Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase 5 in Adipocyte Signaling*

Background: Regulation and function of ERK5 in adipose depots is not known. Results: Deletion of ERK5 in adipose depots increases adiposity and adipokine secretion. Reduced phosphorylation and potentiated NFATc4 nuclear localization are found. ERK5 also modulates PKA activation. Conclusion: ERK5 impinges on NFATc4 nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling and modulates PKA activation in adipocytes. Significance: These results expand the repertoire of ERK5 physiological function and downstream targets. Increased adiposity due to energy imbalance is a critical factor of the epidemic crisis of obesity and type II diabetes. In addition to the obvious role in energy storage, regulatory factors are secreted from adipose depots to control appetite and cellular homeostasis. Complex signaling cross-talks within adipocyte are also evident due to the metabolic and immune nature of adipose depots. Here, we uncover a role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in adipocyte signaling. We find that deletion of ERK5 in adipose depots (adipo-ERK5−/−) increases adiposity, in part, due to increased food intake. Dysregulated secretion of adipokines, leptin resistance, and impaired glucose handling are also found in adipo-ERK5−/− mice. Mechanistically, we show that ERK5 impinges on transcription factor NFATc4. Decreased phosphorylation at the conserved gate-keeping Ser residues and increased nuclear localization of NFATc4 are found in adipo-ERK5−/− mice. We also find attenuated PKA activation in adipo-ERK5−/− mice. In response to stimulation of β-adrenergic G-protein-coupled receptor, we find decreased NFATc4 phosphorylation and impaired PKA activation in adipo-ERK5−/− mice. Reduced cAMP accumulation and increased phosphodiesterase activity are also found. Together, these results demonstrate integration of ERK5 with NFATc4 nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling and PKA activation in adipocyte signaling.
A Non-Linear Characterisation of Fiscal Sustainability

In this paper we characterise fiscal policy in terms of non-linear processes. We find that government spending and taxes can be described as being non-linear trend stationary processes instead of unit roots. A long run equilibrium relationship a non-linear co-trend does exist between the two series, fulfilling the intertemporal government budget constraint. We use Italian data spanning from 1861 to 1998. JEL Classification nos.: C22, C32, E62, H62.
Proposal of a weighted index for segmentation evaluation

Although segmentation is an important process in image classification, selecting among different segmentors and their parameters is a difficult task. This work proposes a reference free index that returns the quality of segmentation, considering the classes that the user intends to classify. Considering a gaussian distribution, this index was tested to evaluate segmentations of an optical simulated image, a LANDSAT5/TM image in a Brazilian Amazon area and its derived fraction image. Index results presented higher values for segmentations more similar to the reference image, and also good agreement with overall accuracy values when classifying the images.
Consumer Adoption of Mobile eWOM Messages

In marketing and consumer studies, word of mouth (WOM) is one of the most fascinating topics for scholars and practitioners. WOM is defined as oral, person-to-person communication between a communicator and a recipient who perceives the respective message as non-commercial although the subject is a brand, product, or service (Arndt, 1967, p. 3). Previous studies on WOM have found that WOM has a great impact on consumers’ attitude formation, purchase decisions, and even post-usage perceptions of a product/service (e.g., Katz & Lazarsfeld, 1955; Brown & Reingen, 1987; Herr, Kardes, & Kim, 1991; Bone, 1995). Since the early 1990s, with the advent of the Internet, electronic word of mouth (eWOM) has become increasingly important (Bickart & Schindker, 2001; Godes & Mayzlin, 2004). Consumers increasingly communicate product information to other consumers via new media such as e-mail, community sites, review sites, social networking sites, blogs, online discussion forums, and news groups (e.g., Goldsmith, 2006; Okazaki, 2008). Many scholars have found that such eWOM messages have a great impact on consumers’ purchase decision making (Chung, Lee, & Rabjon, 2008; Park & Kim, 2008; Schlosser, 2011; Sen & Lerman, 2007). With the rapid growth of mobile phone ownership, an increasing number of consumers can send and receive product information through their wireless messaging service on their mobile phones (cf. Shen, Wang, & Xiang, 2013). Communication via mobile phones in the form of e-mail, SMS, and text messages via mobile Internet access has the unique characteristic of ubiquitous connectivity, which enables consumers to exchange information anytime and anywhere (Lee, 2005; Okazaki, 2008). As a result, mobilebased electronic word of mouth (mWOM) has been regarded as an important mobile marketing tool to offer consumers context-sensitivity and time-critical recommendations (Okazaki, 2009). As the growing importance of mWOM has been recognized, mobile viral marketing has become more popular. Mobile viral marketing is defined as the distribution or communication that relies on consumers to transmit content via mobile communication techniques and mobile devices to other potential consumers in their social sphere and to animate these contacts to also transmit the content (Wiedemann, 2007, p. 53). Because mobile viral messages from friends and relatives might be perceived to be more credible than marketer-generated promotional messages via mobile phones (Wiedemann, Haunstetter, & Pousttchi, 2008), more marketing practitioners are starting to utilize mobile-based viral marketing and, in turn, marketing scholars are starting to investigate mWOM message senders and recipients in the context of viral marketing. Because pioneers in mWOM research focused on viral marketing, a number of scholars have shed light on how recipients of mobile viral messages from marketers via friends and relatives Akinori Ono Keio University, Japan
Conners' Teacher Rating Scale for Preschool Children: A Revised, Brief, Age-Specific Measure

The Conners' Teacher Rating Scale–Revised (CTRS–R) is one of the most commonly used measures of child behavior problems. However, the scale length and the appropriateness of some of the items on the scale may reduce the usefulness of the CTRS–R for use with preschoolers. In this study, a Graded Response Model analysis based on Item Response Theory was applied to the CTRS–R data from 669 preschool children. Children in this data sample ranged in age from 25 to 74 months, and 44.4% were identified as African American, 45.4% Caucasian, 10.2% other. The sample was 53.7% boys and 46.3% girls. A revised version of the scale was developed specifically for use with preschool children. Five items each for the Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, and Opposition scales were included in the revised scale. The revised scales significantly reduce the time needed for teachers to complete the measures while retaining the scales' ability to discriminate children with different levels of behavioral problems.
Screening for prostate cancer--the controversy that refuses to die.

In the United States, most men over the age of 50 years have had a prostate-specific–antigen (PSA) test,1 despite the absence of evidence from large, randomized trials of a net benefit. Moreover, about 95% of male urologists and 78% of primary care physicians who are 50 years of age or older report that they have had a PSA test themselves,2 a finding that suggests they are practicing what they preach. And indeed, U.S. death rates from prostate cancer have fallen about 4% per year since 1992, five years after the introduction of PSA testing.3 Perhaps the answer to the PSA .
Does sensitive skin differ between men and women?

Background: The term “sensitive skin” is being used with increasing frequency in the scientific literature. The general perception is that sensitive skin is more of a complaint for women, with very little emphasis on what sensitive skin means to men. Hypothesis/Aims: An epidemiologic approach was used to compare gender difference with regard to perceptions about sensitive skin. Methods: The population consisted of 163 men with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 38.6 (9.7) years and 869 women with a mean (SD) age of 35.1 (9.6) years. Participants filled out a questionnaire that was designed to evaluate perceptions of sensitive skin in general and at specific body sites and asked about perceived underlying causes (environmental factors and household and personal products) of their skin sensitivity. Comparisons were made between all men and women who responded, and between men and women of specific age groups. Comparisons were also conducted for different ethnic groups. Results: The perceived severity of sensitive skin was comparable for men and women when asked about sensitive skin in general and sensitive skin of the body. For sensitive skin of the face and genital area, the perception of skin sensitivity appeared to shift toward less severe perceived reactions for the men. A significantly lower proportion of men ≥50 years of age perceived general sensitivity (52.9%) vs. women (78.6%), with no significant differences in the ≤30-year, 31–39-year, and 40–49-year age groups. A significantly lower proportion of men in the ≤30- and the 31–39-year age groups perceived that they had sensitive genital skin. The reasons men and women thought they had sensitive skin differed, with a significantly lower proportion of men citing visual evidence of skin irritation due to the use of products (11% of all men and 18% of all women) and a significantly higher proportion citing rubbing or friction from contact (9% of all men and 4% of all women).
World Views and the Evaluation of NGO Supply Chains: Thirteen Cases from Guatemala

The city of Antigua, Guatemala is a frequent destination for volunteer tourism and home to numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including many international charities and humanitarian aid organizations. The area is ideal for studying disaster relief and humanitarian supply chains as well as the problems these supply chains face operating at the center of clashes between world views and cultures. In this research, we assess the impact of these world views on NGO supply chain practices, evaluate NGOs understanding of supply chain theory and practices and present 13 cases of potential, growing, and successful NGO relief examples. From the field research, we developed a classification framework and identified nine specific criteria that NGOs must meet to sustain success. We discuss the implications of the framework for future research.
Gastric relaxation in response to a soup meal in healthy subjects. A study using a barostat in the proximal stomach.

BACKGROUND Meal-induced relaxation of the proximal stomach can be investigated by means of a barostat. Using a standard liquid meat soup that elicits symptoms and a wide antrum in patients with functional dyspepsia, we aimed at finding the best meal size and fat load for studying gastric relaxation. METHODS In the first trial 200 ml and 500 ml meat soup (1 g fat/200 ml) was given to six healthy individuals. In the second trial a constant volume of soup (200 ml) containing graded amounts of fat (1, 10, and 20 g/200 ml) was given to seven healthy individuals. Gastric relaxation was investigated for 1 h after consumption of the soup. A sagittal cross-sectional antral was assessed ultrasonographically every 10 min, and abdominal discomfort was scored. RESULTS Overall, a positive response (volume increase of 30 ml or more within 5 min after consumption of the meal) was found in 26 of 30 (87%) investigations. Individual maximal responses ranged from 38 to 482 ml (mean, 180 ml +/- 128). Area under the time-volume curve (AUC) was similar after 200 and 500 ml soup (mean, 100 ml/30 min and 107 ml/30 min, respectively). AUC increased with increasing fat content, with a significant difference between the low-fat and high-fat meal (p < 0.05). The barostat bag induced fed-state antral contractions in most individuals (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between AUC and postprandial abdominal discomfort (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The barostat is a sensitive technique for detecting gastric relaxation, also in response to our standard meat soup meal. The postprandial relaxation response in healthy individuals in dependent on the fat content of the meal. The barostat bag may alter gastric motor activity. Abdominal discomfort after soup ingestion may be related to poor gastric relaxation.
Purchase decision of generation Y in an online environment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose the concept of conviction in online environment. It examines the vital role of conviction and firm’s brand reputation while understanding the impact of social media usage and electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM) on purchase decisions of Generation Y. Design/methodology/approach Literature review resulted in six constructs – social media usage, EWOM, conviction, firm’s brand reputation and purchase intention and customer loyalty. The authors adopted the concept of conviction from another field of enquiry (organizational learning), conducted a qualitative study and an e-mail survey with post-graduate management students (Generation Y) of a university to examine the impact of social media and EWOM on customer purchase decision. Data were collected and analyzed with the help of structural equation modeling. Findings Results indicated that impact of social media usage and EWOM on purchase decision is mediated by conviction. Firm’s reputation as brand (perceived by the customer) moderates the relationship between EWOM and purchase intention in a manner that this relationship is significantly stronger if there is more positive brand reputation. Originality/value This study validates the concept of conviction in online environment. The purchase decision is defined as purchase intention and loyalty of the customer.
Resonant readout of a superconducting persistent current qubit

Superconducting Josephson junction devices rank among the best candidates for realizing a quantum computer. While the coherent control of quantum dynamics has been demonstrated in these solid-state, macroscopic quantum systems, a major challenge has been to increase the coherence times for these qubits. With an objective to reduce the level of readout-induced decoherence, this thesis work focuses on a resonant readout scheme developed for a niobium persistent-current (PC) qubit. This non-dissipative readout approach detects the flux state of the qubit by sensing a change in the Josephson inductance of a SQUID magnetometer. By incorporating the SQUID inductor in a high-Q resonant circuit, we distinguished the flux states of the qubit as a shift in the resonant frequency at 300mK. The nonlinearity due to the Josephson inductance has characteristic effects on the resonant behavior of the readout circuit. We observed novel manifestation of this nonlinearity given the high quality factor of the resonance. The readout circuit was characterized in the linear as well as the nonlinear regime for its potential use as a bifurcation amplifier. Numerical simulations based on Josephson-junction circuits were also performed to understand the observed nonlinearity in the resonant behavior. Thesis Supervisor: Terry P. Orlando Title: Professor of Electrical Engineering
Urinary NGAL for the diagnosis of the renal injury from multiple myeloma.

OBJECTIVES Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been proved as a sensitive biomarker in acute and chronic renal injury. Renal impairment is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM). We attempt to assess the value of NGAL for the early and accurate diagnosis of renal injury in MM patients. METHODOLOGY Forty-five MM patients with CKD stage I to V(MM-renal group), 20 MM patients with normal kidney function (MM-non-renal group), and 37 healthy volunteers (healthy control) were compared for serum and urinary NGAL and other renal injury biomarkers (Creatinine[CRE]; Cystatin-C [CysC]; N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase [NAG]). Other biomarkers reflect the inflammation and tumor burden like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) and urine free light chain were also detected. RESULTS Among the biomarkers of renal injury, the assessment of serum CysC, CRE and NGAL was a reliable tool to distinguish MM-renal from MM-non-renal. Both serum and urinary NGAL levels were higher in MM-renal patients than in MM-non-renal or healthy controls (187.10 (45.60-699.60) vs 136.70 (47.70-216.50) vs 117.7 (69.3-192.3), P< 0.01; 37.50 (6.30-412.10) vs 18.00 (0.50-66.50) vs 11.2 (0.9-69.1), P< 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that both serum (Odds Ratio = 1.009; 95%CI 1.002-1.017; P= 0.018) and urinary NGAL (Odds Ratio = 1.038; 95%CI 1.003-1.073; P= 0.031) as well as serum CysC (Odds Ratio = 9.875; 95%CI 1.685-57.882; P= 0.011) were strong predictors for the risk of renal injury in MM patients. Moreover, the urinary NGAL level was negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r= -0.586, P= 0.00003) and has a tendency towards positive correlation with urine free light chain (r = 0.235, P = 0.124) and hs-CRP (r = 0.379, P = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that urinary NGAL was not superior to serum NGAL in distinguishing MM-renal group from MM-non-renal group. And it could be considered an independent predictor of renal injury from multiple myeloma reflecting active kidney damage, tumor burden, and inflammation.
I-Gel: A Rescue Intubation Device in Unanticipated Difficult Intubation for Emergency Laparotomy *

The “i-gel” is a newer, non-inflatable supraglottic airway device for clinical use and also for resuscitation purposes. It has also been found to be a useful ventilation and intubation device in anticipated simulated difficult airway situations. However, its use in unanticipated difficult airway situations in emergency set up has not been explored. We describe a case of 24 year male posted for emergency laparotomy that turned out to have an unanticipated difficult airway. Attempts to intubation and ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway insertion failed. However, “i-gel” proved to be a very handy intubating conduit in this critical situation.
Spinocerebellar projections from spinal border cells in the cat as studied by anterograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin‐horseradish peroxidase

The cerebellar projections of spinal border cells, which give rise to crossed ascending axons, were studied in the lower lumbar segments by the anterograde transport of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP) in the cat. Prior to the injections, the spinal cord was lesioned rostral and ipsilateral to the WGA‐HRP injections to eliminate labeling of the ipsilaterally ascending axons.
Reversible Formation of Silver Clusters and Particles in Polymer Films

Abstract : The photo induced formation of silver (Ag) clusters and particles in poly(vinyl alcohol) poly(acrylic acid) blend films is described. The photo reduction of the Ag+ is achieved by subjecting the Ag+ doped films to 350 nm photons. The formation of Ag clusters and particles is monitored using UV-VIS spectroscopy. Films treated with H2O2 exhibit bleaching of the UV-VIS signals corresponding to Ag clusters and Ag particles that were generated during the photo reduction. This paper describes the process for generating these films and provides results from the initial investigation into the formation and decay process observed.
Characterization of Self-Assembly and Evolution in Carbon Nanotube Thin Film Field Emitter

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are found to be good sources of cold cathode electron for a variety of technological applications. In this paper, we analyze the evolution and self-assembly of randomly oriented CNTs in a thin film during field emission under diode configuration. A model of the evolution of CNT thin film is proposed, where the CNTs are assumed to decay by fragmentation and formation of plasma consisting of carbon atoms and impurities. The random orientation of the CNTs and the electrodynamic interaction among themselves are modeled to explain the self-assembly caused by dynamic reorientation of the CNTs. Finally, the nucleation coupled degradation model and the electrodynamic forcing model are employed to estimate the current-voltage characteristics based on the modified Fowler-Nordheim equation for field emission. The simulated results are in close agreement with the experimental results.
Cdc42-interacting protein 4 is a Src substrate that regulates invadopodia and invasiveness of breast tumors by promoting MT1-MMP endocytosis

Invadopodia are actin-rich membrane protrusions that promote extracellular matrix degradation and invasiveness of tumor cells. Src protein-tyrosine kinase is a potent inducer of invadopodia and tumor metastases. Cdc42-interacting protein 4 (CIP4) adaptor protein interacts with actin regulatory proteins and regulates endocytosis. Here, we show that CIP4 is a Src substrate that localizes to invadopodia in MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells expressing activated Src (MDA-SrcYF). To probe the function of CIP4 in invadopodia, we established stable CIP4 knockdown in MDA-SrcYF cell lines by RNA interference. Compared with control cells, CIP4 knockdown cells degrade more extracellular matrix (ECM), have increased numbers of mature invadopodia and are more invasive through matrigel. Similar results are observed with knockdown of CIP4 in EGF-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. This inhibitory role of CIP4 is explained by our finding that CIP4 limits surface expression of transmembrane type I matrix metalloprotease (MT1-MMP), by promoting MT1-MMP internalization. Ectopic expression of CIP4 reduces ECM digestion by MDA-SrcYF cells, and this activity is enhanced by mutation of the major Src phosphorylation site in CIP4 (Y471). Overall, our results identify CIP4 as a suppressor of Src-induced invadopodia and invasion in breast tumor cells by promoting endocytosis of MT1-MMP.
PENGARUH IKLIM ORGANISASI TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN LEVEL PELAKSANA DI DIVISI OPERASI PT. PUSRI PALEMBANG

This study aims to determine influence of organizational climate on the performance of operational-level employees in the Operations Division of PT. Pusri Palembang. Operational-level employees in doing their jobs, will interact with various conditions of working environment. Working environment in the Operations Division PT. Pusri Palembang will be perceived by employees in operational-level as organizational climate.With sampling technique of proportional random sampling and using path analysis to analyse the data. The sample of this research covers 250 operational-level employees.Conclude that there was significant influence on the performance of organizational climate of operational-level employees in the operations division of PT. Pusri Palembang. Based on the findings in this study, it is necessary to create a pleasant organizational climate for Operational-level employees.if this dimension can be created in companies that can maintain and improve the performance of operational -level employees.