Zc3h10 Acts as a Transcription Factor and Is Phosphorylated to Activate the Thermogenic Program.

Brown adipose tissue harbors UCP1 to dissipate chemical energy as heat. However, the transcriptional network that governs the thermogenic gene program is incompletely understood. Zc3h10, a CCCH-type zinc finger protein, has recently been reported to bind RNA. However, we report here that Zc3h10 functions as a transcription factor to activate UCP1 not through the enhancer region, but by binding to a far upstream region of the UCP1 promoter. Upon sympathetic stimulation, Zc3h10 is phosphorylated at S126 by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) to increase binding to the distal region of the UCP1 promoter. Zc3h10, as well as mutant Zc3h10, which cannot bind RNA, enhances thermogenic capacity and energy expenditure, protecting mice from diet-induced obesity. Conversely, Zc3h10 ablation in UCP1+ cells in mice impairs thermogenic capacity and lowers oxygen consumption, leading to weight gain. Hence, Zc3h10 plays a critical role in the thermogenic gene program and may present future targets for obesity therapeutics

Air pollution modelling for birth cohorts: a time-space regression model

To investigate air pollution effects during pregnancy or in the first weeks of life, models are needed that capture both the spatial and temporal variability of air pollution exposures.; We developed a time-space exposure model for ambient NO2 concentrations in Bern, Switzerland. We used NO2 data from passive monitoring conducted between 1998 and 2009: 101 rural sites (24,499 biweekly measurements) and 45 urban sites (4350 monthly measurements). We evaluated spatial predictors (land use; roads; traffic; population; annual NO2 from a dispersion model) and temporal predictors (meteorological conditions; NO2 from continuous monitoring station). Separate rural and urban models were developed by multivariable regression techniques. We performed ten-fold internal cross-validation, and an external validation using 57 NO2 passive measurements obtained at study participant's homes.; Traffic related explanatory variables and fixed site NO2 measurements were the most relevant predictors in both models. The coefficient of determination (R(2)) for the log transformed models were 0.63 (rural) and 0.54 (urban); cross-validation R(2)s were unchanged indicating robust coefficient estimates. External validation showed R(2)s of 0.54 (rural) and 0.67 (urban).; This approach is suitable for air pollution exposure prediction in epidemiologic research with time-vulnerable health effects such as those occurring during pregnancy or in the first weeks of life

The perceived value of frequent flyer program benefits among Australian travelers

Understanding the perceived value of frequent flyer program benefits is crucial for commercial operations of airlines. This study aimed to investigate if travelers value various benefits provided by airlines and if such valuation correlates with certain characteristics of travelers. Through a scenario-based questionnaire it was confirmed that travelers do value extra and premium benefits offered by airlines, and such valuation increases along with the distance of route. It was also been found that top-tier members were willing to make a much higher offer for the same benefits on long-haul international route than members of lower status, but such difference in offer was not statistically significant on other routes. Results of this study could fulfill the gap of the current literature on frequent flyer programs, and offer practical guidance for airlines to generate higher revenues though customized pricing and targeted sales promotion to elite frequent flyers

Radio Continuum and Star Formation in CO-rich Early Type Galaxies

In this paper we present new high resolution VLA 1.4 GHz radio continuum observations of five FIR bright CO-rich early-type galaxies and two dwarf early-type galaxies. The position on the radio-FIR correlation combined with striking agreements in morphology between high resolution CO and radio maps show that the radio continuum is associated with star formation in at least four of the eight galaxies. The average star formation rate for the sample galaxies detected in radio is approximately 2 solar masses per year. There is no evidence of a luminous AGN in any of our sample galaxies. We estimate Toomre Q values and find that the gas disks may well be gravitationally unstable, consistent with the above evidence for star formation activity. The radio continuum emission thus corroborates other recent suggestions that star formation in early type galaxies may not be uncommon.Comment: 21 pages, 7 figures, to be published in the Astronomical Journa

A Computational Design Pipeline to Fabricate Sensing Network Physicalizations

Interaction is critical for data analysis and sensemaking. However, designing interactive physicalizations is challenging as it requires cross-disciplinary knowledge in visualization, fabrication, and electronics. Interactive physicalizations are typically produced in an unstructured manner, resulting in unique solutions for a specific dataset, problem, or interaction that cannot be easily extended or adapted to new scenarios or future physicalizations. To mitigate these challenges, we introduce a computational design pipeline to 3D print network physicalizations with integrated sensing capabilities. Networks are ubiquitous, yet their complex geometry also requires significant engineering considerations to provide intuitive, effective interactions for exploration. Using our pipeline, designers can readily produce network physicalizations supporting selection-the most critical atomic operation for interaction-by touch through capacitive sensing and computational inference. Our computational design pipeline introduces a new design paradigm by concurrently considering the form and interactivity of a physicalization into one cohesive fabrication workflow. We evaluate our approach using (i) computational evaluations, (ii) three usage scenarios focusing on general visualization tasks, and (iii) expert interviews. The design paradigm introduced by our pipeline can lower barriers to physicalization research, creation, and adoption.Comment: 11 pages, 8 figures; to be published in Proceedings of IEEE VIS 202

PreDiff: Precipitation Nowcasting with Latent Diffusion Models

Earth system forecasting has traditionally relied on complex physical models that are computationally expensive and require significant domain expertise. In the past decade, the unprecedented increase in spatiotemporal Earth observation data has enabled data-driven forecasting models using deep learning techniques. These models have shown promise for diverse Earth system forecasting tasks but either struggle with handling uncertainty or neglect domain-specific prior knowledge, resulting in averaging possible futures to blurred forecasts or generating physically implausible predictions. To address these limitations, we propose a two-stage pipeline for probabilistic spatiotemporal forecasting: 1) We develop PreDiff, a conditional latent diffusion model capable of probabilistic forecasts. 2) We incorporate an explicit knowledge control mechanism to align forecasts with domain-specific physical constraints. This is achieved by estimating the deviation from imposed constraints at each denoising step and adjusting the transition distribution accordingly. We conduct empirical studies on two datasets: N-body MNIST, a synthetic dataset with chaotic behavior, and SEVIR, a real-world precipitation nowcasting dataset. Specifically, we impose the law of conservation of energy in N-body MNIST and anticipated precipitation intensity in SEVIR. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of PreDiff in handling uncertainty, incorporating domain-specific prior knowledge, and generating forecasts that exhibit high operational utility.Comment: Technical repor

Influencia del índice de masa corporal en el equilibrio y la configuración plantar en obesos adultos

INTRODUCTION:Obesity is a multifactor chronic degenerative disease that can lead to changes in the musculoskeletal system, such as changing the center of gravity and mechanical loads on the lower limbs.OBJECTIVES:To correlate the body mass index (BMI) with the body balance and verify the association between BMI and foot conformation.METHODS:Thirty obese men and women were evaluated, with BMI greater or equal 30 kg/m². Initially, the volunteers underwent assessments of anthropometric measurements to calculate BMI value. Then the individuals were tested for static body balance by Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and plantigraphy for identification of footprints. Through the Viladot method, the volunteers were classified into groups: flat foot (GPP/FFG), cavus foot (GPC/CFG) and neutral foot (NFG). The correlation between the variables BESS and BMI was calculated using the Pearson's linear coefficient analysis and association between BMI, and the plantar conformation was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). For all analyzes, the level of significance was p<0.05.RESULTS:The values of the correlation between BMI and BESS were r=-0.1, p=0.59. The values of the association between BMI; GPN/NFG-GPP/FFG; GPN/NFG-GPC/CFG; GPP/FFG-GPC/CFG were respectively: p=0.76, p=0.001, p= 0.07.CONCLUSION:The body mass index of obese adults does not influence the body balance, but influences the plantar conformation.INTRODUCCIÓN:La obesidad es una enfermedad crónica degenerativa multifactorial que puede llevar a alteraciones del sistema musculoesquelético, como cambio del centro de gravedad y sobrecarga mecánica cuanto a los miembros inferiores.OBJETIVOS:Correlacionar el índice de masa corporal (IMC) con el equilibrio corporal y verificar el vínculo entre el IMC y la configuración plantar.MÉTODOS:Se evaluaron 30 obesos, de ambos sexos, con IMC mayor o igual a 30 Kg/m². Inicialmente, los voluntarios fueron sometidos a las evaluaciones de medidas antropométricas a fin de calcular el valor del IMC. A continuación, fueron sometidos a la prueba de equilibrio corporal estático Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) y a plantigrafía para la identificación de la impresión plantar. Por medio del método de Viladot, los voluntarios fueron clasificados en grupos: pie plano (GPP), pie cavo (GPC) y pie neutro (GPN). La correlación entre las variables IMC y BESS fue calculada mediante el coeficiente de correlación linear de Pearson y el vínculo entre el IMC y la configuración plantar fue identificado por medio del análisis de variancia (ANOVA). Para todos los análisis, el nivel de significancia que se consideró fue p < 0,05.RESULTADOS:Los valores de correlación entre el IMC y el BESS fueron r = - 0,1 y p = 0,59. Los valores del vínculo del IMC entre GPN-GPP, GPN-GPC, GPP-GPC fueron, respectivamente: p = 0,76; p = 0,001; p = 0,07.CONCLUSIÓN:El índice de masa corporal de adultos obesos no influencia en el equilibrio corporal, no obstante, influye en la configuración plantar.INTRODUÇÃO:A obesidade é uma doença crônica degenerativa multifatorial que pode levar a alterações do sistema musculoesquelético, como mudança do centro de gravidade e sobrecarga mecânica sobre os membros inferiores.OBJETIVOS:Correlacionar o índice de massa corporal (IMC) com o equilíbrio corporal e verificar associação entre o IMC e a configuração plantar.MÉTODOS:Foram avaliados 30 obesos, de ambos os gêneros, com IMC maior ou igual a 30 Kg/m². Inicialmente, os voluntários foram submetidos às avaliações de medidas antropométricas a fim de calcular o valor do IMC. Em seguida, foram submetidos ao teste de equilíbrio corporal estático Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) e a plantigrafia para a identificação da impressão plantar. Por meio do método de Viladot, os voluntários foram classificados em grupos: pé plano (GPP), pé cavo (GPC) e pé neutro (GPN). A correlação entre as variáveis IMC e BESS foi calculada por meio do coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson e associação entre o IMC e a configuração plantar foi realizada por meio da análise de variância (Anova). Para todas as análises, nível de significância considerado foi p < 0,05.RESULTADOS:Os valores da correlação entre o IMC e o BESS foram r = - 0,1 e p = 0,59. Os valores da associação do IMC entre GPN - GPP; GPN - GPC; GPP - GPC foram respectivamente: p = 0,76; p = 0,001; p = 0,07.CONCLUSÃO:O índice de massa corporal de adultos obesos não influencia o equilíbrio corporal, porém influencia na configuração plantar.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de BiocienciasUNIFESP, Depto. de BiocienciasSciEL

Acceptability of Active Case Finding with a Seed-and-Recruit Model to Improve Tuberculosis Case Detection and Linkage to Treatment in Cambodia: A Qualitative Study

Background With support of the national tuberculosis (TB) program, KHANA (a local non-governmental organization in Cambodia) has implemented an innovative approach using a seed-and-recruit model to actively find TB cases in the community. The model engaged community members including TB survivors as seed and newly diagnosed people with TB as recruiters to recruit presumptive TB cases in their social network in a snowball approach for screening and linkage to treatment. This study aimed to explore the acceptability of the active case finding with the seed-and-recruit model in detecting new TB cases and determine the characteristics of successful seeds. Methods This qualitative study was conducted in four provinces (Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Chhnang, Siem Reap, and Takeo) in Cambodia in 2017. Fifty-six in-depth interviews and ten focus group discussions (with a total of 64 participants) were conducted with selected beneficiaries and key stakeholders at different levels to gain insights into the acceptability, strengths, and challenges in implementing the model and the characteristics of successful seeds. Transcripts were coded and content analyses were performed. Results The seed-and-recruit active case finding model was generally well-received by the study participants. They saw the benefits of engaging TB survivors and utilizing their social network to find new TB cases in the community. The social embeddedness of the model within the local community was one of the major strengths. The success of the model also hinges on the integration with existing health facilities. Having an extensive social network, being motivated, and having good knowledge about TB were important characteristics of successful seeds. Study participants reported challenges in motivating the presumptive TB cases for screening, logistic capacities, and high workload during the implementation. However, there was a general consensus that the model ought to be expanded. Conclusions These findings indicate that the seed-and-recruit model is well-accepted by the beneficiaries and key stakeholders. Further studies are needed to more comprehensively evaluate the impacts and cost-effectiveness of the model for future expansion in Cambodia as well as in other resource-limited settings

Drug Therapy Problem Identification and Resolution by Clinical Pharmacists in a Family Medicine Residency Clinic

&nbsp; Purpose: There are limited data to evaluate the impact of ambulatory clinical pharmacist recommendations on family medicine resident prescribing and monitoring of medications. The purpose of this study is to begin to gain insight in this area by answering the research question, “How many ambulatory clinical pharmacist recommendations for drug therapy problem (DTP) resolution are implemented on the day of a medication therapy management (MTM) visit in an outpatient family medicine residency clinic?” Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of face-to-face MTM encounters conducted by ambulatory clinical pharmacists (including pharmacist residents) from August 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015 at a family medicine residency clinic. Descriptive statistics were conducted to both quantify the number of DTPs identified and resolved on the day of the MTM visit as well as categorize the DTPs. Results: Based on the 728 MTM encounters analyzed, patients were an average of 53.6 years old and took 11.9 medications to treat 5.7 medical conditions. A total of 3057 DTPs were identified in the 728 encounters, of which 1303 were resolved the same day as the MTM visit. This resulted in an average of 4.2 DTPs identified and 2.0 resolved per visit per patient. The most common DTP category identified in this study was the need for additional drug therapy (41.6%). Conclusions: Approximately half of the ambulatory clinical pharmacist’s DTP resolution recommendations were implemented the same day they were identified, which highlights the strength of team-based patient care and interprofessional collaboration in a residency teaching clinic. &nbsp; Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties. Treatment of Human Subjects: IRB determined project was non-HSR &nbsp; Type: Original Researc