated they were unlikely to go for mammography screening again is not known, and needs further investigation.
Projections from visual areas of the cerebral cortex to pretectal nuclear complex, terminal accessory optic nuclei, and superior colliculus in macaque monkey

The purpose of this study was to analyze the projections from visually related areas of the cerebral cortex of rhesus monkey to subcortical nuclei involved in eye‐movement control; i. e. , the pretectal nuclear complex, the terminal nuclei of the accessory optic system (AOS), and the superior colliculus (SC). The anterograde tracer 3H‐leucine was pressure injected bilaterally into the cortex of six monkeys (for a total of 12 cases) involving the primary visual cortex (area 17); the medial prestriate cortex (medial 18/19), dorsomedial area 19; the caudal portion of the cortex of the superior temporal sulcus, upper bank (cytoarchitectural area OAa) and lower bank (area PGa); the lower bank of the caudal lateral intraparietal sulcus (area POa); and the inferior parietal lobule (area 7).
Sorting Nexin 10 Induces Giant Vacuoles in Mammalian Cells*

Eukaryotic cells maintain a sophisticated network of intracellular membranous system to ensure the proper distribution and compartmentalization of cellular proteins critical for diverse functions such as cell division or cell-cell communication. Yet, little is known about the mechanism that regulates the homeostasis of this system. While analyzing the impact of sorting nexins on the trafficking of membrane type matrix metalloproteinases, we unexpectedly discovered that the expression of SNX10 induced the formation of giant vacuoles in mammalian cells. This vacuolizing activity is sensitive to mutations at the putative phosphoinositide 3-phosphate binding residue Arg53. Domain-swap experiments with SNX3 demonstrate that the PX domain of SNX10 alone is insufficient to generate vacuoles and the downstream C-terminal domain is required for vacuolization. Brefeldin A, a chemical known to block the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport, inhibited the vacuolization process. Together, these results suggest that SNX10 activity may be involved in the regulation of endosome homeostasis.
The coeliac disease task force “Free from Gluten”“Improved knowledge to cure coeliac disease”

Gluten has recently been introduced into the diet of the Mediterranean and European population, but a considerable proportion has not adapted to this change and has developed intolerance to gluten. At least one million EEC citizens are gluten intolerant. In Italy each year 12 million ECU is spent in the diagnosis of uncomplicated gluten intolerance, 10 million ECU for complex diagnosis and 32 million ECU for long‐term complications and malignancies. The total financial load of gluten intolerance, in its present state, is about ISO million ECU/year in Italy. Four million ECU is actually needed to develop a genetic probe, which may make the population screening feasible. A National Task Force “Free from Gluten” has been set up by the Italian Coeliac Society to stimulate fund‐raising activities supporting genetic and basic research on gluten intolerance.
The inhibin B response in male rats treated with a GnRH agonist and an endothelin receptor antagonist.

BACKGROUND This study examined the correlation between Inhibin B and testicular pathology. METHODS Male Han Wistar rats (approximately 10 weeks old) were administered either vehicle or an endothelin receptor antagonist (ET-An) orally for 28 days or a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRH-A) as a subcutaneous implant on day 1. Ten animals/group/time point were killed on days 4, 8, 15, and 29 (controls on days 15 and 29) for testes weights and histopathology. In-life blood samples were taken on days 4, 8, 15, and 29 to measure Inhibin B, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Lutenising Hormone (LH), and at necropsy for the same hormones plus testosterone. RESULTS Plasma Inhibin B showed a wide concentration range in controls (group means 76.4-184.2 pg/ml; individual animals 17.8-381 pg/ml). GnRH-A caused decreased testes weights plus degenerative testicular pathology from day 4 with partial recovery by day 29. Statistically significant reductions in Inhibin B were observed at all time points and appeared to track the development and partial recovery of the pathology (generally <50 pg/ml on days 4-15; group mean 92 pg/ml on day 29). ET-An produced an increase in testes weights and a nondegenerative lesion of minimal tubular dilatation. There was a trend for lower Inhibin B values (30-50%) at all time points, including on day 4 when tubular dilatation was not yet evident. CONCLUSION Inhibin B showed a good correlation with testicular pathology for GnRH-A, and following ET-An administration appeared to give a signal that might reflect changes in tubular function in the absence of degenerative pathology.
Influence of exogenous growth hormone and gestational diet on sow blood and milk characteristics and on baby pig blood, body composition and performance.

Sows (14) and gilts (6) were used in a 2 X 2 factorial experiment to evaluate the effect of diet and highly purified porcine growth hormone (pGH) on sow metabolic status and baby pig survival parameters. Injections were 10 mg/d pGH (GH) or sham control (SH). Diets consisted of a glucose-fat energy source (GF) or control (C). Treatments were administered the last 21 d before parturition (P). Serum GH concentrations were significantly elevated on d -19 P and d -4 P in sows receiving GH injections. Significantly elevated serum glucose and insulin concentrations were concomitantly observed in GH-treated sows, suggesting that the animals had developed a state of insulin resistance. Serum free fatty acids (FFA) were greater (P less than .01) on d -19 P for sows fed the GF diet. Fasted pigs from GH-C dams had greater (P less than .06) mean serum glucose concentrations than pigs from SH-C, SH-GF or GH-GF dams. Pigs from GH-injected sows had more (P less than .01) total body lipids at birth and tended to have increased mean FFA concentrations when compared to SH pigs. However, birth weight, number born live, number born dead, number that died and survival to 21 d were not affected by dam's injection or dietary treatment. Growth hormone injections resulted in a diabetogenic state in gestating sows and led to improved traits related to baby pig blood glucose homeostasis, including increased blood glucose, increased body lipids and a tendency toward increased liver glycogen concentrations. Injection X diet interactions indicate that dietary energy source should be regarded in future growth hormone experiments.
Theory of surface plasmons and surface-plasmon polaritons

Collective electronic excitations at metal surfaces are well known to play a key role in a wide spectrum of science, ranging from physics and materials science to biology. Here we focus on a theoretical description of the many-body dynamical electronic response of solids, which underlines the existence of various collective electronic excitations at metal surfaces, such as the conventional surface plasmon, multipole plasmons and the recently predicted acoustic surface plasmon. We also review existing calculations, experimental measurements and applications.
TNF‐α Antagonist Survival Rate in a Cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Observed under Conditions of Standard Clinical Practice

A cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the Lombardy Rheumatology Network (LOHREN) registry and receiving anti‐TNF therapy was evaluated after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Of the 1114 patients in the registry 1064 met the clinical criteria for inclusion with 519 receiving infliximab, 303 adalimumab, and 242 etanercept. The therapeutic survival curve of these patients showed that the likelihood of continuing anti‐TNF therapy was 78.8% after 12 months, 65.2% after 24 months, and 52.9% after 36 months, with a risk of dropout similar for inefficacy and adverse events. There were 405 anti‐TNF therapy discontinuations (38.1%): 180 (16.9%) due to inefficacy, 194 (18.2%) adverse events, and 31 (2.9%) other reasons. Four deaths (2 septicemia, 1 postinfective cerebritis, 1 heart failure) were considered to be related to anti‐TNF therapy. Of the discontinuations, 219 (54.1%) occurred within the first 12 months: 110 due to adverse events, 89 inefficacy, and 20 due to other reasons. After 36 months, the likelihood of survival on etanercept (62.5%) was significantly greater than the likelihood of survival on infliximab (49.1%) or adalimumab (53.6%). A higher risk of therapy discontinuations due to adverse events was associated with increasing age, a corticosteroid >5 mg/day, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), a higher risk of therapy discontinuations due to inefficacy was associated with the previous use of ≥4 disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and a high ESR. Comorbidities, increasing DAS28 values and co‐therapy with methotrexate were associated with a lower risk of discontinuation.
Conventional Radiography in Transient Synovitis of the Hip in Children

Conventional radiography was performed at diagnosis and at follow-up 5 to 9 months later in 70 children with transient synovitis of the hip. Twenty-four of the patients also had CT examination at diagnosis. The cartilaginous and osseous reaction in the conventional antero-posterior radiographs was studied as was the relation between the radiographic and CT findings concerning fat planes, joint effusion, and position of the hip joint. At diagnosis there was significant increase in the medial joint space and at follow-up examination there was significant increase in medial and cranial joint space, metaphyseal width and acetabular roof width. There was a correlation of a bulging lateral ‘capsular fat plane’ to the position of abduction in the affected hip which explains the asymmetry in the lateral fat plane observed in these patients.
Immunoregulatory actions of polysaccharides from Chinese herbal medicine

Importance of the field: Polysaccharides, one of main classes of bioactive substances from Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), have been indicated to have wide pharmacological activities, especially broad immunomodulatory and antitumour effects. However, their immunoregulatory mechanisms are still not fully understood yet. Areas covered in this review: Polysaccharides from CHM (CHMPS) are reviewed with focus on their immunoregulatory function, describing their immunoregulatory actions on immune organs, immune cells and immune molecules, and discussing their effects on cell surface receptors and cell signaling pathways. What the reader will gain: A better understanding of the immunoregulatory effects of CHMPS and their structure–function relationship. Take home message: CHMPS can active or regulate the immune system including innate and adaptive responses, and have profound effects on different diseases. Through examining the molecular mechanisms of the immunomodulating effects of CHMPS, it can be shown that CHMPS have the potential to be an adjuvant in cancer therapies.
Acheate‐scute like 1 (Ascl1) is required for normal delta‐like (Dll) gene expression and notch signaling during retinal development

Delta gene expression in Drosophila is regulated by proneural basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors, such as acheate‐scute. In vertebrates, multiple Delta‐like and proneural bHLH genes are expressed during neurogenesis, especially in the retina. We recently uncovered a relationship between Acheate‐scute like 1 (Ascl1), Delta‐like genes, and Notch in chick retinal progenitors. Here, we report that mammalian retinal progenitors are also the primary source of Delta‐like genes, likely signaling through Notch among themselves, while differentiating neurons expressed Jagged2. Ascl1 is coexpressed in Delta‐like and Notch active progenitors, and required for normal Delta‐like gene expression and Notch signaling. We also reveal a role for Ascl1 in the regulation of Hes6, a proneurogenic factor that inhibits Notch signaling to promote neural rather than glial differentiation. Thus, these results suggest a molecular mechanism whereby attenuated Notch levels coupled with reduced proneurogenic activity in progenitors leads to increased gliogenesis and decreased neurogenesis in the Ascl1‐deficient retina. Developmental Dynamics 238:2163–2178, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of regular sunscreen use on vitamin D levels in an Australian population. Results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN Studies published have suggested a possibility that regular use of sunscreen to prevent skin cancer may put the population, particularly elderly people, at risk of vitamin D deficiency. We aimed to determine whether regular use of sunscreens in the normal adult population, as recommended by public health authorities for the prevention of skin cancer, may put individuals at risk of vitamin D deficiency. A randomized double-blind control trial of the daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (sun protection factor [SPF] 17) vs placebo cream over a summer period in Australia was conducted in 113 people aged 40 years and over, with sampling stratified by age. All participants had at least one solar keratosis. Serum samples taken at the beginning and at the end of the study were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. RESULTS Mean levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 rose significantly by the same amount in both groups over the period of the study (placebo, +12.8 mmol/L; sunscreen, +11.8 mmol/L). Mean levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 increased significantly in the placebo group only (placebo, +10.8 pmol/L; sunscreen, +1.3 pmol/L), but for no subject in either group was the level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 outside the reference range either at the start or at the end of the study. There were no significant differences by age, sex, and skin type in the change in 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 over the study period. CONCLUSIONS No person, including those aged 70 years and over, developed any vitamin D levels outside the normal reference range during the period of the study. The data suggest that over an Australian summer sufficient sunlight is received, probably through both the sunscreen itself and the lack of total skin cover at all times, to allow adequate vitamin D production in people who are recommended to use sunscreens regularly. More work is required to elucidate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, particularly during the different seasons of the year.