Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explaining the EUA-CER Spread

Because of a link between the EU ETS and the Kyoto Flexible Mechanisms, the emission certificates traded on these markets are in principle interchangeable assets; despite of this, a persistent price difference exists. We explain this price spread using a theoretical model that combines three features: A binding limit for the use of Kyoto offsets within the EU ETS; a disconnect between the price of offsets and their marginal cost of production due to institutional reasons; and uncertainty about future supply and demand of offsets. Our model expresses the offset price as an average of the EUA price and an offset’s outside value, weighted by the probability of a binding import limit. Using a detailed dataset on expected offset supply and demand, we provide empirical support for our theory of offset price formation. In addition, we find evidence for informational frictions governing the use of offsets within the EU ETS.
Rheumatic heart disease and risk of incident heart failure among community-dwelling older adults: A prospective cohort study

Abstract Background. Little is known about the association of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) with incident heart failure (HF) among older adults. Design. Cardiovascular Health Study, a prospective cohort study. Methods. Of the 4,751 community-dwelling adults ≥ 65 years, free of prevalent HF at baseline, 140 had RHD, defined as self-reported physician-diagnosed RHD along with echocardiographic evidence of left-sided valvular disease. Propensity scores for RHD, estimated for each of the 4,751 participants, were used to assemble a cohort of 720, in which 124 and 596 participants with and without RHD, respectively, were balanced on 62 baseline characteristics. Results. Incident HF developed in 33% and 22% of matched participants with and without RHD, respectively, during 13 years of follow-up (hazard ratio when RHD was compared to no-RHD 1.60; 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.28; P = 0.008). Pre-match unadjusted, multivariable-adjusted, and propensity-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for RHD-associated incident heart failure were 2.04 (1.54–2.71; P < 0.001), 1.32 (1.02–1.70; P = 0.034), and 1.55 (1.14–2.11; P = 0.005), respectively. RHD was not associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.09; 95% CI 0.82–1.45; P = 0.568). Conclusion. RHD is an independent risk factor for incident HF among community-dwelling older adults free of HF, but has no association with mortality.
A three-nucleotide insertion in the H stem-loop of the 5' untranslated region of Theiler's virus attenuates neurovirulence

The highly structured 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus is involved in cap-independent translation of the viral RNA. Previously, we reported that the bicistronic mRNA chloramphenicol acetyltransferase-5' UTR-luciferase (Luc) efficiently expressed Luc both in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate and when transfected into BHK-21 cells. Insertion of 3 nucleotides at position 665 in the 5' UTR of this bicistronic mRNA resulted in greatly reduced Luc expression in BHK-21 cells but had little effect on expression of Luc in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. This mutation was also introduced into a virulent Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus chimera, Chi-VL. The kinetics of viral RNA and protein synthesis and virus production in BHK-21 cells were slower for the mutant chimera [Chi-VL(IN668)] than for Chi-VL; however, the final virus yields were comparable. Intracerebral inoculation of mice with the chimeras revealed that Chi-VL(IN668) was completely attenuated in neurovirulence. The reduced neurovirulence of Chi-VL(IN668) may be ascribed to its reduced growth in the central nervous system, most likely due to an impaired ability to synthesize viral proteins.
MicroRNA-372 Is Down-regulated and Targets Cyclin-dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2) and Cyclin A1 in Human Cervical Cancer, Which May Contribute to Tumorigenesis*

MicroRNAs are a class of noncoding RNAs that are ∼22 nucleotides in length. MicroRNAs have been shown to play important roles in cell differentiation and in cancer. Recently, studies have shown that miR-372 is tumorigenic in human reproductive system cancers. However, we provide evidence that miR-372 acts as a tumor suppressor gene in cervical carcinoma. miR-372 was found down-regulated in cervical carcinoma tissues as compared with adjacent normal cervical tissues. Growth curve and FACS assays indicated that ectopic expression of miR-372 suppressed cell growth and induced arrest in the S/G2 phases of cell cycle in HeLa cells. We used bioinformatic predictions to determine that CDK2 and cyclin A1 were possible targets of miR-372 and confirmed this prediction using a fluorescent reporter assay. Taken together, these findings indicate that an anti-oncogenic role of miR-372 may be through control of cell growth and cell cycle progression by down-regulating the cell cycle genes CDK2 and cyclin A1.
Resting naïve CD4+ T cells are massively infected and eliminated by X4-tropic simian–human immunodeficiency viruses in macaques

Unlike HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which induce a slow, unrelenting loss of immune function spanning several years, highly pathogenic simian–human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIVs) induce a rapid, complete, and irreversible depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes in rhesus monkeys within weeks of infection, leading to death from immunodeficiency. We recently reported that, because these SHIVs exclusively use the CXCR4 coreceptor for cell entry, they target naïve CD4+ T cells for depletion in infected monkeys, whereas SIVs, which use CCR5, not CXCR4, cause the selective loss of memory CD4+ T lymphocytes in vivo. Here we show both by DNA PCR analyses and infectivity assays, using live sorted CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets, that 30–90% of circulating naïve cells were productively infected by day 10 after inoculation. This result implies that direct cell killing, not bystander apoptosis, is responsible for the massive loss of CD4+ T cells in the X4-tropic SHIV model. Furthermore, we directly demonstrate that >96% of virus producing cells did not express the Ki-67 proliferation marker on day 10 after inoculation using confocal microscopic analysis of lymph nodes samples. This finding is consistent with the prodigious levels of plasma viremia measured during acute X4-tropic SHIV infections of macaques being generated almost entirely by resting naïve CD4+ T cells.
Ordinary Branch Life Premiums in Modern Conditions.

Recent developments affecting the bases of calculation of ordinary life assurance and annuity premiums include the publication of the A1949-52 and a (55) mortality tables, the passing of the Finance Act 1956 and the rise in interest yields on life assurance funds to unprecedented heights, resulting in high bonus rates. Part I of the paper deals with the general effect of these and other developments on the three main variables of mortality, interest and expenses and in the charge to be made for the right to participate in surplus. Part II deals with the detailed effect of these developments on the actual premium calculation formulae used for various standard types of policy and for types of policy that have come into existence or increased substantially in importance in recent years, including self-employed annuities, variations on the temporary assurance theme and policies effected for estate duty purposes such as pure endowments with return and whole life assurances for large amounts at high ages.
Use of Web 2.0 technologies in LIS education: experiences at Tallinn University, Estonia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiences of the Institute of Information Studies of Tallinn University in introducing ICT, including Web 2.0 technologies, in library and information science education, and to explore the role that these can play in new models of learning and teaching.Design/methodology/approach – Web 2.0 applications are reviewed in this paper and the role that these can play in new models of learning and teaching. The introduction of new technologies into library and information science (LIS) education is examined through a case study at the Tallinn University.Findings – Web 2.0 is influencing the way in which people learn, access information and communicate with one another. The Institute of Information Studies of Tallinn University has a long history in using ICT in its teaching and learning. Experiences with open and distance learning and e‐learning have transformed teaching and learning, provided new alternative delivery modes, and helped to reach new target .
Analysis on Research Status and Development Trends of Domestic Institutional Repository Based on Content Analysis

In order to grasp the overall development process of our institutional repository,to understand the research status of domestic IR under the background of open access,and to reveal the development trends of IR,this paper acquires 335 academic papers concerning institutional repository from CNKI,which were published between 2004 and 2011.Through content analysis,it analyses objectively and systematically the number of papers,research topics,hot topics of IR research,research industry and research methods;summarizes the research status of domestic IR;and discusses the development trends of future IR according to the research on microscopic practice,institutional repository network,etc.
Distal myocardial protection with intracoronary beta blocker when added to a Gp IIb/IIIa platelet receptor blocker during percutaneous coronary intervention improves clinical outcome

Objective: The present study tested the hypothesis that intracoronary (IC) propranolol improves clinical outcomes with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when used with background Gp IIb/IIIa receptor blockade. Background: We have previously shown that administration of a relatively large weight‐based IC dose of the beta blocker propranolol before PCI decreases the incidence of post‐PCI myocardial infarction (MI) and improves short‐ and long‐term outcome. It has previously been shown that administration of a Gp IIb/IIIa receptor blocker decreases post‐PCI MI and improves short‐ and long‐term clinical outcome. Methods: Patients undergoing PCI (n = 400) were randomized in a prospective double‐blind fashion to IC propranolol (n = 200) or placebo (n = 200) with eptifibatide administered to all the patients. Myocardial isoform of creatine kinase was measured during the first 24 hr and clinical outcomes at 30 days and 1 year. Results: MI after PCI was seen in 21.5% of placebo and 12.5% of propranolol patients (relative risk reduction 0.42; 95%CI 0.09, 0.63; P = 0.016). At 30 days, the composite end point of death, post‐procedural MI, urgent target lesion revascularization, or MI after index hospitalization occurred in 22.5% of placebo vs. 13.5% of propranolol patients (risk reduction 0.43; 95%CI 0.08, 0.65; P = 0.018). Similar results were observed at 1 year with adverse outcomes in 21.5% of propranolol and 32.5% of placebo patients (P = 0.01). Conclusion: IC propranolol administration with the background Gp IIb/IIIa receptor blockade significantly reduces the incidence of post‐PCI MI and improves the short‐ and long‐term clinical outcome when compared with a Gp IIb/IIIa blocker alone. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Compact Clock Generator for Heterogeneous GALS MPSoCs in 65-nm CMOS Technology

This paper presents an all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL) clock generator for globally asynchronous locally synchronous (GALS) multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoCs). With its low power consumption of 2.7 mW and ultra small chip area of 0.0078 mm2 it can be instantiated per core for fine-grained power management like DVFS. It is based on an ADPLL providing a multiphase clock signal from which core frequencies from 83 to 666 MHz with 50% duty cycle are generated by phase rotation and frequency division. The clock meets the specification for DDR2/DDR3 memory interfaces. Additionally, it provides a dedicated high-speed clock up to 4 GHz for serial network-on-chip data links. Core frequencies can be changed arbitrarily within one clock cycle for fast dynamic frequency scaling applications. The performance including statistical analysis of mismatch has been verified by a prototype in 65-nm CMOS technology.
Pleiotropic QTL on Chromosome 12q23–q24 Influences Triglyceride and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels: The HERITAGE Family Study

ABSTRACT To determine whether a common quantitative trait locus (QTL) influences the variation of fasting triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, we used a bivariate multipoint linkage analysis with 654 polymorphic markers in 99 white and 101 black families. The phenotypes were investigated under two conditions: at baseline and after a 20-week exercise training intervention. A maximum genome-wide bivariate LOD score of 3.0 (p =0.00010) was found on chromosome 12q23–q24, located within the IGF1 gene (insulin-like growth factor 1, at 107 cM) for TG and HDL-C at baseline in whites. This bivariate linkage peak is considerably higher than the univariate linkage results at the same chromosome location for either trait (for TG, LOD = 2.07, p = 0.00108; for HDL-C, LOD =2.04, p =0.00101). The genetic correlations between baseline TG and HDL-C levels were −0.14 for the residual and −0.33 for the QTL components. Moreover, association analysis showed that TG, HDL-C, and IGF1 are significantly associated (p = 0.04). In conclusion, these results suggest that a QTL on chromosome 12q23–q24 influences the variation of plasma TG and HDL-C levels. Further investigation should confirm whether IGF1 or another nearby gene is responsible for the concomitant variation in TG and HDL-C levels.
Stationary epoch-based entropy estimation for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Several studies showed that EEG signal of Alzheimer's disease patients is less complex than that of healthy subjects. In this article, we propose to characterize the complexity of the EEG signal by an entropy measure based on local density estimation by a Hidden Markov Model. We first show that this measure leads to consistent results qualitatively and quantitatively (in terms of classification accuracy). Indeed, it discriminates AD patients, at an early stage of Alzheimer's disease, from healthy subjects: a classification accuracy of 80% is reached on a dataset including EEG data recorded in different conditions. Based on this measure, we also show that parietal and temporal regions are the first regions affected by complexity loss in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease.
An improved adaptive cascade control for DC-DC boost converters

Model mismatch from parameter uncertainties and disturbance is a challenge of controller design for DC-DC boost converters. To deal with this problem, a composite cascade adaptive controller is proposed in this paper. The outer loop is a PI controller combined with a feedforward compensator to generate the current signal from the output voltage reference and the inner loop is a finite horizon Model Predictive Control (MPC) for current tracking. Meanwhile, the iterative Least Square Algorithm (LSA) is introduced for model modification, which is used in model based feedforward compensator and model based MPC for better performance. Two advantages are shown that the proposed composite adaptive controller has fast response compared with the traditional PI-MPC controller and the accurate parameter estimation can be used in health assessment. All the proposed methods and benefits are validated by simulation results based on Matlab/Simulink platform.
Human Papillomavirus L2 Facilitates Viral Escape from Late Endosomes via Sorting Nexin 17

The human papillomavirus (HPV) L2 capsid protein plays an essential role during the early stages of viral infection, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its mode of action remain obscure. Using a proteomic approach, we have identified the adaptor protein, sorting nexin 17 (SNX17) as a strong interacting partner of HPV L2. This interaction occurs through a highly conserved SNX17 consensus binding motif, which is present in the majority of HPV L2 proteins analysed. Using mutants of L2 defective for SNX17 interaction, or siRNA ablation of SNX17 expression, we demonstrate that the interaction between L2 and SNX17 is essential for viral infection. Furthermore, loss of the L2–SNX17 interaction results in enhanced turnover of the L2 protein and decreased stability of the viral capsids, and concomitantly, there is a dramatic decrease in the efficiency with which viral genomes transit to the nucleus. Indeed, using a range of endosomal and lysosomal markers, we show that capsids defective in their capacity to bind SNX17 transit much more rapidly to the lysosomal compartment. These results demonstrate that the L2–SNX17 interaction is essential for viral infection and facilitates the escape of the L2–DNA complex from the late endosomal/lysosomal compartments.
Young L2 learners' performance on a novel morpheme task

The teaching of an invented language rule has been proposed as a possible non‐biased, language‐independent assessment technique useful in differentiating young L2 learners with specific language impairment from their typically developing peers. The current study explores these notions by testing typically developing sequential bilingual children's ability to learn an invented language rule in either L1 (Spanish) or L2 (English). Participants were 20 children, age 3:6–5:8, who attended a Head Start programme. For all children, Spanish was the primary language spoken in the home and English was the primary language of instruction. Children were randomly assigned two groups. Group L1 was taught the novel language rule in Spanish; Group L2 was taught the novel language rule in English. Performance was better for the L1 group than for the L2 group. Moreover, not all of these typical language learners were able to learn the new rule, even in their strongest language. These findings suggest that even for typically developing children, specific language proficiency as well as individual differences are closely linked to performance on this novel morpheme learning task.
Absence of the dopamine D2 receptor leads to a decreased expression of GDNF and NT‐4 mRNAs in restricted brain areas

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) control the metabolic and electrophysiological properties of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. At the level of the substantia nigra, NTFs have been proposed to control dopamine release by regulating the firing rate of dopaminergic cells. This function is normally controlled by presynaptic dopaminergic autoreceptors. Dopamine has also been proposed to regulate the expression of NTFs and their receptors in the nigrostriatal pathway. Thus, an interaction between the signalling cascades activated by NTFs and dopamine receptors might possibly influence the physiology of dopaminergic neurons. Among dopamine receptors, D2 receptors (D2R) are the most abundant on dopaminergic neurons, where they exert autoreceptor functions. To test for an interaction between the NTF and dopaminergic pathways we have analysed the expression of NTFs and their receptors in D2R‐deficient (D2R –/–) mice. Our study shows that the mRNA levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin‐3 and their corresponding receptors are not modified in the dopaminergic system of D2R –/– adult mice compared with wild‐type littermates. However, a marked reduction of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin‐4 (NT‐4) mRNAs is observed in the striatum and parietal cortex of D2R –/– mice, respectively. These results implicate dopamine, acting through D2 receptors, in the local control of specific NTF expression. The down‐regulation of GDNF and NT‐4 expression might also contribute to the locomotor phenotype of D2R –/– mice.
Calcium‐sensing receptors induce apoptosis during simulated ischaemia–reperfusion in Buffalo rat liver cells

1. Calcium‐sensing receptors (CaSR) exist in a variety of tissues. In 2010, we first identified its functional expression in Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells and demonstrated that the activation of CaSR was involved in an increased intracellular calcium through the Gq subunit–phospholipase C–inositol triphosphate pathway. However, its role and related mechanism in hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is still unclear.
p97 Promotes a Conserved Mechanism of Helicase Unloading during DNA Cross-Link Repair

ABSTRACT Interstrand cross-links (ICLs) are extremely toxic DNA lesions that create an impassable roadblock to DNA replication. When a replication fork collides with an ICL, it triggers a damage response that promotes multiple DNA processing events required to excise the cross-link from chromatin and resolve the stalled replication fork. One of the first steps in this process involves displacement of the CMG replicative helicase (comprised of Cdc45, MCM2-7, and GINS), which obstructs the underlying cross-link. Here we report that the p97/Cdc48/VCP segregase plays a critical role in ICL repair by unloading the CMG complex from chromatin. Eviction of the stalled helicase involves K48-linked polyubiquitylation of MCM7, p97-mediated extraction of CMG, and a largely degradation-independent mechanism of MCM7 deubiquitylation. Our results show that ICL repair and replication termination both utilize a similar mechanism to displace the CMG complex from chromatin. However, unlike termination, repair-mediated helicase unloading involves the tumor suppressor protein BRCA1, which acts upstream of MCM7 ubiquitylation and p97 recruitment. Together, these findings indicate that p97 plays a conserved role in dismantling the CMG helicase complex during different cellular events, but that distinct regulatory signals ultimately control when and where unloading takes place.
Initial Body Mass Index and Free-Time Physical Activity Moderate Effects of the Youth Fit for Life Treatment in African-American Pre-Adolescents

In about 80% of youth obesity-prevention programs, significant decrease in Body Mass Index has not been observed. A meta-analysis of 16 trials of the 12-wk. Youth Fit For Life intervention suggested better success; however, the effects for children who were overweight or obese remain unclear because data from participants of all weights were aggregated. Also unclear were effects on increasing free-time physical activity, a goal of this and most obesity-prevention treatments. Of the 200 African American pre-adolescents assessed in the present investigation, reductions in Body Mass Index associated with Youth Fit For Life were larger for participants who were overweight and obese, but these two groups did not differ. Voluntary physical activity at baseline was inversely related to change in voluntary physical activity (r = –.53, p<.001). Regression analyses suggested improvements in theoretical dimensions of self-efficacy significantly predicted increases in voluntary physical activity especially well for participants initially classified as insufficiently active (R2 = .61). These data clarified and extended findings to date for the Youth Fit For Life treatment, but replications across age groups, ethnicities, and administration formats are required.