Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Two Different Cloud Climatologies Derived from CALIOP-Attenuated Backscattered Measurements (Level 1): The CALIPSO-ST and the CALIPSO-GOCCP

AbstractTwo different cloud climatologies have been derived from the same NASA–Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP)-measured attenuated backscattered profile (level 1, version 3 dataset). The first climatology, named Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations–Science Team (CALIPSO-ST), is based on the standard CALIOP cloud mask (level 2 product, version 3), with the aim to document clouds with the highest possible spatiotemporal resolution, taking full advantage of the CALIOP capabilities and sensitivity for a wide range of cloud scientific studies. The second climatology, named GCM-Oriented CALIPSO Cloud Product (CALIPSO-GOCCP), is aimed at a single goal: evaluating GCM prediction of cloudiness. For this specific purpose, it has been designed to be fully consistent with the CALIPSO simulator included in the Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project (CFMIP) Observation Simulator Package (COSP) used within version 2 of the CFMIP (CFMIP-2) experiment and phase.
Life-Threatening Coronary Disease is Prevalent in Patients with Stenosing Carotid Artery Disease

Background Atherosclerosis affects several vascular trees systemically and though surgical plaque removal diminishes the risk of stroke in patients with carotid stenosis, they still face a risk of other atherothrombotic complications like myocardial infarction and premature death. Aims and/or hypothesis This study was designed to reveal the long-term risk of death and atherothrombotic events following carotid endarterectomy. Methods Eighty-nine previously (1997–2000) endarterectomized carotid patients (56–92 years) were followed up to 15·2 years. Causes of death, cardiovascular events (stroke, transient ischemic attack, acute myocardial infarction), comorbidities, and medications were recorded and analyzed by Cox regression analysis. Four population controls and four controls with coronary disease (n = 712) were selected for each case from a population cohort for age- and gender-matched analysis. Results At the end of follow-up, 41 (44·6%) patients had died and 48 were alive. Ten patients (24,4%) died due to acute myocardial infarction and one (2,4%) due to stroke. Nineteen (21%) patients had an acute myocardial infarction, 12 (13%) had a stroke, 13 (15%) had a transient ischemic attack, and 5 (6%) had other atherothrombotic events. The risk of death was 5·7-fold in diabetics (P < 0·001) and 3·9-fold in smokers (P < 0·001). Patients who did not use statins had 5·0-fold, and irregular users 3·3-fold risk of death compared with active users (P = 0·005 and P = 0·001, respectively). The major factors associated with acute myocardial infarction were diabetes (6·0-fold risk, P = 0·004), bilateral carotid disease (3·5-fold risk, P = 0·014), and lack of statin use (4·4-fold risk, P = 0·038). Compared with population controls, carotid patients had a 4·4-fold risk of acute myocardial infarction (P = 0·002). Conclusions Endarterectomized carotid patients have a high risk of acute myocardial infarction and death, and need an intensified cardiovascular disease-risk-lowering treatment. Although asymptomatic, the evaluation of prognostically significant myocardial ischemia should be considered in these high-risk patients. Eventually, a clinical trial is needed to address whether carotid patients would benefit from early intervention.
Trans‐species communication in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐infected macrophage

Much of the infection cycle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is spent within its host cell, the macrophage. As a consequence of the chronic, enduring nature of the infection, this cell–cell interaction has become highly intimate, and the bacterium has evolved to detect, react to, and manipulate the evolving, immune‐modulated phenotype of its host. In this review, we discuss the nature of the endosomal/lysosomal continuum, the characterization of the bacterium's transcriptional responses during the infection cycle, and the dominant environmental cues that shape this response. We also discuss how the metabolism of both cells is modulated by the infection and the impact that this has on the progression of the granuloma. Finally, we detail how these transcriptional responses can be exploited to construct reporter bacterial strains to probe the temporal and spatial environmental shifts experienced by Mtb during the course of experimental infections. These reporter strains provide new insights into the fitness of Mtb under immune‐ and drug‐mediated pressure.
The Desa Wisata Terpadu as a vector of sustainable development in Bali

The international diffusion of sustainable tourism requires the invention of syncretic models adapted to the sociocultural characteristics of local societies. That is the challenge of the touristic integrated village policy created in 1992 by the Indonesian government. This model promotes the establishment of an archetype of sustainable development adapted to the characteristics of the local villages. In Bali, 44 villages have been officially registered as such by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia. The purpose of our work is use cases study on two particular villages judged to be successfully-run, to analyze the capacity of this innovative model to meet the expectation of sustainable tourism while respecting the specificities of each village. Keywords—Tourism, villages; Bali; Sustainability;
Gender Differences in Pediatric Burn Patients: Does It Make a Difference?

Objective:There is evidence that females have a better outcome in intensive care units (ICUs) when compared with males. The aim of the present study was to compare hospital course and physiologic markers between severely burned pediatric females and males. Summary Background Data:One-hundred eighty-nine children sustaining a ≥40% total body surface area burn were divided into females (n = 76) and males (n = 113). Methods:Patient demographics, clinical parameters, and mortality were noted. Muscle protein synthesis was determined by stable isotope technique. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured by indirect calorimetry and body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Serum hormones, proteins, and cytokines were determined. Cardiac function and liver size were determined by repeated ultrasound measurements. Results:There were no significant differences between females and males for mortality, demographics, burn size, nutritional intake, or concomitant injuries. ICU stay was in females: 29±3 days whereas the stay in males was 38±3 days, P < 0.05. Females had a significant attenuated loss in muscle protein net balance (females: −0.028±0.001% vs. males: −0.05±0.007%) and an increase in lean body mass (Δ females: 5±4% vs. Δ males: −1±3%), P < 0.05. Percent-predicted REE was significantly decreased in females compared with males, P < 0.05. Systemic inflammatory markers and stress hormone levels were significantly decreased in females, P < 0.05. Cardiac and liver dysfunction were significantly attenuated in females compared with males, P < 0.05. Conclusions:Female burned patients exert an attenuated inflammatory and hypermetabolic response compared with males. This decrease is reflected in improved muscle protein net balance and preservation of lean body mass, which are associated with shortened hospital stay.
SHIP2 interaction with the cytoskeletal protein Vinexin

The src homology 2 (SH2) domain‐containing inositol 5‐phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) catalyses the dephosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5‐trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] to phosphatidylinositol 3,4‐bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4)P2]. We report the identification of the cytoskeletal protein Vinexin as a protein interacting with SHIP2. This was achieved by yeast two‐hybrid screening using the C‐terminal region of SHIP2 as bait. Vinexin has previously been identified as a vinculin‐binding protein that plays a key role in cell spreading and cytoskeletal organization. The interaction between SHIP2 and Vinexin was confirmed in lysates of both COS‐7 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). The C‐terminus was involved in the interaction, as shown by the transfection of a truncated C‐terminus mutant of SHIP2. In addition, we showed the colocalization between Vinexin α and SHIP2 at the periphery of transfected COS‐7 cells. When added in vitro to SHIP2, Vinexin did not affect the PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 5‐phosphatase activity of SHIP2. Enhanced cell adhesion to collagen‐I‐coated dishes was shown upon transfection of either SHIP2 or Vinexin to COS‐7 cells. This effect was no longer observed with either a catalytic mutant or the C‐terminus mutant of SHIP2. It also appears SHIP2 specific; this was not seen with SHIP1. Adhesion to the same matrix was decreased in SHIP2–/– MEF cells compared with MEF+/+ cells. Our data suggest that SHIP2 interaction with Vinexin promotes the localization of SHIP2 at the periphery of the cells leaving its catalytic site intact. The complex formation between Vinexin and SHIP2 may increase cellular adhesion. The data reinforce the concept that SHIP2 is active both as a PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 5‐phosphatase and as a modulator of focal contact formation.
Role of the cag‐pathogenicity island encoded type IV secretion system in Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis

Helicobacter pylori is a very successful human‐specific bacterium worldwide. Infections of the stomach with this pathogen can induce pathologies, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer. Highly virulent H. pylori strains encode the cytotoxin‐associated gene (cag)‐pathogenicity island, which expresses a type IV secretion system (T4SS). This T4SS forms a syringe‐like pilus structure for the injection of virulence factors such as the CagA effector protein into host target cells. This is achieved by a number of T4SS proteins, including CagI, CagL, CagY and CagA, which by itself binds the host cell integrin member β1 followed by delivery of CagA across the host cell membrane. A role of CagA interaction with phosphatidylserine has also been shown to be important for the injection process. After delivery, CagA becomes phosphorylated by oncogenic tyrosine kinases and mimics a host cell factor for the activation or inactivation of some specific intracellular signalling pathways. We review recent progress aiming to characterize the CagA‐dependent and CagA‐independent signalling capabilities of the T4SS, which include the induction of membrane dynamics, disruption of cell–cell junctions and actin‐cytoskeletal rearrangements, as well as pro‐inflammatory, cell cycle‐related and anti‐apoptotic transcriptional responses. The contribution of these signalling pathways to pathogenesis during H. pylori infections is discussed.
Knowledge Transfer in Franchising

This chapter reviews and synthesizes the major research findings on knowledge transfer in franchising organizations. It discusses what is transferred and why, addresses the when and how question, and also who transfers and where. The discussion of these broad issues is facilitated by reviewing state-of-the-art research that use knowledge-based view of the firm, information richness theory, the value co-creation concept, organizational life-cycle theory, resource-based theory and organizational capabilities perspective. The study argues that the resource-based theory and organizational capabilities perspective could make an important contribution to franchising research by highlighting how franchise companies create and capture value from knowledge transfer and knowledge management.
The Notion of 'Were' in Yoruba Conception of Mental Illness

The conception of mental illness has a narrower focus than the western view. While the notion of ‘were’ merely refers to the manifestation of mental disorder, mental illness in the west involves minor stages of mental problems. This paper attempts to examine the Yoruba concept of mental illness. It is assumed that the Yoruba view of mental illness is narrower. ‘Were’ defines mental illness from the terminal point of view. This has implications for both help seeking behaviour and social interaction. The study was carried out in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State of Nigeria and a Yoruba community. Data were collected from ten key informants who are traditional healers. The Yorubas classify mental illness into three categories – ‘Were Amutorinwa’, ‘Were Iran’ and ‘Were Afise’. The onset of mental illness is usually observed in the wild behaviour of patients while help seeking mostly commences at this crisis stage. Usually, mental illness has negative stigma, as ‘were’ is a derogatory concept of abuse. There is need for appropriate mental health education as regards mental health related problems, diagnosis, and prevention in order to avoid the terminal stage of ‘were’.
The effect of TJ-15 plus TJ-17 on atopic dermatitis: a pilot study based on the principle of pattern identification.

AIM Hwang-Yeon-Hae-Dok-San (TJ-15) and Ou-Ryung-San (TJ-17) are two common herbal formulas that have been used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), especially the Dampness-Heat pattern of AD. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of TJ-15 plus TJ-17 for patients with the Dampness-Heat pattern of AD based on pattern identification. METHODS This study was a parallel, randomized, active-controlled, double-blind trial. A total of 24 patients were enrolled. Either a combination of TJ-15 plus TJ-17, or TJ-15 alone was orally administered 3 times daily for 4 weeks. Of the patients enrolled, 19 patients completed the 4-week treatment course (TJ-15 plus TJ-17: n=8, TJ-15: n=11). Efficacy was assessed using the scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index; area of eczema and severity index (EASI); as well as the symptoms related to the Dampness-Heat by pattern identification. Efficacy measures were evaluated at the baseline and at 4 weeks. Safety was assessed throughout the study using ongoing laboratory tests. RESULTS Both the SCORAD and EASI showed more improvement in the TJ-15 plus TJ-17 group than in the TJ-15 group; however, the differences were not statistically significant. The symptoms related to the Dampness-Heat pattern were reduced in both groups, and the changes were similar. There were no reported adverse events during this study, or abnormalities observed on aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine testing. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that both the TJ-15 plus TJ-17 and the TJ-15 provided safe and effective treatment for patients with the Dampness-Heat pattern type of AD.
Epidemic Trends of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Abnormalities: Hospital-based study on Endoscopic Data Evaluation.

PURPOSE To understand the epidemiology of different upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract related abnormalities through endoscopic data analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study of three years from January 2009 to December 2011 was conducted with data from endoscopic surveillance of upper GI tract problems, collected from the Gastroenterology Unit, Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad. MS excel and Medcalc software (comparison of proportions) were used for data analysis. RESULTS A total of 10,029 (6,468 in males and 3,561 in females) endoscopies were performed during this three-year period. The male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Overall, ~30% of endoscopies evaluated showed patients with acid peptic disorders, 13.6% with vascular- related abnormalities, 10.6% showed structural abnormalities, followed by 6.3% with malignancies. Burden of malignancies was mostly observed in the older age group (60-69 years). Esophageal cancer cases decreased (p=0.0001) whereas stomach cancers increased over this period (p=0.0345). We also observed an increased incidence of acid peptic disease (APD) (p=0.0036) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (p=0.0002) cases during this period. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic diagnosis is useful for early detection of UGI anomalies and helpful for physicians to manage and treat varied kinds of UGI disorders. Analysis of data revealed changing trends in the incidence of various pathologies of the UGI tract. Functional dyspepsia and GERD definitely reduce the quality of life of the individual. The role of our diverse dietary habits and lifestyle associated with these problems have not yet been established, though there have been reports on the effect of coffee, spicy food, wheat-based diet, screening of UGI pathologies along with collection of complete personal and medical history details, can help in correlating the patients' condition with various aspects of lifestyle and diet.
Pathophysiology and fate of hepatocytes in a mouse model of mitochondrial hepatopathies

Background: Although oxidative phosphorylation defects can affect the liver, these conditions are poorly understood, partially because of the lack of animal models. Aims: To create and characterise the pathophysiology of mitochondrial hepatopathies in a mouse model. Methods: A mouse model of mitochondrial hepatopathies was created by the conditional liver knockout (KO) of the COX10 gene, which is required for cytochrome c oxidase (COX) function. The onset and progression of biochemical, molecular and clinical phenotypes were analysed in several groups of animals, mostly at postnatal days 23, 56, 78 and 155. Results: Biochemical and histochemical analysis of liver samples from 23–56-day-old KO mice showed liver dysfunction, a severe COX deficiency, marked mitochondrial proliferation and lipid accumulation. Despite these defects, the COX-deficient hepatocytes were not immediately eliminated, and apoptosis followed by liver regeneration could be observed only at age 78 days. Hepatocytes from 56–78-day-old KO mice survived despite very low COX activity but showed a progressive depletion of glycogen stores. In most animals, hepatocytes that escaped COX10 ablation were able to proliferate and completely regenerate the liver between days 78 and 155. Conclusions: The results showed that when faced with a severe oxidative phosphorylation defect, hepatocytes in vivo can rely on glycolysis/glycogenolysis for their bioenergetic needs for relatively long periods. Ultimately, defective hepatocytes undergo apoptosis and are replaced by COX-positive cells first observed in the perivascular regions.
Catheter‐Assisted Vein Sclerotherapy: A New Approach for Sclerotherapy of the Greater Saphenous Vein with a Double‐Lumen Balloon Catheter

OBJECTIVE We sought to optimize sclerotherapy of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) by targeted application of foamed sclerosant by using a catheter. METHODS We designed a new double-lumen catheter that is inserted into the GSV. Via one lumen, a balloon at the tip of the catheter can be inflated to stop the blood flow. Via the second lumen, the sclerosing agent can be injected and aspirated. This method enabled us to perform a targeted application of the sclerosing agent [catheter-assisted vein sclerotherapy (KAVS)]. In an open study, outpatients suffering from varicosis of the GSV received a foam sclerotherapy under ultrasound guidance, using the newly developed KAVS catheter. RESULTS Thirty patients with an insufficiency (reflux) of the GSV were treated with the newly developed KAVS method using foamed polidocanol. The intervention was well tolerated in all patients without the occurrence of serious side effects. In 27 of the 30 treated patients (90%), we found a closure of the GSV at control visits 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS The KAVS method represents a feasible approach for sclerotherapy of the GSV. The efficiency and treatment modalities need to be explored in further studies.
Determinants of Behavioral Intention in Adopting Network Monitoring System

: Makerere University Business School(MUBS) staff and student population stands to over 15,000 (MUBS HR report 2014) but on average, MUBS digitized online network can support about 700 users pick time and approximately 300 off pick hours which is not sufficient (Management Information Systems Unit Network statistics, 2015). Could the low support be attributed to the determinants of behavioral intention? This study therefore examined the relationships between performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and behavioral intentions in the adoption of an integrated network monitoring system (NMS) at Makerere University Business School (MUBS). The study followed a cross sectional quantitative research design that focused on describing and drawing inferences from the findings on the relationship between the variables. The study population comprised of 189 administrative staff using the survey instrument based on the UTAUT constructs tailored for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations and regressions analysis using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The results indicate that there were significant positive relationships between Performance Expectancy, Effort expectancy Social influence and Facilitating Conditions on Behavioral intention. Emphasis should be placed on performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions as determinants of behavioral intention for better network monitoring system.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 participates in vascular endothelial growth factor‐induced signaling

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activates endothelial cells, in part, by interacting with the kinase insert domain‐containing receptor (KDR) receptor tyrosine kinase. Although progress has been made in the identification of cell‐signaling proteins that participate in the VEGF‐induced response, questions remain concerning the molecular interactions that allow coupling of receptor activation with an increased cellular response. Evidence is provided in this manuscript that indicates a role for the fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) in VEGF‐induced signal transduction. VEGF treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and KDR‐transfected porcine aortic endothelial cells leads to the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of FRS2. FRS2 is associated constitutively with KDR, and VEGF treatment has no effect on this interaction. VEGF treatment of KDR‐expressing cells leads to the recruitment of Nck, p21‐activated kinase, Crk, Grb2, and protein kinase C λ to FRS2. The ability of FRS2 to recruit cell‐signaling proteins to the cell is significant because it provides a mechanism for enhancing the repertoire of VEGF‐induced signaling pathways.