Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional interference mediated by retrotransposons within the genome of their host: lessons from alleles of the white gene from Drosophila melanogaster

Systematic sequencing of model genomes has accelerated our knowledge on genome structure and shown that a large proportion of intergenic regions are made up of mobile element families. Among them, retrotransposons that are mobilized via an RNA intermediate and thus do not excise during their replication cycle are certainly essential factors able to imprint novel and heritable transcriptional regulation within the genome of their host. Today, a crucial complement to the systematic sequencing data is thus to elucidate the potential role of these elements in the regulation of nearby genes, and ultimately in the evolution of eukaryotic genomes.
Latent cytomegalovirus infection in blood donors

Twenty-one out of 32 apparently healthy blood donors aged 21 to 65 years yielded positive complement fixation tests with a cytomegalovirus antigen, at titres ranging from 1:8 to 1:64. Virus was present in leucocyte cultures of fresh peripheral blood of two seropositive subjects from a total of 35 donors examined. Plasma and 48-hour stored blood specimens failed to disclose virus in culture. Viruria could not be demonstrated, and there was no evidence of recent illness in the study group. These findings suggest that subclinical viraemia is not uncommon in blood donors.
Hexacopter outdoor flight test results using adaptive control allocation subject to an unknown complete loss of one propeller

This paper presents hexacopter outdoor flight test results using an adaptive control allocation subject to an unknown complete loss of one propeller. The proposed approach is composed of two main elements: The adaptive estimation of the control effectiveness of the propellers and the optimization based control allocation. The adaptive estimation is based on concurrent learning and the optimization is gradient based. The adaptive control allocation is able to deal with faults or failures in the propulsion system without reconfiguration of the controller. Simultaneously it is able to implement a degraded control strategy which prioritizes some control directions in case of extreme degradation.
Do stock markets react to soccer games? A meta-regression analysis

ABSTRACT This study applies meta-regression analysis to aggregate a sample of 1126 empirical estimates of the stock market reaction to soccer matches collected from 37 primary studies. Our results indicate that winning a match is not associated with significant return effects for both national teams and individual clubs. In the case of lost matches, we find strong evidence for publication bias, i.e. negative returns are systematically overrepresented causing a biased picture of the true soccer match effect. After correcting for this bias, the mean return after losses by national teams becomes statistically insignificant and accounts for only basis points. In the case of individual clubs, the corrected impact of a loss is a significant basis points effect. In a further analysis, we identify various aspects of study design like regional differences, time period under examination and the design of empirical analysis to be responsible for the wide variation in previous study outcomes. Overall, our findings provide evidence against the hypothesis that stock markets are driven by sports sentiment in the case of national teams. Due to the existence of strong asymmetry in the returns after wins and losses of individual clubs, behavioural explanations cannot be fully ruled out.
Characterization of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule as a Surface Marker on Undifferentiated Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have the capacity to remain pluripotent and self‐renew indefinitely. To discover novel players in the maintenance of hESCs, we have previously reported the generation of monoclonal antibodies that bind to cell surface markers on hESCs, and not to mouse embryonic stem cells or differentiated embryoid bodies. In this study, we have identified the antigen target of one such monoclonal antibody as the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). In undifferentiated hESCs, EpCAM is localized to Octamer 4 (OCT4)‐positive pluripotent cells, and its expression is down‐regulated upon differentiation. To further understand its biological function in hESCs, endogenous EpCAM expression was silenced using small interfering RNA. EpCAM knockdown had marginal negative effects on OCT4 and TRA‐1‐60 expression, however cell proliferation was decreased by >40%. Examination of lineage marker expression showed marked upregulation of endoderm and mesoderm genes in EpCAM‐silenced cells, under both pluripotent and differentiating conditions. These results were validated using a hESC line whose EpCAM expression has been stably knocked down. Data from the stable line confirmed that downregulation of EpCAM decreases cell growth and increases gene expression in the endoderm and mesoderm lineages. In vivo, hESCs lacking EpCAM were able to form teratomas containing tissues representing the three germ layers, and gene expression analysis yielded marked increase in the endoderm marker alpha fetoprotein compared with control. Together these data demonstrate that EpCAM is a surface marker on undifferentiated hESCs and plays functional roles in proliferation and differentiation. STEM CELLS 2010;28:29–35
The Out-of-State Tuition Distortion

Public universities typically charge much higher tuition to nonresidents. We first investigate the welfare implications of this tuition gap in a simple model. While the social planner does not distinguish between residents and nonresidents, state governments nonresidents. The welfare gains from reducing the tuition gap can be characterized by a sufficient statistic relating out-of-state enrollment to the tuition gap. We estimate this sufficient statistic via a border discontinuity design using data on the geographic distribution of students by institution. (JEL H75, I22, I23)
Changes of the Functional Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells due to Aging or Age-Associated Disease – Implications for Clinical Applications and Donor Recruitment

In contrast to stem cells of embryonic origin, autologous tissue-specific stem cells are easier to introduce into the clinical practice. In this context, molecular and cellular changes, which alter tissue-specific stem cell properties with age, are of particular interest since elderly patients represent the main target group for cell-based therapies. The clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells is an emerging field, especially because this stem cell type appears to be amenable for the treatment of a large number of diseases, such as non-healing bone defects and fractures, inflammatory relief during arthritis, and the repair of suspensory ligament tears. More than that, mesenchymal stem cells provoke effective immune suppression in the context of graft-versus-host disease. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent findings with special attention to age-related changes of mesenchymal stem cell properties and the consequential impact on tissue regeneration and repair, together with the current perception concerning their therapeutic application potential as well as the challenges associated with their clinical use.
Forward and Lateral Sitting Functional Reach in Younger, Middle‐aged, and Older Adults

Purpose: We adapted the original Functional Reach so that sitting balance could be quantifiably measured in 2 directions. Purposes of the study were to determine if sitting forward or lateral reach: (1) are reliable among younger, middle‐aged, and older adults without balance problems; (2) provide reference values for clinicians; and (3) examine factors (age and anthropometrics) that may influence such measures. Methods: This descriptive study involved 146 apparently healthy adults in 3 age groups: 62 younger (21 to 39 yr), 41 middle‐aged (40 to 59 yr), and 43 older (60 to 97 yr). After anthropometric measurements were obtained, participants reached forward and laterally (shoulder elevated 90°) with a closed fist while sitting in a chair. Intrarater reliability was calculated on a subset of 84 participants. Results: Intrarater reliability of sitting forward and lateral reach measured with a yardstick was excellent (ICC3,1 = .98 and .96 respectively). Means and standard deviations by age group and sex are reported. Regression analysis showed that body segment anthropometrics did not affect performance. Differences between age groups for both the sitting reaches were found. Post hoc analysis revealed that older participants differed from both younger and middle‐aged participants. Conclusions: Forward and lateral reach from the seated position can be reliably measured and offer therapists a way to quantify sitting balance. This study provides reference values for younger, middle‐aged, and older adults for clinical use. While anthropometrics do not affect performance, older adults perform differently from younger and middle‐aged adults.
Telomere‐independent cellular senescence in human fetal cardiomyocytes

Fetal cardiomyocytes have been proposed as a potential source of cell‐based therapy for heart failure. This study examined cellular senescence in cultured human fetal ventricular cardiomyocytes (HFCs). HFCs were isolated and identified by immunocytochemistry and RT‐PCR. Cells were found to senesce after 20–25 population doublings, as determined by growth arrest, morphological changes and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity. Using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay, telomerase activity was undetectable in primary HFCs. Cells were transduced to express the human reverse transcriptase subunit (hTERT) of telomerase. This resulted in greatly increased telomerase activity, but no significant lifespan extension. Analysis of telomere length in primary HFCs revealed that the senescent phenotype was not accompanied by telomere shortening. Telomeres in hTERT‐positive cells were elongated in comparison with primary cells, and elongation was retained in senescent cells. Levels of the tumor suppressor protein p16INK4A increased in all senescent cells whether telomerase‐positive or ‐negative. Senescence was accompanied by a decline in transcript levels of the polycomb gene Bmi‐1, Ets1 and Ets2 transcription factors, and Id1, Id2 and Id3 helix–loop–helix proteins, suggesting roles for these genes in maintenance of cardiomyocyte proliferative capacity. In addition to offering novel insights into the behavior of human fetal cardiomyocytes in culture, these findings have implications for the development of a cell‐based therapy for cardiac injury using primary fetal heart tissue.
Disposition of amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine in HIV-infected Nigerian subjects on nevirapine-containing antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVES Artesunate plus amodiaquine is used for malaria treatment in regions with overlapping HIV endemicity. Co-administration of artesunate/amodiaquine with antiretroviral therapy (ART) may result in drug-drug interactions, but minimal data exist. This study evaluated the impact of nevirapine-based ART, containing a backbone of zidovudine and lamivudine, on the disposition of amodiaquine and its active metabolite, desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ). METHODS This was an open-label, parallel-group pharmacokinetic comparison between HIV-infected, adult subjects receiving steady-state nevirapine-based ART (n = 10) and ART-naive subjects (control group, n = 11). All subjects received a loose formulation of artesunate/amodiaquine (200/600 mg) daily for 3 days, with serial pharmacokinetic sampling over 96 h following the final dose of artesunate/amodiaquine. Amodiaquine and DEAQ were quantified using a validated HPLC method with UV detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using standard non-compartmental methods. RESULTS Exposures to both amodiaquine and DEAQ were significantly lower in the nevirapine-based ART group compared with the control group (amodiaquine AUC₀₋₂₄ 145 versus 204 ng·h/mL, P = 0.02; DEAQ AUC₀₋₉₆ 14,571 versus 21,648 ng·h/mL, P < 0.01). The AUCDEAQ/AUC(amodiaquine) ratio was not different between groups (ART group 116 versus control group 102, P = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS Subjects on nevirapine-based ART had lower exposure to both amodiaquine and DEAQ (28.9% and 32.7%, respectively). Consequently, this may negatively impact the effectiveness of artesunate/amodiaquine in HIV-infected individuals on this ART combination.
Data wranglers: human interpreters to help close the feedback loop

Closing the feedback loop to improve learning is at the heart of good learning analytics practice. However, the quantity of data, and the range of different data sources, can make it difficult to take systematic action on that data. Previous work in the literature has emphasised the need for and value of human meaning-making in the process of interpretation of data to transform it in to actionable intelligence. This paper describes a programme of human Data Wranglers deployed at the Open University, UK, charged with making sense of a range of data sources related to learning, analysing that data in the light of their understanding of practice in individual faculties/departments, and producing reports that summarise the key points and make actionable recommendations. The evaluation of and experience in this programme of work strongly supports the value of human meaning-makers in the learning analytics process, and suggests that barriers to organisational change in this area can be mitigated by embedding learning analytics work within strategic contexts, and working at an appropriate level and granularity of analysis.
Distinguishing Between Mouse and Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Regulation: The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have been derived from the embryos of mice and humans, representing the two major sources of PSCs. These cells are universally defined by their developmental properties, specifically their self‐renewal capacity and differentiation potential which are regulated in mice and humans by complex transcriptional networks orchestrated by conserved transcription factors. However, significant differences exist in the transcriptional networks and signaling pathways that control mouse and human PSC self‐renewal and lineage development. To distinguish between universally applicable and species‐specific features, we collated and compared the molecular and cellular descriptions of mouse and human PSCs. Here we compare and contrast the response to signals dictated by the transcriptome and epigenome of mouse and human PSCs that will hopefully act as a critical resource to the field. These analyses underscore the importance of accounting for species differences when designing strategies to capitalize on the clinical potential of human PSCs. STEM CELLS 2010;28:419–430
Hospitalised cancer patients’ perceptions of individualised nursing care in four European countries

The aim of this study was to describe hospitalised cancer patients' perceptions of individualised care in four European countries and compare these perceptions using the patients' socio-demographic characteristics and the Individualized Care Scale. The patients' socio-demographic characteristics used were: education, age, gender, type of hospital admission, previous hospitalisation and hospital length of stay. The Individualized Care Scale has two parts (1) nurses' support of individuality and (2) patients' receipt of individuality. Data (n = 599) were collected in Cyprus (n = 150), Finland (n = 158), Greece (n = 150) and Sweden (n = 141). Multivariate analysis of variance models were constructed and differences in perceptions of individualised care were analysed using the patients' socio-demographic characteristics as covariates. The level of support for individuality and receipt of individualised care was reported as moderate and good respectively. Generally, the highest assessments were made by the Swedish respondents and the lowest by those in Greece. This study revealed some between-country differences in patients' perceptions of care individualisation. These differences, for example, conceptual, educational, based in clinical practice or in the health organisation, require further research. Enquiry into the individualised care perceptions of health care providers and the families of cancer patients would also be useful.
The effect of IFRS for SMEs on the financial reporting environment of private firms: an exploratory interview study

I investigate how the International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs) contributes to the development of private firm financial reporting. I interview a sample of leading accounting experts from 24 jurisdictions around the globe to understand the role of private firm financial reporting and financial transparency in their jurisdiction as well as the importance of IFRS for SMEs. I find significant variation across jurisdictions in my sample and document that IFRS for SMEs predominantly influenced private firm financial reporting and transparency by serving as a blueprint for national regulatory reforms. In some jurisdictions, IFRS for SMEs has also been adopted as an optional reporting framework. Direct firm-level adoption of IFRS for SMEs has been low in these jurisdictions with the exception of South Africa where it seems to be used relatively widely. Based on my response data, I suggest some potential rationales for my findings and discuss potential reasons for the observed cross-jurisdiction variation in private firm financial transparency and IFRS for SMEs adoption.
Genetic activation of Nrf2 signaling is sufficient to ameliorate neurodegenerative phenotypes in a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease

SUMMARY Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder. Oxidative stress has been associated with the etiology of both sporadic and monogenic forms of PD. The transcription factor Nrf2, a conserved global regulator of cellular antioxidant responses, has been implicated in neuroprotection against PD pathology. However, direct evidence that upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway is sufficient to confer neuroprotection in genetic models of PD is lacking. Expression of the PD-linked gene encoding α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons of Drosophila results in decreased locomotor activity and selective neuron loss in a progressive age-dependent manner, providing a genetically accessible model of PD. Here we show that upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway by overexpressing Nrf2 or its DNA-binding dimerization partner, Maf-S, restores the locomotor activity of α-synuclein-expressing flies. Similar benefits are observed upon RNA-interference-mediated downregulation of the prime Nrf2 inhibitor, Keap1, as well as in conditions of keap1 heterozygosity. Consistently, the α-synuclein-induced dopaminergic neuron loss is suppressed by Maf-S overexpression or keap1 heterozygosity. Our data validate the sustained upregulation of the Nrf2 pathway as a neuroprotective strategy against PD. This model provides a genetically accessible in vivo system in which to evaluate the potential of additional Nrf2 pathway components and regulators as therapeutic targets.
The Relationship between Financial Development and Unemployment in Selected Countries of the European Union

This article empirically examines the relationship between alternative measures of financial development and the unemployment rate in a selected group of ten EU countries. Using annual data for the sample period of 1991–2012, we first perform different panel regressions (using averaged and non-averaged versions of data) for unemployment rate. These panel regressions are based on a regression equation that includes inflation rate and growth rate of GDP, in addition to the level of financial development, as explanatory variables. Secondly, we apply Granger causality tests to investigate the nature of the causality between financial development and the unemployment rate for each country in our sample. The empirical findings suggest that unemployment rate and financial development are negatively correlated, and there is a statistically significant causal effect of financial development on unemployment in certain countries. However, the results are not robust to the choice of proxy measure for financial development.
FACTORS INFLUENCING CHOICE OF MILK OUTLETS AMONG SMALLHOLDER DAIRY FARMERS IN IRINGA MUNICIPALITY AND TANGA CITY

The global markets are increasingly being integrated due to globalization and liberalisation. Drastic changes prompted by technological change are daily transpiring in the agricultural produce marketing which put smallholder farmers’market survival at stake. The notable changes are manifested in terms of value addition and product differentiation. This study was undertaken to identify factors that determine milk value chain choice amongst smallholder dairy in Iringa and Tanga urban. The specific objectives were: to assess and compare profitability between informal and formal milk value chain participants; examining factors that influence choice of milk marketing channels/outlets among smallholder dairy farmers. Purposive and random sampling techniques were employed in selecting 160 smallholder dairy farmers and 62 middlemen. Both descriptive and quantitave techniques (Gross Margin and Multinomial Logistic Regression) were used in data analysis. The enterprises’ profitability between dairy farmers selling milk through the informal and formal milk channels was statistically different (P< 0.05), implying thatinformal milk channel is shown significantly being more profitable than the formal channel, with a mean difference of 385.00 TZSper litre. The Multinomial Logistic results show that, the highly statistically significant variables at 1% (P<0.01) level of significance are the price offered per litre of milk, family size of household, education level of household head, sex of household head, volume of milk produced, and access to credits. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of participation in either formal or informal marketing channels. In view of research findings, several policy proposals are suggested. These include offering reasonable prices price per litre of milk, propelling collective actions, provision of non-price incentives, re-structuring existing dairy institutional arrangements,establishing milk collection centers,encouraging value addition (adoption of best upgrading practices) and investment in dairy processing (empowering SMEs).
Regulation of the Follistatin Gene by RSPO-LGR4 Signaling via Activation of the WNT/β-Catenin Pathway in Skeletal Myogenesis

ABSTRACT WNT signaling plays multiple roles in skeletal myogenesis during gestation and postnatal stages. The R-spondin (RSPO) family of secreted proteins and their cognate receptors, members of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor (LGR) family, have emerged as new regulatory components of the WNT signaling pathway. We previously showed that RSPO2 promoted myogenic differentiation via activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling in mouse myoblast C2C12 cells in vitro. However, the molecular mechanism by which RSPO2 regulates myogenic differentiation is unknown. Herein, we show that depletion of the LGR4 receptor severely disrupts myogenic differentiation and significantly diminishes the response to RSPO2 in C2C12 cells, showing a requirement of LGR4 in RSPO signaling during myogenic differentiation. We identify the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) antagonist follistatin (Fst) as a key mediator of RSPO-LGR4 signaling in myogenic differentiation. We further demonstrate that Fst is a direct target of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Activation and inactivation of β-catenin induced and inhibited Fst expression, respectively, in both C2C12 cells and mouse embryos. Specific TCF/LEF1 binding sites within the promoter and intron 1 region of the Fst gene were required for RSPO2 and WNT/β-catenin-induced Fst expression. This study uncovers a molecular cross talk between WNT/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling pivotal in myogenic differentiation.