Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observed variability and trends in extreme climate events: A brief review

Variations and trends in extreme climate events have only recently received much attention. Exponentially increasing economic losses, coupled with an increase in deaths due to these events, have focused attention on the possibility that these events are increasing in frequency. One of the major problems in examining the climate record for changes in extremes is a lack of high-quality, long-term data. In some areas of the world increases in extreme events are apparent, while in others there appears to be a decline. Based on this information increased ability to monitor and detect multidecadal variations and trends is critical to begin to detect any observed changes and understand their origins.
Identification of a gene associated with avian migratory behaviour

Bird migration is one of the most spectacular and best-studied phenomena in behavioural biology. Yet, while the patterns of variation in migratory behaviour and its ecological causes have been intensively studied, its genetic, physiological and neurological control remains poorly understood. The lack of knowledge of the molecular basis of migration is currently not only limiting our insight into the proximate control of migration, but also into its evolution. We investigated polymorphisms in the exons of six candidate genes for key behavioural traits potentially linked to migration, which had previously been identified in several bird species, and eight control loci in 14 populations of blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla), representing the whole range of geographical variation in migration patterns found in this species, with the aim of identifying genes controlling variation in migration. We found a consistent association between a microsatellite polymorphism and migratory behaviour only at one candidate locus: the ADCYAP1 gene. This polymorphism explained about 2.6 per cent of the variation in migratory tendency among populations, and 2.7–3.5% of variation in migratory restlessness among individuals within two independent populations. In all tests, longer alleles were associated with higher migratory activity. The consistency of results among different populations and levels of analysis suggests that ADCYAP1 is one of the genes controlling the expression of migratory behaviour. Moreover, the multiple described functions of the gene product indicate that this gene might act at multiple levels modifying the shift between migratory and non-migratory states.
Results of first proficiency test for KRAS testing with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cell lines in China

Abstract Background: Laboratory testing for KRAS (v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is performed by various methods in China, but there is no standardized system for proficiency testing or assay performance evaluations. The aim of this study was to evaluate assay and laboratory performance with artificial samples derived from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cell lines. Methods: Artificial FFPE samples were prepared from cultured cell lines to construct a proficiency panel of 10 samples covering eight KRAS mutations and two wild-type samples. The samples were validated by Sanger sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The panel was distributed to participating laboratories and their reported results were compared to the reference sequences. Results: The percentages of mutant KRAS alleles in each mutant sample were more than 50% by MALDI-TOF-MS. Sixty-three laboratories reported results, including 41 hospital laboratories and 22 commercial laboratories and reagent manufacturers. Only 55.6% (35/63) of the laboratories correctly identified the mutations in all samples and 33.3% (21/63) reported at least one false-positive result. The false-positive ratio was 7.1% (45/630) and the false-negative ratio was 3.0% (15/504). Conclusions: KRAS mutations can be missed even by the most sensitive methods if the procedures are not performed correctly. False-positive results are a substantial problem in KRAS testing; laboratories must use sufficient negative controls to identify cross-contamination from PCR-amplified products or between samples during handling and DNA extraction.
Input Queued Packet Switches for VariableLength Packets : A Continious Time AnalysisD

| We consider a general input queued M N switch operating in continuous time. Analysis of such switches is important in the context of IP switches where the packet arrival process and packet lengths are drawn from continuous distributions. An approximate model to obtain the delay throughput characteristics of this switch is developed. The model is general enough to allow non uniform arrival rates, routing probabilities and output evacuation rates. After developing the general model, we consider N N switches with uniform arrivals, speedup in the switch to allow multiple evacuations from input head-of-lines by an output and also the eeect of hotspots in the output. All our analytical models are compared against simulation models. We also comment on some of the unexplained results in 3] where the rst such system was considered.
Genetic Polymorphisms in MTHFR 677 and 1298 , GSTM 1 and T 1 , and Metabolism of Arsenic Craig Steinmaus Arsenic Health

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A Current Issues Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.informaworld. com/smpp/title~content=t713667303 Genetic Polymorphisms in MTHFR 677 and 1298, GSTM1 and T1, and Metabolism of Arsenic Craig Steinmaus ab; Lee E. Moore ac; Miriam Shipp d; David Kalman e; Omar A. Rey f; Mary L. Biggs g; Claudia Hopenhayn h; Michael N. Bates i; Shichun Zheng j; John K. Wiencke j; Allan H. Smith a a Arsenic Health Effects Research Program, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA b Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, California, USA c Occupational Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA d Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA e School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA f Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Catolica de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina g Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA h College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA i School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA j Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: experience from a regional cancer center.

AIMS To analyze clinical features and survival in HIV-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases registered at Dr BRA Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital of AIIMS, New Delhi. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have retrospectively reviewed records of NHL patients registered, from January 2003 to July 2007 to analyze HIV-associated NHL. RESULTS Seven cases of HIV-associated NHL cases were identified. Age range was 14-56 years. Five were males. Baseline performance status (ECOG-PS) was >I in 6. Mean LDH was 409 U/L. Mean hemoglobin was 10.5 g% and mean CD4 count was 243/mm3 (range 18-454). Three cases had nodal lymphoma and four had extra nodal lymphoma. No primary CNS (PCNSL) lymphoma was seen. All patients were of advanced stages and of intermediate to high-risk group based on international prognostic index (IPI). Six cases had high-grade NHL. None had CNS involvement. Five had B symptoms. HIV infection was diagnosed as part of NHL work-up in five patients. All patients received HAART. All were planned for chemotherapy with CNS prophylaxis. Protocols used were CVP, CHOP, R-CHOP or MCP-842. One patient received IFRT. RESPONSE One patient achieved complete response (CR) and continues to be disease free, with 4.5 years of follow-up. Three cases achieved partial response (PR) and 2 had progressive disease (PD). Currently, three patients are on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS These NHL are of higher grade and advanced stage. Response and tolerance to chemotherapy is poor. Appropriate supportive care and CNS prophylaxis might improve outcome. We need to improve epidemiological data collection system in this part of world. With HAART, the goal of therapy is durable CR rather than palliation.
Evidence of efficient stop codon readthrough in four mammalian genes

Stop codon readthrough is used extensively by viruses to expand their gene expression. Until recent discoveries in Drosophila, only a very limited number of readthrough cases in chromosomal genes had been reported. Analysis of conserved protein coding signatures that extend beyond annotated stop codons identified potential stop codon readthrough of four mammalian genes. Here we use a modified targeted bioinformatic approach to identify a further three mammalian readthrough candidates. All seven genes were tested experimentally using reporter constructs transfected into HEK-293T cells. Four displayed efficient stop codon readthrough, and these have UGA immediately followed by CUAG. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that in the four readthrough candidates containing UGA-CUAG, this motif is conserved not only in mammals but throughout vertebrates with the first six of the seven nucleotides being universally conserved. The importance of the CUAG motif was confirmed using a systematic mutagenesis approach. One gene, OPRL1, encoding an opiate receptor, displayed extremely efficient levels of readthrough (∼31%) in HEK-293T cells. Signals both 5′ and 3′ of the OPRL1 stop codon contribute to this high level of readthrough. The sequence UGA-CUA alone can support 1.5% readthrough, underlying its importance.
Common set of genes regulates low‐density lipoprotein size and obesity‐related factors in Alaskan Eskimos: Results from the GOCADAN Study

Increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease in traditionally low‐risk Alaskan Eskimos is a cause for concern. The purpose of this study was to examine the genetic and environmental correlations of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions with obesity‐related factors in Alaskan Eskimos, using data from the first 954 participants of the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives Study. Estimates of genetic and environmental influence were calculated using a maximum likelihood variance component method implemented in SOLAR. Mean values of weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist were 73.4 ± 0.5 kg, 27.6 ± 0.2 kg/m2, and 88.0 ± 0.4 cm, respectively. LDL, and its small (LDL1), medium (LDL2), and large (LDL3) subfractions, had mean values of 115.8 ± 1.2 mg/dl, 8.3 ± 0.4 mg/dl, 19.6 ± 0.8 mg/dl, and 71.5 ± 1.5 mg/dl, respectively. Bivariate analysis displayed significant genetic correlations between LDL subfractions and obesity‐related factors: LDL1 with BMI (rhoG = 0.67, P < 0.05), waist (rhoG = 0.80, P < 0.001), and subscapular and tricep skinfolds (rhoG = 0.93, P < 0.005, and rhoG = 0.78, P < 0.05, respectively); LDL2 with BMI (rhoG = 0.52, P < 0.05), waist (rhoG = 0.46, P < 0.05), and tricep skinfold (rhoG = 0.60, P < 0.05); and mean LDL size with BMI (rhoG = −0.36), waist (rhoG = −0.42,), and subscapular and tricep skinfolds (rhoG = −0.44 and −0.43, respectively) (P < 0.005). These results show that a common set of genes is influencing LDL size and obesity‐related factors in Alaskan Eskimos. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:525–531, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Implementation of Crew Resource Management: A Qualitative Study in 3 Intensive Care Units

Objectives Classroom-based crew resource management (CRM) training has been increasingly applied in health care to improve safe patient care. Crew resource management aims to increase participants' understanding of how certain threats can develop as well as provides tools and skills to respond to such threats. Existing literature shows promising but inconclusive results that might be explained by the quality of the implementation. The present research systematically describes the implementation from the perspective of 3 trained intensive care units (ICUs). Methods The design of the study was built around 3 stages of implementation: (1) the preparation, (2) the actions after the CRM training, and (3) the plans for the future. To assess all stages in 3 Dutch ICUs, 12 semistructured interviews with implementation leaders were conducted, the End-of-Course Critique questionnaire was administered, and objective measurements consisting of the number and types of plans of action were reported. Results The results categorize initiatives that all 3 ICUs successfully launched, including the development of checklists, each using a different implementation strategy. All ICUs have taken several steps to sustain their approach for the foreseeable future. Three similarities between the units were seen at the start of the implementation: (1) acknowledgment of a performance gap in communication, (2) structural time allocated for CRM, and (3) a clear vision on how to implement CRM. Conclusions This study shows that CRM requires preparation and implementation, both of which require time and dedication. It is promising to note that all 3 ICUs have developed multiple quality improvement initiatives and aim to continue doing so.
FREQUENCY OF SOLAR-LIKE SYSTEMS AND OF ICE AND GAS GIANTS BEYOND THE SNOW LINE FROM HIGH-MAGNIFICATION MICROLENSING EVENTS IN 2005–2008

We present the first measurement of the planet frequency beyond the “snow line,” for the planet-to-star mass-ratio interval −4.5 < log q < −2, corresponding to the range of ice giants to gas giants. We find at the mean mass ratio q = 5 × 10−4 with no discernible deviation from a flat (Öpik's law) distribution in log-projected separation s. The determination is based on a sample of six planets detected from intensive follow-up observations of high-magnification (A>200) microlensing events during 2005–2008. The sampled host stars have a typical mass Mhost ∼ 0.5 M☉, and detection is sensitive to planets over a range of planet–star-projected separations (s−1maxRE, smaxRE), where RE ∼ 3.5 AU(Mhost/M☉)1/2 is the Einstein radius and smax ∼ (q/10−4.3)1/3. This corresponds to deprojected separations roughly three times the “snow line. ” We show that the observations of these events have the properties of a “controlled experiment,” which is what permits measurement of absolute planet frequency. High-magnification events are rare, but the survey-plus-follow-up high-magnification channel is very efficient: half of all high-mag events were successfully monitored and half of these yielded planet detections. The extremely high sensitivity of high-mag events leads to a policy of monitoring them as intensively as possible, independent of whether they show evidence of planets. This is what allows us to construct an unbiased sample. The planet frequency derived from microlensing is a factor 8 larger than the one derived from Doppler studies at factor ∼25 smaller star–planet separations (i.e., periods 2–2000 days). However, this difference is basically consistent with the gradient derived from Doppler studies (when extrapolated well beyond the separations from which it is measured). This suggests a universal separation distribution across 2 dex in planet–star separation, 2 dex in mass ratio, and 0.3 dex in host mass. Finally, if all planetary systems were “analogs” of the solar system, our sample would have yielded 18.2 planets (11.4 “Jupiters,” 6.4 “Saturns,” 0.3 “Uranuses,” 0.2 “Neptunes”) including 6.1 systems with two or more planet detections. This compares to six planets including one two-planet system in the actual sample, implying a first estimate of 1/6 for the frequency of solar-like systems.
One- and Two-Locus Population Models With Differential Viability Between Sexes: Parallels Between Haploid Parental Selection and Genomic Imprinting

A model of genomic imprinting with complete inactivation of the imprinted allele is shown to be formally equivalent to the haploid model of parental selection. When single-locus dynamics are considered, an internal equilibrium is possible only if selection acts in the opposite directions in males and females. I study a two-locus version of the latter model, in which maternal and paternal effects are attributed to the single alleles at two different loci. A necessary condition for the allele frequency equilibria to remain on the linkage equilibrium surface is the multiplicative interaction between maternal and paternal fitness parameters. In this case the equilibrium dynamics are independent at both loci and results from the single-locus model apply. When fitness parameters are additive, analytic treatment was not possible but numerical simulations revealed that stable polymorphism characterized by association between loci is possible only in several special cases in which maternal and paternal fitness contributions are precisely balanced. As in the single-locus case, antagonistic selection in males and females is a necessary condition for the maintenance of polymorphism. I also show that the above two-locus results of the parental selection model are very sensitive to the inclusion of weak directional selection on the individual's own genotypes.
Learning Video Saliency from Human Gaze Using Candidate Selection

During recent years remarkable progress has been made in visual saliency modeling. Our interest is in video saliency. Since videos are fundamentally different from still images, they are viewed differently by human observers. For example, the time each video frame is observed is a fraction of a second, while a still image can be viewed leisurely. Therefore, video saliency estimation methods should differ substantially from image saliency methods. In this paper we propose a novel method for video saliency estimation, which is inspired by the way people watch videos. We explicitly model the continuity of the video by predicting the saliency map of a given frame, conditioned on the map from the previous frame. Furthermore, accuracy and computation speed are improved by restricting the salient locations to a carefully selected candidate set. We validate our method using two gaze-tracked video datasets and show we outperform the state-of-the-art.
Characterization of myelin proteolipid mRNAs in normal and jimpy mice

A clone specific for the rat myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) was isolated from a cDNA library made in pUC18 from 17-day-old rat brain stem mRNA. This clone corresponded to the carboxyl-terminal third of the PLP-coding region. The clone was used to identify PLP-specific mRNAs in mouse brain and to establish the time course of PLP mRNA expression during mouse brain development. Three PLP-specific mRNAs were seen, approximately 1,500, 2,400, and 3,200 bases in length, of which the largest was the most abundant. During brain development, the maximal period of PLP mRNA expression was from 14 to 25 days of age, and this was a similar time course to that for myelin basic protein mRNA expression. When the jimpy mouse, an X-linked dysmyelination mutant, was studied for PLP mRNA expression, low levels of PLP mRNA were seen which were approximately 5% of wild-type levels at 20 days of age. When jimpy brain RNA was analyzed by Northern blotting, the PLP-specific mRNA was shown to be 100 to 200 bases shorter than the wild-type PLP-specific mRNA. This size difference was seen in the two major PLP mRNAs, and it did not result from a loss of polyadenylation of these mRNAs.
Common and Distinct Roles of Juvenile Hormone Signaling Genes in Metamorphosis of Holometabolous and Hemimetabolous Insects

Insect larvae metamorphose to winged and reproductive adults either directly (hemimetaboly) or through an intermediary pupal stage (holometaboly). In either case juvenile hormone (JH) prevents metamorphosis until a larva has attained an appropriate phase of development. In holometabolous insects, JH acts through its putative receptor Methoprene-tolerant (Met) to regulate Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) and Broad-Complex (BR-C) genes. While Met and Kr-h1 prevent precocious metamorphosis in pre-final larval instars, BR-C specifies the pupal stage. How JH signaling operates in hemimetabolous insects is poorly understood. Here, we compare the function of Met, Kr-h1 and BR-C genes in the two types of insects. Using systemic RNAi in the hemimetabolous true bug, Pyrrhocoris apterus, we show that Met conveys the JH signal to prevent premature metamorphosis by maintaining high expression of Kr-h1. Knockdown of either Met or Kr-h1 (but not of BR-C) in penultimate-instar Pyrrhocoris larvae causes precocious development of adult color pattern, wings and genitalia. A natural fall of Kr-h1 expression in the last larval instar normally permits adult development, and treatment with an exogenous JH mimic methoprene at this time requires both Met and Kr-h1 to block the adult program and induce an extra larval instar. Met and Kr-h1 therefore serve as JH-dependent repressors of deleterious precocious metamorphic changes in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous juveniles, whereas BR-C has been recruited for a new role in specifying the holometabolous pupa. These results show that despite considerable evolutionary distance, insects with diverse developmental strategies employ a common-core JH signaling pathway to commit to adult morphogenesis.
Wavelet Neural Networks: A Practical Guide

Wavelet networks (WNs) are a new class of networks which have been used with great success in a wide range of applications. However a general accepted framework for applying WNs is missing from the literature. In this study, we present a complete statistical model identification framework in order to apply WNs in various applications. The following subjects were thoroughly examined: the structure of a WN, training methods, initialization algorithms, variable significance and variable selection algorithms, model selection methods and finally methods to construct confidence and prediction intervals. In addition the complexity of each algorithm is discussed. Our proposed framework was tested in two simulated cases, in one chaotic time series described by the Mackey-Glass equation and in three real datasets described by daily temperatures in Berlin, daily wind speeds in New York and breast cancer classification. Our results have shown that the proposed algorithms produce stable and robust results indicating that our proposed framework can be applied in various applications.
THE IMPACT OF ANTENATAL HEALTH EDUCATION ON HEALTHY PREGNANCY AND SAFE DELIVERY

Pregnancy is an important period for a woman. During this period, women experience many physical and emotional changes that require special attention and care. Antenatal health education is an effort to provide knowledge and information to pregnant women about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum health. The aim of this research is to determine the impact of antenatal health education on healthy pregnancies and safe births. This study used qualitative research methods. Research data was obtained through literature study and in-depth interviews with 10 pregnant women who had attended antenatal health education. The data that has been collected is then analyzed in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The research results show that antenatal health education has a positive impact on healthy pregnancies and safe births. Pregnant women who take part in antenatal health education have better knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum health. This knowledge helps pregnant women to take better care of themselves and their fetus' health, make the right decisions regarding pregnancy and childbirth, prepare themselves physically and mentally for labor and postpartum, and face pregnancy and childbirth complications more calmly.