Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cut-off grade optimization model in the open pit mining considering reclamation and valuable waste materials

Cut-off grade is one of the decision variables that must be determined correctly by the open pit mining company in order to generate the maximum total profit. This study develops a cut-off grade determination model by using analytical solution approach by considering cost and revenue components such as mining cost, waste removal/rehabilitation cost, processing cost, reclamation cost, marketing/selling stage cost, fixed cost and income/revenue from selling the valuable wasted materials. To illustrate the application of the model, this study also presents the numerical example for the iron ore mining case along with the sensitivity analysis of the sales price. The sensitivity analysis result shows that the optimal cut-off grade and profit obtained by the company are sensitive to the sales price. Using the model in this study, it is expected that the company can make right decision of the cut-off grade value in a mining location easily and quickly.
Functional interaction of Junctophilin 2 with small‐ conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channel subtype 2(SK2) in mouse cardiac myocytes

Junctophilins (JPs), a protein family of the junctional membrane complex, maintain the close conjunction between cell surface and intracellular membranes in striate muscle cells mediating the crosstalk between extracellular Ca2+ entry and intracellular Ca2+ release. The small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels are activated by the intracellular calcium and play an essential role in the cardiac action potential profile. Molecular mechanisms of regulation of the SK channels are still uncertain. Here, we sought to determine whether there is a functional interaction of junctophilin type 2 (JP2) with the SK channels and whether JP2 gene silencing might modulate the function of SK channels in cardiac myocytes.
Assessing Elementary Lesions in Gout by Ultrasound: Results of an OMERACT Patient-based Agreement and Reliability Exercise

Objective. To test the reliability of the consensus-based ultrasound (US) definitions of elementary gout lesions in patients. Methods. Eight patients with microscopically proven gout were evaluated by 16 sonographers for signs of double contour (DC), aggregates, erosions, and tophi in the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the knee bilaterally. The patients were examined twice using B-mode US to test agreement and inter- and intraobserver reliability of the elementary components. Results. The prevalence of the lesions were DC 52.8%, tophus 61.1%, aggregates 29.8%, and erosions 32.4%. The intraobserver reliability was good for all lesions except DC, where it was moderate. The best reliability per lesion was seen for tophus (κ 0.73, 95% CI 0.61–0.85) and lowest for DC (κ 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.67). The interobserver reliability was good for tophus and erosions, but fair to moderate for aggregates and DC, respectively. The best reliability was seen for erosions (κ 0.74, 95% CI 0.65–0.81) and lowest for aggregates (κ 0.21, 95% CI 0.04–0.37). Conclusion. This is the first step to test consensus-based US definitions on elementary lesions in patients with gout. High intraobserver reliability was found when applying the definition in patients on all elementary lesions while interobserver reliability was moderate to low. Further studies are needed to improve the interobserver reliability, particularly for DC and aggregates.
Efficacy of a Clinic-Based Safer Sex Program for Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Uninfected and Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To test the efficacy of a single-session, clinic-based intervention designed to promote condom use among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Methods Six hundred YBMSM were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial, using a 12-month observation period. An intent-to-treat analysis was performed, with multiple imputation for missing data. Results Compared with the reference group, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected men in the intervention group had 64% greater odds of reporting consistent condom use for anal receptive sex over 12 months (estimated odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–2.17, P = 0.001). Also, compared with the reference group, HIV-uninfected men in the intervention group had more than twice the odds of reporting consistent condom use for anal receptive sex over 12 months (estimated odds ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.74–2.63, P < 0.001). Significant intervention effects relative to incident sexually transmitted diseases were not observed. Conclusions A single-session, clinic-based, intervention may help protect HIV-uninfected YBMSM against HIV acquisition and HIV-infected YBMSM from transmitting the virus to insertive partners.
Hedonic hunger prospectively predicts onset and maintenance of loss of control eating among college women.

OBJECTIVE The subjective feeling of loss of control (LOC) over eating is common among eating-disordered individuals and has predicted weight gain in past research. Restrained eating and negative affect are risk factors for binge eating (which involves LOC), but intense feelings of pleasure derived from palatable foods might also predict the emergence or intensification of LOC eating. The Power of Food Scale (PFS) assesses preoccupation with the pleasure derived from palatable food. METHOD The current sample (n = 294) comprised female college freshmen at risk for weight gain. LOC was assessed using an abbreviated version of the Eating Disorders Examination interview. LOC was assessed at baseline and at 6-week and 12- and 24-month follow-ups. RESULTS Among those exhibiting LOC eating at baseline (and controlling for baseline depression, restrained eating, and body image dissatisfaction), those scoring higher on the PFS at baseline showed a smaller reduction in LOC frequency over time relative to those scoring lower. Using the same covariates, the PFS predicted the first emergence of LOC over 2 years among those showing no LOC at baseline. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that powerful hedonic attraction to palatable foods may represent a risk factor for the maintenance of LOC in those initially experiencing it and the emergence of LOC eating in those who are not. An enhanced ability to identify individuals at increased risk of developing or maintaining LOC eating could be useful in prevention programs.
Altering 2‐Hydroxybiphenyl 3‐Monooxygenase Regioselectivity by Protein Engineering for the Production of a New Antioxidant

2‐Hydroxybiphenyl 3‐monooxygenase is a flavin‐containing NADH‐dependent aromatic hydroxylase that oxidizes a broad range of 2‐substituted phenols. In order to modulate its activity and selectivity, several residues in the active site pocket were investigated by saturation mutagenesis. Variant M321A demonstrated altered regioselectivity by oxidizing 3‐hydroxybiphenyl for the first time, thus enabling the production of a new antioxidant, 3,4‐dihydroxybiphenyl, with similar ferric reducing capacity to the well‐studied piceatannol. The crystal structure of M321A was determined (2.78 Å), and molecular docking of the 3‐substituted phenol provided a rational explanation for the altered regioselectivity. Furthermore, HbpA was found to possess pro‐S enantioselectivity towards the production of several chiral sulfoxides, whereas variant M321F exhibited improved enantioselectivity. Based on the biochemical characterization of several mutants, it was suggested that Trp97 stabilized the substrate in the active site, Met223 was involved in NADH entrance or binding to the active site, and Pro320 might facilitate FAD movement.
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Reappraisal

‘Stages’, as used in clinical practice and research, are defined, their value described, and criteria are proposed for their evaluation. The specific interest is in staging Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Two staging systems, one based on the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) and one based on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), are compared in terms of these criteria, as an illustration of the process involved. We propose that there is not one unique staging system, that different staging criteria might be appropriate to different research or clinical needs, depending on which part of the temporal course of the disease is of primary interest, and on whether the focus is on cognitive, functional, neurological, behavioral, economic, or other issues. GDS staging seems a better choice for the later stages of AD when the focus is on functional change. MMSE staging seems a better choice for tracking the earlier stages of AD when the focus is on cognitive change.
Targeted delivery of doxorubicin by CSA-binding nanoparticles for choriocarcinoma treatment

Abstract Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) can result from the over-proliferation of trophoblasts. Treatment of choriocarcinoma, the most aggressive GTN, currently requires high doses of systemic chemotherapeutic agents, which result in indiscriminate drug distribution and severe toxicity. To overcome these disadvantages and enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy, chondroitin sulfate A (CSA)-binding nanoparticles were developed for the targeted delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) to choriocarcinoma cells using a synthetic CSA-binding peptide (CSA-BP), derived from malarial protein, which specifically binds to the CSA exclusively expressed in the placental trophoblast. CSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles rapidly bonded to choriocarcinoma (JEG3) cells and were efficiently internalized into the lysosomes. Moreover, CSA-BP modification significantly increased the anti-cancer activity of the DOX-loaded nanoparticles in vitro. Intravenous injections of CSA-BP-conjugated nanoparticles loaded with indocyanine green (CSA-INPs) were rapidly localized to the tumor. The CSA-targeted nanoparticles loaded with DOX (CSA-DNPs) strongly inhibited primary tumor growth and, more importantly, significantly suppressed metastasis in vivo. Collectively, our results highlight the potential of the CSA-BP-decorated nanoparticles as an alternative targeted delivery system of chemotherapeutic agents for treating choriocarcinoma and for developing new GTN therapies based on drug targeting.
Valuing Thinly-Traded Assets

We model illiquidity as a restriction on the stopping rules investors can follow in selling assets, and apply this framework to the valuation of thinly-traded investments. We find that discounts for illiquidity can be surprisingly large, approaching 30 to 50 percent in some cases. Immediacy plays a unique role and is valued much more than ongoing liquidity. We show that investors in illiquid enterprises have strong incentives to increase dividends and other cash payouts, thereby introducing potential agency conflicts. We also find that illiquidity and volatility are fundamentally entangled in their effects on asset prices. This aspect may help explain why some assets are viewed as inherently more liquid than others and why liquidity concerns are heightened during financial crises.
First Version : February 2015 This Version : June 2015 NOT WORKING AT WORK : LOAFING , UNEMPLOYMENT AND LABOR PRODUCTIVITY

Using the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) 2003-12, we estimate time spent by workers in non-work while on the job. Non-work time is substantial and varies positively with the local unemployment rate. While the average time spent by workers in non-work conditional on any positive non-work rises with the unemployment rate, the fraction of workers who report time in non-work varies pro-cyclically, declining in recessions. These results are consistent with a model in which heterogeneous workers are paid efficiency wages to refrain from loafing on the job. That model correctly predicts relationships of the incidence and conditional amounts of non-work with wage rates and measures of unemployment benefits in state data linked to the ATUS, and it is consistent with observed occupational differences in non-work. JEL Codes: J22, E24
Role of Rac1 Pathway in Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stem-like Cell Phenotypes in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Rac1, a Rho GTPase family member, is dysregulated in a variety of tumor types including gastric adenocarcinoma, but little is known about its role in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Therefore, Rac1 activity and inhibition were examined in gastric adenocarcinoma cells and mouse xenograft models for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and CSC phenotypes. Rac1 activity was significantly higher in spheroid-forming or CD44+ gastric adenocarcinoma CSCs compared with unselected cells. Rac1 inhibition using Rac1 shRNA or a Rac1 inhibitor (NSC23766) decreased expression of the self-renewal transcription factor, Sox-2, decreased spheroid formation by 78%–81%, and prevented tumor initiation in immunodeficient mice. Gastric adenocarcinoma CSCs had increased expression of the EMT transcription factor Slug, 4.4- to 8.3-fold greater migration, and 4.2- to 12.6-fold greater invasion than unselected cells, and these increases could be blocked completely with Rac1 inhibition. Gastric adenocarcinoma spheroid cells were resistant to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin chemotherapy, and this chemotherapy resistance could be reversed with Rac1 shRNA or NSC23766. The PI3K/Akt pathway may be upstream of Rac1, and JNK may be downstream of Rac1. In the MKN-45 xenograft model, cisplatin inhibited tumor growth by 50%, Rac1 inhibition by 35%, and the combination by 77%. Higher Rac1 activity, in clinical specimens from gastric adenocarcinoma patients who underwent potentially curative surgery, correlated with significantly worse survival (P = 0.017). In conclusion, Rac1 promotes the EMT program in gastric adenocarcinoma and the acquisition of a CSC state. Rac1 inhibition in gastric adenocarcinoma cells blocks EMT and CSC phenotypes, and thus may prevent metastasis and augment chemotherapy. Implications: In gastric adenocarcinoma, therapeutic targeting of the Rac1 pathway may prevent or reverse EMT and CSC phenotypes that drive tumor progression, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance. Mol Cancer Res; 15(8); 1106–16. ©2017 AACR.
An international system for human cytogenetic nomenclature (1978) ISCN (1978). Report of the Standing Commitee on Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature.

An International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (1978) ISCN (1978) Report of the Standing Commitee on Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature Hässelby Castle, Stockholm, Sweden September 4-9th, 1977 Sponsored by The National Foundation—March of Dimes Original Article Series Editor: Daniel Bergsma, M.D., M.P.H. Scientific Editors: Jan E. Lindsten, M.D., Ph.D. Harold P. Klinger, M.D., Ph.D. John L. Hamerton, D.Sc.
The complete mitochondrial genome of great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo (Phalacrocorax, Phalacrocoracidae)

Abstract The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is widely distributed in the world. Here, we report the complete mitogenome sequence of P. carbo, which was 18,995 bp long and composed of 15 protein-coding genes, 25 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 2 control regions. Most genes were located on H-strand except for 10 tRNAs and 2 ND6 genes. In protein-coding genes, ATG, ATC and GTG were used as initiation codons, and TAA, AGA, AGG and TAG were used as stop codons. The 25 tRNA genes ranged in size from 67 to 75 bp. And 12S and 16S rRNA were respectively 983 and 1517 bp. Except for a tRNA-Ala in P. carbo which was different from the tRNA-Lys annotated in P. chalconotus, both species of Phalacrocorax had the same order of other genes. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis may help us understand the evolutionary status of this widespread species better.
Polygenic Risk Score Prediction of Alcohol Dependence Symptoms Across Population‐Based and Clinically Ascertained Samples

BACKGROUND Despite consistent evidence of the heritability of alcohol use disorders (AUDs), few specific genes with an etiological role have been identified. It is likely that AUDs are highly polygenic; however, the etiological pathways and genetic variants involved may differ between populations. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate whether aggregate genetic risk for AUDs differed between clinically ascertained and population-based epidemiological samples. METHODS Four independent samples were obtained: 2 from unselected birth cohorts (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children [ALSPAC], N = 4,304; FinnTwin12 [FT12], N = 1,135) and 2 from families densely affected with AUDs, identified from treatment-seeking patients (Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism, N = 2,097; Irish Affected Sib Pair Study of Alcohol Dependence, N = 706). AUD symptoms were assessed with clinical interviews, and participants of European ancestry were genotyped. Genomewide association was conducted separately in each sample, and the resulting association weights were used to create polygenic risk scores in each of the other samples (12 total discovery-validation pairs), and from meta-analyses within sample type. We then tested how well these aggregate genetic scores predicted AUD outcomes within and across sample types. RESULTS Polygenic scores derived from 1 population-based sample (ALSPAC) significantly predicted AUD symptoms in another population-based sample (FT12), but not in either clinically ascertained sample. Trend-level associations (uncorrected p < 0.05) were found for polygenic score predictions within sample types but no or negative predictions across sample types. Polygenic scores accounted for 0 to 1% of the variance in AUD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Though preliminary, these results provide suggestive evidence of differences in the genetic etiology of AUDs based on sample characteristics such as treatment-seeking status, which may index other important clinical or demographic factors that moderate genetic influences. Although the variance accounted for by genomewide polygenic scores remains low, future studies could improve gene identification efforts by amassing very large samples, or reducing genetic heterogeneity by informing analyses with other phenotypic information such as sample characteristics. Multiple complementary approaches may be needed to make progress in gene identification for this complex disorder.
Development of enzymes of energy metabolism in the neonatal mammalian brain.

The metabolic capability for the complete oxidation of glucose, i.e. aerobic glycolysis, is highly developed in the brains of neurologically mature (precocial) species at birth, whereas this activity is severely limited in the brains of neurologically immature (non-precocial) species such as the rat and human. The latter utilize a mixture of glucose and ketone bodies for synthetic and energetic activities and the advent of neurological competence associated with the capability for complete dependence on and oxidation of glucose must await the development of key enzymes such as the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC). A similar relationship appears to exist with respect to the development of neurological maturity of different brain regions in a single species, the rat. The development of the enzymes of energy metabolism of neonatal rat brain will be discussed with respect to the energy fuels available to the neonatal brain. In particular mechanisms by which the PDHC develops in neonatal brain will be evaluated. Evidence suggests that this is due to a specific increase in enzyme protein in contrast to a general increase in mitochondrial activity.
Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of solid-liquid and enzyme-assisted extraction of phenolic compound from three species of tropical Sargassum

Sargassum has been well acknowledged for the potential natural product of its phlorotannins. Solid-liquid extraction (SLE) is the most common method used to extract them. However, this method has some drawbacks such as low yield and toxic. An alternative ecofriendly method has been proposed, i.e. enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), proven to be more efficient. The aim is to compare the efficiency of SLE and EAE concerning their extraction yield, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. S. aquifolium, S. ilicifolium and S. polycystum were extracted using water, methanol, methanol 50%, and ethanol 75% and enzymes (Viscozyme and Protamex). Total phenolic content (TPC) was analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteu and antioxidant activity via DPPH and FRAP analysis. This study implied that bioactivity of Sargassum extracted with enzymes is better compared to the one using organic solvents.
Shape similarity measurement model for holed polygons based on position graphs and Fourier descriptors

ABSTRACT In geographic information retrieval and spatial data mining, similarity is used to resolve shape matching and clustering. Many approaches have been developed to calculate similarity between simple geometric shapes. However, complex spatial objects are common in spatial database systems, spatial query languages and Geographic Information Science (GIS) applications. With holed polygons, many similarity measurement approaches are restricted to address the relationships between holes or between the holes and the entire complex geometric shape. A successful method should remove the restrictions due to these complex relations and retain invariant during geometric translation (rotation, moving and scaling). To overcome these deficiencies, we utilize position graphs to describe the distribution of holes in complex geometric shapes by storing invariants, such as angles and distances. In addition, Fourier descriptors and the position graph-based method are used to measure the similarity between holed polygons. Experiments show that the proposed method takes into account the relationships in an entire complex geometric shape. It can effectively calculate the similarity of holed polygons, even if they contain different numbers of holes.
Detection of the Escherichia coli Group 2 Polysaccharide Capsule Synthesis Gene kpsM by a Rapid and Specific PCR-Based Assay

ABSTRACT A rapid and simple PCR-based assay for detection of the group 2 capsule synthesis gene kpsM of Escherichia coli was designed and validated. When combined with the published group 2 primers (kpsIIf, 5′-GCGCATTTGCTGATACTGTTG-3′; kpsIIr, 5′-CATCCAGACGATAAGCATGAGCA-3′), the new primers (the kpsIIf primer and a new reverse primer K2r, 5′-AGGTAGTTCAGACTCACACCT-3′) allowed specific identification by exclusion of the heretofore elusive K2 kpsM variant. The primers yielded the predicted amplicon when multiplexed with other primers and used under varied assay conditions, including a range of concentrations of individual reaction mixture ingredients and of annealing temperatures (from 54 to 64°C).