Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selenoprotein N deficiency in mice is associated with abnormal lung development

Mutations in the human SEPN1 gene, encoding selenoprotein N (SepN), cause SEPN1‐related myopathy (SEPN1‐RM) characterized by muscle weakness, spinal rigidity, and respiratory insufficiency. As with other members of the selenoprotein family, selenoprotein N incorporates selenium in the form of selenocysteine (Sec). Most selenoproteins that have been functionally characterized are involved in oxidation‐reduction (redox) reactions, with the Sec residue located at their catalytic site. To model SEPN1‐RM, we generated a Sepn1‐knockout (Sepn1–/–) mouse line. Homozygous Sepn1–/– mice are fertile, and their weight and lifespan are comparable to wild‐type (WT) animals. Under baseline conditions, the muscle histology of Sepn1–/– mice remains normal, but subtle core lesions could be detected in skeletal muscle after inducing oxidative stress. Ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium release channels showed lower sensitivity to caffeine in SepN deficient myofibers, suggesting a possible role of SepN in RyR regulation. SepN deficiency also leads to abnormal lung development characterized by enlarged alveoli, which is associated with decreased tissue elastance and increased quasi‐static compliance of Sepn1–/– lungs. This finding raises the possibility that the respiratory syndrome observed in patients with SEPN1 mutations may have a primary pulmonary component in addition to the weakness of respiratory muscles. —Moghadaszadeh, B. , Rider B. E. , Lawlor, M. W. , Childers, M. K. , Grange, R. W. , Gupta, K. , Boukedes, S. S. , Owen, C. A. , Beggs, A. H. Selenoprotein N deficiency in mice is associated with abnormal lung development. FASEB J. 27, 1585–1599 (2013). www.fasebj. org
Implications of the LIFE trial

The recent Losartan Intervention For Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension (LIFE) study was conducted in patients with essential hypertension with electrocardiogram evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. This showed that losartan compared to atenolol resulted in a significant reduction in the primary endpoint of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as a greater reduction in electrocardiographically-defined left ventricular hypertrophy. Importantly, this was despite a mean blood pressure reduction which was similar in both groups. Furthermore, the atenolol arm was associated with higher incidence of newly diagnosed diabetics. The LIFE study has firmly confirmed a place for losartan (and other angiotensin receptor blockers) in the management of hypertension. Losartan has also been shown to be effective in diabetics and in patients with atrial fibrillation, as well as in left ventricular hypertrophy regression. This trial also raises the possibility that β-blockers should perhaps not be used as first-line monotherapy.
Validation of energy intake from a web-based food recall for children and adolescents

The purpose of this study was to validate estimated energy intake from a web-based food recall, designed for children and adolescents. We directly compared energy intake to estimates of total energy expenditure, calculated from accelerometer outputs, combined with data on weight and sex or resting energy expenditure prediction equations. Children (8–9 years) and adolescents (12–14 years) were recruited through schools in Norway in 2013 (N = 253). Results showed that more than one third (36–37%) were identified as under-reporters of energy. In contrast, only 2–4% were defined as over-reporters of energy. The mean energy intake was under-reported with -1.83 MJ/day for the entire study sample. Increased underestimation was observed for overweight and obese participants, the oldest age group (12–14 years), boys, those with parents/legal guardians with low educational level and those living in non-traditional families. In conclusion, energy intake from the web-based food recall is significantly underestimated compared with total energy expenditure, and should be used with caution in young people.
Recombinant fusion proteins TAT‐Mu, Mu and Mu‐Mu mediate efficient non‐viral gene delivery

The inherent ability of certain peptides or proteins of viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic origin to bind DNA was used to generate novel peptide‐based DNA delivery protocols. We have developed a recombinant approach to make fusion proteins with motifs for DNA‐binding ability, Mu and membrane transduction domains, TAT, and tested them for their DNA‐binding, uptake and transfection efficiencies. In one of the constructs, the recombinant plasmid was designed to encode the Mu moiety of sequence MRRAHHRRRRASHRRMRGG in‐frame with TAT of sequence YGRKKRRQRRR to generate TAT‐Mu, while the other two constructs, Mu and Mu‐Mu, harbor a single copy or two copies of the Mu moiety.
Non-technical attributes in paramedicine: Is situational judgement testing the solution?

Non-technical attributes have been identified as important and desirable qualities for all paramedics. Despite this, there is currently little research exploring the assessment of non-technical attributes in paramedicine. Situational judgement tests (SJT) have been identified as a valid and reliable assessment of non-technical attributes in medical education, however, it appears there is no research exploring the use of SJTs in the field of paramedicine. This paper outlines the background information on SJTs, what they are and their successful implementation in medicine. Additionally, this paper identifies potential uses for SJTs in paramedicine including admission and mental health screening based of previous research in medical education. This paper concludes that SJTs could be utilised in the field of paramedicine to measure non-technical attributes.
Characterization of Egyptian Field Strains of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus

Abstract SUMMARY. The reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT-PCR/RFLP) technique was used for identification and characterization of Egyptian field strains of infectious bursal disease viruses (IBDVs) that caused severe outbreaks with (30%–60%) mortality rate. Twenty-four bursal samples collected from 24 field outbreaks in commercially reared chicken flocks experiencing signs typical of infectious bursal disease (IBD) were used. Ten of the bursal samples examined were determined to contain IBDV as evidenced by amplification of a 743-bp region of the VP2 gene of IBDV by RT-PCR. The RT-PCR products of the detected viruses were characterized by digestion with three restriction enzymes, BstN, MboI, and SspI. Three different RT-PCR/RFLP profiles were observed. Seven of the detected viruses had RFLP profiles identical to the very virulent European strains of IBDV (vvIBDVs). One virus had a RFLP profile identical to the U.S. classic vaccine strain, and one virus had a unique RFLP profile. The clinical history of the outbreaks and the presence of the SspI site in the 743-bp RT-PCR fragment were the criteria for designating the viruses as belonging to the very virulent (vv) phenotype.
AwardU: A Formal, Fair, Fun Program to Honor IT Staff

In 2014, we began to create an employee recognition program for about 110 employees in the Office of Information Technology at West Virginia University. Immediately after initiating the project, the Chief Information Officer announced that our unit would be merging with several others, more than doubling in size under the new name, Information Technology Services. We needed a way to not only recognize good work and good deeds in a timely fashion, but also to create a stronger sense of unity among these newly merged IT organizations with different cultures and practices. Over six months, a large, diverse committee built a scalable, transparent, accountable, peer-judged program aimed at improving employee morale and retention. With both positive and negative examples of past, unstructured, personality-dependent programs in mind, the AwardU Committee designed a system that is fair, unbiased and inclusive. With well thought-out definitions of recognizable excellence and three categories, we have awards that anyone in ITS can win, regardless of the nature of their duties. Determining key ITS values and principles helped us design a meaningful, rule-driven program that staff would use, appreciate and support, all within the confines of financially restrictive state ethics laws regarding employee recognition. The RockIT Awards were designed BY employees FOR employees. The program today is formal, fair and fun, complete with an awards breakfast, unique prizes and hand-poured metal trophies that travel among winners like the Stanley Cup in the NHL. "This program is bigger than any of us, required all of us and is made to continue without us," Chairman Steven Marra told the committee after our first year. Six quarters in, we have a charter, functional data, formative notes and anecdotes we believe could help others emulate this program even as it continues to evolve.
Biomedical and Psychiatric Risk Factors for Retinopathy Among Children With IDDM

OBJECTIVE Illness duration and glycemic control influence the development of retinopathy in childhood-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Psychiatric disorders and sociodemographic factors also affect diabetes-related outcomes. However, biomedical and psychosocial factors have not been examined together in modeling the risk of retinopathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a single-site prospective longitudinal study of 66 children (aged 8-13 years) newly diagnosed with IDDM. Repeated assessments served to derive psychiatric diagnoses. Poor glycemic control was defined as the upper 15th percentile of all HbA1 values. After a median follow-up of 10 years, severity of retinopathy was determined. It was modeled with a stepwise polychotomous regression procedure using antecedent biomedical and psychosocial variables. RESULTS Young adults with childhood-onset IDDM were found to be at increased risk of retinopathy the longer they had IDDM, the more persistently they evidenced poor antecedent glycemic control, and the longer they suffered from depressive illness. These three factors operated individually and additively, with duration of IDDM conferring a baseline level of risk. In depressed patients (27%), depression onset antedated the detection of retinopathy generally by 7 years. CONCLUSIONS Duration of childhood-onset IDDM confers a baseline level of risk of retinopathy irrespective of glycemic control; antecedent clinical depression is also a risk factor. Depression therefore may serve as a marker of vulnerability and help to identify a subgroup of patients at risk for complications. The findings raise the question whether timely treatment of depression could forestall diabetic retinopathy.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers in Soft Tissue Regeneration

Abstract Over the last years, hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable dermal fillers (DFs) have become the most popular agents for soft tissue contouring and volumizing. HA fillers are characterized by most of the properties that an ideal DF should have, due to HA unique chemical-physical properties, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility. Therefore, HA DFs have revolutionized the filler market with a high number of products, which differ in terms of HA source, cross-linkage (agent and degree), HA concentration, hardness, cohesivity, consistency, inclusion or lack of anesthetic, indication, and longevity of correction. The article first provides a general introduction to DF world, and an overview of the different materials is available for fillers. Second, it describes the characteristics and the peculiarities of HA fillers, their differences from the other available materials, and therefore the reasons at the base of their success. Moreover, an update regarding the main Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved fillers is presented.
Silica induces apoptosis in macrophages and the release of interleukin‐1 α and interleukin‐1β

Resident adherent peritoneal cells selectively released high amounts of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) activity when treated with silica. The use of anti‐IL‐1 antisera showed that both IL‐Ια and IL‐1β were present in supernatants of silica‐treated macrophages. In contrast, intracellular IL‐1 activity was totally neutralized by anti‐ IL‐Ια antibodies and was easily converted into the mature IL‐Ια form by autolysis in cytoplasmic extracts. Anion exchange chromatography clearly separated the two IL‐1 species present in supernatants of silica‐ stimulated macrophages. Natural IL‐1β was further characterized by chromatofocalization; it had an apparent isoelectric point, pI, in the range 8.3‐8.6. In agreement with previous findings showing that IL‐1/3 was released only by apoptotic cells, we have found that silica‐treated macrophages underwent apoptosis. This was demonstrated by the characteristic laddering electrophoretic pattern of DNA extracted from silica‐treated cells and by the morphology of macrophage nuclei stained with the DNA‐specific dye DAPI. In addition, quantification of apoptotic cells was performed by a flow cytometric analysis based on the reduction of cellular DNA content exhibited by apoptotic cells. Treatment of macrophages with silica, therefore, results in an active process that promotes the processing and liberation of IL‐1β.
Reducing Reoffending: Review of Selected Countries: Final Review for Audit Scotland

The report reviews reoffending patterns in Scotland, England and Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway and New Zealand to establish relevant conditions for different rates of reoffending. A significant part of the report, however, is given over to a critical examination of the concept of 'reoffending' itself which is more a measure of criminal justice agency behaviour than individual behaviour. The report concludes with some suggestions for moving beyond such thin, technocratic understanding of reoffending and rehabilitation. This work was commissioned by and submitted to Audit Scotland.
An integrated approach to the analysis and modeling of protein sequences and structures. I. Protein structural alignment and a quantitative measure for protein structural distance.

We have devised and implemented in PrISM (protein informatics system for modeling) a new measure of protein structural relationships, the protein structural distance (PSD). The PSD is designed to describe relationships between protein structures in quantitative rather than descriptive terms and is applicable both when two structures are very similar, and when they are very different. It is calculated with a structural alignment procedure that uses double dynamic programming to align secondary structure elements and an iterative rigid body superposition that minimizes the root-mean-square deviation of C(alpha) atoms. The alignment algorithm, as implemented on a modest workstation, is computationally efficient, allowing for large-scale structural comparisons. PSD scores for more than one and a half million pairs of proteins were calculated and compared to the discrete classification of proteins in the SCOP database. The PSD scores, which were obtained automatically, are in large part consistent with the manually derived classifications in SCOP. Discrepancies do arise, however, due, in part, to the fact that SCOP uses criteria other than structural similarity to derive classifications while the PrISM procedure is exclusively structure based. Analysis of PSD scores suggests that there is a continuous aspect of protein conformation space, even though various classification schemes are extremely useful. The use of a continuous measure for structural distance between all pairs of proteins allows us, as described in the two accompanying papers to derive sequence/structure relationships in a more quantitative way than has previously been possible. An important strength of the approach implemented in PrISM is its ability to address many different kinds of queries interactively, making its structural comparison procedure a convenient computational tool that complements structural classification databases such as SCOP and CATH.
Online Robust Placement of Service Chains for Large Data Center Topologies

The trend today is to deploy applications and more generally service function chains (SFCs) in public clouds. However, before being deployed in the cloud, chains were deployed on dedicated infrastructures, where software, hardware, and network components were managed by the same entity, making it straightforward to provide robustness guarantees. By moving their services to the cloud, the users lose their control on the infrastructure and hence on the robustness. In this paper, we provide an online algorithm for robust placement of service chains in data centers. Our placement algorithm determines the required number of replicas for each function of the chain and its placement in the data center. Our simulations on large data-center topologies with up to 30 528 nodes show that our algorithm is fast enough such that one can consider robust chain placements in real time even in a very large data center and without the need of prior knowledge on the demand distribution.
Integrating Multitemporal Sentinel-1/2 Data for Coastal Land Cover Classification Using a Multibranch Convolutional Neural Network: A Case of the Yellow River Delta

Coastal land cover classification is a significant yet challenging task in remote sensing because of the complex and fragmented nature of coastal landscapes. However, availability of multitemporal and multisensor remote sensing data provides opportunities to improve classification accuracy. Meanwhile, rapid development of deep learning has achieved astonishing results in computer vision tasks and has also been a popular topic in the field of remote sensing. Nevertheless, designing an effective and concise deep learning model for coastal land cover classification remains problematic. To tackle this issue, we propose a multibranch convolutional neural network (MBCNN) for the fusion of multitemporal and multisensor Sentinel data to improve coastal land cover classification accuracy. The proposed model leverages a series of deformable convolutional neural networks to extract representative features from a single-source dataset. Extracted features are aggregated through an adaptive feature fusion module to predict final land cover categories. Experimental results indicate that the proposed MBCNN shows good performance, with an overall accuracy of 93.78% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.9297. Inclusion of multitemporal data improves accuracy by an average of 6.85%, while multisensor data contributes to 3.24% of accuracy increase. Additionally, the featured fusion module in this study also increases accuracy by about 2% when compared with the feature-stacking method. Results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively mine and fuse multitemporal and multisource Sentinel data, which improves coastal land cover classification accuracy.
A New Role for the p85-Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Regulatory Subunit Linking FRAP to p70 S6 Kinase Activation*

The serine/threonine kinase p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K) phosphorylates the 40 S ribosomal protein S6, modulating the translation of an mRNA subset that encodes ribosomal proteins and translation elongation factors. p70S6K is activated in response to mitogenic stimuli and is required for progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle and for cell growth. Activation of p70S6K is regulated by phosphorylation of seven different residues distributed throughout the protein, a subset of which depends on the activity of p85/p110 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K); in fact, the phosphorylation status of Thr229 and Thr389 is intimately linked to PI3K activity. In the full-length enzyme, however, these sites are also acutely sensitive to the action of FKBP 12-rapamycin-associated protein (FRAP). The mechanism by which PI3K and FRAP cooperate to induce p70S6K activation remains unclear. Here we show that the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K also controls p70S6K activation by mediating formation of a ternary complex with p70S6K and FRAP. The p85 C-terminal SH2 domain is responsible for p85 coupling to p70S6K and FRAP, because deletion of the C-terminal SH2 domain inhibits complex formation and impairs p70S6K activation by PI3K. Formation of this complex is not required for activation of a FRAP-independent form of p70S6K, however, underscoring the role of p85 in regulating FRAP-dependent p70S6K activation. These studies thus show that, in addition to the contribution of PI3K activity, the p85 regulatory subunit plays a critical role in p70S6K activation.
Debt Management as an Economic Growth Strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Study of Selected Countries

Government debt management, as a distinct policy, with a clear objective of managing risks and cost minimisation first started among the industrialised economies in the late 1980s. The need to improve government debt management arose with rising debt levels, caused by macro-economic imbalances especially in the mid-1970s and 1980s. In sub-Saharan Africa however, debt management as a strategy was undeveloped or lacking completely. A research in the area of debt management is significant to the economic growth and development of the sub – Saharan Africa. The significance of debt management is supported by empirical studies showing that effective public debt management could go a long way in protecting both low and middle income countries against the negative impact of the financial crisis. This research focus specifically on the choice between short and long term, domestic and external debts and how the process affects the economy as measured by per capita income and debt ratio or level of indebtedness. The work also looked at the extent of implementation of debt management among the SSAs especially as contained in the World Bank and IMF debt management performance guidelines. The research adopted the quantitative approach to answer questions raised in relation to the effect of government borrowing; the choice of debt maturity, and how sovereign debt and its management affect economic growth. It was found that debt is related negatively to economic growth; and the phenomenon of debt overhang actually exists. Debt management however was found to be relevant; where it was observed that the entire process of debt management is vital to economic growth and the development of a country. In particular, countries in sub-Saharan Africa need to put in place an effective and sound debt management strategy that would aid in promoting the needed stability, reduce risks in borrowing and guide in the prudent management of borrowed resources. The work contribute to both theoretical and empirical aspects of debt and its management.