Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeted Disruption of the β3-Adrenergic Receptor Gene *

β3-Adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs) are expressed predominantly in white and brown adipose tissue, and β3-selective agonists are potential anti-obesity drugs. However, the role of β3-ARs in normal physiology is unknown. To address this issue, homologous recombination was used to generate mice that lack β3-ARs. This was accomplished by direct injection of a DNA-targeting construct into mouse zygotes. Twenty-three transgenic mice were generated, of which two had targeted disruption of the β3-AR gene. Mice that were homozygous for the disrupted allele had undetectable levels of intact β3-AR mRNA, as assessed by RNase protection assay and Northern blotting, and lacked functional β3-ARs, as demonstrated by complete loss of β3-agonist (CL 316,243)-induced stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity and lipolysis. β3-AR-deficient mice had modestly increased fat stores (females more than males), indicating that β3-ARs play a role in regulating energy balance. Importantly, β1 but not β2-AR mRNA levels up-regulated in white and brown adipose tissue of β3-AR-deficient mice (brown more than white), strongly implying that β3-ARs mediate physiologically relevant signaling under normal conditions and that “cross-talk” exists between β3-ARs and β1-AR gene expression. Finally, acute treatment of normal mice with CL 316,243 increased serum levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) (3.2-fold) and insulin (140-fold), increased energy expenditure (2-fold), and reduced food intake (by 45%). These effects were completely absent in β3-AR-deficient mice, proving that the actions of CL are mediated exclusively by β3-ARs. β3-AR-deficient mice should be useful as a means to a better understanding of the physiology and pharmacology of β3-ARs.
Participation in infrastructuring the future school : a nexus analytic inquiry

In information systems (IS) research, there is increasing interest in understanding complex and large-scale efforts. This study examines the complexity involved in infrastructuring within a novel context: the educational network of a Finnish city. A unique aspect is this study’s focus on children’s participation in infrastructuring. It contributes to the existing body of literature by addressing the concepts of discourses in place, interaction order, and historical body, as drawn from nexus analysis. It offers these concepts as theoretical tools for understanding the complexity of infrastructuring, and furthers exploration of user participation in IS research through a careful analysis of actor participation in the infrastructuring venture in question. The findings of this study foreground a multitude of actors, both adults and children, as well as their various activities and the versatility of the involved objects of design. The central social actors include educational officials, schools (teachers, headmasters, and pupils), researchers, and local and global companies. Infrastructuring in this research includes planned activities concerning developed solutions, but also emergent activities for adapting planned solutions to local schools’ everyday practices, revealing the intimate intertwining of practices and technologies. In particular, the past temporal horizon and shared histories of the communities involved are highlighted in terms of the concept of the historical body. The analysis on the historical bodies of the actors foregrounded the local aspects that were appreciated, but also challenged in infrastructuring. The concept of interaction order was found to be useful for analyzing the heterogeneity, multivoicedness, tensions between local and global dimensions, and power aspects inherent in infrastructuring As a practical implication, the nexus analytic concepts of historical body and interaction order are suggested as means of better understanding local settings and the power relationships of various actors, and are also useful for practitioners preparing for infrastructuring.
The Effect of Capital Structure, Firm Growth and Dividend Policy on Profitability and Firm Value of the Oil Palm Plantation Companies in Indonesia

This research aims to test and analyze the effect of capital structure, firm growth, and dividend policy on the firm value, either direct or indirect. This research uses secondary data from the quarterly financial statements of oil palm plantation companies listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange for period 2007-2011. Based on the recapitulation, the data that meet the criteria for analysis are from 5 companies of the 13 companies listed in the Indonesian Stock Exchange.The research results shows that the capital structure negatively and significantly influences the profitability and the firm value. The firm growth negatively and significantly influences the profitability and the firm value. The dividend policy positively and significantly influences the profitability but positively and not significantly influence the firm value. The profitability positively and significantly influences the firm value. The capital structure negatively and significantly influences the firm value through profitability. The firm growth negatively and not significantly influences the firm value through profitability, and the dividend policy positively and significantly influences the firm value through profitability. Keywords: Capital structure, Dividend policy, Firm growth, Firm value, Profitability
Autonomous Motivation: Involvement in Physical Activity, and Perceived Sport Competence: Structural and Mediator Models

Students in upper secondary school (N = 231, M = 16.6 yr., SD = 1.6) were tested on involvement in physical activity, perceived sport competence, using the Perceived Competence Scale of Harter, and motivational regulation on the Self-regulation Questionnaire of Ryan and Connell. Correlations were positive among involvement in physical activity, autonomous motivation, and perceived sport competence. A hypothetical model indicated that autonomous motivation mediates the relation between perceived sport competence and involvement in physical activity. Although LISREL analysis supported this mediation, the best model fit of the data supported a structural model with involvement in physical activity (R2 = .63) to mediate between autonomous motivation and perceived competence (R2 = .47). Results are interpreted and discussed in terms of self-determination theory.
Improved Polarized 2x2 MIMO Spatial Multiplexing Method for DVB-NGH System

Recently terrestrial digital broadcasting systems have experienced a growth with the demand of high-data rate. In order to meet such demand, the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology has received wide attention. This paper proposes a pre-coding method, which provides high-space channel correlation for the improved performance over terrestrial broadcasting channels when the MIMO spatial multiplexing (SM) is adopted for digital video broadcasting-next generation handheld systems. When signals with two different modulation orders are transmitted through two antennas, a method that is based on non-uniform power is also proposed for improved reception performance. To optimize the proposed method, phase shifting values for the pre-coding method and appropriate non-uniform power ratio are obtained. These obtained parameters are applied to a terrestrial broadcasting system, and then the performance improvement over the conventional SM is shown through computer simulations.
The three-dimensional solution structure and dynamic properties of the human FADD death domain.

FADD (also known as MORT-1) is an essential adapter protein that couples the transmembrane receptors Fas (CD95) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNF-R1) to intracellular cysteine proteases known as caspases, which propagate and execute the programmed cell death-inducing signal triggered by Fas ligand (FasL, CD95L) and TNF. FADD contains 208 amino acid residues, and comprises two functionally and structurally distinct domains: an N-terminal death effector domain (DED) that promotes activation of the downstream proteolytic cascade through binding of the DED domains of procaspase-8; and a C-terminal death domain (DD). FADD-DD provides the site of FADD recruitment to death receptor complexes at the plasma membrane by, for example, interaction with the Fas receptor cytoplasmic death domain (Fas-DD), or binding of the TNF-R1 adapter molecule TRADD. We have determined the three-dimensional solution structure and characterised the internal polypeptide dynamics of human FADD-DD using heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy of (15)N and (13)C,(15)N-labelled samples. The structure comprises six alpha-helices joined by short loops and displays overall similarity to the death domain of the Fas receptor. The analysis of the dynamic properties reveals no evidence of contiguous stretches of polypeptide chain with increased internal motion, except at the extreme chain termini. A pattern of increased rates of amide proton solvent exchange in the alpha3 helix correlates with a higher degree of solvent exposure for this secondary structure element. The properties of the FADD-DD structure are discussed with respect to previously reported mutagenesis data and emerging models for FasL-induced FADD recruitment to Fas and caspase-8 activation.
Evaluation of the New World Health Organization Case Definition of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection for Influenza Surveillance During the Peak Weeks of Two Influenza Seasons in Quebec, Canada

During the peak of the 2012-2013 and 2014-2015 influenza seasons in Quebec, Canada, the sensitivity of the new World Health Organization (WHO) case definition of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in <5-year-old children was 65% for polymerase chain reaction-confirmed influenza and 79% for other respiratory viruses (ORVs), whereas its specificity and positive predictive value were approximately 2- and 4-fold lower for influenza than ORVs (25% vs 40% and 18% vs 76%, respectively). The use of the WHO SARI definition for influenza surveillance in children should be interpreted with caution according to the specific surveillance goals.
HIGH-J CO SLEDs IN NEARBY INFRARED BRIGHT GALAXIES OBSERVED BY HERSCHEL/PACS

We report the detection of far-infrared (FIR) CO rotational emission from nearby active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and starburst galaxies, as well as several merging systems and Ultra-Luminous Infrared Galaxies (ULIRGs). Using the Herschel Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer (PACS), we have detected transitions in the Jupp = 14–30 range. The PACS CO data obtained here provide the first reference of well-sampled FIR extragalactic CO spectral line energy distributions (SLEDs) for this range. We find a large range in the overall SLED shape, even among galaxies of similar type, demonstrating the uncertainties in relying solely on high-J CO diagnostics to characterize the excitation source of a galaxy. Combining our data with low-J line intensities taken from the literature, we present a CO ratio–ratio diagram and discuss its value in distinguishing excitation sources and physical properties of the molecular gas. The position of a galaxy on such a diagram is less a signature of its excitation mechanism, than an indicator of the presence of warm, dense molecular gas. We then quantitatively analyze the CO emission from a subset of the detected sources with single-component and two-component large velocity gradient (LVG) radiative transfer models to fit the CO SLEDs. From these fits we derive the molecular gas mass and the corresponding CO-to-H2 conversion factor, &agr; CO ? > , for each respective source. For the ULIRGs we find α values in the canonical range 0.4– 5M⊙ (K km s−1 pc2)−1, while for the other objects, α varies between 0.2 and 14. Finally, we compare our best-fit LVG model results with previous studies of the same galaxies and comment on any differences.
cDNA cloning, genomic structure and mRNA expression pattern of porcine type I interferons receptor 2 gene

Type I interferons (IFN) are important mediators of the host defence against viruses through binding to the cell surface receptors, among which the binding to type I IFN receptor 2 (IFNAR2) is the very first step initiating a complex signal transduction cascade. By using RT–PCR and 5′ RACE approaches, we obtained porcine IFNAR2 cDNA, the nucleotide identity of its coding region is 57.53%, 67.45%, 74.07% and 74.63% to those of mouse, human, sheep and cattle, respectively; and the deduced protein of which shares 38.18%, 55.29%, 62.01% and 63.39% identity to those of mouse, human, sheep and cattle, respectively. The genomic structure of porcine IFNAR2 gene consists of nine exons and eight introns. Porcine IFNAR2 mRNA expression was detected in all tissues examined, being strong in the spleen, small intestine, cerebrum and uterus tissues and relatively weak in the stomach tissues. As compared with piglets, the expression of IFNAR2 mRNA was significantly higher in both liver and spleen of Laiwu adult pigs (P < 0.01); in Duroc pigs, however, significantly higher IFNAR2 mRNA expression was only found in adult liver (P < 0.05). In Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire commercial pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), the expression of IFNAR2 mRNA in lung tissue was significantly down‐regulated as compared to uninfected ones (P < 0.05).
Characterization of 16 novel human genes showing high similarity to yeast sequences

The entire set of open reading frames (ORFs) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used to perform systematic similarity searches against nucleic acid and protein databases: with the aim of identifying interesting homologies between yeast and mammalian genes. Many similarities were detected: mostly with known genes. However: several yeast ORFs were only found to match human partial sequence tags: indicating the presence of human transcripts still uncharacterized that have a homologous counterpart in yeast. About 30 such transcripts were further studied and named HUSSY (human sequence similar to yeast). The 16 most interesting are presented in this paper along with their sequencing and mapping data. As expected: most of these genes seem to be involved in basic metabolic and cellular functions (lipoic acid biosynthesis: ribulose‐5‐phosphate‐3‐epimerase: glycosyl transferase: β‐transducin: serine‐threonine‐kinase: ABC proteins: cation transporters). Genes related to RNA maturation were also found (homologues to DIM1: ROK1‐RNA‐elicase and NFS1). Furthermore: five novel human genes were detected (HUSSY‐03: HUSSY‐22: HUSSY‐23: HUSSY‐27: HUSSY‐29) that appear to be homologous to yeast genes whose function is still undetermined. More information on this work can be obtained at the website http://grup.bio. unipd.it/hussy Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Stochastic Volatility Model, Volatility Smile and Forecasting Volatility

In this paper we propose a stochastic valuation model based on the Fourier transform for option price. This model can be used for the valuation of European options, characterized by two state variables: the price of the underlying asset and its volatility. We model the stochastic processes described by the two variables to obtain a partial derivatives equation whose solution is the price of the derivative. We propose a solution to this partial derivatives equation using the Fourier transform. We assume a non-zero correlation between the underlying asset price and its volatility and two sources of risk: return and volatility. We also propose a volatility smile function.
Inhibition of melanogenesis in response to oxidative stress: transient downregulation of melanocyte differentiation markers and possible involvement of microphthalmia transcription factor.

H(2)O(2) and other reactive oxygen species are key regulators of many intracellular pathways. Within mammalian skin, H(2)O(2) is formed as a byproduct of melanin synthesis, and following u.v. irradiation. We therefore analyzed its effects on melanin synthesis. The activity of the rate-limiting melanogenic enzyme, tyrosinase, decreased in H(2)O(2)-treated mouse and human melanoma cells. This inhibition was concentration- and time-dependent in the B16 melanoma model. Maximal inhibition (50-75%) occurred 8-16 hours after a 20 minute exposure to 0.5 mM H(2)O(2). B16 cells withstand this treatment adequately, as shown by a small effect on glutathione levels and a rapid recovery of basal lipid peroxidation levels. Enzyme activities also recovered, beginning to increase 16-20 hours after the treatment. Inhibition of enzyme activities reflected decreased protein levels. mRNAs for tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, dopachrome tautomerase, silver protein and melanocortin 1 receptor also decreased after H(2)O(2) treatment, and recovered at different rates. Downregulation of melanocyte differentiation markers mRNAs was preceded by a decrease in microphthalmia transcription factor (Mitf) gene expression, which was quantitatively similar to the decrease achieved using 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Recovery of basal Mitf mRNA levels was also observed clearly before that of tyrosinase. Therefore, oxidative stress may lead to hypopigmentation by mechanisms that include a microphthalmia-dependent downregulation of the melanogenic enzymes.
Dilemmas of a Middle School Teacher.

This study documented a middle school teacher’s curricular decisions in order to understand how those decisions were effected by the state content standards as well as the annual high stakes test. Findings offer a useful framework for teachers as they make their own decisions in the current climate of testing and accountability measures. Specifically, data included the decisions of a teacher working in a diverse school setting within the context of a high-stakes testing and accountability climate. Analysis and findings review these decisions within this larger context and alongside principles of middle school practice, particularly with respect to developmental and cultural competence. The lessons from the analysis of the findings offer teachers opportunities to reflect on their instructional decisions in order to ensure that what they teach as well as how meets the needs of all their middle school learners.
QTc intervals in acute myocardial infarction: First‐year prognostic implications

Corrected QT (QTc) intervals were measured retrospectively in 160 consecutive survivors of acute myocardial infarction under 66 years of age. Calculations were made the first 2 d in the coronary care unit (CCU), the first post‐CCU day, at discharge, and at 1–3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. All patients were in sinus rhythm and without bundle branch block at discharge from the hospital. Sixteen patients died during the first follow‐up year. Twenty patients suffered a reinfarction, five of whom died.
A Fast Trust-Region Newton Method for Softmax Logistic Regression

With the emergence of big data, there has been a growing interest in optimization routines that lead to faster convergence of Logistic Regression (LR). Among many optimization methods such as Gradient Descent, Quasi-Newton, Conjugate Gradient, etc., the Trust-region based truncated Newton method (TRON) algorithm has been shown to converge the fastest. The TRON algorithm also forms an important component of the highly efficient and widely used liblinear package. It has been shown that the WANBIA-C trick of scaling with the log of the naive Bayes conditional probabilities can greatly accelerate the convergence of LR trained using (first-order) Gradient Descent and (approximate secondorder) Quasi-Newton optimization. In this work we study the applicability of the WANBIA-C trick to TRON. We first devise a TRON algorithm optimizing the softmax objective function and then demonstrate that WANBIA-C style preconditioning can be beneficial for TRON, leading to an extremely fast (batch) LR algorithm. Second, we present a comparative analysis of one-vs-all LR and softmax LR in terms of the 0-1 Loss, Bias, Variance, RMSE, Log-Loss, Training and Classification time, and show that softmax LR leads to significantly better RMSE and Log-Loss. We evaluate our proposed approach on 51 benchmark datasets.
Thyroid hormone activation by type 2 deiodinase mediates exercise‐induced peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α expression in skeletal muscle

In skeletal muscle, physical exercise and thyroid hormone mediate the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1a) expression that is crucial to skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. The expression of type 2 deiodinase (D2), which activates thyroid hormone in skeletal muscle is upregulated by acute treadmill exercise through a β‐adrenergic receptor‐dependent mechanism. Pharmacological block of D2 or disruption of the Dio2 gene in skeletal muscle fibres impaired acute exercise‐induced PGC‐1a expression. Dio2 disruption also impaired muscle PGC‐1a expression and mitochondrial citrate synthase activity in chronically exercised mice.
Some factors influencing the chemical composition of mixed rumen bacteria

1. Sheep, cows and calves fitted with rumen cannulas were given diets mostly containing 10–16 g nitrogen/kg dry matter and consisting of roughage and cereals. Mixed bacteria were separated from samples of their rumen contents. 2. Bacteria taken 4–6 h after a feed from calves which were kept in an experimental calf-house with no contact with adult animals (environment A) contained more α-dextran, less total N and higher nucleic acid:total N ratios than similar bacteria from calves reared in contact with adult sheep (environment C) but otherwise treated in an identical way. 3. Mixed bacteria taken 4–6 h after a feed from sheep and cows were similar in composition, with respect to nitrogenous components, to those from the ‘environment C’ calves. This composition did not vary significantly when diets containing differing proportions of roughage were given. 4. The ‘environment A’ calves were free of ciliate protozoa. When they were placed in contact with, and were inoculated with rumen contents from, adult cattle (environment B), they rapidly developed a normal protozoal population and the chemical composition of their rumen bacteria became like that of the bacteria from the ‘environment C’ calves. 5. Mixed bacteria taken just before a feed, from either cows or ‘environment A’ calves, showed significantly lower RNA-N:total N ratios and slightly (but not usually significantly) higher DNA-N:total N ratios than bacteria taken 4–6 h after feeding. Total N contents of the bacteria did not change consistently with time after feeding. 6. The possible significance of these differences in relation to the nutrition of the host animal is discussed.