Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ERKs Induce Expression of the Transcriptional Repressor Blimp-1 and Subsequent Plasma Cell Differentiation

The differentiation of B cells into antibody-producing plasma cells requires extracellular signal–regulated kinases. Differential Role for ERKs Given that cellular differentiation is associated with cell cycle arrest, the processes of differentiation and proliferation are thought to be mutually exclusive, and the transcriptional programs underlying these events are frequently stimulated by distinct extracellular cues. The extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway is responsible for driving proliferation in many cell types, including immune cells, and thus is thought to be involved only in dividing cells (see the Perspective by Allman and Cancro). In B cells, the transcriptional program of proliferating cells is suppressed by the transcriptional repressor Blimp-1, which is required for the differentiation of B cells into antibody-presenting plasma cells, a terminally differentiated cell type. Through experiments with mice deficient in both ERK1 and ERK2 in B cells, Yasuda et al. provide evidence of a critical role for the ERKs in driving the differentiation of plasma cells and show that ERK signaling is required for the expression of Blimp-1. Together, these data expand the role of ERK signaling in B cells and should prompt investigation of the potential involvement of ERK proteins in the differentiation of other cell types. In immune cells, the positive role of the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in cell cycle progression and survival is well established; however, it is unclear whether ERK signaling plays a role in cell differentiation. Here, we report that ERKs are essential for the differentiation of B cells into antibody-producing plasma cells and that ERKs induce the expression of Prdm1, which encodes Blimp-1, a transcriptional repressor and “master regulator” of plasma cell differentiation. Transgenic mice with conditional deletion of both ERK1 and ERK2 in germinal center (GC) B cells lacked plasma cells differentiated after GC formation, and memory B cells from these mice failed to differentiate into plasma cells. In addition, ERK1- and ERK2-deficient B cells exhibited impaired Prdm1 expression upon stimulation with antibody against CD40 in the presence of interleukin-4; conversely, enforced expression of Prdm1 in ERK1- and ERK2-deficient B cells restored the generation of plasma cells. Thus, our study suggests that cytokines stimulate ERKs to induce the production of Blimp-1 and that ERKs thereby contribute to the process of cellular differentiation.
An Empirical Study of the Depreciation Rate of Personal Computers

The prices of new computers depreciate quickly as new technologies emerging into the market. While the BLS and BEA estimate of computer depreciation cost is around 15% per year, this is done without any economic calculation. This research project strives to calculate the deprecation cost of computers using new and used computer prices collected from a variety of sources. Utilizing straightforward regression analysis, this paper shows empirically that BLS estimate underestimates computer depreciation rate by approximately five percent. This implies the studies that rely on this estimate overstate the contribution of worker’s productivity to the economic growth, and in turn underestimates the user cost of computers.
Exploring Value-Based Management Sophistication - The Role of Potential Economic Benefits and Institutional Influences

This paper contributes to the recent calls for studying differences in the use of Value-based Management (VBM) by developing a framework to assess the depth of the implementation of VBM (VBM-sophistication). Based on a hand-collected dataset that comprises 3,101 firm-year observations from 16 European countries between 2005 and 2012, we analyze the effects of organizational demand (i.e., specific organizational needs that when combined cause a higher demand for VBM) on VBM-sophistication as well as the interrelation between extra-organizational institutions and this demand. After controlling for various confounding effects, we find that organizational demand leads to higher VBM-sophistication and that this positive effect is enhanced by the extra-organizational acceptance of VBM as well as market pressure caused by increased competition for equity capital. Our findings hold implications for recent developments in diffusion theory. By showing that rational and social motivations mutually influence practice variation, we substantiate the growing criticism on the traditional two-stage diffusion process.
Metformin Is Associated With Higher Relative Abundance of Mucin-Degrading Akkermansia muciniphila and Several Short-Chain Fatty Acid–Producing Microbiota in the Gut

OBJECTIVE Recent studies suggest the beneficial effects of metformin on glucose metabolism may be microbially mediated. We examined the association of type 2 diabetes, metformin, and gut microbiota in community-dwelling Colombian adults. On the basis of previous research, we hypothesized that metformin is associated with higher levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)–producing and mucin-degrading microbiota. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Participants were selected from a larger cohort of 459 participants. The present analyses focus on the 28 participants diagnosed with diabetes—14 taking metformin— and the 84 participants without diabetes who were matched (3-to-1) to participants with diabetes by sex, age, and BMI. We measured demographic information, anthropometry, and blood biochemical parameters and collected fecal samples from which we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the composition and structure of the gut microbiota. RESULTS We found an association between diabetes and gut microbiota that was modified by metformin use. Compared with participants without diabetes, participants with diabetes taking metformin had higher relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, a microbiota known for mucin degradation, and several gut microbiota known for production of SCFAs, including Butyrivibrio, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Megasphaera, and an operational taxonomic unit of Prevotella. In contrast, compared with participants without diabetes, participants with diabetes not taking metformin had higher relative abundance of Clostridiaceae 02d06 and a distinct operational taxonomic unit of Prevotella and a lower abundance of Enterococcus casseliflavus. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the hypothesis that metformin shifts gut microbiota composition through the enrichment of mucin-degrading A. muciniphila as well as several SCFA-producing microbiota. Future studies are needed to determine if these shifts mediate metformin’s glycemic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Improving VIX Futures Forecasts using Machine Learning Methods

The problem of forecasting market volatility is a difficult task for most fund managers. Volatility forecasts are used for risk management, alpha (risk) trading, and the reduction of trading friction. Improving the forecasts of future market volatility assists fund managers in adding or reducing risk in their portfolios as well as in increasing hedges to protect their portfolios in anticipation of a market sell-off event. Our analysis compares three existing financial models that forecast future market volatility using the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) to six machine/deep learning supervised regression methods. This analysis determines which models provide best market volatility forecast. Using VIX futures and options data along with other technical indicators, our analysis compares multiple forecasting models for estimating the 1-month VIX futures contract (UX1) both 3 and 5-days forward. This analysis finds that machine/deep learning methods of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) provide improved results over existing linear regression, principal components analysis (PCA) and ARIMA methods. Comparing estimated versus actual test data, both the RNN and LSTM methods show lower mean squared error (MSE), lower mean absolute error (MAE), higher explained variance, and higher correlation. Finally, an accuracy matrix was generated for each model, which showed RNN and LSTM had better overall accuracy due to high true positive and negative forecasts as well as much lower false positive forecasts.
"Amyand's Hernia" - Pathophysiology, Role of Investigations and Treatment.

BACKGROUND In the present era, appendicitis and hernia are common problems but their presentations in different positions are rare to be seen. It is difficult to make diagnose pre-operatively of contents as appendicitis in obstructed hernia. The term "Amyand's hernia" was lost in the literature and we are describing its pathophysiology and management. The aggravating factors are: complex injuries related to hernia (size, degree of sliding, multiplicity, etc.), patient characteristics (age, activity, respiratory disease, dysuria, obesity, constipation). If not treated in the earliest stages then it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Existing literature describes almost exclusively its pathophysiology, investigations and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS We have focused on clinical presentation, radiological investigations and management of "Amyand's hernia". In literature, there is still confusion regarding investigations and treatment. We are presenting such rare entity managed in time without encountering any post-operative complications. RESULTS Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography are useful tests but clinical correlation is necessary in incarcerated appendix. Regarding treatment, it is clear that if appendix is inflamed then it should be removed, but we concluded that if appendix is found to be normal in obstructed hernia then it should also be removed due to possible later inflammation. CONCLUSION If the appendix found in the hernial sac is inflamed then chances of mortality increase. Although emergency surgery is indicated in all obstructed hernias, morbidity and mortality can be decreased if operated on time. Early recognition and its awareness, along with good surgical technique in such cases are keys to success when dealing with this problem.
Satellite image contrast enhancement algorithm based on plateau histogram equalization

The quality of remotely sensed satellite images depends on the reflected electromagnetic radiation from earth surface features. Lack of consistent and similar amounts of energy reflected by different features from earth surface, results a low contrast satellite image. Enhancement of contrast is needed for satellite images to identify and extract objects from images, where features are essential in studying earth applications. In this paper, a new contrast enhancement technique for satellite images based on clipping or plateau histogram equalization has been proposed. The technique adopted Bi-Histogram Equalization with Plateau Limit (BHEPL) for image decomposition and Self-Adaptive Plateau Histogram Equalization (SAPHE) for threshold calculation. The proposed method has been compared with existing methods such as Histogram Equalization (HE), Brightness Preserving Bi-Histogram Equalization (BBHE), Minimum Mean Brightness Error Bi-Histogram Equalization (MMBEBHE), Dynamic Histogram Equalization (DHE), Bi-Histogram Equalization with Plateau Limit (BHEPL) and Self-Adaptive Plateau Histogram Equalization (SAPHE) with image quality measures such as Absolute Mean Brightness Error (AMBE) and Peak-Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR).
AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF PLANT LEAF DISEASE USING K-MEANS CLUSTERING AND SEGMENTATION

At the point when plants are influenced by the ailments, it might influences the creation and additionally the economy of the nation. With a specific end goal to discover which sickness influence the plants, the agriculturist need to contact the master for the arrangement. The master give the proposals which depends on its learning and data though once in a while seeking the master recommendation is tedious, costly and might be not exact. Thusly to determine this issue, Image preparing systems gives the precise and quick arrangement. In this paper we propose a novel mechanism to detect plant leaf disease in combination of K-means clustering and Neural Network Algorithm. The proposed method effectively detect and classify the diseased plant leaves. Keywords— Feature Extraction, Dicot Plant Disease, Monocot Plant Disease, Pre-Processing, Segmentation, Classifier.
HIV‐associated adult mortality in a rural Tanzanian population

Objective:To measure HIV-associated adult mortality in a rural population in Tanzania. To record the signs and symptoms associated with deaths of HIV-positive adults. Design:Prospective cohort study conducted in the context of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a sexually transmitted disease treatment programme. Methods:A cohort consisting of a random sample of 12 501 adults aged 15–54 years was recruited from 12 rural communities in Mwanza region, Tanzania in 1991/1992. Baseline HIV prevalence was 4.0%. The cohort was followed up after 2 years to record mortality according to baseline HIV status. A verbal autopsy questionnaire was administered for each of the deaths reported. Results:A total of 196 deaths were recorded, of which 73 (37%) occurred in HIV-positive individuals. Mortality rates per 1000 person-years were 6.0 in HIV-negatives and 93.5 in HIV-positives. The age-adjusted mortality rate ratio was 15.68 (95% confidence interval, 11.18–21.03). The proportion of adult deaths attributed to HIV infection was 35% overall and 53% in those aged 20–29 years. Verbal autopsies showed that HIV-positive deaths were significantly associated with fever, rash, weight loss, anaemia, cough, chest pain, abdominal pain and headache, but the specificity of individual symptoms was low. The World Health Organization clinical case definition of AIDS was satisfied for only 13 deaths, of which seven were HIV-positive at baseline. Only seven respondents reported that the death was associated with HIV or AIDS. Conclusions:This study confirms the strong association of HIV infection and mortality in rural Africa, with an annual death rate in adult seropositives of over 9%. In this rural population with a relatively low HIV prevalence of 4%, HIV has increased overall adult mortality by more than 50%. Signs and symptoms associated with HIV deaths were non-specific, and the population seemed largely unaware of the contribution of HIV to mortality, an important obstacle to prevention efforts.
Is Prophylactic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Indicated?

Background: This is a systematic review to determine if prophylactic surgical intervention for asymptomatic patients with radiographic evidence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is warranted to prevent early degenerative joint disease of the hip. Methods: A systematic search was performed from 1965 to 2013 in PubMed and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective studies comparing skeletally mature asymptomatic patients with radiographic evidence of FAI treated with prophylactic hip arthroscopic surgery versus nonoperative management. A total of 840 references were identified from the searches. After detailed eligibility screening, none of the references met the eligibility criteria. Results: No trials were identified that met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Conclusion: There is a lack of available evidence to support surgical intervention for the treatment of FAI in asymptomatic patients. This article attempts to address this dilemma by reviewing the available literature to answer several questions that would indirectly address the topic. First, what is the prevalence of FAI in the asymptomatic population? Second, what is the natural history of FAI if left untreated? Upon reviewing these issues, the authors’ conclusion parallels that of the systematic review: Current evidence does not support prophylactic surgery for asymptomatic FAI in the vast majority of cases. However, limited evidence suggests that asymptomatic patients who have previously undergone total hip arthroplasty for FAI-induced osteoarthritis of the contralateral hip are at a significantly increased risk for early degenerative joint disease. Further research is needed to better clarify surgical indications.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Filamentous Fungi Isolated from Cosmetic Powders

Seven fungi were isolated from 50 samples of cosmetic powders. Morphological analyses and ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacers sequencing were performed which allowed the discrimination of the isolated fungi as Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium sp. , and Cladosporium sp. which could have, among their species, potentially pathogenic microorganisms.
Type 1 diabetes promotes disruption of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in LDL receptor-deficient mice

Cardiovascular disease, largely because of disruption of atherosclerotic lesions, accounts for the majority of deaths in people with type 1 diabetes. Recent mouse models have provided insights into the accelerated atherosclerotic lesion initiation in diabetes, but it is unknown whether diabetes directly worsens more clinically relevant advanced lesions. We therefore used an LDL receptor-deficient mouse model, in which type 1 diabetes can be induced at will, to investigate the effects of diabetes on preexisting lesions. Advanced lesions were induced by feeding mice a high-fat diet for 16 weeks before induction of diabetes. Diabetes, independently of lesion size, increased intraplaque hemorrhage and plaque disruption in the brachiocephalic artery of mice fed low-fat or high-fat diets for an additional 14 weeks. Hyperglycemia was not sufficient to induce plaque disruption. Furthermore, diabetes resulted in increased accumulation of monocytic cells positive for S100A9, a proinflammatory biomarker for cardiovascular events, and for a macrophage marker protein, without increasing lesion macrophage content. S100A9 immunoreactivity correlated with intraplaque hemorrhage. Aggressive lowering primarily of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins prevented both plaque disruption and the increased S100A9 in diabetic atherosclerotic lesions. Conversely, oleate promoted macrophage differentiation into an S100A9-positive population in vitro, thereby mimicking the effects of diabetes. Thus, diabetes increases plaque disruption, independently of effects on plaque initiation, through a mechanism that requires triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and is associated with an increased accumulation of S100A9-positive monocytic cells. These findings indicate an important link between diabetes, plaque disruption, and the innate immune system.
Prevalence and characteristics of alcohol-related incidents requiring police attendance.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of alcohol-related incidents attended by operational police within three of the largest cities in Queensland (i.e., Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Townsville; n=7,398). There have been only a relatively small proportion of Australian studies that have examined the prevalence and characteristics of alcohol-related incidents requiring police attention, and most are based on small sample sizes that are representative of specific populations. METHOD Participants in the current study were first-response operational police officers who completed a modified activity log during a 5-week period, identifying the type, prevalence, and characteristics of alcohol-related incidents that were attended (n=31,090). RESULTS Overall, approximately one in four incidents attended by police during the study period involved alcohol, whereas only 3% were drug related. The most common incidents police attended were vehicle and/or traffic matters, disturbances, and offenses against property. A closer examination revealed that disturbances and vehicle/traffic-type incidents were almost twice as likely to be alcohol related as compared with the overall percentage of incidents. Similar findings were evident between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas, which highlights the consistent impact of alcohol on police resources. Offenders were more likely to be young males, whereas victims consisted of a relatively even number of males and females. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the pervasive nature of alcohol across a range of criminal incidents, demonstrating the tremendous impact alcohol-related incidents have on police resources and can potentially contribute to the development of more effective, problem-oriented strategies to address alcohol-related crime.
Restoration of tRNA3Lys-primed(-)-strand DNA synthesis to an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase mutant with extended tRNAs. Implications for retroviral replication.

The mechanism for the initiation of reverse transcription in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was studied utilizing a unique reverse transcriptase (RT) mutant altered in its noncatalytic p51 subunit. This mutant (p66/p51Delta13) retains full DNA- and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity but has reduced affinity for tRNA3Lys, the cognate HIV primer. When the ability to support(-)-strand DNA synthesis on a viral RNA template was evaluated, this mutant initiated from an 18-nucleotide (nt) oligoribo- or oligodeoxyribonucleotide primer complementary to the primer binding site (pbs). However, it failed to do so from natural and synthetic versions of tRNA3Lys. tRNA-primed(-)-strand synthesis could, however, be rescued by substituting the 76-nt tRNA3Lys with 81- and 107-nt tRNA-DNA chimeras, i.e. tRNA3Lys extended by 5 and 31 deoxyribonucleotides complementary to the viral genome upstream of the pbs. These findings imply that through interactions involving its p51 subunit, RT may be required to disrupt additional tRNA-viral RNA duplexes outside the pbs to proceed into productive(-)-strand DNA synthesis. Alternatively, specific interactions between tRNA3Lys and HIV-1 RT may be necessary for efficient initiation of(-)-strand DNA synthesis.