Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Effects of Personalized Dialysate Sodium in Conventional, Quotidian, and Nocturnal Home Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Background: In thrice weekly conventional haemodialysis patients, higher dialysate sodium concentrations may associate with adverse clinical outcomes. Whether increased frequency and duration of haemodialysis in quotidian and nocturnal patients alters these clinical outcomes is unknown. Methods: A randomized crossover study was performed in conventional, quotidian and nocturnal haemodialysis patients. Dialysate sodium (Dial-Na+) was personalized 3 mmol/L above (DIALHighSOD) or below (DIALLowSOD) the pre-dialysis plasma sodium set point (SP), with 100 days for each crossover study period. Results: Interdialytic weight gain (IDWG)(2.15 vs. 1.90 L, p=0.002), IDWG as % of target weight (IDWG%)(2.78 vs. 2.39%, p=0.002), pre-dialysis systolic (143.3 vs. 138.3 mm Hg, p=0.001), diastolic (78.6 vs. 75.6 mm Hg, p=0.008) and mean arterial pressure (100.2 vs. 96.5 mm Hg, p=0.003), post-dialysis systolic (135.4 vs. 130.0 mm Hg, p=0.04), diastolic (75.8 vs. 72.4 mm Hg, p=0.006) and mean arterial pressure (95.7 vs. 91.6 mm Hg, p=0.009) were higher in DIALHighSOD than DIALLowSOD. Haemodialysis frequency was associated with decreased (R=-0.295, slope=-0.002, p=0.034) IDWG%, while the opposite was seen with haemodialysis duration (R=0.507, slope=0.002, p<0.001). Haemodialysis duration increased intradialytic change in diastolic blood pressure (R=0.280, slope=1.127, p=0.044), while haemodialysis frequency increased post-dialysis diastolic blood pressure (R=0.366, slope=3.464, p=0.008). Conclusions: These results confirm that dialysate sodium concentration alters clinical outcomes in quotidian and nocturnal haemodialysis patients, and that dialysis frequency and duration correlate in opposing fashions in IDWG. Further studies are required to determine the effect of dialysate sodium on cardiovascular outcomes. This trial is registered at UMIN000026102.
SOX11 in Mantle Cell Lymphoma - Novel Tools for Diagnostic, Prognostic and Functional Investigations

The goal of biomarker discovery is to identify disease defining molecules, which could be used to improve early detection and/or to predict survival and response to treatment. This thesis is about the transcription factor SOX11, a protein discovered in the context of mantle cell lymphoma in 2008, which shows great potential to be used as a clinical relevant biomarker. The aim of this thesis is to extend the use of SOX11, by providing novel tools for research applications as well as for diagnosing and stratifying mantle cell lymphoma patients. The results from my studies are presented in four papers in the thesis. First, we developed a monoclonal SOX11 antibody for the diagnostic classification of mantle cell lymphoma patients. Using this antibody, we showed that the expression of SOX11 correlates with patient survival and that inclusion of either SOX11 or p53 into the well-established prognostic index MIPI improve patient classification. To understand the growth regulatory role of SOX11, DNA binding sites and interacting protein partners needs to be identified. We continued to generate and assess the specificities of SOX11 targeting antibodies for immunoprecipitation assays, with the aim to get further insight into SOX11 signaling pathways using chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to next generation sequencing or co-immunoprecipitation coupled to mass spectrometry. Finally, we investigated the epigenetic regulation of SOX11 and demonstrate the ability of re-expression using histone deacetylase inhibitors. In conclusion, this thesis presents novel tools, including the developed SOX11 antibody and the improved prognostic index for stratifying mantle cell lymphoma patients. Additionally, the developed SOX11 antibody has expanded our research applications to include flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation assays.
Assessment of the impact of anthropic activities on carbon storage in soils of high montane ecosystems in Colombia.

The organic carbon in the soil was quantified to assess the impact of anthropic activities on montane ecosystems in Colombia in Chingaza Parque Nacional Natural (PNN ) and Los Nevados Parque Nacional Natural (PNN ). For the development of the soil samples, a detailed in situ description of the edaphological profile of four ecosystems of paramo and high Andean forest areas, of both disturbed and undisturbed zones, was taken as the base. The calculation of the amount of total carbon stored by the soil profile shows that, in Colombia, undisturbed high montane ecosystems (520.9 t ha-1 in paramos and 323.6 t ha-1 in high Andean forests of Chingaza PNN , and 373.0 t ha-1 in paramos and 254.6 t ha-1 in high Andean forests of Los Nevados PNN ) currently have more carbon than disturbed ecosystems (135.1 t ha-1 in paramos and 141.5 t ha-1 in high Andean forests of Chingaza PNN , and 356.3 t ha-1 in paramos and 217.1 t ha-1 in high Andean forests of Los Nevados PNN ). It is clear that the disturbance of high montane ecosystems decreases the amount of carbon in the soil, a situation that is more concerning in Chingaza PNN where the difference between the disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems is much more marked than in Los Nevados PNN
Overlapping and Discrete Functions of the Matricellular Proteins CCN1 and CCN2 during Endochondral Bone Formation

The CCN (Cyr61/Ctgf/Nov) family of matricellular proteins integrates the extracellular environment with the intracellular environment, with involvement in many cellular processes such as adhesion, proliferation, mechanical stretch, fibrosis, and more. A large question lurks regarding how these CCNs interact with each other to regulate many normal physiological events, as well as disease pathogenesis. While CCN1 and CCN2 are two of the best-studied CCN family members, it remains elusive whether they have similar roles in endochondral bone formation despite similar patterns of mRNA and protein expression within developing bones. Furthermore, in vivo data have already shown the significance of CCN2 for endochondral bone formation, but a role for CCN1 in chondrogenesis has only been shown in vitro. In order to study whether CCN1 and CCN2 have overlapping functions in endochondral bone formation, we utilized a collagen II/cartilage-selective deletion of Ccn1 and/or Ccn2 to analyze the phenotypes of Ccn1 and Ccn2 single and double mutant mice. A generally more severe skeletal phenotype was evident in the double mutant axial skeletons, implying the possibility that CCN1 and CCN2 may have overlapping functions. Surprisingly, in the appendicular skeletons there was not a more severe double mutant phenotype but rather a phenotype closely resembling that of Ccn2 single mutants, indicating that CCN2 plays a more dominant role within the appendicular skeleton. This supports the new idea that CCN2 is epistatic to CCN1. In addition, CCN1 and CCN2 may work antagonistically to regulate chondrocyte proliferation in the resting zone of tibial growth plates. Also, a novel phenotype was discovered as the double mutant exhibited increased apoptosis in cells at the perichondrial border. These studies will facilitate the understanding of embryonic bone development and how the proteins CCN1 and CCN2 are involved in this process.
Geology of the Čoka structure in northern Banat (Central Paratethys, Serbia)

Geology of the Čoka structure in northern Banat (Central Paratethys, Serbia) The Čoka structure is a fault-bounded anticline in northern Banat, in the southern part of the Neogene Pannonian Basin. The structure and its vicinity were explored by 24 wells. In addition to well logs, paleontological, sedimentological and petrological analyses of cores and 27 seismic sections with different parameters of acquisition and processing were used for geological investigation of the area. The E-SE dipping pre-Neogene basement consists of Lower Triassic clastics and, in the NW part of the study area, Paleozoic greenschists. Thin Middle Miocene (Badenian) sediments unconformably overlie the basement and pinch out towards the elevated NW part of the study area. They are also missing in some wells on the apex of the Čoka structure, probably due to erosion. Badenian sediments were deposited in a shallow marine environment. The late Middle Miocene (Sarmatian) strata are missing and the Badenian is directly overlain by Upper Miocene (Pannonian) sediments. The latter also pinch out towards the NW but in contrast to Badenian sediments, they are present in all boreholes on the Čoka structure. Pannonian deposition took place in a caspibrackish environment of Lake Pannon, with predominance of marls and fine-grained clastics. Pannonian sediments are conformably overlain by latest Miocene (Pontian) and Pleistocene lacustrine, alluvial and terrestrial sediments.
The Effects of Corporate Governance on Firm Financial Performance: A Study of Family and Non-Family Owned Firms in Pakistan

This study examines the effects of corporate governance (Board Size, Board Structure, Leadership Style and Board Meetings) on firm financial performance (ROA, ROE and PM) in family and non-family controlled firms listed in Karachi stock exchange Pakistan. It also aims to find out whether non-family controlled firms perform better than family controlled firms or vice versa. Study employs publicly available data from audited annual reports of a sample of 164 public companies listed in Karachi Stock Exchange for the periods 2006-2011. By using the panel approach, independent samples t-test and multiple regressions using OLS as a method of estimation, the results provide evidence that, non-family controlled firms have significantly higher firm financial performance and governance level then family controlled firms. Corporate governance structure influences the family and non-family controlled companies’ performance. Board size and separate leadership style have significant positive impact while board meetings and board structure have negative significant impact on performance. These results are consistent with prior empirical studies. The implication of this study is that the board size should be limited to a sizeable limit and that the post of the chairman and chief executive officer should be occupied by different persons. Non-executive directors should be independent in true sense and role of CEO in the appointment of directors should be reassessed. Regulators need to be vigilant that family and non-family controlled companies practice differently, so they have to set different codes for each type of companies. Keywords: Corporate Governance, Firm Performance, Family Controlled Firms, Non-Family Controlled Firms, Board of Director
The Effect of Information Content of Integrated Business Reports on the Credit Decision Making at Jordanian Commercial Banks

The current paper tested the effect of the information content of integrated business reports in enabling credit officers at Jordanian commercial banks to assess the company’s capability to create value, and the effect of the so mentioned on credit decision making in the Jordanian environment. To achieve this objective, the researcher presented one of Jordanian companies’ financial reports through a proper comprehensive questionnaire, distributed over a sample of credit officers at Jordanian commercial banks, through three alternatives of accounting disclosure which include: traditional financial reports that express financial disclosure only, traditional financial reports in addition to non-financial information in the form of separated reports, and then integrated business reports (consolidated financial and non-financial information). The number of the analyzed questionnaires was 95. Arithmetic means, standard deviations, Simple Liner Regression analysis and One Way ANOVA analysis have been applied to test the research hypotheses and achieve its objectives. The results showed that there is an effect for the disclosure of (only financial information through traditional financial reports, non-financial information through separated reports, and consolidated financial and non-financial information through integrated business reports) in order to take the decision of credit at Jordanian commercial banks. The research also showed that there are significant differences between the variables of the decision of granting loans according to the three disclosure alternatives. It is noted that the information content of the integrated business reports had the greatest effect than the other two alternatives on the decision of granting credit.
Comparing Agricultural Land-use Statistics from Different Sources: a Case Study in Greece*

This paper illustrates a tool integrating the Farm Structure Survey (FSS) and an improved version of CORINE Land Cover (CLC) map as a contribution to produce reliable land-use statistics at national and regional scale. To achieve compatibility between census and CLC the present tool takes into account the FSS nomenclature and definitions, and reorganizes the 44 classes of the original CLC into 16 general classes that meet the needs of the Land Use/Cover statistics in Greece . To compare the respective surface areas of the related classes and to provide the appropriate links between certain classes of the two nomenclatures four Greek regions are used in the pilot study: Kriti, and the three prefectures of Makedonia. The linkage between the two databases shows the existing differences between the administrative areas. The developed tool is able to relate data from different sources, and to display on a map, the combined spatial statistical data along with the geographical information of the area . Thus, although the new CLC seems to provide a good mapping base, the imposed minimum mapping unit of 25 ha results in an overall underestimation of the diversity of agricultural land-uses, something which is particularly important in the case of Greece for which the average size of the farm holdings is less than 5 hectares.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Labour Agency: The Case of Nike in Pakistan

This article examines the circumstances under which corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives facilitate and/or constrain labour agency in global production networks (GPNs). Using a case study of Nike’s CSR approach in the football manufacturing industry of Pakistan, we explore the extent to which the measures advocated in a new, emerging policy paradigm on CSR in GPNs enabled labour agency at Nike’s main football supplier factory in Pakistan. We argue that while such CSR policies can create enhanced space for labour agency, that potential agency is also shaped (i) by wider economic forces within the global economy and (ii) relationships with local/national actors and regulatory frameworks. Understanding the intersection of these dimensions becomes vital to interpreting the potential for, and activation of, labour agency within CSR-influenced GPNs.
Effect of planting geometry and different levels of nitrogen on growth, yield and quality of multicut fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech)

A field experiment was conducted during the “Zaid” season 2016 at the Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, SHUATS, Allahabad (U.P.) This area is situated on the right side of the river Yamuna and by the opposite side of Allahabad cityThe soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, slightly saline in reaction (pH 7.4), medium in available nitrogen (185.5 kg/ha) and phosphorus (36.0 kg/ha) potassium (98.0 kg/ha). The experiment consisted of 12 treatment combinations comprising one multi-cut forage sorghum genotype (CSH-20) and four nitrogen levels viz., 60, 80, 100 and120N kg/ha. To evaluate the effect of planting geometry and different levels of nitrogen on growth, yield and quality of multicut fodder sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech] laid out in Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments replicated thrice. The treatment combinations of spacing of 30cm×10cm with 120 kg nitrogen ha(T8) recorded maximum higher plant height, number of leaves, dry weight, green fodder yield, leaf: stem ratio, fodder quality net return and benefit cost ratio followed by that recorded treatment spacing of 30cm×10cm with 100 kg nitrogen ha(T7).
Seasonal changes in specific growth rates, production and biomass of a bacterial community in the water column above a Mediterranean seagrass system

Bacterial abundance, biomass and production rates were determined at 3 depths (5, 10 & 15 m) in the water column above a Mediterranean seagrass bed in the Gulf of Calvi (west coast of Corsica, France) from 1988 to 1990. We used dialysis bags for in s ~ t u incubation of 2 pm prefiltered seawater sampled from the respective depths to determine bactenal growth parameters and conducted lightand dark-bottle incubations to estimate planktonic primary production by O2 measurements. Bacterial density and biomass was subject to marked seasonal changes. Bacterial density varied clearly over the seasons and between the 3 depths, with maximum values being recorded in Aug and Oct 1988 at the 10 and 15 m depths. Differences in bacterial biomass and density patterns were mainly attributed to changes of abundance and biovolume of rod-shaped bacteria. Highest carbon values were recorded during the summer months in 1989 and 1990 at the 3 depths and ranged from 32 to 65 pg C I-' Bacterial growth rates were closely correlated to temperature, with highest specific growth rates (0.075 to 0.125 h-') found in summer, when chlorophyll a concentrations were at a minimum during this season. Dur~ng Jan and Feb 1989 and 1990, when chl a concentrations were at a maximum, bacterial growth rates were below 0.001 h-' Doubling times (g) ranged from 5.2 to 23 h in summer, being lowest at the 5 m depth. Highest g values were recorded in Jan 1989 at 10 m (259 h). Dunng this period we observed an increase bacterial numbers within the dialysis bags, but a decrease in biovolume of the 4 morphotypes. We hypothesize that the observed growth strategy is necessary for bacteria to resist starvation and to obtain a competitive advantage for nutrient scavanging under oligotrophic conditions. In Jan, bacterial production corresponded to 7.6 % of gross primary production. In summer, bacterial production ranged from 18.5 to 48.4 % of gross primary production. Carbon requirements of the bacterial population in the water column were discussed in view of various carbon conversion efficiencies. The range of our bacterial production values is compared with values from other systems and seen in the context of the n~ethodological approaches.
Nonuniformly Spaced Linear Array Design for the Specified Beamwidth/Sidelobe Level or Specified Directivity/Sidelobe Level with Coupling Consideration

In this paper, we investigate nonuniformly spaced linear arrays (NUSLA) rigorously. Several important problems in NUSLA design are solved with the combination of the Genetic Algorithm and Conjugate Gradient method (GA-CG). The pattern synthesis for the specified beamwidth and minimum achievable sidelobe level (SLL) are performed and for the first time, the graphs which show the relation between the beamwidth, sidelobe level and number of elements for NUSLA are derived. Also, the NUSLA's pattern for the specified directivity and sidelobe level is synthesized. The graphs showing the behavior of NUSLA relative to the increase of its length for a fixed number of elements are derived. These graphs showthe relations between the directivity and sidelobe level of NUSLA with its length. As a practical design, an array of parallel dipoles is designed for specified beamwidth/sidelobe level or specified directivity/sidelobe level. Furthermore, a novel Neural Network based model for the NUSLA is presented for the rapid and accurate computation of S- parameters. The computed S-parameters are used for the computation of coupling among elements. Then the GA-CG method can adjust these values in the synthesis process to achieve desired pattern and bearable coupling among elements.
Constraints on ocean circulation at the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum from neodymium isotopes

Abstract. Global warming during the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) ∼ 55 million years ago (Ma) coincided with a massive release of carbon to the ocean–atmosphere system, as indicated by carbon isotopic data. Previous studies have argued for a role of changing ocean circulation, possibly as a trigger or response to climatic changes. We use neodymium (Nd) isotopic data to reconstruct short high-resolution records of deep-water circulation across the PETM. These records are derived by reductively leaching sediments from seven globally distributed sites to reconstruct past deep-ocean circulation across the PETM. The Nd data for the leachates are interpreted to be consistent with previous studies that have used fish teeth Nd isotopes and benthic foraminiferal δ13C to constrain regions of convection. There is some evidence from combining Nd isotope and δ13C records that the three major ocean basins may not have had substantial exchanges of deep waters. If the isotopic data are interpreted within this framework, then the observed pattern may be explained if the strength of overturning in each basin varied distinctly over the PETM, resulting in differences in deep-water aging gradients between basins. Results are consistent with published interpretations from proxy data and model simulations that suggest modulation of overturning circulation had an important role for initiation and recovery of the ocean–atmosphere system associated with the PETM.
Improved QFN thermal cycling reliability using low melting temperature SnBi based solder paste LMPA-Q

In this work, the solder joint reliability of QFN components is experimentally tested in thermal cycling and four-point bending cycling conditions, and this for three different solder materials: standard SAC305, low Ag SAC alloy and a new low melting temperature SnBi based alloy LMPA-Q. The outcome of the study is to evaluate if these new SnBi based solder material perform similar, worse or better than the more standard lead-free solders.
The association between actual and perceived ethnic diversity: The moderating role of authoritarianism and implications for outgroup threat, anxiety, and mistrust

If you believe this document infringes copyright then please contact the KAR admin team with the take-down information provided at http://kar.kent. ac.uk/contact.html Citation for published version Van Assche, Jasper and Roets, Arne and Dhont, Kristof and Van Hiel, Alain (2016) The association between actual and perceived ethnic diversity: The moderating role of authoritarianism and implications for outgroup threat, anxiety, and mistrust. European Journal of Social Psychology, 46 . pp. 807-817. ISSN 0046-2772.
Report from the first operational winter of the Norwegian Avalanche Centre

The Norwegian Avalanche Centre had its first operational season from mid-January until the end of May 2013. We report on the experiences from the first operational winter. The Norwegian Avalanche Center assesses the avalanche danger based on the European Avalanche Danger Scale for 24 regions on mainland Norway. In addition we assess the meteorological conditions for all of Nor- way and issue a warning if the danger level exceeds 3-considerable outside the predefined forecasting regions. Avalanche bulletins were issued four times a week for each region and published on www.varsom. no. Most of the regions are situated in a maritime climate along the west coast of Nor- way, while a handful is situated in a more continental climate. A network of professional field observ- ers provides a local danger assessment 2-3 times a week for each region. In general we have sparse data for vast regions. In addition the forecast is issued for the next 48h making it very dependent on the regional weather forecast and uncertainties in there. Despite some challenges the first season was rated a success by users and operators. User surveys and two workshops at the end of the season gave valuable input for further development. Daily updated bulletins will be issued from next season and more regions will be included within the coming two years.