Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression and regulation of OPG in the immune system The role of OPG in bone

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a secreted glycoprotein central to bone turnover via its role as a decoy receptor for the receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) and has traditionally been linked to a number of bone-related diseases. However, there is additional evidence that OPG can promote cell survival by inhibiting TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. As a result, a number of in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have been performed assessing the role of OPG in tumourigenesis. Similar studies have been performed regarding vascular pathologies, resulting from observations of expression and regulation of OPG in the vasculature. This review aims to provide an update on this area and assess the potential protective or detrimental role of OPG in both vascular pathologies and tumourigenesis. r 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
The Relative Pricing of Sovereign Credit Risk after the Eurozone Crisis

The paper analyses the relative pricing between sovereign CDS spreads and sovereign bond yields, for European countries, during and after the sovereign debt crisis of 2010-2012. In particular, we focus on the cross-sectional relationship between CDS spreads and bond yields across the European countries, and we investigate whether the differences across countries in terms of default risk, priced in the CDS spreads, are consistently priced in the cross-section of the bond yields. We show that an inconsistent cross-sectional relationship between CDS spreads and bond yields emerges during the crisis period for all the European countries, while after the announcement of the Outright Monetary Transaction (OMT) Programme, by the European Central Bank, the consistent cross-sectional relationship between default risk and bond yields is restored for the Eurozone countries only.
Encoder 1 Encoder Strip Cable Grooves Support Shaft Output Shaft Support Extension of Support Cables HousingExterior

Bidirectional compatibility requirements with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have limited the adaptation of rehabilitation robots for use in MRI machines. In this paper, we present the design and control of a Bowden cable-actuated, MRI-compatible series elastic actuator (SEA) that aims to fulfil the bidirectional compatibility requirements to the maximum extend. The proposed device is built using nonconductive diamagnetic MRI compatible materials, fiber optic sensing units and a Bowden cable based actuation, such that imaging artifacts created under strong magnetic field required for neuro-imaging are minimized. In particular, utilization of Bowden-cable transmission enables the placement of the conventional non-MRI compatible control/signal processing units and electric actuators outside the MRI room. This approach not only helps avoid the MR interference caused by these parts and eliminates safety hazards within the MRI room, but also ensures that the performance of the device is not affected by the strong magnetic field, resulting in ideal bidirectional MRI compatibility. Use of a custom-built fiber optic encoder together with nonconductive leaf spring based elastic element enables torque outputs of the device to be measured and used for closed-loop torque control, rendering the system into a series elastic actuator. The proposed MRI compatible SEA is easily customizable and can be used as the building block of higher degrees of freedom MRI compatible robotic devices. Current prototype is validated to administer continuous torques up to 2 Nm with a torque control bandwidth of 1 Hz and a torque sensing resolution of 0.05 Nm.
PDFlib PLOP: PDF Linearization, Optimization, Protection Page inserted by evaluation version

High concentrations of glucose induce insulin resistance and impair insulin secretion in a manner that mirrors type 2 diabetes, a phenomenon known as glucose toxicity. High concentrations of hexosamines mimic these effects, leading to the hypothesis that cells use hexosamine flux as a glucoseand satiety-sensing pathway. Overexpression of the rate-limiting enzyme for hexosamine synthesis (glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase, GFA) in muscle and fat results in insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia. GFA overexpression targeted to liver results in hyperlipidemia and to the beta cell in increased insulin secretion. Thus, excess hexosamine flux leads to a coordinated response whereby fuel is shunted toward long-term storage, mirroring the “thrifty phenotype”. The results suggest a mechanism by which chronic overnutrition leads to the phenotype of type 2 diabetes.
Electromagnetic evaluation of an in-wheel double rotor axial-flux switched reluctance motor for electric traction

In this paper, a novel in-wheel double rotor axialflux switched reluctance motor for electric traction is presented. The proposed double rotor axial-flux switched reluctance motor has a particular disposition of the stator and rotor poles that provides short flux path without flux reversal. The ferromagnetic pieces of the stator and the rotor are built using soft magnetic composites. Electromagnetic analysis is performed using three dimensional finite element analyses, 3D FEA. Matlab-Simulink simulation coupled with the results of finite element analysis proves that the proposed motor drive is suitable for the propulsion of a given E-scooter.
Take a Chance on Abba

The order of actions in contests may generate different psychological effects which, in turn, may influence contestants' probabilities to win. The Prouhet-Thue-Morse sequence in which the first 'n' moves is the exact mirror image of the next 'n' moves should theoretically terminate any advantage to any of the contestants in a sequential pair-wise contest. The tennis tiebreak sequence of serves is the closest to the Prouhet-Thue-Morse sequence that one can find in real tournament settings. In a tiebreak between two players, A and B, the order of the first two serves (AB) is a mirror image of the next two serves (BA), such that the sequence of the first four serves is ABBA. Then, this sequence is repeated until one player wins the tiebreak. This sequence has been used not only in tennis, but also recently in the US TV presidential debates. In this study we analyse 1,701 men's and 920 women's tiebreak games from top-tier tournaments between the years 2012 to 2015. Using several different strategies to disentangle the effect of serving first from the effect of selection, we find that, for both genders, serving first does not have any significant effect on the winning probabilities of the two players, implying that the ABBA sequence is fair. We thus argue that it might be useful for other sports and contests in general to consider adopting the ABBA sequence in order to improve fairness.
The Effect of Financial Literacy on Growth and Sustainability of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the Handicraft Sector in Padang City

This study aims to empirically examine the effect of financial literacy on growth and the effect of financial literacy on the sustainability of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the handicraft sector in Padang City. The object of this research is the handicraft sector in Padang City. Respondents in this study amounted to 150 people selected based on purposive sampling method. Hypothesis testing is carried out using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis with STATA program version 12.0. The results of this study indicate that financial literacy has a significant effect on growth in SMEs in the handicraft sector in Padang City and financial literacy does not affect the sustainability of SMEs in the handicraft sector in Padang City.
An Improved CSPM Approach for Accurate Second-Derivative Approximations with SPH

We compare several approximations for second derivatives with Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH). A first-order consistent approximation, derived from the zeroth-order consistent Corrective Smoothed Particle Method (CSPM), is proposed. The accuracy of the new method (ICSPM) is similar to that of the Finite Particle Method (FPM) and Modified Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (MSPH), but it is computationally less expensive. We demonstrate the accuracy of our method by studying heat conduction in a slab with discontinuous conductivity coefficients. We use both uniformly and pseudo-randomly distributed particles.
THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN ACUTE PANCREATITIS , RECURRENT ACUTE PANCREATITIS AND CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Recent findings The first genome-wide association study in the pancreas has been published with genome-wide significance linked with noncoding variants at the PRSS1-PRSS2 locus on chromosome seven and the CLDN2 locus on the X chromosome. A new personalized medicine paradigm is being considered to facilitate organization of genetic and other susceptibility risk compared with the risk of disease progression or resolution and risk of complications.
Study of Serum Copper and Iron in Children with Chronic Liver Diseases

Trace elements have a major role as both oxidants and antioxidants, promoting and protecting from tissue damage respectively. As the liver has a pivotal role in trace elements metabolism and consequenyly their bioavailability, we aimed to measure serum levels of essential trace elements in children with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) regardless the etiology and to study their correlation with liver function tests. Serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe); together with other trace elements parameters; were measured in 50 children with CLDs using spectrophotometry and their levels were compared with those age and sex matched healthy children as controls. Serum Cu, Fe, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) were significantly higher in the CLDs group than that in the control group; while serum Zn and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were significantly lower in the CLDs than that in the control group. Serum Fe, Cu, TS and ferritin were positively correlated with biochemical parameters of liver damage; while serum Zn and TIBC were negatively correlated with biochemical parameters of liver damage. These results encourage inclusion of serum Zn, Cu and Fe as biomarkers for monitoring the severity of liver damage during routine assessment of children with CLDs. We recommended caution to avoid excess Fe and Cu intake in children with CLDs. Moreover, Zn supplementation could be encouraged in children with CLDs regardless its etiology.
Effect of polyurethane coated urea on ruminal ammonia release and fermentation characteristics in vitro of steam-flaked maize-based diet

Feed-grade urea (FGU), soyabean meal (SBM) and polyurethane coated urea (PCU) were used to investigate the effect of different nitrogen sources on ruminal ammonia release and other fermentation characteristics in vitro. The results showed NH3-N concentrations of PCU and SBM diets were similar during fi rst 8 h of fermentation and were signifi cantly lower by 8.2-20.6% than that of FGU diet (P<0.01). In vitro ruminal pH, 24-h gas production, total VFA and individual VFA molar proportions were not affected by nitrogen sources, except for 24-h ruminal dry matter digestibility in vitro that was higher (P<0.05) for SBM diet than FGU and PCU diets. It was concluded that PCU supplement could slower ruminal ammonia release, which was similar with SBM and better than FGU.
An Improved Watermarking Algorithm to Colour Image Based on Wavelet Domain

This paper has brought forward an improved non-blind watermarking algorithm based on discrete wavelet transform. Watermarking applies special meaningful color image. Before embedded watermark, the algorithm requires needs the watermarking image and carrier image to separate color and transform discrete wavelet. Then the watermark’s low frequency sub-graph and high low sub-graph are respectively embedded into carrier image using additive watermark embedding rules and iterative mixed method. The experiment results have showed that the algorithm has good concealment and improve the robustness of the algorithm
Ankylosing spondylitis Ophthalmologic Uveitis Episcleritis Iritis Hepatic / pancreas / biliary Primary sclerosing cholangitis Autoimmune hepatitis Pancreatitis Cholelithiasis Musculoskeletal Osteopenia Osteoporosis Hematologic Anemia — iron deficiency or chronic disease Venous thrombosis Urologic Ne

IBD is a chronic immune-mediated condition of the GI tract in which the goal of treatment is to induce and maintain durable remission. Although classically divided into Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), IBD actually has a wide range of phenotypes with varied responses to therapy, which makes the natural history of this chronic disease difficult to predict. Pediatric IBD has several unique considerations in comparison to adult IBD, namely related to growth, development, pubertal maturation, bone health, and the psychological impact on the patient and family. Additionally, the longevity of disease burden and its consequent morbidity is significantly more in children than in adults diagnosed with IBD. The growing incidence and prevalence of IBD further highlight the importance of pediatric primary care providers being knowledgeable about and closely involved in the care of these patients.
Bagchi Ovary Dependent Pathways Intrinsic to the − Ulipristal Blocks Ovulation by Inhibiting Progesterone Receptor

Ulipristal acetate (UPA), a progesterone receptor (PR) modulator, is used as an emergency contraceptive in women. Here, using a mouse model, we investigated the mechanism of action of UPA as an ovulation blocker. In mice, ovulation is induced *12 hours following the treatment with exogenous gonadotropins, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which mimics the action of luteinizing hormone (LH). When administered within 6 hours of hCG treatment, UPA is a potent blocker of ovulation. However, UPA’s effectiveness declined significantly when it was given at 8 hours post hCG. Our study revealed that, when administered within 6 hours of hCG, UPA blocks ovulation by inhibiting PR-dependent pathways intrinsic to the ovary. At 8 hours post hCG, when the PR signaling has already occurred, UPA is unable to block ovulation efficiently. Collectively, these results indicated that UPA, when administered within a critical time window following the LH surge, blocks PR-dependent pathways in the ovary to function as an effective antiovulatory contraceptive.
Assessing the willingness of non-members to invest in new financial products in agricultural producer cooperatives: A choice experiment

The sourcing of outside investment capital from non-members has motivated the emergence of innovative cooperative structures, but the literature on these new organizational forms omits the perspective of an outside investor. This paper reports a study that applied a choice experiment method in a novel setting to increase understanding of the preferences of investors in agricultural firms. A large questionnaire dataset consisting of 845 financially literate subjects enabled testing of the form in which residual and control rights provide incentives for non-producer investors to invest in agricultural firms. The choice experiment data were analyzed using a latent class model. The results demonstrate that the subjects were interested in the currently hypothetical, new types of investment instruments in agricultural producer cooperatives. Three investor classes were distinguished based on the preferences: returnseeking, ownership-oriented and risk-averse investors. Who controls the firm appears to be irrelevant concerning willingness to invest, while the rural ties of the respondent are positively related to the preference for voting rights.
Selection and Influence Processes in Greek Drinking : Accentuation of Risking Drinking

Heavy drinkers prior to college have been shown to increase their drinking in college via their self-selection into the Greek societies and subsequent Greek influence on their drinking. This study characterized the dual mechanisms underlying these processes: (a) the Greek selection on the basis of personality and precollege drinking and (b) the Greek influence through alcohol-conducive environmental factors. Prospective data obtained in the summer prior to college and over the first 6 semesters of college (N 3,099) indicated strong precollege drinking-based selection, strong initial influence immediately after college entrance, and sustained influence afterward. Impulsivity/novelty seeking was associated with Greek affiliation both directly and indirectly via precollege drinking, whereas extraversion and neuroticism were associated with Greek affiliation largely independent of precollege drinking. Greek affiliation was related to higher levels of drinking norms immediately after college entrance and alcohol availability by the sophomore year, but not afterward, after controlling for prior drinking. Findings highlight the diverse mechanisms underlying accentuation of risky drinking over the transition to college and during the college years, through dynamic interplay between individuals and high-risk environments.
2 Semi-NMF and Convex-NMF

We present several new variations on the theme of nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF). Considering factorizations of the form X = FG , we focus on algorithms in which G is restricted to contain nonnegative entries, but allow the data matrix X to have mixed signs, thus extending the applicable range of NMF methods. We also consider algorithms in which the basis vectors of F are constrained to be convex combinations of the data points. This is used for a kernel extension of NMF. We provide algorithms for computing these new factorizations and we provide supporting theoretical analysis. We also analyze the relationships between our algorithms and clustering algorithms, and consider the implications for sparseness of solutions. Finally, we present experimental results that explore the properties of these new methods.
High resolution spatio‐temporal water vapour mapping using GPS and MERIS observations

Improved knowledge of atmospheric water vapour and its temporal and spatial variability is of great scientific interest for climate research and weather prediction. Moreover, the availability of fine resolution water vapour maps is expected to reduce significant errors in applications using the Global Positioning System, GPS, or radar interferometry. Several methods exist to estimate water vapour using satellite systems. Combining radiances as measured in two spectral bands of the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) results in an Integrated Water Vapor (IWV) product with high spatial resolution, up to 300 m, but a limited temporal resolution of about three days, in case of cloud free conditions. On the other hand, IWV estimates can be derived from the zenith total delays as observed by continuous GPS networks. The GPS IWV estimates have a higher temporal resolution of typically 1 hour, but, even in Western Europe, inter‐station distances are at least tenths of kilometres. Here we describe how to obtain IWV products with high spatio‐temporal resolution by combining GPS and MERIS IWV estimates. For this purpose an analysis is made of MERIS and GPS based IWV data, retrieved at the same day over Western Europe. A variance–covariance analysis is performed and is subsequently applied to produce time series of combined high‐resolution water vapour maps using Kriging. The research presented here is a first step towards near real‐time fine resolution water vapour products.
Morphometry of Malleus a Possible Tool in Sex Determination

The sex is estimated in the dead bodies mainly from big intact bones like skull, mandible, pelvis and long bones etc. The malleus is housed in the middle ear, so, remain well protected even in the mutilated bodies and although small but strongest of all the ossicles. We studied the morphometry of the 120 human mallei from 60 cadavers (30 male and 30 female) with the aim to know the sexual dimorphism in north Indian population. Out of various parameters the total length and the length of the handle were found to be of significant value in estimation of sex.
Pre-and Postcalving Supplementation of Multinutrient Blocks on Lactation and Reproductive Performances of Grazing Bali Cows

The influence of multinutrient blocks during pre and postcalving on lactation and reproductive performances of Bali cows were evaluated. Seventeen multiparous pregnant cows with body condition score (BCS) 1 to 2, approximately 90 d before the expected date of calving, were divided randomly into groups A (n=9) and B (n=8), and were grazed on the native pasture as a basal diet, while those of Group B received 1.25 kg multinutrient blocks, whose constituent was as follows (%): molasses (28), urea (5), coconut cake (15), fishmeal (5), rice bran (25), lime (8.5), salt (7.5), grit (5) and ultramineral (1). Cows were weighed and assessed for BCS (on a five-point scale) every two weeks, commencing at 12 weeks prior to calving, within 24 h after calving up to 16 weeks after calving. Milk production and composition were assessed by the weigh-suckle-weigh technique at four times i.e. 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after calving. Suckling behaviour i.e. frequency of suckling, duration of nursing and total min nursed were observed 6 times in the course of lactation at weekly intervals commencing at 1 week after calving. Calf birth weight was measured within 24 h after calving and continued at weekly intervals until 12 weeks of age. Uterine involution was determined by rectal palpation at 7 d postcalving. The interval from calving to first estrus was monitored by estrus observation twice a day. Conception at first service was assessed by pregnancy diagnosis 45 to 60 d after insemination. Cows fed multinutrient blocks supplement had higher liveweight, BCS throughout the experiment. The cows produced significantly more milk and had higher growth rates of the calves than the unsupplemented cows. The mean values of the characteristics of suckling were influenced by supplementation. The rate of uterine involution and conception to first service were similar in the two treatment groups, but interval from calving to the exhibition of the first estrus was shorter in supplemented cows. Key Words: Supplementation, Multinutrient Block, Bali Cows
Blame the Parents? How Financial Incentives Affect Labor Supply and Job Quality for Young Adults

Young adults entering the labor force typically have little access to unemployment insurance or other formal insurance mechanisms. Instead, they rely on family insurance in the form of parental support to smooth consumption. We study the labor market response of Belgian young adults to decreases in parental support caused by parental job displacements. Our estimates correct for unobserved heterogeneity by using the timing of parental shocks before and after labor market entry. We find that a child whose parents lose a job prior to the child's labor market entry is, on average, induced to work 6% more in the 3 years following labor market entry than a child whose parents lose a job after the child's entry (where labor market entry is defined as the end of the child's full-time education). This effect is concentrated on the extensive margin, meaning that the child finds a job faster, and disappears within four years of entry. We find no evidence that parental support affects the quality of the initial job that entrants find.
Beyond open system models of organization Œ Emergence: Complexity and Organization

In a recent book, Haas and Drabek (1973) categorize organization research into eight perspectives or conceptual models – rational, classical, human relations, natural system, conflict, exchange, technological, and open system models – and add a ninth of their own, a stress-strain model. Their typology, like most typologies that have been developed to describe approaches to the study of organizations, is empirically derived from the work of practicing organization researchers. It is therefore potentially an excellent frame for representing the past and the present. But it severely limits invention of the future.