Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sports game play: a comparison of moderate to vigorous physical activities in adolescents.

BACKGROUND Research suggests participation in sports is an important contributor to overall adolescent physical activity (PA). Sports play has become increasingly important in physical education (PE) classes as a means for promoting healthful and enjoyable PA. Research is needed that investigates physiological and perceptual responses to sport play. METHODS We studied 101 (55 males; 46 females, age 11-14) students who participated in flag football (FF), basketball (BB), and flag rugby (FR). Activity counts were collected using accelerometers. Perceived competence and enjoyment were measured using the intrinsic motivation inventory. RESULTS Each sport activity produced acceptable levels of activity and positive perceptual responses, but differences among sports were noted. Accelerometry data indicated that FR and BB were more intense than FF (p < .001). Perceptual data indicated participation in FR elicited higher perceptions of competence and greater enjoyment when compared to FF and BB (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Participation in sport activity within middle school PE classes provides excellent opportunities for energy expenditure and positive perceptual responses. Most importantly, FR provides an activity stimulus that has potential benefits both physiologically and psychologically.
Clinically Confirmed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Population-Based, Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES:Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) may be at increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, existing data are inconsistent. We investigated CRC risks, overall and by anatomic subsite, within a population-based inception cohort of clinically confirmed type 2 DM subjects.METHODS:All residents of Rochester, Minnesota who first met standardized criteria for type 2 DM from 1970 to 1994 (997 men and 978 women) were identified and followed forward in time until emigration, death, or December 31, 1999. Incident CRC cases were identified by review of inpatient and outpatient medical records. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to compare CRC incidence within the type 2 DM inception cohort with previously published rates for the Rochester general population.RESULTS:Over 19,158 person-years of follow-up, 51 incident CRC cases were identified within the type 2 DM cohort, while only 36.8 cases were expected (SIR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.03–1.82). Among men, type 2 DM was associated with increased overall (SIR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.16–2.33) and proximal (SIR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.16–3.10) CRC risks; distal CRC risk was also increased, but the point estimate was not statistically significant (SIR = 1.43, 95% CI 0.82–2.32). Among women, type 2 DM was not a risk factor for overall, proximal, or distal CRC (SIR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.60–1.66; SIR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.58–2.09; and SIR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.24–1.72, respectively). Within the type 2 DM cohort, current and former cigarette smokers were at higher CRC risk (SIR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.24–2.47) than never smokers (SIR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.57–1.61) and the interaction between type 2 DM and cigarette smoking status was statistically significant (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:In this population-based, retrospective cohort study, clinically confirmed type 2 DM was associated with increased CRC risk, predominantly among men. Cigarette smoking appeared to positively modify DM-associated CRC risk, which to our knowledge has not been previously reported. These data suggest that further investigation of potential interactions between endogenous and exogenous factors involved in colorectal carcinogenesis may help to clarify the magnitude and extent of CRC risk experienced by persons with type 2 DM.
Relationships between total testicular volume, reproductive parameters and surrogate measures of adiposity in men presenting for couple's infertility

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between total testicular volume (TTV), reproductive parameters and adiposity measures: body mass index, waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio. Semen analysis was performed, and reproductive hormone levels were measured in 2,672 male patients (mean age 32.6) due to couple's infertility. Significant, positive correlations between semen parameters and the TTV were found. Gonadotrophins were negatively related to the TTV, and testosterone was not related to the TTV. Three anthropometric parameters were negatively correlated to the total sperm count, and sperm concentration seen in men with a TTV of ≤46 ml. In the case of a TTV >46 ml, only the semen volume was inversely correlated with WC and WHtR. These changes occurred from a WHtR ≥0.56, WC ≥102 cm and BMI ≥29 and were more pronounced between WHtR and the TTV. Adiposity was associated with a significant testosterone level decline but did not have a major impact on the gonadotrophin levels. This study shows the divergent results in sperm parameters in different TTV groups in the presence of central adiposity.
Recurrent Carotid Artery Stenosis Following Endarterectomy

Spectral analysis was used to examine 257 carotid arteries in 227 patients who had undergone carotid endarterectomy at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and annually thereafter. Routine intraoperative completion angiography ensured that the operations were technically satisfactory. Postoperative restenoses were identified in 38 patients (15%). In 23 arteries (9%), the restenosis exceeded a 50% diameter reduction while in 15 arteries (6%) the stenosis was less than 50% of the diameter. Restenosis developed in 24/96 women (25%) and 14/161 men (9%). Twenty-nine (70%) stenotic lesions occurred within 12 months. In three patients early lesions regressed. Reoperation with patch angioplasty was required in six patients. When the 219 carotid arteries that remained widely patent were compared to the 38 that restenosed, no differences were noted for age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, or degree of preoperative stenosis. Early stenotic lesions appear to be due to myointimal hyperplasia, which is probably platelet mediated. The predominant female sex distribution may be explained by differences in platelet responsiveness in men and women.
Ontology Pattern Languages

Ricardo Falbo Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil Monalessa Barcellos Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil Fabiano Ruy Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória; Informatics Department, Federal Institute of Esṕırito Santo, Campus Serra, Serra, Brazil Giancarlo Guizzardi Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil Renata Guizzardi Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
A Decentralized Control Method for a Low-Voltage DC Microgrid

DC microgrids (DC-MGs) are becoming popular as an effective means to integrate various renewable energy resources. Conventionally, the droop control is adopted as a decentralized control strategy for proper power sharing without using any communication link. However, the conventional droop control often deteriorates due to the effects of unequal line resistances. In this paper, a control strategy is proposed for a DC-MG to achieve perfect power sharing considering the effects of line resistances. The DC-MG under study consists of a photovoltaic system, two energy storage systems, a grid-connected converter system, and dc loads. The control strategy of the converters is addressed under various operation modes. To obtain prolonged and reliable operation of the DC-MG, the state of charge of the batteries is also considered in the power sharing strategy. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness and validity of the proposed method.
On the Optimal Ratio of Heavy to Light Chain Genes for Efficient Recombinant Antibody Production by CHO Cells

Monoclonal antibodies (Mab) are heterotetramers consisting of an equimolar ratio of heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) polypeptides. Accordingly, most recombinant Mab expression systems utilize an equimolar ratio of heavy chain (hc) to light chain (lc) genes encoded on either one or two plasmids. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this gene ratio is optimal for stable or transient production of recombinant Mab. In this study we have determined the optimal ratio of hc:lc genes for production of a recombinant IgG4 Mab, cB72.3, by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using both empirical and mathematical modeling approaches. Polyethyleneimine‐mediated transient expression of cB72.3 at varying ratios of hc:lc genes encoded on separate plasmids yielded an optimal Mab titer at a hc:lc gene ratio of 3:2; a conclusion confirmed by separate mathematical modeling of the Mab folding and assembly process using transient expression data. On the basis of this information, we hypothesized that utilization of hc genes at low hc:lc gene ratios is more efficient. To confirm this, cB72.3 Mab was transiently produced by CHO cells at constant hc and varying lc gene dose. Under these conditions, Mab yield was increased with a concomitant increase in lc gene dose. To determine if the above findings also apply to stably transfected CHO cells producing recombinant Mab, we compared the intra‐ and extracellular ratios of HC and LC polypeptides for three GS‐CHO cells lines transfected with a 1:1 ratio of hc:lc genes and selected for stable expression of the same recombinant Mab, cB72.3. Intra‐ and extracellular HC:LC polypeptide ratios ranged from 1:2 to 1:5, less than that observed on transient expression of the same Mab in parental CHO cells using the same vector. In conclusion, our data suggest that the optimal ratio of hc:lc genes used for transient and stable expression of Mab differ. In the case of the latter, we infer that optimal Mab production by stably transfected cells represents a compromise between HC abundance limiting productivity and the requirement for excess LC to render Mab folding and assembly more efficient.
Conditioned Immunosuppressive Effect of Cyclophosphamide on Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Response and a Preliminary Analysis of Its Mechanism

In the present study, camphor odor and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide (CY) were used as conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US), respectively. In the unconditioned group, mice were exposed to camphor odor for 1 h followed by an i.p. injection of CY (75 mg/kg). On the next day, the above CS/US association trial session was repeated followed by smearing dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) on mouse abdominal skin for sensitizing the animal for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. Five days after DNCB sensitization, mice were exposed to camphor odor (1 h), followed by an i.p. injection of CY, and then DNCB was smeared on the left ear of mice for the challenge of DTH response. Both the left/right ear weight ratio and the activity of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LMIF) were used as the index of DTH response, which was done 24 h after DNCB challenge. In the conditioned group, the treatment was the same as that in the unconditioned group, except that normal saline was injected on day 5 instead of CY. Furthermore, in order to analyze the mechanism of the conditioned response (CR), the mouse serum from the conditioned group (CR serum) was injected into normal mice 6 h prior to DNCB challenge. Results showed that in the conditioned group, left/right ear weight ratio and LMIF activity were statistically lower than that in the DTH group, and there was no difference between conditioned and unconditioned groups. Thus, an animal model of conditioned immunosuppressive response had been established. The results also showed that after CR serum was injected into normal mice, DTH response was also significantly suppressed. However, if CR serum was treated with dialysis (10,000 molecular weight cut-off), the suppressive effect of CR serum on DTH response disappeared. Taken together, the data suggested that a chemical compound(s) in serum, with a molecular weight less than 10,000, was important in mediating the conditioned immunosuppressive response. This may be a very important molecule(s) that could be very critical to our understanding of the interaction between the central nervous system and immune function.
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus‐like differentiation (SETTLE): Youngest reported patient

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus‐like differentiation (SETTLE) is a very rare thyroid tumor. It is one of a family of tumors arising either from ectopic thymus or remnants of branchial pouches that retain the potential to differentiate along the thymic line. Herein is reported a case of SETTLE in a 2‐year‐old girl. The patient underwent right thyroid lobectomy for a tumor of the right thyroid lobe. The resected specimen of this tumor revealed a whitish and solid mass. On microscopy, the tumor exhibited an area of spindle cells, glandular epithelium, and mucinous cystic lesions. The following findings were obtained on immunohistochemistry: the spindle cell area was diffusely positive for cytokeratin AE1/3 and vimentin, and partially positive for α‐smooth muscle‐specific actin. The glandular structures consisted of columnar cells and the cystic area was also positive for cytokeratin AE1/3. All three components of the tumor were negative for thyroglobulin, thyroid transcription factor‐1, S‐100 protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, somatostatin, synaptophysin, and chromogranin A. On the basis of the aforementioned findings, SETTLE was diagnosed. The patient remains disease free to date, 2 years after surgery with no additional treatment. To the best of the authors’ knowledge the present SETTLE patient is the youngest yet reported.
Report on the “Big Data Training School for Life Sciences”, 18-22 September 2017, Uppsala, Sweden

In September 2017 a "Big Data Training School for Life Sciences" took place in Uppsala, Sweden, jointly organised by EMBnet and the COST Action CHARME (Harmonising standardisation strategies to increase efficiency and competitiveness of European life-science research - CA15100). The week programme was divided into hands-on sessions and lectures. In both cases, insights into dealing with big amounts of data were given. This paper describes our personal experience as students’ by providing also some suggestions that we hope can help the organisers as well as other trainers to further increase the efficiency of such intensive courses for students with diverse backgrounds.
Substance P is a functional neurotransmitter in the rat parotid gland.

The technique of electrical field stimulation was employed to stimulate the intrinsic nerves of isolated rat parotid gland fragments. Responses to field stimulation were recorded as changes in enzyme secretion (amylase release), radiolabelled ion fluxes (86Rb efflux) and electrophysiological effects (changes in acinar cell membrane potential and input resistance). All effects of field stimulation were abolished by the neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin (TTX). Selective use of pharmacological antagonists revealed that both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to this tissue were being excited by field stimulation. Importantly a significant component of the response to field stimulation persisted in the presence of combined autonomic receptor blockade by atropine, phentolamine and propranolol, i.e. due to release of a non‐cholinergic, non‐adrenergic neurotransmitter. The non‐cholinergic, non‐adrenergic neurotransmitter evoked amylase release, 86Rb efflux and electrophysiological effects seen as changes in acinar cell membrane potential and conductance, i.e. stimulus‐permeability coupled. Two biologically active peptides, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were shown to evoke amylase release in the presence of combined autonomic blockade. VIP however did not evoke any increase in 86Rb efflux, i.e. not stimulus‐permeability coupled. All the effects of the non‐cholinergic, non‐adrenergic transmitter were mimicked by substance P which evokes 86Rb efflux and electrophysiological effects in addition to amylase release. The non‐cholinergic, non‐adrenergic field stimulus effects on amylase release and 86Rb efflux were abolished or markedly attenuated in tissues which had been desensitized by prior exposure to exogenous substance P. In the presence of VIP, however, the non‐cholinergic, non‐adrenergic effects persisted and were apparently potentiated. Acute application of the neurotoxin capsaicin first stimulated a transient release of amylase and subsequently abolished the non‐cholinergic, non‐adrenergic field stimulus‐evoked enzyme release. The putative substance P antagonist, D‐Pro2, D‐Trp7,9 substance P, reversibly blocked the response to both non‐cholinergic, non‐adrenergic nerve stimulation and exogenous substance P. It was demonstrated however that prolonged exposure to this antagonist is associated with non‐reversible and, importantly, non‐specific neurotoxic effects. It is concluded that substance P or a closely related peptide is a functional neurotransmitter in the rat parotid gland.
Spo0A directly controls the switch from acid to solvent production in solvent‐forming clostridia

The spo0A genes of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 and Clostridium cellulolyticum ATCC 35319 were isolated and characterized. The C‐terminal DNA‐binding domains of the predicted products of spo0A from these two organisms, as well as 16 other taxonomically diverse species of Bacillus and Clostridium, show extensive amino acid sequence conservation (56% identity, 65% similarity over 104 residues). A 12‐amino‐acid motif (SRVERAIRHAIE) that forms the putative DNA recognition helix is particularly highly conserved, suggesting a common DNA target. Insertional inactivation of spo0A in C. beijerinckii blocked the formation of solvents (as well as spores and granulose). Sequences resembling Spo0A‐binding motifs (TGNCGAA) are found in the promoter regions of several of the genes whose expression is modulated at the onset of solventogenesis in Clostridium acetobutylicum and C. beijerinckii. These include the upregulated adc gene, encoding acetoacetate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.4), and the downregulated ptb gene, encoding phosphotransbutyrylase (EC 2.3.1.c). In vitro gel retardation experiments using C. acetobutylicum adc and C. beijerinckii ptb promoter fragments and recombinant Bacillus subtilis and C. beijerinckii Spo0A suggested that adc and ptb are directly controlled by Spo0A. The binding affinity was reduced when the 0A boxes were destroyed, and enhanced when they were modified to conform precisely to the consensus sequence. In vivo analysis of wild‐type and mutagenized promoters transcriptionally fused to the gusA reporter gene in C. beijerinckii validated this hypothesis. Post‐exponential phase expression from the mutagenized adc promoter was substantially reduced, whereas expression from the mutagenized ptb promoter was not shut down at the end of exponential growth.
Asynchrony between pronuclear development and protein synthetic changes in zygotes of the mouse derived from oocytes aged postovulation in vivo and fertilized in vivo

The pattern of proteins synthesized by one‐cell embryos derived from unaged oocytes and oocytes aged postovulation in vivo was analyzed by means of 35S‐methionine labeling and gel electrophoresis. The oocytes were obtained after ovulation induction by an injection of luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) at proestrus or after a superovulation procedure. The analysis was performed in unfertilized aged and unaged secondary oocytes and in zygotes derived from them. The patterns of proteins synthesized by secondary oocytes from all experimental groups were very similar: The oocytes showed a predominant synthesis of 35 kDa proteins. Zygotes from aged as well as unaged LHRH‐induced oocytes also showed a predominant synthesis of one group of polypeptides with a relative molecular weight of about 35 kDa. The proteins of the 35 kDa protein complex migrated in an upper (u), middle (m), or lower (l) band in 10% polyacrylamide sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels. The u‐ and m‐band 35 kDa proteins were shown to be synthesized by secondary oocytes. Early pronuclear zygotes from unaged LHRH‐induced oocytes synthesized u‐ and m‐ but no l‐band 35 kDa proteins. In contrast, part (38%, n = 47) of the early pronuclear zygotes from aged LHRH‐induced oocytes did synthesize the l‐band 35 kDa proteins. Late pronuclear zygotes (LPZ) from aged as well as unaged oocytes synthesized predominantly the l‐band 35 kDa proteins. However, although only 5.8% (n = 51) of LPZ from unaged oocytes synthesize m‐ and l‐band 35 kDa proteins, these bands of proteins are present in 25% (n = 24) of the LPZ from aged oocytes. Thus, in zygotes from aged oocytes, at least part of the fertilization‐dependent changes in the 35 kDa protein synthetic pattern are advanced with reference to the morphological stage of pronuclear progression. Most (80.6%, n = 36) of the early pronuclear zygotes from unaged superovulated oocytes synthesized u‐ and m‐band 35 kDa proteins, like early pronuclear zygotes from unaged LHRH‐induced oocytes. However, 16.7% did not synthesize any of the 35 kDa proteins at all. Thus with respect to the protein synthetic pattern of 35 kDa proteins, zygotes from unaged superovulated oocytes are different from zygotes derived from unaged LHRH‐induced oocytes.
Aldose and aldehyde reductases: structure-function studies on the coenzyme and inhibitor-binding sites.

PURPOSE To identify the structural features responsible for the differences in coenzyme and inhibitor specificities of aldose and aldehyde reductases. METHODS The crystal structure of porcine aldehyde reductase in complex with NADPH and the aldose reductase inhibitor sorbinil was determined. The contribution of each amino acid lining the coenzyme-binding site to the binding of NADPH was calculated using the Discover package. In human aldose reductase, the role of the non-conserved Pro 216 (Ser in aldehyde reductase) in the binding of coenzyme was examined by site-directed mutagenesis. RESULTS Sorbinil binds to the active site of aldehyde reductase and is hydrogen-bonded to Trp 22, Tyr 50, His 113, and the non-conserved Arg 312. Unlike tolrestat, the binding of sorbinil does not induce a change in the side chain conformation of Arg 312. Mutation of Pro 216 to Ser in aldose reductase makes the binding of coenzyme more similar to that of aldehyde reductase. CONCLUSIONS The participation of non-conserved active site residues in the binding of inhibitors and the differences in the structural changes required for the binding to occur are responsible for the differences in the potency of inhibition of aldose and aldehyde reductases. We report that the non-conserved Pro 216 in aldose reductase contributes to the tight binding of NADPH.
Strategies for sustaining family business through succession planning and family creed

Family business literature reveals that the majority of family businesses do not make it to the second generation, and quite a few are fortunate to be passed onto the third generation. Succession planning is the critical issue that enhances continuity of the family business. Relational influences indicate that the balancing of family systems and business systems is more likely to encourage high quality succession. The development of effective practical governance systems can help the family business achieve its strategy. External influences indicate that owner role adjustment, defined as the predecessor’s “letting go” in the firm, as well as the development and mentoring of the successor, shape the effectiveness of succession in the family business.