Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three way validation of MODIS and AMSR-E sea surface temperatures

The estimation of retrieval uncertainty and stability are essential for the accurate interpretation of data in scientific research, use in analyses, or numerical models. The primary uncertainty sources of satellite SST retrievals are due to errors in spacecraft navigation, sensor calibration, sensor noise, retrieval algorithms, and incomplete identification of corrupted retrievals. In this study, comparisons to in situ data are utilized to investigate retrieval accuracies of microwave (MW) SSTs from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer—Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) and infrared (IR) SSTs from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The highest quality MODIS data were averaged to 25 km for comparison. The in situ SSTs are used to determine dependencies on environmental parameters, evaluate the identification of erroneous retrievals, and examine biases and standard deviations (STD) for each of the satellite SST data sets. Errors were identified in both the MW and IR SST data sets: (1) at low atmospheric water vapor a posthoc correction added to AMSR-E was incorrectly applied and (2) there is significant cloud contamination of nighttime MODIS retrievals at SST <10°C. A correction is suggested for AMSR-E SSTs that will remove the vapor dependency. For MODIS, once the cloud contaminated data were excluded, errors were reduced but not eliminated. Biases were found to be −0.05°C and −0.13°C and standard deviations to be 0.48°C and 0.58°C for AMSR-E and MODIS, respectively. Using a three-way error analysis, individual standard deviations were determined to be 0.20°C (in situ), 0.28°C (AMSR-E), and 0.38°C (MODIS).
Purchasing Power Parity in the 34 OECD Countries: Evidence from Quantile-Based Unit Root Tests with both Smooth and Sharp Breaks

Conventional unit root tests have mostly failed to validate the PPP. Quantile-based unit root test by previous research have provided some support for the PPP. In this paper we take an additional step and incorporate sharp shifts and smooth breaks into the quantile-based unit root test and re-examine the PPP in each of the 34 OECD countries over the period 1994M01 to 2016M03. We find support for the PPP in 18 countries of Austria, Chile, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Haplotype uncertainty in association studies

Inferring haplotypes from genotype data is commonly undertaken in population genetic association studies. Within such studies the importance of accounting for uncertainty in the inference of haplotypes is well recognised. We investigate the effectiveness of correcting for uncertainty using simple methods based on the output provided by the PHASE haplotype inference methodology. In case‐control analyses investigating non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and haplotypes associated with immune regulation we find little effect of making adjustment for uncertainty in inferred haplotypes. Using simulation we introduce a higher degree of haplotype uncertainty than was present in our study data. The simulation represents two genetic loci, physically close on a chromosome, forming haplotypes. Considering a range of allele frequencies, degrees of linkage between the loci, and frequency of missing genotype data, we detail the characteristics of genetic regions which may be susceptible to the influence of haplotype uncertainty. Within our evaluation we find that bias is avoided by considering haplotype probabilities or using multiple imputation, provided that for each of these methods haplotypes are inferred separately for case and control populations; furthermore using multiple imputation provides the facility to incorporate haplotype uncertainty in the estimation of confidence intervals. We discuss the implications of our findings within the context of the complexity of haplotype inference for larger marker rich regions as would typically be encountered in genetic analyses. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A security privacy protection scheme for data collection of smart meters based on homomorphic encryption

In smart grid, more and more people and communities pay their attentions to the privacy protection issues. Some researchers try to use homomorphic encryption to protect users' privacy and achieve a certain result. However it also brings new problems, such as Energy Suppliers (ES) cannot detect whether the Smart Meter (SM) data is correct. Assume that the key used for encryption of SM data may be known by adversary for some period, i.e., adversary can tamper SM data in this period. However, ES cannot decrypt every SM data to check whether the data is tampered in homomorphic encryption scheme. In this paper, we provide a novel secure SM data collection scheme to detect whether SM data is tampered in protecting users' privacy premise. The SM data include two types, one is user's consumption value from the last slot to the current slot and the other is the SM reading in the current slot. So the consumption value is result of the difference between SM reading in the current slot and that in the last slot. Using homomorphic encryption, we can compare whether both sides of the equation is still equal. In this way, ES can understand whether the data packet is tampered but does not know the specific value.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis in 10 couples at risk for transmitting β‐thalassaemia major: clinical experience including the initiation of six singleton pregnancies

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offers couples at risk for transmitting an inherited disorder the possibility to avoid the need to terminate affected pregnancies, since it allows the selection of unaffected IVF embryos for transfer. PGD for monogenic diseases is most commonly accomplished by blastomere biopsy from cleavage stage embryos, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based DNA analysis. However, PCR‐based DNA analysis of single cells is subject to several problems including sample contamination, total PCR failure, or failure of one allele to amplify—a phenomenon known as allelic drop‐out (ADO). Furthermore, the molecular heterogeneity of many monogenic diseases requires a diagnostic strategy capable of detecting a spectrum of mutations and compound genotypes.
Mechanism Underlying IκB Kinase Activation Mediated by the Linear Ubiquitin Chain Assembly Complex

ABSTRACT The linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) ligase, consisting of HOIL-1L, HOIP, and SHARPIN, specifically generates linear polyubiquitin chains. LUBAC-mediated linear polyubiquitination has been implicated in NF-κB activation. NEMO, a component of the IκB kinase (IKK) complex, is a substrate of LUBAC, but the precise molecular mechanism underlying linear chain-mediated NF-κB activation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate that linearly polyubiquitinated NEMO activates IKK more potently than unanchored linear chains. In mutational analyses based on the crystal structure of the complex between the HOIP NZF1 and NEMO CC2-LZ domains, which are involved in the HOIP-NEMO interaction, NEMO mutations that impaired linear ubiquitin recognition activity and prevented recognition by LUBAC synergistically suppressed signal-induced NF-κB activation. HOIP NZF1 bound to NEMO and ubiquitin simultaneously, and HOIP NZF1 mutants defective in interaction with either NEMO or ubiquitin could not restore signal-induced NF-κB activation. Furthermore, linear chain-mediated activation of IKK2 involved homotypic interaction of the IKK2 kinase domain. Collectively, these results demonstrate that linear polyubiquitination of NEMO plays crucial roles in IKK activation and that this modification involves the HOIP NZF1 domain and recognition of NEMO-conjugated linear ubiquitin chains by NEMO on another IKK complex.
Perspectives on Eastern European retailing and consumption

ABSTRACT Over the last two decades, as research on retailing and consumption in socialist Eastern Europe has expanded, scholars have challenged the idea that the history of ‘consumer culture’ is defined by the Western experience. Many argue that socialist authorities and citizens charted an alternative path to consumer modernity and conclude that managing consumer demand was as critical to socialism’s survival, as to its collapse. The use of unofficial sources, including personal correspondence and interviews, to illuminate the meanings citizens ascribed to consumer goods in their personal lives and in socialist societies have yielded rich insights about the exercise and limits of state power, the relationship between socialist authorities and citizens, and daily life under socialism.
Gonadal dysfunction and pelvic sonographic findings in females with thalassaemia major

Objective. To investigate pubertal and menstrual problems and evaluate pelvic sonographic findings in patients with β-thalassaemia major. Material and Methods. Twenty-five female patients followed for thalassaemia major constituted the study population. Sexual maturation and hormonal status were assessed. Pubertal and menstrual problems were investigated. Results. There was one patient with delayed puberty and five patients with arrested puberty. Mean ferritin level in this group of patients was slightly but not significantly higher than patients with normal pubertal maturation (2620 ± 994 ng/ml vs. 2409 ± 1348 ng/ml, p > 0.05). There were 10 patients with primary amenorrhoea, three with secondary amenorrhoea, five with oligomenorrhoea and irregular menstruation and one with regular menstruation. Compared to menstruating patients, the mean uterine size was smaller (4.1 ± 3.5 cm3 vs. 52.8 ± 14.5 cm3) in all patients with delayed and arrested puberty (p < 0.05). Ten patients were taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The mean uterine size in these patients was larger than that in patients with amenorrhoea who were not taking HRT, but smaller than that in menstruating patients (9.1 ± 15.9 cm3, 2.7 ± 1.3 cm3 and 52.8 ± 14.5 cm3, respectively) (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Thalassaemia major has important side effects on the hypothaloma-pituitary-gonadal axis resulting in pubertal and menstrual abnormalities. HRT should be given to provide normal sexual maturation in these patients.
Understanding the Chronology and Occupation Dynamics of Oversized Pit Houses in the Southern Brazilian Highlands

A long held view about the occupation of southern proto-Jê pit house villages of the southern Brazilian highlands is that these sites represent cycles of long-term abandonment and reoccupation. However, this assumption is based on an insufficient number of radiocarbon dates for individual pit houses. To address this problem, we conducted a programme of comprehensive AMS radiocarbon dating and Bayesian modelling at the deeply stratified oversized pit House 1, Baggio I site (Cal. A.D. 1395–1650), Campo Belo do Sul, Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The stratigraphy of House 1 revealed an unparalleled sequence of twelve well preserved floors evidencing a major change in occupation dynamics including five completely burnt collapsed roofs. The results of the radiocarbon dating allowed us to understand for the first time the occupation dynamics of an oversized pit house in the southern Brazilian highlands. The Bayesian model demonstrates that House 1 was occupied for over two centuries with no evidence of major periods of abandonment, calling into question previous models of long-term abandonment. In addition, the House 1 sequence allowed us to tie transformations in ceramic style and lithic technology to an absolute chronology. Finally, we can provide new evidence that the emergence of oversized domestic structures is a relatively recent phenomenon among the southern proto-Jê. As monumental pit houses start to be built, small pit houses continue to be inhabited, evidencing emerging disparities in domestic architecture after AD 1000. Our research shows the importance of programmes of intensive dating of individual structures to understand occupation dynamics and site permanence, and challenges long held assumptions that the southern Brazilian highlands were home to marginal cultures in the context of lowland South America.
A Hierarchical Architecture for Cooperative Actuator Fault Estimation and Accommodation of Formation Flying Satellites in Deep Space

A new cooperative fault accommodation algorithm based on a multi-level hierarchical architecture is proposed for satellite formation flying missions. This framework introduces a high-level (HL) supervisor and two recovery modules, namely a low-level fault recovery (LLFR) module and a formation-level fault recovery (FLFR) module. At the LLFR module, a new hybrid and switching framework is proposed for cooperative actuator fault estimation of formation flying satellites in deep space. The formation states are distributed among local detection and estimation filters. Each system mode represents a certain cooperative estimation scheme and communication topology among local estimation filters. The mode transitions represent the reconfiguration of the estimation schemes, where the transitions are governed by information that is provided by the detection filters. It is shown that our proposed hybrid and switching framework confines the effects of unmodeled dynamics, disturbances, and uncertainties to local parameter estimators, thereby preventing the propagation of inaccurate information to other estimation filters. Moreover, at the LLFR module a conventional recovery controller is implemented by using estimates of the fault severities. Due to an imprecise fault estimate and an ineffective recovery controller, the HL supervisor detects violation of the mission error specifications. The FLFR module is then activated to compensate for the performance degradations of the faulty satellite by requiring that the healthy satellites allocate additional resources to remedy the problem. Consequently, fault is cooperatively recovered by our proposed architecture, and the formation flying mission specifications are satisfied. Simulation results confirm the validity and effectiveness of our developed and proposed analytical work.
Differences in strength, flexibility and stability in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestlers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Wrestling includes a variety of functional properties: muscular strength, flexibility, neuromuscular coordination, and static and dynamic balance. The aim of the study was to identify differences in the strength, flexibility, postural stability and core stabilization of young national and international wrestlers in different weight groups. MATERIAL AND METHOD Eighty-one male wrestlers (17-21 years old) were divided into 6 groups according to their body mass (light, middle and heavy) and wrestling style. The lumbosacral flexion, extension and lateral flexion range of motion, hamstring extensibility, back and leg muscle strength, postural stability, and core stabilization were assessed. RESULTS Greco-Roman wrestlers had a higher lean body mass (6-12%) compared with freestyle wrestlers. However, the trunk lateral flexion flexibility was better in the Greco-Roman wrestlers (6-7%) than in the freestyle wrestlers, and the absolute back strength (BS) and leg strength (LS) were similar for both styles of wrestling. The BS/LBM and LS/LBM in the freestyle wrestlers were greater than in the Greco-Roman wrestlers, and the Light weight Greco-Roman wrestlers had the highest BS/LBM. The heavy weight Greco-Roman wrestlers and the light weight freestyle wrestlers had the greatest LS/LBM values. The postural control was similar for the two styles of wrestlers; however, the heavy weight Greco-Roman wrestlers had greater postural control in all directions compared with the light and middle weight Greco-Roman wrestlers. The core stabilization did not differ for the Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers except in the lateral bridge. CONCLUSION The style of wrestling demonstrates different strength, flexibility and stability demands on the body. The differences between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestlers may be due to the wrestling style differences in training and to competition-related demands. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Comparative study, level lV (case series).
Color stability of denture acrylic resins and a soft lining material against tea, coffee, and nicotine.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of four solutions [saliva (control group), saliva+tea, saliva+coffee, saliva+nicotine] on the color of different denture base acrylic resins (heat-polymerized, injection-molded, autopolymerized) and a soft denture liner. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty specimens from each type of test material were prepared (2.5 mm diameter, 2 mm thickness). Five specimens from each test material (heat-polymerized, chemically polymerized, injection-molded acrylic resin, soft denture reliner) were stored in each solution in 37 degrees C in a dark environment. Colorimetric measurements were done on the 1st, 7th, and 30th days. Color differences among specimens immersed in saliva (control group), and staining solutions were evaluated over time. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (alpha= 0.05). ANOVA was followed by Tukey test to find which groups differed from each other. RESULTS Significant color shifts occurred in heat-polymerized and injection-molded acrylic resins in coffee and in soft liner in nicotine over time (p < 0.05) (DeltaE > 1). The color shift of soft liner in nicotine was significantly different than that of the remainder of the test materials in nicotine (p < 0.05). The color shift magnitudes of each test material in coffee and tea were not significantly different when compared among the test material groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The effect of staining solutions on the color of each test material in each session was perceivable by the human eye (DeltaE > 1); however, the color shifts of all test materials were clinically acceptable (DeltaE < 3.7) except for soft liner in nicotine, which was not clinically acceptable over time. Therefore, minimizing drinking of such beverages and use of tobacco, particularly when soft liner is applied, may be advantageous for denture wearers for long-term color stability.
Structural analysis of the carbohydrate components of the outer membrane of the lipopolysaccharide-lacking cellulolytic ruminal bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes S85.

The polysaccharides from the outer membrane of the Gram-negative ruminal bacterium Fibrobacter succinogenes were isolated by phenol/water extraction and separated by size-exclusion chromatography in the presence of deoxycholate detergent into a lower-molecular-mass fraction designated 'glycolipid' and a high-molecular-mass 'capsular polysaccharide' fraction. Both fractions lacked typical lipopolysaccharide components including 2-keto-3-deoxyoctulosonic acid and 3-hydroxy fatty acids. Carbohydrate components of these fractions were represented by two polysaccharides and one oligosaccharide (possibly glycolipid) with the following structures: : : where HEAEP is N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethylphosphonic acid, found for the first time in natural compounds. The polysaccharides contained pentadecanoic acid and anteisopentadecanoic acid, possibly present as the acyl components. All constituent monosaccharides except L-rhamnose had a D-configuration. In addition to having a structural role in the outer membrane, these polysaccharides may provide protection for this lipopolysaccharide-less bacterium in the highly competitive ruminal environment, as phosphonic acids covalently linked to membrane polymers have in the past been attributed the function of stabilizing membranes in the presence of phosphatases and lipases.
Alterations in Notch signalling in skeletal muscles from mdx and dko dystrophic mice and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

What is the central question of this study? The Notch signalling pathway plays an important role in muscle regeneration, and activation of the pathway has been shown to enhance muscle regeneration in aged mice. It is unknown whether Notch activation will have a similarly beneficial effect on muscle regeneration in the context of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). What is the main finding and its importance? Although expression of Notch signalling components is altered in both mouse models of DMD and in human DMD patients, activation of the Notch signalling pathway does not confer any functional benefit on muscles from dystrophic mice, suggesting that other signalling pathways may be more fruitful targets for manipulation in treating DMD.
Comparison of Polymerase Chain Reaction with Conventional Techniques for the Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in Pulmonary TB Cases

The aim of this study is to evaluate PCR for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) comparing with culture and direct smear. This study was carried out between January and October 2006. The sputum specimens were collected at the laboratory of Microbiology from the patient population attending the Alkwafia Hospital and the Center of Endemic and Epidemic Diseases. This study compares smear, growth in Lowenstein-Jensen medium, and PCR techniques for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A total of 93 specimens were tested. 18 specimens were as a control group, from individuals with out tuberculosis according to the clinical and x-ray examination. 75 sputum samples were collected from persons suspected of having tuberculosis according to clinical symptoms. They were tested using smear, culture, and PCR techniques. From these, 25 cases (33.30%) were smear positive and 29 cases (38.70) were positive by culture and 31 cases (58.70) positive by PCR. The sensitivity and specificity for smear were 86.2 % and 100%, the sensitivity and specificity for culture were 93.54% and 100 %, the sensitivity and specificity for PCR were 100 % and 95.65 respectively. These results confirm that the PCR method PCR is sensitive and specific technique for M. tuberculosis detection.
Prevalence and Predictors of Depression among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Outpatients in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND Diabetes Mellitus is frequently accompanied by serious complications. Less known is the increased risk for depression. Undiagnosed depression prevents initiation of treatment, thereby contributing to poor clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES Study aimed to determine prevalence and predictors of depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. METHODOLOGY Study was cross-sectional. It was conducted in the outpatient clinics of diabetes mellitus in a governmental hospital in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia in 2013. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (260 participants) were selected using systematic random sampling technique. One interview questionnaire was designed to collect demographic and health factors. Two self- administered instruments were used to assess perceived social support and depression. Assessment of the relationship between depression and its predictors was done using Univariate analysis. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the combined effect of several factors associated with depression among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients after adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS Almost fifty percent of diabetics were depressed (49.6%). Patients with poor diabetes mellitus control (OR 3.221, P.000) and unmarried (OR 3.206, P .025) were more risky for developing depression and difference was significant. CONCLUSION Prevalence of depression among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was almost fifty percent. So, diabetics should be regularly examined for signs and symptoms of depression.