Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of Renin by Acute Selective Chloride Depletion in the Rat

To determine whether acute chloride depletion per se stimulates renin, we produced selective chloride depletion without sodium depletion in rats by peritoneal dialysis (PD) against 0.15 M NaHCOi or 0.15 M NaNOi. Control rats were dialyzed against 0.15 M NaCl. Plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured before (PRAi) and 105 minutes after (PRAi) PD. Plasma volume was expanded after PD by infusion of salt-free albumin and was measured immediately after PRA2 by [121"I]albumin. In experiment 1, rats were prepared on a normal diet. PRAi (7.0 ± 1.0 ng/ml per hr, mean ± SEM) was increased (P <0.05) over PRA, (4.7 ± 0.7 ng/ml per hr) in Cl-depleted but not in control rats (PRAi = o.3 ± 0.7, PRAi - 0.1 ± 0.7, P - NS). In experiment 2, to produce greater chloride depletion, all rats were prepared for 2 weeks on a low salt diet. PRAi (47 ± 5 ng/ml per hr) was increased as compared to PRAi (24 ± 2 ng/ml per hr, P <0.005) in the Cl-depleted group but not in the control group (PRA, = 24 ± 3, PRAi - 27 ± 6 ng/ml per hr, P - NS). Serum potassium and final plasma volume were slightly but not significantly lower than controls in these Cl-depleted rats. To exclude an additive effect of these two stimuli for renin, in experiment 2a we infused chloride-depleted rats with three times as much albumin as controls and with KHCOj, 100 mEq/liter. Despite volume expansion and potassium loading, PRA, (41 ± 6 ng/ml per hr) was significantly elevated as compared to PRAi (25 ± 4 ng/ml per hr, P <0.01). Since acute metabolic alkalosis also was present in all Cl-depleted renin-rtimulated rats, an additional group (2b) was dialyzed against 0.15 M NaNO,; final plasma arterial pH (7.43) was not different from controls (7.42). Nevertheless, PRAi levels again were higher (36 ± 6 ng/ml per hr, P <0.05) as compared to PRAi (23 ± 4 ng/ml per hr). In all experiments, arterial blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, and filtered sodium load were not different. Free water reabsorption was lower in Cldepleted than in control rats. We conclude that acute selective chloride depletion per se is a potent stimulus for renin release. Ore Res 44: 815-831, 1979
The customer, the insurer and the market

Price elasticity studies analyze how customers react to price changes. In this paper, we focus on their effect on the renewal of non-life insurance contracts. Every year insurers face the recurring question of adjusting premiums. Where is the trade off between increasing premium to favour higher projected profit margins and decreasing premiums to obtain a greater market share? Regression models are used to explore the triangular relationship of the customer, the insurer and the market. We conclude that the latter cannot be ignored if we want to get reliable lapse predictions. Furthermore, we also investigate empirical evidence of adverse selection and study its potential impact on lapse decisions.
Tau protein and 14-3-3 protein in the differential diagnosis of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease

Background: Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is made according to the typical clinical picture and can be supported by a positive 14-3-3 CSF immunoblot. Promising results for the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of tau-protein measurement in CSF already have been described in a smaller group of patients. Both tests in a larger group of patients with the differential diagnosis of CJD were evaluated. Methods: CSF of 297 patients under the differential diagnosis of CJD (109 definite, 55 probable, 39 possible; 85 others, 1 iatrogenic, 8 genetic), 23 nondemented control subjects, and 15 non-CJD patients with positive 14-3-3 immunoblots were analyzed. The 14-3-3 immunoblot bands were semiquantitatively rated as strong, medium, and weak. Tau-protein was analyzed using a commercially available ELISA. In addition, patients were neuropathologically classified according to prion protein type and polymorphism at codon 129. Results: A diagnostic sensitivity of 94%, a diagnostic specificity of 90%, and a positive predictive value of 92% were achieved for tau-protein at a cut-off of 1,300 pg/mL. These results are comparable with those of the 14-3-3 immunoblot. For patients with type II prion protein and methionine/valine or valine/valine polymorphism at codon 129, tau-protein has a higher diagnostic sensitivity than 14-3-3 protein. Tau-protein levels were significantly higher in patients with higher-rated 14-3-3 immunoblot bands. Conclusion: The differential diagnostic significance of the 14-3-3 immunoblot is similar to that of the tau-protein ELISA. The advantage of the tau-protein ELISA is that it is easy to use in routine laboratories. Patients with a negative 14-3-3 immunoblot already have measurable tau-protein levels. This increases information on 14-3-3—negative patients with CJD and especially on patients with other diseases.
Risk factors of vitamin B(12) deficiency in patients receiving metformin.

BACKGROUND Identification of risk factors for metformin-related vitamin B(12) deficiency has major potential implications regarding the management of diabetes mellitus. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study from a database in which the source population consisted of subjects who had levels of both serum vitamin B(12) and hemoglobin A(1c) checked in a central laboratory. We identified 155 cases of diabetes mellitus and vitamin B(12) deficiency secondary to metformin treatment. Another 310 controls were selected from the cohort who did not have vitamin B(12) deficiency while taking metformin. RESULTS A total of 155 patients with metformin-related vitamin B(12) deficiency (mean +/- SD serum vitamin B(12) concentration, 148.6 +/- 40.4 pg/mL [110 +/- 30 pmol/L]) were compared with 310 matched controls (466.1 +/- 330.4 pg/mL [344 +/- 244 pmol/L]). After adjusting for confounders, we found clinically important and statistically significant association of vitamin B(12) deficiency with dose and duration of metformin use. Each 1-g/d metformin dose increment conferred an odds ratio of 2.88 (95% confidence interval, 2.15-3.87) for developing vitamin B(12) deficiency (P<.001). Among those using metformin for 3 years or more, the adjusted odds ratio was 2.39 (95% confidence interval, 1.46-3.91) (P = .001) compared with those receiving metformin for less than 3 years. After exclusion of 113 subjects with borderline vitamin B(12) concentration, dose of metformin remained the strongest independent predictor of vitamin B(12) deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate an increased risk of vitamin B(12) deficiency associated with current dose and duration of metformin use despite adjustment for many potential confounders. The risk factors identified have implications for planning screening or prevention strategies in metformin-treated patients.
The Role of Thrombopoietin in the Thrombocytopenia of Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

OBJECTIVES:Thrombocytopenia is a common disorder among cirrhotics that has been traditionally explained by splenic platelet pooling and destruction. Thrombopoietin (TPO), the main stimuli for thrombopoiesis is produced primarily in the liver and degraded by circulating platelets, but its role in the thrombocytopenia of liver cirrhosis is not well understood. The main goal of this study is to clarify the role of TPO in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in cirrhosis.METHODS:The relation among TPO, platelet count, spleen size, portal hypertension, and liver function was studied in 33 cirrhotic patients before and after either partial splenic embolization or liver transplantation.RESULTS:Cirrhotics with thrombocytopenia had lower serum TPO levels than healthy controls (median values (interquartile range: ICR) were 120.7 (42.0–191.6) vs 756.4 (527.0–965.1) pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Among cirrhotics with thrombocytopenia, serum TPO was related to spleen size (ρ=−0.387, p= 0.046), but not to platelet count as occurs physiologically. After partial splenic embolization, TPO and platelet count increased significantly and the physiological relation between TPO and platelet count was restored (ρ=−0.665, p= 0.026). Similar results were observed after liver transplantation.CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest that besides impaired production in the failing liver, an increased TPO degradation by platelets sequestered in the congested spleen may contribute to thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients.
Mechanical properties of new composite restorative materials.

OBJECTIVE Determination of flexural strength, flexural modulus, fracture toughness, Vickers hardness, and wear resistance of condensable composites (Solitaire, Surefil, Alert) and an ormocer (Definite) in comparison with a hybrid composite (Tetric Ceram) and an ion-releasing composite (Ariston pHc). METHODS Flexural strength, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness were determined in 3-point bending. Single-edge notched-bend specimens were used to evaluate fracture toughness. Microhardness was measured with a Vickers indenter. Wear was determined in a pin-on-block-design with a Degusit antagonist at 50 N load and quantified by a replica technique after 6000, 10000, 30000, and 50000 load cycles using a 3D-laser scanner. All results were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and post hoc Tukey HSD tests. RESULTS Alert exhibited the highest flexural modulus, K(IC), and hardness, but lowest wear resistance. Solitaire presented the highest wear resistance, but significantly lower flexural strength, flexural modulus, K(IC), and hardness than all other materials. No significant correlation could be detected between hardness and wear of the tested composites with Pearson's correlation coefficient. SIGNIFICANCE The condensable composites differed significantly in their mechanical properties. This study suggested that, besides the filler content level and filler size, other factors like matrix-filler interactions highly influence the fracture and wear behavior of the materials.
The Determinants of Defense Expenditures in Pakistan and India: An ARDL Bounds Testing Approach

Using the ARDL approach for the years of 1972-2010, this study has employed the general model of aggregate defense expenditures to explore the determinants of defense spending for Pakistan and India. The demand for defense spending for both the countries is determined by economic, political and strategic factors. The findings of the study regarding economic determinants suggest that RGDP and Nondefense Government Expenditures positively influence the defense spending of both the countries while the trade balance has mixed results. The political determinant i.e. democracy index used as proxy for regime of government has positive effects on Pakistan’s defense spending while in India it has negative effects. The study finds out that the strategic factors such as atomic threat, internal threats and wars have positive impact on the defense expenditures of both the countries. Hence, the study has highlighted the cogent determinants of the defense spending in short run and long run suggesting that the arm race factor and associated economic and political factors are imperative for the defense spending of Pakistan and India.
Galectins in hematological malignancies

Purpose of reviewGalectins are a family of lectin molecules that have emerged as key players in inflammation and tumor progresssion by displaying intracellular and extracellular activities. This review describes the recent advances on the role of galectins in hematological neoplasms. Recent findingsGalectin-1 and galectin-3 are the best studied galectins in oncohematology. Increased expression of galectin-1 has been associated with tumor progression in Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, whereas galectin-3 plays a supporting role in chronic myelogenous leukemia and multiple myeloma. Functional studies have assigned a key role for galectin-1 as a negative regulator of T-cell immunity in Hodgkin's lymphoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Of therapeutic interest is the development of agents with the capacity to interfere with galectin functions. SummaryCurrent knowledge indicates a key role for galectins in hematological neoplasms by favoring the growth and survival of tumor cells and facilitating tumor immune escape. Intervention using specific galectin inhibitors is emerging as an attractive therapeutic option to alter the course of these malignancies.
An Improved Method for Computation of Fundamental Matrix

In augmented reality, the real surgical scene information is required for three-dimensional reconstruction in order to merge real and virtual information. The estimation of the fundamental matrix is one of the key steps. Both the linear method and iterative least squares didn't impose the constraint that the rank of the fundamental matrix is two and the estimation results weren't accurate enough and nonlinear method needs an appropriate initial value. The MAPSAC algorithm was robust, but the Sampson errors of the results were still large. In this paper we proposed a MAPSACNL algorithm which integrates the MAPSAC algorithm and nonlinear method by using the results of MAPSAC as the initial value of the fundamental matrix and then optimizing it by Levenberg-Marquardt method. We compared the results of our methods and the results of linear method and the iterative least squares, which showed MAPSACNL method estimating the fundamental matrix was more robust and had less Sampson errors for the variance of the iterative numbers, the corner points numbers and the zeta value.
DYNAMIC VOLATILITY AND SHOCK INTERACTIONS BETWEEN OIL AND THE U.S. ECONOMIC SECTORS

his study examines (i) the dynamic shocks and volatility interactions between each of the eleven U.S. economic sectors and the oil market; (ii) riskminimizing optimal capital allocations between each sector and oil; and (iii) the hedging effectiveness resulting from the inclusion of oil in each sector portfolio. Using weekly data spanning the period June 1994 through February 2016, we document the following regularities: (i) the conditional correlation between each sector and the oil market is time-varying and slowly decaying; (ii) there is either volatility or shock transmission from oil to each sector but not the reverse; and (iii) investors can minimize and hedge risk by allocating a portion of their wealth to oil commodities and forming a portfolio consisting of sector stocks and oil commodities. however, they will need to overweight their investment in sector stocks. Our findings indicate that oil commodities offer diversification potential to U.S. investors holding sector portfolios such as sector ETFs and mutual funds. Further, the risk parity portfolio weights significantly differ from the capital allocation weights.
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of a Divergent Loop Cyclophilin from Caenorhabditis elegans *

Cyclophilin 3 (CYP-3) is one of the most abundantly expressed cyclophilin isoforms in the free living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. The detailed post-embryonic expression pattern of the cyp-3 transcript is unusual, peaking during early larval development. The spatial expression pattern was examined via reporter gene analysis demonstrating that thecyp-3 transcript is exclusively expressed in the single anterior excretory cell. Recombinant cyclophilin 3 has been purified, crystallized and solved to a resolution of 1.8 Å. The peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity of CYP-3 has been characterized against the substrateN-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-p-nitroanilide, and gives a k cat/K m value of 2.4 × 106 m −1s−1. The immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A binds and inhibits CYP-3 with an IC50 value of 16 nm, comparable with the range of values found for human cyclophilin A. The x-ray structure shows that the overall fold and active site geometry is similar to other cyclophilin structures. There are however a number of distinctive features, and we use this structure and amino acid sequence alignment analysis to identify a subgroup of “divergent-loop cyclophilins”. This subgroup has a number of uniquely conserved features: an additional loop between residues 48 and 54 (KSGKPLH); two cysteine residues (Cys40 and Cys168) that are in close proximity but remain in the unoxidized form, and two other conserved residues, His54 and Glu83. We suggest that these features are functionally important for the role played by this class of cyclophilins during cellular responses to stress caused by changes in the redox environment or by up-regulation of cellular activity. This study represents a detailed biological, biochemical, and structural characterization of a single cyclophilin isoform in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans.
Porcine pulmonary and aortic valves: a comparison of their tensile viscoelastic properties at physiological strain rates.

Pulmonary valve autografts and allografts have been recently reported as being clinically effective for the replacement of the diseased aortic valve. While the biomechanics of the aortic valve have been widely studied, there is little information available about the mechanical properties of the pulmonary valve. We felt that it was necessary to investigate the mechanical properties of the pulmonary valve to determine if it is mechanically suitable as a long term replacement for the aortic valve. We employed physiological strain rate tensile testing to investigate the stress-strain and stress relaxation behaviour of 44 aortic and 40 pulmonary valve cusp strips cut in the radial and circumferential directions, in fresh and glutaraldehyde fixed states. Stress-strain and stress relaxation tests were performed on each test strip at extension rates of 40 mm/s, 4 mm/s and 0.4 mm/s. In all but one mechanical parameter, we found no difference between aortic and pulmonary valve tissues. The extensibilities and relaxation rates were similar, but the aortic valve tissue had a greater average modulus (p = 0.0005) than the pulmonary valve tissue (i.e. 7.41 MPa vs. 5.86 MPa respectively). Since bioprostheses are often constructed from materials with mechanical properties very different from those of the aortic valve, like pericardium, the slight difference between aortic and pulmonary valves is unlikely to affect the operation of the pulmonary valve in the aortic position. The pulmonary valve could therefore be considered mechanically acceptable as a replacement for the aortic valve.
Fieldwork in labour relations research

Fieldwork has always been a central feature of labour relations research. It has been indispensable to an understanding of the often informal, localised and changeable power relationships that characterise employment. Giulio Regeni was engaged on fieldwork on the independent trade unions that were emerging in Egypt when he was brutally killed in 2016. The purpose of this note is to recall the long tradition of such fieldwork and to assert the importance of that tradition for the proper conduct of research. It starts with the nature of his research and discusses earlier fieldwork, before warning of the wider implications of his death.
Quantification of the Surgical Margin Shrinkage in Lip Cancer: Determining the Relation Between the Surgical and Histopathologic Margins

Abstract Lip carcinoma is one of the most common cancers of the head and neck region. Lower lips are more frequently affected. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for more than 95% of the cases. The aim of treatment is to achieve the highest cure rates with adequate excision with clear surgical margins while leaving the smallest defect sizes behind for reconstruction. Excised tissue is known to shrink when removed, in relation with its retractile properties. In this study, the evaluation of the amount of shrinkage in excised lip cancer specimens and determination of the relation between surgical and histopathologic margins were aimed. The study included 21 consecutive excised lip specimens for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip. The volume of the specimen, tumor length, and margin distance measurements were measured and recorded step by step from before surgical excision to histopathologic evaluation. Specimens were evaluated in a standardized fashion by the same pathologist after 48 hours of fixation. For data analysis, Number Cruncher Statistical System 2007 and Power Analysis and Sample Size 2008 Statistical Software (Kaysville, UT) were used. The surgical margins of the excised lip specimen shrink up to 41% to 47.5% from before excision to histopathologic evaluation. The most significant step was the excision step, followed by the formalin fixation step. The histopathologic process itself and the duration of formalin fixation did not result a significant change in surgical margins. The tumor tissue itself did not show a significant shrinkage.
Joint estimation of states and parameters of vehicle model using cubature Kalman filter

Road condition is changed in the vehicle motion, unknown parameter is required in real-time estimation. Considering the unknown parameters of the vehicle dynamic system, For the purpose of pursuing accuracy estimation of vehicle states, this paper propose two kinds of strategies to estimate the state and parameter simultaneously, the joint cubature kalman filter and the dual cubature kalman filter. Firstly of all, a nonlinear double vehicle dynamic model based on Magic tire model is introduced. And then the algorithm of the joint cubature kalman filter (JCKF) and the dual cubature kalman filter (DCKF) are applied to vehicle state estimation. Finally, simulations are carried out using the Carsim and Matlab/Simulink to evaluate the algorithms. Simulation results demonstrate that the DCKF algorithm has relatively high accuracy and performances better than the JCKF under various road conditions.
Hydrogen peroxide induces Beclin 1-independent autophagic cell death by suppressing the mTOR pathway via promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of Rheb in GSH-depleted RAW 264.7 cells

Abstract A novel mechanism for H2O2-induced autophagic cell death in GSH-depleted RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line, is proposed. Under GSH-depleted conditions, H2O2-induced autophagic cell, characterized by an increased LC3-II/I ratio, a decreased level of p62 and the formation of autophagic vacuoles, was inhibited by bafilomycin A1 and by Atg5 siRNA transfection, whereas the cell death was not inhibited by zVAD-fmk, by PI3K inhibitors or by Beclin 1 siRNA transfection. In addition, H2O2 treatment reduced the activity of mTOR and promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of Rheb, a key upstream activator of mTOR. Furthermore, proteasome inhibition with MG132 restored the expression of Rheb and increased mTOR activity, resulting in an increased viability of H2O2-treated cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that H2O2 induces Beclin 1-independent autophagic cell death by suppressing the mTOR pathway via promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of Rheb in GSH-depleted RAW 264.7 cells.