Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The association of physical activity and physical function with clinical outcomes in adults with chronic kidney disease

Purpose of reviewDespite guidelines supporting the regular assessment of physical functioning and encouragement of physical activity in management of the patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD), implementation has been undermined by a lack of understanding of the evidence for this recommendation. The purpose of this review is to present a summary of emerging data from larger epidemiologic cohorts that report associations between low levels of physical functioning and/or low physical activity and clinical outcomes in patients with CKD. Recent findingsLow levels of physical activity and poor physical functioning are strongly associated with mortality and poor clinical outcomes in adult patients with CKD, regardless of treatment modality. Low physical performance and activity limitations are more prevalent in patients with CKD, regardless of age, compared to older community-dwelling adults. SummaryThe strength of the evidence presented should strongly motivate a focus of treatment on assessing and improving physical activity and physical function as part of routine patient-centered management of persons with CKD. Physical activity interventions are warranted because patients with CKD, regardless of age, have a high prevalence of low physical functioning and frailty that is similar to or higher than the general population of elderly adults; physical activity, physical function, and performance are strongly associated with all-cause mortality; and exercise training and exercise counseling have been shown to improve measures of physical functioning.
Does Financial Liberalization Foster Economic Growth? Empirical Evidence from ASEAN-6 Countries

This paper aims to investigate the impacts of financial liberalization towards the economic growth in ASEAN-6 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) throughout the study period of 1990 to 2015 by employing the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimations technique. The proxies for financial liberalization are the domestic private credit (DPC) and the stock market capitalization (SMC); while the indicator for economics growth is represented by gross domestic products (GDP) growth per capita. The results show greater DPC foster the ASEAN-6 economic growth in the long-run and more relaxed loans as well as non-equity securities regimes of the private sector provide greater opportunity and eventually trigger the development of the private sector which result in a healthier economy. Interestingly, the SMC results confirm the positive relationship between financial liberalization and economic growth of ASEAN-6. Hence, the results offer an evidence of the growth-stimulating effect of financial liberalization among ASEAN-6 countries.
Reflections from Dr. Nick Bontis Scholarly Contributions in the Field of Learning Organization.

The work of nick bontis divided into following categories 1. Intellectual capital management which refers to knowledge of a company's employees collectively. Dr. Nick develops a matrix of intellectual capital. 2. organizational size and Knowledge flow, it describes the flow of information and technical knowledge with respect to learning. Dr. Nick explains the knowledge flow in up and down stream according to the size of organization 3. The organizational learning process in different setting e.g. Group learning and individual learning and their outcomes in diverse cultures. The group learning is more result oriented and cost effective instead of investing on individuals. 4. Managing organizational learning system Aligning Knowledge flow and stock of knowledge. 5. The theory of resource base view of the firms, describe the utilization of resources as competitive advantage. Resources are divided into tangible and non-tangible. This writes up is an effort to explore the areas he has contributed
Right-wing populism and the climate change agenda: exploring the linkages

ABSTRACT The rise of right-wing populism (RWP) poses a challenge for the climate agenda, as leaders and supporters tend to be climate sceptics and hostile to policy prescribing action on climate change. However, there is a surprising dearth of research that investigates the nature and causes of this association. Two kinds of explanation are considered, drawing on the literature on populism. One is termed ‘structuralist’, drawing on accounts of the roots of populism in economic and political marginalisation amongst those ‘left behind’ by globalisation and technological change. A second focuses on the ideological content of RWP, especially its antagonism between ‘the people’ and a cosmopolitan elite, with climate change and policy occupying a symbolic place in this contrast. It is argued that there are limits to the structuralist approach, and that an ideologically based explanation is more compelling. An agenda for future research on RWP and climate science and policy is proposed.
Guidance on the Conceptual Design of Sustainable Product–Service Systems

The product–service system (PSS) has great potential to promote the circular economy (CE) and sustainability. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of associating social values with sustainable PSS because social actors, including stakeholders, institutions, and communities, are the key to organizational innovation and behavior change. However, it is still not clear how companies can incorporate the social context into service strategies and co-create sustainable value with their stakeholders. Through overall discussions on related studies, this concept paper proposes theoretically based guidance for developing sustainable product–service offerings in the early planning phase. A case scenario of recycling is presented to demonstrate the operation of the proposed approach. The results suggest that companies should expand the scope of their understanding of customer problems beyond the product use. Engaging in social issues such as skill empowerment and job creation can generate long-term benefits and strengthen the brand image. In addition, working with communities and other enterprises via incentives or interactive activities can foster open innovation for CE. The proposed approach serves to assist designers in handling more comprehensive contexts of sustainability and allow better preparations for resource integration in the early PSS design phase.
Reproducing Rights: The Intersection of Reproductive Justice and Human Rights

I. Abortion Rights are Human Rights . 582 II. From Reproductive Rights to Reproductive Justice . 588 A. The Human Rights Gap . 588 B. What’s Wrong with Reproductive Rights? 591 III. Reproductive Justice and the Limitations of Human Rights . 597 A. Challenges to Universal Rights . 599 B. Socioeconomic Inequality and Health Resources . 602 Conclusion . 608
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of Simon™, a new CE‐based automated Western blot system as applied to vaccine development

Many CE‐based technologies such as imaged capillary IEF, CE‐SDS, CZE, and MEKC are well established for analyzing proteins, viruses, or other biomolecules such as polysaccharides. For example, imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (charge‐based protein separation) and CE‐SDS (size‐based protein separation) are standard replacement methods in biopharmaceutical industries for tedious and labor intensive IEF and SDS‐PAGE methods, respectively. Another important analytical tool for protein characterization is a Western blot, where after size‐based separation in SDS‐PAGE the proteins are transferred to a membrane and blotted with specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. Western blotting analysis is applied in many areas such as biomarker research, therapeutic target identification, and vaccine development. Currently, the procedure is very manual, laborious, and time consuming. Here, we evaluate a new technology called Simple Western™ (or Simon™) for performing automated Western analysis. This new technology is based on CE‐SDS where the separated proteins are attached to the wall of capillary by a proprietary photo activated chemical crosslink. Subsequent blotting is done automatically by incubating and washing the capillary with primary and secondary antibodies conjugated with horseradish peroxidase and detected with chemiluminescence. Typically, Western blots are not quantitative, hence we also evaluated the quantitative aspect of this new technology. We demonstrate that Simon™ can quantitate specific components in one of our vaccine candidates and it provides good reproducibility and intermediate precision with CV <10%.
High Mobility Thin Film Transistors Based on Amorphous Indium Zinc Tin Oxide

Top-contact bottom-gate thin film transistors (TFTs) with zinc-rich indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO) active layer were prepared at room temperature by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Sintered ceramic target was prepared and used for deposition from oxide powder mixture having the molar ratio of In2O3:ZnO:SnO2 = 2:5:1. Annealing treatment was carried out for as-deposited films at various temperatures to investigate its effect on TFT performances. It was found that annealing treatment at 350 °C for 30 min in air atmosphere yielded the best result, with the high field effect mobility value of 34 cm2/Vs and the minimum subthreshold swing value of 0.12 V/dec. All IZTO thin films were amorphous, even after annealing treatment of up to 350 °C.
The carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CORM‐3) inhibits expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and E‐selectin independently of haem oxygenase‐1 expression

Background and purpose: Although carbon monoxide (CO) can modulate inflammatory processes, the influence of CO on adhesion molecules is less clear. This might be due to the limited amount of CO generated by haem degradation. We therefore tested the ability of a CO releasing molecule (CORM‐3), used in supra‐physiological concentrations, to modulate the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1 and E‐selectin on endothelial cells and the mechanism(s) involved.
Establishing Local Wisdom Values to Develop Sustainable Competitiveness Excellence

"Objective – This research aimed to dig into local wisdom, values that grew and thrived amongst Balinese as well as its application in the tourism sector, particularly tourism marketing. The area scope of this research was Ubud and its surrounding area. Methodology/Technique – This research used ethnographic studies to describe and interpret the culture, social group or system. Even though the cultural meaning was very extensive, the ethnographic studies only focused on the patterns of activity, language, beliefs, rituals, and ways of life (Sukmadinata, 2006). Findings – The results showed that the values of society local wisdom had always accompanied the development of the Ubud area since the inception of civilization to become an international tourist area. These local wisdom values were the competitiveness excellence factors that were unique and difficult to imitate. As the result of the consistent application of local wisdom values, the tourism sector in Ubud could be sustained until today. Theoretically, this research had been able to uncover that the modern marketing concepts had existed on the values and practices of local wisdom implementation. Novelty – The model of developing competitiveness by implementing local culture became the further development of model stated by Barney and Clarke (2007) and Vorhies et al. (2009). "
How are competitive advantages created inside the industry?

The study based on literatures of Creative Dynamic Field perspective and, through a longitudinal and qualitative case study, analyzed in depth to explore and conclude important factors of creative dynamic field theory. The study disclosed how the nature of these important factors affect an organization in continuing technology innovation and, moreover, searching and identifying opportunities in the market to make favorable market positioning and thus maintaining best competitive advantages in the industry. In addition, the study enhanced the application of theory on realistic society with an in-depth systematic analysis on a single case and concluding the study subject's successful model for other business to observe and learn for further development.
Quantifying effect of statins on low density lipoprotein cholesterol, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To determine by how much statins reduce serum concentrations of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and incidence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) events and stroke, according to drug, dose, and duration of treatment. Design Three meta-analyses: 164 short term randomised placebo controlled trials of six statins and LDL cholesterol reduction; 58 randomised trials of cholesterol lowering by any means and IHD events; and nine cohort studies and the same 58 trials on stoke. Main outcome measures Reductions in LDL cholesterol according to statin and dose; reduction in IHD events and stroke for a specified reduction in LDL cholesterol. Results Reductions in LDL cholesterol (in the 164 trials) were 2.8 mmol/l (60%) with rosuvastatin 80 mg/day, 2.6 mmol/l (55%) with atorvastatin 80 mg/day, 1.8 mmol/l (40%) with atorvastatin 10 mg/day, lovastatin 40 mg/day, simvastatin 40 mg/day, or rosuvastatin 5 mg/day, all from pretreatment concentrations of 4.8 mmol/l. Pravastatin and fluvastatin achieved smaller reductions. In the 58 trials, for an LDL cholesterol reduction of 1.0 mmol/l the risk of IHD events was reduced by 11% in the first year of treatment, 24% in the second year, 33% in years three to five, and by 36% thereafter (P < 0.001 for trend). IHD events were reduced by 20%, 31%, and 51% in trials grouped by LDL cholesterol reduction (means 0.5 mmol/l, 1.0 mmol/l, and 1.6 mmol/l) after results from first two years of treatment were excluded (P < 0.001 for trend). After several years a reduction of 1.8 mmol/l would reduce IHD events by an estimated 61%. Results from the same 58 trials, corroborated by results from the nine cohort studies, show that lowering LDL cholesterol decreases all stroke by 10% for a 1 mmol/l reduction and 17% for a 1.8 mmol/l reduction. Estimates allow for the fact that trials tended to recruit people with vascular disease, among whom the effect of LDL cholesterol reduction on stroke is greater because of their higher risk of thromboembolic stroke (rather than haemorrhagic stroke) compared with people in the general population. Conclusions Statins can lower LDL cholesterol concentration by an average of 1.8 mmol/l which reduces the risk of IHD events by about 60% and stroke by 17%.
Structural parameters of dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO, at 100 K, based on a redetermination by use of high-quality single-crystal X-ray data

Accurate structural parameters (bond lengths and angles) of dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO, have been obtained from the redetermination of its crystal structure by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 100 K using CCD data in order to get a reference point for the deformation of the chemically bonded molecule. In addition, the new data show that molecule approximates C s symmetry in the solid state where all atoms occupy general positions.
A highly evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial protein is structurally related to the protein encoded by the Escherichia coli groEL gene

We recently reported that a Tetrahymena thermophila 58-kilodalton (kDa) mitochondrial protein (hsp58) was selectively synthesized during heat shock. In this study, we show that hsp58 displayed antigenic similarity with mitochondrially associated proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (64 kDa), Xenopus laevis (60 kDa), Zea mays (62 kDa), and human cells (59 kDa). Furthermore, a 58-kDa protein from Escherichia coli also exhibited antigenic cross-reactivity to an antiserum directed against the T. thermophila mitochondrial protein. The proteins from S. cerevisiae and E. coli antigenically related to hsp58 were studied in detail and found to share several other characteristics with hsp58, including heat inducibility and the property of associating into distinct oligomeric complexes. The T. thermophila, S. cerevisiae, and E. coli macromolecular complexes containing these related proteins had similar sedimentation characteristics and virtually identical morphologies as seen with the electron microscope. The distinctive properties of the E. coli homolog to T. thermophila hsp58 indicate that it is most likely the product of the groEL gene.
Risk scoring system and predictor for clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

AIM To establish a scoring system to predict clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS The clinical records of 921 consecutive patients who underwent PD between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was defined and classified by the international study group of pancreatic fistula (ISGPF). We used a logistic regression model to determine the independent risk factors of CR-POPF and developed a scoring system based on the regression coefficient of the logistic regression model. The optimal cut-off value to divide the risk strata was determined by the Youden index. The patients were divided into two groups (low risk and high risk). The independent sample t test was used to detect differences in the means of drain amylase on postoperative day (POD) 1, 2 and 3. The optimal cut-off level of the drain amylase to distinguish CR-POPF from non-clinical POPF in the two risk strata groups was determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Grade A POPF occurred in 106 (11.5%) patients, grade B occurred in 57 (6.2%) patients, and grade C occurred in 32 (3.5%) patients. A predictive scoring system for CR-POPF (0-6 points) was constructed using the following four factors: 1 point for each body mass index ≥ 28 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.92-7.75, P = 0.00], soft gland texture (OR = 4.50; 95%CI, 2.53-7.98, P = 0.00), and the difference between the blood loss and transfusion in operation ≥ 800 mL (OR = 3.45; 95%CI, 1.92-7.75, P = 0.00); and from 0 points for a 5 mm or greater duct diameter to 3 points for a less than 2 mm duct (OR = 8.97; 95%CI: 3.70-21.77, P = 0.00). The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of this score was 0.812. A score of 3 points was suggested to be the best cut-off value (Youden index = 0.485). In the low risk group, a drain amylase level ≥ 3600 U/L on POD3 could distinguish CR-POPF from non-clinical POPF (the sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 85%, respectively). In the high risk group, the best cut-off was a drain amylase level of 1600 (the sensitivity and specificity were 77 and 63%, respectively). CONCLUSION A 6-point scoring system accurately predicted the occurrence of CR-POPF. In addition, a drain amylase level on POD3 might be a predictor of this complication.
Does Pilates-Based Exercise Improve Postural Alignment in Adult Women?

A randomized, controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of Pilates-based exercise on postural alignment. Seventy-four adult women (mean age ± SD, 34.9 ± 16.4 years) were randomized to a Pilates-based mat class (n = 40) or a control group (n = 34). Pilates-based exercise participants were taught the Initial Mat of Body Control Pilates for 6 months, twice a week, for 60 minutes per session; the control group received no exercise intervention. Repeated measurements were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months of the frontal alignment of the thoracolumbar spine, shoulder, and pelvis, and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis. No differences were found in either group, over time, on frontal alignment of the thoracolumbar spine and pelvis. The experimental group showed significant improvements in frontal alignment of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis at 6 months. The Pilates-based exercise enhanced some parameters of the postural alignment of women, as measured by frontal alignment of the shoulder and sagittal alignment of the head and pelvis. The significant improvement in sagittal alignment of the head may imply that 6 months of Pilates-based exercise enhances sagittal alignment of the cervical or thoracic spine.
A New Mobile Application for Standardizing Diabetic Foot Images

Background: We describe the development of a new mobile app called “FootSnap,” to standardize photographs of diabetic feet and test its reliability on different occasions and between different operators. Methods: FootSnap was developed by a multidisciplinary team for use with the iPad. The plantar surface of 30 diabetic feet and 30 nondiabetic control feet were imaged using FootSnap on two separate occasions by two different operators. Reproducibility of foot images was determined using the Jaccard similarity index (JSI). Results: High intra- and interoperator reliability was demonstrated with JSI values of 0.89-0.91 for diabetic feet and 0.93-0.94 for control feet. Conclusions: Similarly high reliability between groups indicates FootSnap is appropriate for longitudinal follow-ups in diabetic feet, with potential for monitoring pathology.
Minimum Cash Wages, Tipped Restaurant Workers, and Poverty

This is the first study to examine the effect of increases in the tipped minimum cash wage—the wage employers must pay to tipped employees—on poverty. Using March Current Population Survey data (1988–2014), we find that tipped minimum cash wage increases are associated with declines in the risk of a tipped restaurant worker living in a poor family (elasticities around –0.2). However, we find little evidence of poverty‐alleviating effects when using the household rather than the family as the sharing unit. This result is consistent with evidence that a substantial share of tipped workers who live in a poor family live in a nonpoor household with persons unrelated by blood, marriage, or adoption who contribute to the household's income. Furthermore, we find that tipped minimum cash wage hikes are associated with increases in the risk of a younger, less‐educated individual living in a poor family or household. Adverse labor demand effects that redistribute income among low‐skilled individuals drive these results. We conclude that raising the tipped minimum cash wage is a poorly targeted policy to deliver income to poor restaurant workers.
CD98hc (SLC3A2) Interaction with the Integrin β Subunit Cytoplasmic Domain Mediates Adhesive Signaling*

In mammals, β1 integrin adhesion receptors generate signals that mediate cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and survival. CD98, a heterodimeric transmembrane protein, physically associates with certain integrin β subunit cytoplasmic domains (tails) via its heavy chain, CD98hc (SLC3A2), and loss of CD98hc impairs integrin signaling. Here we have used the lack of CD98hc interaction with the Drosophila integrin βPS tail for a homology scanning analysis that implicated the C-terminal 8 residues of β3 (Thr755-Thr802) in CD98hc binding. We then identified point mutations in the β3 C terminus (T755K and T758M) that abolish CD98hc association and a double mutation in the corresponding residues in the βPS tail (K839T,M842T), which resulted in gain of CD98hc interaction. Furthermore, the loss of function β3(T755K) mutation or the gain of function β3/βPS(K839T,M842T) led to a loss or gain of integrin-mediated cell spreading, respectively. Thus, we have identified critical integrin residues required for CD98hc interaction and in doing so have shown that CD98c interaction with the integrin β tail is required for its ability to mediate integrin signaling. These studies also provide new insights into how CD98hc may cooperate with other cytoplasmic domain binding proteins to modulate integrin functions and into the evolution of integrin signaling.