Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Investigation of Some MIS Design Variables

An experiment was conducted to relate characteristics of an information system and a decision maker to the resulting decision making performance in a simulated inventory/production environment. One of the six independent variables which were analyzed, four (form of presentation, available of decision aids, availability of exception reporting, amount of information provided) were related to information system characteristics, the other two (decision making style, knowledge of functional area) described decision maker characteristics. The dependent variables, or the decision making quality variables, analyzed were cost performance, time performance, and the number of reports requested for decision making. The experimental setting, findings, and the number of reports requested for decision making. The experimental setting, findings, and the implication of the findings for information system design are discussed.
Recurrence and Its Impact on the Health-related Quality of Life in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Follow-up Analysis

Background/Aims Limited data exist on the outcome of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the Asian population. This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes, to investigate the factors associated with recurrence, and to evaluate the impact of the treatment outcome on the HRQoL in a Korean GERD population. Methods This was a prospective, multicenter study involving a total of 824 GERD patients. The response to treatment was assessed at week 4 (or week 8 for the patients who did not achieve complete resolution [CR] at week 4). The EQ-5D questionnaire was used at baseline, end of treatment, and first recurrence to assess the HRQoL. To assess GERD symptoms, contact of patients by phone at 1, 6, and 12 months following treatment was carried out. Results CR was achieved in 65.6% and recurrence was observed in 47.8% following treatment. CR and recurrence rates did not differ by the presence of esophagitis. Multivariate analysis revealed that acid regurgitation (odds ratio 2.249; 95% confidence interval 1.293–3.912; P = 0.004) and both acid regurgitation and heartburn (odds ratio 2.330; 95% confidence interval 1.392–3.901; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for GERD recurrence. EQ-5D scores were more improved in patients with CR than in those without CR, and worsened more during follow-up in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence. Conclusions We should achieve complete symptom relief and attempt to prevent recurrence in GERD patients to improve their HRQoL.
Science in brief: Highlights from the applied physiology, muscle and genetics abstracts at the International Conference on Equine Exercise Physiology.

The 9th International Conference of Equine Exercise Physiology (ICEEP) was held in June 2014 in Chester, UK. A variety of interesting studies in the area of applied physiology, muscle physiology and genetics were presented and the abstracts published in a supplementary issue of Equine Veterinary Journal (Equine Vet J 46. suppl 46). A selection of these studies are summarised below, highlighting their clinical relevance.
Deiodinase 2 expression is increased in dorsocervical fat of patients with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy syndrome.

CONTEXT The pathogenesis and function of dorsocervical sc adipose tissue (DSAT) accumulation in HIV-infected patients is not known. Previous investigations using either UCP-1 expression or positron emission tomography have been inconclusive as to whether this depot represents brown adipose tissue (BAT). We investigated DSAT gene expression, including DIO2, a deiodinase that contributes to increased thermogenesis in brown fat, and simultaneously determined [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([¹⁸F]FDG) uptake in lipodystrophic HIV and healthy control subjects. DESIGN Thirteen HIV-infected and three non-HIV-infected men were recruited. HIV-infected subjects had evidence of significant lipodystrophy, including fat atrophy of the face, arms, and legs, and/or fat accumulation of the neck and abdomen. Subjects were cooled, followed by [¹⁸F]FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography, fat biopsy of DSAT, and measurement of resting energy expenditure (REE). HIV-infected subjects were characterized as lipohypertrophic and lipoatrophic and compared. RESULTS Mean standardized uptake value of [¹⁸F]FDG and UCP-1 expression were not significantly different in DSAT among the groups. However, lipohypertrophic subjects demonstrated increased expression of DIO2 in DSAT compared with lipoatrophic subjects (P = 0.03). Among HIV-infected patients, DIO2 expression was strongly related to REE (r = 0.78, P = 0.002) and was a predictor of REE in multivariate modeling controlling for age, TSH, and lean body mass (r² = 0.79, P = 0.008). One control subject demonstrated typical BAT in the supraclavicular area. CONCLUSIONS Adipose tissue accumulating in the dorsocervical area in HIV lipodystrophy does not appear to be classical BAT. However, DIO2 expression is increased in DSAT among patients with HIV lipodystrophy, particularly those with increased visceral adiposity, and is positively associated with energy expenditure.
Estrogen Regulation of Cyclin D1 Gene Expression in ZR-75 Breast Cancer Cells Involves Multiple Enhancer Elements*

Cyclin D1 gene expression is induced by 17β-estradiol (E2) in human breast cancer cells and is important for progression of cells through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The mechanism of activation of cyclin D1 is mitogen- and cell context-dependent, and this study describes the role of multiple promoter elements required for induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive ZR-75 breast cancer cells. Transcriptional activation of cyclin D1 by E2 was dependent, in part, on a proximal cAMP-response element at −66, and this was linked to induction of protein kinase A-dependent pathways. These results contrasted to a recent report showing that induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in ER-positive MCF-7 and HeLa cells was due to up-regulation of c-jun and subsequent interaction of c-Jun-ATF-2 with the CRE. Moreover, further examination of the proximal region of the cyclin D1 promoter showed that three GC-rich Sp1-binding sites at −143 to −110 were also E2-responsive, and interaction of ERα and Sp1 proteins at these sites was confirmed by electromobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Thus, induction of cyclin D1 by E2 in ZR-75 cells is regulated through nuclear ERα/Sp1 and epigenetic protein kinase A activation pathways, and our results suggest that this mechanism may be cell context-dependent even among ER-positive breast cancer cell lines.
A new case of apoA-I deficiency showing codon 8 nonsense mutation of the apoA-I gene without evidence of coronary heart disease.

We report a 39-year-old Japanese man with HDL and apoA-I deficiency as well as data from members of his family. Corneal opacity and a stomatocyte were found but not tonsillar hypertrophy, xanthomas, or splenomegaly. His serum HDL cholesterol, apoA-I, apoA-II, and LDL cholesterol levels were t mg/dL, < 3 mg/dL, 6 mg/dL, and 175 mg/dL, respectively. Plasma triglyceride, phospholipid, apoB, apoC-III, and apoE levels were all within normal limits. Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity was half of normal, while lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase activities were within normal limits. ApoA-I deficiency was confirmed by combined isoelectric focusing and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by an immunoblotting method. We surveyed the apoA-I gene of the patient and five of his family members by direct sequencing after amplification by polymerase chain reaction and found a codon 8 nonsense mutation (TGG --> TAG, Trp --> stop) in exon 3 of the apoA-I gene. The results of a pedigree analysis by DNA sequencing and restricted fragment length polymorphism (Sty I) were consistent with an autosomal codominant trait. Coronary angiography was performed to evaluate coronary atherosclerosis, but no significant luminal narrowing was detected. An intracoronary ultrasound study showed mild intimal hyperplasia in segment 6. In summary, this is a case of apoA-I deficiency without evidence of coronary heart disease.
Lidar determinations of extinction in stratus clouds.

A field test has been carried out to compare calculations made from lidar data to direct sensor measurements as tools for determining extinction as a function of altitude in the first kilometer of the earth’s atmosphere during the presence of haze layers and stratus clouds; 1.06-μm wavelength lidar returns were reduced using methods based on the stable solution to the lidar equation proposed by Klett. Direct sensor data were obtained from particulate spectrometers and a point visibility meter carried aloft by a tethered hydrogen balloon. The extinction profiles obtained from reduced lidar data are qualitatively in excellent agreement with those from the airborne payload. At moderate to high extinction values encountered in stratus clouds quantitative agreement is reasonably good; in haze conditions the agreement is less satisfactory, not only between the lidar results and those from the direct sensors, but between the results from the particle size distribution data and visibility meter data as well. Nevertheless, considering that extinction can vary over 4 orders of magnitude in such profiles, it is concluded that lidar is a quantitatively useful tool for studying stratus layers and is a particularly good means for determining ceiling altitude.
Womens control over their sexuality and the spread of STDs and HIV / AIDS in Ghana.

the present spread of AIDS, there is a need to examine the extent to which the vulnerability of women to STDs and AIDS is reinforced by social values. This paper discusses the rights of Ghanaian women over their sexuality and its implications for the spread of STDs in general and AIDS in particular . Women in Ghana, particularly the matrilineal Akans, in theory have rights over their sexuality and can assert their rights over an offending husband. Their poor economic status in the modern economy means that economic concerns are now overshadowing traditional norms which governed marital relations in the past. Some women have become economically dependent and, therefore, less likely to take control over their sexuality. The results of a survey of 400 prostitutes, long-distance traders and other women indicate that women are vulnerable because they are poor and dependent and therefore less likely to take control over their own sexuality. Programs to improve women's education and, therefore, their employment opportunities may empower women to control some of the factors related to their sexuality. Meanwhile, gender-specific information, education and communication must be intensified to increase women's awareness of the dangers of AIDS.
The effects of ethanol and vasopressin on renal function in the isolated perfused rat kidney

Controversial results regarding the role of vasopressin as a mediator of ethanol-induced diuresis raise the question, whether ethanol may stimulate diuresis directly on the level of the kidney, possibly by its vasodilating properties. We thus studied the effects of different ethanol-concentrations (0.5 ‰, 1 ‰, 2 ‰, and 4 ‰; n = 4 to 6, respectively) – in the presence of 10 mU/l vasopressin in the perfusion medium – and the effect of absence of vasopressin (-VP; n = 5) in isolated rat kidneys perfused for 180 minutes in a closed circuit system. A control group (con+VP; n = 6) was studied with the standard perfusion medium containing 10 mU/l vasopressin. Urine flow (UV) and free water clearance (CH2O) were increased (UV: con+VP: 124 ± 78 vs. –VP: 258 ± 88 μl*min-1*g kidney-1; CH2O: con+VP: 20.4 ± 7.4 vs. –VP: 51.6 ± 20.8 μl*min-1*g kidney-1, p < 0.05 respectively) and fractional reabsorption of sodium (FRNa) were increased in rats perfused without vasopressin (FRNa: con+VP: 83.7 ± 8.3 vs. –VP: 75.0 ± 2.6 %, p < 0.05). Ethanol-treatment had no effect on urine flow, sodium and potassium excretion, glomerular filtration rate, and renal vascular resistance. These data show that ethanol-mediated diuresis cannot be explained by intrinsic effects of ethanol on the kidney, at least in an isolated and denervated perfused rat kidney model.
Clamped inductive turn-off failure in high-voltage NPT-IGBTs under overloading conditions

The clamped inductive turn-off failure of NPT-IGBTs is investigated under overloading events. First, their signatures are determined. Second, physical TCAD simulations are carried out considering, for the first time, the current mismatch among the cells from the chip core, gate runner and edge termination areas. As a result, a secondary breakdown at the IGBT peripheral cells at the edge of the gate runner has been indentified to be responsible of the failure. Besides, a strategy to enhance the device robustness is proposed.
Rheological Investigation of Entangled Hybrid Copolymers of Polystyrene (PS) With Polyhedral Oligosilsesquioxane (POSS)

Abstract : The thermal properties and rheological behaviors of polystyrene (PS)-based thermoplastics bearing polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) were investigated with variation of isobutyl (iBu)-POSS weight percentage. The incorporation of POSS-group significantly decreases the glass transition temperature and the rubbery plateau modulus. These findings are attributed to an influence of the nanometer-scale POSS pendant group on the microscopic topology of the host polymeric chains and negligible interactions between POSS and PS matrix.
Mismatch Repair Protein Deficiency Compromises Cisplatin-induced Apoptotic Signaling*

Mismatch repair (MMR) proteins participate in cytotoxicity induced by certain DNA damage-inducing agents, including cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), CDDP), a cancer chemotherapeutic drug utilized clinically to treat a variety of malignancies. MMR proteins have been demonstrated to bind to CDDP-DNA adducts and initiate MMR protein-dependent cell death in cells treated with CDDP; however, the molecular events underlying this death remain unclear. As MMR proteins have been suggested to be important in clinical responses to CDDP, a clear understanding of MMR protein-dependent, CDDP-induced cell death is critical. In this report, we demonstrate MMR protein-dependent relocalization of cytochrome c to the cytoplasm and cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase upon treatment of cells with CDDP. Chemical inhibition of caspases specifically attenuates CDDP/MMR protein-dependent cytotoxicity, suggesting that a caspase-dependent signaling mechanism is required for the execution of this cell death. p53 protein levels were up-regulated independently of MMR protein status, suggesting that p53 is not a mediator of MMR-dependent, CDDP-induced death. This work is the first indication of a required signaling mechanism in CDDP-induced, MMR protein-dependent cytotoxicity, which can be uncoupled from other CDDP response pathways, and defines a critical contribution of MMR proteins to the control of cell death.
Mantle-driven dynamic uplift of the Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau and its surface response: Toward a unified hypothesis

The correspondence between seismic velocity anomalies in the crust and mantle and the differential incision of the continental-scale Colorado River system suggests that significant mantle-to-surface interactions can take place deep within continental interiors. The Colorado Rocky Mountain region exhibits low-seismic-velocity crust and mantle associated with atypically high (and rough) topography, steep normalized river segments, and areas of greatest differential river incision. Thermochronologic and geologic data show that regional exhumation accelerated starting ca. 6–10 Ma, especially in regions underlain by low-velocity mantle. Integration and synthesis of diverse geologic and geophysical data sets support the provocative hypothesis that Neogene mantle convection has driven long-wavelength surface deformation and tilting over the past 10 Ma. Attendant surface uplift on the order of 500–1000 m may account for ∼25%–50% of the current elevation of the region, with the rest achieved during Laramide and mid-Tertiary uplift episodes. This hypothesis highlights the importance of continued multidisciplinary tests of the nature and magnitude of surface responses to mantle dynamics in intraplate settings.
Interleukin 2 and erythropoietin activate STAT5/MGF via distinct pathways.

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins play an important role in cytokine signal transduction in conjunction with Janus kinases (JAKs). MGF/STAT5 is known as prolactin regulated STAT. Here we demonstrate that interleukin 2 (IL‐2) as well as erythropoietin (EPO) stimulate STAT5 and induce tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT5. These IL‐2‐ and EPO‐induced STATs have an identical DNA binding specificity and immunoreactivity. We also show that IL‐4 induces a DNA binding factor which possesses similar, but distinct, DNA binding specificity from that of STAT5 and is immunologically different from STAT5. Analysis of two EPO receptor (EPOR) transfected CTLL‐2 cell lines discloses that IL‐2 activates JAK1 and JAK3 as well as STAT5, while EPO stimulates STAT5 and JAK2 in EPO‐responsive CTLL‐2 cells (ERT/E2). On the contrary, EPO activates neither JAK2 nor STAT5 in other cell lines that failed to respond to EPO (ERT cells). EPOR and JAK2 associate with each other regardless of EPO presence in ERT/E2 cells, however, such an interaction is not present in ERT cells. Thus, EPOR and JAK2 association seems to be important for EPO responsiveness in CTLL‐2 cells.
Prenylation-dependent Association of Protein-tyrosine Phosphatases PRL-1, -2, and -3 with the Plasma Membrane and the Early Endosome*

PRL-1, -2, and -3 represent a novel class of protein-tyrosine phosphatase with a C-terminal prenylation motif. Although PRL-1 has been suggested to be associated with the nucleus, the presence of three highly homologous members and the existence of a prenylation motif call for a more detailed examination of their subcellular localization. In the present study, we first demonstrate that mouse PRL-1, -2, and -3 are indeed prenylated. Examination of N-terminal epitope-tagged PRL-1, -2, and -3 expressed in transiently transfected cells suggests that PRL-1, -2, and -3 are present on the plasma membrane and intracellular punctate structures. Stable Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing PRL-1 and -3 in an inducible manner were established. When cells were treated with brefeldin A, PRL-1 and -3 accumulated in a collapsed compact structure around the microtubule-organizing center. Furthermore, PRL-1 and -3 redistributed into swollen vacuole-like structures when cells were treated with wortmannin. These characteristics of PRL-1 and -3 are typical for endosomal proteins. Electron microscope immunogold labeling reveals that PRL-1 and -3 are indeed associated with the plasma membrane and the early endosomal compartment. Expression of PRL-3 is detected in the epithelial cells of the small intestine, where PRL-3 is present in punctate structures in the cytoplasm. When cells are treated with FTI-277, a selective farnesyltransferase inhibitor, PRL-1, -2, and -3 shifted into the nucleus. Furthermore, a mutant form of PRL-2 lacking the C-terminal prenylation signal is associated with the nucleus. These results establish that the primary association of PRL-1, -2, and -3 with the membrane of the cell surface and the early endosome is dependent on their prenylation and that nuclear localization of these proteins may be triggered by a regulatory event that inhibits their prenylation.
Self-Sampling in Screening to Reduce Mortality from Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Exploration of the Decision to Complete a Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

Objective: To explore beliefs that might impact upon public reactions to a proposed population level faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening invitation and acceptability of completing an FOBT home self sampling kit. Methods: Four focus groups were conducted to explore men and women's beliefs about colorectal cancer risk, their understanding of screening and reactions to an FOBT kit. Participants were shown a kit and permitted to examine it during the focus groups. Results: Colorectal cancer is viewed as having severe quality of life impacts and is commonly regarded as being caused by diet. Faecal blood is an expected symptom. A home self-sampling kit is viewed as highly acceptable, but some concerns were raised about collecting and storing faecal matter. Conclusions: The main implications for public education arising from the analysis were firstly, that communications regarding the potential to avoid quality of life impacts of colorectal cancer may motivate participation; secondly, that public education might address the ability of the test to detect asymptomatic abnormalities, in particular occult (as opposed to visible) blood; thirdly, in order to prevent avoidance responses to fear, communications need to emphasise that many abnormal test outcomes will not be cancer and early treatment may prevent cancer and associated adverse quality of life impacts; fourthly, that uptake may be promoted by emphasising messages that the test kit is very convenient; and finally, that instruction leaflets might minimise procedural concerns by suggesting simple and easy methods to collect and store faecal samples.
Chromosomal Assignments of Eight Expressed Sequence Tags for Unknown Genes Showing Early Embryonic Death-Associated Changes of Expression Patterns in the Fetal Placenta of the Cow Carrying Somatic Nuclear-Derived Cloned Embryo

Eight expressed sequence tags for unknown novel genes showing early embryonic death-associated changes of expression patterns in the fetal placenta of the cow carrying somatic nuclear-derived cloned embryo were assigned to bovine chromosomes using deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs) of bovine/murine somatic cell hybrid panel.
The Physics of Weld Bead Defects

Productivity in different welding techniques can be improved by increasing welding speed and current. This strategy, however, is limited by the appearance of surface defects such as rippling, humping, undercutting, etc [1]. Weld ripples exhibit rather regular, arc-shaped topographic features on a solidified surface, for example, as shown in Figure 1 in EBW of Al 6061 [2]. The ripples slightly elevate above the surface. Figure 2 shows a rippling structure on silicon surface irradiated by a p-polarized laser beam, provided by Pedraza et al. [3]. Notice tiny little “fingers” in lower rim of fringes and asymmetry in fringe profile taken in downward direction.