Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing left ventricular hypertrophy in children and adolescents with or without family history of premature myocardial infarction

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the highest ranking cause of mortality. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is increasing among people in developed and developing countries. Since left ventricular hypertrophy is one of the risk factors leading to extremely dangerous heart diseases and even sudden death at early ages, investigating its contributing factors can be beneficial. The purpose of this study was to determine factors contributing to left ventricular hypertrophy in students aged 7-18 years in Isfahan. Statistical population of this case-control study was the 7-18 year old students in Isfahan, who were studied in two groups of children with premature myocardial infarction in their parents and the control group. Materials and Methods : After determining the sample size of 138 people, a two-part questionnaire was designed and demographic characteristics and anthropometric measures were recorded in students′ profiles. The obtained information was analyzed using SPSS 15 software and logistic regression model and the results were reported at P < 0.05 . Result : The results showed that among the studied variables, gender, age, body mass index, and blood pressure were associated with the left ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusion: Considering the results and previous studies in this field, it was observed that left ventricular hypertrophy exists at early ages, which is very dangerous and can lead to heart diseases at early ages. Factors such as being overweight, having high blood pressure, and being male cause left ventricular hypertrophy and lead to undiagnosable heart diseases.
Intracolony variation of bacterial gut microbiota among castes and ages in the fungus‐growing termite Macrotermes gilvus

The fungus‐growing termites Macrotermes cultivate the obligate ectosymbiontic fungi, Termitomyces. While their relationship has been extesively studied, little is known about the gut bacterial symbionts, which also presumably play a crucial role for the nutrition of the termite host. In this study, we investigated the bacterial gut microbiota in two colonies of Macrotermes gilvus, and compared the diversity and community structure of bacteria among nine termite morphotypes, differing in caste and/or age, using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) and clonal analysis of 16S rRNA. The obtained molecular community profiles clustered by termite morphotype rather than by colony, and the clustering pattern was clearly more related to a difference in age than to caste. Thus, we suggest that the bacterial gut microbiota change in relation to the food of the termite, which comprises fallen leaves and the fungus nodules of Termitomyces in young workers, and leaves degraded by the fungi, in old workers. Despite these intracolony variations in bacterial gut microbiota, their T‐RFLP profiles formed a distinct cluster against those of the fungus garden, adjacent soil and guts of sympatric wood‐feeding termites, implying a consistency and uniqueness of gut microbiota in M. gilvus. Since many bacterial phylotypes from M. gilvus formed monophyletic clusters with those from distantly related termite species, we suggest that gut bacteria have co‐evolved with the termite host and form a microbiota specific to a termite taxonomic and/or feeding group, and furthermore, to caste and age within a termite species.
Purification and partial characterization of heat-stable enterotoxin of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Heat-stable enterotoxin was purified from a strain of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli 53402 A-1 from human intestine. The cells were cultured in Casamino Acids-yeast extract-salts medium, and the purification procedure consisted of protamine sulfate treatment of the culture supernatant, ultrafiltration with an Amicon PM-10 membrane, diethylaminoethyl-cellulose column chromatography, hydroxyapatite column chromatography, Bio-Gel P-10 gel filtration, 90% ethanol extraction, and preparative polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis. About 300-fold purification was achieved, with a yield of about 12%. However, the homogeneity of the purified heat-stable enterotoxin was not rigorously demonstrated. The purified heat-stable enterotoxin had an absorption maximum at about 275 nm, and its isoelectric point was about 3.90. The molecular weight of the purified heat-stable enterotoxin was ca. 4,000 by Sephadex G-100 gel filtration. The minimum effective dose of purified heat-stable enterotoxin was about 2.5 ng in the suckling mouse assay. The purified heat-stable enterotoxin gave a positive reaction in not only the suckling mouse assay but also the mouse intestinal loop test and the guinea pig skin permeability test.
UJI KAUSALITAS GRANGER: INFLASI DAN PENGANGGURAN DI INDONESIA

Inflation and unemployment in Indonesia are specific problems which need government attention. To overcome inflation, we must understand first some factors causing the rise of inflation, before making a policy. In relation to inflation, the number of unemployment can be influenced via company where the employees where the employees work or via manpower market. In this article the writer carried out a causality test of the relation between inflation (I) and unemployment (11) using Granger test model. In this test the writer formulated that the current inflation variable value (It) connected to past inflation and past unemployment level. The writer also tested the variable of current employment level (Ut) where current employment level is influenced by past inflation and employment levels
Energy consumption efficiency in Sub- Saharan Africa : evidence and policies

Energy-based inputs continue to feature prominently in all economic activities and the linkages between energy inputs and economic expansion has received considerable attention in the literature. The aftermath of the oil price shocks in the 1970s coupled with the unreliable and insufficient supply of energy resources has spurred a great shift of emphasis from mere energy consumption to a thorough investigation into efficient consumption or utilization of energy-based resources and the factors underlying the behaviour of energy intensity. This quest is particularly important against the evidence that in many Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries, energy supply has not only been very insufficient to meet the every growing demand but has also been uncertain and unreliable. In addition, since every growth process requires some energy consumption, it is vital that energy resources are consumed in more efficient manner given that shortages could threaten the sustainable development of an economy. Using the system Generalized Method of Moments analysis on a panel dataset for 36 SSA countries over the period 1980-2015, this study examines how some key macroeconomic parameters explain the observed rising trend in energy intensity in SSA. It is established among others that, energy consumption efficiency is a function of the extent of openness of an economy to external commerce and domestic price developments. In particular, greater openness to trade and higher domestic prices tend to reduce energy intensity. Further, the results show that while the industrial and services sectors have adverse effect on energy consumption efficiency, the reverse is true for the agricultural sector. We discuss some policy options.
When Banks Lobby: The Effects of Organizational Characteristics and Banking Regulations on International Bank Lobbying

Abstract This article examines bank lobbying in the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). While excessive bank lobbying is routinely linked to weakened banking regulations, we still know little about bank mobilization patterns. In particular, when and why do some banks lobby the BCBS while others do not? I argue that the decision to lobby is a function of two factors: banks’ organizational characteristics and domestic banking regulations. I test my argument using a unique dataset of over 33,000 banks worldwide during the period in which Basel III was negotiated. My findings confirm a pronounced bias in bank mobilization patterns toward wealthy, internationally active banks. I also find that banks facing more stringent banking regulations at home tend to lobby the BCBS in an effort to level the playing field with international competitors. This effect is particularly salient for stringent regulations on banking activities as well as higher capital adequacy requirements. 1
Time, Space and Hippocampal Functions

The hippocampus is one of the most researched structures of the brain. Studies of lesions in humans, primates and rodents have suggested to some that the primary role of the hippocampus is to act as a temporary memory buffer which is required for the consolidation of long-term memory. The famous case study of patient H.M. , in particular, seemed to suggest that the hippocampus was of crucial importance for memory formation. However, recordings of single neurons in freely moving rodents did not support this notion. In such recordings, neurons were found that were active predominately when the animal passed through a particular area in space. Consequently, these neurons were termed 'place cells' and a theory was developed that suggested that the hippocampus acts as a 'cognitive map' that is required for spatial orientation. It was then found that H.M. had significant damage to his temporal lobes that included the amygdala, rhinal cortices, and other areas. Further case studies and selective hippocampal lesions in primates resulted in much milder amnestic symptoms, and lesions of defined cortical areas in the temporal lobes showed that a number of functions previously attributed to the hippocampus were in fact linked to these areas. Further analysis of neuronal activity in the hippocampus showed that not only is spatial information represented there, but also additional information, such as speed of movement, direction of movement, match or non-match detection, olfactorial identification, and others. In addition, it was found that selective lesions of the hippocampus in rodents impaired spatial navigation and memory formation only mildly. Only simultaneous lesions of several cortical areas in conjunction with the hippocamus could reproduce the impairments and symptoms that were previously thought to be observed after hippocampal lesions alone. In conclusion it is proposed that information processing and memory formation is shared by several brain areas that act as a functional system. This review presents evidence from many different studies that the hippocampus is part of this system and plays a supportive role in associating complex multimodal information and laying down new memory traces. In addition, the concept of allocating specific functions (such as the development of a cognitive map) exclusively to the hippocampus is rejected.
Cluster conservation as a novel tool for studying protein–protein interactions evolution

Protein–protein interactions networks has come to be a buzzword associated with nets containing edges that represent a pair of interacting proteins (e.g. hormone‐receptor, enzyme‐inhibitor, antigen‐antibody, and a subset of multichain biological machines). Yet, each such interaction composes its own unique network, in which vertices represent amino acid residues, and edges represent atomic contacts. Recent studies have shown that analyses of the data encapsulated in these detailed networks may impact predictions of structure–function correlation. Here, we study homologous families of protein–protein interfaces, which share the same fold but vary in sequence. In this context, we address what properties of the network are shared among relatives with different sequences (and hence different atomic interactions) and which are not. Herein, we develop the general mathematical framework needed to compare the modularity of homologous networks. We then apply this analysis to the structural data of a few interface families, including hemoglobin α–β, growth hormone‐receptor, and Serine protease‐inhibitor. Our results suggest that interface modularity is an evolutionarily conserved property. Hence, protein–protein interfaces can be clustered down to a few modules, with the boundaries being evolutionarily conserved along homologous complexes. This suggests that protein engineering of protein–protein binding sites may be simplified by varying each module, but retaining the overall modularity of the interface. Proteins 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of interferon β-1b on quantities derived from MT MRI in secondary progressive MS

Background: Magnetization transfer (MT) MRI can provide in vivo markers reflecting the severity of irreversible, MS-related brain damage occurring within and outside T2-visible lesions. Objective: To assess the effect of interferon (IFN) β-1b treatment on the accumulation of brain damage in patients with secondary progressive (SP) MS, measured using MT MRI. Methods: Eighty-two patients with SPMS from five centers participating in a European, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of IFNβ-1b in SPMS underwent brain T2-weighted and MT MRI at baseline. Evaluable follow-up data were available for 75 patients at 12 months, 54 at 24 months, and 47 at 36 months. MT MRI scans were postprocessed and analyzed to obtain histograms of MT ratio (MTR) values from the whole brain. A region of interest–based analysis of MTR values from the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) was also performed. Results: In both the treatment arms, there was a decrease of average brain MTR values from baseline to month 24 (mean change −4.9%) and month 36 (mean change −4.3%). These changes were significant for the placebo group at both timepoints and for the IFNβ-1b group at month 24 only, with no significant treatment effect. A decrease of NAWM MTR was also observed, with no significant difference between the two treatment arms. Conclusion: In this cohort of patients with secondary progressive MS, interferon β-1b did not show an overall effect on the worsening of magnetization transfer MRI measures, when compared with placebo. The data show that change in magnetization transfer ratio is a promising tool for monitoring disease evolution in secondary progressive MS and that the information obtained from magnetization transfer MRI complements that obtained from MRI measures of lesion load and inflammation.
Beyond Firo-B—Three New Theory-Derived Measures—Element B: Behavior, Element F: Feelings, Element S: Self

Although the FIRO-B instrument has been used widely for a large number of purposes, it was not designed as a general purpose instrument. Several years ago, after revising the FIRO theory underlying the instrument based on over 20 years' experience with the instrument and related activities, the author revised the FIRO-B extensively, so extensively it was given a new name, Element B. The new instrument is much stronger both theoretically and psychometrically while at the same time retaining the simplicity and shortness of the original. In addition, two new instruments based on the same theory were designed, developed, and tested. They measure feelings (Element F) and self-concept (Element S). All three instruments have, over the past 10 years, been used primarily as training instruments. When given in conjunction with other methods, they have been used for improving self-awareness, teamwork, morale, and productivity in such organizations as Procter & Gamble, AT&T, NASA, Amdahl Corporation, the Swedish Army, and about 100 companies in Japan. Included is a comment on scales anchored both logically, using methods such as facet design and unidimensional scaling, and empirically, such as the “big five. ”
Molecular Cloning and Functional Expression of Rat Liver Glutathione-dependent Dehydroascorbate Reductase*

We have isolated a cDNA clone for a novel glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase from a rat liver cDNA library in λgt11 by immunoscreening. The authenticity of the clone was confirmed as follows: first, the antibody that had been purified through affinity for the protein expressed by the cloned λgt11 phage recognized only the enzyme in a crude extract from rat liver; and second, two internal amino acid sequences of purified enzyme were identified in the protein sequence predicted from the cDNA. The predicted protein consists of 213 amino acids with a molecular weight of 24,929, which is smaller by ∼3,000 than the value obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This discrepancy of the molecular weight was explained by post-translational modification because the recombinant protein expressed by a mammalian system (Chinese hamster ovary cells) was of the same size as rat liver enzyme but larger than the protein expressed by a bacterial system (Escherichia coli). Chinese hamster ovary cells, originally devoid of glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase activity, was made to elicit the enzyme activity (1.5 nmol/min/mg of cytosolic protein) by expression of the recombinant protein. Additionally, the cells expressing the enzyme were found to accumulate 1.7 times as much ascorbate as the parental cells after incubation with dehydroascorbate. This result points to the importance of the dehydroascorbic acid reductase in maintaining a high concentration of ascorbate in the cell.
Directions for Combustion Engine Aerosol Measurement in the 21st Century

Abstract The Coordinating Research Council convened two Real-Time PM Measurement Workshops in December 2008 and March 2009 to take an intensive look at the current status and future directions of combustion aerosol measurement. The purpose was to examine the implications of parallel rapid developments over the past decade in ambient aerosol science, engine aftertreatment technology, and aerosol measurement methodology, which provide beneﬁts and challenges to the stakeholders in air quality management. The workshops were organized into sessions targeting key issues in ambient and source combustion particulate matter (PM). These include (1) metrics to characterize and quantify PM, (2) the need to reconcile ambient and source measurements, (3) the role of atmospheric transformations on modeling emissions and exposures, (4) the impact of sampling conditions on PM measurement, and (5) the potential beneﬁts of novel PM instrumentation. This paper distills the material presented by subject experts and the insights derived from the in-depth discussions that formed the core of each session. The paper’s objectives are to identify areas of consensus that allow wider practical application of the past decade’s advances in combustion aerosol measurement to improve emissions and air quality modeling, develop emissions reduction strategies, and to recommend directions for progress on issues in which uncertainties remain.
Hierarchical Optimal Control Method for Controlling Self-Organized Networks with Light-Weight Cost

Self-organization has potential for high scalability, adaptability, flexibility, and robustness, which are vital features for realizing future networks. Convergence of self-organizing control, however, is comparatively slow in some practical applications. It is therefore important to enhance convergence of self-organizing controls without sacrificing the above advantages. Controlled self-organization is one key idea for that, which introduces an external controller into self-organizing systems to guide them to a desired state. We previously designed an external controller that provided the optimal input for fast convergence, however, it suffered from scalability issues. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical control system where a network is partitioned into some sub-networks, sub-controllers manage respective sub-networks, and the top-level deals with the global network stability. The proposed system achieves fast convergence speed with low computational and communication cost.
Toward understanding nonparticipation in sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer

Understanding the reasons for nonparticipation in cancer screening may give clues about how to improve compliance. However, limited cooperation has hampered research on nonparticipant profiles. We took advantage of Sweden's comprehensive demographic and health care registers to investigate characteristics of all participants and nonparticipants in a pilot program for colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy. A population‐based sample of 1986 Swedish residents 59–61 years old was invited. Registers provided information on each individual's gender, country of birth, marital status, education, income, hospital contacts, place of residence, distance to screening center and cancer within the family. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), modeled with multivariable logistic regression, estimated the independent associations between each background factor and the propensity for nonparticipation after control for the effects of other factors. All statistical tests were 2‐sided. Being male (OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.03–1.57, relative to female), unmarried or divorced (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.23–2.30 and OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.14–1.95, respectively, relative to married) and having an income in the lowest tertile (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.27–2.23, relative to highest tertile) was associated with increased nonparticipation. Living in the countryside or in small communities and having a documented family history of colorectal cancer was associated with better participation. Distance to the screening center did not significantly affect participation, nor did recent hospital care consumption or immigrant status. To increase compliance, invitations must appeal to men, unmarried or divorced people and people with low socioeconomic status. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysing the impact of tourism foreign direct investment on economic growth

The present study attempts to address the important question of whether foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into the tourism sector has served to enhance economic growth in Mauritius for the period 1984–2014. Using a dynamic vector error correction model, and catering for dynamism, the results show that tourism FDI has indeed contributed to fostering economic growth; albeit the magnitude of the coefficient being relatively smaller than FDI in the non-tourism sector. A plausible explanation for such a finding may reside in the fact that the bulk of FDI flows in the non-tourism sectors while domestic investment predominates in the tourism sector in Mauritius. The findings also demonstrate a positive relationship between tourism development and economic growth, thus supporting the tourism-led growth hypothesis.