Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gα11 Signaling through ARF6 Regulates F-Actin Mobilization and GLUT4 Glucose Transporter Translocation to the Plasma Membrane

ABSTRACT The action of insulin to recruit the intracellular GLUT4 glucose transporter to the plasma membrane of 3T3-L1 adipocytes is mimicked by endothelin 1, which signals through trimeric Gαq or Gα11 proteins. Here we report that murine Gα11 is most abundant in fat and that expression of the constitutively active form of Gα11 [Gα11(Q209L)] in 3T3-L1 adipocytes causes recruitment of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane and stimulation of 2-deoxyglucose uptake. In contrast to the action of insulin on GLUT4, the effects of endothelin 1 and Gα11 were not inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin at 100 nM. Signaling by insulin, endothelin 1, or Gα11(Q209L) also mobilized cortical F-actin in cultured adipocytes. Importantly, GLUT4 translocation caused by all three agents was blocked upon disassembly of F-actin by latrunculin B, suggesting that the F-actin polymerization caused by these agents may be required for their effects on GLUT4. Remarkably, expression of a dominant inhibitory form of the actin-regulatory GTPase ARF6 [ARF6(T27N)] in cultured adipocytes selectively inhibited both F-actin formation and GLUT4 translocation in response to endothelin 1 but not insulin. These data indicate that ARF6 is a required downstream element in endothelin 1 signaling through Gα11 to regulate cortical actin and GLUT4 translocation in cultured adipocytes, while insulin action involves different signaling pathways.
An ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry index to estimate natural organic matter lability

Rationale Determining the chemical constituents of natural organic matter (NOM) by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FTICRMS) remains the ultimate measure for probing its source material, evolution, and transport; however, lability and the fate of organic matter (OM) in the environment remain controversial. FTICRMS-derived elemental compositions are presented in this study to validate a new interpretative method to determine the extent of NOM lability from various environments. Methods FTICRMS data collected over the last decade from the same 9.4 tesla instrument using negative electrospray ionization at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida, was used to validate the application of a NOM lability index. Solid-phase extraction cartridges were used to isolate the NOM prior to FTICRMS; mass spectral peaks were calibrated internally by commonly identified NOM homologous series, and molecular formulae were determined for NOM composition and lability analysis. Results A molecular lability boundary (MLB) was developed from the FTICRMS molecular data, visualized from van Krevelen diagrams, dividing the data into more and less labile constituents. NOM constituents above the MLB at H/C ≥1.5 correspond to more labile material, whereas NOM constituents below the MLB, H/C <1.5, exhibit less labile, more recalcitrant character. Of all marine, freshwater, and glacial environments considered for this study, glacial ecosystems were calculated to contain the most labile OM. Conclusions The MLB extends our interpretation of FTICRMS NOM molecular data to include a metric of lability, and generally ranked the OM environments from most to least labile as glacial > marine > freshwater. Applying the MLB is useful not only for individual NOM FTICRMS studies, but also provides a lability threshold to compare and contrast molecular data with other FTICRMS instruments that survey NOM from around the world. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
55nm CMOS 12-bit 250MHz digital-to-analog converter with dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) technique through single-inductor dual-output (SIDO) converter

This 55nm CMOS 12-bit current-steering DAC directly powered by the single-inductor dual-output (SIDO) switching DC-DC converter with the dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) technique improves the DAC's power efficiency by 25% and achieves 65.34dB SFDR. The proposed 3S method, including separating, splitting, and shifting, effectively reduces the current mismatching within 0.2% and suppresses the switching noise interference from the SIDO converter. The 12-bit DAC and SIDO module achieve compatible performance compare to the tradition method and has the benefit of area and energy efficiency.
Correlation between interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective:To explore the changes of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) contents in the children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and the possible pathogenesis,analyze the relationship between IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and symptom characteristics,behavior problems of ADHD. Methods:The serum contents of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α in 35 children meeting the diagnostic criteria of DSM-Ⅳ and 25 normal children were detected,Achenbach child behavior checklist(CBCL)was used for behavior evaluation;the serum contents of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α in the two groups were compared;correlation analysis was conducted on serum contents of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and diagnostic criteria of DSM-Ⅳ,CBCL score. Results:The serum content of IL-1β in ADHD group was higher than that in control group,there was significant difference(χ2=4.239,P=0.041;Z=2.051,P=0.040);the serum content of IL-6 in ADHD group was higher than that in control group,but there was no significant difference(χ2=3.138,P=0.074;Z=1.892,P=0.058);the serum content of TNF-α in ADHD group was lower than that in control group,there was significant difference(χ2=5.173,P=0.023;Z=2.792,P=0.005);there was a negative correlation between serum content of TNF-α and the scores of attention-deficiency factor and hyperactivity/impulse factor(γ=-0.377,P=0.003;γ=-0.274,P=0.034);there was a positive correlation between serum content of IL-1β and score of attention-deficiency factor(γ=0.273,P=0.035);the serum content of TNF-α was negatively correlated with the scores of attention problem,prohibited behavior,aggressive behavior,extroversion,and total score of behavior problems(γ=-0.325,P=0.011;γ=-0.396,P=0.002;γ=-0.306,P=0.017;γ=-0.324,P=0.011;γ=-0.346,P=0.007). Conclusion:The children with ADHD were found with high level of IL-1β and low level of TNF-α;there is correlation between IL-1β,especially TNF-α,and symptoms,some behavior problems of ADHD.
The End of Economic Voting? Contingency Dilemmas and the Limits of Democratic Accountability

▪ Abstract The predominant normative justification for research on economic voting has been its essential role in shaping democratic accountability. A systematic examination of this literature reveals, however, that economic voting is highly contingent on two critical moderating factors: voters themselves and the political context in which they make judgments. The trend toward a better and more realistic understanding of economic voting produced by almost four decades of empirical research has created what I label “contingency dilemmas” for the field's normative foundations because economic voting does not function as envisioned by advocates of democratic accountability. This essay reviews these empirical findings and critically examines how they affect the economic voting paradigm. It argues that, when viewed from a normative perspective, contingent accountability is clearly problematic, and it calls for a reconsideration of the normative underpinnings of the economic voting paradigm in light of the curr.
Multiobjective Genetic Fuzzy Clustering of Categorical Attributes

Most of the algorithms designed for categorical data clustering optimize a single measure of the clustering goodness. Such a single measure may not be appropriate for different kinds of data sets. Therefore, consideration of multiple, often conflicting, objectives appears to be natural for this problem. In this article a multiobjective genetic algorithm based approach for fuzzy clustering of categorical data is proposed. The performance of the proposed technique has been compared with that of the other well known categorical data clustering algorithms. For this purpose, various synthetic and real life categorical data sets have been considered. Statistical significance test has been conducted to establish the significant superiority of the proposed multiobjective approach.
Generic Spectrum and Ionization Efficiency of a Heavy Initial Mass Function for the First Stars

We calculate the generic spectral signature of an early population of massive stars at high redshifts. For metal-free stars with mass above 300 M☉, we find that the combined spectral luminosity per unit stellar mass is almost independent of the mass distribution of these stars. To zeroth order, the generic spectrum resembles a blackbody with an effective temperature of ~105 K, making these stars highly efficient at ionizing hydrogen and helium. The production rate of ionizing radiation per stellar mass by stars more massive than ~300 M☉ is larger by ~1 order of magnitude for hydrogen and He I and by ~2 orders of magnitude for He II than the emission from a standard initial mass function. This would result in unusually strong hydrogen and helium recombination lines from the surrounding interstellar medium. It could also alleviate the current difficulty of ionizing the intergalactic medium at z ≳ 6 with the cosmic star formation rate inferred at somewhat lower redshifts.
Determinants of car travel on daily journeys to school: cross sectional survey of primary school children

The annual distance walked by children has fallen 28% since 1972, partly because car travel has replaced walking on many school journeys.1 Increasing car use has been linked with obesity, adverse health effects in later life, limitations on children's independence, traffic congestion, and pollution. 2 3 To inform the development of strategies to reduce school related car travel, we surveyed the travel patterns of urban primary school children. The survey was conducted in the inner London boroughs of Camden and Islington. The questionnaire—based partly on published surveys 4 5 and prepared in English, Bengali, Turkish, Greek, and Cantonese (first languages of 85% of eligible pupils)—asked about that day's school journey, children's independent travel, and parental concerns. From the sampling frame of all primary schools (excluding pilot, boarding, and special schools), 31 of the 100 eligible schools were randomly selected. We weighted sampling probability by combined class sizes in year 2 (ages 6-7 years) and year …
Men's Experiences of Grandfatherhood: A Welcome Surprise

The present-day involvement of men in many facets of childrearing stands in contrast to previous eras when men accepted that the major task of fathering was to provide a secure income to support the family. This imperative often required long hours away from the family. However, when men whose contact with children has been limited due to work and cultural constraints retire, their newly acquired lifestyle may bring fresh opportunities for involvement with grandchildren. An important question therefore concerns the impact of caring for young children on men's perceptions of their role as grandfathers. This interview study explores the experiences of 19 Australian grandfathers. The analysis found themes that relate to relationships and change, as well as themes concerning core beliefs and existential questions. The findings demonstrate the potential for insight into family relationships and personal growth in older age when studying the topic of grandparenting and caring from the male perspective.
Biological variation of 20 analytes measured in serum from clinically healthy domestic cats

The applications of data on biological variation include assessment of the utility of population-based reference intervals, evaluation of the significance of change in serial results, and setting of analytical quality specifications. We investigated the biological variation of 19 biochemistry analytes and total T4, measured in serum from 7 clinically healthy domestic cats sampled once weekly for 5 weeks. Samples were frozen and analyzed in random order in the same analytical run. Results were analyzed for outliers, and the components of variance, subsequently generated by restricted maximum likelihood, were used to determine within-subject and between-subject variation (CVI and CVG, respectively), as well as analytical variation (CVA) for each analyte. Indices of individuality, reference change values, and analytical performance goals were calculated. The smallest CVI and CVG were found for calcium, chloride, and sodium, whereas the largest values were calculated for bile acids. Nine analytes (albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cholesterol, creatinine, phosphate [phosphorus], total protein, total T4) demonstrated high individuality, indicating limited utility of population-based reference intervals. Individuality was low, and population-based reference intervals were thereby considered appropriate for 5 analytes (bile acids, calcium, fructosamine, glucose, potassium). The intermediate individuality observed for 4 analytes (creatine kinase, iron, magnesium, urea) indicated that population-based reference intervals should be used with caution.
A Specific Oligodeoxynucleotide Promotes the Differentiation of Osteoblasts via ERK and p38 MAPK Pathways

A specific oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), ODN MT01, was found to have positive effects on the proliferation and activation of the osteoblast-like cell line MG 63. In this study, the detailed signaling pathways in which ODN MT01 promoted the differentiation of osteoblasts were systematically examined. ODN MT01 enhanced the expression of osteogenic marker genes, such as osteocalcin and type I collagen. Furthermore, ODN MT01 activated Runx2 phosphorylation via ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPK. Consistently, ODN MT01 induced up-regulation of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and type I collagen, which was inhibited by pre-treatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and the p38 inhibitor SB203580. These results suggest that the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways, as well as Runx2 activation, are involved in ODN MT01-induced up-regulation of osteocalcin, type I collagen and the activity of ALP in MG 63 cells.
Efficacy of venlafaxine and placebo during long‐term treatment of depression: a pooled analysis of relapse rates

&NA; The objective of this analysis was to determine the efficacy of venlafaxine in comparison with that of placebo during long‐term treatment. A pooled analysis of relapse rates in outpatients with major depression continuing long‐term treatment (up to 12 months) after responding to short‐term treatment (6 weeks) was performed combining the data from four randomized, doubleblind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials. Relapses were defined as two consecutive Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity scores greater than 3 (mildly ill), as a CGI severity score greater than 3 at withdrawal regardless of the reason for withdrawal, or as withdrawal due to lack of efficacy. Data from 304 patients (185 venlafaxine, 119 placebo) well balanced for baseline characteristics were included in the pooled analysis. Percentages of patients completing the long‐term phase were 38% venlafaxine and 26% placebo (p = 0.034). Cumulative relapse rates by 6 months of long‐term treatment were 11% venlafaxine and 23% placebo (p = 0.019). Cumulative relapse curves for the venlafaxine and placebo groups over the 1‐year long‐term treatment differed significantly (p = 0.022). The results from this analysis indicate that long‐term treatment with venlafaxine in patients with major depressive disorder is effective in maintaining the initial response compared with placebo and suggest that venlafaxine will be effective in the prevention of relapse.
Acute Hypotension after High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the magnitude of post-exercise hypotension (PEH) after a bout of cycling exercise using high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in comparison to a bout of traditional moderate-intensity continuous exercise (CE). After supine rest 14 obese (31±1 kg·m−2) middle-age (57±2 y) metabolic syndrome patients (50% hypertensive) underwent a bout of HIIT or a bout of CE in a random order and then returned to supine recovery for another 45 min. Exercise trials were isocaloric and compared to a no-exercise trial (CONT) of supine rest for a total of 160 min. Before and after exercise we assessed blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), cardiac output (Q), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), intestinal temperature (TINT), forearm skin blood flow (SKBF) and percent dehydration. HIIT produced a larger post-exercise reduction in systolic blood pressure than CE in the hypertensive group (−20±6 vs. −5±3 mmHg) and in the normotensive group (−8±3 vs. −3±2 mmHg) while HIIT reduced SVR below CE (P<0.05). Percent dehydration was larger after HIIT, and post-exercise TINT and SKBF increased only after HIIT (all P<0.05). Our findings suggest that HIIT is a superior exercise method to CE to acutely reduce blood pressure in MSyn subjects.
Comparison of noninvasive pulse transit time estimates as markers of blood pressure using invasive pulse transit time measurements as a reference

Pulse transit time (PTT) measured as the time delay between invasive proximal and distal blood pressure (BP) or flow waveforms (invasive PTT [I‐PTT]) tightly correlates with BP. PTT estimated as the time delay between noninvasive proximal and distal arterial waveforms could therefore permit cuff‐less BP monitoring. A popular noninvasive PTT estimate for this application is the time delay between ECG and photoplethysmography (PPG) waveforms (pulse arrival time [PAT]). Another estimate is the time delay between proximal and distal PPG waveforms (PPG‐PTT). PAT and PPG‐PTT were assessed as markers of BP over a wide physiologic range using I‐PTT as a reference. Waveforms for determining I‐PTT, PAT, and PPG‐PTT through central arteries were measured from swine during baseline conditions and infusions of various hemodynamic drugs. Diastolic, mean, and systolic BP varied widely in each subject (group average (mean ± SE) standard deviation between 25 ± 2 and 36 ± 2 mmHg). I‐PTT correlated well with all BP levels (group average R2 values between 0.86 ± 0.03 and 0.91 ± 0.03). PPG‐PTT also correlated well with all BP levels (group average R2 values between 0.81 ± 0.03 and 0.85 ± 0.02), and its R2 values were not significantly different from those of I‐PTT. PAT correlated best with systolic BP (group average R2 value of 0.70 ± 0.04), but its R2 values for all BP levels were significantly lower than those of I‐PTT (P < 0.005) and PPG‐PTT (P < 0.02). The pre‐ejection period component of PAT was responsible for its inferior correlation with BP. In sum, PPG‐PTT was not different from I‐PTT and superior to the popular PAT as a marker of BP.
The influence of adhesive luting systems on bond strength and failure mode of an indirect micro ceramic resin-based composite veneer.

AIM This study evaluated the bond strength and failure mode of enamel/resin-based composite veneers bonded with three different dual cured resin adhesive systems. METHODS AND MATERIALS Standard preparations for laminate veneer restorations were made on 30 human central incisors using depth cutting burs (0.5 mm depth at the incisal area and 0.3 mm at the gingival area). Thirty indirect laminates were prepared using a highly filled polymeric material (GC Gradia) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After sandblasting the fitting surfaces, the specimens were randomly divided into three groups (ten per group) based on the type of resin cement luting systems; Excite/Variolink II, Single Bond/Rely X Veneer Cement, and Clearfil New Bond/Panavia F. The specimens were stored in water at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. Fracture testing was performed using a universal testing machine where the load was applied from the incisal direction at 135 degrees to the long axis of the tooth (0.5 mm/min). The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-Square tests were used for statistical analysis at a significance level of p > 0.05. RESULTS The ANOVA showed no significant difference was found among the groups (P > 0.05). Indirect veneers showed mean enamel bond strength of 114.4 +/- 48 N, 159.7 +/- 83.4 N, and 126.1 +/- 51.7 N with Variolink II, Rely X veneer cement, and Panavia F, respectively. The Chi-Square tests showed no significant difference regarding the failure mode frequencies in different types of failure in the three groups (p>0.05). The failure mode analysis showed mainly adhesive failure in the resin cement/laminate interface in all groups. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in bond strength of veneers with the three different resin cements tested. In addition, there was no significant difference in the frequency of the failure mode in each type of failure among the three test groups. The failure analysis revealed mainly an adhesive failure at the resin cement/veneer interface. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The results of this study suggest the use of Excite/Variolink, Single Bond/RelyX, or Clearfil New Bond/Panavia F are all appropriate choices for luting of indirect micro ceramic resin-based composite veneers in terms of bond strength and failure mode.
Clinical features of Japanese type 1 autoimmune hepatitis patients with zone III necrosis

Aim: In Caucasians in northern Europe and North America, type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by susceptibility to human leukocyte antigens DR3 and DR4, and patients with zone III necrosis more frequently have an acute onset of the disease and a lower frequency of cirrhosis than those without. In Japanese patients, however, type 1 autoimmune hepatitis is primarily associated with DR4, and there are almost no DR3‐positive patients. Thus, the clinical features of Japanese patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and zone III necrosis may be different from those reported previously for Caucasians.
Organizational transformation in transition economies: resource-based and organizational learning perspectives

The capitalist and socialist societies of the twentieth century assigned firms different roles within their economic systems. Enterprises transforming from socialist to market economies thus face fundamental organizational restructuring. Many former state-owned firms in the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe have failed at this task. These firms have pursued primarily defensive downsizing, rather than strategic restructuring, as a result of both internal and external constraints on restructuring strategies. Copyright 2003 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.