Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mammalian AMP-activated Protein Kinase Subfamily (*)

The mammalian 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is related to a growing family of protein kinases in yeast and plants that are regulated by nutritional stress. We find the most prominent expressed form of the hepatic AMPK catalytic subunit (α1) is distinct from the previously cloned kinase subunit (α2). The α1 (548 residues) and α2 (552 residues) isoforms have 90% amino acid sequence identity within the catalytic core but only 61% identity elsewhere. The tissue distribution of the AMPK activity most closely parallels the low abundance 6-kilobase α1 mRNA distribution and the α1 immunoreactivity rather than α2, with substantial amounts in kidney, liver, lung, heart, and brain. Both α1 and α2 isoforms are stimulated by AMP and contain noncatalytic β and γ subunits. The liver α1 isoform accounts for approximately 94% of the enzyme activity measured using the SAMS peptide substrate. The tissue distribution of the α2 immunoreactivity parallels the α2 8.5-kilobase mRNA and is most prominent in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver. Isoforms of the β and γ subunits present in the human genome sequence reveal that the AMPK consists of a family of isoenzymes.
2008 Annual Report Conference on Electrical Insulation Dielectric Phenomena Improvement of Polyimide Electrical Properties During Short-Term of Thermal Aging

An atypical enhancement of both the dielectric properties and the static (dc) conductivity in polyimide (PI) films has been observed using isothermal dielectric relaxation spectroscopy at 300 °C under air atmosphere during short-term thermal aging (up to 200h). Simultaneously, an increase of the dielectric strength of PI is observed. Despite a close similarity with the typical electrical signature of the crystallization phenomenon occurring in semi-crystalline polymers, DSC measurements have not revealed the presence of an exothermic crystallization peak in PI up to 500 °C thus denying this assumption. In this paper, a cross-linking reaction under oxidant atmosphere is therefore proposed for explaining such electrical improvements. Indeed, oxygen diffusion in the polymers' bulk is generally followed by the formation of links between macromolecular chains leading the molecular and charge motions more difficult. This phenomenon, inducing usually an enhancement of the electrical and mechanical properties, is also supported by FTIR chemical changes of PI during aging and theoretical cross-linking mechanisms in presence of oxygen.
Does consumption decline at retirement

The life-cycle hypothesis predicts a smooth distribution of consumption over lifetime that would prevent consumption from declining after retirement. However, several studies found relevant declines in food consumption after retirement for the United States. Others concluded that this contradiction is solved by allowing for broader measures of consumption than food. Using German consumption survey data for the years 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2008, this paper analyzes the retirement consumption puzzle for the German case. The general result is affirmed that going from food expenditures to broader and more representative consumption measures reduces the decline in consumption at retirement. For our broadest consumption measure, which includes the flow of durables’ consumption, we find, on average, only small consumption declines at retirement, and no significant changes if the level of household wealth is statistically controlled for in OLS regressions. These results also hold if the potential endogeneity of indidual retirement is controlled for in instrumental variable regressions. We also find heterogeneity in retirement effects among birth cohorts, the level of household wealth, and the level of consumption, but these effects do not support the hypothesis that retirement is associated with a strong reduction of consumption among poorer households.
Estrogen and Tibolone Metabolite Levels in Blood and Breast Tissue of Postmenopausal Women Recently Diagnosed With Early-Stage Breast Cancer and Treated With Tibolone or Placebo for 14 Days

Unlike estrogens plus progestagens, tibolone, a selective tissue estrogenic activity regulator, does not increase breast tenderness and mammographic density. To elucidate this, serum and breast levels of tibolone and estrogenic metabolites are measured. Postmenopausal women (n = 102) with early-stage, ER + ve, primary breast cancer received tibolone or placebo for 14 days in an exploratory, double-blind, randomized trial (STEM carcinoma tissue). Baseline and presurgery sera were collected; tumor tissues were obtained at surgery. E1 (estrone), E2 (estradiol), E1S (estrone-sulfate), tibolone—its nonsulfated, monosulfated, and disulfated 3-hydroxymetabolites—and Δ 4-tibolone were measured by validated gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry assays. More than 12 hours after the final dose, serum E1, E 2, and E1S levels were unchanged with placebo, whereas tibolone significantly increased E1S and the E1S/(E1 + E2) ratio. In tumors, E1 and E2 levels were higher than in serum, and E1S levels were lower, with placebo and tibolone administration. The percentage of E1S was about 90% in serum and 16% in tissue. Tibolone did not affect tissue levels of endogenous estrogens. Serum levels of estrogenic 3α- and 3β-hydroxytibolone, progestagenic/androgenic Δ 4-tibolone, and monosulfate metabolites were low. Serum 3αS,17βS-tibolone and 3 βS,17βS-tibolone levels were 250 and 52 ng/mL, respectively. Tumor levels of 3α- and 3β-hydroxytibolone and Δ 4-tibolone were higher than in serum, but disulfate levels were lower. The percentage of sulfated tibolone metabolites was 99% in serum and 96% in tumor. Serum metabolite patterns of estradiol and tibolone are different from those in tissues and are compatible with neutral effects of tibolone on breast Ki67 expression.
Secondary-Side LLC Resonant Controller IC With Dynamic PWM Dimming and Dual-Slope Clock Generator for LED Backlight Units

This paper presents a low-profile low-cost (LLC) resonant controller IC for LED backlight units fully operating at the secondary side. The integrated dimming circuitry is proposed to improve the dynamic current control characteristics and the LED current density for the brightness modulation of a large screen liquid crystal display. A dual-slope clock generator, including a soft start, is proposed in order to overcome the frequency error due to the undershoot found in conventional approaches. In addition, a new dead-time generator is proposed in order to implement an accurate dead time independent of the output frequency of the clock generator. Protection circuits, such as a under voltage lock out, thermal shut down, open LED detector, and shorted LED detector, have been implemented in order to improve the reliability of the controller IC. The chip is fabricated using 0.35 μm bipolar CMOS DMOS decimal technology; the die size is 2 mm × 2 mm. The frequency of the clock generator ranges from 50 to 500 kHz; the dead time ranges from 50 ns to 2.2 μs. The efficiency of the LED driving circuit is 91%. The current consumption of the LLC resonant controller IC is 40 mA for a 100 kHz operation frequency using a 15 V supply voltage.
The impact of family history of diabetes on risk factors for gestational diabetes

Objective Familial history of type 2 diabetes (FHD) represents a pathophysiologically unique risk factor for gestational diabetes (GDM), insofar as it encompasses both inherited and lifestyle elements. We thus hypothesized that the risk factors for gestational hyperglycaemia in women with FHD may differ from those in women without FHD.
Stakeholder collaboration: A means to the success of rural tourism destinations? A critical evaluation of the existence of stakeholder collaboration within the Mournes, Northern Ireland

Tourism has long been pursued by governments as a means of development in rural areas. Negatively, rural areas have certain characteristics that inhibit their ability to achieve the full benefits of tourism. Consequently, many rural tourism destinations to date have found that the benefits to be gained are over-stated. Stakeholder collaboration has been deemed critical for the success of sustainable tourism. In fact, in the context of rural tourism destinations stakeholder collaboration can be particularly advantageous in addressing specific factors relevant to rural tourism destinations that may inhibit the success of the destination. However, successful attempts to implement stakeholder collaboration have been limited. A growing body of literature reveals that successful stakeholder collaboration relies on numerous elements, which have to be incorporated for the success of the process. The paper reveals how simply attempting to implement stakeholder collaboration is not enough for its success, instead various components need to be incorporated throughout the continuous process, in particular attention is paid to establishing trust across the various stakeholder group.
Impact of unilateral and bilateral vision loss on quality of life

Aim: To investigate whether unilateral vision loss reduced any aspects of quality of life in comparison with normal vision and to compare its impact with that of bilateral vision loss. Methods: This study used cluster stratified random sample of 3271 urban participants recruited between 1992 and 1994 for the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project. All predictors and outcomes were from the 5 year follow up examinations conducted in 1997–9. Results: There were 2530 participants who attended the follow up survey and had measurement of presenting visual acuity. Both unilateral and bilateral vision loss were significantly associated with increased odds of having problems in visual functions including reading the telephone book, newspaper, watching television, and seeing faces. Non-correctable by refraction unilateral vision loss increased the odds of falling when away from home (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.16 to 7.08), getting help with chores (OR = 3.09, 95% CI 1.40 to 6.83), and becoming dependent (getting help with meals and chores) (OR = 7.50, 95% CI 1.97 to 28.6). Non-correctable bilateral visual loss was associated with many activities of daily living except falling. Conclusions: Non-correctable unilateral vision loss was associated with issues of safety and independent living while non-correctable bilateral vision loss was associated with nursing home placement, emotional wellbeing, use of community services, and activities of daily living. Correctable or treatable vision loss should be detected and attended to.
Substrate Preferences in Rumen Bacteria: Evidence of Catabolite Regulatory Mechanisms

Five species of rumen bacteria with overlapping substrate fermentative capabilities were tested for substrate preferences and evidence of catabolite regulatory mechanisms. All five bacteria showed evidence of some type of catabolite regulatory mechanism. In the six-substrate test system that was used, utilization of every substrate was inhibited by another substrate in at least one of the bacteria. Inhibited versus noninhibited substrate data suggest that the five bacteria have different strategies of substrate utilization and thus occupy separate niches in the rumen. The significance of these observations to understanding the rumen ecosystem is discussed.
Renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury--when to start.

BACKGROUND Despite the frequent use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in the intensive care unit (ICU), there is no accepted consensus on the optimal indications and timing. METHODS The aim of this paper is to identify optimal triggers for RRT in critically ill patients with AKI. RESULTS We examined data from 2 randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective studies and 13 retrospective trials and found large variation in the different parameters and cut-offs for initiation of RRT. No single biochemical parameter was adequate to define the optimal indication and time to commence RRT. Degree of fluid overload, oliguria and associated non-renal organ failure appeared to be more appropriate parameters for initiation of RRT. We propose a clinical algorithm based on regular assessment of the patient's condition and trends in these parameters. It is intended to aid the process of deciding when to start RRT in critically ill adult patients with AKI. CONCLUSION Available evidence suggests that the decision when to start RRT in critically ill patients with AKI should be based on trends in the patient's severity of illness, presence of oliguria and fluid overload and associated non-renal organ failure rather than specific serum creatinine or urea values.
Optimal Foreign Debt for a Developing Country

From (6), the per-capita cost of the outstand ing debt at t is g(bt-i). Thus the net income per capita at t is f(kt) ? g(bfi). We will assume that a fraction of [f(kt) ? g(bt-i)] is saved and bor rowed, i.e., the saving at t is s1t[f(kt) ? g(bt-i)], and the new debt at t is s2t[f(kt) ? g(bt-i)]. We will assume that 0 < s\ < 1 and 0 < s2t < /3, where ? is an upper bound for s2t. which is given to the planning authority in order to insure that
Versatile susceptibility model of complex systems for Bulk Current Injection (BCI) test

This paper deals with versatile model of susceptibility for Bulk Current Injection (BCI) test. An accurate model has been designed based on impedance investigation. Current ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) models are usually made for specific systems. When some conditions are changed, designer has to build new model for the same Equipment Under Test (EUT) slightly modified. In this paper, the proposed model gives access to tune parameters that can be frequently changed from aircraft to another as the length of the connection cable between the local and global system ground. A Black Box and Physical environment characteristics are combined to reach this goal.
A GESTÃO DE NEGÓCIOS EM UMA EMPRESA ATACADISTA DO RIO DE JANEIRO: DESAFIOS PARA O CRESCIMENTO

This study was conducted in a medium-sized wholesale company in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where the main leaders are from Chinese origin. The company operates in the Brazilian market, especially in the trade of household articles, appliances and electronic appliances. The aim of the study was the development of a recommendation plan by an organizational diagnosis improving the performance of the purchasing department, based in Business Process Management (BPM). For this, we used qualitative, descriptive and a case study, based on semi-structured interviews with key managers from the company. Good sales and increasing revenue previously masked many problems of quality and productivity. The organizational diagnosis identified that the main reason was the lack of strategic planning and a model of management in organizational practice. With the evolution of the study, it was found that the adoption BPM and the professionalization of management would be good ways to achieve the goals, objectives and to improve organizational performance, the desired link between the strategies and the effectiveness of the desired results.
Phase Ib trial of intravenous recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancer: pharmacologic and long-term safety data.

PURPOSE Tumor angiogenesis mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is inhibited by the recombinant humanized (rhu) monoclonal antibody (MAb) rhuMAbVEGF, which has synergy with chemotherapy in animal models. The present study was designed to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of weekly intravenous (IV) rhuMAbVEGF with one of three standard chemotherapy regimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twelve adult patients were enrolled four on each combination. rhuMAbVEGF, 3 mg/kg IV, was administered weekly for 8 weeks with (1) doxorubicin 50 mg/m(2) every 4 weeks; (2) carboplatin at area under the curve of 6 plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) every 4 weeks; and (3) fluorouracil (5-FU) 500 mg/m(2) with leucovorin 20 mg/m(2) weekly, weeks 1 to 6 every 8 weeks. RESULTS The median number of rhuMAbVEGF doses delivered was eight (range, four to eight doses). Grade 3 toxicities were diarrhea (one 5-FU patient), thrombocytopenia (two patients on carboplatin plus paclitaxel), and leukopenia (one patient on carboplatin plus paclitaxel). These toxicities were likely attributable to the chemotherapy component of the regimen. The mean (+/- SD) peak serum level of rhuMAbVEGF was 167 +/- 46 microg/mL, and the mean terminal half-life was 13 days. Total (free plus bound) serum VEGF levels increased from 51 +/- 39 pg/mL (day 0) to 211 +/- 112 (day 49) pg/mL. Three responding patients continued treatment with rhuMAbVEGF and chemotherapy, receiving the equivalent of 36, 20, and 40 total rhuMAbVEGF doses with no cumulative or late toxicities. CONCLUSION rhuMAbVEGF can be safely combined with chemotherapy at doses associated with VEGF blockade and without apparent synergistic toxicity. Its contribution to the treatment of advanced solid tumors should be evaluated in randomized treatment trials.
Synchronization Via PID Control on Complex Directed Network with Delayed Nodes

Based on the classical network model, this paper investigates the PD and PI control for synchronization of the complex dynamic directed network with delayed nodes. We obtain some sufficient conditions for global synchronization. In particular, using derivative and integral protocols are better than using traditional protocols in achieving synchronizaiton. Finally, some simulation examples are given to theoretical results.
Evaluation of competitive strategies implemented by barclays bank of Kenya

viii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the study . 1 1.1.1 Competitive Strategies . 2 1.1.2 Strategy Control and Evaluation . 3 1.1.3 Banking Industry in Kenya . 4 1.1.4 Barclays Bank of Kenya . 5 1.2 Research Problem . 6 1.3 Research Objective . 8 1.4 Value of the study . 8 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 10 2.
Selenium and anticarcinogenesis: underlying mechanisms

Purpose of reviewTo discuss recent research related to anticarcinogenic mechanisms of selenium action in light of the underlying chemical/biochemical functions of the selenium species, likely to be executors of those effects. Recent findingsRecent studies in a variety of model systems have increased the understanding of the anticarcinogenic mechanisms of selenium compounds. These include effects on gene expression, DNA damage and repair, signaling pathways, regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis, metastasis and angiogenesis. These effects would appear to be related to the production of reactive oxygen species produced by the redox cycling, modification of protein-thiols and methionine mimicry. Three principle selenium metabolites appear to execute these effects: hydrogen selenide, methylselenol and selenomethionine. The fact that various selenium compounds can be metabolized to one or more of these species but differ in anticarcinogenic activity indicates competing pathways of their metabolic and chemical/biochemical disposition. Increasing knowledge of selenoprotein polymorphisms has shown that at least some are related to cancer risk and may affect carcinogenesis indirectly by influencing selenium metabolism. SummaryThe anticarcinogenic effects of selenium compounds constitute intermediate mechanisms with several underlying chemical/biochemical mechanisms such as redox cycling, alteration of protein-thiol redox status and methionine mimicry.
FDI Impact on Employment Generation and GDP Growth in India

In the era of homogenization of development all over the globe, capital has become crucial aspect and major concern for countries, especially for the developing ones. Foreign funds inflow has become one of the major resources for this. Countries are in a constant race to attract more of foreign fund inflows or foreign direct investment (FDI). The objective of this paper is to study the impact of FDI in India on the employment generation capacity and GDP growth, it will go through sector-wise inflow of FDI in India and analyze its ability to generate employment and productivity in India.
Synthesis Gas Afterburner Based on an Injector Type Plasma-Assisted Combustion System

This paper presents the results of theoretical and experimental investigations of a developed synthesis gas afterburner based on an injector type plasma-assisted combustion system. The basic overall dimensions of the afterburner with the injecting device are determined. The design concept can provide higher performance, wider turndown ratios, more efficient synthesis gas combustion, and satisfaction of major ecological requirements.
Color signals through dorsal and ventral visual pathways

Physiological studies of color have uncovered many puzzles. Here are four puzzles. First, neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN; Fig. 1) are strongly color opponent, but the opponency does not correspond to Hering's fundamental opponent-color pairs (red–green, blue–yellow) (Webster et al., 2000); moreover, the color-tuning of the population of LGN cells is not balanced across color space but is rather strongly biased toward red–cyan and lavender–lime (e.g., few neurons show optimal tuning to blue , green , purple , or yellow). Second, the spatial opponency of LGN cells is confi gured in exactly the wrong way to subserve color contrast (Wiesel & Hubel, 1966): the optimal stimulus for a red-on cell is bright red on a dark red background—not red on green, as a mechanism for color contrast would have it And fourth, cone-opponent cells in V1 often respond to Scone isolating stimuli, and in these cells, the responses to Scone stimuli typically aligns with those to M-cone stimuli L input to account for the reddish quality of short-wavelength light (Ingling, 1977). Clearly, regions downstream of the LGN and V1 must be critically involved in the computation of hue and other color phenomena such as Hering's basic color categories One goal of contemporary neurophysiology is to identify these brain regions and then to address how they construct perceptual correlates from the cone signals they receive from the LGN, V1, and other areas. This goal is especially challenging since a given neural signal may not be exclusively involved in generating color percepts. It remains a conceptual hurdle to maintain a distinction between neural signals that may be involved in computing color on the one hand and the perceptual-cognitive output of the nervous system on the other hand. As shown by the title of this review, studies of color often slip into a shorthand that obscures this distinction (what constitutes a " color signal " in the brain? ). Because there are very few S cones in the retina, and the eye is focused in the middle part of the spectrum (yellow), Scone signals are necessarily blurry. Scone signals are therefore unable to contribute to high acuity. What is their function? Many assume that it has something to do with color perception because Scone signals are necessary to establish perceptual color space. Thus neural responses to Scone activation are often thought to refl ect a neural color signal (Wandell et al., 1999). …