Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic properties of affected-sib-pair linkage analysis.

The likelihood-ratio method for affected-sib-pair analysis, introduced by Risch, is a powerful method for detecting linkage when the marker is not perfectly polymorphic, as is often the case. The power of this method can be improved by restricting maximization to the set of possible haplotype-sharing probabilities--denoted the "possible triangle" method. The asymptotic distributions of the resulting distributions are derived, enabling test criteria to be found for any required test size (i.e., the probability of falsely detecting linkage when none exists) and enabling p values to be assigned to results. The criteria were found to be approximately constant when the PIC of the marker varies, making them applicable to any marker. The asymptotic power approximations were used to investigate the relative performance of pairs with typed parents, relative to those without, by comparing the sample sizes necessary for a given power. Under certain circumstances, typing the parents proved to be inefficient, even when PIC was low.
The hepatectomy efficacy of huge hepatocellular carcinoma and its risk factors

Background: There has always been a controversy on the hepatectomy for huge hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, we aim to explore the hepatectomy efficacy of huge HCC and its risk factors. Methods: A systematic research was performed using PubMed, MedLine, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Library from their establishment to August 2017. The major endpoints were overall survival (OS) rate and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate, and the secondary ones were the morbidity of complications and mortality of hepatectomy. Results: About 13 studies with a total of 7609 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The hepatectomy efficacy of huge HCC was inferior to non-huge HCC both in OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90–2.50, P < .00001; I2 = 66%, P = .003) and RFS (HR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.76–2.19, P < .00001; I2 = 74%, P = .0001). However, the risk difference[RD] of the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS tended to be acceptable (RD = −0.05, 95% CI = −0.11–0.00, P = .05; RD = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.21–−0.05, P = .002; RD = −0.10, 95% CI = −0.19–−0.01, P = .03; respectively). Moreover, there were also no significant differences between huge HCC and non-huge HCC in the morbidity of complication and mortality of hepatectomy (RD = 0.07, 95% CI = −0.09–0.23, P = .38; RD = −0.01, 95% CI = −0.00–−0.03, P = .06; respectively). Related risk factors were measured to explore the differences, and the results showed that the level of alpha fetal protein (AFP) and the margin-positive rate were higher (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.26–0.88, P = .0003; odd radio[OR] = 32.52, 95% CI = 1.02–6.22, P = .04; respectively), the characteristic of huge HCC tended to be worse such as lower clinical or pathological stage, incomplete capsule and incorporate satellite metastases (OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.68–5.04, P = .001; OR = 3.99, 95% CI = 3.40–4.67, P < .00001; OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.66–3.83, P < .0001; respectively), and the rate of micorvascular invasion (MVI) including portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) were higher (OR = 3.36, 95% CI = 1.61–7.02, P = .001; OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 2.29–3.31, P < .00001; respectively) in the huge HCC. Conclusion: The hepatectomy efficacy of huge HCC was inferior to non-huge HCC, but its survival benefits and feasibility were confirmed in this meta-analysis. In addition, higher level of AFP, positive margin, lower clinical or pathological stage, incomplete capsule, incorporate satellite metastasis and MVI were significantly correlated with poor OS.
Different membrane anchors allow the Semliki Forest virus spike subunit E2 to reach the cell surface

The Semliki Forest virus spike subunit E2, a membrane-spanning protein, was transported to the plasma membrane in BHK cells after its carboxy terminus, including the intramembranous and cytoplasmic portions, was replaced by respective fragments of either the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein or the fowl plague virus hemagglutinin. The hybrid proteins were constructed by cDNA fusion. Upon a transient expression they could be localized at the cell surface by immunofluorescence with specific antibodies directed against any of the protein fragments.
Impedance-Varying Broadband 90° Branch-Line Coupler With Arbitrary Coupling Levels and Higher Order Harmonic Suppression

We propose a new design methodology to broaden the bandwidth of a single-section 90° branch-line coupler (BLC) with arbitrary coupling level. The method used here to broaden the BLC bandwidth is to replace conventional uniform transmission lines that would never be feasible in many implementations with nonuniform lines governed by a truncated Fourier series. Based on how impedances are profiled, the fractional bandwidth of a single-section 90° 3-dB BLC is extended to 57%, and the realization of broadband BLCs with predefined coupling levels is also possible. Furthermore, higher order harmonics are suppressed by enforcing BLC S-parameters to match the design requirements only at a given frequency range. A systematic design approach based on the even-odd mode analysis is first presented. Then, three examples of 3-, 6-, and 9-dB BLCs are demonstrated at a 3-GHz center frequency. The obtained theoretical response, supported by full-wave electromagnetic simulations and measurements, justifies the design concept.
Use of a Single-Strand Specific Nuclease for Analysis of Bacterial and Plasmid Deoxyribonucleic Acid Homo- and Heteroduplexes

Bacterial and plasmid homo- and heteroduplexes have been analyzed with a single-strand specific endonuclease, S1, of Aspergillus oryzae. Under appropriate assay conditions, there was a high degree of correlation between the degree of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-DNA homoduplex formation assessed by the S1 endonuclease and by hydroxyapatite (HA). Heteroduplexes which contain extensive regions of polynucleotide sequences in common are similarly recognized by the S1 endonuclease and HA. In instances where there is little or imperfect complementarity between heterologous DNA strands, the S1 endonuclease and the HA method give slightly different estimates. From DNA duplex thermal stability experiments assayed with the S1 endonuclease, there is preliminary evidence that well-matched sequences identified by the enzyme are not similarly recognized by HA. The assay of homo- and heteroduplexes with the S1 endonuclease permits an accurate, reproducible and rapid determination of polynucleotide sequence relationships and may be seriously considered as a method of choice for survey work and for investigations which require a large number of DNA-DNA hybridization assays.
Experimental analysis on precise calorimetric power loss measurement using two chambers

In this paper, a low cost and simple structure power measuring system for a high efficiency power converter is proposed. The Calorimetric Power Loss Measurement (CPLM) uses the heat quantity which is generated by the power converter to measure losses. The proposed system is a low cost and simple structure without complex control circuits, which will increase the cost of the CPLM system. The measurement of the power consumption can be calculated by the increased temperature. The features of the proposed method are that the power consumption of the power converter is measured from the transient state of the rise in temperature. As a result, the measurement time of the power loss of the power converter is reduced by 86.1% in comparison with a conventional method. In addition, all of the maximum errors of the measuring power consumption are within 10%. Moreover, another method that can reduce the measurement time is discussed. In particular, the temperature in the container B is controlled to follow in the temperature in the container A for the transient state of the rise in temperature. As a consequence, the measurement time of the power loss of the power converter is reduced by 87.5% in comparison with a conventional method.
Contemporary Methods Allowing for Safe and Convenient Use of Amniotic Membrane as a Biologic Wound Dressing for Burns

Abstract Partial-thickness burns involve damage to the upper layer of skin, which leaves nerve endings exposed, and therefore represent the most painful of several categories of thermal injuries. Historically, partial-thickness burns were treated conservatively by debriding the blisters, by daily tubbing and washing, and the application of new bandages with topical medications. Human amniotic membrane has been used for centuries as a biological wound dressing. In the past 20 years, there has been an increasing body of literature addressing the use of amniotic tissue in chronic wounds and burns. In this review, we present an overview of the use of amniotic membrane in the treatment of burns including processing methods and early clinical use. We believe that amniotic membranes have great potential in improving burn wound care in the future. Standardized processing methods and terminal sterilization ensure safety and allow the material to be available for use by health care providers around the world in clinical trials and for patient care.
A study on ferroresonance and its depedence on instant of switching angle of the source voltage

The instant of switching on ac supply voltage plays an important role in formation of ferroresonance. Simulation of ferroresonance is worked out on each electrical degree over 0° to 360° of the sinusoidal supply voltage with varying magnitude of initial magnetization. The resulting ferroresonance over-voltages, currents are presented and analyzed identifying critical features.
Molecular tools for cell and systems biology

The sequencing of the genomes of key organisms and the subsequent identification of genes merely leads us to the next real challenge in modern biology—revealing the precise functions of these genes. Further, detailed knowledge of how the products of these genes behave in space and time is required, including their interactions with other molecules. In order to tackle these considerable tasks, a large and continuously expanding toolbox is required to probe the functions of proteins on a cellular level. Here, the currently available tools are described and future developments are projected. There is no doubt that only the close interplay between the life science disciplines in addition to advances in engineering will be able to meet the challenge.
PI3K and MAPKs regulate neutrophil migration toward the airways in heaves.

BACKGROUND Neutrophils accumulate in the airways of horses with heaves. They likely play an important role in the disease pathogenesis. Understanding the pathways regulating their migration may help identifying new therapeutic targets. HYPOTHESIS MAPK and PI3K pathways are involved in neutrophil migration toward the airway lumen in heaves. ANIMALS Twelve heaves-affected horses and 4 healthy horses. METHODS Migratory activity of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) from horses with heaves and healthy horses was compared by means of a Boyden chamber. Involvement of MAPK and PI3K pathways in neutrophil migration was investigated by pretreating neutrophils with inhibitors of p38 MAPK, JNK, MEK1/2, and PI3K. The capacity of a p38 MAPK inhibitor at decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis toward the airways was also evaluated in vivo. RESULTS BALF from symptomatic heaves-affected horses induced a greater degree of chemokinesis (P = .0004) than BALF from healthy horses. Although all pathways tested were involved in neutrophil migration, inhibition of PI3K was most potent in vitro. An inhibitor of p38 MAPK administered before challenge in horses with heaves did not alter BALF chemokinetic properties. BALF neutrophil percentage and BALF migratory activity were positively correlated after 14 and 35 days of antigen challenge in healthy (P = .05; R(2) = 0.82) and heaves-affected horses (P = .03; R(2) = 0.76), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE MAPK and PI3K pathways regulate neutrophil migration induced by BALF of horses with heaves. Inhibition of multiple pathways might be required to completely abolish BALF-induced neutrophil migratory activity and possibly inflammation in heaves.
A computational study of the role of mitochondrial organization on cardiac bioenergetics

All cells in the body have a specific shape and internal organization which is specific to that cell's function. Heart cells are rod-shaped, and contain arrays of contractile protines (myofibrils) and mitochondria (organelles that produce energy) that are aligned along the length of the rod. This arrangement is presumed to allow the cell to generate maximal contractile force for each heartbeat and for energy metabolites to be readily available to generate this force. Heart disease phenotypes, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy and heart failure, exhibit altered organization of mitochondria. However, physiological and computational studies have predominantly investigated the effect of the biochemical changes that accompany the disease alone, such as reduced rates of ATP production by mitochondria. We present a modeling study that examines the effect of mitochondrial organization on energy metabolite distribution during the heartbeat. A 2D micrograph of the cell cross-section was selected from a 3D image stack of structural data of a cardiac cell. The image was used to generate a 2D finite element model, on which mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and energy metabolite diffusion was modelled. Results illustrate that mitochondrial density can induce heterogeneity in the distribution of metabolites across the cell area. We discuss the implications of these findings and avenues for future, more indepth studies.
Regional lobbying and Structural funds: Do regional representation offices in Brussels deliver?

ABSTRACT In recent years regional representation offices have proliferated in Brussels. Among the many aims of these offices are influencing the allocation and securing the transfer of European Structural and Cohesion funds. However, our knowledge about whether they have succeeded in this goal is limited. In this paper, we assess whether regional offices in Brussels have managed to affect the commitment and payment of Structural and Cohesion funds beyond the officially stated economic criteria of eligibility. The paper uses a custom-made survey of Brussels offices, complemented by economic, institutional, and political data. The results of the analyses for 123 regions over the period 2009–13 highlight that the capacity – proxied by the budget and staff of the office – of the regional offices to influence the commitment and payment of Structural and Cohesion funds has been negligible, when not outright negative. Regional lobbying in Brussels does not lead to more funds or to an easier disbursement of regional development funds.
A comparison of statistical approaches used to evaluate change in cognitive function following pharmacologic challenge: an example with lorazepam

Neuropsychological tests are commonly used in psychopharmacological research to understand the nature and the magnitude of cognitive effects of licensed and novel compounds. While the science of cognitive change assessment has advanced considerably, statistical techniques used to guide inferences about differences in cognitive change have not been considered in the same detail, especially in light of recent advances in modeling repeated data.
A Fully Integrated 2.4-GHz IEEE 802.15.4-Compliant Transceiver for ZigBee™ Applications

A single-chip 2.4-GHz CMOS radio transceiver with integrated baseband processing according to the IEEE 802.15. 4 standard is presented. The transceiver consumes 14.7 mA in receive mode and 15.7 mA in transmit mode. The receiver uses a low-IF topology for high sensitivity and low power consumption, and achieves -101 dBm sensitivity for 1% packet error rate. The transmitter topology is based on a PLL direct-modulation scheme. Optimizations of architecture and circuit design level in order to reduce the transceiver power consumption are described. Special attention is paid to the RF front-end design which consumes 2.4mA in receive mode and features bidirectional RF pins. The 5.77 mm2 chip is implemented in a standard 0.18-mum CMOS technology. The transmitter delivers +3 dBm into the 100-Omega differential antenna port
Toward a wholly nutritional therapy for type 2 diabetes.

It may now be feasible to target specific supplemental nutrients to each of the key dysfunctions which conspire to maintain hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes: bioactive chromium for skeletal muscle insulin resistance, conjugated linoleic acid for adipocyte insulin resistance, high-dose biotin for excessive hepatic glucose output, and coenzyme Q(10) for beta cell failure. Nutritional strategies which disinhibit hepatic fatty acid oxidation (involving hydroxycitrate, carnitine, pyruvate, and other adjuvants) may likewise prove beneficial - in the short term, by decreasing serum free fatty acids and, in the longer term, by promoting regression of visceral obesity. The nutrients and food factors recommended here appear to be safe and well tolerated, and thus may have particular utility for diabetes prevention.
Sustainable Development and Kish Island Environment Protection, using Wind Energy

Kish Islands in South of Iran is located in coastal water near Hormozgan Province. Based on the wind 3hour statistics in Kish station, the mean annual windspeed in this Island is 8.6 knot (4.3 m/s). The maximum windspeed recorded in this s tations 47 knot (23.5 m/s). In 45.7 percent of recorded times, wind speed has been Zero or less than 8 knot which is not suitable to u se the wind energy. But in 54.3 percent of recorded times, windspeed ha s been more than 8 knot and suitable to use wind energy to run turbi nes. In 40.2 percent of recorded times, windspeed has been betwe en 8 to 16 knot, in 13 percent of times between 16 to 24 knot and in 1 percent of times it has been higher than 24 knot. In this stat ion, the direction of winds higher than 8 is west and wind direction in K ish station is stable in most times of the year.With regard to hig h – speed and stable direction winds during the year and also sha llow coasts near this is land, it is possible to build offshore wind farms near Kish Island and utilize wind energy produce the electric ity required in this Island during most of the year. Keywords—Kish Island, Wind energy, Offshore wind farm, Windspeed, Wind direction
Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions and the Role of Free Trade Agreements

ABSTRACT This article investigates the impact of the formation of free trade agreements (FTAs) on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Using the comprehensive M&As dataset of Securities Data Company, we find that FTA relationship is associated with more bilateral cross-border M&As. Second, the cross-border M&As activities between a FTA country-pair do not increase faster than the acquiring country’s total foreign acquisitions, suggesting no evidence of investment diversion effect of FTA. Third, we find that existing FTA relationship with other countries positively affect cross-border M&As between a FTA country-pair. But these third-country FTA effects differ for acquiring country and target country when we look at the ratio of a country-pair’s FTA relative to the acquiring country’s total foreign M&As. Moreover, by exploring the detailed information on acquiring and target firms, we reveal that the effect of FTA differs for horizontal, vertical and conglomerate cross-border M&As. Our results are robust to various measures of M&As activities and econometric methods used.
Contribution of a New Generation Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope in the Understanding of a 2099 Al-Li Alloy

Abstract Aluminum-lithium alloys are widespread in the aerospace industry. The new 2099 and 2199 alloys provide improved properties, but their microstructure and texture are not well known. This article describes how state-of-the-art field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) can contribute to the characterization of the 2099 aluminum-lithium alloy and metallic alloys in general. Investigations were carried out on bulk and thinned samples. Backscattered electron imaging at 3 kV and scanning transmission electron microscope imaging at 30 kV along with highly efficient microanalysis permitted correlation of experimental and expected structures. Although our results confirm previous studies, this work points out possible substitutions of Mg and Zn with Li, Al, and Cu in the T1 precipitates. Zinc and magnesium are also present in “rice grain”–shaped precipitates at the grain boundaries. The versatility of the FE-SEM is highlighted as it provides information in the macro- and microscales with relevant details. Its ability to probe the distribution of precipitates from nano- to microsizes throughout the matrix makes FE-SEM an essential technique for the characterization of metallic alloys.
Speaker verification using acoustic factor analysis with phonetic content compensation in limited and degraded test conditions

This work explores speaker verification (SV) under limited and degraded test conditions from the perspective of practical systems. An i-vector based SV system using maximum likelihood - acoustic factor analysis (ML-AFA) technique for modeling and short utterance variance normalization (SUVN) technique for enhancing the phonetic content of short utterance i-vectors is developed. As shorter utterances in text-independent scenarios may contain any phonetic content, the i-vectors for test utterances also vary significantly. SUVN helps in compensating the variation in i-vectors due to phonetic content and improves the performance in limited test data conditions. Whereas ML-AFA technique helps in reducing the effect of noise. Utilizing both these frameworks, a SV system under limited and degraded test conditions is proposed. The proposed system is found to outperform the baseline system by a significant margin. Finally, the proposed and the baseline systems are fused at scores level that further boosts the performance.
Change detection in the semi-arid landscape using radiometric rotation applied to remote sensing data

The main task is to apply in the semi arid landscape of Maule region (Chile), the multi-temporal change detection algorithm ¿RCNA multi-spectral¿, using TM/Landsat images (2004 and 2008). The RCNA is based in angular parameters; those angles are calculated in function of the axis formed by the straight line of regression of those points labeled in the field survey as no-change. The image for detection was transformed from a continuous (floating-point) to thematic image, through a slicing and labeling process. Hence it is possible to discriminate: two classes related to degradation, two referring to regeneration and one of no-change. In the timeframe studied 4.6% of area under study presents degradation patterns, derived from the complete removal of the matorral type, followed by changes of land use. We found out that the application of multi-spectral RCNA technique in semi-arid landscape is sufficiently robust and the complex radiometric correction is not necessary.