Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Annotation of Human Protein Coding Isoforms via Non-convex Multi-Instance Learning

Functional annotation of human genes is fundamentally important for understanding the molecular basis of various genetic diseases. A major challenge in determining the functions of human genes lies in the functional diversity of proteins, that is, a gene can perform different functions as it may consist of multiple protein coding isoforms (PCIs). Therefore, differentiating functions of PCIs can significantly deepen our understanding of the functions of genes. However, due to the lack of isoform-level gold-standards (ground-truth annotation), many existing functional annotation approaches are developed at gene-level. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to differentiate the functions of PCIs by integrating sparse simplex projection---that is, a nonconvex sparsity-inducing regularizer---with the framework of multi-instance learning (MIL). Specifically, we label the genes that are annotated to the function under consideration as positive bags and the genes without the function as negative bags. Then, by sparse projections onto simplex, we learn a mapping that embeds the original bag space to a discriminative feature space. Our framework is flexible to incorporate various smooth and non-smooth loss functions such as logistic loss and hinge loss. To solve the resulting highly nontrivial non-convex and non-smooth optimization problem, we further develop an efficient block coordinate descent algorithm. Extensive experiments on human genome data demonstrate that the proposed approaches significantly outperform the state-of-the-art methods in terms of functional annotation accuracy of human PCIs and efficiency.
The trough:peak ratio and the smoothness index in the evaluation of control of 24 h blood pressure by treatment in hypertension.

The duration and homogeneity of the antihypertensive effect of a drug are commonly quantified by computation of the trough:peak ratio (T/P) from 24 h ambulatory blood pressure recordings [i.e. the ratio of the reduction in blood pressure at the end of the interval between doses (trough) and the reduction in blood pressure at the time of the maximal effect of a drug (peak)]. Although it is widely employed, this index has a lot of limitations: it makes use of only a small portion of a 24 h blood pressure recording; individual T/P values do not have a normal distribution, unless responders at peak are selected; it bears no relation to 24 h blood pressure variability; peak changes in blood pressure are affected by a placebo effect and thus T/P needs correction for effects of placebo; peak and trough changes in blood pressure are reproducible over time but T/P is not; and, finally, it was shown in the SAMPLE study that T/P is not correlated to changes in left ventricular mass induced by treatment, and thus has a limited clinical value.
Comparison of gait using a Multiflex foot versus a Quantum foot in knee disarticulation amputees

The subjective responses and gait patterns of unilateral knee disarticulation amputees wearing prostheses fitted first with the Multiflex foot and then with the Quantum foot were studied. Nine amputees were included in the trial. A questionnaire asked the amputees about their preference for one of the feet. Gait analysis was performed measuring temporal parameters and goniometry of hips, knees and ankles in the sagittal and frontal planes. There was a slight preference for the Quantum foot. Preference seemed not to be related to physical characteristics of the amputees nor to gait parameters. There were no differences in gait as far as the temporal factors were concerned. The main differences in the range of motion of the joints were in the frontal plane: the eversion-inversion movement of the ankle and the adduction-abduction movement of the hip. During walking at comfortable speed with the Multiflex foot the ankle and hip range of motion averaged 2.1 and 3.1 degrees respectively, less than during walking with the Quantum foot.
Midlife overweight and obesity increase late-life dementia risk

Objective: The relation of overweight to dementia is controversial. We aimed to examine the association of midlife overweight and obesity with dementia, Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) in late life, and to verify the hypothesis that genetic and early-life environmental factors contribute to the observed association. Methods: From the Swedish Twin Registry, 8,534 twin individuals aged ≥65 (mean age 74.4) were assessed to detect dementia cases (DSM-IV criteria). Height and weight at midlife (mean age 43.4) were available in the Registry. Data were analyzed as follows: 1) unmatched case-control analysis for all twins using generalized estimating equation (GEE) models and 2) cotwin matched case-control approach for dementia-discordant twin pairs by conditional logistic regression taking into account lifespan vascular disorders and diabetes. Results: Among all participants, dementia was diagnosed in 350 subjects, and 114 persons had questionable dementia. Overweight (body mass index [BMI] >25–30) and obesity (BMI >30) at midlife were present in 2,541 (29.8%) individuals. In fully adjusted GEE models, compared with normal BMI (20–25), overweight and obesity at midlife were related to dementia with odds ratios (ORs) (95% CIs) of 1.71 (1.30–2.25) and 3.88 (2.12–7.11), respectively. Conditional logistic regression analysis in 137 dementia-discordant twin pairs led to an attenuated midlife BMI-dementia association. The difference in ORs from the GEE and the matched case-control analysis was statistically significant (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Both overweight and obesity at midlife independently increase the risk of dementia, AD, and VaD. Genetic and early-life environmental factors may contribute to the midlife high adiposity–dementia association.
Incentive Driven Data Sharing in Delay Tolerant Mobile Networks

This work focusses on data dissemination in delay tolerant mobile networks. The important roles in our daily life are played by Mobile wireless devices, e.g., Such devices are often used by users for being in touch with the friends like to take pictures andshare with friends and for bank transactions via opportunistic peer-to-peer links. Store and forward feature is adopted in Delay Tolerant Network since the links are intermittent in nature. Selfish nodes with rational behaviour is considered due to limited resources i.e, Communication bandwidth and battery consumption and are not willing to forward data items to other devices. This can be overcome by adopting effective data dissemination schemes to encourage nodes that can collaboratively share data.In this paper, Multi-Receiver Incentive-Based Dissemination (MuRIS) is proposed in which the nodes are allowed to deliver information cooperatively to another via chosen delivery paths in which few transmissions are utilized.A scheme known as credit-based incentive is proposed to promote nodal collaboration considering the selfish nodes with rational behaviour.
Antimitochondrial autoantibodies in saliva and sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

Background and Aims: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) in serum, for which the reactants are E2 subunits of the three 2‐oxoacid dehydrogenase (2‐OAD) enzymes, particularly pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC‐E2). Some 70% of patients with PBC have a coexisting autoimmune disease including Sjögren's syndrome. We aimed to ascertain the frequency and isotype of AMA in saliva in PBC.
The importance of breakfast in meeting daily recommended calcium intake in a group of schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the breakfast intake of calcium and milk products and to determine whether these correlate with total intake of both calcium and milk products. METHODS Food taken at breakfast and throughout the day was recorded using a 7 consecutive day food record in 200 schoolchildren aged between 9 and 13 years. RESULTS 65.3% of boys and 80.5% of girls showed intakes of calcium which were lower than recommended. Milk products were the foods most frequently included in breakfast (95.5% of subjects included them in this meal). A relationship was seen between energy provided by breakfast and the quantities of milk products (r = 0.5735) and calcium (r = 0.6908) taken at this meal. A relationship was also seen between energy provided by breakfast and daily intake of milk products (r = 0.4633) and calcium (r = 0.4954). The percentage of intakes of calcium lower than those recommended decreased when breakfast provided > or = 20% of total energy intake, and when the consumption of milk products at breakfast was greater than the 50th percentile (200 ml). Subjects with breakfast milk product intakes > or = 200 ml showed higher intakes of the same over the rest of the day (233.3 +/-140.4 g) than did those who took lesser quantities of these foods at breakfast (161.5 +/- 100.6 g). Further, those who took > or = 25% of the recommended intake of calcium at breakfast showed greater intakes of the same over the rest of the day (600.4 +/- 213.8 mg compared to 510.8 +/- 200.7 mg in subjects with lower calcium intakes). CONCLUSIONS The intake of milk products (r = 0.7587) and calcium (r = 0.7223) at breakfast correlates with the consumption of these foods in the whole diet. However, the total daily intake of milk products and calcium does not depend solely on breakfast intake. Subjects with the greatest intakes at breakfast also showed greater intakes over the rest of the day (r = 0.3953 for milk products and r = 0.4122 for calcium).
Investigation of triterpene synthesis and regulation in oats reveals a role for β-amyrin in determining root epidermal cell patterning

Significance Sterols and triterpenes are complex molecules that are synthesized from the isoprenoid pathway. The functions of sterols in plants have been studied extensively, but the role of triterpenes is less well understood. Here we investigate triterpene synthesis and regulation in diploid oat. We show that the genes for triterpene synthesis are regulated by an ancient root development process that is conserved across diverse plants. We further show that mutants in which the metabolism of the most common plant triterpene, β-amyrin, is blocked undergo a change early in the development of the root epidermis that leads to a “superhairy” root phenotype. Our findings shed light on triterpene synthesis and provide evidence for a role for the simple triterpene β-amyrin in plant development. Sterols have important functions in membranes and signaling. Plant sterols are synthesized via the isoprenoid pathway by cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to cycloartenol. Plants also convert 2,3-oxidosqualene to other sterol-like cyclization products, including the simple triterpene β-amyrin. The function of β-amyrin per se is unknown, but this molecule can serve as an intermediate in the synthesis of more complex triterpene glycosides associated with plant defense. β-Amyrin is present at low levels in the roots of diploid oat (Avena strigosa). Oat roots also synthesize the β-amyrin–derived triterpene glycoside avenacin A-1, which provides protection against soil-borne diseases. The genes for the early steps in avenacin A-1 synthesis [saponin-deficient 1 and 2 (Sad1 and Sad2)] have been recruited from the sterol pathway by gene duplication and neofunctionalization. Here we show that Sad1 and Sad2 are regulated by an ancient root developmental process that is conserved across diverse species. Sad1 promoter activity is dependent on an L1 box motif, implicating sterol/lipid-binding class IV homeodomain leucine zipper transcription factors as potential regulators. The metabolism of β-amyrin is blocked in sad2 mutants, which therefore accumulate abnormally high levels of this triterpene. The accumulation of elevated levels of β-amyrin in these mutants triggers a “superhairy” root phenotype. Importantly, this effect is manifested very early in the establishment of the root epidermis, causing a greater proportion of epidermal cells to be specified as root hair cells rather than nonhair cells. Together these findings suggest that simple triterpenes may have widespread and as yet largely unrecognized functions in plant growth and development.
THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES MPTP-Induced Parkinsonism in the Monkey: Neurochemical Pathology, Complications of Treatment and Pathophysiological Mechanisms

MPTP induces parkinsonism in monkeys by destruction of the substantia nigra, pars compacta. It can also damage ventral tegmental dopamine neurones and the noradrenergic locus coeruleus, both of which may be affected in Parkinson's disease. Motor symptoms in MPTP-treated monkeys respond readily to levodopa or dopamine agonist therapy. Administration of levodopa over 4-8 weeks leads to the emergence of "peakdose" dyskinesia. Such abnormal movements are not seen following challenge doses of levodopa in animals not on long-term therapy. Radioligand studies reveal a 40-180% increase in D2 receptor binding in the striatum of parkinsonian monkeys. 2-deoxyglucose studies of regional brain metabolism indicate that MPTP-induced parkinsonism is characterised by abnormally increased activity of medial pallidal neurones which project to the thalamus and pedunculopontine nucleus and reduced activity of subthalamic nucleus neurones. RESUME: Parkinsonisme induit par le MPTP chez le singe: pathologie, neurochimie, complications du traitement et mecanismes pathophysiologiques. L'administration de MPTP provoque le parkinsonisme chez le singe, en detruisant la substance noire et en particulier la partie compacte. II peut egalement nuire aux neurones dopaminergiques du tegmentum et aux neurones noradrenergiques du locus cinereus, lesquels sont souvent atteints dans la maladie de Parkinson. Les symptomes moteurs chez les singes traites de MPTP repondent bien au traitement aux agonistes de levodopa ou de dopamine. L'administration de levodopa au cours de 4 a 8 semaines entraine l'emergence d'une dyskinesie a la «dose au sommet». Les tels mouvements anormaux ne se trouvent pas a la suite des doses provocatrices de levodopa chez les animaux qui recoivent la therapie a court terme. Des etudes de liason au moyen de radioligands revelent une augmentation de 40 a 80 pour 100 dans la liason aux recepteurs dopaminergiques de type D2 dans le striatum des singes parkinsoniens. Des etudes du metabolisme cerebral regional, a I'aide du 2-desoxyglucose marque, indiquent que le parkinsonisme provoque par le MPTP est caracterise par une activite accrue de fa? on anormale au niveau des neurones du globus pallidus qui projettent vers le thalamus et au noyau pedonculopotin, et aussi par une activite reduite des neurones du noyau sous-thalamique. Can. J. Neurol. Sci. 1987; 14:428-435
Inhibition of angiotensin II-induced facilitation of sympathetic neurotransmission in the pithed rat: a comparison between losartan, irbesartan, telmisartan and captopril

Objective Numerous studies have shown that angiotensin II enhances sympathetic nervous transmission. The objective of the present study was to quantify the inhibitory effect of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers losartan, irbesartan and telmisartan and the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril on sympathetic neurotransmission and to compare the potency of these agents both at the presynaptic and the postsynaptic levels. Design In the male, normotensive pithed rat model, we studied the effect of losartan (1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg), irbesartan (3, 10, 30 and 60 mg/kg), telmisartan (0.3, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) and captopril (1.5, 5, 15 and 45 mg/kg) on electrical stimulation of the thoraco-lumbar spinal cord. To investigate the interaction between postsynaptic AT1-receptors and α-adrenoceptors, the effects of these compounds on pressor responses to exogenous noradrenaline were studied. Results Stimulation of the thoracolumbar spinal cord caused a stimulation-frequency dependent rise in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) that could be dose-dependently reduced by both AT1 receptor blockade and ACE inhibition. Interestingly, the highest doses of the AT1 antagonists caused less than maximal reduction in the rise in DBP. This phenomenon was not observed after ACE inhibition by captopril. In experiments with exogenous noradrenaline, no effect of AT1 blockade or ACE inhibition on α-adrenoceptor-mediated blood pressure responses was seen. Conclusion We conclude that, in the pithed rat model, the effects of stimulation of the thoraco-lumbar spinal cord on DBP are counteracted by blockade of presynaptically located AT1 receptors. The order of potency concerning sympatico-inhibition is telmisartan > losartan > irbesartan. Regarding the inhibition of angiotensin II-induced facilitation of sympathetic neurotransmission, marked differences were observed between selective AT1 blockade and ACE inhibition. The finding that all three AT1 blockers cause less than maximal inhibition in their highest doses, as opposed to captopril, suggests that this is a class effect of the AT1 antagonists.
Reproducibility of the capsaicin-induced dermal blood flow response as assessed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging.

AIMS Part I: to establish the dose and appropriate application site of capsaicin on the human forearm in order to produce a robust and reproducible dermal blood flow (DBF) response. Part II: to evaluate the within-subject arm-to-arm and period-to-period reproducibility. METHODS Both parts consisted of two study visits. In part I, placebo and 100, 300 and 1000 microg capsaicin were applied at four predefined sites on the volar surface of both forearms. Placebo and capsaicin doses were randomized and balanced by site between subjects. Changes in DBF were assessed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging up to 60 min after capsaicin application. In part II, only 1000 microg capsaicin was applied on the proximal forearm and changes in DBF assessed up to 30 min (t(30)). DBF response was expressed as percent change from baseline +/- SD and the corresponding AUC(0-30). Reproducibility assessment included calculation of the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). RESULTS Part I (n = 12 subjects): compared with placebo, 300 and 1000 microg capsaicin increased DBF (P < 0.05) at all time points except at 10 min. This increase was reproducible at the two most proximal sites from the 30-min time point onwards when compared between arms (CCC >or= 0.8, i.e. substantial to almost perfect reproducibility). In part II (n = 11), t(30) averaged 390 +/- 120% and arm-to-arm reproducibility was almost perfect (CCC = 0.91) for AUC(0-30). CONCLUSIONS Capsaicin induces a reproducible within-subject arm-to-arm increase in DBF. We provide a non-invasive pharmacodynamic model in humans to test antagonists of mediators involved in capsaicin-induced dermal vasodilation, including calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists.
The effect of organic atmosphere on durability of electric contacts

Switching experiments were carried out in a controlled atmosphere containing organic compounds such as aromatics, alcohols and carboxylic acids, and the effects of organic compounds on contact arcing characteristics were investigated. During switching in aromatic atmospheres, the gas between the contact surfaces became active, resulted in a rapid increase in arc energy. Carbonaceous deposits (black powder) were formed especially from aromatic compounds on electric contacts. The life of the relay, estimated from an induction period of rapid increase in arc energy, became longer under the atmosphere of alcohols and carboxylic acid. Especially, the life time under formic acid was three orders longer than that under toluene. It was found that the life time in the toluene/air mixed atmosphere can be prolonged over 100 times by the addition of formic acid. Arc energy of an activated relay could also be reduced to the initial level by adding formic acid. Organic compounds that have carboxyl groups were more effective to reduce arc energy under toluene/air atmospheres. Gas analysis with a mass spectrometer revealed that CO increased in the atmosphere after switching experiments. Therefore, it can be concluded that the organic deposits were oxidized by the action of carboxyl group under air.
The European Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes (SOHO) study: rationale, methods and recruitment

Objective: The objective of the European Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes (SOHO) study is to understand the comparative costs and outcomes of antipsychotic drug treatment, with specific focus on olanzapine. The study will also provide a large database for research into the treatment and outcome of schizophrenia. The role of observational studies in the assessment of the effectiveness of antipsychotic agents is reviewed, and the rationale, design and recruitment issues surrounding the SOHO study are presented.
EFFECT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN KENYA PORTS AUTHORITY

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of transformational leadership on change management in Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). The descriptive research design was used in the formulation of knowledge to evaluate the effect of transformational leadership on change management in Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). A structured questionnaire was used to get primary data, journals, online research were used to obtain secondary data. A both quantitative and qualitative research technique were used during data analysis. Simple random sampling technique was used to identify and select eligible participants for the study. Data was analyzed using statistical packaging social sciences software (SPSS) version 23. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha. Inferential statistics such as Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis were used for further analysis. The study findings indicated that 51.1% of the relationship was explained by the four variables namely Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation and Individual Consideration; the dependent variable (Change Management). The rest of 48.9% can be explained by other factors in the change management which are not studied in this research. The model was statistically significant in predicating the effect of transformational leadership on change management in Kenya Ports Authority. Where F was (23.484) at significant level of 0.00 thus less than (P) value of 0.05. Since F was greater than F critical value, it showed that the overall model was significant that is Idealized Influence Leadership, Inspirational Motivation Leadership, Intellectual Stimulation Leadership and Individual Consideration Leadership affect change Management in Kenya Ports Authority. Key terms: Change Management, Idealized Influence, Individual Consideration, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, Transformational leadership CITATION: Dickson, G. M. & Kisingu, T. M. (2019). Effect of transformational leadership on change management in Kenya Ports Authority. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 6 (2), 1150 –1172.