Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BIOTECHNOLOGICALLY RELEVANT ENZYMES AND PROTEINS Characterization of a novel cry8 gene specific to Melolonthidae pests: Holotrichia oblita and Holotrichia parallela

A new polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method for the identification of cry8-type genes from Bacillus thuringiensis has been established by designing a pair of new universal primers. By this method, a novel gene, cry8Ga1, encoding a polypeptide of 1,157 amino acids with a deduced molecular mass of 131.2 kDa was identified and cloned from B. thuringiensis HBF-18. Recombinant B. thuringiensis strain HD8G, harboring cry8Ga1, has insecticidal activity against larvae of Melolonthidae pests: Holotrichia oblita and Holotrichia parallela. This is the first report of a Cry toxin that has insecticidal activity to Melolonthidae pest H. oblita.
1 Postgraduate Program in Architecture and Urban

This work demonstrates the achievements of a dashboard, in development, devised to support energy performance design decisions during pre-design and sketch design phases of office buildings in tropical climates. The interface is structured on principles of energetics in design to meet goals, adapted to systemic and collaborative design processes. It is compatible with design timing during early design phases, enablin
Simultaneous Partial Inverses and Decoding Interleaved Reed–Solomon Codes

This paper introduces the simultaneous partial-inverse problem (SPI) for polynomials and develops its application to decoding interleaved Reed–Solomon codes beyond half the minimum distance. While closely related both to standard key equations and to well-known Padé approximation problems, the SPI problem stands out in several respects. First, the SPI problem has a unique solution (up to a scale factor), which satisfies a natural degree bound. Second, the SPI problem can be transformed (monomialized) into an equivalent SPI problem where all moduli are monomials. Third, the SPI problem can be solved by an efficient algorithm of the Berlekamp–Massey type. Fourth, decoding interleaved Reed–Solomon codes (or subfield-evaluation codes) beyond half the minimum distance can be analyzed in terms of a partial-inverse condition for the error pattern: if that condition is satisfied, then the (true) error locator polynomial is the unique solution of a standard key equation and can be computed in many different ways, including the well-known multi-sequence Berlekamp–Massey algorithm and the SPI algorithm of this paper. Two of the best performance bounds from the literature (the Schmidt–Sidorenko–Bossert bound and the Roth–Vontobel bound) are generalized to hold for the partial-inverse condition and thus to apply to several different decoding algorithms.
Tree‐based disease classification using protein data

A reliable and precise classification of diseases is essential for successful diagnosis and treatment. Using mass spectrometry from clinical specimens, scientists may find the protein variations among disease and use this information to improve diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a novel procedure to classify disease status based on the protein data from mass spectrometry. Our new tree‐based algorithm consists of three steps: projection, selection and classification tree. The projection step aims to project all observations from specimens into the same bases so that the projected data have fixed coordinates. Thus, for each specimen, we obtain a large vector of ‘coefficients’ on the same basis. The purpose of the selection step is data reduction by condensing the large vector from the projection step into a much lower order of informative vector. Finally, using these reduced vectors, we apply recursive partitioning to construct an informative classification tree. This method has been successfully applied to protein data, provided by the Department of Radiology and Chemistry at Duke University.
Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Dialysis Centers in The Netherlands: a National Survey by Serological and Molecular Methods

ABSTRACT A national survey of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among dialysis patients in The Netherlands was performed. The study involved 2,653 patients (2,108 hemodialysis patients and 545 chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD] patients) from 39 of the 49 dialysis centers in the country. Patient sera were analyzed by both serological and molecular methods. Screening by a third-generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA) yielded 79 reactive sera. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies was confirmed in 70 patients by a line immunoassay. All seropositive samples were tested by reverse transcriptase PCR, and 57 samples were found to contain HCV RNA. Of the nine EIA-positive and line immunoassay-negative or indeterminate samples, four were HCV RNA positive. All seronegative samples were screened for the presence of HCV RNA in pools of five sera. Of 2,576 antibody-negative samples, 6 contained HCV RNA. All antibody-positive and RNA-positive samples were also tested by a second serological assay. The prevalence of HCV infections among Dutch dialysis patients as determined by serology or the presence of HCV RNA was 3% (80 of 2,653), i.e., 3.5% (73 of 2,108) in patients treated on hemodialysis and 1.3% (7 of 545) in patients on CAPD. Of these 80 HCV-infected dialysis patients, 67 (84%) were HCV RNA positive. Serological screening alone would have diagnosed only 70 infected patients. Therefore, antibody screening combined with detection of HCV RNA should be considered as the “gold standard” for diagnosing HCV infection in dialysis patients. The prevalence of HCV-infected patients in Dutch dialysis centers ranged from 0 to 8%, suggesting the existence of local risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. Genotyping analysis by reverse hybridization line probe assay revealed the presence of genotypes 1a (23%), 1b (46%), 2 (3%), 2a (13%), 2b (1%), 3a (7%), and 4a (4%). In four (6%) samples multiple genotypes were detected. The genotype distribution of HCV isolates among Dutch dialysis patients was similar to the distribution among nondialysis patients from the Benelux, except for subtype 1a, which was significantly more prevalent among dialysis patients. In only one center, a high prevalence of an uncommon genotype was suggestive of infection from a common source.
A Delay Generation Technique for Narrow Time Interval Measurement

A new architecture for the on-chip measurement of short-time intervals is proposed in this paper. The measurement method is similar to a typical low-voltage measurement setup where the input signals are first amplified and then measured to relax the dynamic range of the succeeding analog-to-digital converter. In the proposed method, narrow time intervals are first amplified by a time amplifier (TAMP) and then measured by a time-to-digital converter. A delay-locked-loop (DLL) circuit is utilized to design a feedback time amplifier in which the gain is readily programmed by input data to any integer value within a range specified by the number of delay cells in the DLL. The TAMP's gain remains rather unchanged under process and temperature variations due to the inherent negative feedback of the DLL system. The circuit is implemented using complementary metal--oxide semiconductor (CMOS) 0.18- mum technology occupying less than 0.63 mm2 of the silicon area. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme can successfully be employed to measure time intervals in the range of a few tens of picoseconds with acceptable accuracy.
Cyclosporin for severe childhood atopic dermatitis: short course versus continuous therapy

Cyclosporin (CyA) has been shown to be highly effective and well tolerated in the short‐term treatment of severe childhood atopic dermatitis; however, there is limited experience in its longer‐term use. The aim of this study was to compare multiple short courses of CyA with continuous therapy for 1 year, with respect to efficacy, safety, tolerability and quality of life. Children aged 2–16 years, with a diagnosis of severe atopic dermatitis refractory to topical steroid therapy, were randomly assigned to receive short course therapy (multiple courses of 12 weeks) or continuous therapy. The starting dose and maximum dose for all patients was 5 mg/kg per day. Disease activity was monitored using the Six Area Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis score and the ‘Rule of Nines’ area score. Pruritus, sleep disturbance and irritability were measured using visual analogue scales, and topical therapy was monitored. Safety measurements included monitoring of serum creatinine, blood pressure and adverse events. Forty patients were included in the efficacy analysis, 21 of whom were randomized to the short course group (of whom six were withdrawn) and 19 to the continuous group (of whom five were withdrawn). Significant improvements were seen in all efficacy parameters at every time‐point. There were no significant differences between groups, although the improvement was more consistent in the continuous arm. In the short course arm, 7 out of 21 patients could be managed by at least two short courses. The remaining 14 patients includes 12 who could not be controlled by at least two short courses, one patient who failed to return after week 12 and another patient who was withdrawn at week 4 due to an adverse event. Quality of life improved for both the children and their families. Tolerability was considered good or very good in at least 80% of the patients at week 12 and at the end of the study. No clinically significant change was seen in mean serum creatinine and no change was seen in mean blood pressure in either group. CyA is effective in controlling severe atopic dermatitis in children over a 1‐year period and is well tolerated. More consistent control is achieved with continuous treatment; however, short course therapy was adequate for some patients, indicating that treatment should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Short course treatment may produce prolonged remission in some cases and reduce the cumulative exposure to the drug.
Contribution of exertional hyperthermia to sympathoadrenal-mediated lymphocyte subset redistribution.

The contribution of hyperthermia to the differential leukocytosis of exercise remains obscure. This study examined changes in circulating sympathoadrenal hormone concentrations and patterns of leukocyte and lymphocyte subset (CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+), CD3(-)16(+)/56(+)) redistribution during exercise, with and without a significant rise of rectal temperature (T(re)). Ten healthy men [age 26.9 +/- 5.7 (SD) yr, body mass 76.0 +/- 10.9 kg, body fat 13.9 +/- 4.6%, peak O(2) consumption: 48.0 +/- 12.4 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)] exercised for 40 min (65% peak O(2) consumption) during water immersion at 39 or 18 degrees C. T(re) increased from 37.2 to 39.3 degrees C (P < 0.0001) after 40 min of exercise in 39 degrees C water but was held constant to an increment of 0.5 degrees C during exercise in 18 degrees C water. Application of this thermal clamp reduced exercise-associated increments of plasma epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE) by >50% (P < 0.05) and abolished the postexercise increase in cortisol. Thermal clamping also reduced the exercise-induced leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Multiple regression demonstrated that T(re) had no direct association with lymphocyte subset mobilization but was significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated with hormone levels. Epi was an important determinant of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), and CD3(-)CD16(+)/56(+) subset redistribution. The relationship between NE and lymphocyte subsets was weaker than that with Epi, with the exception of CD3(-)CD16(+)/56(+) counts, which were positively (P < 0.0001) related to NE. Cortisol was negatively associated with leukocytes, CD14(+) monocytes, and CD19(+) B- and CD4(+) T-cell subsets but was positively related to granulocytes. We conclude that hyperthermia mediates exercise-induced immune cell redistribution to the extent that it causes sympathoadrenal activation, with alterations in circulating Epi, NE, and cortisol.
A protein phosphatase network controls the temporal and spatial dynamics of differentiation commitment in human epidermis

Epidermal homeostasis depends on a balance between stem cell renewal and terminal differentiation. The transition between the two cell states, termed commitment, is poorly understood. Here we characterise commitment by integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data from disaggregated primary human keratinocytes held in suspension for up to 12h to induce differentiation. We find that cell detachment induces a network of protein phosphatases. The pro-commitment phosphatases – including DUSP6, PPTC7, PTPN1, PTPN13 and PPP3CA – promote differentiation by negatively regulating ERK MAPK and positively regulating AP1 transcription factors. Their activity is antagonised by concomitant upregulation of DUSP10. Boolean network modelling of phosphatase interactions identifies commitment as an inherently unstable biological switch between the stem and differentiated cell states. Furthermore, phosphatase expression is spatially regulated both in vivo and in vitro. We conclude that an auto-regulatory phosphatase network maintains epidermal homeostasis by controlling the onset and duration of commitment.
East African Journal of Education Studies

The study investigated the relationship between student-centred pedagogical strategies and academic achievement at Kyambogo and Makerere universities. Data on a sample of 375 students was obtained using a questionnaire following the cross-sectional research design. Quantitative data were analysed using correlation and regression analyses. All student-centred pedagogical strategies were positively and strongly correlated with academic achievement. Nevertheless, all of the regression analysis outcomes—except those for learning facilitation, active learning
A dynamic soil water threshold for vegetation water stress derived from stomatal conductance models

In many terrestrial ecosystems, vegetation experiences limitation by different resources at different times. These resources include, among others, light, nutrients, and water. Frequently, however, leaf‐level modeling frameworks that unite these limitations rely on empirical functions to scale stomatal conductance as a function of water stress. These functions use prescribed values of soil water content to mark the transition between water‐stressed and unstressed conditions without accounting for the dependence of such a water content threshold on atmospheric and hydrologic conditions and nutrient availability. To address the phenomenon of a variable threshold to water stress, we combine an existing water‐limited stomatal conductance model with an existing assimilation (photosynthesis)‐limited stomatal conductance model. In this manner, we simulate variable controls on stomatal conductance and use a combination of the two models to define the threshold at which soil water content becomes limiting to transpiration. Modeled plant processes are used to define this water stress threshold as functionally dependent upon local environmental conditions (light, temperature, and atmospheric vapor pressure), parameters representing different vegetation types, and nutrient status. Simulations demonstrate that as environmental conditions become more favorable for assimilation, the likelihood of water stress increases. Specifically, there exist ranges of leaf temperature, light, and atmospheric humidity for which water stress is maximized.
EVALUATION OF DEMAND SHIFTING STRATEGIES WITH THERMAL MASS IN TWO LARGE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Building thermal mass can be used to reduce the peak cooling load. For example, in summer, the building mass can be pre-cooled during non-peak hours in order to reduce the cooling load in the peak hours. As a result, the cooling load is shifted in time and the peak demand is reduced. The building mass can be cooled most effectively during unoccupied hours because it is possible to relax the comfort constraints. While the benefits of demand shift are certain, different thermal mass discharge strategies result in different cooling load reduction and savings. The goal of an optimized discharge strategy is to maximize the thermal mass discharge and minimize the possibility of rebounds before the shed period ends. A series of filed tests were carefully planned and conducted in two commercial buildings in Northern California to investigate the effects of various precooling and demand shed strategies. Field tests demonstrated the potential of cooling load reduction in peak hours and importance of discharge strategies to avoid rebounds. EnergyPlus simulation models were constructed and calibrated to investigate different kind of recovery strategies. The results indicate the value of pre-cooling in maximizing the electrical shed in the on-peak period. The results also indicate that the dynamics of the shed need to be managed in order to avoid discharging the thermal capacity of the building too quickly, resulting in high cooling load and electric demand before the end of the shed period. An exponential trajectory for the zone set-point during the discharge period yielded good results and is recommended for practical implementation.
Traumatic brain injury in later life increases risk for Parkinson disease

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is thought to be a risk factor for Parkinson disease (PD), but results are conflicting. Many studies do not account for confounding or reverse causation. We sought to address these concerns by quantifying risk of PD after TBI compared to non‐TBI trauma (NTT; defined as fractures).
Forecasting the U.S. Term Structure of Interest Rates Using a Macroeconomic Smooth Dynamic Factor Model

We extend the class of dynamic factor yield curve models in order to include macroeconomic factors. Our work benefits from recent developments in the dynamic factor literature related to the extraction of the common factors from a large panel of macroeconomic series and the estimation of the parameters in the model. We include these factors in a dynamic factor model for the yield curve, in which we model the salient structure of the yield curve by imposing smoothness restrictions on the yield factor loadings via cubic spline functions. We carry out a likelihood-based analysis in which we jointly consider a factor model for the yield curve, a factor model for the macroeconomic series, and their dynamic interactions with the latent dynamic factors. We illustrate the methodology by forecasting the U.S. term structure of interest rates. For this empirical study, we use a monthly time series panel of unsmoothed Fama–Bliss zero yields for treasuries of different maturities between 1970 and 2009, which we combine with a macro panel of 110 series over the same sample period. We show that the relationship between the macroeconomic factors and the yield curve data has an intuitive interpretation, and that there is interdependence between the yield and macroeconomic factors. Finally, we perform an extensive out-of-sample forecasting study. Our main conclusion is that macroeconomic variables can lead to more accurate yield curve forecasts.
Methylation profiling in acute myeloid leukemia.

Aberrant methylation of multiple CpG islands has been described in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but it is not known whether these are independent events or whether they reflect specific methylation defects in a subset of cases. To study this issue, the methylation status of 14 promoter-associated CpG islands was analyzed in 36 cases of AML previously characterized for estrogen-receptor methylation (ERM). Cases with methylation density of 10% or greater were considered positive. Seventeen cases (47%) were ERM(+) while 19 cases were ERM(-). Hypermethylation of any of the following, p15, p16, CACNA1G, MINT1, MINT2, MDR1, THBS1, and PTC1 (2 promoters), was relatively infrequent (6% to 31% of patients). For each of these CpG islands, the methylation density was positively correlated with ERM density (rank order correlation coefficients, 0.32-0.59; 2-tailed P < or = .058 for each gene). Hypermethylation of MYOD1, PITX2, GPR37, and SDC4 was frequently found in AML (47% to 64% of patients). For each of these genes as well, methylation density was positively correlated with ERM density (correlation coefficients 0.43 to 0.69, P < or = .0087 for each gene). MLH1 was unmethylated in all cases. Hypermethylation of p15, MDR1, and SDC4 correlated with reduced levels of expression. There was an inverse correlation between age and the number of genes methylated (P = .0030). It was concluded that CpG-island methylation in AML results from methylation defects in subsets of cases. These results have potential implications for the classification and prognosis of AML and for the identification of patients who may benefit from treatment with methylation inhibitors.
Muscle function of knee extensors and flexors after stroke is selectively impaired at shorter muscle lengths.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether muscle strength is selectively more affected at shorter lengths of thigh muscles as result of stroke and to determine whether this is associated with impaired neural activation at shorter muscle lengths. DESIGN Case-control study. SUBJECTS Fourteen patients with sub-acute stroke, and 12 able-bodied controls. METHODS In patients (bilaterally) and able-bodied controls torque and activation was measured during maximal voluntary isometric contractions of knee extensors and flexors at 30 degrees , 60 degrees and 90 degrees knee flexion. RESULTS The paretic knee extensors showed lower normalized maximal torques (73%) and lower normalized activation (71%) compared with control at 30 degrees . The paretic knee flexors showed lower normalized maximal torques at 60 degrees (64%) and 90 degrees (45%) with non-significantly lower normalized activation (~79% and ~67%, respectively). CONCLUSION As a result of stroke, lower muscle torque at shorter muscle lengths of the knee extensors is associated with a length-dependent lower voluntary activation, which may also be the case for the flexor muscles, but not with altered co-activation. We recommend investigating the role of specific training of paretic knee extensors and flexors in especially shortened positions to improve recovery of function after stroke.
Cost-effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is an important public health problem. Several screening methods have been shown to be effective in reducing colorectal cancer mortality. The objective of this review was to assess the cost-effectiveness of the different colorectal cancer screening methods and to determine the preferred method from a cost-effectiveness point of view. Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry, the British National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, and the lists of technology assessments of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) were searched for cost-effectiveness analyses published in English between January 1993 and December 2009. Fifty-five publications relating to 32 unique cost-effectiveness models were identified. All studies found that colorectal cancer screening was cost-effective or even cost-saving compared with no screening. However, the studies disagreed as to which screening method was most effective or had the best incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for a given willingness to pay per life-year gained. There was agreement among studies that the newly developed screening tests of stool DNA testing, computed tomographic colonography, and capsule endoscopy were not yet cost-effective compared with the established screening options.