Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased serum resistin in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is related to liver disease severity and not to insulin resistance.

CONTEXT The recently discovered hormone resistin is linked to the development of insulin resistance, but direct evidence of resistin levels in humans with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is lacking. METHODS We conducted this study to assess the relationship between serum resistin and NAFLD. We measured serum resistin and biochemical, hormonal, and histological correlates in 28 NAFLD patients, 33 controls, and 30 obese patients [body mass index (BMI), >30 kg/m2] without NAFLD. RESULTS Resistin and adiponectin expression were measured in sc adipose tissue by quantitative RT-PCR. Resistin was higher in NAFLD patients compared with controls (5.87 +/- 0.49 vs. 4.30 +/- 0.20 ng/ml; P = 0.002) and obese patients (4.37 +/- 0.27 ng/ml; P = 0.002). Increased resistin mRNA was also found in the adipose tissue of NAFLD patients compared with controls and obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS Both NAFLD and obese patients had lower adiponectin levels, whereas leptin was increased only in the obese group. No correlation was found between resistin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, BMI, homeostasis model assessment, insulin, glucose, transaminases, and lipid values. A positive correlation was found between resistin and histological inflammatory score. These data report increased resistin in NAFLD patients that is related to the histological severity of the disease, but do not support a link between resistin and insulin resistance or BMI in these patients.
Dependence of mean square slope on wave state and its application in altimeter wind speed retrieval

Mean square slope (MSS) of sea surface is a parameter describing the sea surface roughness and plays a key role in understanding the sea surface dynamics. Although MSS is influenced by many factors such as wind speed and sea surface waves, it has been traditionally parameterized by wind speed only. In this study, the surface wave impact on MSS is investigated using a collocated data set of altimeter and buoy measurements. It is found that the MSS detected by Ku-band altimeter is closely related to the wind wave components and increases with the degree of wind wave development; however, it is almost independent of the swell. The wave effect on MSS is mainly ascribed to the contribution of longer waves rather than shorter waves. An analytical spectral MSS model is proposed, and it is shown that the MSS calculated from the model agrees well with the altimeter-measured MSS when the pseudo-wave age is adjusted to the wave age corresponding to wind waves. This model is applied to derive wind speeds from altimeter data including the normalized radar cross section and the significant wave height of sea surface waves. With the collocated data set, it is shown that this new algorithm performs better than previous empirical algorithms.
Rainbow-shift mechanism behind discrete optical-potential ambiguities.

Some years ago, Drisko et al. suggested that the discrete ambiguity often encountered for elastic scattering optical potentials could be understood as being due to the interior or small-l S-matrix elements for two ``equivalent'' potentials differing in phase by 2\ensuremath{\pi}, l-by-l. We point out that the absence of this phase change for peripheral partial waves is equally essential, and suggest that a deeper understanding of the ambiguity may be achieved by viewing it as a consequence of a farside interference between interior and peripheral partial waves. It is this interference which produces the broad ``Airy maxima'' of a nuclear rainbow, and we show that a Drisko-type phase-shift increment ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}_{\mathit{l}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}_{\mathit{l}}$+\ensuremath{\pi}) for low-l phases relative to the high-l ones is exactly what is needed to shift a farside rainbow pattern by one Airy maximum, thus providing an equivalent ``rainbow-shift'' interpretation of the discrete ambiguity. The physical importance of both interpretations lies in the fact that the existence of discrete ambiguities (as well as of nuclear rainbows) is explicit evidence for low-l transparency in nucleus-nucleus collisions. The essential role played by low partial waves explains why peripheral reactions have generally not proven helpful in resolving this ambiguity.
Backbone dynamics of the oligomerization domain of p53 determined from 15N NMR relaxation measurements

The backbone dynamics of the tetrameric p53 oligomerization domain (residues 319–360) have been investigated by two‐dimensional inverse detected heteronuclear 1H‐15N NMR spectroscopy at 500 and 600 MHz. 15N T1, T2, and heteronuclear NOEs were measured for 39 of 40 non‐proline backbone NH vectors at both field strengths. The overall correlation time for the tetramer, calculated from the T1/T2 ratios, was found to be 14.8 ns at 35 °C. The correlation times and amplitudes of the internal motions were extracted from the relaxation data using the model‐free formalism (Lipari G, Szabo A, 1982, J Am Chem Soc 104:4546–4559). The internal dynamics of the structural core of the p53 oligomerization domain are uniform and fairly rigid, with residues 327–354 exhibiting an average generalized order parameter (S2) of 0.88 ± 0.08. The N‐ and C‐termini exhibit substantial mobility and are unstructured in the solution structure of p53. Residues located at the N‐ and C‐termini, in the β‐sheet, in the turn between the α‐helix and β‐sheet, and at the C‐terminal end of the α‐helix display two distinct internal motions that are faster than the overall correlation time. Fast internal motions (±20 ps) are within the extreme narrowing limit and are of uniform amplitude. The slower motions (0.6–2.2 ns) are outside the extreme narrowing limit and vary in amplitude. Four residues at the tetramer interface exhibit a small degree of conformational averaging as evidenced by 15N line broadening, possibly due to sliding or rolling of the helices at the interface of the two dimers that form the tetramer.
Outsourcing and information systems managers: an empirical study

Purpose – Information systems (IS) outsourcing has grown dramatically in recent years, however few studies have dealt with the influence of outsourcing on the role of IS managers. In attempting to fill the gap, this study presents and analyzes the results of a survey among large Spanish firms. Also the paper analyzes these results along time. So, the main aim of the paper is to focus on the implications of outsourcing over IS managers and the evolution of these implications in recent years. Moreover, the paper presents a typology of firms according to how outsourcing has influence IS managers.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was administered to the IS managers of the largest Spanish firms, so outsourcing influence is analysed from the point of view of the own managers affected by outsourcing.Findings – The paper concludes that outsourcing has benefited IS managers in the largest Spanish firms, enhancing their jobs and working as a valuable alternative to internal IS activity.Originality/value.
Comparison between six-year therapy with long-acting somatostatin analogs and successful surgery in acromegaly: effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

CONTEXT The effects of chronic therapy with long-acting somatostatin analogs (SSTa) on metabolic and cardiovascular parameters have been partially elucidated in acromegalic patients. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the long-term effects of SSTa treatment and successful surgery on GH/IGF-I secretion and cardiovascular risk parameters in acromegaly. DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTION: This was a retrospective study of 36 acromegalic patients treated with SSTa and evaluated after a median of 66 months and of 33 sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched cured patients evaluated after a similar period of remission, all from the Institute of Endocrine Sciences (Milan, Italy). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures were fasting and post-oral load glucose homeostasis, hemoglobin A(1c), insulin sensitivity and secretion by several indexes, lipid profile, and blood pressure. RESULTS Fasting and areas under the glucose response curve rose in patients controlled (n = 29) and not controlled (n = 7) by SSTa, becoming higher than those in cured subjects. A 1% hemoglobin A(1c) increase was observed in all nondiabetic SSTa patients, but not in cured subjects. Basal insulin secretion and resistance, evaluated by homeostasis model assessment, decreased in all SSTa patients, whereas oral glucose tolerance test-derived insulin secretion and resistance, evaluated by insulinogenic index and oral glucose tolerance test-derived insulin secretion, improved only in SSTa-treated controlled patients. Triglycerides did not change during SSTa, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in SSTa-treated controlled patients. At the last visit, the contemporary presence of at least three cardiovascular risk factors was more frequent in patients treated with SSTa than in cured subjects. CONCLUSIONS SSTa therapy induces long-lasting disease control and improvement of insulin sensitivity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in responsive patients. The progressive glucose homeostasis alterations, observed independently from the degree of cure, suggest the need for glucose homeostasis and peripheral vascular complications monitoring during chronic SSTa treatment.
The effect of cooling on liver function in cats.

Liver function was followed by the elimination rate of glyceorol and ethanol and the hepatic uptake of Indocyanine Green. It was demonstrated that a 1° to 2° C reduction of the body temperature or cooling of the portal vein reduced the elimination rate of glycerol and ethanol, as well as the hepatic uptake of Indocyanine Green, about 40 per cent. The experimental findings may be explained by restricted distribution of blood flow in the liver and a corresponding reduction of the functional capacity.
Phosphorylation of bio-based compounds: the state of the art

Over the last few years, more and more papers have been devoted to phosphorus-containing polymers, mainly due to their fire resistance, excellent chelating and metal-adhesion properties. Nevertheless, sustainability, reduction of environmental impacts and green chemistry are increasingly guiding the development of the next generation of materials. The use of bio-based polymer matrices might allow the reduction of environmental impacts by using renewable carbon and by achieving more easily biodegradable or reusable materials. The aim of this review is to present both fundamental and applied research on the phosphorylation of renewable resources, through reactions on naturally occurring functions, and their use in biobased polymer chemistry and applications. In the first section, different strategies for the introduction of phosphorus-containing functions on organic backbones are described. In the following sections, the main families of chemicals based on renewable resources are covered: namely polysaccharides (cellulose, chitosan, starch, dextran etc.), biophenols (lignins, biobased phenolic compounds, cardanol etc.), triglycerides (oils, glycerol) and hydroxy acid compounds.
Parameter-free prediction of DNA dynamics in planar extensional flow of semidilute solutions

The dynamics of individual Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules in semidilute solutions undergoing planar extensional flow is simulated using a multiparticle Brownian dynamics algorithm, which incorporates hydrodynamic and excluded volume interactions in the context of a coarse-grained bead-spring chain model for DNA. The successive fine-graining protocol [P. Sunthar and J. R. Prakash, Macromolecules 38, 617–640 (2005); R. Prabhakar et al., J. Rheol. 48, 1251–1278 (2004)], in which simulation data acquired for bead-spring chains with increasing values of the number of beads Nb, is extrapolated to the number of Kuhn steps NK in DNA (while keeping key physical parameters invariant), is used to obtain parameter-free predictions for a range of Weissenberg numbers and Hencky strain units. A systematic comparison of simulation predictions is carried out with the experimental observations of Hsiao et al. [J. Rheol. (in press)], who have recently used single molecule techniques to investigate the dynamics of dil.
Association of interleukin‐1 gene polymorphisms with gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis

Previous studies on the association between interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) genetic polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer have produced conflicting results. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between IL‐1 genotype and gastric caner by systematically reviewing the risk of the original studies. Thirty‐nine studies, which included 6,863 gastric cancer cases and 8,434 controls, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. By pooling all the studies identified, the summary odds ratio (OR) of gastric cancer risk associated with IL‐1B–511T, −31C, +3954T and IL‐1RN*2 was 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.55), 1.00 (95% CI: 0.82–1.22), 1.37 (95% CI: 0.94–2.00) and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01–1.41), respectively. A stratified analysis showed that IL‐1B–511T was associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (intestinal type) (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.12–2.57). Moreover, IL‐1RN*2 was also associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer among Caucasians (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09–1.54). In conclusion, IL‐1B–511 and IL‐1RN genetic polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing gastric cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nuclear and mitochondrial data reveal high genetic divergence among Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of the Iberian killifish Aphanius iberus (Teleostei: Cyprinodontidae)

The molecular divergence and phylogenetic relationships of the Iberian populations of Aphanius iberus were established using allozymes and the complete cytochrome b gene sequence. Congruent results were found with both nuclear and mitochondrial molecular markers. The Mediterranean and Atlantic populations are clearly differentiated into two independent lineages. Their high molecular divergence suggests an early isolation, and the absence of gene flow among the populations indicates their independent evolution. The nuclear and mitochondrial data reveal monophyletic clustering of the two geographical lineages, but provide weak support for the population relationships. However, the mitochondrial results differentiated the Villena population as a distinct mitochondrial unit within the Mediterranean group. Geographically broad studies across the distribution range of A. iberus have helped to elucidate the patterns of diversification of this species. The genetic divergence found between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean populations is of the same order as those found among recognized species of cyprinodontids. The identification of two discrete evolutionary lineages has important implications for the conservation of this species, since its recovery requires the recognition and preservation of natural diversity. The Mediterranean and Atlantic lineages should be managed separately to avoid loss of their genetic identity, and the genetic uniqueness of the populations should be preserved by using wild stocks as the source of genetic diversity in captive breeding programmes.
Bridging and Bonding Capital in Two-Mode Collaboration Networks

Public management and policy scholars have empirically demonstrated that in complex policy arenas, governments depend on the collaboration of policy actors outside their direct control to produce needed goods and services. Government-sponsored shared-cost programs are one of the premier mechanisms to foster such cooperation, yet little is known about the inner patterns of participation in such programs and whether they are conditional on specific resource needs that partners may have. In this article, I study the participation of organizations in projects seeking funds from the Cooperative Funding Initiative, a program sponsored by the Southwest Florida Water Management District that finances projects dealing with the management of water resources. Through the estimation of a series of Exponential Random Graph Models in the networks that form when organizations participate in projects (two-mode networks), I show that centralization around popular organizations results in greater bridging network capital, which facilitates the flow of nonoverlapping information from project to project. I analyze the implications of these findings and discuss how the formation of these bridging structures may enhance the capacity of the program to find innovative solutions to the problems the projects are designed to deal with.
Reduced chilling tolerance in elongating cucumber seedling radicles is related to their reduced antioxidant enzyme and DPPH-radical scavenging activity.

Cucumber seedling radicles become more chilling sensitive as they elongate. Chilling seedlings with radicles 20 mm long for 48 h at 2.5 degrees C inhibited subsequent growth by 36%, while it reduced the growth of 70 mm-long radicles by 63%. Although the growth rate of non-chilled cucumber radicles at 25 degrees C is constant from 20 to 80 mm, tissue viability [i.e. reduction of TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) to formazan] and DPPH (alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of apical tissue declines as radicles elongate from 20 to 80 mm in length. TTC reduction, DPPH-radical scavenging activity and protein content of apical tissue were higher in 20 than in 70 mm radicles immediately after chilling and after an additional 48 h of growth at 25 degrees C. Catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) activity was higher in the apical tissue of 20 than in 70 mm radicles before chilling. Immediately after chilling and after an additional 48 h at 25 degrees C, superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1), glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.7) activity increased more rapidly in 70 mm radicles than in 20 mm radicles (SOD, GR, and GPX activity in 70 mm radicles was 1.5-, 1.9- and 8.6-fold higher, respectively, than in 20 mm radicles). However, APX and CAT activity in 20 mm radicles were always higher than in 70 mm radicles. Growth after chilling enhanced the activity of all antioxidant enzymes compared to that found in non-chilled tissue; however, CAT activity in 70 mm radicles did not recover to levels found in non-chilled tissue. Higher levels of CAT, APX and DPPH-radical scavenging activity are correlated with higher chilling tolerance of 20 mm-long cucumber radicles compared to 70 mm-long radicles.
"Epigenethics" in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Conveying Complexity in Health Care for Preterm Children.

Human behavioral epigenetics (HBE) is a fascinating area of research that holds promise to change our view of nature-nurture interconnection. In particular, the study of changes in DNA methylation applied to human development is revealing pathways through which early adversities are embedded in the developing biology of children, contributing to long-lasting programming of health and disease. 1 Notwithstanding, HBE holds the risk of a new reductionism grounded in nurture instead of nature. Researchers and clinicians have been recently warned about the lure of epigenetics and the risk of translating animal results and interpreting human findings in a strict deterministic way. 2 Critically, misleading conclusions would convey the idea of a direct impact of maternal behavior and physiology on the long-term wellbeing of infants and children, without taking into account the importance of the broader socioeconomic and health care environment. Herein, we reflect on HBE, referring to prematurity as an example to highlight potential benefits for research and clinical practice as well as ethical issues conveying a complex view of neonatal health care.
Measurements of Motoneuron Somal Volumes Using Laser Confocal Microscopy: Comparisons with Shape-Based Stereological Estimations

Previous studies on motoneuronal morphometry have assumed the geometry and orientation of neuronal soma in estimating somal volumes based on two-dimensional measurements. In this study, the optical sectioning property of the confocal microscope was used to make direct measurements of phrenic moto-neuron somal volume. These measured volumes were compared to shape-based stereological estimates of volume. Phrenic motoneuron pools in adult rats were retrogradely labeled with fluorescent dye. Labeled motoneurons, in 150-micron-thick tissue sections, were imaged using a Bio-Rad MRC 500 confocal microscope. Somal volumes were directly measured using ANALYZE, a comprehensive image processing software package. These volumes were compared to volume estimates based on five geometrical shapes previously used to study spinal motoneurons. In the adult phrenic motoneuron pool, overestimations of somal volume up to 300% were observed in cases where the Z-axis dimensions of the neurons were not simply related to the X and Y dimensions. None of the five geometrical shapes were found to be suitable for estimating either mean or individual somal volumes of the phrenic motoneuron pool. Confocal microscopy allowed accurate reconstruction along X, Y, and Z axes, and therefore provided a more direct method of measuring motoneuron somal volumes. We conclude that significant and inconsistent errors can be introduced by using shape-based stereological methods for estimating neuronal somal volumes.
Nutritional profile of the Brazilian Amputee Soccer Team during the precompetition period for the world championship.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the dietary and anthropometric profiles of the Brazilian amputee soccer players during the training period before the world soccer amputee championship, according to their positional roles in the game. METHODS Fifteen male athletes participated in the study. Data on height, weight, skinfold thickness, and circumferences were collected to assess nutritional status. Dietary intake was obtained by using 6-d dietary records, analyzed by a Nutrition Support Program for total energy intake, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. One-way analysis of variance was used to identify differences in groups (P < 0.05). RESULTS Midfield players were heavier than the others, and this difference may have been caused by a large quantity of subcutaneous fat. Dietary data showed a low carbohydrate intake and high protein and fat intakes. No athlete met the recommendations for vitamin E, and forward players did not meet recommendations for calcium. CONCLUSION Amputee athletes need an individualized nutritional orientation and the lack of information about disabled sports and athletes highlights the need for more studies in this area.
Time Management and Students Academic Performance in Higher Institutions, Nigeria — A Case Study of Ekiti State

Time management is a set of practices that work together to help you get more value out of your time with the aim of improving the quality of your life. Students most often do not utilize their time judiciously as expected to attain their goals. Hence, t his paper examined the impact of time management on students’ academic performance in higher institutions Nigeria. Hypotheses were generated to identify the constraints of time management among students. The results revealed that procrastination, prioritization and planning were strong indices that affected the students’ academic performance in relation to time management. It was strongly recommended that students have to be conscious of time in performing their academic activities so that the level of their academic performance can be high. Since procrastination among all the variables has much impact on academic performance according to the findings, students should strive hard to complete their assignments as well as other academic activities on time so as to avoid not meeting deadlines.