Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Human Retinoblastoma Gene Is Imprinted

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process leading to parent-of-origin–specific DNA methylation and gene expression. To date, ∼60 imprinted human genes are known. Based on genome-wide methylation analysis of a patient with multiple imprinting defects, we have identified a differentially methylated CpG island in intron 2 of the retinoblastoma (RB1) gene on chromosome 13. The CpG island is part of a 5′-truncated, processed pseudogene derived from the KIAA0649 gene on chromosome 9 and corresponds to two small CpG islands in the open reading frame of the ancestral gene. It is methylated on the maternal chromosome 13 and acts as a weak promoter for an alternative RB1 transcript on the paternal chromosome 13. In four other KIAA0649 pseudogene copies, which are located on chromosome 22, the two CpG islands have deteriorated and the CpG dinucleotides are fully methylated. By analysing allelic RB1 transcript levels in blood cells, as well as in hypermethylated and 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine–treated lymphoblastoid cells, we have found that differential methylation of the CpG island skews RB1 gene expression in favor of the maternal allele. Thus, RB1 is imprinted in the same direction as CDKN1C, which operates upstream of RB1. The imprinting of two components of the same pathway indicates that there has been strong evolutionary selection for maternal inhibition of cell proliferation.
Three-Dimensional Carbon Nanostructures for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries

Carbon nanostructural materials have gained the spotlight as promising anode materials for energy storage; they exhibit unique physico-chemical properties such as large surface area, short Li+ ion diffusion length, and high electrical conductivity, in addition to their long-term stability. However, carbon-nanostructured materials have issues with low areal and volumetric densities for the practical applications in electric vehicles, portable electronics, and power grid systems, which demand higher energy and power densities. One approach to overcoming these issues is to design and apply a three-dimensional (3D) electrode accommodating a larger loading amount of active anode materials while facilitating Li+ ion diffusion. Furthermore, 3D nanocarbon frameworks can impart a conducting pathway and structural buffer to high-capacity non-carbon nanomaterials, which results in enhanced Li+ ion storage capacity. In this paper, we review our recent progress on the design and fabrication of 3D carbon nanostructures, their performance in Li-ion batteries (LIBs), and their implementation into large-scale, lightweight, and flexible LIBs.
A brief review on the wear mechanisms and interfaces of carbon based materials

Abstract The demand for reducing wear and friction has become the chief aim in the automotive industry nowadays. The usage of lubricant is not considered enough as there is still room for improvements. As a solution, much research has arisen towards what we called self-lubricating ideas, in order to reduce friction better than lubricant. This paper presents an overview wear mechanism and the interface of carbon-based materials. This paper will also discuss the interfaces by carbon as substrate and coating layer. The findings show that for metals, the predominant wear mechanisms were abrasion and fatigue. Meanwhile, for polymers and coating (DLC), they were abrasive along with adhesive wear. The surface roughness of the substrate plays a crucial role in increasing the excellent performance of the DLC coating. The interfaces of carbon elements definitely give huge impact on both self-lubricant materials and coatings where the coefficient of friction and wear rate changes drastically even with 1 wt. % addition. Nevertheless, a clear understanding of the factors that affect the tribological performance is very essential in performance improvement for potential applications.
An all-digital bit transistor characterization scheme for CMOS 6T SRAM array

We present an all-digital bit transistor characterization scheme for CMOS 6T SRAM array. The scheme employs an on-chip operational amplifier feedback loop to measure the individual threshold voltage (VTH) of 6T SRAM bit cell transistors (holding PMOS, pull-down NMOS, and access NMOS) in SRAM cell array environment. The measured voltage is converted to frequency with dual VCO and counter based digital read-out to facilitate data extraction, processing, and statistical analysis. A 512Kb test chip is implemented in 55nm 1P10M Standard Performance (SP) CMOS technology. Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the accuracy of the VTH measurement scheme is about 2-7mV at TT corner across temperature range from 85°C to -45°C, and post-layout simulations show the resolution of the digital read-out scheme is <;60; 0.2mV per bit. Measured VTH distributions agree well with Monte Carlo simulation results.
Review effect on cost reports: Impact smaller than anticipated

Hospitals seeking Medicare payment are required to submit Medicare Cost Reports to their respective fiscal intermediaries, who in turn are required to desk review and sometimes audit the reports. The reviewed or audited report is considered more reliable than the originally submitted report and provides the basis for final Medicare payment. This study quantifies the impact of the review process, finding that, for the most part, the effect is quite small, usually less than 1 percent. Passthrough costs, however, were the exception to this rule. Capital and education passthrough costs, on a per discharge basis, were reduced about 6 percent.
The effect of exhaust gas recirculation on diesel engine wear

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) can be used to significantly reduce diesel engine emissions and in particular oxides of nitrogen (NOx). However, its use is believed to increase engine component wear for items such as the piston ring and liner, bearings and marginal lubrication areas of the valve train. Piston ring and liner wear is believed to increase due to the effect of EGR on in-cylinder corrosion and abrasion wear mechanisms. This study has investigated piston ring and cylinder liner wear on a 1.0 litre/cylinder, four cylinder, four stroke diesel engine when EGR is applied. [Continues. ]
Influence of the Environment on the Phase II - I Transformation of Isotactic Polybutene - 1

Abstract The phase II to I transformation process of isotactic polybutene – 1 (iPB-1) is influenced by the environment besides the usual physical factors. The phase II → I transformation rate depends, first of all, on the segmental mobility of the polymer chains. Environmental substances which are good solvents of iPB-1 increased the phase transformation rate at room temperature. Other substances, such as air, water, some acids or blends with atactic polypropylene, decreased the transformation rate in comparison with a sample exposed to a phosphorus pentoxide desiccant environment. The environmental effects also influence several other structural characteristics, such as sample crystallinity and crystallite size.
SGEM Hot Off the Press: Delayed complications of sternal fractures.

As part of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine (CJEM) developing social media strategy, we are collaborating with the Skeptics’ Guide to Emergency Medicine (SGEM) to summarize and critically appraise the current emergency medicine literature using evidence-based medicine principles. In the Hot Off the Press (HOP) series, we select original research manuscripts published in CJEM to be summarized and critically appraised on the SGEM website/podcast and discussed by the study authors and the online EM community. A similar collaboration is underway between the SGEM and Academic Emergency Medicine. What follows is a summary of the selected article and the immediate post-publication critical appraisal from the SGEM podcast, as well as an overview of the subsequent discussion from the SGEM blog and other social media. Through this series, we hope to enhance the value, accessibility, and application of important, clinically relevant EM research. In this, the fifth SGEM HOP hosted collaboratively with CJEM, we discuss Racine et al.’s paper describing delayed complications and functional outcomes of isolated sternal fractures after emergency department discharge.
A Theory for Complex Systems Social Change: An Application of a General 'Criticality' Model

Within the developed nations deterioration in the basis of society, as dramatically demonstrated by the Lehman collapse, has reached extreme levels, and currently the formation of pro-change agents is approaching a decisive stage. Here, we will construct a complex systems 'criticality' model, apply it to social change, and examine its reliability and validity. The model derived a power law distribution of the output of social change. The validity of the model was verified by examining vote shares of parties in Japan. Based on the results of this examination, we propose a new quantitative strategy "information entropy enhancement" for social change.
Evaluation of shelf life of pre-packed cut poultry meat.

The results of the analysis of 67 samples of pre- packed cut chicken meat showed that the stability or shelf life of chicken meat (kept on 4 oC) is six days. Ammonia content was signiﬁ cantly increased after day 3 of storage and reached a maximum level of 9.90 ± 2.3 mg% in chicken ﬁ llets and 8.35 ± 1.98 mg% in chicken legs at the end of the investigation on day 6. As regards microbiological quality and contamination with microorganisms, Salmonella spp. (7, 5%), S. aureus (17.9%), L. monocytogenes (4, 5%) and Enterobacteria (40.30%) were found in the analysed samples of fresh chicken meat. Sulphite reducing clostridia and Campylobacter spp. were not found. Total bacteria count in chicken breast ﬁ llets was 4.22 ± 0.84 log10 cfu/g on day 1, 4.65 ± 0.74 log 10 cfu/g on day 3 and 5.14 ± 0.86 log10 cfu/g on day 6 of storage. After one, three and six days of storage, total bacteria count in chicken legs was 3.60 ± 0.93 log10 cfu/g, 4.01 ± 0.76 log10 cfu/g, and 4.56 ± 0.85 log10 cfu/g, respectively. The overall results of the study suggest that the potentially signiﬁ cant risk of meat deterioration and increase in the number and diversity of bacteria species depends on the processing of chicken meat. Considering the obtained results of the study, the indication of shelf life of chicken meat for sale should be supplemented with the note “best before”.
Variation in Limb Support Influences the Time to Task Failure for a Postural Contraction

ABSTRACT The authors compared the time to task failure and muscle activation for a sustained isometric submaximal contraction with the dorsiflexor muscles when the support of the foot varied while supporting an inertial load (position task). Participants performed a supported position task (n = 8) or an unsupported position task (n = 15) while maintaining a constant angle at the ankle with an inertial load equivalent to 20% of maximal isometric contraction torque until task failure. The time to failure for the supported position task (M = 15.4 min, SD = 6.8 min) was longer than for the unsupported position task (M = 10.0 mn, SD = 6.2 min, p = .01). Electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior differed between tasks (Session × Time, p = .028). Increasing foot support during a position task decreased muscle fatigability and altered activation of the primary agonist indicating the importance of limb support to minimize fatigue during prolonged activation of the dorsiflexor muscles.
Community Responses of Arthropods to a Range of Traditional and Manipulated Grazing in Shortgrass Steppe

ABSTRACT Responses of plants to grazing are better understood, and more predictable, than those of consumers in North American grasslands. In 2003, we began a large-scale, replicated experiment that examined the effects of grazing on three important arthropod groups—beetles, spiders, and grasshoppers—in shortgrass steppe of north-central Colorado. We investigated whether modifications of the intensity and seasonality of livestock grazing alter the structure and diversity of macroarthropod communities compared with traditional grazing practices. Treatments represented a gradient of grazing intensity by cattle and native herbivores: long-term grazing exclosures; moderate summer grazing (the traditional regime); intensive spring grazing; intensive summer grazing; and moderately summer-grazed pastures also inhabited by black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus Ord). Beetles and spiders were the most common groups captured, comprising 60% and 21%, respectively, of 4,378 total pitfall captures. Grasshopper counts were generally low, with 3,799 individuals observed and densities <4 m-2. Two years after treatments were applied, vegetation structure differed among grazing treatments, responding not only to long-term grazing conditions, but also to the short-term, more-intensive grazing manipulations. In response, arthropods were, in general, relatively insensitive to these grazing-induced structural changes. However, species-level analyses of one group (Tenebrionidae) revealed both positive and negative effects of grazing treatments on beetle richness and activity-density. Importantly, these responses to grazing were more pronounced in a year when spring-summer rainfall was low, suggesting that both grazing and precipitation—which together may create the greatest heterogeneity in vegetation structure—are drivers of consumer responses in this system.
A Comparison of Univariate Stochastic Volatility Models for U.S. Short Rates Using EMM Estimation

In this paper, the efficient method of moments (EMM) estimation using a seminonparametric (SNP) auxiliary model is employed to determine the best fitting model for the volatility dynamics of the U.S. weekly three-month interest rate. A variety of volatility models are considered, including one-factor diffusion models, two-factor and three-factor stochastic volatility (SV) models, non-Gaussian diffusion models with Stable distributed errors, and a variety of Markov regime switching (RS) models. The advantage of using EMM estimation is that all of the proposed structural models can be evaluated with respect to a common auxiliary model. We find that a continuous-time twofactor SV model, a continuous-time three-factor SV model, and a discrete-time RS-involatility model with level effect can well explain the salient features of the short rate as summarized by the auxiliary model. We also show that either an SV model with a level effect or a RS model with a level effect, but not both, is needed for explaining the data. Our EMM estimates of the level effect are much lower than unity, but around 1/2 after incorporating the SV effect or the RS effect.
Uranyl adsorption at solvated edge surfaces of 2 : 1 smectites. A density functional study.

We systematically studied the adsorption of uranyl(vi) on two common edge surfaces, (010) and (110), of 2 : 1 smectite clay minerals, using standard periodic DFT models. To describe various types of permanently charged clay minerals, we introduced charged defects into the initially neutral layer of pyrophyllite, cation substitutions in tetrahedral (beidellitic) and octahedral (montmorillonitic) sheets. Comparing uranyl(vi) species at various sites of these two types of surfaces, we found that structural parameters of such adsorption complexes are essentially determined by the surface chemical groups forming the adsorption site, not by the type of the clay mineral. Even for sites involving a substituted cation we noticed only a weak effect of the substitution on the geometric parameters. Geometry optimization resulted in adsorbed uranyl or uranyl hydroxide, with coordination numbers of 4 or 5. However, in most cases the same species was determined on the same type of site, independent of the substitutions. Optimization of adsorbed uranyl leads to hydrolysis at sites close to a AlOH(-1/2) surface group, resulting in uranyl monohydroxide as adsorbate and protonation of the AlOH(-1/2) group. While most species are equatorially five-coordinated, coordination 4 is preferred when uranyl adsorbs on mixed AlO(H)-SiO(H) sites. Calculated formation energies of surface complexes do not single out a preferred species or site, but point to an equilibrium of several species. Comparison to experiment and consideration of pH conditions suggests AlOHOH and AlOH-SiO sites of (010) surfaces and AlOmOH, SiOOm, and AlOH-SiO sites of (110) surfaces as most probable for uranyl adsorption.
Differential regulation of steroid nuclear receptor coregulator expression between normal and neoplastic prostate epithelial cells

Deregulated androgen receptor (AR) action is critical for prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Aberrant expression of AR‐associated coregulators contributes to AR activity in PCa. The mechanisms underlying coregulator expression in PCa are under intense investigation as they may lead to alternative means of targeting AR activity in PCa cells. We have recently shown that over 30% of coregulator expression in the PCa cell line LNCaP is subject to androgen regulation.
Vitamin D–dependent induction of cathelicidin in human macrophages results in cytotoxicity against high-grade B cell lymphoma

Vitamin D promotes tumoricidal activity of macrophages and improves the efficacy of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Vitamin D lends a helping hand In theory, macrophages and other immune cells should be able to kill tumor cells. However, cancer cells are clearly capable of escaping from immune surveillance, and tumor-associated macrophages usually do not kill them, for reasons that are not yet well understood. A new study by Bruns et al. shows that vitamin D can help promote the antitumor activity of macrophages and stimulate their production of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide that can also induce tumor cell death. The results suggest that for cancer patients who are deficient in vitamin D, providing vitamin D supplementation may be helpful in battling the disease and promoting the efficacy of antitumor therapy. Infiltration by macrophages represents a characteristic morphological hallmark in high-grade lymphatic malignancies such as Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL). Although macrophages can, in principle, target neoplastic cells and mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) regularly fail to exert direct cytotoxic functions. The underlying mechanisms responsible for this observation remain unclear. We demonstrate that inflammatory M1 macrophages kill proliferating high-grade B cell lymphoma cells by releasing the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in a vitamin D–dependent fashion. We show that cathelicidin directly induces cell death by targeting mitochondria of BL cells. In contrast, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages and M2-like TAMs in BL exhibit an altered vitamin D metabolism, resulting in a reduced production of cathelicidin and consequently in inability to lyse BL cells. However, treatment of M2 macrophages with the bioactive form of vitamin D, 1,25D3, or a vitamin D receptor agonist effectively induces cathelicidin production and triggers tumoricidal activity against BL cells. Furthermore, rituximab-mediated cytotoxicity of vitamin D–treated M2 macrophages is cathelicidin-dependent. Finally, vitamin D treatment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D)–deficient volunteers in vivo or primary TAMs in vitro improves rituximab-mediated ADCC against B cell lymphoma cells. These data indicate that activation of the vitamin D signaling pathway activates antitumor activity of TAMs and improves the efficacy of ADCC.
Parallel modular steganography using error images

The embedding process for most of the state-of-the-art adaptive steganographic methods not easily detectable such as highly undetectable steganography HUGO, edge adaptive image steganography EA, and Adaptive ±1 Steganography in Extended Noisy Regions, is contingent upon the neighboring pixel values to prevent discovery by steganalysis methods. Hence, the calculation of the possible embedding rate must be suspended until the embedding process is performed pixel by pixel, in sequence. If, however, the cover image is JPEG-compressed, an error image can be considered as an embedding map implying where and to what extent secret bits can be embedded. In this paper, we present a modular steganography using error images. It is demonstrated that the detectability level of the resulting stego images is lower than that of state-of-the-art schemes and the proposed method executes 2.32 times faster than HUGO. Further, to improve the time performance, a block-wise parallel algorithm is presented where a single thread is assigned to each block of pixels. Because of the independent behavior of the embedding method and unlike the other methods, it is proved that each block of pixels can be embedded independently. The effectiveness of this parallel approach is analyzed and verified to execute approximately 55 times faster than serial execution. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acquisition of Oral Microbes and Associated Systemic Responses of Newborn Nonhuman Primates

ABSTRACT The acquisition and development of the complex oral microbiome remain ill defined. While selected species of oral bacteria have been examined in relation to their initial colonization in neonates, a more detailed understanding of the dynamics of the microbiome has been developed only in adults. The current investigation used a nonhuman primate model to document the kinetics of colonization of the oral cavities of newborns and infants by a range of oral commensals and pathogens. Differences in colonization were evaluated in newborns from mothers who were maintained on an oral hygiene regimen pre- and postparturition with those displaying naturally acquired gingivitis/periodontitis. The results demonstrate distinct profiles of acquisition of selected oral bacteria, with the transmission of targeted pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, being passed on primarily from mothers with gingivitis/periodontitis. This colonization resulted in defined patterns of systemic antibody responses in the infants. The significant relative risk measures for infection with the pathogens, as well as the relationship of oral infection and blood serum antibody levels, were consistent with those of the newborns from mothers with gingivitis/periodontitis. These findings indicate that the early acquisition of potentially pathogenic oral bacterial species might impact the development of mucosal responses in the gingiva and may provide an enhanced risk for the development of periodontitis later in life.
Study of Nano-Creep of Unfilled and Filled Cross-Linking Polypropylene

Cross-linking is a process in which polymer chains are associated through chemical bonds. Radiation, which penetrated through specimens and reacted with the cross-linking agent, gradually formed cross-linking (3D net), first in the surface layer and then in the total volume, which resulted in considerable changes in specimen behavior. This paper describes the effect of electron beam irradiation on the nanoindentation creep of unfilled and glass fiber filled polypropylene (25%). nanoindentation creep were measured by the DSI (Depth Sensing Indentation) method on samples which were non-irradiated and irradiated by different doses of the β – radiation (0, 30, 45 and 60 kGy). The purpose of the article is to consider to what extent the irradiation process influences the resulting nanoindentation creep measured by the DSI method. The unfilled and filled polypropylene tested showed significant changes of indentation creep. The measured results indicate, that electron beam irradiation is very effective tool for improvement of creep properties of unfilled and filled polypropylene. The nanoindentation creep after irradiated unfilled Polypropylene was decreased up to 16 % (filled polypropylene was decreased up to 9%) compared to non-irradiated surface. These changes were examined and confirmed by Gel content.