Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of intracellular Ca2+ in the K channel opener action of CGRP in the guinea‐pig ureter

1 The aim of this study was to assess the role of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca2+) in the smooth muscle relaxant and hyperpolarizing actions of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the guinea‐pig ureter. 2 CGRP (0.1 μm) rapidly and transiently reduced myogenic phasic contractions (twitches) produced by electrical field stimulation (EFS). Approximately 70% of the response to CGRP was antagonized by glibenclamide (1 μm). 3 Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 10 μm), ryanodine (100 μm) and thapsigargin (1 μm) reduced only the glibenclamide‐sensitive component of the response to CGRP (0.1 μm) but did not modify the mechanoinhibitory effect of cromakalim (3 μm). A low concentration of CPA (1 μm), assumed to produce a limited impairment of Ca2+ uptake from the stores, prolonged the duration of the inhibitory response to CGRP. Pre‐exposure to caffeine (5 mM) inhibited the suppression of twitches by CGRP or cromakalim. 4 When the frequency of EFS was increased, the suppression of twitches by CGRP was reduced. Under these conditions, CPA (1 μm) again prolonged the duration of the inhibitory response to CGRP. 5 CGRP (0.1 μm) and cromakalim (3 μm) markedly depressed the phasic component of contractions to 80 mM KCl. CPA (10 μm) antagonized the inhibitory effect of CGRP but not that of cromakalim. Inhibition of the tonic contraction to 80 mM KCl by CGRP was insensitive to CPA. 6 In sucrose gap experiments, a 5 min exposure to CGRP (0.1 μm) or cromakalim (3 μm) produced a sustained membrane hyperpolarization. Caffeine (5 mM) produced a glibenclamide‐sensitive transient hyperpolarization followed by a sustained depolarization. When tested in a Ca2+‐free medium the hyperpolarization produced by CGRP, cromakalim or caffeine was reduced. In normal Krebs, pre‐exposure to CPA (10 μm, 60 min) only abolished the hyperpolarization induced by CGRP. In contrast, 5 min after a caffeine challenge (5 mM) the hyperpolarizations induced by CGRP or cromakalim were reduced. The CGRP‐induced hyperpolarization was insensitive to apamin (0.1 μm) or charybdotoxin (0.1 μm). 7 We conclude that the K channel‐opening action of CGRP in the guinea‐pig ureter requires the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ from a caffeine‐ and CPA‐sensitive store, leading to transient activation of glibenclamide‐sensitive K channels. The K channel‐opening action of caffeine appears to involve Ca2+ mobilization from a store which is insensitive to depletion by CPA.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of the HIV-1 CRF06_cpx epidemic in western Africa

Objective:To investigate the origin and spatiotemporal dynamics of dissemination of the HIV-1 CRF06_cpx clade in western Africa. Design:A total of 180 HIV-1 CRF06_cpx-like pol sequences isolated from 12 different countries from west and west-central Africa over a period of 16 years (1995–2010) were analyzed. Methods:Evolutionary, phylogeographic and demographic parameters were jointly estimated from sequence data using a Bayesian coalescent-based method and combined with molecular epidemiology and spatial accessibility data. Results:The CRF06_cpx most probably emerged in Burkina Faso in 1979 (1970–1985). From Burkina Faso, the virus was first disseminated to Mali and Nigeria during the 1980s and later to other countries from west and west-central Africa. Demographic reconstruction indicates that the CRF06_cpx epidemic grew exponentially during the 1980s, with a median growth rate of 0.82 year−1 (0.60–1.09 year−1), and after stabilize. We found a negative correlation between CRF06_cpx prevalence and the geographical distance to Burkina Faso's capital. Regional accessibility information agrees with the overall geographical range of the CRF06_cpx, but not fully explains the highly heterogeneous distribution pattern of this CRF at regional level. Conclusion:The CRF06_cpx epidemic in western Africa probably emerged at the late 1970s and grew during the 1980s at a rate comparable to the HIV-1 epidemics in the United States and Europe. Burkina Faso seems to be the most important epicenter of dissemination of the HIV-1 CRF06_cpx strain at regional level. The explanation for the current geographical distribution of CRF06_cpx is probably multifactorial.
Individualization of Robo-Advice

Robo-advisors assign risky portfolios to individual investors using web-based investment algorithms with minimum human interaction. We provide insights into the working and current state of individualization of this new type of fintech company. Rather than singling out individual firms, our approach is use questions typically asked by robo-advisors to define a generic (average) robo-advisor as a benchmark model that we suggest can be improved upon in various dimensions. Given the missing human advisor, we believe the ability to individualize will be a distinguishing feature among robo-advisors. Our discussion aims at understanding the current state of personalization and helping users of robo-advice to better evaluate the services provided.
Testing an International Measure of Public Service Motivation: Is There Really a Bright or Dark Side?

‘Public service motivation’ (PSM) is usually reported as a bright force although recent debate alludes to a dark side. Variables representing each side are, respectively, job satisfaction and burnout. This study tests for both the bright and potential dark direct effects of PSM and responds to calls to further validate the international PSM instrument developed by Kim et al. (2013). Using a sample of 455 local council workers in Australia, analysis confirmed that while the measure was robust and generalizable in its structure, none of the dimensions of PSM were found to influence either job satisfaction or burnout. Plausible explanations include contextual factors, nomological concerns with the measurement instrument, and the notion that PSM has a non-significant influence on either. The implications of these findings are discussed and future research proposed.
Clinical behaviour of spinocerebellar ataxia type 12 and intermediate length abnormal CAG repeats in PPP2R2B

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12 (SCA12) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansion in the PPP2R2B gene. Previously, the causal length of CAG repeats ascribed to SCA12 was more than 51; however, a few reports have also described unusual occurrence of CAG repeat length 36–51 repeats among patients of different geographical population, with atypical clinical association. From our systematic search for SCA12 in a genetic screening programme, we have identified a large number of SCA12 cases. In this study, we specifically describe the clinical behaviour of 18 patients who harbour CAG repeats in the range of 43–50 and compare their clinical behaviour with patients carrying typical pathogenic threshold length of 51 CAG repeats. Unsurprisingly, we observed that the clinical characteristics were similar to those of typical SCA12 phenotype, with large variability in the age at onset. Radiologically, we observed a variable degree of cerebro-cerebellar degeneration along with white matter changes that do not correlate with the disease severity. We define a new pathogenic threshold of CAG-43 to be pathogenic for SCA12 diagnosis and also describe the clinical profiles of two biallelic CAG expansion carriers. We also propose that SCA12 might not be that restricted in terms of occurrence in other geographical or ethnic populations, as it was previously presumed to be.
Addressing Climate Change in Southern Africa: Any Role for South Africa in the Post-Paris Agreement?

Climate change is a global challenge. Its ramifying effects on both natural and human systems cut across different regions of the world. While Africa as a whole is being confirmed to be more affected by climate change due in part to a relatively low(er) mitigation and adaptive capacity, coupled with a situation where majority of its population depends mainly on natural resources, Southern Africa is singled out as a potentially vulnerable subregion for other additional factors. Representing a milestone in the trajectory of the global climate change process, the 21st session of the Conference of Parties (COP-21) resolved with a consensual climate change deal known as the Paris Agreement. The Agreement, through the instrumentality of a ratchet up mechanism, otherwise described as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), seeks significant cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions effectively from 2020. In essence, it calls for a novel though gradual shift from carbon-emission approach to low emission development strategy. This, no doubt, is indispensable to sustainable development at all levels. Beyond national commitments as obligatory for parties, there is a need for regional cooperative efforts which should bring about shared appropriate policy responses that promote green energy as well as seize opportunities inherent in it for national and deterritorialised gains. Adopting neoliberal and green theories, the institutional framework of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) where South Africa is expected to take a lead is examined in this article.
The Role of Topically Administered FK506 (Tacrolimus) at the Time of Facial Nerve Repair Using Entubulation Neurorrhaphy in a Rabbit Model

Peripheral facial nerve palsy is a common sequela of traumatic craniofacial injury, often resulting in dramatic and sometimes permanent functional deficits. Exogenous agents and methods of repair that accelerate axonal regeneration would be of great benefit to the multitude of patients with facial nerve injuries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of FK506 at the time of facial nerve repair using entubulation neurorrhaphy, and to compare entubulation neurorrhaphy versus interposition autograft in critical facial nerve gap defects. The study design was a prospective, randomized, blinded animal study with a control group. Twenty-five New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to 4 experimental groups and a control group. The buccal branch of the facial nerve was used in all procedures. Group 1 was the control group. Rabbits in group 2 underwent sham surgery. Group 3 was an interposition autograft group in which a 6-mm segment of nerve was transacted, flipped, and followed by epineural repair. Groups 4 and 5 underwent transection followed by entubulation neurorrhaphy with topical administration of either a carrier molecule (group 4) or an FK506 carrier molecule (group 5). Outcome measures included daily subjective assessment of upper lip movement; electromyographic studies at weeks 3, 5, and 8 postoperatively; and blinded quantitative histomorphometric evaluation after 8 weeks. All rabbits in all groups were noted to have spontaneous movement after 8 weeks, with 1 rabbit in group 5 obtaining the highest functional score among all study groups. Electrophysiologic studies showed polyphasic potentials, indicating reinnervation in 1 rabbit in group 5. Histomorphometric examination of group 5 rabbits revealed a similar cross-sectional area distal to transection and remyelination. Other groups showed decreased cross-sectional area and/or incomplete remyelination distal to the transection. FK506 applied topically at the time of facial nerve repair using entubulation neurorrhaphy demonstrated superior results in nerve regeneration versus entubulation neurorrhaphy carrier protein alone, and interposition autograft.
ECONOMIC CLASS, SOCIAL STATUS, AND EARLY SCOTTISH CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

A recent study by Jacobs [2003] examines economic class bias in the contemporary recruitment practices of public accountancy firms. The study bases its argument on a historical review that suggests such bias has its origins in early Scottish chartered accountancy. This paper challenges the Jacobs thesis by examining the notion of economic class in relation to the social status of professions, and provides archival evidence of the effects of the recruitment practices of Scottish chartered accountants from mid 19th century until the beginning of the First World War. This evidence demonstrates a dual effect. The first is a considerable change during this period in the economic class origins of the general community of chartered accountants in Scotland and the second is relative stability in the economic class origins of their leadership. Scottish chartered accountancy immigrants to the US provide a clear example of the general community effect. They also reveal how economic class was not a significant factor.
Survey of opinions on the management of pleomorphic adenoma among United Kingdom oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to highlight the current points of view regarding the management of pleomorphic adenomas among oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the United Kingdom. PATIENTS AND METHODS A questionnaire was drafted and sent to all the consultant members of the British Society of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (n=263). The survey evaluated the surgical experience of the surgeon, the preferred surgical treatment of a newly diagnosed 3 cm diameter pleomorphic adenoma in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland in an adult and a child, and the treatment options of pleomorphic salivary adenoma (PSA) with the four following scenarios: (i) PSA with complete excision or incomplete excision; (ii) PSA with carcinoma in situ (atypical pleomorphic adenoma) with complete excision or incomplete excision; (iii) PSA with non-invasive malignant transformation with complete or incomplete excision; and (iv) carcinoma in PSA with complete or incomplete excision. The initial response was low so two reminders were sent to increase the rate of response. RESULTS The final response rate was 67%. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the opinions of the respondents regarding treatment of pleomorphic adenoma in both adults and children. Seventy-five (56.4%) of 133 surgeons were treated the multinodular recurrence in older patients with surgery combined with radiotherapy. One-hundred and five (78.9%) surgeons were treated older patients with solitary recurrence with surgery alone. There was a consensus on complete excision for the treatment of carcinoma in situ (atypical pleomorphic adenoma) or PSA with non-invasive malignant transformation. CONCLUSION This survey shows that superficial parotidectomy is the standard treatment method for primary pleomorphic adenoma in children and adults. Surgery combined with radiotherapy is the preferred option in the case of multinodular recurrence, and surgery alone is recommended in the case of a solitary recurrence.
A novel microfluidic mixer utilizing electrokinetic driving forces under low switching frequency

This paper presents a novel technique in which low‐frequency periodic electrokinetic driving forces are utilized to mix electrolytic fluid samples rapidly and efficiently in a double‐T‐form microfluidic mixer. Without using any additional equipment to induce flow perturbations, only a single high‐voltage power source is required for simultaneously driving and mixing the sample fluids which results in a simple and low‐cost system for the mixing purpose. The effectiveness of the mixer as a function of the applied electric field and the periodic switching frequency is characterized by the intensity distribution calculated downstream from the mixing zone. The present numerical and experimental results confirm that the proposed double‐T‐form micromixer has excellent mixing capabilities. The mixing efficiency can be as high as 95% within a mixing length of 1000 μm downstream from the secondary T‐junction when a 100 V/cm driving electric field strength and a 2 Hz periodic switching frequency are applied. The results reveal that the optimal switching frequency depends upon the magnitude of the main applied electrical field. The rapid double‐T‐form microfluidic mixer using the periodic driving voltage switching model proposed in this study has considerable potential for use in lab‐on‐a‐chip systems.
Depression, pain, exposure to stressful life events, and long-term outcomes in temporomandibular disorder patients.

PURPOSE This study investigated the role of psychological factors in temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Orofacial pain patients' pretreatment levels of depression, disability caused by pain, and exposure to stressful life events were measured, and differences on these variables between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease patients and patients whose pain was of muscular origin (MPD) were evaluated. The use of these variables and patient diagnostic status in predicting response to treatment in a subsample of these patients was also evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS Before undergoing treatment, 258 patients were administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Pain Disability Index (PDI), and the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Follow-up data on pain disability, current level of pain, depression, and satisfaction with treatment were obtained on 48 of these patients who were contacted at varying intervals after completing treatment. RESULTS BDI scores obtained at the outset of treatment were significantly elevated and were positively correlated with SRRS and PDI scores. MPD patients had higher SRRS, BDI depression, and PDI pain disability scores than TMJ patients, and differences between the 2 groups in pain disability were greatest in areas that are often sources of interpersonal stress. Among follow-up patients, PDI scores declined after treatment, with MPD patients showing greater decreases than TMJ patients. Independent of patients' diagnostic status, their pretreatment PDI scores were predictive of their pain level at follow-up and were inversely related to their degree of satisfaction with treatment at follow-up; their pretreatment BDI scores were predictive of their depression level at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The findings are consistent with previous research indicating a link between emotional dysfunction and TMD and are largely supportive of the conclusion that psychological factors play a more pronounced role when pain is of muscular origin. Promising behavioral interventions are available for TMD patients in whom psychological factors appear to be playing a significant role.
Is Regional Autonomy a Solution to Ethnic Conflict? Some Lessons from a Dynamic Analysis

Abstract Does granting regional autonomy to concentrated minorities appease their demand for sovereignty or instead motivate and enable them to engage in secessionist conflicts? To answer this question is difficult as moves towards federalism and decentralization are themselves the results of strategic interactions between the state and the minorities. In this note, I intend to shed some light on this question by looking at how ethnic civil wars and autonomy are dynamically linked. This shows that for locally dominant groups, the risk of war monotonically decreases in the years leading to and following autonomy. For groups that are a minority locally, however, the risk of war sharply increases in the lead-up to autonomy, and quickly falls afterwards, suggesting strategic behavior.
Does Foreign Bank Penetration Affect the Risk of Domestic Banks? Evidence from Emerging Economies

We investigate whether foreign bank penetration affects the risk-taking of domestic banks in emerging economies. By using bank-level data from 35 markets during the period of 2000-2014, we find significant evidence that the riskiness of domestic banks increases with the presence of foreign banks, and this finding is shown to be consistent in a series of robustness examinations. We also explore various conditions for the heterogeneity of the nexus between foreign bank penetration and domestic banks’ risk-taking, including: (1) what types of domestic banks are affected more by the presence of foreign banks, and (2) what patterns of foreign penetration exert more pronounced impact.
Temperature shock during development fails to increase the fluctuating asymmetry of a sexual trait in stalk–eyed flies

The fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral traits is claimed to be a general indicator of environmental stress. Exaggerated sexual ornaments are thought to show elevated levels of FA and a greater response to stress than other traits. Previous work with stalk–eyed flies (Cyrtodiopsis dalmanni) has shown that the FA of the sexual trait (male eye stalks), wing length and wing width were unaffected by a continually applied food stress. Here we tested whether a transient stress (24–h heat shock at 31°C during development) affected the FA of these traits. A second experiment tested the combined stresses of transient heat shock at 31°C with continuous exposure to desiccation. In each experiment, temperature shock reduced the trait size, confirming that the treatments were stressful. However, stress had no effect on the FA of individual traits or the FA summed across all traits. Exposure to the combined stresses significantly elevated mortality and reduced trait size compared to the single–stress regime. However, FA did not differ significantly between flies from the two experiments. We found no evidence that FA in sexual and non–sexual traits reflects transient stress during the development of C. dalmanni.
Health Care Institutions, Medical Organizing, and Physicians: A Multilevel Analysis

Managed care—the dominant mode of health care organizing and financing today—may threaten physicians' satisfaction with practicing medicine, but research has revealed that it is not dissatisfying for physicians in all organizational settings. The institutional theory of organizational communication (ITOC) offers a multileveled explanation of physicians' reactions to managed care based on their institutional identifications and communication with managed care organizations. A multileveled analysis of data from physicians (n = 1,049) in practices (n = 492) investigates this explanation. The results suggest that institutional identifications moderate the relationship between the experience of managed care and physician satisfaction, and offer evidence for the importance of the communication between managed care representatives and physicians. The results also provide an example of the applicability of multilevel modeling for organizational and health communication research.