Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pluvials, droughts, the Mongol Empire, and modern Mongolia

Significance A 1,112-y tree-ring record of moisture shows that in opposition to conventional wisdom, the climate during the rise of the 13th-century Mongol Empire was a period of persistent moisture, unprecedented in the last 1,000 y. This 15-y episode of persistent moisture likely led to a period of high grassland productivity, contributing fuel to the Mongol Empire. We also present evidence that anthropogenic warming exacerbated the 21st-century drought in central Mongolia. These results indicate that ecosystems and societies in semiarid regions can be significantly affected by unusual climatic events at the decadal time scale. Although many studies have associated the demise of complex societies with deteriorating climate, few have investigated the connection between an ameliorating environment, surplus resources, energy, and the rise of empires. The 13th-century Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in world history. Although drought has been proposed as one factor that spurred these conquests, no high-resolution moisture data are available during the rapid development of the Mongol Empire. Here we present a 1,112-y tree-ring reconstruction of warm-season water balance derived from Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) trees in central Mongolia. Our reconstruction accounts for 56% of the variability in the regional water balance and is significantly correlated with steppe productivity across central Mongolia. In combination with a gridded temperature reconstruction, our results indicate that the regional climate during the conquests of Chinggis Khan’s (Genghis Khan’s) 13th-century Mongol Empire was warm and persistently wet. This period, characterized by 15 consecutive years of above-average moisture in central Mongolia and coinciding with the rise of Chinggis Khan, is unprecedented over the last 1,112 y. We propose that these climate conditions promoted high grassland productivity and favored the formation of Mongol political and military power. Tree-ring and meteorological data also suggest that the early 21st-century drought in central Mongolia was the hottest drought in the last 1,112 y, consistent with projections of warming over Inner Asia. Future warming may overwhelm increases in precipitation leading to similar heat droughts, with potentially severe consequences for modern Mongolia.
Effect of Lipid Particle Biogenesis on the Subcellular Distribution of Squalene in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

Squalene belongs to the group of isoprenoids and is a precursor for the synthesis of sterols, steroids, and ubiquinons. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the amount of squalene can be increased by variation of growth conditions or by genetic manipulation. In this report, we show that a hem1Δ mutant accumulated a large amount of squalene, which was stored almost exclusively in cytoplasmic lipid particles/droplets. Interestingly, a strain bearing a hem1Δ deletion in a dga1Δlro1Δare1Δare2Δ quadruple mutant background (QMhem1Δ), which is devoid of the classical storage lipids, triacylglycerols and steryl esters, and lacks lipid particles, accumulated squalene at similar amounts as the hem1Δ mutant in a wild type background. In QMhem1Δ, however, increased amounts of squalene were found in cellular membranes, especially in microsomes. The fact that QMhem1Δ did not form lipid particles indicated that accumulation of squalene solely was not sufficient to initiate proliferation of lipid particles. Most importantly, these results also demonstrated that (i) squalene was not lipotoxic under the conditions tested, and (ii) organelle membranes in yeast can accommodate relatively large quantities of this non-polar lipid without compromising cellular functions. In summary, localization of squalene as described here can be regarded as an unconventional example of non-polar lipid storage in cellular membranes.
The homomorphism problem for regular graph patterns

The evaluation of conjunctive regular path queries - which form the navigational core of the query languages for graph databases - raises challenges in the context of the homomorphism problem that are not fully addressed by existing techniques. We start a systematic investigation of such challenges using a notion of homomorphism for regular graph patterns (RGPs). We observe that the RGP homomorphism problem cannot be reduced to known instances of the homomorphism problem, and new techniques need to be developed for its study. We first show that the non-uniform version of the problem is computationally harder than for the usual homomorphism problem. By establishing a connection between both problems, in turn, we postulate a dichotomy conjecture, analogous to the algebraic dichotomy conjecture held in CSP. We also look at which structural restrictions on left-hand side instances of the RGP homomorphism problem ensure efficiency. We study restrictions based on the notion of bounded treewidth modulo equivalence, which characterizes tractability for the usual homomorphism notion. We propose two such notions, based on different interpretations of RGP equivalence, and show that they both ensure the efficiency of the RGP homomorphism problem.
The Function of Matricellular Proteins in the Lamina Cribrosa and Trabecular Meshwork in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE To review the current literature regarding the role of matricellular proteins in glaucoma, specifically in the lamina cribrosa (LC) region of the optic nerve head (ONH) and the trabecular meshwork (TM). METHODS A literature search was performed for published articles describing the expression and function of matricellular proteins such as thrombospondin (TSP), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), and periostin in glaucoma. RESULTS In glaucoma, there are characteristic extracellular matrix (ECM) changes associated with optic disc cupping in the ONH and subsequent visual field defects. Matricellular proteins are a family of nonstructural secreted glycoproteins, which enable cells to communicate with their surrounding ECM, including CTGF, also known as CCN2, TSPs, SPARC, periostin, osteonectin, and tenascin-C and -X, and other ECM proteins. Such proteins appear to play a role in fibrosis and increased ECM deposition. Importantly, most are widely expressed in tissues particularly in the TM and ONH, and deficiency of TSP1 and SPARC has been shown to lower intraocular pressure in mouse models of glaucoma through enhanced outflow facility. CONCLUSION This article highlights the role of matricellular proteins in glaucoma pathology. The potential role of these proteins in glaucoma is emerging as some have an association with the pathophysiology of the TM and LC region and might therefore be potential targets for therapeutic intervention in glaucoma.
Tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: evolving evidence

Purpose of review Topical tenofovir gel and oral tenofovir and emtricitabine–tenofovir [FTC/tenofovir disoproxyl fumarate (TDF)] have been demonstrated to have efficacy in preventing HIV-1 in some populations. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) trials and future directions are summarized. Recent findings Pericoital use of 1% tenofovir gel in the CAPRISA 004 study reduced HIV-1 acquisition by 39% and herpes simplex virus-2 acquisition by 51%. Daily oral FTC/TDF demonstrated 44% reduction in HIV-1 acquisition among MSM in the iPrEx study (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Initiative). Both studies showed higher efficacy among those with higher adherence. Efficacy of daily oral TDF and FTC/TDF was 66 and 73%, respectively, among HIV-1-uninfected partners in an HIV-1 serodiscordant partnership in the Partners PrEP Study. Efficacy of daily oral FTC/TDF was 66% in young heterosexuals in Botswana in the TDF2 trial. The FEM-PrEP and VOICE (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic) studies in African women found no efficacy with oral FTC/TDF and TDF, respectively. Safety and tolerability were excellent and limited resistance was observed in seroconverters. Summary Topical tenofovir gel showed efficacy in African women and daily oral TDF and FTC/TDF were efficacious in MSM, and African HIV-1 serodiscordant couples and young heterosexuals. The reasons for lack of efficacy of oral FTC/TDF and TDF in two studies in African women are being investigated. Longer-acting formulations, invtravaginal rings, and new candidate antiretrovirals are being evaluated for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Questioning the News About Economic Growth: Sparse Forecasting Using Thousands of News-Based Sentiment Values

The modern calculation of textual sentiment involves a myriad of choices as to the actual calibration. We introduce a general sentiment engineering framework that optimizes the design for forecasting purposes. It includes the use of the elastic net for sparse data-driven selection and the weighting of thousands of sentiment values. These values are obtained by pooling the textual sentiment values across publication venues, article topics, sentiment construction methods, and time. We apply the framework to the investigation of the value added by textual analysis-based sentiment indices for forecasting economic growth in the US. We find that the additional use of optimized news-based sentiment values yields significant accuracy gains for forecasting the nine-month and annual growth rates of the US industrial production, compared to the use of high-dimensional forecasting techniques based on only economic and financial indicators.
Community engagement in pro-poor tourism initiatives: fact or fallacy? Insights from the inside

ABSTRACT Tourism's economic impacts are considerable for many developing countries yet those most in need often benefit little from the tourism sector. As such, Pro Poor Tourism (PPT) has been advocated as a means of contributing to poverty alleviation. However, it is acknowledged that such projects may not succeed and this often occurs when PPT projects are not properly managed or when they are implemented without, among other things, appropriate community engagement and mechanisms for capacity development. Arguably the consultant has an important role; not only do they act as the intermediary between the PPT funding agencies and the local community, but they carry out the funding agency's directives with regards to community engagement. Utilising the insights and perspectives of 17 tourism consultants engaged in PPT projects in developing countries, this study sought to explore the role/s of tourism consultants in PPT projects and their perceptions and experiences of the engagement of local communities in PPT projects. It was found that consultants were cynical of approaches to local community engagement and discussed issues of tokenism, inefficient frameworks and strategies for engagement, and a lack of political will to meaningfully engage local communities.
Modelo Macro para Pruebas de Tensión de Riesgo de Crédito de Consumo en el Sistema Financiero Ecuatoriano

A model for credit stress testing that distinguishes between financial and macroeconomic stability is proposed. According to the transfer function model for the period 2006 and 2016, and data from 22 Ecuadorian private banks, the delinquency rate shows a solid relationship with the permanent fall in oil prices. Late payment is exacerbated as the volume of credit granted grows faster than overall economic activity. Specific Adriana Uquillas Andrade; Carlos Luis González Vallejo
Crossover randomized controlled trial of the electronic version of the Chinese SF-36

Objectivesto verify the feasibility and reliability of the electronic version of Chinese SF-36 based on the Quality-of-Life-Recorder.DesignA crossover randomized controlled trial, comparing a paper-based and an electronic version of the Chinese SF-36, was conducted. According to generated random numbers, interviewees were asked to fill out either the electronic version or the paper version first. The second version was filled in after a pause of at least 10 min.Settings and participantsOne group of 100 medical students at the School of Medicine of Zhejiang University and the other group of 50 outpatients at a clinic for general practice in Hangzhou City (China) were eventually recruited in this study.ResultsThe acceptance of the electronic version was good (60% of medical students and 84% of outpatients preferred the electronic version). At the level of eight-scale scores, the mean-difference for each scale (except for general health) between the two versions was less than 5%. At the level of 36 questions, the percentage of “exact agreement” ranged within 64%–99%; the percentage of “global agreement” ranged within 72%–99%; 77% of the kappa coefficients demonstrated “good/excellent agreement” and 23% of the kappa coefficients demonstrated “medium agreement”. ConclusionThis study, for the first time, can provide empirical basis for the confirmation of the feasibility and reliability of the electronic version of the Chinese SF-36 and may provide an impulse towards widespread deployment of the Quality-of-Life-Recorder in Chinese populations.
Homotypic Secretory Vesicle Fusion Induced by the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase MEG2 Depends on Polyphosphoinositides in T Cells1

Sec14p homology domains are found in a large number of proteins from plants, yeast, invertebrates, and higher eukaryotes. We report that the N-terminal Sec14p homology domain of the human protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-MEG2 binds phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) in vitro and colocalizes with this lipid on secretory vesicle membranes in intact cells. Point mutations that prevented PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 binding abrogated the capacity of PTP-MEG2 to induce homotypic secretory vesicle fusion in cells. Inhibition of cellular PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 synthesis also rapidly reversed the effect of PTP-MEG2 on secretory vesicles. Finally, we show that several different phosphoinositide kinases colocalize with PTP-MEG2, thus allowing for local synthesis of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in secretory vesicle membranes. We suggest that PTP-MEG2 through its Sec14p homology domain couples inositide phosphorylation to tyrosine dephosphorylation and the regulation of intracellular traffic of the secretory pathway in T cells.
Pruritus and Hydration State of Stratum corneum in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Xerosis is the most frequent cutaneous manifestation in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but the association between dry skin and pruritus remains to be clarified. Since the skin surface hygrometer can detect the changes of water content in the stratum corneum more sensitively, we re-examined the relationship between the severity of pruritus and water content in dialysis patients. Methods: Fifty patients who had been undergoing regular HD were examined for the degree of pruritus by clinical grading. Water contents in the stratum corneum at volar forearm and lower leg were assessed by measurement of high-frequency conductance using a skin surface hygrometer both at pre- and postdialysis. Results: Thirty-seven (74%) of dialysis patients complained of pruritus. High-frequency conductance values were significantly lower in HD patients compared to those of age-matched control subjects (n = 13) both at forearm (35.1 ± 3.0 vs. 73.3 ± 10.4 µS, p < 0.01) and lower leg (14.2 ± 1.1 vs. 52.4 ± 7.5 µS, p < 0.01). There was no relationship between the severity of pruritus and age, gender, HD duration, underlying renal disease, or removing fluid volume. A significant reduction of itching score was found in patients using polysulfone membrane. A single HD session using cellulose triacetate or polysulfone membrane significantly increased water content both at forearm and lower leg (p < 0.05). However, the degree of pruritus did not correlate with the skin water content both at the beginning and the end of HD session, respectively. Conclusion: It follows from these findings that water content in the stratum corneum was reduced in HD patients, but did not correlate with the severity of pruritus.
Does pseudoephedrine increase blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension?

BACKGROUND The use of the decongestant pseudoephedrine has been avoided in hypertensive patients with little evidence to support this caution. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of therapeutic doses of pseudoephedrine on blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension. METHODS Twenty-five patients with controlled hypertension were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial. This was a 4-week study in which all participants received placebo during the 1st and 3rd weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive pseudoephedrine or placebo during the 2nd week of the study, and to receive the opposite during the 4th week of the study. Blood pressure readings were taken at the beginning and end of each week of the trial, and at a 1-week poststudy follow-up visit. RESULTS The mean systolic pressure was 133 mm Hg in patients receiving both pseudoephedrine and placebo (P = NS). The mean diastolic pressure was 82 mm Hg in patients receiving pseudoephedrine and 82.5 mm Hg in patients receiving placebo. Mean pulse rates were 76.8 and 75.2 beats per minute in patients given pseudoephedrine and those given placebo, respectively (P = NS). There were no statistically significant or clinically important differences in the mean systolic or mean diastolic blood pressures among the groups during the entire 4-week course of the study. CONCLUSIONS At standard doses, pseudoephedrine has no significant effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure in patients with controlled hypertension.
Non-profit organisations and stakeholder relationships : assessing digital communication through public relations theory : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Communication in Public Relations at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

This research examines New Zealand non-profit organisations’ (NPOs) use of digital communication channels to assess if digital channels are being used effectively for stakeholder engagement. Qualitative interviews with 20 communication practitioners examined whether/how the NPOs are using multiple digital channels and identified the five most popular digital channels. The interview data was analysed using HyperRESEARCH and the five most popular channels identified overall were websites, e-newsletters, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Although the participating NPOs are all using multiple digital channels, the communication practitioners could not confidently say the channels achieve the organisation’s goals, or assist with stakeholder engagement and participation. To help assess if the channels are being used strategically and are achieving the organisations’ purposes, a quantitative content analysis of the most popular digital channels of five NPOs was undertaken. The channels’ content was also assessed to identify if the communication practitioners are using public relations theories for dialogic communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement. Results of the interviews and the content analysis reveal that NPOs are not using their channels strategically, and are not always achieving their desired purpose. The communication approach by the NPOs is scattershot and ad hoc, and evaluation of the communication is limited. To assist NPOs to improve their use of digital channels to build effective stakeholder relationships, recommendations include using public relations theories, building a digital communication strategy, making differentiated use of individual channels – rather than using a one-size-fits all approach – and ensuring evaluation of the digital communication to maintain best practice. This should provide NPOs with evidence of improved stakeholder engagement and relationships.
Impact of germline BRCA1 mutations and overexpression of p53 on prognosis and response to treatment following breast carcinoma

Overexpression of p53 has been associated with poor survival following breast carcinoma. BRCA1 interacts biochemically with p53 and may also contribute to poor outcome when constitutionally mutated. The joint effect of both abnormalities has not been studied. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of germline BRCA1 mutations and p53 overexpression on survival after 10 years of follow‐up.
Glucocorticoid-associated worsening in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome

Objective: Factors predicting poor outcome in patients with the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) have not been identified. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical, brain imaging, and angiography data in 162 patients with RCVS. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis were performed to identify predictors of persistent (nontransient) clinical worsening, radiologic worsening, early angiographic progression, and poor discharge outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 4–6). Results: The mean age was 44 ± 13 years; 78% of patients were women. Persistent clinical worsening occurred in 14% at 6.6 ± 4.1 days after symptom onset, radiologic worsening in 27% (mainly new infarcts), and angiographic progression in 15%. Clinical worsening correlated with angiographic progression and new nonhemorrhagic lesions. Age and sex did not independently predict any type of worsening. Infarction on baseline imaging predicted poor outcome. Prior serotonergic antidepressant use predicted clinical and angiographic worsening but not poor outcome. Intra-arterial vasodilator therapy independently predicted clinical worsening and poor discharge outcome but was offered to more severe cases. Glucocorticoid treatment proved to be an independent predictor of clinical, imaging, and angiographic worsening and poor outcome. Of the 23 patients with clinical worsening, 17 received glucocorticoids (15 within the preceding 2 days). There were no significant differences in baseline brain lesions and angiographic abnormalities between glucocorticoid-treated and untreated patients. Conclusion: Patients with RCVS at risk for worsening can be identified on basis of baseline features. Iatrogenic factors such as glucocorticoid exposure may contribute to worsening.
Estradiol Down-Regulation of the Rat Uterine Estrogen Receptor

Abstract We have previously shown that neonatal exposure of rats to pharmacologic doses of diethylstilbestrol via daily injections resulted in a significant decrease in the estrogen-binding capacity of the uterine estrogen receptor (ER). In this study, we examined the effects of physiologic and pharmacologic doses of estradiol (E2) administered to adult ovariectomized rats via Silastic implants. Two days after implantation, uteri were removed, weighed, and homogenized, and ER levels were determined in the supernatant (hydroxylapatite assay) and low-speed pellet (nuclear exchange assay). Implants containing E2 concentrations of 0.005 or 0.05 mg/ml increased cytosolic but not total ER-binding capacity, whereas 0.5 or 5.0 mg of E2/ml implants decreased the binding capacity of cytosol ER to 40% and total ER to 50% of control values. The 0.005-mg/ml dose increased cytosol ER without increasing uterine weight; all higher doses significantly increased uterine weight. Determination of ER protein by an ER radio-immunoassay showed the same extent of reduction of ER concentration as the binding assays, demonstrating that the loss in E2 binding capacity is homologous down-regulation. The down-regulation of ER was maximal at 24 hr and was completely reversible after implant removal, although the time required to recover from down-regulation was dose dependent. Uterine weight also returned to control levels slowly after implant removal. Neither the sedimentation rate of the down-regulated ER nor the Kd of the cytosolic ER changed following long-term implantation; however, the Kd of the nuclear ER decreased significantly. This is the first demonstration of in vivo homologous down-regulation of uterine ER. ER down-regulation may play a role in several biologic processes.