Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cinacalcet HCl: a novel therapeutic for hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a significant clinical concern for patients with a variety of diseases, notably the secondary HPT associated with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. Secondary HPT is associated with elevated para-thyroid hormone (PTH) levels, decreased levels of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D, and disordered mineral levels (usually high calcium and phosphorus). If not controlled, secondary HPT can result in bone disease, vascular calcification, and ultimately, patient mortality. Established, conventional therapies, such as 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D analogues (vitamin D analogues) and phosphate binders, have proven to be inadequate in enabling patients to meet the National Kidney Foundation’s-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-K/DOQI™) treatment goals for PTH, calcium and phosphorus levels. A novel therapeutic, cinacalcet HCl (formerly AMG 073; Sensipar® in the US and Mimpara® in Europe; Amgen, Inc.), binds directly to the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) on the cells of the parathyroid gland, increasing the receptor’s sensitivity to calcium and reducing PTH, serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Treatment with cinacalcet in clinical trials has safely and effectively improved achievement of the NKF-K/DOQI™ goals. Cinacalcet has also reduced serum calcium levels in patients with primary HPT, including parathyroid carcinoma, in the clinical trial setting. Evidence suggesting the utility of cinacalcet in these diseases and the potential for additional therapeutic applications will be discussed.
PEM fuel cell health state assessment using a geometrical approach and mahalanobis distance

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is a promising power generation device, so it is very meaningful to assess the health state of the PEMFC in application. This paper proposes a method to evaluate the PEMFC health state based on a geometrical approach and Mahalanobis Distance (MD). Firstly, geometry features are extracted from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curve. Secondly, Mahalanobis Distance between features of the current working condition and that of initial working condition is calculated. Lastly, the distance is normalized to realize the PEMFC health assessment. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The perceptual structure of multidimensional input device selection

Concepts such as the logical device, taxonomies, and other descriptive frameworks have improved understanding of input devices but ignored or else treated informally their pragmatic qualities, which are fundamental to selection of input devices for tasks. We seek the greater leverage of a predictive theoretical framework by basing our investigation of three-dimensional vs. two-dimensional input devices on Garner's theory of processing of perceptual structure in multidimensional tasks. Two three-dimensional tasks may seem equivalent, but if they involve different types of perceptual spaces, they should be assigned correspondingly different input devices. Our experiment supports this hypothesis and thus both indicates when to use three-dimensional input devices and gives credence to our theoretical basis for this indication.
A neural network approach to CSG-based 3-D object recognition

The recognition subsystem of a vision system based on a constructive solid geometry (CSG) representation scheme is described. From the image, a description about the scene-precedence graph-is inferred. Object recognition is formulated as matching a scene precedence graph to a model precedence graph which is executed by a constraint satisfaction network. <<ETX>>
Modelagem de Equações Estruturais com Lisrel: Uma Visão Inicial

LISREL is considered one of the most robust software packages for Structural Equation Modeling with covariance matrices, while it is also considered complex and difficult to use. In this special issue of the Brazilian Journal of Marketing, we aim to present the main functions of LISREL, its features and, through a didactic example, reduce the perceived difficulty of using it. We also provide helpful guidelines to properly using this technique.
Organizational Status and Perceived Sexual Harassment: Detecting the Mediators of a Null Effect

Although power differentials are commonly believed to be central to sexual harassment experiences, prior empirical investigations have found no clear association between a perpetrator’s organizational status (as an index of his power) and perceptions by the victim that the perpetrator’s behavior constitutes sexual harassment. A model to explain this pattern as the result of two opposing mediators is forwarded and tested. Specifically, it was found that a harasser’s organizational status affects perceptions of his power, which increase a victim’s perceptions that the perpetrator’s behavior is harassing; however, it also was found that a harasser’s organizational status simultaneously affects perceptions of his social dominance, which decrease perceptions that his behavior is harassing. Thus, these mediators cancel each other, yielding a null finding when their effects are ignored. This finding supports both sociocultural and evolutionary models of sexual harassment perceptions and suggests that each can contribute to an understanding of sexual harassment experiences.
Regionální diferenciace současného socioekonomického vývoje v České republice

The social transformation in post-totalitarian countries is charac- terised by extraordinarily dynamic differentiation tendencies. With respect to social groups and territorial communities, these tendencies differ or are even contradictory, resulting in an internal social and territorial polarisation in the national systems concerned. These polarisation processes are, on the one hand, a reaction to the equalising tendencies in communist countries, and, on the other hand, are the result of the need for qualitative changes to social structures. One such structure is the regional organisation of society, which owing to the heterogeneous nature of the conditions it exists in has very specifi c features. Essentially it is the environmental organisation of society, where the effects of social and natural factors are combined. Consequently, there is typically a higher level of territorial inequality in the distribution of economic activities than in social distribution, and, by contrast, less variabil- ity of geographical differentiation than social differentiation. These features are demonstrated in an empirical analysis of the current development in the Czech Republic, wherein a distinction is made between two ways of assessing regional distribution. First, there is the assessment of differentiation of the territorial intensity of economic activities (economic aggregate/km 2 ). Second, there is the assessment of relative economic and social development (econom- ic aggregate/inhabitant). Despite the differences in the level and variability of the two types of regional differentiation, there are similar trends in their development, heading towards greater inequalities.
Hormone Mimics and their Promise of Significant Otherness

Some scientists argue that we face a worldwide reproductive crisis known as ‘endocrine disruption’, a term used to encompass the effects of hormonally active chemicals in our environment. Everyday chemicals such as plastics, pesticides and flame retardants can mimic hormones and thereby disrupt the reproductive, neurological and immunological development of humans and other animals. This surprising discovery is causing consternation in scientific, policy, academic and corporate arenas as they attempt to define, assess and control for this understudied phenomenon. How can the social sciences participate in understanding and solving the problem generated by endocrine disruption? First, there is an early history of endocrine disruption; the development of insect hormone mimics as pesticides, that has yet to be brought to bear in contemporary discussions of endocrine disruption. Second a social science analysis of the mishaps resulting from the 1970s' development of insect hormone mimics as pesticides offers a new way of thinking scientifically about mimesis. Employing the social science insight that mimesis is productive of social change sheds light on how insect hormone mimicking pesticides produced a number of scientific surprises. By analyzing the outcome of using mimesis in the laboratory, this paper participates in the discussion of endocrine disruption by arguing for a re-evaluation of the predominance of laboratory based sciences when dealing with epigenetic phenomena.
L1 INFLUENCE ON THE ACQUISITION ORDER OF ENGLISH GRAMMATICAL MORPHEMES

We revisit morpheme studies to evaluate the long-standing claim for a universal order of acquisition. We investigate the L2 acquisition order of six English grammatical morphemes by learners from seven L1 groups across five proficiency levels. Data are drawn from approximately 10,000 written exam scripts from the Cambridge Learner Corpus. The study establishes clear L1 influence on the absolute accuracy of morphemes and their acquisition order, therefore challenging the widely held view that there is a universal order of acquisition of L2 morphemes. Moreover, we find that L1 influence is morpheme specific, with morphemes encoding language-specific concepts most vulnerable to L1 influence.
Trainees' reflections on developing personal and professional skills through managing risk

The development of competency in personal and professional skills and values is likely to increase in importance as Clinical Psychologists in-training take on leadership and consultancy roles and work with greater complexity on qualification. However, the literature on how this competency develops and what helps and hinders this within Clinical Psychology training programmes is very limited. An understanding of the experience of Clinical Psychologists’ in-training development of this competency is important to inform teaching and supervisory practice and to promote development of self awareness, professional effectiveness and resilience. Given the lack of literature and the exploratory nature of the research question, a qualitative approach was undertaken which explored Clinical Psychologists’ in-training lived experience of developing personal and professional skills (PPD) through managing risk. A focus on such situations was chosen because managing risk is experienced by many trainees as taking them to the limits of their competence and to often demand interprofessional working. The research explored how the experience of managing such risks and complexity enhanced or diminished PPD learning. A systematic review of the extant literature was conducted and semi-structured qualitative interviews were pursued with ten Clinical Psychologists’ in-training across the UK, from a range of doctoral training programmes. An interpretative phenomenological approach was employed to analyse participants’ accounts. Four themes which interlinked to form a learning cycle: ‘event perception’, ‘managing the professional self’, ‘reflective practice’ and ‘identity’. The emergent themes were interpreted with reference to the literature on PPD in broader populations of health professionals. The findings have a range of implications for training programmes, supervisors, trainees, and for the British Psychological Society/The Committee of Training in Clinical Psychology accreditation criteria which is currently being revised. Implications of the findings for risk management in clinical practice and recommendations for future research are also presented.
Genetic Dissection of Drought and Heat Tolerance in Chickpea through Genome-Wide and Candidate Gene-Based Association Mapping Approaches

To understand the genetic basis of tolerance to drought and heat stresses in chickpea, a comprehensive association mapping approach has been undertaken. Phenotypic data were generated on the reference set (300 accessions, including 211 mini-core collection accessions) for drought tolerance related root traits, heat tolerance, yield and yield component traits from 1–7 seasons and 1–3 locations in India (Patancheru, Kanpur, Bangalore) and three locations in Africa (Nairobi, Egerton in Kenya and Debre Zeit in Ethiopia). Diversity Array Technology (DArT) markers equally distributed across chickpea genome were used to determine population structure and three sub-populations were identified using admixture model in STRUCTURE. The pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimated using the squared-allele frequency correlations (r2; when r2<0.20) was found to decay rapidly with the genetic distance of 5 cM. For establishing marker-trait associations (MTAs), both genome-wide and candidate gene-sequencing based association mapping approaches were conducted using 1,872 markers (1,072 DArTs, 651 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs], 113 gene-based SNPs and 36 simple sequence repeats [SSRs]) and phenotyping data mentioned above employing mixed linear model (MLM) analysis with optimum compression with P3D method and kinship matrix. As a result, 312 significant MTAs were identified and a maximum number of MTAs (70) was identified for 100-seed weight. A total of 18 SNPs from 5 genes (ERECTA, 11 SNPs; ASR, 4 SNPs; DREB, 1 SNP; CAP2 promoter, 1 SNP and AMDH, 1SNP) were significantly associated with different traits. This study provides significant MTAs for drought and heat tolerance in chickpea that can be used, after validation, in molecular breeding for developing superior varieties with enhanced drought and heat tolerance.
Comparative Analysis of B- and T-Cell Epitopes of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Culture Filtrate Protein 10

ABSTRACT Culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a well-characterized immunodominant 10-kDa protein antigen known to elicit a very potent early gamma interferon response in T cells from M. tuberculosis-infected mice and humans. The sequence of the Mycobacterium leprae homologue of CFP-10 shows only 40% identity (60% homology) at the protein level with M. tuberculosis CFP-10 and thus has the potential for development as a T- or B-cell reactive antigen for specific diagnosis of leprosy. Antisera raised in mice or rabbits against recombinant M. leprae and M. tuberculosis CFP-10 proteins reacted only with homologous peptides from arrays of overlapping synthetic peptides, indicating that there was no detectable cross-reactivity at the antibody level. Sera from leprosy and tuberculosis patients were also specific for the homologous protein or peptides and showed distinct patterns of recognition for either M. leprae or M. tuberculosis CFP-10 peptides. At the cellular level, only 2 of 45 mouse T-cell hybridomas raised against either M. leprae or M. tuberculosis CFP-10 displayed a cross-reactive response against the N-terminal heterologous CFP-10 peptide, the region that exhibits the highest level of identity in the two proteins; however, the majority of peptide epitopes recognized by mouse T-cell hybridomas specific for each protein did not cross-react with heterologous peptides. Coupled with the human serology data, these results raise the possibility that peptides that could be used to differentiate infections caused by these two related microorganisms could be developed. Immunohistochemical staining of sections of M. leprae-infected nude mouse footpads resulted in strongly positive staining in macrophages and dendritic cells, as well as weaker staining in extracellular areas, suggesting that M. leprae CFP-10, like its homologue in M. tuberculosis, is a secreted protein.
Polyhedral Optimizations of Explicitly Parallel Programs

The polyhedral model is a powerful algebraic framework that has enabled significant advances to analysis and transformation of sequential affine (sub)programs, relative to traditional AST-based approaches. However, given the rapid growth of parallel software, there is a need for increased attention to using polyhedral frameworks to optimize explicitly parallel programs. An interesting side effect of supporting explicitly parallel programs is that doing so can also enable optimization of programs with unanalyzable data accesses within a polyhedral framework. In this paper, we address the problem of extending polyhedral frameworks to enable analysis and transformation of programs that contain both explicit parallelism and unanalyzable data accesses. As a first step, we focus on OpenMP loop parallelism and task parallelism, including task dependences from OpenMP 4.0. Our approach first enables conservative dependence analysis of a given region of code. Next, we identify happens-before relations from the explicitly parallel constructs, such as tasks and parallel loops, and intersect them with the conservative dependences. Finally, the resulting set of dependences is passed on to a polyhedral optimizer, such as PLuTo and PolyAST, to enable transformation of explicitly parallel programs with unanalyzable data accesses. We evaluate our approach using eleven OpenMP benchmark programs from the KASTORS and Rodinia benchmark suites. We show that 1) these benchmarks contain unanalyzable data accesses that prevent polyhedral frameworks from performing exact dependence analysis, 2) explicit parallelism can help mitigate the imprecision, and 3) polyhedral transformations with the resulting dependences can further improve the performance of the manually-parallelized OpenMP benchmarks. Our experimental results show geometric mean performance improvements of 1.62x and 2.75x on the Intel Westmere and IBM Power8 platforms respectively (relative to the original OpenMP versions).
ELM Meets Urban Big Data Analysis: Case Studies

In the latest years, the rapid progress of urban computing has engendered big issues, which creates both opportunities and challenges. The heterogeneous and big volume of data and the big difference between physical and virtual worlds have resulted in lots of problems in quickly solving practical problems in urban computing. In this paper, we propose a general application framework of ELM for urban computing. We present several real case studies of the framework like smog-related health hazard prediction and optimal retain store placement. Experiments involving urban data in China show the efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility of our proposed framework.
On Enfraudening the Public Sphere, the Futility of Empire and the Future of Knowledge after ‘America’

This article examines various ways the current Bush Administration in the USA is conducting an information war to mask its larger imperial aims. The implications of this for public education and for the meaning of public knowledge are explored, particularly through Enrique Dussel's analysis of Euro-American modernity. The ‘myth’ of modernity has two faces, the surface face of ‘emancipative reason’ and the historically silenced underside face of ‘sacrificial reason. ’ Understanding the continuity between these is foundational for any new global ethic, and for the epistemic conditions of future human knowing.
Optimizations for RFID-based IoT applications on the Cloud

Internet of Things (IoT) has received a lot of attentions recently as a network of virtual representations of physical objects using technologies like radio-frequency identification (RFID) to identify and tracking objects' tags. While some research work has attempted to deliver IoT applications into the real-world, a scalable deployment has not yet been seen. Therefore, by utilizing Cloud technology as a well-proven way of real-world deployment for thousands of vendors, we propose our Cloud solution with optimizations for scalable RFID-based IoT applications deployment. In this paper, we first outline the challenges of deployment of RFID-based IoT applications, then our Cloud solution with load prediction and migration management optimizations is proposed. For our experiments, various results including prediction accuracy, migration delay and load balancing performance are presented.
Development of an Evaluation Scale to Measure Participant Perceptions of After-School Enrichment Programs

The purpose of this study was to develop the Scale for After-School Enrichment Programs (SASEP) to assess the quality of after-school programs by participants. This study was completed over a 3-year period and through 3 phases: (a) formulation of the preliminary scale, (b) an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and (c) a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). During Year 1, the preliminary SASEP with 27 items with 3-point Likert response scales was formulated through a review of literature, open-ended surveys of program participants in 2 urban after-school programs (N = 754), and test of content validity. During the following 2 years, program participants (N = 4,091) responded to the preliminary scale at the end of each annual program. The data set was randomly split into two halves: one for EFA and the other for CFA. Using the criteria of an eigenvalue equal to or greater than 1.0 and a factor loading equal to or greater than . 30 without double loading in the EFA with alpha extraction and promax rotation, 3 factors emerged with all 27 items retained: Personal and Social Benefits (11 items), School and Community Benefits (9 items), and Overall Program Benefits (7 items). These factors were consistent with the general program objectives. Based on the weighted least squares (WLS) estimation method in CFA, the 3-factor model was confirmed as providing good fit to the data. Discussions were undertaken in the context of the scale development and its application potential in after-school program evaluations.
Groundnut Bud Necrosis Virus Encoded NSm Associates with Membranes via Its C-Terminal Domain

Groundnut Bud Necrosis Virus (GBNV) is a tripartite ambisense RNA plant virus that belongs to serogroup IV of Tospovirus genus. Non-Structural protein-m (NSm), which functions as movement protein in tospoviruses, is encoded by the M RNA. In this communication, we demonstrate that despite the absence of any putative transmembrane domain, GBNV NSm associates with membranes when expressed in E. coli as well as in N. benthamiana. Incubation of refolded NSm with liposomes ranging in size from 200–250 nm resulted in changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of NSm. A similar behaviour was observed in the presence of anionic and zwitterionic detergents. Furthermore, the morphology of the liposomes was found to be modified in the presence of NSm. Deletion of coiled coil domain resulted in the inability of in planta expressed NSm to interact with membranes. Further, when the C-terminal coiled coil domain alone was expressed, it was found to be associated with membrane. These results demonstrate that NSm associates with membranes via the C-terminal coiled coil domain and such an association may be important for movement of viral RNA from cell to cell.