Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Worldwide research productivity in the field of rheumatology from 1996 to 2010: a bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE Bibliometric studies concerning the quantity and quality of articles published in rheumatology journals are scarce. This study aims to compare scientific production in the field of rheumatology between countries and evaluate the publication trend and citations worldwide. METHODS Articles published in 39 rheumatology journals from 1996 to 2010 were screened using the Scopus database. The number of articles, citations, Hirsch indices (h-indices) and international collaborations were determined for countries or regions. Publication activity was adjusted for the top 35 countries categorized by population size and gross domestic product (GDP). RESULTS; A total of 43 808 articles were identified. The time trend of the number of articles showed an increase of 2.95-fold between 1996 and 2010. Western Europe and northern America were the most productive world areas, producing 52.4% and 23.1% of the available literature, respectively. The USA published the most articles, followed by the UK and Germany. The USA, the UK and the Netherlands had the highest h-indices (169, 137 and 117, respectively) and ranked about the same when total citations were used. However, Ireland had the highest average citations per article (48.33), followed by Denmark (40.19) and the Netherlands (39.86). Positive associations between the total number of publications/citations and population/GDP were observed (P < 0.01). Scandinavian countries ranked the highest after adjusting for population and GDP. CONCLUSION The USA and Western Europe clearly dominate the production of scientific publications in rheumatology. However, some smaller European countries have high scientific output relative to their size.
Acute Exercise Leads to Regulation of Telomere-Associated Genes and MicroRNA Expression in Immune Cells

Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures that protect chromosomal ends from degradation. These structures progressively shorten during cellular division and can signal replicative senescence below a critical length. Telomere length is predominantly maintained by the enzyme telomerase. Significant decreases in telomere length and telomerase activity are associated with a host of chronic diseases; conversely their maintenance underpins the optimal function of the adaptive immune system. Habitual physical activity is associated with longer leukocyte telomere length; however, the precise mechanisms are unclear. Potential hypotheses include regulation of telomeric gene transcription and/or microRNAs (miRNAs). We investigated the acute exercise-induced response of telomeric genes and miRNAs in twenty-two healthy males (mean age = 24.1±1.55 years). Participants undertook 30 minutes of treadmill running at 80% of peak oxygen uptake. Blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately post-exercise and 60 minutes post-exercise. Total RNA from white blood cells was submitted to miRNA arrays and telomere extension mRNA array. Results were individually validated in white blood cells and sorted T cell lymphocyte subsets using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) mRNA (P = 0.001) and sirtuin-6 (SIRT6) (P<0.05) mRNA expression were upregulated in white blood cells after exercise. Fifty-six miRNAs were also differentially regulated post-exercise (FDR <0.05). In silico analysis identified four miRNAs (miR-186, miR-181, miR-15a and miR-96) that potentially targeted telomeric gene mRNA. The four miRNAs exhibited significant upregulation 60 minutes post-exercise (P<0.001). Telomeric repeat binding factor 2, interacting protein (TERF2IP) was identified as a potential binding target for miR-186 and miR-96 and demonstrated concomitant downregulation (P<0.01) at the corresponding time point. Intense cardiorespiratory exercise was sufficient to differentially regulate key telomeric genes and miRNAs in white blood cells. These results may provide a mechanistic insight into telomere homeostasis and improved immune function and physical health.
Comparison of Enzymatic and Microbiological Gentamicin Assays

The correlation coefficient between the rapid enzymatic and the overnight microbiological assays for 211 urine and serum specimens was 0.96. The 95% confidence limits yielded a correlation coefficient between 0.92 and 0.98. Both methods tended to underestimate the amount of a gentamicin added to urine. When only serum samples were considered, the predicted value obtained from the linear regression analysis of either method was within 0.57 μg/ml 99% of the time. This high degree of positive correlation will permit safe rapid adjustment of individualized patient gentamicin dosages.
Methods for simulating measured field responses for long-term performance of mine waste cover systems

Mine waste cover systems are typically a key component of mine closure plans. For this reason, and because cover systems generally encompass a large component of mine closure costs, it is critical that an acceptable level of risk in determining long-term cover system performance is achieved. Numerical simulations using computers are the most common tool used to evaluate the long-term water balance of mine waste cover systems. However, the accuracy of such simulations is dependent on the quality of data available to determine model inputs. The preferred method for ensuring the most representative model inputs are used is to simulate past performance of the cover using data generated from field performance monitoring, referred to as a field response model. The inputs from a model that provides a representative simulation of measured field responses can then be used as a basis for evaluating long-term mine waste cover system performance. Field response models attempt to recreate complexities of the real world in mathematical terms. Hence, all facets of a cover system’s water balance must be addressed in the model. This includes, but is not limited to, soil-plant-atmosphere interactions, evolution (weathering) of the cover layers, and heterogeneity (as well as layering) of materials. This paper presents the current methodology used by the authors to simulate these processes. In order to illustrate the methodology, results are presented for field response models developed at three sites situated in starkly contrasting climatic regimes: an arid to semi-arid site, a humid subtropical site, and a subarctic site. The examples show that following such a methodology can result in a highly accurate set of model inputs in almost any climatic region. Field response modelling is the most appropriate method of determining and validating a set of model inputs for a mine waste cover system. However, field response modelling requires the accurate prediction of complex soil-plant-atmosphere interaction with time. Hence, the modelling process requires many iterations before accurate estimates of field responses can be realised. The changes to the model made between iterations must be deliberate and documented to limit the number of iterations required to obtain calibration. This paper presents a methodology for cover system field response modelling that can be used to develop a calibrated field response model. The methodology is discussed, and examples of the application of the methodology are provided to illustrate the process. Application of this, or a similar methodology, is fundamental in developing a model that can be used as a basis for evaluating long-term cover system performance under a variety of conditions.
Curves that must be retraced

We exhibit a polynomial time computable plane curve ${\bf \Gamma}$ that has finite length, does not intersect itself, and is smooth except at one endpoint, but has the following property. For every computable parametrization $f$ of ${\bf\Gamma}$ and every positive integer $m$, there is some positive-length subcurve of ${\bf\Gamma}$ that $f$ retraces at least $m$ times. In contrast, every computable curve of finite length that does not intersect itself has a constant-speed (hence non-retracing) parametrization that is computable relative to the halting problem.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE FIRST HOME PURCHASE DECISION OF MIDDLE-INCOME EARNERS (M40) IN SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

The purpose of this study is to determine first home purchase decision among middle-income earners in Selangor, Malaysia. Factors such as finance, location, neighbourhood, and structural attributes were investigated. Data was collected using a probabilistic sampling method, particularly a stratified random sampling technique. The descriptive approach, correlation, and multiple regression analysis are used to analyse the data. This research found two factors that influenced the residential property purchase decision among middle-income earners in Selangor, Malaysia, which are financial and neighbourhood. By understanding the motivation behind purchasing their first home, middle-income earners would be able to gauge the factors that matter most before purchasing the property.
Task complexity and maximal isometric strength gains through motor learning

This study compared the effects of a simple versus complex contraction pattern on the acquisition, retention, and transfer of maximal isometric strength gains and reductions in force variability. A control group (N = 12) performed simple isometric contractions of the wrist flexors. An experimental group (N = 12) performed complex proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contractions consisting of maximal isometric wrist extension immediately reversing force direction to wrist flexion within a single trial. Ten contractions were completed on three consecutive days with a retention and transfer test 2‐weeks later. For the retention test, the groups performed their assigned contraction pattern followed by a transfer test that consisted of the other contraction pattern for a cross‐over design. Both groups exhibited comparable increases in strength (20.2%, P < 0.01) and reductions in mean torque variability (26.2%, P < 0.01), which were retained and transferred. There was a decrease in the coactivation ratio (antagonist/agonist muscle activity) for both groups, which was retained and transferred (35.2%, P < 0.01). The experimental group exhibited a linear decrease in variability of the torque‐ and sEMG‐time curves, indicating transfer to the simple contraction pattern (P < 0.01). The control group underwent a decrease in variability of the torque‐ and sEMG‐time curves from the first day of training to retention, but participants returned to baseline levels during the transfer condition (P < 0.01). However, the difference between torque RMS error versus the variability in torque‐ and sEMG‐time curves suggests the demands of the complex task were transferred, but could not be achieved in a reproducible way.
Contaminant Transport in a Municipal Drinking Water Supply: A Steady-state Approach to Estimate Rate and Uncertainty

Abstract Contaminant transport is generally considered to be a key factor when assessing and classifying the environmental risk of polluted areas. In the study presented here, a steady-state approach was applied to obtain estimates of the transit time and concentration of the pesticide metabolite BAM (2,6-dichlorobenzoamide) at a site where it is contaminating a municipal drinking water supply. A Monte Carlo simulation technique was used to quantify the uncertainty of the results and to evaluate the sensitivity of the used parameters. The adopted approach yielded an estimated median transit time of 10 y for the BAM transport from the polluted site to the water supply. Soil organic carbon content in the unsaturated zone and the hydraulic conductivity in the saturated zone explained 44% and 23% of the uncertainty in the transit time estimate, respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that the dilution factor due to regional groundwater flow and the soil organic carbon content at the polluted site explained 53% and 31% of the uncertainty of concentration estimates, respectively. In conclusion, the adopted steady-state approach can be used to obtain reliable first estimates of transit time and concentration, but to improve concentration predictions of degrading contaminants, a dynamic model is probably required.
The role of leptin in glucose homeostasis

The fat‐derived hormone, leptin, is well known to regulate body weight. However, there is now substantial evidence that leptin also plays a primary role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, independent of actions on food intake, energy expenditure or body weight. As such, leptin might have clinical utility in treating hyperglycemia, particularly in conditions of leptin deficiency, such as lipodystrophy and diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms through which leptin modulates glucose metabolism have not been fully elucidated. Leptin receptors are widely expressed in peripheral tissues, including the endocrine pancreas, liver, skeletal muscle and adipose, and both direct and indirect leptin action on these tissues contributes to the control of glucose homeostasis. Here we review the role of leptin in glucose homeostasis, along with our present understanding of the mechanisms involved. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00203.x, 2012)
Infrared spectroscopy of HCOOH in interstellar ice analogues

Context. HCOOH is one of the more common species in interstellar ices with abundances of 1–5% with respect to solid H2O. With the launch of the Spitzer Space Telescope new infrared spectra have become available of interstellar ices in different environments. So far systematic laboratory studies on HCOOH-containing interstellar ice analogues are lacking. Aims. This study aims at characterizing the HCOOH spectral features in astrophysically relevant ice mixtures in order to interpret astronomical data. Methods. The ices are grown under high vacuum conditions and spectra are recorded in transmission using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Pure HCOOH ices deposited at 15 K and 145 K are studied, as well as binary and tertiary mixtures containing H2O, CO, CO2 and CH3OH. The mixture concentrations are varied from 50:50% to ∼10:90% for HCOOH:H2O. Binary mixtures of HCOOH:X and tertiary mixtures of HCOOH:H2O:X with X = CO, CO2 ,a nd CH 3OH, are studied for concentrations of ∼10:90% and ∼7:67:26%, respectively. Results. Pure HCOOH ice spectra show broad bands which split around 120 K due to the conversion of a dimer to a chain-structure. Broad single component bands are found for mixtures with H2O. Additional spectral components are present in mixtures with CO, CO2 and CH3OH. The resulting peak position, full width at half maximum and band strength depend strongly on ice structure, temperature, matrix constituents and the HCOOH concentration. Comparison of the solid HCOOH 5.9, 7.2, and 8.1 µm features with astronomical data toward the low mass source HH 46 and high mass source W 33A shows that spectra of binary mixtures do not reproduce the observed ice features. However, our tertiary mixtures especially with CH3OH match the astronomical data very well. Thus interstellar HCOOH is most likely present in tertiary or more complex mixtures with H2O, CH3OH and potentially also CO or CO2, providing constraints on its formation.
Adenovirus E4orf4 protein induces PP2A-dependent growth arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and interacts with the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome

Adenovirus early region 4 open reading frame 4 (E4orf4) protein has been reported to induce p53-independent, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)–dependent apoptosis in transformed mammalian cells. In this report, we show that E4orf4 induces an irreversible growth arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Growth inhibition requires the presence of yeast PP2A-Cdc55, and is accompanied by accumulation of reactive oxygen species. E4orf4 expression is synthetically lethal with mutants defective in mitosis, including Cdc28/Cdk1 and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) mutants. Although APC/C activity is inhibited in the presence of E4orf4, Cdc28/Cdk1 is activated and partially counteracts the E4orf4-induced cell cycle arrest. The E4orf4–PP2A complex physically interacts with the APC/C, suggesting that E4orf4 functions by directly targeting PP2A to the APC/C, thereby leading to its inactivation. Finally, we show that E4orf4 can induce G2/M arrest in mammalian cells before apoptosis, indicating that E4orf4-induced events in yeast and mammalian cells are highly conserved.
rd1 Mouse retina shows an imbalance in the activity of cysteine protease cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitor cystatin C.

PURPOSE To compare in vivo levels, spatial localization, and in vitro secretion of cysteine protease cathepsins and cystatin C (cysC) in the retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa and control (wt) mouse retinas. METHODS The spatial localization, protein contents, cysC levels and cathepsin-B, -S, and -L activities in wt and rd1 retinas at postnatal (PN) days 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 were analyzed by immunostaining, spectrophotometry, ELISA, and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The in vitro secretion of cysC and cysteine proteases by PN7 retinal explants into the conditioned medium (RCM) was quantified. RESULTS The pigment epithelium, photoreceptors, and inner retinal and ganglion cell layers of both wt and rd1 retinas showed cysC and cathepsin-B labeling. CysC immunostaining was extensive in the optic nerve head fibers. The rd1 explants secreted higher amounts of cysteine protease into the RCM. The protein content in wt and rd1 retinal extracts increased up to PN14, then decreased in rd1 but not in wt. In rd1 extracts at PN14 to -28, cathepsin activity was higher and increased with age, but the cysC level was higher and constant. The ratios of cathepsin activity to cysC (cathepsin-L at PN2 and total, -B, and -L at PN14 to -28) were higher in rd1 extracts. CONCLUSIONS Similar localization of both cathepsin-B and cysC in wt and rd1 retinas along with lower proteins and higher cathepsin activity in rd1 retinal extracts and RCM are consistent with their localization in extracellular matrix and a role in physiopathologic remodeling in wt and rd1 retinas.
Activation of dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons promotes persistent waiting independently of reinforcing effects

The central neuromodulator serotonin (5-HT) has been implicated in a wide range of behaviors and affective disorders, but the principles underlying its function remain elusive. One influential line of research has implicated 5-HT in response inhibition and impulse control. Another has suggested a role in affective processing. However, whether and how these effects relate to each other is still unclear. Here, we report that optogenetic activation of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) produces a dose-dependent increase in mice’s ability to withhold premature responding in a task that requires them to wait several seconds for a randomly delayed tone. The 5-HT effect had a rapid onset and was maintained throughout the stimulation period. In addition, movement speed was slowed but stimulation did not affect reaction time or time spent at the reward port. Using similar stimulation protocols in place preference and value-based choice tests, we found no evidence of either appetitive or aversive effects of DRN 5-HT neuron activation. These results provide strong evidence that the efficacy of DRN 5-HT neurons in promoting waiting for delayed rewards is independent of appetitive or aversive effects and support the importance of 5-HT in behavioral persistence and impulse control.
Cyclic Variability and Dynamical Instabilities in Autoignition Engines With High Residuals

The dynamical phenomenon of cyclic variability in combustion governed by autoignition in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines with large amounts of residual gases is investigated. A novel model is derived with two states that capture the coupling between engine cycles due to the thermal energy in the recycled residual gases and the recycled chemical energy in the unburned fuel. With the parameters tuned to data from a single cylinder engine at one level of residuals, the model predictions agree well with the experimental observations of decreasing residuals, which are associated with later phasing and increasing cyclic variability approaching misfire. A stability analysis of the model with respect to the amount of recycled residual gases shows how instabilities develop and that the dynamic behavior of the combustion phasing from cycle to cycle is stable for a range of residual gas fractions. The model and analysis offers an explanation for the experimentally observed cycle-to-cycle variability, and provides a foundation for further analysis as well as development of controls mitigating the variability.
Video-audio driven real-time facial animation

We present a real-time facial tracking and animation system based on a Kinect sensor with video and audio input. Our method requires no user-specific training and is robust to occlusions, large head rotations, and background noise. Given the color, depth and speech audio frames captured from an actor, our system first reconstructs 3D facial expressions and 3D mouth shapes from color and depth input with a multi-linear model. Concurrently a speaker-independent DNN acoustic model is applied to extract phoneme state posterior probabilities (PSPP) from the audio frames. After that, a lip motion regressor refines the 3D mouth shape based on both PSPP and expression weights of the 3D mouth shapes, as well as their confidences. Finally, the refined 3D mouth shape is combined with other parts of the 3D face to generate the final result. The whole process is fully automatic and executed in real time. The key component of our system is a data-driven regresor for modeling the correlation between speech data and mouth shapes. Based on a precaptured database of accurate 3D mouth shapes and associated speech audio from one speaker, the regressor jointly uses the input speech and visual features to refine the mouth shape of a new actor. We also present an improved DNN acoustic model. It not only preserves accuracy but also achieves real-time performance. Our method efficiently fuses visual and acoustic information for 3D facial performance capture. It generates more accurate 3D mouth motions than other approaches that are based on audio or video input only. It also supports video or audio only input for real-time facial animation. We evaluate the performance of our system with speech and facial expressions captured from different actors. Results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of our method.
Do Good Kids Finish First ? Testing Bequest Motive Theories in Mexico 1

This paper tests several leading bequest motive theories using a uniquely appropriate longitudinal data set, the Mexican Health and Aging Study. These data include a population-representative sample of bequests and bequest intentions of parents that is matched with rich measures of child characteristics and behavior. Our results are consistent with the theory of Bernheim et al. that parents use their bequest strategically to induce children to provide services. We also find evidence that contradicts predictions of pure theories of altruism and suggestive evidence that when business assets are at stake, parents favor those children who are most qualified to manage those assets. 1Douglas McKee is a post-doctoral scholar at the Economic Growth Center at Yale University. Beth Soldo is Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. We would like to thank Julian Jamison, Fabian Lange, Vida Maralani, John McCabe, Stephen Shore, Rebeca Wong, and seminar participants at the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, PAA 2008, and SOLE 2009 for their helpful comments. This research has been supported by grants AG 012836 and AG 018016 from the National Institute on Aging.