Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detection of RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in serum from gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma patients.

AIM To evaluate the diagnostic role of serum RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSPCR) was used to examine the promoter methylation status of the serum RASSF1A gene in 47 gastric adenocarcinoma patients, 45 colorectal adenocarcinoma patients, 60 patients with benign gastrointestinal disease (30 with benign gastric disease and 30 with benign colorectal disease), and 30 healthy donor controls. A paired study of RASSF1A promoter methylation status in primary tumor, adjacent normal tissue, and postoperative serum were conducted in 25 gastric and colorectal adenocarcinoma patients who later were underwent surgical therapy. RESULTS The frequencies of detection of serum RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation in gastric (34.0%) and colorectal (28.9%) adenocarcinoma patients were significantly higher than those in patients with benign gastric (3.3%) or colorectal (6.7%) disease or in healthy donors (0%) (P < 0.01). The methylation status of RASSF1A promoter in serum samples was consistent with that in paired primary tumors, and the MSPCR results for RASSF1A promoter methylation status in paired preoperative samples were consistent with those in postoperative serum samples. The serum RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation did not correlate with patient sex, age, tumor differentiation grade, surgical therapy, or serum carcinoembryonic antigen level. Although the serum RASSF1A promoter hypermethylation frequency tended to be higher in patients with distant metastases, there was no correlation between methylation status and metastasis. CONCLUSION Aberrant CpG island methylation within the promoter region of RASSF1A is a promising biomarker for gastric and colorectal cancer.
Chemical and biological treatments of castor bean seeds : effects on germination , emergence and associated microorganisms 1

RESUMO Avaliou-se o efeito dos tratamentos químicos e biológicos sobre a emergência, vigor de plântulas de mamona, produção de matéria seca, além do controle de microrganismos associados às sementes das cultivares AL Guarany 2002 e Lyra. Os produtos testados foram carbendazim+thiram, carboxin+thiram e um à base de Trichoderma. A emergência total e de plântulas foram avaliadas aos 27 dias após a semeadura e a produção de matéria seca, com plantas retiradas 45 dias após a semeadura. A cv. AL Guarany 2002 apresentou maior incidência de microrganismos em relação à cv. Lyra. O tratamento químico foi 100% eficiente no controle de fungos e o tratamento biológico não reduziu a incidência de microrganismos nas sementes. O tratamento químico resultou em plantas com maior matéria seca e os melhores resultados foram para carbendazim + thiram e carboxin+ thiram, nas doses de 60 g + 140 g e 50 g + 50 g/100 kg de sementes, respectivamente. O carbendazim + thiram foi o único tratamento que se mostrou estatisticamente superior, quanto ao índice de emergência total, enquanto que o tratamento biológico aumentou os valores de emergência somente na cv. Lyra, evidenciando sua inferioridade. Destacou-se a importância dos fungicidas para o controle de patógenos associados às sementes.
Novel cross-layer decoding design for ȘWBC over DVB-Hș link layer

This paper presents a novel cross-layer decoding method to improve the efficiency of the error protection at the link layer of wireless billboard channels (WBCs) when these are established my means of the digital video broadcast - handheld (DVB-H) carrier technology. Based on the DVB-T standard, the DVB-H itself supports high data rate IP datacasting (IPDC) in dispersive broadcasting channels and enables low power consumption of portable mobile terminals (MTs) running in a robust mode. The error protection of the DVB-H link layer is based on a Reed-Solomon forward error correction coding scheme combined with an IP packet level cyclic redundancy check scheme. Targeted primarily at the digital video broadcasting error protection, however, the redundancy allowed in the DVB-H standard is not sufficient for the WBC service advertisements datacasting. To achieve reliable broadcasting in WBC, a smart cross-layer algorithm that interacts with the service layer's advertisements delivery protocol is proposed in this paper. With this new efficient solution, the ‘WBC over DVB-H' system is able to operate in a flexible and more reliable way, which requires no changes in the DVB-H standard.
Molecular epidemiology of strangles outbreaks in the UK during 2010

The sequence of the Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S equi) M-like protein (SeM) gene was determined for 105 isolates of S equi from strangles outbreaks in the UK during 2010 and compared with previous data from 2007 to 2008. Twenty-three distinct alleles were identified, including 11 novel alleles. One allele giving rise to a putative truncated M protein was identified from the guttural pouch of an asymptomatic carrier. Allele 9 was the most prevalent, comprising 57.7 per cent of isolates, followed by allele 6 (10.3 per cent). Significant changes in allele prevalence were found between 2007, 2008 and 2010, with an increasing prevalence in SeM-9-related alleles and a corresponding decreasing prevalence in SeM-6-related alleles observed over the period (P<0.001). Geographical proximity of outbreaks caused by some uncommon alleles was apparent between 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Ethylene-Mediated Programmed Cell Death during Maize Endosperm Development of Wild-Type and shrunken2 Genotypes

We characterized the progression of programmed cell death during maize (Zea mays L.) endosperm development of starchy (Su; wild-type) and shrunken2 (sh2) genotypes and tested the involve ment of ethylene in mediating this process. Histological and viability staining demonstrated that endosperm cell death was initiated earlier and progressed more rapidly in sh2 endosperm compared with Su endosperm. Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation accompanied endosperm cell death and occurred more extensively in sh2 endosperm. 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid levels peaked approximately 16 d after pollination (dap) in Su endosperm and gradually decreased during subsequent development, whereas two large 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid peaks were observed in sh2 endosperm, the first between 16 and 20 dap and the second at 36 dap. Ethylene levels were elevated in sh2 kernels compared with Su kernels, with an initial peak 20 dap approximately 3-fold higher than in Su kernels and a second peak 36 dap approximately 5-fold higher than that in Su kernels. Ethylene treatment of Su kernels resulted in earlier and more extensive endosperm cell death and DNA fragmentation. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment of sh2 kernels reduced the extent of DNA fragmentation. We conclude that ethylene is involved in triggering programmed cell death in developing maize endosperm and is responsible for the aberrant phenotype of sh2 kernels.
Recognizing the Importance of Aging Skills and Knowledge in Generalist Social Work Practice: Effective Strategies for MSW Students

This article examines the impact of a curricular infusion strategy aimed at integrating gerontological practice issues into social work education. Findings (N = 83) illustrate that student interest, knowledge, and skills in aging practice increased immediately following implementation of a three-tiered infusion approach; however, ongoing exposure to gerontology in and out of the classroom appears necessary to sustain students' interest in working with older adults over time. Although the majority of students endorsed aging issues as important to social work in general, many did not understand its relevance to their own careers. Next steps are outlined to enable students to make this important connection.
Recovery of chill-stressed Vibrio parahaemolyticus from oysters with enrichment broths supplemented with magnesium and iron salts

The effects of magnesium and iron salts on the recovery and growth of chill-stressed cells of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were studied. Supplementation of glucose salt Teepol (GST) broth with 20 to 100 mM of Mg2+ significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) increased the number of cells recovered from oyster homogenate stored at 3 degrees C. Populations detected with supplemented GST were comparable to those obtained with Horie arabinose ethyl violet (HAE) broth, with or without Mg2+. Recovery of V. parahaemolyticus from homogenates stored at -18 degrees C was also improved when enrichment broths supplemented with Mg2+ were used. Ferric iron (added as FeCl3) at 240 microM in GST and 240 or 960 microM in HAE significantly enhanced the extent of recovery of chilled cells. Ferrous iron was generally less effective. Teepol did not influence the growth of nonchilled cells, but significantly reduced the viable population in suspensions of chilled cells when used at a level of 0.4% in GST. The relatively high pH (9.0) of HAE caused a significant reduction in the number of viable, chill-stressed cells of V. parahaemolyticus. The overall results indicated that HAE broth is superior to GST for recovering V. parahaemolyticus from refrigerated and frozen oyster homogenates.
Tapping User-Driven Innovation: A New Rationale for Universal Service

The current transformation of communication policies, as governments turn to the marketplace as the driver of network evolution, requires a redefinition of universal service. The debate so far has focused primarily on the elaboration of new funding mechanisms and the definition of which services should be covered. We argue that a more fundamental, third area demands attention: the articulation of a new rationale for universal service itself. Without articulating a clear justification for universal service, designing its scope and funding mechanisms is problematic at best. Past justifications rested on welfare (make telephony affordable to all) and network externalities (increase the network? s value by widening its reach). Increasingly, these need to be complemented by a new rationale based on the innovative potential of universal service. This article explores how universal service can fuel innovation-driven economic growth.
Commercial Development and Urban Change in Sung China (960-1279).

nized determinant in the rural social ladder. This reviewer, in basic agreement, would hesitate to put it in quite that light. To him, the neo-traditional society remained rigidly oriented to status, except ascriptive status lost much ground to achieved status. Just as at the top, the aristocrats disappeared and the scholar-officials achieved their status mainly through the civil service examination competition, so did the local professional servicemen achieve theirs, but with a strong family background and without much competition. The Weberian dichotomy—ascription versus achievement—has to be qualitatively modified when applied to the Chinese case. Status once achieved, took on from the long heritage the characteristics of ascriptive status in earlier eras. There lies an additional key to the continuity in the evolving development of that society. A few technical points in translation might be open to question. The personal name of a Sung author Yuan should be, instead of Shuo-yu, read as Yiieh-yu, meaning pleasure of company, as in Chapter i of the Analects. In the term chui-hui (pp. 64-5), translated as warrants for assembly, it might be further clarified that the word hui here means bringing together, hence coordination and completion, of all relevant matters, especially with reference to a superior government agency. These minute points subtract little from the high quality of this book. What may be worth considering is a suggestion. Among her various regions, China briers plenty of room for comparative study. Szechuan, because of its distance, was officially regarded as a special area in the Southern Sung. A collective publication, Sung-tai Shu wen chi-ts'un, edited in occupied China during World War II and recently reprinted in Hong Kong, would be an interesting source, in most convenient form, for a separate study of the local conditions in that particular region. Even more important is the hope that the author after his superb debut would push his line of research further on such questions as: what were the tensions in village China under this kind of subbureaucracy that contributed to uprisings? how was the same order restored after various rebellions down to the T'ai-p'ing? and why no alternative JOURNAL OF ASIAN STUDIES
Modeling photovoltaic arrays with MPPT Perturb & Observe algorithm

This paper gives a review of the main characteristics and parameters needed for modeling a photovoltaic module and finding maximum power point by using Perturb & Observe algorithm. The created model has been developed based on previous studies of photovoltaic cell represented in a Matlab/Simulink model. MPP and curves I-V and P-V have been calculated comparing the results to each other. In the end, the model has been validated with experimental data of a commercial PV module Shell Ultra85P PV.
Cluj and Related Polynomials Applied in Correlating Studies

A counting polynomial P(G,x) is a description of a graph property P(G) in terms of a sequence of numbers so that the exponents express the extent of its partitions while the coefficients are related to the frequency of the occurrence of partitions. Basic definitions and properties of Cluj counting polynomials CJ(G,x) and their relation with Omega(G,x) and NOmega(G,x) polynomials are presented. Analytical relations for the calculation of such polynomials and their single-number descriptors in some classes of planar polyhexes are derived. The ability of these descriptors to predict the boiling point, chromatographic retention index, and resonance energy for some planar polyhex compounds, as well as the toxicity of a set of dibenzofurans, is demonstrated.
The chbG Gene of the Chitobiose (chb) Operon of Escherichia coli Encodes a Chitooligosaccharide Deacetylase

ABSTRACT The chb operon of Escherichia coli is involved in the utilization of the β-glucosides chitobiose and cellobiose. The function of chbG (ydjC), the sixth open reading frame of the operon that codes for an evolutionarily conserved protein is unknown. We show that chbG encodes a monodeacetylase that is essential for growth on the acetylated chitooligosaccharides chitobiose and chitotriose but is dispensable for growth on cellobiose and chitosan dimer, the deacetylated form of chitobiose. The predicted active site of the enzyme was validated by demonstrating loss of function upon substitution of its putative metal-binding residues that are conserved across the YdjC family of proteins. We show that activation of the chb promoter by the regulatory protein ChbR is dependent on ChbG, suggesting that deacetylation of chitobiose-6-P and chitotriose-6-P is necessary for their recognition by ChbR as inducers. Strains carrying mutations in chbR conferring the ability to grow on both cellobiose and chitobiose are independent of chbG function for induction, suggesting that gain of function mutations in ChbR allow it to recognize the acetylated form of the oligosaccharides. ChbR-independent expression of the permease and phospho-β-glucosidase from a heterologous promoter did not support growth on both chitobiose and chitotriose in the absence of chbG, suggesting an additional role of chbG in the hydrolysis of chitooligosaccharides. The homologs of chbG in metazoans have been implicated in development and inflammatory diseases of the intestine, indicating that understanding the function of E. coli chbG has a broader significance.
Antibacterial Activity of β-Cyclodextrin and 2-Hydroxypropyl- β β β β-Cyclodextrin Trimethoprim Complexes

Problem statement: Cyclodextrin complexation has previously been shown to improve the solubility and dissolution properties of trimethopr im; however, no report provides an account of the e ffect cyclodextrin complexation has on the antibacterial activity of this agent. Approach: β-cyclodextrin and 2- hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of trimethoprim were prepared and confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and proton nuclea r magnetic resonance. The in-vitro antibacterial activity, in terms of minimum inhibitory concentrations, of c yclodextrin-drug complexes were compared to uncomplexed free trimethoprim by a broth-microdilution method against several sensitive and resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The effect of complexation on the apparent permeability coefficients was also determined using a Caco-2 per meability assay to account for potential alteration s in bioavailability that could influence in-vivo antibacterial activity. Results: Inclusion complexation of trimethoprim with both unsubstituted and hydroxylat ed versions of β-cyclodextrin produced a reduction in the MIC 80 required to inhibit the growth of S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. pneumoniae ATCC 4961, S. epidermidis ATCC 14990 and E. coli ATCC 25922 (p>0.05). The effect was limited to bacteria normally susceptible to trimethoprim. Neither complex negati vely affected the antibacterial activity of trimeth oprim. Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes significantly (p< 0.01) increased the apparent intestinal permeability of trimethoprim by 39.8 and 56.1%, respectively. Considering the effe ct cyclodextrin inclusion complexation has on the anti bacterial activity of trimethoprim, the improved intestinal permeability of these complexes has the potential to improve the in-vivo antibacterial activity of the agent by enhancing the steady-state concentrati on of the drug when dosed orally. Conclusion: These results would suggest that physical complexation wi th either of these cyclodextrins would provide a feasible strategy to improve the pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties of trimethoprim.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene val66met polymorphism and executive functioning in patients with bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE In the present study, we investigate the association between the val66met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and the performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in a sample of Caucasian Brazilian patients with bipolar disorder. METHOD Sixty-four patients with bipolar disorder were assessed and their performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was compared with the allele frequency and genotype of the val66met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. RESULTS The percentage of non-perseverative errors was significantly higher among patients with the val/val genotype. There was no association between (BNDF) genotype frequency and other Wisconsin Card Sorting Test domains. CONCLUSION Our results did not replicate previous descriptions of an association between a worse cognitive performance and the presence of the met allele of the val66met brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene polymorphism.
Enterprise Architecture and Organizational Transformation : The Human Side of Information Technology and the Theory of Structuration

Enterprise architecture (EA) transforms the structure, culture, and social environment of an enterprise by introducing new processes and technologies into the workplace altering the roles, duties, responsibilities and organizational position of stakeholders. This transformation frequently affects stakeholder behavior and leads to either acceptance or rejection of an EA. Existing EA frameworks fail to recognize the significance of human behavior and its effect on EA. Therefore, a more holistic approach that includes sociologically-oriented provisions is needed. This paper advances our earlier work by exploring three factors that influence EA: organizational transformation, stakeholder resistance to change, and elicitation/use of erroneous EA requirements. Each of these issues can be addressed by implementing a sociologically-oriented approach designed to remove barriers that limit stakeholder action. The proposed approach focuses on a socio-communicative process that establishes an environment where stakeholder involvement in the decision-making aspects of EA is central.
Subsidence Evolution of the Leizhou Peninsula, China, Based on InSAR Observation from 1992 to 2010

Over the past two decades, the Leizhou Peninsula has suffered from many geological hazards and great property losses caused by land subsidence. However, the absence of a deformation map of the whole peninsula has impeded the government in making the necessary decisions concerning hazard prevention and mitigation. This study aims to provide the evolution of land deformation (subsidence and uplift) in the whole peninsula from 1992 to 2010. A modified stacking procedure is proposed to map the surface deformation with JERS, ENVISAT, and ALOS1 images. The map shows that the land subsidence mainly occurs along the coastline with a maximum velocity of 32 mm/year and in a wide range of inland arable lands with a velocity between 10 and 19 mm/year. Our study suggests that there is a direct correlation between the subsidence and the surface geology. Besides, the observed subsidence in urban areas, caused by groundwater overexploitation for domestic and industrial use, is moving from urban areas to suburban areas. In nonurban areas, groundwater extraction for aquaculture and arable land irrigation are the main reason for land subsidence, which accelerates saltwater intrusion and coastline erosion if regular surface deformation measurements and appropriate management measures are not taken.
Relearning and retention of verbal labels in a case of semantic dementia

Background: Previous studies looking at relearning and retention of word labels in people with semantic dementia have shown some improvement in naming immediately after the period of learning but this has not usually been maintained. Studies have also shown rigid learning of names, in the order of presentation and to the picture exemplars only, with no generalisation of learning. Aims: This study aimed to explore relearning of a small vocabulary set in a person with semantic dementia (CUB) and to examine her ability to generalise this learning. In addition, it aimed to find out how long the learning persisted after therapy was completed given that semantic dementia is a progressive disorder. Methods & Procedures: A single‐case design was used where CUB was asked to learn 28 words while a further 28 were left as controls. A “look and say” method was used daily for 1 month. As well as examining learning of the therapy and control set, CUB was asked to name 168 other exemplars of the learning set to see whether there had been any transfer of her learning from the therapy set. Outcomes & Results: CUB not only relearned a set of picture names but retained these without deliberate practice over a 6‐month period. She was also able to generalise this learning to other visually similar exemplars in testing and in daily use. The maintenance of relearning was achieved despite severe deterioration in her semantic memory. Conclusions: Possible reasons are explored as to why CUB was able to relearn and retain these words and why this may differ from all previously reported cases. Differences in amount of time spent relearning, number of items learned, therapy methods, the severity of semantic memory impairment, the degree of atrophy, and the behavioural profiles of people with semantic dementia do not provide adequate explanations for our individual's differential ability to retain her learning over 6 months. The most plausible explanation is that the person with semantic dementia generalised her learning to her everyday speech and this provided the source of maintenance for the relearned names. This work was supported by a Royal Society Travel Fellowship awarded to K. Sage. We are grateful to Dr Tomás Ojea from the Hospital Carlos Haya, Málaga for referring CUB to us, and most importantly to CUB and her family for their collaboration throughout.