Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leaving the market or reducing the coverage

This study develops an experimental analysis addressing the premium sensitivity of the demand for insurance accounting for risk attitudes, including risk-loving. Our contribution disentangles the conditional demand (the non-null demand for insurance) from the propensity to buy insurance. Our research shows that the contraction of the global demand for insurance induced by the raise in unit prices and fixed cost is primarily due to policyholders exiting the insurance market rather than reducing their levels of coverage. However, contrary to the theoretical predictions, an increase in the fixed cost has effects only on the risk lovers’ behavior. The stability of the conditional demand is robust to changes in insurance contracts and individuals’risk attitude. These results suggest that the decision about insurance may boil down to an “all or nothing” choice. In line with the theory, risk lovers express a lower global demand for insurance than risk-averse subjects and are the first to leave the insurance market when the premium (unit price or fixed cost) is prohibitive. Implications regarding public and economic policies are discussed. As a by-product, our experimental design enables to test and reject the assumption of inferiority of the risk averters’ demand for insurance.
Phase I and Pharmacologic Study of PKI166, an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients with Advanced Solid Malignancies

Purpose: This phase I study was conducted to assess the tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of the oral, selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor PKI166 in patients with advanced solid malignancies. Experimental Design: PKI166 was first given once daily continuously and in the second part of the study once daily for 2 weeks every 4 weeks to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Ten additional patients were studied at MTD to acquire additional safety information and characterize the effect of food intake on PKI166 pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics of PKI166 were characterized after single and multiple doses at all dose levels. Results: Fifty-four patients received a total of one hundred sixteen 28-day cycles of PKI166. Dose-limiting transaminase elevations were observed in two of seven and two of eight patients using 50 and 100 mg PKI166 continuously. In the second part with PKI166 once daily for 2 weeks every 4 weeks, MTD was set at 750 mg. Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of diarrhea, skin rash, and transaminase elevations. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed fast absorption, a linear dose-response relationship without drug accumulation after multiple doses. At MTD, no significant influence of food intake on PKI166 pharmacokinetics was observed. Stable disease for more than two cycles was observed in 11 patients. Conclusions: PKI166 given once daily for 2 weeks every 4 weeks is well tolerated with linear pharmacokinetics, compatible with once daily dosing, and without significant effect of food intake on absorption. The recommended dose for further studies is 750 mg once daily for 2 weeks every 4 weeks.
The driftless and electron-windless electromigration theory

The recently presented new theory of electromigration of metal atoms is summarized. The new theory attributes the migration to diffusion of electrical neutral atoms and generation-recombination-trapping of the electrically neutral atoms in the bulk of the metal line and on the interior surfaces of the voids in the metal line. It assumes no drift current or zero host ion current, and it asserts no electron-wind force which was assumed empirically in the 40-year-old 1969 Black model. The new theory gives the time-dependence and materials-dependences of the metal line resistance, not available previously, both of which can experimentally tested to delineate the fundamental mechanisms and pathways, and statistical void geometries. It also gives materials-dependent simple analytical formulas of time-to-failure and time-to-open-circuit for compact modeling interconnects in computer-aided design of integrated circuits.
Cloud service routing in WDM networks with awareness on delay and link failure probability

Cloud service based on data center (DC) has become an attractive choice for abundant applications. Generally, DCs are distributed at different nodes across a given optical network, and users access DCs through predefined routes. From the perspective of service providers, it is important to offer reliable cloud service while taking service delay and service cost into consideration. In this paper, we study the service routing problem in a given optical network to provide cloud services with high reliability, where failure probability and transmission delay of each link are considered as two coupled parameters. The objective is to minimize the total routing cost and design the access routes for the demands originated from each node. To combine together the corresponding delay and the failure probability of each link, we introduce two cost scaling factors which can be flexibly adjusted to control their relative importance (i.e., the weights). Based on mathematical approximation, a novel method is proposed to compute the failure probabilities of individual service paths. This translates our objective function into a linear expression. Then, we formulate an integer linear program (ILP) to solve the problem. The proposed cloud service routing scheme is validated by extensive numerical experiments.
Salinimicrobium flavum sp. nov., isolated from coastal sediment.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, non-gliding, facultatively anaerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated X7T, was isolated from marine sediment taken from the coast of Weihai, China. Strain X7T grew optimally at 28-30 °C, at pH 7.0 and in the presence of 2-3 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain X7T was a member of the genus Salinimicrobium and was most closely related to the species Salinimicrobium gaetbulicola with a 96.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value. The major cellular fatty acids of strain X7T were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 1ω9c, iso-C17 : 1ω9c, C17 : 0 2-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids of strain X7T were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and five unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-6, and the genomic DNA G+C content was 46.7 mol%. Phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic results indicated that strain X7T represents a novel species of the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium flavum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is X7T (=KCTC 42585T=MCCC 1H00115T).
Low-conductance K channels in apical membrane of rat cortical collecting tubule.

Low-conductance, K-selective channels were identified in the apical membrane of the rat cortical collecting tubule (CCT) by use of the patch-clamp technique. Isolated, split tubules were bathed in K gluconate medium to depolarize the cell while keeping the intracellular K concentration high. With the patch-clamp pipette containing predominantly either Na+ or Li+ but no K, outward currents were observed through channels that had a single-channel conductance (g) of 9 pS and a probability of being open (Po) of greater than 0.9, independent of the voltage (+/- 40 mV) applied to the pipette (Vp). Similarly, only outward currents were observed when the patch was excised into high-K solution, implying a high selectivity of the channel for K+. When 1 mM BaCl2 was added to the pipette, Po decreased to 0.36 at Vp = 0; however, g was not changed but the channels flickered rapidly between open and blocked states; Po decreased as Vp was made positive, and increased as Vp was made negative. With the pipette filled with KCl + 1 mM Ba, the channels conducted K+ in both directions. The inward currents (at positive Vp were larger than the outward currents (at negative Vp) and g near Vp = 0 increased to 25 pS. When the pipette was filled with RbCl + 1 mM Ba the inward and outward currents were similar in magnitude, suggesting that the channels can conduct Rb, although not as well as K. With the tubules bathed in NaCl Ringer solution and the pipette containing KCl, inward currents were observed that could be attributed to the same pathway for K. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Age‐related incidence and other epidemiological aspects of myelodysplastic syndromes

Summary. Although most haematologists perceive a rising prevalence and incidence of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), reliable epidemiological data on these disorders are largely lacking. The bone marrow register of the University of Düsseldorf allowed us to assess among other epidemiological features the incidence of MDS. which was compared to that of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Among a total of 18416 different patients registered between 1975 and 1990, 584 cases of MDS (3.2%) and 506 cases of AML (2.8%) were identified. Over the study period, the percentage of newly diagnosed MDS rose from 1.3% to 4.5%, while there was no upward trend for AML. Among all patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy, the proportion of those over 60 years of age increased from 41.9% in 1975 to 54.1%in 1990. Wefounda strong correlation between the proportion of elderly patients and the relative frequency of MDS diagnoses. Thirty‐one patients (5.3%) were classified as a secondary MDS because of previous treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or irradiation for a variety of malignancies. Twelve patients were identified in whom occupational exposure to organic solvents could not be ruled out.
Molecular mechanisms redirecting the GLP-1 receptor signalling profile in pancreatic β-cells during type 2 diabetes

Abstract Treatments with β-cell preserving properties are essential for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the new therapeutic avenues, developed over the last years, rely on the physiological role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Sustained pharmacological levels of GLP-1 are achieved by subcutaneous administration of GLP-1 analogues, while transient and lower physiological levels of GLP-1 are attained following treatment with inhibitors of dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP4), an endoprotease which degrades the peptide. Both therapeutic classes display a sustained and durable hypoglycaemic action in patients with T2D. However, the GLP-1 incretin effect is known to be reduced in patients with T2D, and GLP-1 analogues and DPP4 inhibitors were shown to lose their effectiveness over time in some patients. The pathological mechanisms behind these observations can be either a decrease in GLP-1 secretion from intestinal L-cells and, as a consequence, a reduction in GLP-1 plasma concentrations, combined or not with a reduced action of GLP-1 in the β-cell, the so-called GLP-1 resistance. Much evidence for a GLP-1 resistance of the β-cell in subjects with T2D have emerged. Here, we review the potential roles of the genetic background, the hyperglycaemia, the hyperlipidaemia, the prostaglandin E receptor 3, the nuclear glucocorticoid receptor, the GLP-1R desensitization and internalisation processes, and the β-arrestin-1 expression levels on GLP-1 resistance in β-cells during T2D.
Aware, motivated and striving for a ‘safe tan’: an exploratory mixed-method study of sun-protection during holidays

ABSTRACT Background: This article presents an exploratory study, aiming to explore the correspondence between knowledge, motivation and sun-protection practices during holidays. Methods: Seventeen participants aged 21–62 years old, recruited from community settings took part in individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews, completed sun sensitivity questions and an objective assessment of sunscreen use. Holidaymakers’ knowledge about sun-safe messages, intentions and perceptions of barriers and facilitators for sun-protection were assessed. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and integrated with quantitative data, using a pragmatic theory-informed approach to synthesise the findings. Results: Participants were well informed about sun-safe messages, highly motivated to protect themselves from solar UV radiation (UVR) and they perceived themselves as well protected. However, they did not seem to use effective protective practices. Sunscreen was the preferred method of sun-protection, but most participants used considerably less than the recommended amount and significantly overestimated the amount of time they could be safely exposed. Seeking shade was the least used method of sun-protection and covering-up strategies were mostly implemented as a partial protection (i.e. hats or sunglasses). The desire to reach an optimal balance between getting a tan and using sun-protection to avoid sunburns was preeminent. Several additional barriers and facilitators for sun-protection were identified. Conclusions: Holidaymakers might have a false sense of security when it comes to sun-exposure. They are aware of the need to protect from solar UVR, but the motive for a safe tan, the overreliance on sunscreen, the overestimation of the safe sun-exposure time for their skin type and the insufficient application of sunscreen leaves holidaymakers motivated to protect their skin at significant risk of overexposure, sunburn and skin cancer. Public health messages need to address how to implement effective sun-safe strategies.
No exacerbation but impaired anti-viral mechanisms in a rhinovirus-chronic allergic asthma mouse model.

Severe asthma and viral-induced asthma exacerbations represent a high unmet medical need as no therapy is currently available for these patients. HRV (human rhinovirus) is prominently associated with asthma exacerbations in humans. The aim of the present study was to establish a mouse model of severe asthma with additional rhinovirus infection to investigate the interplay between chronic allergic airway inflammation and acute respiratory viral infection. Balb/c mice were sensitized with HDM (house dust mite) extract (25 μg in 50 μl of saline) by i.n. (intranasal) delivery to the lung over 7 weeks. HRV1B (HRV serotype 1B) inoculation was performed i.n. on the last 3 days. Therapeutic treatment with FP (fluticasone propionate) was performed to assess steroid efficacy. Lung resistance was measured invasively to assess AHR (airway hyper-responsiveness). BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) differential cell count, cytokines, lung histology and the proliferative and cytokine response of MLN (mediastinal lymph node) cells upon in vitro restimulation were analysed. Chronic HDM application induced a strong Th2-skewed eosinophilic airway inflammation and AHR, which was not exacerbated by superimposed HRV1B infection. Therapeutic steroid intervention in the chronic HDM model reduced BAL eosinophil cell counts, cytokine levels and AHR, while neutrophil numbers were unaffected. Steroid efficacy against inflammatory readouts was maintained during additional HRV1B infection. Animals with chronic allergic airway inflammation exhibited a diminished immune response towards superimposed HRV1B infection compared with HRV1B alone, as induction of the anti-viral and pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN (interferon)-α, IFN-γ and IL (interleukin)-12 were suppressed. Although superimposed HRV1B infection did not provoke asthma exacerbation in this severe model, a deficient anti-viral immune response to HRV1B was present under chronic allergic airway inflammatory conditions. Thus, this model is able to reflect some aspects of the complex interplay of respiratory virus infection in chronic allergic asthma.
On the Robust Application of Loop Optimization Heuristics in Distribution Operations Planning

Loop optimization heuristics are widely used techniques in distribution operations planning. These heuristics are acknowledged as approximate optimization techniques. However, the approximation error and its dependence on the system have not been quantified with generality. Thus, being able to classify distribution systems by the extent of the expected approximation error is of interest for many. In this paper we project a set of heuristic errors on a defined system parameter, which we designate by network complexity. The projection results exhibit a two-stage evolution that suggests the existence of a complexity boundary for the robust application of loop optimization heuristics.
Simulating Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem using Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation

Changing demand trend (e-commerce business, timely delivery) has contributed to dynamism and complexity of routing problems. Despite its importance, Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem (DVRP) has received little attention. Most of VRP works have been characterized by static and deterministic problem. To fill the gap, the present study aims at developing Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) to simulate DVRP by capturing dynamism and stochasticity. Urban freight transport serving sixty-two retailers at Yogyakarta city (Indonesia) is taken as a studied case. GIS data and Particle Swarm Optimization are embedded in ABMS to mimic retailers' location, road infrastructure in the real system and to evaluate optimal routes respectively. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the degree of dynamism (dod) on logistics performances. Results indicate a linear relationship between the dod and both travelled distance and lateness. For every 1% increase of the dod, the travelled distance would increase,on average, by 7%.
AIDS-related opportunistic illnesses occurring after initiation of potent antiretroviral therapy: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

CONTEXT Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related opportunistic illnesses (Ols) continue to occur after initiation of potent antiretroviral therapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Risk factors for clinical progression to Ols during potent therapy are not well defined. OBJECTIVE To examine the incidence of and risk factors for Ols among patients treated with potent antiretroviral therapy in a population-based study. DESIGN The Swiss HIV Cohort Study, a prospective cohort study of adult HIV-infected persons. SETTING Seven study centers throughout Switzerland. PATIENTS A total of 2410 cohort study participants with a potential follow-up of at least 15 months after starting potent therapy between September 1995 and December 1997. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Disease-specific incidence of Ols during the 6 months preceding potent antiretroviral therapy and at 3 intervals after initiating therapy; risk factors for development of Ols during therapy. RESULTS Of the 2410 participants, 143 developed 186 Ols after initiation of potent antiretroviral therapy. Incidence of any OI decreased from 15.1 per 100 person-years in the 6 months before therapy to 7.7 in the first 3 months after starting treatment, 2.6 in the following 6 months, and 2.2 per 100 person-years between 9 and 15 months. Reductions in incidence ranged from 38% per month for Kaposi sarcoma (P<.001) to 5% per month for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (P = .31). Baseline CD4 cell count continued to predict the risk of disease progression after initiating potent therapy. Compared with CD4 cell counts above 200 x 10(6)/L, the hazard ratio for developing Ols was 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.5) for counts between 51 and 200 x 10(6)/L and 5.8 (95% CI, 3.2-10.5) for counts below 51 x 10(6)/L at baseline. Independent of baseline CD4 cell count, a rise in CD4 cell count by 50 x 10(6)/L or more and undetectable HIV-1 RNA in plasma (<400 copies/mL) by 6 months reduced risk of subsequent events, with hazard ratios of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.20-0.52) and 0.39 (0.24-0.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the risk of developing an OI for a person receiving potent antiretroviral therapy is highest during the initial months of therapy. Baseline CD4 cell count and immunologic and virologic response to treatment were strong predictors of disease progression in patients receiving potent therapy. Individuals with CD4 cell counts of 50 x 10(6)/L or below may need close clinical surveillance after initiation of potent therapy.
Shedding Light on Selenium Biomineralization: Proteins Associated with Bionanominerals

ABSTRACT Selenium-reducing microorganisms produce elemental selenium nanoparticles with particular physicochemical properties due to an associated organic fraction. This study identified high-affinity proteins associated with such bionanominerals and with nonbiogenic elemental selenium. Proteins with an anticipated functional role in selenium reduction, such as a metalloid reductase, were found to be associated with nanoparticles formed by one selenium respirer, Sulfurospirillum barnesii.
A Survey on Privacy Preserving Data Mining

The collection of digital information by governments, corporations, and individuals has created tremendous opportunities for knowledge- and information-based decision making. Driven by mutual benefits, or by regulations that require certain data to be published, there is a demand for the exchange and publication of data among various parties. Data in its original form, however, typically contains sensitive information about individuals, and publishing such data will violate individual privacy. Protecting private data is an important concern for society, several laws now require explicit consent prior to analysis of an individual's data, but its importance is not limited to individuals: corporations might also need to protect their information's privacy, even though sharing it for analysis could benefit the company. Clearly, the trade-off between sharing information for analysis and keeping it secret to preserve corporate trade secrets and customer privacy is a growing challenge. A variety of methods and approaches have been introduced and developed for privacy preserving data mining. This paper provides a basic survey of different privacy preserving data mining methods and analyses the representative techniques for privacy preserving data mining.