Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hyperphosphorylation of Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 Is Correlated with Transcriptional Competence and Slow Dissociation of Active Factor Trimers*

In the course of its activation by heat and other stresses, the inactive monomer of human heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) is converted to a DNA-binding homotrimer and is hyperphosphorylated. At least four Ser/Thr residues in HSF1 appeared to be inducibly phosphorylated during heat shock. Ser/Thr protein kinase inhibitors inhibited, and protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A and phorbol ester enhanced, hsp70-CAT reporter gene expression but not heat shock element DNA binding activity in HeLa cells undergoing a moderate heat shock. Calyculin A (5-20 nM) caused hyperphosphorylation of HSF1, the extent of which was comparable to that produced by moderate to severe heat shock. Upon recovery from a 42°C/30 min-heat shock, HSF1 trimers disassembled quantitatively within 2 h. Calyculin A interfered with the dissociation of HSF1 trimers. Thus, hyperphosphorylation increases the effective half-life of the HSF1 trimer, which may prolong factor activity subsequent to heat shock. Hyperphosphorylation also dramatically stimulated the transactivation function of HSF1: exposure to calyculin A of cells induced to form inactive HSF1 trimers resulted in the conversion of the inactive to active trimers. Given that deletion of certain sequences renders HSF1 constitutively active, these results suggested that the activation of HSF1 trimers by calyculin A was a consequence of hyperphosphorylation of HSF1 rather than of a downstream factor.
Sectoral leadership in international competitiveness: the Portuguese case

The purpose of this article is to identify the type of labour and the sectors where labour productivity should be improved to elevate the international competitiveness of Portugal. A static multisectoral general equilibrium model, with multinational and single-country versions, is used. This model permits the identification of sectors that are leaders in competitiveness improvement. In some countries, traditional export sectors are expected to assume this role, whereas the suppliers of intermediate goods possess the potential to fulfil this function in other countries. The results of this study show that the choice of sector and the type of labour are crucial for improving the international competitiveness of the Portuguese economy. The criterion used to measure competitiveness also has an important role. Whereas multifactor productivity is especially increased when the promotion of labour competencies occurs in import and export sectors, population welfare has a greater impact, with the generalized improvement of unskilled labour competencies.
The Construction of EU Normative Power

This article focuses on the constructed nature of the EU's so-called 'normative power' (NPEU). It proposes that, while a successful construction of NPEU would secure a role for the EU globally, challenges to NPEU constructions would disempower any EU attempts at its global reach based on such projections. The Middle East conflict is taken as a case in point. Copyright (c) 2007 The Author(s); Journal compilation (c) 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and the development of chronic kidney disease in a general population: the Hisayama study.

BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia has been linked with various atherosclerotic diseases, but has not been evaluated sufficiently as a risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. METHODS To clarify this issue, we followed up 1,477 community-dwelling individuals without CKD, aged 40 years or older, for 5 years and examined the effects of baseline serum total homocysteine (tHcy) levels on the development of CKD. RESULTS During follow-up, 88 subjects experienced CKD. Baseline tHcy levels were greater in men than women (1.35 versus 1.04 mg/L [10.0 versus 7.7 micromol/L]; P < 0.01). Age-adjusted 5-year incidences were 2.2% in the low tertile, 5.4% in the middle tertile, and 8.6% in the high tertile of tHcy levels for men and 3.3%, 6.0%, and 6.9% for women, respectively. The difference between the low and high tertiles was statistically significant for both sexes ( P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, these relationships remained substantially unchanged, even after adjustment for other confounding factors, such as systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medication, hemoglobin A 1c level, total cholesterol level, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, habitual smoker status, regular alcohol intake, proteinuria, and baseline kidney function (odds ratio [OR] in the high tertile of tHcy levels, 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66 to 6.61 for men; OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.10 to 7.43 for women). Furthermore, baseline tHcy level showed a significantly inverse association with rate of change in kidney function during the 5 years after being adjusted for confounding factors, including baseline kidney function. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that elevated serum tHcy levels are a significant risk factor for the development of CKD in the general population.
Heartbeat Detection Using Energy Thresholding and Template Match

Heartbeat detection is very important for retrieving the vital signs of heart functions. The morphologies and inter-beat intervals of heartbeats can reveal the condition of heart contraction. In this paper, we developed a heartbeat information integration scheme to deal with the information yielded by the energy thresholding and template match methods, which are usually used to detect the heartbeats and match the QRS, respectively. The proposed method are developed in SIMULINK 2.0 and assessed by the MIT/BIH arrhythmia database. The result demonstrated excellent sensitivity of detecting QRS and ventricular premature contraction in the proposed method
OXIDATION OF FERROUS SULFATE BY GROWING CULTURES OF THIOBACILLUS FERROOXIDANS

Oxidation of ferrous iron in acid solutions is an important reaction producing soluble ferric iron. The oxidizing property makes the ferric ion one of the most useful reagents in hydrometallurgy. The ferrous iron oxidation kinetics of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans growing in batch culture was examined. T. ferrooxidans oxidized ferrous iron at pH 1.5 in the presence of oxygen and utilized carbon dioxide as a sole carbon source for growth. The total amount of biomass produced was 1.6 10-3 M of bacterial carbon (Cbact) and was estimated from the amount of CO2 absorbed from air. Specific growth rate, m reached the value of 0.1 h-1. The culture achieved maximum specific iron oxidation rate qFe of approx. 8 moles Fe/mole Cbact/h and corresponding specific oxygen consumption rate qO2 of approx. 2 mole O2/mole Cbact/h. The standard redox potential of the Fe3+/Fe2+ couple measured in the cultivation medium with ferrous iron was 675 mV (the theoretical value is 771 mV) and the slope (RT/zF) was 28.26 (calculated theoretical value at 30°C is 26.12 mV). The Nernst equation can be regarded as a calibration line for the redox electrode, which can be used as a means of studying the kinetics of biological oxidation of ferrous iron.
▼Humalog - a new insulin analogue

Insulin lispro (Humalog - Lilly) is a genetically engineered human insulin analogue which the manufacturer claims to allow patients "the convenience of injecting immediately before they eat". It is licensed for the treatment of patients who require insulin therapy for maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis and for the initial stabilisation of diabetes mellitus. Here we review insulin lispro and assess its place in the treatment of patients with diabetes.
Exploring the relationship between visitor attractions and events: definitions and management factors

The growing definitional debate on the terms ‘visitor attractions’ and ‘events’ highlights the need to compare their key determinants and management factors. The article elaborates on this definitional debate, by exploring existing definitions and developing an illustration of a continuum between visitor attractions and events. This is followed by a comparison of the management factors and key criteria in the effective management of visitor attractions and events. The findings indicate that while there are many similarities between the sectors, aspects such as spatio-temporality and levels of integration with the visitor attraction nucleus are identified as factors that differentiate them. In conclusion, the article determines that events should be examined separately from the visitor attraction sector due to their differing perspectives, measures, and management needs.
Educator Insights: Standardization or Adaptation of the International Marketing Mix: The Role of the Local Subsidiary/Representative

In this article, the author suggests that the standardization versus customization issue in international marketing has important organizational aspects that are often neglected in the literature. The author parts from the traditional culture and economies of scale approaches by introducing a taxonomy of international marketing organizations based on headquarters versus subsidiary decision power and on market knowledge at headquarters. The author then suggests a typology of organizational solutions—local baronies, civil war, confederation, and federation—and describes two case studies to illustrate how firms “travel” in the model. Finally, the author develops several propositions and discusses managerial implications.
A Parent-Led Family-Focused Treatment Program for Overweight Children Aged 5 to 9 Years: The PEACH RCT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a healthy lifestyle intervention to reduce adiposity in children aged 5 to 9 years and assess whether adding parenting skills training would enhance this effect. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-blinded randomized controlled trial of prepubertal moderately obese (International Obesity Task Force cut points) children, aged 5 to 9 years. The 6-month program targeted parents as the agents of change for implementing family lifestyle changes. Only parents attended group sessions. We measured BMI and waist z scores and parenting constructs at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24 months. RESULTS: Participants (n = 169; 56% girls) were randomized to a parenting skills plus healthy lifestyle group (n = 85) or a healthy lifestyle–only group (n = 84). At final 24-month assessment 52 and 54 children remained in the parenting skills plus healthy lifestyle and the healthy lifestyle–only groups respectively. There were reductions (P < .001) in BMI z score (0.26 [95% confidence interval: 0.22–0.30]) and waist z score (0.33 [95% confidence interval: 0.26–0.40]). There was a 10% reduction in z scores from baseline to 6 months that was maintained to 24 months with no additional intervention. Overall, there was no significant group effect. A similar pattern of initial improvement followed by stability was observed for parenting outcomes and no group effect. CONCLUSIONS: Using approaches that specifically target parent behavior, relative weight loss of ∼10% is achievable in moderately obese prepubertal children and can be maintained for 2 years from baseline. These results justify an investment in treatment as an effective secondary obesity-prevention strategy.
Trade Liberalization and Pollution: An Input–Output Study of Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Mexico

This paper examines the environmental effects associated with Mexico's participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The objective is to provide quantitative estimates of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from changes in the level and structure of production and consumption activity in Mexico following a liberalization of trade. The quantitative analysis was performed using input–output methods with fuel use modifications to account for CO2 emissions before and after NAFTA's implementation. As a result of NAFTA, CO2 emissions are expected to increase from the anticipated increase in the size of the Mexican economy. While total emissions increase as a result of tariff elimination, there is also a shift in the structure of production and final consumption away from those sectors that are the most C02 intensive.
Making the Global Local Responding to Climate Change Concerns from the Ground

Abstract Local communities play a key role in tackling the issue of global climate change. Are local places capable of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that they produce? If so, how can they be motivated to do so? If some aspects of the problem are beyond their means, what must be done to empower these communities? A study of four places in the United States is instructive for the rest of the nation-and the rest of the world.
Prevalence, patterns of disease and outcome in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who develop severe haematological problems.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of major haemolytic disease-severe autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and severe thrombocytopenia-and to assess when these features develop. We also sought to analyse the clinical and serological outcomes of patients with haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as compared with patients without these cytopenias. METHODS We reviewed retrospectively all the available case notes from our lupus cohort of 305 patients followed up between 1978 and 2000 (mean follow-up 7 yr). We identified 30 patients with SLE (9.8%), of whom 20 (6.6%) had severe haemolytic anaemia and 10 (3.3%) had severe thrombocytopenia. Each patient was matched for age, sex and ethnicity with two control patients. RESULTS We recorded a total of 42 episodes of severe haematological events: four patients had a second haemolytic episode and eight patients had a second thrombocytopenic episode. Five patients had both thrombocytopenia and haemolytic anaemia. One per cent of patients had severe haemolytic anaemia prior to the diagnosis of SLE and 2.5% of patients presented with these haematological disorders. Haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia were associated with renal involvement (0.01>P>0.001) and anticardiolipin antibodies (ACL) (0.01>P>0.001), but not anti-dsDNA antibodies. Calculation of the BILAG index at the time of severe haematological crisis demonstrated that renal, central nervous system involvement and general symptoms are more frequently present. Forty-one per cent of patients were already on either prednisolone (<10 mg) or an immunosuppressive agent at the onset of the event. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that both haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia are associated with ACL but not anti-dsDNA antibodies. When faced with a patient with a severe haematological manifestation of lupus, active disease in other organs is likely to be present.
Association of Hypertriglyceridemia With the Incidence and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease and Modification of the Association by Daily Alcohol Consumption.

OBJECTIVE The association of serum triglycerides (TGs) and alcohol consumption with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of serum TG and daily alcohol consumption with CKD in the general population. DESIGN The design of the study was longitudinal cohort study. SUBJECTS Male (n = 47,737) and female (n = 69,542) participants were grouped into quartiles based on serum TG levels. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We examined the associations of serum TG with annual changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in all participants, the incident CKD in participants without CKD, and the progression of CKD in participants with CKD. We also examined the association of alcohol consumption with these factors and whether daily alcohol consumption alters the association of serum TG with renal prognosis. RESULTS The higher quartile of serum TG at baseline was significantly associated with a greater decline in eGFR during the 2-year study period in all participants, even after adjustment for confounding factors. Serum TG was also significantly associated with the incidence and progression of CKD after 2 years in participants with and without CKD at baseline, respectively. Moreover, daily alcohol consumption was protectively associated with these outcomes. Stratified analysis according to the alcohol consumption status revealed that daily alcohol consumption modified the association of high TG with eGFR and CKD. CONCLUSION(S) Elevated serum TG was associated with the decline in eGFR and the incidence and progression of CKD. In addition, these associations were modified by daily alcohol consumption in this Japanese population.
Democracy, Economic Reform and Regional Cooperation

This paper examines the impact of political and economic liberalization on regional conflict and cooperation. It concludes that: (1) even if democracy may be expected to have a positive effect on cooperation, it may be neither necessary nor sufficient; (2) instead, the grand political-economic strategies of domestic ruling coalitions may provide a more powerful predictor of regional outcomes. Coalitions strongly committed to economic liberalization are expected to be more likely to undertake regional cooperative postures, particularly when facing similarly committed regional partners. Coalitions aggregating inward-looking and big-state interests - often allied with confessional movements - are expected to endorse less cooperative positions vis-a-vis regional partners. I discuss the genesis of alternative coalitions, the impact of their political strength and interactive dynamics on regional outcomes and end with the implications of this coalitional framework for extant theories and for future research. The conceptual advantages of focusing on coalitions include providing a unifying framework for comparing different regions, transcending old level-of-analysis categories, explaining intra- as well as inter-state competition, and eschewing exceptionalist theories of Third World behavior.
A note on the long-run determinants of economic growth

Variable selection is the issue of major concern in practical regressions. This note provides a simple and efficient method to examine the robustness of predictor variables in cross-country economic growth models. Our results confirm the general findings of Sala-i-Martin et al. (2004), indicating the importance of a number of same predictor variables. In addition, we also identify that some other variables are associated with economic growth.
Paruresis and parcopresis in social phobia: a case report.

Letter to the editors Paruresis and parcopresis are manifested by a fear and inability to either urinate or defecate in public restrooms when other persons are present or may enter the room. 1 Only one third of the patients suffering from these disorders have had their symptoms recognized by a health care professional. Patients with these diagnoses avoid trips, sporting events, parties, invitations and others social situations. 2 This attitude of avoidance associated with anticipatory anxiety of the behaviors limits the patient's social functionality. Therefore, both diseases should be categorized as forms of social phobia. A 23-year-old male patient who began to experience difficulties in social situations when approximately 15 years old. Social exposure was avoided by the patient for fear of being criticized or ridiculed. Thus, the patient had a posture of avoidance of some situations such as public speaking, speaking up in a meeting, attending social gatherings and using private or public bathrooms. When it was not possible to avoid attending the events the patient showed anxiety symptoms (muscle tension, sweating, rapid breathing and heart pounding). Consequently, there was damage to the patient's social functioning. At the age of 20, the patient showed a certain improvement in some social phobic symptoms except for paruresis and parcopresis which continued intense. These symptoms limited the patient's social life because of the difficulties in going places outside of his home. It was also difficult to receive visits because of the rituals associated with paruresis and parcopresis. The patient is only able to defecate and to urinate when no person is present at home. In extreme situations, the patient requests that the family leave home for a few minutes to accomplish these activities. The patient underwent a clinical evaluation to rule out gastrointestinal diseases. Laboratory, imaging and endoscopic tests were normal. The patient was treated with paroxetine 40 mg daily for 6 months. The pharmacological proposals led to a small improvement of the condition. Therefore, the patient was referred for cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to enhance treatment. This approach was carried out for 6 months (one session per week) leading to a partial clinical improvement. The pharmacological treatment showed better response when associated with CBT. Discussion The purpose of this case report was to describe an unusual subtype of social phobia whose most important finding is the avoidance of using toilets. The case demonstrates a patient with social anxiety disorder in which …
Role of diet in absorption and toxicity of oral cadmium- A review of literature

The role of diet or its components in the absorption, distribution and toxicity of cadmium (Cd) has received attention in recent times. Experimental evidence in literature strongly suggests that the absorption of Cd is dependent on factors such as age, pH, diet and intestinal metallothionein (MT) production. The chemical forms of Cd such as Cd-MT in foods or inorganic Cd administered directly in foods or drinking water have also been considered in literature. The bioavailability or absorption of Cd as Cd-MT in foods has been shown in many reports to have decreased in relation to Cd administered directly as inorganic Cd in drinking water or foods. However, some other studies have reported contrary findings. Although research evidence has indicated that the type or components of a diet may also influence the absorption or toxicity of Cd irrespective of the chemical form involved. Diets low in proteins, minerals and certain vitamins have been reported to increase Cd absorption and toxicity. Conversely, diets rich in fibres have the reverse effect. The lack of conclusive information on the availability of Cd in Cd-MT for intestinal uptake in relation to that of ionic Cd is noticeable, and as a result there is a great need for further studies in this area. Also, since humans are usually exposed to Cd-MT in foods and rarely to inorganic Cd, the toxicity of food-incorporated Cd deserves further investigation, in view of the observed differences in tissue accumulation from these forms of Cd.
Law, Politics and Life Insurance Consumption in Asia

This paper investigates the determinants of consumption for one of the fastest growing financial products in Asia. We find evidence that increased provision of civil rights and political stability leads to an increase in life insurance provision. However, by utilizing various estimation procedures, a number of differences between the more developed insurance markets and those in Asia are illustrated. In particular, the estimated income effect is found to be far higher in Asia than in other countries. However, the size of this difference is reduced once political and legal factors are controlled for, suggesting that future insurance market growth in Asia may not exceed that in the rest of the world.
Lot Size Scheduling on a Single Machine for Stochastic Demand

This paper presents a method for computing the lot size to be produced each time each product is scheduled for production when all products are produced on a single machine. The method also computes the distribution of lot size for each product. The demand for each product is a stochastic variable with known distribution, distributed independently for nonoverlapping time periods and identically for equal time periods.