Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A genome-wide analysis of brain DNA methylation identifies new candidate genes for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Genetic variants may underlie sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS), but in only a few percent of patients have causative mutations been found. This is possibly because SALS is more often due to a variation in DNA methylation, an epigenetic phenomenon involved in gene silencing. Methylation across the whole genome was examined in brain DNA of 10 SALS patients and 10 neurologically-normal controls. Methylated DNA was immunoprecipitated and interrogated by Affymetrix GeneChip Human Tiling 2.0R Arrays. Methylation levels were compared between SALS patients and controls at each region of methylation across the genome. SALS patients had either hypo- or hyper-methylation at 38 methylation sites (p ≤ 0.01). Of these, 23 were associated with genes and three with CpG islands. Pathway analysis showed that genes with different methylation in SALS were particularly involved in calcium homeostasis, neurotransmission and oxidative stress. In conclusion, a number of genes, either unsuspected in SALS or in potential cell death pathways, showed altered methylation in SALS brains. The possibility of epigenetic therapy for SALS should encourage confirmation of these initial results in a future larger whole-genome DNA methylation study.
Development of Arabic Learning Material Based on Eclectic Method

This research is meant to produce a valid Arabic learning material with four steps of development; doing research to find information related to the product that will be developed, developing the product based on the information gained, implementing the product in real-life situations, revising and improving the product. The data was collected using observation manual, interview, documentation, and questionnaires which were analyzed in order to find out the current condition of Arabic learning. Samples were picked using purposive sampling method, which was lecturers and students, and the data were then processed using quantitative and qualitative method. This research is aimed to improve the Arabic proficiency of college students. This research’s product is proven to be able to improve students’ skill in Arabic. Students’ learning activities improvements includes their abilities to share with other students, their abilities to finish their tasks, their abilities to criticize, their abilities to give advice, their abilities to interact with the lecturer. The use of this module can encourage students to take part in discussions and finishing their tasks. This module is highly recommended by design experts for its ability to improve students’ skill and creativity. Lecturer’s role change: in this learning process, lecturers act as a facilitator. Lecturers oversee the learning process and give learning facilities to students. Lecturers also deliver learning material in the beginning of lessons. Keywords—arabic learning material; eclectic method
Multiplex PCR for Simultaneous Detection of Macrolide and Tetracycline Resistance Determinants in Streptococci

ABSTRACT Resistance to macrolides and tetracyclines is increasing among streptococci and co-occurs as their resistance determinants are carried on the same mobile element. We developed a multiplex PCR to facilitate simultaneous and specific detection of resistance determinants for both macrolides [erm(A), erm(B), and mef(A/E)] and tetracyclines [tet(M), tet(O), tet(K), and tet(L)] in streptococci.
Foreign Trade Behavior in Thailand: Stable or Unstable?

This paper analyzes the demand for import and export functions of Thailand. It provides new evidence on both cointegration and the stability of the long-run relationship between trade flows and their determinants. Cointegration analyses are based on the Johansen (1992, 1995) system approach and the FM-OLS by Phillips and Hansen (1990) technique. Evidence of stability is examined using two formal tests of the cointegration space by Hansen and Johansen (1993) and Hansen (1992). The major results show that there is a long-run equilibrium relationship between trade flows and their determinants. While the import demand function appears structurally stable, there is evidence of parameter instability in the export demand function.
Investigation of the role of IL-1 and TNF in matrix degradation in the intervertebral disc.

OBJECTIVE To establish if IL-1 or TNF regulates matrix degradation in the non-degenerate or degenerate intervertebral disc (IVD). METHODS In situ zymography (ISZ) has been used to investigate the role of IL-1 and TNF in the matrix degradation characterizing symptomatic IVD degeneration. ISZ employed three substrates (gelatin, collagen II, casein) and four different challenges, IL-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), TNF-alpha and anti-TNF. RESULTS We have shown for the first time that whilst IL-1beta will stimulate and IL-1 receptor antagonist will inhibit matrix degradation in intact human IVD tissue, neither TNF-alpha nor anti-TNF have any measurable effect on degradation of these matrices. CONCLUSION This study has addressed a current area of controversy in IVD biology, namely, whether either IL-1 or TNF or both are involved in driving matrix degradation. Our data indicate that IL-1 is a key cytokine mediating matrix degradation in the IVD and therefore a therapeutic target.
CBCT location of the fusion between the buccal and lingual cortical in the mandibular ramus: importance to sagittal split osteotomy

Background Mandibular Sagittal Split Osteotomy (MSSO) is a popular technique in orthognathic surgery used both to advance and to retreat the mandible. However, MSSO may incur in important complications, such as bad splits and sensorineural injuries. Knowing the location of the fusion between the buccal and lingual cortical (FBLC) in the mandibular ramus and the bone thickness in the region where osteotomies will be performed is determinant in MSSO planning to avoid complications. The aim of this study was to document and evaluate possible differences between sexes regarding the location of the FBLC in relation to the superior cortical of mandibular foramen (MF) and bone thickness in the region of interest for MSSO in a Brazilian population. Material and Methods Eighty five cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans were used to perform linear measurements to determine the location of the FBLC. Bone thickness from the mandibular canal (MC) to the cortical external surfaces and the diameter of the MC were measured at three different points: mandibular ramus (A), mandibular angle (B) and mesial of the second molar (C). Results The FBLC was located at a mean distance of 8.3 mm from the superior cortical of the MF in males and 8.1 mm in females. There was no difference between males and females regarding the mean bone thickness from the MC to the buccal external surface at all the points investigated (p >>0.05). Bone thickness from the lingual external surface to the MC was bigger among females than males in regions B and C (p<0.05). The diameter of the MC was bigger among males in regions B and C. Conclusions Sexual dimorphism regarding mandibular bone thickness but not regarding the location of FBLC was present. This fundamental knowledge may assist to the panning of MSSO. Key words:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, mandibular nerve, orthognathic surgery, sagittal split ramus osteotomy.
Augmented reality in mobile devices applied to public transportation

Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the most revolutionary technologies at these times. It improves the real world by additional computer generated information. The AR paradigm opens new ways for development and innovation of different applications, where the user perceives both, virtual and real objects at the same time. With the rise of SmartPhones and the development of its characteristics, the AR on mobile devices emerging as an attractive option in this context. In this paper we present the design, implementation and testing of an application of AR on Android platform for mobile devices. This allows a person traveling through the city gets information of routes, timeouts, etc; about a particular bus line. All this information is provided on the mobile device and associated to the real world, facilitating their interpretation.
Cigarette Smoking and Pulmonary Function in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Exposed to Pulmonary-Toxic Therapy: Results from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

Treatments for childhood cancer can impair pulmonary function. We assessed the potential impact of cigarette smoking on pulmonary function in 433 adult childhood cancer survivors (CCS) who received pulmonary-toxic therapy, using single breath diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide corrected for hemoglobin (DLCOcorr), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and total lung capacity (TLC). FEV1/FVC median values among current [1.00; interquartile range (IQR): 0.94–1.04] and former smokers (0.98; IQR: 0.93–1.04) were lower than those who had never smoked (1.02; IQR: 0.96–1.06; P = 0.003). Median FEV1/FVC values were lower among those who smoked ≥ 6 pack-years (0.99; IQR: 0.92–1.03) and those who smoked <6 pack-years (1.00; IQR: 0.94–1.04), than among those who had never smoked (P = 0.005). Our findings suggest that CCSs have an increased risk for future obstructive and restrictive lung disease. Follow-up is needed to determine whether smoking imparts more than additive risk. Smoking prevention and cessation need to be a priority in this population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(9); 1938–43. ©2014 AACR.
Bond-valence parameters for solids

Bond-valence parameters which relate bond valences and bond lengths have been derived for a large number of bonds. It is shown that there is a strong linear correlation between the parameters for bonds from cations to pairs of anions. This correlation is used to develop an interpolation scheme that allows the estimation of bond-valence parameters for 969 pairs of atoms. A complete listing of these parameters is given.
Fly Like an Eagle

We investigate the impact of individual performance and competitive pressure on the duration of ski jumpers’ careers. We find that the degree of competition in the respective national associations has a statistically significant impact on individual career duration: Poorly performing athletes have a higher survival probability if they cannot be replaced (i.e., if the jumpers with whom they compete for the limited number of slots in their national team perform even worse). Moreover, “superstars”—(former) World Champions—can expect significantly longer careers as their nominations seem to be justified by their past success rather than by their current performance.
Real-time noninvasive estimation of intrapleural pressure in mechanically ventilated patients: A feasibility study

A method for real-time noninvasive estimation of intrapleural pressure in mechanically ventilated patients is proposed. The method employs a simple first-order lung mechanics model that is fitted in real-time to flow and pressure signals acquired non-invasively at the opening of the patient airways, in order to estimate lung resistance (RL), lung compliance (CL) and intrapleural pressure (Ppl) continuously in time. Estimation is achieved by minimizing the sum of squared residuals between measured and model predicted airway pressure using a modified Recursive Least Squares (RLS) approach. Particularly, two different RLS algorithms, namely the conventional RLS with Exponential Forgetting (EF-RLS) and the RLS with Vector-type Forgetting Factor (VFF-RLS), are considered in this study and their performances are first evaluated using simulated data. Simulations suggest that the conventional EF-RLS algorithm is not suitable for our purposes, whereas the VFF-RLS method provides satisfactory results. The potential of the VFF-RLS based method is then proved on experimental data collected from a mechanically ventilated pig. Results show that the method provides continuous estimated lung resistance and compliance in normal physiological ranges and pleural pressure in good agreement with invasive esophageal pressure measurements.
Higher Moments Matter! Cross-Sectional (Higher) Moments and the Predictability of Stock Returns

In this paper we investigate the predictive power of cross-sectional volatility, skewness and kurtosis for future stock returns. Adding to the work of Maio (2015), who finds cross-sectional volatility to forecast a decline in the equity premium with high predictive power in-sample as well as out-of-sample, we highlight the additional role of cross-sectional skewness and cross-sectional kurtosis. We find cross-sectional skewness to deliver a significant contribution to the performance of cross-sectional volatility in the short run (less than 12 months forecasts), while cross-sectional skewness and cross-sectional kurtosis contribute significantly to the performance of cross-sectional volatility at horizons greater than 12 months. Furthermore, we document a clear benefit of including higher moments when disaggregating excess market returns along the value and size dimension. In this case, both cross-sectional skewness and cross-sectional kurtosis span the predictive quality towards large-cap and growth stocks. Overall, the addition of higher order cross-sectional moments significantly improves the predictive performance of cross-sectional volatility, a variable that is already regarded as having high predictive power with respect to the equity premium.
A model for imaging system-on-chip manufacturing costs

This work describes some of the issues faced when integrating a CMOS image sensor into a system-on-chip (SoC). A simple method is proposed for estimating the manufacturing costs of imaging SoCs at several silicon processes using readily available information sources. A low-cost imaging SoC with integral DSP is presented and its manufacturing cost calculated. The results indicated that for the example given, processes of 0.18 /spl mu/m or smaller only start to become more economical than older processes at $2.80 per unit for 500k units.
Calcitonin increases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells: Role for cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase A in calcitonin action

Calcitonin (CT) is synthesized and secreted in prostate epithelium, and its secretion from malignant prostates is several‐fold higher than from benign prostates. CT receptor (CTR) is expressed in malignant prostate epithelium, and its activation stimulates growth of prostate cancer (PC) cells via activation of adenylyl cyclase and calcium/phospholipid pathways. To identify the role of “CT System” in prostate cancer, we tested the expression of CT and CTR mRNAs in invading tumor cells of prostate cancer specimens. The effect of CT on in vitro invasion of PC cell lines and on activation of gelatinases was also examined. The cells of primary tumors and those invading stroma co‐expressed CT/CTR mRNAs. Exogenously added CT increased in vitro invasion of PC cell lines and caused a rapid, several‐fold but transient increase in protein kinase A activity. In contrast, anti‐CT serum caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of in vitro invasion of PC‐3M cells. CT also increased the concentration and activities of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9. Rp.cAMP, a competitive inhibitor of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A, myristoylated protein kinase A inhibitory peptide (PKI) as well as the expression of dominant negative form of PKA all attenuated basal in vitro invasion of PC‐3M cells, and CT could not increase in vitro invasiveness in their presence. These results suggest that overexpression of “CT System” in invasive PC tumors significantly contributes to increased invasiveness of prostate cancer cells. The action of CT may be mediated by protein kinase A signaling, which subsequently leads to increased cell invasion and secretion of gelatinases. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
State-Dependent Bandwidth Sharing Policies for Wireless Multirate Loss Networks

We consider a reference cell of fixed capacity in a wireless cellular network while concentrating on next-generation network architectures. The cell accommodates new and handover calls from different service-classes. Arriving calls follow a random or quasi-random process and compete for service in the cell under two bandwidth sharing policies: 1) a probabilistic threshold (PrTH) policy or 2) the multiple fractional channel reservation (MFCR) policy. In the PrTH policy, if the number of in-service calls (new or handover) of a service-class exceeds a threshold (difference between new and handover calls), then an arriving call of the same service-class is accepted in the cell with a predefined state-dependent probability. In the MFCR policy, a real number of channels is reserved to benefit calls of certain service-classes; thus, a service priority is introduced. The cell is modeled as a multirate loss system. Under the PrTH policy, call-level performance measures are determined via accurate convolution algorithms, while under the MFCR policy, via approximate but efficient models. Furthermore, we discuss the applicability of the proposed models in 4G/5G networks. The accuracy of the proposed models is verified through simulation. Comparison against other models reveals the necessity of the new models and policies.
Derivation of Functional Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells Isolated by a Novel Cell Filtration Device

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can differentiate from mononuclear cells (MNCs) of adult human peripheral blood, bone marrow, and cord blood during culture. Although MNCs are usually isolated by a Ficoll gradient centrifuge method, this method is time‐consuming, and blood is easily contaminated. We developed a novel cell filtration device (StemQuick™E, Asahi Kasei Medical, Oita, Tokyo, Japan) to isolate MNCs from human cord blood and examined whether functional EPCs could differentiate from MNCs isolated by this device. Recovery rates of MNCs, CD34+ and CD133+ progenitor cells, were significantly greater in the StemQuick™E method than in the Ficoll method. During MNC culture, spindle‐shaped attaching cells developed, and most of these cells incorporated DiI‐acetylated low‐density lipoprotein and showed positive binding to fluorescein isothiocyanate–lectin. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that attaching cells expressed various progenitor and endothelial lineage markers such as KDR, CD31, endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase, CD133, and LOX‐1. Culture‐expanded EPCs were isolated and labeled with a green fluorescent dye, PKH2‐GL, and cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). EPCs formed angiogenesis‐like networks together with HUVECs in 3D matrix gel. Finally, EPCs (3 × 105) were implanted into ischemic hindlimb of nude rats (n = 3), and laser Doppler blood flowmetry (LDBF) revealed that the ratio of ischemic to normal limb LDBF was significantly greater in EPC‐transplanted animals compared with controls receiving saline. In conclusion, the novel cell filtration device, StemQuick™E, is a useful tool to isolate MNCs from human cord blood. Moreover, MNCs obtained by this filter system can give rise to functional EPCs.
Utilización por el ganado caprino de espacios forestales invadidos por el matorral y su impacto sobre la vegetación del sotobosque

El trabajo fue realizado en una ladera repoblada con Pinus nigra en el Pirineo Oscense con objeto de cuantificar las posibles diferencias en la capacidad de utilizacion por el ganado caprino de la vegetacion del sotobosque, su contribucion a las necesidades productivas de los animales y el impacto que el ganado ejerce sobre la vegetacion segun la estacion de pastoreo (primavera vs., otono) y la densidad de carga (baja y alta). La observacion del comportamiento de pastoreo permitio identificar un efecto estacional en la utilizacion de las especies lenosas por el ganado y un patron de consumo de la vegetacion a lo largo del dia caracterizado por un mayor porcentaje de tiempo destinado al ramoneo en las primeras horas de pastoreo. La biomasa herbacea y arbustiva existentes en el area de estudio fueron establecidas a partir de ecuaciones de tipo lineal desarrolladas a partir de la altura del pasto y el volumen de los arbustos, respectivamente. La ecuacion lineal establecida entre la variacion de peso vivo de cabras Blanca Celtiberica y la ingestion de materia organica digestible (MODI) permitio estimar el nivel de ingestion para mantenimiento de esta raza en 28,8 g MODI/kg PV0,75/dia (432 kJ Energia metabolizable/kg PV0,75/dia). Posteriormente, se determino la ingestion en pastoreo y su contribucion a las necesdiades del ganado a partir del metodo de la estratificacion de bocados. Los resultados muestran que la ingestion de materia seca se redujo al aumentar la densidad de carga pero su valor medio no difirio entre las dos estaciones estudiadas (74 y 71 g MS/kg PV0,75/dia). La biomasa disponible en estas zonas permite crecimientos animales moderados tanto en primavera como en otono a bajas densidades de carga. El ramoneo del ganado caprino ejercio un efecto destacable en la arquitectura, el rebrote y la floracion de los arbustos y, consecuentemente, en su sobrevivencia inmediata y a medio plazo, au
Monetary policy and exchange rate overshooting in Iran: A Vector Errors Correction (VEC) approach

Assumption of exchange rate overshooting has significant position in international macroeconomic discussion. This phenomenon is one of the abnormal behaviors of exchange rate that happen in short run. Dornbusch (1976) shows that because speed of equilibrium prices is slow relative to asset markets and commodity prices are sticky in the short run, However, over time, commodity prices will rise and result in a decrease in real money supply and thus, in a higher interest rate. This, in turn, will cause the currency to appreciate. The aim of this article is study of exchange rate overshooting for period 1380:1-1387:12 by Vector Error Correction approach. Results show that monetary relative shock in long run and short run also effect exchange rate that imply exchange rate overshooting in Iran.
Big Data in Survey Research AAPOR Task Force Report

Recent years have seen an increase in the amount of statistics describing different phenomena based on “Big Data. ” This term includes data characterized not only by their large volume, but also by their variety and velocity, the organic way in which they are created, and the new types of processes needed to analyze them and make inference from them. The change in the nature of the new types of data, their availability, and the way in which they are collected and disseminated is fundamental. This change constitutes a paradigm shift for survey research. There is great potential in Big Data, but there are some fundamental challenges that have to be resolved before its full potential can be realized. This report provides examples of different types of Big Data and their potential for survey research; it also describes the Big Data process, discusses its main challenges, and considers solutions and research needs.
Preoperative Assessment and Risk Reduction in Gynecologic Surgery Patients

The prevention of complications during or after surgery is of interest to surgeon and patient alike. Identification of a patient’s risk for perioperative complications requires a mix of good fundamental medicine, clinical and laboratory assessment tools, and clinical experience. Once identified, reduction of modifiable risk leads to better clinical outcomes. Active risk reduction is a combination of general strategies known to benefit all patients plus focal strategies designed to reduce individual patient risk. This article will review preoperative risk identification strategies and risk reduction techniques applicable to gynecologic surgery patients. Target Audience: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians Learning Objectives: After completion of this article, the reader will be able to summarize the various risk prediction strategies, explain the various methods used to identify risk, and describe potential ways to reduce perioperative risk.