Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The polymorphisms of UCP2 and UCP3 genes associated with fat metabolism, obesity and diabetes

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) belong to the family of mitochondrial transporter proteins that may uncouple the transport of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane from electron transport and the synthesis of ATP from ADP, hence generating heat rather than energy. In mammals, more than five family members have been identified, including UCP1, UCP2, UCP3, UCP4 (or BMCP1/UCP5) and UCP5. The UCPs may play an important role in energy homeostasis and have become prominent in the fields of thermogenesis, obesity, diabetes and free‐radical biology and have been considered candidate genes for obesity and insulin resistance. They have been as important potential targets for treatment of aging, degenerative diseases, diabetes and obesity. Recently, a series of studies showed the polymorphisms of UCPs gene association with the fat metabolism, obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes data supporting the roles of UCP2 and UCP3 in energy dissipation, as well as the genetic variety association with fat metabolism, obesity and diabetes in humans.
Remission and regression in the nephropathy of type 1 diabetes when blood pressure is controlled aggressively.

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic, progressive kidney disease with a mean rate of decline of in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 10 to 12 mL/min/year (natural history). The introduction of aggressive antihypertensive treatment has improved the renal prognosis during the last decades. To examine whether remission and regression of diabetic nephropathy are possible in type 1 diabetic patients, we analyzed data from a prospective observational cohort study that was started in 1983. METHODS We measured GFR with a 51Cr-EDTA plasma clearance technique every year for seven years (range 3 to 14 years) in 301 consecutive type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy was diagnosed clinically if the following criteria were fulfilled: persistent albuminuria> 200 microg/min, presence of diabetic retinopathy, and no evidence of other kidney or renal tract disease. Blood pressure, albuminuria, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, and serum cholesterol were measured every three to four months during the study. In total, 271 patients received antihypertensive treatment, 179 patients predominantly with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Remission was defined as albuminuria <200 microg/min sustained for at least one year and a decrease of at least 30% from preremission levels (surrogate endpoint), and regression as a rate of decline in GFR (DeltaGFR) equal to the natural aging process: < or =1 mL/min/year during the entire observation period (principal end point). RESULTS The total number of patients who obtained remission was 92 (31%), with a duration of remission of [median (range)] 3.4 (1.0 to 14.1) years, and regression 67 (22%). The patients were stratified in quintiles by the average value of office mean arterial blood pressure (mean +/- SE): 93 +/- 0.5, 99 +/- 0.2, 103 +/- 0.1, 107 +/- 0.2, and 113 +/- 0.4 mm Hg. The prevalence of patients obtaining remission/regression was 58/42, 33/32, 25/11, 20/20, and 17/7% in each quintile, respectively. Spontaneous remission and regression occurred in 10 and 14 patients from the persistent normotensive group (N = 30), none of whom had ever received antihypertensive treatment. In all 301 consecutive patients, the (mean +/- SE) DeltaGFR was 4.0 +/- 0.2 mL/min/year during the investigation period. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that aggressive antihypertensive treatment in type 1 diabetic patients can induce remission and regression in a sizable fraction of patients with diabetic nephropathy. Lower arterial blood pressure, reduced albuminuria, and better glycemic control were predictors of regression of diabetic nephropathy.
Forest Biomass and Carbon Stock Quantification Using Airborne LiDAR Data: A Case Study Over Huntington Wildlife Forest in the Adirondack Park

In response to the need for a better understanding of biosphere-atmosphere interactions as well as carbon cycles, there is a high demand for monitoring key forest parameters such as biomass and carbon stock. These monitoring tasks provide insight into relevant biogeochemical processes as well as anthropogenic impacts on the environment. Recent advances in remote sensing techniques such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) enable scientists to nondestructively identify structural and biophysical characteristics of forests. This study quantified forest biomass and carbon stock at the plot level from small-footprint full-waveform LiDAR data collected over a montane mixed forest in September 2011, using seven modeling methods: ordinary least squares, generalized additive model, Cubist, bagging, random forest, boosted regression trees, and support vector regression (SVR). Results showed that higher percentiles of canopy height and intensity made significant contributions to the predictions, while other explanatory variables related to canopy geometric volume, structure, and canopy coverage were generally not as important. Boosted regression trees provided the highest accuracy for model calibration, whereas SVR and ordinary least squares performed slightly better than the other models in model validation. In this study, the simple ordinary least squares approach performed just as well as any advanced machine learning method.
An empirical investigation of workplace factors affecting lean performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify workplace factors with an impact on lean performance (LP). This can lead to better LP outcomes, thus facilitating organizations to smoothly move from the conventional to lean management. Design/methodology/approach The direct effects of training, knowledge acquisition and organizational culture are empirically investigated using data from 126 managers employed at a global company, which recently has improved its LP. Study’s hypotheses were analyzed with hierarchical regression models. Findings The findings suggest that not all of the aforementioned workplace factors holistically affect LP. Only organizational culture is associated to the four LP variables (i.e. continuous improvement, waste, ergonomy and product quality). Training and knowledge acquisition offer partially effects on LP with training to contribute mostly to predicting continuous improvements. Knowledge acquisition alone, has significant yet negative impact on both continuous improvement and ergonomy. Even more, when training is combined with knowledge acquisition the results are different. Originality/value As this study highlights the impact of workplace practices on LP, attributes mainly importance to the distinct effects that each of the aforementioned factors has on the four distinct LP variables. Although the study results reflect a particular case, its recommendations could facilitate practitioners to achieve better lean outcomes.
Timing of presentation and postnatal outcome of infants suspected of having coarctation of the aorta during fetal life

Objective: To report the timing of presentation and clinical profile of a cohort of fetuses with normal main cardiac connections but fetal echocardiographic signs suggestive of coarctation of the aorta. Design: Retrospective observational study. Setting: Tertiary fetal and paediatric cardiology centre. Patients: Between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002, 174 fetuses were studied, of whom 144 infants were born alive. Main outcome measures: Of the 144 liveborn infants, 43 had coarctation of the aorta, four had interruption of the aortic arch, and one was managed as having hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Hemianomalous pulmonary venous drainage was diagnosed in two infants. Three infants with coarctation presented late at 7–13 weeks of age, 6–12 weeks after closure of the arterial duct. Fetuses with cardiac asymmetry had a higher incidence of left superior vena cava than a control group. For fetuses with cardiac asymmetry, the incidence of left superior vena cava and ventricular septal defects was similar in infants who proved to have coarctation postnatally and in those who did not. The 30 day and one year surgical mortality of infants having repair of coarctation of the aorta was two of 41 (4.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6 to 16.0). All cause mortality of liveborn infants with any abnormality of the aortic arch was five of 48 (10.4%, 95% CI 3.5 to 22.7) at 30 days and one year, which was heavily influenced by prematurity and extracardiac abnormalities. Conclusions: Precise diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta during fetal life remains difficult. Coarctation of the aorta may present several weeks after closure of the arterial duct and sequential echocardiography is recommended.
Growth Curves in Lambs of Various Genotypes Created on the Basis of Improved Valachian and Tsigai Breeds

MAKOVICKÝ PAVOL, MARGETÍN MILAN, NAGY MELINDA, MAKOVICKÝ PETER. 2017. Growth Curves in Lambs of Various Genotypes Created on the Basis of Improved Valachian and Tsigai Breeds. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 65(1): 0111–0118. Changes in live weight or dimension for a period of time are explained by growth curves. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth curves in lambs of 6 (1st experimental group) and/or 5 genotypes (2nd group) created on the basis of Improved Valachian (IV) and Tsigai (T) breed. All lambs (n = 209 and 205) were kept from birth to 9 months of age in identical conditions. Lambs of both experimental groups were weighed at birth and then every week until weaning (8 weightings totally). After weaning only breeding ewe and ram lambs were weighed (6 times totally). The growth of lambs created on the basis of IV a T breeds showed linear course till weaning expressed in regression equation y = 0.2659x + 5.352 and y = 0.2404x + 4.7364 respectively (R2 = 0.985 and/or 0.9954; x – day of raising). Weight differences between genotypes grew after weaning. The average weight of lambs at the age of 150 days was 40.15 kg in the 1st group and 38.31 kg in the 2nd group respectively. The lowest weight was in purebred IV (38.13 kg) a T lambs (34.98 kg) and the highest in the purebred Lacaune lambs (43.82 kg and/or 44.29 kg). Differences between genotypes were statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). The differences among genotypes were even more marked at the age of 9 months. Growth of lambs from birth to the age of 9 months can be expressed in the best way by means of polynomic equation (R2 = 0.99 in both experimental groups).
Perceptions of a group of surgical and non-surgical residents at a Hispanic academic medical center of the impact of the night-float system.

OBJECTIVE In 2003 the ACGME implemented mandatory work-hour limitations to address concerns about the negative effects of sleep deprivation on resident wellbeing and patient safety. The night-float system (NFS) is an attempt to promote a balance between optimal patient care and well-rested residents. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the perceptions of surgical and non-surgical residents with regard to the impact of the NFS on their education, their well-being, and aspects related to patient care. METHODS After the approval from the Institutional Review Board was received, residents (241) from the UPR School of Medicine residency programs were invited to participate. Those residents who chose to take part in the study (149) completed a questionnaire with demographic questions and items related to individual perceptions of the impact of the NFS. The questionnaires, collected from April 2010 through September 2010, were categorized as having come from a surgical or nonsurgical resident. Data were analyzed. RESULTS The response rate was almost sixty-two percent (61.8%). Of the residents who answered the questionnaire, 63% were in non-surgical programs, 51% were female, and 58% were single. Seventy-three percent of the residents had participated in an NFS. Sixty-two percent disagreed that their participation in the NFS improved their sense of well-being. Seventy-six percent agreed that their participation improved the continuity of care for the emergency room patients under their responsibility. A higher percentage of the non-surgical residents than surgical residents agreed that during their participation in the NFS, their relationships with their spouses/significant others and children (if applicable), sleep patterns and hours, peer support, and work/ rest balance were impacted negatively. CONCLUSION This group of residents presented significant differences between the non-surgical and the surgical groups in areas related to well-being, which the majority agreed was negatively impacted during their participation in the NFS.
A Simple Method for Comparative Study on the Thermal Performance of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) and Fluorescent Lamps

A simple method is proposed to measure the heat dissipation of LEDs and fluorescent lamps in an open system which allows light energy to escape. Based on this method, a comparative study on the thermal and luminous performance of high-brightness LEDs and fluorescent lamps is presented. At rated power, T5 & T8 fluorescent lamps generate about 73% - 77% of their total power as heat, whilst three types of high-brightness LEDs dissipate about 87% to 90% of input power as heat. Heat dissipation is an important factor particularly for air-conditioned buildings when overall energy efficiency is considered. T5 fluorescent lamps perform better than some existing LEDs in terms of luminous efficacy and heat generation in this study.
All different? All equal? differentiation of universities’ mission statements and excellence initiatives in Germany

German universities have traditionally been characterized as homogenous. However, recent policies such as the excellence initiative were supposed to introduce differentiation and incentivize universities to develop more specific missions. This study analyzes the mission statements of German universities using a quantitative content analysis. It focuses on the question, whether the mission statements of German universities can be clustered in different groups and if so, whether the membership in one of these groups correlates with a university’s success in one of the initiatives or other organizational characteristics. The results show that German universities today have somewhat differentiated mission statements focusing either on research or education. Additionally, half of the universities created significantly longer mission statements with more diverse profiles. However, the characteristics of a university’s mission statement are found not to be related to the university’s success in the excellence initiative, the Competition for Teaching Excellence or the type of institution.
Novel nuclear phosphoprotein pp32 is highly expressed in intermediate‐ and high‐grade prostate cancer

pp32 is a differentiation‐regulated nuclear phosphoprotein that is highly expressed in many cancers, but is restricted to self‐renewing and long‐lived normal cell populations. During murine embryogenesis, pp32 is expressed in primitive cell populations, diminishing as tissues terminally differentiate. Functionally, pp32 confers resistance to programmed cell death and, paradoxically, inhibits transformation mediated in vitro by a broad range of oncogenes, suggesting that pp32 is a multifunctional molecule with potentially complex activities in cancer.
Pediatric HIV in India: Current scenario and the way forward

In India, the prevention of parent-to-child transmission and antiretroviral therapy services for HIV-infected mothers and children have been rapidly scaled up over the recent years. Despite these advances, a large number of HIV-infected children are born in every year. A thorough literature review has been done by retrieving related studies (published from the year 2000 onward); using a Medline search and by extracting recent findings from the official websites of the National AIDS Control Organization, UNAIDS, UNICEF, and World Health Organization. The efforts that are made to control pediatric HIV are challenged by a large range of factors such as low health service utilization, poor drug adherence, delayed infant diagnosis, discriminatory attitude of health providers, loss to follow-up, and poor coordination in managing continuum of care. These challenges may be addressed by adopting innovative and effective strategies and strengthening the existing health system. This would bring about a significant reduction in pediatric HIV incidence and improve the outcomes in children who are HIV infected.
Evaluation of $V_{\rm ce}$ Monitoring as a Real-Time Method to Estimate Aging of Bond Wire-IGBT Modules Stressed by Power Cycling

The supervision of semiconductor power devices in operation demonstrates an obvious interest to improve the operating safety of electronic power converters used in critical applications. Unfortunately, this is a significant challenge due to the variability of stress conditions on the one hand and to the difficulty to implement accurate measurement systems in power stages on the other. Using VCE measurement as a real-time supervision method is evaluated here by using aging test results obtained on insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules stressed by power cycling. These results are related to the aging of bond wires and metallization, on the top part of the module. Results were obtained in original test benches whose characteristics are overviewed briefly in the first part of this paper, along with a description of test conditions. The second part presents selected results extracted from a larger work and focusing on the VCE evolution with respect to degradations of the module's top part. Their analysis highlights the potential of VCE measurement. The last part proposes the principle of a specific system able to achieve real-time VCE supervision in the test benches in operation.
A 1-Megadalton ESC/E(Z) Complex from Drosophila That Contains Polycomblike and RPD3

ABSTRACT Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are required to maintain stable repression of the homeotic genes and others throughout development. The PcG proteins ESC and E(Z) are present in a prominent 600-kDa complex as well as in a number of higher-molecular-mass complexes. Here we identify and characterize a 1-MDa ESC/E(Z) complex that is distinguished from the 600-kDa complex by the presence of the PcG protein Polycomblike (PCL) and the histone deacetylase RPD3. In addition, the 1-MDa complex shares with the 600-kDa complex the histone binding protein p55 and the PcG protein SU(Z)12. Coimmunoprecipitation assays performed on embryo extracts and gel filtration column fractions indicate that, during embryogenesis E(Z), SU(Z)12, and p55 are present in all ESC complexes, while PCL and RPD3 are associated with ESC, E(Z), SU(Z)12, and p55 only in the 1-MDa complex. Glutathione transferase pulldown assays demonstrate that RPD3 binds directly to PCL via the conserved PHD fingers of PCL and the N terminus of RPD3. PCL and E(Z) colocalize virtually completely on polytene chromosomes and are associated with a subset of RPD3 sites. As previously shown for E(Z) and RPD3, PCL and SU(Z)12 are also recruited to the insertion site of a minimal Ubx Polycomb response element transgene in vivo. Consistent with these biochemical and cytological results, Rpd3 mutations enhance the phenotypes of Pcl mutants, further indicating that RPD3 is required for PcG silencing and possibly for PCL function. These results suggest that there may be multiple ESC/E(Z) complexes with distinct functions in vivo.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Acinetobacter species

The in vitro activities of 16 antimicrobial agents against 180 Acinetobacter strains isolated from blood cultures (n = 162), central venous catheters (n = 11), and cerebrospinal fluids (n = 7) were studied. MICs were determined by a microtiter broth dilution method. Considerable differences in antimicrobial drug susceptibility against strains belonging to different species could be demonstrated. Acinetobacter baumannii isolates (n = 108) were generally more resistant than isolates identified as species other than A. baumannii. Multidrug resistance was common among A. baumannii isolates. Of the antimicrobial agents tested, imipenem was highly active against all A. baumannii isolates, and the other agents tested were only moderately active or inactive. Good activity against Acinetobacter species strain 3 was demonstrated for imipenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. Most of the strains belonging to other species were susceptible to imipenem, ciprofloxacin, expanded-spectrum cephalosporins, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and the aminoglycosides but were resistant to ampicillin and older cephalosporins.
Role of an entrepreneur for innovating regional agriculture: through a case of a Japanese ice cream firm

This paper describes a certain entrepreneur who established a local ice cream firm in Japan. The detailed analysis shows us that he played a role for innovating regional agriculture and vitalising stagnated regional society. Because he knows well about market needs on processed foods using regional agriculture products, he could educate regional farmers and could instruct them to right way fitting to market demand. By collaborating with the entrepreneur, the regional farmers have been vitalised and changed regional agriculture. The entrepreneur has a strong hometown feeling and solidarity/loyalty for regional community. The detailed observation on the process of growth of entrepreneur and his business history indicates mutual influence between entrepreneur and regional community. To grow such a capable entrepreneur who contributes to regional industry/society, accumulating social capital by regional people might be important. The case infers positive circulation of social capital between entrepreneur and community.
Prognostic factors for radiographic damage in early rheumatoid arthritis: a multiparameter prospective study.

OBJECTIVE To determine prognostic factors of radiologic damage and radiologic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS A cohort of 191 patients with RA whose disease duration was shorter than 1 year were prospectively followed up for 3 years. Radiologic scores (as determined by Sharp's method, modified by van der Heijde) and radiologic progression were used as outcome measures. Numerous baseline clinical, laboratory, genetic, and radiographic data were obtained. RESULTS The change in the total radiologic score for the patients followed up over 3 years was a mean +/- SD increase of 6.1 +/- 6.2. Radiologic progression was observed in 71 of the 172 patients for whom there were data at the end of the study. By univariate analysis with Fisher's exact test, radiologic scores and progression at followup were closely correlated with the baseline values of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein level, IgM and IgA rheumatoid factor positivity, antiperinuclear antibody positivity, radiologic scores, duration of morning stiffness, and RA-associated HLA-DRB1*04 genes. No correlation was demonstrated with sex, age, Disease Activity Score, swollen or tender joint counts, extraarticular manifestations, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, Ritchie Articular Index, patient's assessment of pain, positivity for anti-heat-shock protein 90-kd antibodies, anticalpastatin antibodies, anti-RA33 antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, YKL-40, or antikeratin antibodies, and HLA-DRB1*01 genes. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the only baseline values that were predictive of the 3-year radiologic scores were IgM rheumatoid factor positivity, DRB1*04 genes, pain score, and total radiologic score. Progression of joint damage was predicted by the ESR, IgM rheumatoid factor positivity, DRB1*04 genes, and erosions score at baseline. CONCLUSION Prognostic factors for radiographic damage in early RA were identified. A combination of these baseline values allowed us to draw up a predictive arithmetic score that could be used to predict radiologic damage at 3 years and radiologic progression in individual patients.