Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint-specific power production during submaximal and maximal cycling.

UNLABELLED Separate authors have reported that knee extension dominates power production during submaximal cycling (SUB(cyc)) and hip extension is the dominant action during maximal cycling (MAX(cyc)). Changes in joint-specific powers across broad ranges of net cycling powers (P(net)) within one group of cyclists have not been reported. PURPOSE Our purpose was to determine the extent to which ankle, knee, and hip joint actions produced power across a range of P(net) . We hypothesized that relative knee extension power would decrease and relative knee flexion and hip extension powers would increase as P(net) increased. METHODS Eleven cyclists performed SUB(cyc) (250, 400, 550, 700, and 850 W) and MAX(cyc) trials at 90 rpm. Joint-specific powers were calculated and averaged over complete pedal revolutions and over extension and flexion phases. Portions of the cycle spent in extension (duty cycle) were determined for the whole leg and ankle, knee, and hip joints. Relationships of relative joint-specific powers with P(net) were assessed with linear regression analyses. RESULTS Absolute ankle, knee, and hip joint-specific powers increased as P(net) increased. Relative knee extension power decreased (r(2) = 0.88, P = 0.01) and knee flexion power increased (r(2) = 0.98, P < 0.001) as P(net) increased. Relative hip extension power was constant across all P(net) . Whole-leg and ankle, knee, and hip joint duty cycle values were greater for MAX(cyc) than for SUB(cyc). CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that 1) absolute ankle, knee, and hip joint-specific powers substantially increase as a function of increased P(net) , 2) hip extension was the dominant power-producing action during SUB(cyc) and MAX(cyc), 3) knee flexion power becomes relatively more important during high-intensity cycling, and 4) increased duty cycle values represent an important strategy to increase maximum power.
Influence of the synthesis parameters on the properties of natural rubber grafted poly-3-hydroxybutyrate

Graft copolymers of natural rubber (NR) and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) with 60:40 ratio were synthesized in chlorobenzene. Two types of initiators namely azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) AIBN and BPO were employed to initiate the free radical grafting of the two polymers. The influence of the various types of initiator loadings was also investigated. Estimation of the grafted NR was performed using FTIR. The thermal stability and crystallization behavior of NR-g-PHB was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) TGA as well as DSC respectively. The absence of the C=C peak of NR in the FTIR spectra confirmed that PHB grafted on this site after the breakage of the C=C bond. The increase in initiator loading, improved the smoothness of the NR-g-PHB. Moreover, single Tg were observed for NR-g-PHB which indicate that no phase separation occurs and the thermal stability of pristine NR after grafting was improved compared with that of NR alone.
Synaptic Ribbon Active Zones in Cone Photoreceptors Operate Independently from One Another

Cone photoreceptors depolarize in darkness to release glutamate-laden synaptic vesicles. Essential to release is the synaptic ribbon, a structure that helps organize active zones by clustering vesicles near proteins that mediate exocytosis, including voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Cone terminals have many ribbon-style active zones at which second-order neurons receive input. We asked whether there are functionally significant differences in local Ca2+ influx among ribbons in individual cones. We combined confocal Ca2+ imaging to measure Ca2+ influx at individual ribbons and patch clamp recordings to record whole-cell ICa in salamander cones. We found that the voltage for half-maximal activation (V50) of whole cell ICa in cones averaged −38.1 mV ± 3.05 mV (standard deviation [SD]), close to the cone membrane potential in darkness of ca. −40 mV. Ca2+ signals at individual ribbons varied in amplitude from one another and showed greater variability in V50 values than whole-cell ICa, suggesting that Ca2+ signals can differ significantly among ribbons within cones. After accounting for potential sources of technical variability in measurements of Ca2+ signals and for contributions from cone-to-cone differences in ICa, we found that the variability in V50 values for ribbon Ca2+ signals within individual cones showed a SD of 2.5 mV. Simulating local differences in Ca2+ channel activity at two ribbons by shifting the V50 value of ICa by ±2.5 mV (1 SD) about the mean suggests that when the membrane depolarizes to −40 mV, two ribbons could experience differences in Ca2+ influx of >45%. Further evidence that local Ca2+ changes at ribbons can be regulated independently was obtained in experiments showing that activation of inhibitory feedback from horizontal cells (HCs) to cones in paired recordings changed both amplitude and V50 of Ca2+ signals at individual ribbons. By varying the strength of synaptic output, differences in voltage dependence and amplitude of Ca2+ signals at individual ribbons shape the information transmitted from cones to downstream neurons in vision.
Interaction of cholecystokinin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on function of mouse pancreatic acini in vitro.

In isolated mouse pancreatic acini, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and secretin potentiated amylase release stimulated by cholecystokinin (CCK). VIP (1‐100 nM) or secretin (100‐1000 nM) alone elicited a negligible secretory response, whereas in combination with CCK, these agents induced a significantly larger response. VIP increased maximal amylase release elicited by CCK without affecting the potency with which CCK stimulated secretion. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methyl xanthine (IBMX), from 0.03‐1.0 mM had effects on secretion similar to those of VIP. VIP, IBMX and 8‐Br‐cyclic AMP, all of which act through or mimic the action of cyclic AMP, potentiated the secretory response to maximal concentrations of CCK, carbamylcholine and the ionophore A23187, all of which act via intracellular calcium. In contrast to amylase release, stimulation of acinar glucose transport by CCK or carbamylcholine was not augmented by VIP, secretin, IBMX or 8‐Br‐cyclic AMP. The results indicate that for amylase release from mouse pancreas, secretagogues acting via cyclic AMP potentiate those acting via calcium. However, potentiation does not apply to all biological responses of the pancreatic acinus and each response must be studied individually.
Clonal Distribution of Invasive Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Strains Circulating from 1976 to 2005 in Greater São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT Meningococcal disease is characterized by cyclic fluctuations in incidence, serogroup distribution, and antigenic profiles. In greater São Paulo, Brazil, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of serogroup C meningococcal disease since the late 1980s. To gain an understanding of changes in serogroup C meningococcal disease over three decades in greater São Paulo, Brazil, 1,059 invasive Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C isolates from 1976 and 2005 were analyzed. Three major clone complexes, sequence type (ST)-11, ST-8, and ST-103, were identified by multilocus sequence typing, and the isolates were characterized by serotyping and 16S rRNA typing. During the 30-year period, there were two major antigenic replacements: from 2a:P1. (5,2) to 2b:P1.3 and subsequently to 23:P1.14-6. All strains of clone ST-103 were characterized as serotype 23 and serosubtype P1.14-6. The origin of 23:P1.14-6 ST-103 complex strains is unknown, but efforts are needed to monitor its spread and define its virulence. The antigenic replacements we observed likely represent a mechanism to sustain meningococcal disease in the population as immunity to circulating strains accumulated.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Correlated to Bisphosphonate Therapy in Non-oncologic Patients: Clinicopathological Features of 24 Patients

Objective. Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is a well known side effect of bisphosphonate therapies in patients with multiple myeloma or other malignancies. Its real incidence is still undetermined, and only few cases of ONJ in patients taking bisphosphonates for non-oncologic diseases have been reported. It was postulated that the clinical features, predisposing factors, and treatment outcome of this subset of patients might be different from those of oncologic patients. Methods. Over a 4 year period, a total of 102 bisphosphonate-treated patients affected by ONJ were identified. Among these, 24 patients underwent bisphosphonate therapy for non-neoplastic disease and their profile was analyzed. Results. In this study cohort, bisphosphonates had been administered mainly for postmenopausal osteoporosis (20/24 patients, 83.3%), the duration of therapy until presentation of ONJ ranging from 11 to 40 months and the most common triggering event being dentoalveolar surgery. All patients were nonsmokers; 6 manifested multiple ONJ lesions and only 3 of them had possible comorbidities. Surgical debridement was performed in 19 patients for a total of 22 lesions, which were individually considered in the followup. The latter showed complete remission of ONJ in 21/22 lesions. Conclusion. Although it might be considered a rare condition in non-oncologic patients, ONJ is a harmful side effect of bisphosphonate therapies. Clinicians must be aware of this entity, inform patients of the risks related to dental surgery, and possibly undertake adequate preventive measures.
Novel inflammatory markers in overweight women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome and following pharmacological intervention.

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. AIM The aim of this study was to assess novel inflammatory markers [adipokines leptin, adiponectin, and leptinadiponectin ratio (L/A)] in overweight women with and without PCOS and to examine alterations in these markers [aldosterone, leptin, adiponectin, and L/A] with pharmacological interventions modulating insulin resistance (IR) in PCOS. MATERIALS/SUBJECTS AND METHODS Overweight age, and body mass index (BMI)-matched women with (no.=80) or without PCOS (no.=27) were assessed cross-sectionally. Subjects with PCOS were then randomised to 6 months metformin (1 g b.d, no.=26) or oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (35 g ethinyl estradiol/2 mg cytoproterone acetate, no.=30). Outcome measures were leptin, adiponectin, L/A, aldosterone, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, lipid profile, IR, and androgen levels. RESULTS Leptin levels were lower (156.4+/-85.9 vs 208.5+/-105.2 ng/ml, p=0.015) while adiponectin and L/A were not different between women with and without PCOS. Following intervention, IR increased for the OCP and decreased for metformin, however leptin and aldosterone decreased equivalently with the OCP and metformin with no difference between each treatment (p=0.583 and p=0.801, respectively). There was no change in adiponectin or L/A with the OCP or metformin. On multiple regression, the only baseline predictor of leptin was BMI (r(2)=0.485, p<0.001) and the strongest predictor of change in leptin was change in weight (r(2)=0.402, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Alterations in leptin between women with and without PCOS and following pharmacological interventions are primarily related to adiposity and not IR. Aldosterone was reduced equivalently with metformin and the OCP despite differential effects on IR.
An Analysis of Bitcoin

In spite of the fact that a lot of virtual currencies have been created in recent years, bitcoin is the best known from all of them and regularly reported in the news. Currency without identified creator is appreciated by its user for non-centralized running, without any chance of governments to influence the money supply. The advantages of bitcoin, such as very quick payments worldwide, stop of inflations caused by governments trying to solve their own problems or high level of transactions privacy are widely mentioned. The aim of the article is not to describe the technical issue of bitcoin and explain how this system works, because it has been widely explained in other articles. The aim is focusing on economic aspects of bitcoin, the technical aspects are mentioned only if necessary. For accomplishing the aim the article is split in three parts. The first part is dedicated to answering the question ? What is bitcoin? It examines whether bitcoin complies with theoretical, empirical and law definition of money. The law definition of money compliance is done for Czech, German and EU law in general, but attitudes of US and Chinese governments are also mentioned. According to the findings, bitcoin cannot be easily considered as money. The second part is focused on monetary aspects of bitcoin. It analyses the question, ? What would mean for an economy to accept bitcoin as legal tender? In the case of single economy the money supply would be completely out of control of government and due to easy way of bitcoin transferring, money supply could be increased and decreased quickly. In the case of global economy, deflation and its impacts would be inevitable. The third part concentrates on bitcoin banking. No possibility of bitcoin lending does not mean the end of banking industry, but would probably lead to a significant change in how it works.
Forward Market and International Trade

Many studies on hedging currency risk and international trade [6; 14; 18; 17] have investigated the simultaneous hedging and production decisions with the nonstochastic home and foreign earnings assumption. These studies derived a separation theorem which shows that the production decision made by a multinational firm for international trade is independent of the distribution of the exchange rate, and dependent only on the forward price. The separation theorem has two different implications. First, although the production decision is shown to depend on the forward price, there is still a missing link connecting the trading activity in the forward markets with international trade. Second, exchange rate uncertainty will not have an impact on the level on trade since the forward price can be used by multinational firms as a guide for the expected future spot rate. The first implication seems to contradict results by Britto [8] and Telser [37] demonstrating that futures price has a real impact on resource allocation and production within an economy. The second implication is inconsistent with a number of other empirical studies [2; 11; 12; 22; 29] that have shown exchange rate uncertainty has an adverse effect on trade and other studies [5; 13] that have found exchange rate volatility to have a positive impact on trade. Although some studies [7; 27] do recognize stochastic foreign income in the foreign hedging, they ignore the two kinds of issues discussed above. Thus, this paper attempts to investigate the simultaneous decisions for foreign exchange hedging and production under a stochastic assumption of foreign earnings. A simple model is developed here to examine (a) the interaction of forward markets with international trade; and (b) the impact of exchange risk on trade. By endogenizing the forward price in a variety of scenarios, this paper derives several interesting results. Under the stochastic foreign income scenario, a new foreign exchange hedging rule which incorporates the covariability of foreign earnings and exchange risk is derived. Further, we find that the separation theorem breaks down under such a situation. Interestingly, we are able to show a positive linkage between trading activity in forward markets and export. Furthermore,
Impact of Educated Labor Force on Economic Growth of Pakistan: A Human Capital Perspective

A considerable body of research has concentrated on the role of human capital investment in explaining the level and variation in production and growth and it has been shown that long-term sustainable growth and development across countries is driven to a large extent by productivity growth. Most of the studies in Pakistan measure human capital by using its proxy as enrollment rate of primary, secondary and tertiary level or expenditure on education. This widespread practice has coexisted with longstanding doubts about using school enrollments as a measure of human capital since there exists a gap between school attendance and entrance into the Labor Market. Further, public expenditure on education is not enough proxy in case of Pakistan because of the fact that there is a large private education sector in the country. Taking cognizance of it, instead of using the school enrollments and public expenditure on education as a measure of human capital, this research examines the role of human capital formation described by education levels of labor force in Pakistan which is more direct measure of human capital than school enrollments and public expenditure on education. Data of educated labor force at primary secondary, tertiary and higher level is collected from Pakistan. Time series data is used from the period 1973 to 2013. The data is taken from various issues of Pakistan Economic Survey, Pakistan Labor Force Survey, Federal bureau of statistics, State Bank of Pakistan Annual reports and 50 Years statistics of Pakistan. Johnson’s Cointegration, Error Correction model (ECM) and vector error correction method (VECM) Granger Causality statistical tools are used to measure the impact of human capital on economic growth in the long run and short run. Finding shows that all proxy variables of human capital in this study have significant impact on economic growth in the long run; however, some variables are found insignificant in short run. This study concludes that education is a key determinant of Economic growth.
Stroke - a study of clinical handling and progress

Material and methods. 421 patients were treated for stroke at Bærum hospital (name later changed to Asker and Bærum hospital) in 1994 and 1995. In internal register was established where information was recorded on medical history, radiological findings and clinical findings at admission and discharge. The patients were followed with respect to survival and re-hospitalisation for recurrent stroke for seven to nine years after discharge, i.e. until January 2003.
Substrate-Level Phosphorylation Is the Primary Source of Energy Conservation during Anaerobic Respiration of Shewanella oneidensis Strain MR-1

ABSTRACT It is well established that respiratory organisms use proton motive force to produce ATP via F-type ATP synthase aerobically and that this process may reverse during anaerobiosis to produce proton motive force. Here, we show that Shewanella oneidensis strain MR-1, a nonfermentative, facultative anaerobe known to respire exogenous electron acceptors, generates ATP primarily from substrate-level phosphorylation under anaerobic conditions. Mutant strains lacking ackA (SO2915) and pta (SO2916), genes required for acetate production and a significant portion of substrate-level ATP produced anaerobically, were tested for growth. These mutant strains were unable to grow anaerobically with lactate and fumarate as the electron acceptor, consistent with substrate-level phosphorylation yielding a significant amount of ATP. Mutant strains lacking ackA and pta were also shown to grow slowly using N-acetylglucosamine as the carbon source and fumarate as the electron acceptor, consistent with some ATP generation deriving from the Entner-Doudoroff pathway with this substrate. A deletion strain lacking the sole F-type ATP synthase (SO4746 to SO4754) demonstrated enhanced growth on N-acetylglucosamine and a minor defect with lactate under anaerobic conditions. ATP synthase mutants grown anaerobically on lactate while expressing proteorhodopsin, a light-dependent proton pump, exhibited restored growth when exposed to light, consistent with a proton-pumping role for ATP synthase under anaerobic conditions. Although S. oneidensis requires external electron acceptors to balance redox reactions and is not fermentative, we find that substrate-level phosphorylation is its primary anaerobic energy conservation strategy. Phenotypic characterization of an ackA deletion in Shewanella sp. strain MR-4 and genomic analysis of other sequenced strains suggest that this strategy is a common feature of Shewanella.
Compartmental pharmacokinetic modeling of lopinavir in humans

Background: Lopinavir is a highly potent protease inhibitors commonly used in treatment of HIV infection. The drug has a very low bioavailability due to a rapid metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) isoenzyme. We aimed to develop a biologically relevant pharmacokinetic model of lopinavir with a description of a CYP3A4-mediated first pass metabolism and enterohepatic circulation (EHC). Methods: A theoretical model of lopinavir was developed using the classical pharmacokinetic modeling concept. The model consisted of one compartment with first-order absorption from gastrointestinal (GI) depot and first-order clearance into recycling depot which incorporated into the model structure using ACSLX. Results: Lopinavir plasma concentration-time course was successfully simulated against a dataset from the literature. The model had an absorption rate constant (Ka) of 0.991 h-1, a reabsorption rate constant (Kreabsorb) of 0.171 h-1, and a volume of distribution (V/F) of 54.7 L. The 12 hours area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-12h) values from our model simulation compares to the experimental data were 0.8141 μg/ml.h and 0.7058 μg/ml.h, respectively. Maximum plasma concentration of the drug (Cmax) predicted from our model compare to the experimental data were 0.273 μg/ml and 0.442 μg/ml, respectively. While, minimum plasma concentration of the drug (Ctrough) predicted from our model compare to the experimental data were similar at 0.0015 μg/ml. Conclusions: Modified one compartment with first-order absorption from gastrointestinal (GI) depot and first-order clearance into recycling depot describes a pharmacokinetic of oral single dose of lopinavir 400 mg. The model can also simulate a concentration-time course with a difference dosing and variable which can be used for further describing the pharmacology of the drug interaction when combine with the other drugs.
Endogenous Commitment and Nash Equilibria in Competitive Markets with Adverse Selection

In this paper, we provide a unified framework for analyzing competitive markets with adverse selection. The key feature of our model is that whether the suppliers of the contracts (uninformed) are committed to the contracts they offer or not is determined endogenously. Because of the endogeneity of the commitment, our model always has a unique Bayesian-Nash equilibrium even though we do not use any refinement to restrict beliefs off-the-equilibrium path. We show that when the Wilson pooling allocation Pareto-dominates the Rothschild-Stiglitz separating allocation the former is the unique equilibrium. We also show that both the non-existence problem in the Rothschild-Stiglitz screening model and the multiplicity of equilibria in the three-stage game of Hellwig are due to the arbitrary restrictions imposed on firms’ actions (strategies).