Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comment on: Association of Proteinuria with Various Clinical Findings and Morphologic Variables of Oxford Classification in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy Patients

DEAR EDITOR, I read with great interest, an interesting article by Nasri et al., entitled “association of proteinuria with various clinical findings and morphologic variables of oxford classification in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) patients” that was published in the esteemed international journal of preventive medicine. In an observational study on 114 patients with IgAN, they found a positive association between the proportion of crescentic fibrous formation and amount of proteinuria. They also found that Nephrotic syndrome as a definition had also a positive association with the proportion of crescent formation. They suggested the prognostic value of crescent due to its association with proteinuria, and secondly they implied the importance of treatment of proteinuria to prevent progression of IgAN. [1] On this study, I would like to point out a few notes. Newly, the Oxford classification is a novel classification for IgAN, and was developed by the renal pathology society and the working group of the international IgAN network, and it clinical validity has been proven in various studies. [2,3,4] This group defined four pathologic features that were more associated with the progression of kidney disease, including: Mesangial hypercellularity, the presence of endocapillary proliferation, segmental glomerulosclerosis/adhesion, and fourthly the severity of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis. [3,4] In fact, this classification offers a histopathologic grading system that is associated with renal disease consequences and by itself it is independent on clinical features. This classification also exhibits an improved capacity to predict the outcome of patients with IgAN. [2,3,4] All four morphologic variables of the Oxford classification have high reproducibility. [3,4,5] However, this classification doesn’t include extracapillary proliferation, and base on the results of the Oxford classification, extracapillary proliferation is not associated with renal disease outcome,[5,6,7,8,9] meanwhile various investigations, have suggested that crescents have prognostic implication. [6,7,8,9,10] The study of Nasri et al. further supports the importance of extracapillary crescentic proliferation due to its association with the degree of proteinuria. [1] Therefore, we suggest further studies to investigate the prognostic implication of extracapillary proliferation in larger studies, and to examine the interesting findings by Nasri and other investigators in this field. Finally, I should note that the oxford classification is not driven from a large number of patients (n = 265 patients). [7]
Pemilihan Model Asset Pricing

The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) has dominated finance theory for over thirty years; it suggests that the market beta alone is sufficient to explain stock returns. However evidence shows that the cross-section of stock returns cannot be described solely by the one-factor CAPM. Therefore, the idea is to add other factors in order to complete the beta in explaining the price movements in the stock exchange. The Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) has been proposed as the first multifactor successor to the CAPM without being a real success. Later, researchers support that average stock returns are related to some fundamental factors such as size, book-to-market equity and momentum. Alternative studies come as a response to the poor performance of the standard CAPM. They argue that investors choose their portfolio by using not only the first two moments but also the skewness and kurtosis. The main contribution of this paper is comparison between the CAPM, the Fama and French asset pricing model (TPFM) and the Four Factor Pricing Model (FFPM) adding the third and fourth moments to calculate expected return of non-financial Indonesian listed firms. The selection of the best model is based on the highest coefficient of determination. The kurtosis-FFPM turned out to be the best model.
Industry knowledge spillovers: Do workers gain from their collective experience?

Individuals acquire experience during their working lives. This is usually thought to contribute to individuals’ human capital and is rewarded in terms of pay. This paper looks at whether individuals’ pay is also affected by the general experience acquired by others working in the same firm or industry. The mechanism in mind is one where individual workers benefit from exchanges of ideas and learning opportunities that arise because of the human capital of their co-workers. Analysing repeated cross-sections of workers within industry sectors and longitudinal linked employer-employee data, I find the data to be consistent with the presence of knowledge spillovers from workers’ general experience levels in the industry and the enterprise. JEL classification: E24, J00, J24, O40.
Analysis of the functional diversity of the microbial communities in a paper-mill water system

Most microbiological studies of wastewater treatment systems rely on methods that are dependent on culturing. However, due to the limitation of conventional microbiological methods, alternative assays, such as the analysis of the functional diversity of the microbial communities using Biolog substrate utilisation profiles, have been proposed. The Biolog method was thus evaluated in a paper-mill water system. The influence of the production of various paper grades, biocide combinations and monthly maintenance shut-downs on the functional diversity of the microbial communities were determined using the Biolog technique. The communities in the planktonic as well as the sessile phases were analysed approximately every second week for a period of one year. The average well colour development (AWCD) technique was used to transform the data obtained from the Biolog plates prior to multivariate statistical analysis. Our results indicated that different microbial communities developed during the production of the different paper grades. A difference in substrate utilisation was evident after a single day of production of fluting or linerboard in the planktonic communities, while differences in the sessile communities only became significant after an extended period of production. The effect of the application of different biocides was more distinct in the planktonic than in the sessile populations. No clear trends concerning the influence of maintenance shut-downs and cleaning of machines could be observed in the sessile phase, while a shift in the microbial community could be observed in the planktonic phase. Biodiversity indices indicated that a high functional diversity existed in both the planktonic and sessile phases. It was concluded that the substrate utilisation profiles obtained with Biolog plates were a sensitive measure, which enabled the detection of shifts in the microbial community function and possibly structure within the same water system.
Two glycerol uptake systems contribute to the high osmotolerance of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii

The accumulation of glycerol is essential for yeast viability upon hyperosmotic stress. Here we show that the osmotolerant yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii has two genes, ZrSTL1 and ZrSTL2, encoding transporters mediating the active uptake of glycerol in symport with protons, contributing to cell osmotolerance and intracellular pH homeostasis. The growth of mutants lacking one or both transporters is affected depending on the growth medium, carbon source, strain auxotrophies, osmotic conditions and the presence of external glycerol. These transporters are localised in the plasma membrane, they transport glycerol with similar kinetic parameters and besides their expected involvement in the cell survival of hyperosmotic stress, they surprisingly both contribute to an efficient survival of hypoosmotic shock and to the maintenance of intracellular pH homeostasis under non‐stressed conditions. Unlike STL1 in Sa. cerevisiae, the two Z. rouxii STL genes are not repressed by glucose, but their expression and activity are downregulated by fructose and upregulated by non‐fermentable carbon sources, with ZrSTL1 being more influenced than ZrSTL2. In summary, both transporters are highly important, though Z. rouxii CBS 732T cells do not use external glycerol as a source of carbon.
Accommodative response to blur.

By use of a blur-pseudostimulus technique and high-speed infrared optometric measurements, the singularity of blur as a stimulus to human accommodation was studied. Blur is not the sole stimulus; it is a necessary cue, but not a sufficient one. The accommodative system makes use of one or more available odd-error (error sign) cues, which are believed to supplement blur with requisite focusing information.
Radiopaque bioactive microspheres as injectable biomaterials

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Data-Driven Decision Making in Auction Markets

markdownabstract__Abstract__ This dissertation consists of three essays that examine the promises of data-driven decision making in the design and operationalization of complex auction markets. In the first essay, we derive a structural econometric model to understand the effect of auction design parameters on sellers' revenues. In addition, we develop a dynamic optimization approach which makes use of the rich structural properties identified from empirical data to guide auctioneers in setting these parameters in real-time. In the second essay, we focus on bidding strategies across different market channels and examine the interactions between different strategies and auction design parameters. In the third essay, we investigate the effect of information revelation policy on price dynamics and market performance. This research offers important implications to both theory and practice of decision-making in information-rich and time-critical markets. From the theoretical perspective, this is, to our best knowledge, the first research that systematically examines the interplay of different informational and strategic factors in dynamic, multi-channel auction markets. In particular, it sheds light on real-time decision support in complex markets and thus contributes to the nascent literature on smart markets. From the managerial perspective, our research shows that advanced data analytics tools have great potential in facilitating decision-making in complex, real-world business environments.
Central aortic blood pressure and cardiovascular risk: a paradigm shift?

The provocative proposition of “hypertension is a myth” has generated many a debate and editorial commentary.1,2 In contrast, the realities of high blood pressure and the associated cardiovascular risks have been ascertained from data obtained by the conventional brachial cuff sphygmomanometer. Notwithstanding the inherent limitations of the technique, there is yet no equivalent and suitable device that can be universally accepted to replace the cuff sphygmomanometer for practical and noninvasive measurement of arterial blood pressure in large population groups and with wide clinical applications. Attempts at complementing information obtained from cuff measurements have resorted to basic physiological studies in humans and experimental animals, which have shown that pulsatile blood flow in arteries can be described in terms of characteristics common to systems of wave propagation.3 These concepts explain the complex relationship between oscillatory blood pressure and flow, the difference in pressure wave shape, and the increase in pulse pressure between the aorta and peripheral arteries. Such wave propagation characteristics can be described in terms of mathematical entities known as transfer functions, with associated assumptions of stability and linearity.3,4 The study by McEniery et al in this issue of Hypertension 5 uses methodologies for both the cuff sphygmomanometer and transfer functions4 to determine central aortic pressure from the brachial cuff pressure measurement and the tonometric radial artery pressure pulse in >10 000 adults of age range 18 to 101 years. This is the largest study of its kind with conventional pressure measurements and pulse waveform data. The study allows analysis that can produce potentially groundbreaking results and poses important and possibly perplexing and challenging questions related not only to the role of central aortic pressure as an improved measure of the hemodynamic burden on the ejecting ventricle but also on the interpretation of guidelines for the management …
Investigation of quantum dot enhanced triple junction solar cells

InAs quantum dots have been incorporated into the middle junction of an InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge triple junction solar cell (TJSC) on four inch wafers, in aims of band gap engineering a high efficiency solar cell to even higher limits. Results of QD growth on 4” diameter Ge templates gave densities near 1×1011 cm−3 and QD height between 2–5 nm. Arrays of 10 layers of InAs QDs have been grown between the base and emitter in the middle cell of a full triple junction solar cell. Control triple junction cells that received growth interrupts without QD growth showed similar results (within 5 mV open circuit voltage) to standard triple junction cells without an interrupt. Integrated current of the (In)GaAs junction with 10 layers of strain balanced InAs QD layers shows a gain of 0.37 mA/cm2 beyond the band edge. One sun AM0 current-voltage measurements of QD TJSC show an efficiency of 26.9% with a Voc of 2.57 V.
Human Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Endothelial Precursor Cell Conditioned Medium Reduces the Thickness of the Capsule Around Silicone Implants in Rats

BackgroundWe postulated that the fibrotic capsule around a silicone implant could be induced by ischemic conditions, based on previous reports that hypoxia is an important microenvironmental factor in the development of tissue fibrosis. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived endothelial precursor cell (EPC) conditioned medium (CM), which has strong angiogenic potential, on the development of capsule around the silicone implant in a rat model. Methods and MaterialsThree groups had a mini-silicone implant with a smooth surface inserted. In 2 experimental groups, hESC-EPC CM was administered into the subcutaneous pocket either 1 or 2 times. After 2 months, the capsules were harvested and analyzed by histologic examination. ResultsThere was a significant reduction in the thickness of the peri-implant capsules (P < 0.05) between the control and experimental groups. There is no tendency that hESC-EPC CM reduces inflammatory reaction in early postoperative periods. The experimental group showed increased angiogenesis compared to the control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsTissue hypoxia around the implant may be another cause for the peri-implant capsule. A preventive or therapeutic strategy to decrease capsular contracture by relieving the ischemic condition around the implant can be investigated in the future.
Paediatric burns: Management problems in a teaching hospital in north western Nigeria

The records of 168 children managed for burns in a teaching hospital in northwestern Nigeria, between April 1998 and March 2003, were assessed to determine the factors that are responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality in paediatric burns. The causes of burns were hot water in 86 cases (51.2%), flame in 45 (26.8%), hot soup in 32 (19%) and electricity in five (3%). The main complications were wound infections in 109 (64.9%) patients, anaemia in 68 (40.5%), malnutrition in 54 (32.1%), contracture in 50 (29.8%), persistent hypothermia in 27 (16.1%), tetanus in 14 (8.3%) and one case (0.6%) of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding, possibly as a result of Curling's ulcer.
Obstetric Hysterectomy a Life Saving Procedure and its Complication

Background: Previously in developing countries obstetric hysterectomy was done when conservative measures fail to control the post partum hemorrhage. Now a days because of increasing incidence of cesarean deliveries incidence of placenta praevia is increasing. This is contributing as a major cause for obstetrics hysterectomy. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence, indications, complications, maternal morbidity and mortality associated with emergency obstetrics hysterectomy. Methods: Retrospective study of cases undergone obstetric hysterectomy over a period of five years were done. Maternal age, parity, indication for obstetric hysterectomy, risk factors, type of operation performed, additional surgeries and complications were studied. Results: The incidence of emergency obstetric hysterectomy in our study was 0.38% [15 in 3900 deliveries]. 73.3% of the women were above 26 years. 73.3% of patients belonged to parity four or above. Majority of the cases were unbooked (60%). Postpartum hemorrhage (40%), ruptured uterus (20%) and morbidly adherent placenta (20%) were the major indications for obstetric hysterectomy. Previous LSCS was a major risk factor as it is seen in 40% cases. In 66.7% cases total hysterectomy was performed. Fever was the most common complication seen in 26.6% cases. One (6.7%) patient had maternal mortality. Conclusion: Proper antenatal care and early referral can prevent this catastrophic event. Moreover, timely decision, liberal blood transfusion and speedy surgery by an experienced surgeon are important in the management of this life saving procedure to avoid complications.
Quantitative Analysis of the Immune Response to Mouse Non-MHC Transplantation Antigens In Vivo: The H60 Histocompatibility Antigen Dominates Over All Others

Minor histocompatibility Ags (minor H Ags) are substantial impediments to MHC-matched solid tissue and bone marrow transplantation. From an antigenic standpoint, transplantation between MHC-matched individuals has the potential to be remarkably complex. To determine the extent to which the immune response is simplified by the phenomenon of immunodominance, we used peptide/MHC tetramers based on recently discovered minor H Ags (H60, H13, and HY) and monitored in vivo CD8 T cell responses of female C57BL/6 mice primed with MHC-matched, but background-disparate, male BALB.B cells. CD8 T cells against H60 overwhelmed responses to the H13 and HY throughout primary and secondary challenge. H60 immunodominance was an inherent quality, overcoming a lower memory precursor frequency compared with that of H13 and evoking a T cell response with diverse TCRVβ usage. IFN-γ staining examining congenically defined minor H Ags extended H60 dominance over additional minor H Ags, H28, H4, and H7. These four minor H Ags accounted for up to 85% of the CD8 T cell response, but H60 stood out as the major contributor. These findings show that immunodominance applies to antigenically complex transplantation settings in vivo and that the responses to the H60 minor H Ag dominates in this model. We suggest that immunodominant minor H Ags are those that result from the absence of a self analog.
Global navigation for ARK

ARK (Autonomous Robot for a Known environment), is a visually-guided mobile robot which is being constructed as part of the Precarn project in mobile robotics. ARK operates in a previously mapped environment and navigates with respect to visual landmarks that have been previously located. While the robot moves, it utilizes an active vision sensor to register the robot with respect to these landmarks. As the landmarks may be scarce in certain regions of its environment, ARK plans paths which minimize both path length and path uncertainty. The global path planner assumes that the robot will use a Kalman filter to integrate landmark information with odometry data to correct path deviations as the robot moves, and then uses this information to choose a path which reduces the expected path deviation.
The Effect of Latitude on the Risk and Seasonal Variation in Hip Fracture in Sweden

Although the optimal requirement of vitamin D for skeletal health in the general community is controversial, vitamin D deficiency impairs bone mineralization and increases bone turnover via secondary hyperparathyroidism, thus accelerating bone loss and increasing fracture risk. Support for a role of vitamin D deficiency in the epidemiology of hip fracture is found in the seasonal variation of hip fracture incidence that is reported in several studies. If the association were causal, then the incidence and amplitude of the seasonal variation in hip fracture risk should vary by latitude. We addressed this hypothesis by examining the incidence of hip fracture in men and women aged 50 years or more from Sweden (latitudes 55 to 69°) between 1987 and 2009. In order to reduce double counting, only one fracture in a period of a year was counted per individual. Men contributed 104,888 fractures in 33,313,065 person years and women 264,362 fractures in 38,387,660 person years. The effects of season and latitude were examined by Poisson regression. As expected, hip fracture rates were higher in women than in men. After adjustment for age, season and population density, hip fracture incidence increased by 3.0% (95% CI: 2.7–3.2%) per degree increase in latitude for men and by 1.9% (95% CI: 1.8–2.1%) for women. There was a marked seasonal variation of hip fracture with the highest risk in February and lower by 37.5% in men and by 23.5% women during the summer. There were significant interactions of amplitude of the seasonal variation with latitude (p < 0.001 for both men and women), indicating that seasonal variation during the year was more pronounced in the north of Sweden than in the south. The associations found with latitude and season is consistent with a role of vitamin D in hip fracture causation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
EQUITY AND EQUITY: APPLICATION AND APPROVAL RATES FOR FINANCING WOMEN-OWNED CANADIAN SMES 1

Previous research has suggested that women-owned businesses are less likely to receive venture capital. This work draws on a large sample of small and medium Canadian enterprises (SMEs). This study finds that after allowing for sector and firm size, women business owners are equally as likely as men to seek financing (and no more likely to be turned down), except that women are about half as likely as men to apply for external equity, which includes venture capital.
Extracellular role of HMGB1 in inflammation and sepsis

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a 30 kDa nuclear and cytosolic protein widely studied as a transcription factor and growth factor, has recently been identified as a cytokine mediator of lethal systemic inflammation (e.g. endotoxaemia and sepsis), arthritis and local inflammation. It is released by activated macrophages, and serum levels increase significantly during endotoxaemia, sepsis and arthritis with significant delayed kinetics in comparison with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐1β. Recently identified biological activities of HMGB1 include activation of macrophages/monocytes to release proinflammatory cytokines, upregulation of endothelial adhesion molecules, stimulation of epithelial cell barrier failure, and mediation of fever and anorexia. Passive immunization with anti‐HMGB1 antibodies confers significant protection against lethal endotoxaemia, sepsis, arthritis and lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury, even when antibody administration is delayed until after the early TNF responses have resolved. Strategies to inhibit HMGB1 activity and release are being investigated in these and other preclinical models of acute and chronic inflammation.