Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
H19 Chromatin Insulator in Development and DiseaseEpigenetic Regulation of the

Holmgren, C. 2003. Epigenetic Regulation of the H19 Chromatin Insulator in Development and Disease. Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Comprehensive summaries of Uppsala dissertations from the Faculty of Science and Technology 825. 57 pp. Uppsala. ISBN 91-554-5589-1. The coordinated regulation of gene expression must be tightly controlled for normal development to occur. In mammals, this issue is further complicated by the requirement of both the maternal and paternal genomes for normal development, reflecting the fact that a subset of genes are monoallelically expressed depending on parental inheritance, a phenomenon known as genomic imprinting. The imprinted H19 and Igf2 genes are often considered as paradigms of genomic imprinting, since their monoallelic expression patterns are coordinated via a short stretch of sequence upstream of H19, known as the imprinting control region (ICR). This region is differentially methylated, with specific CpG methylation on the paternal allele. It is shown here that the ICR harbours several maternal-specific hypersensitive sites, located in linker regions between positioned nucleosomes. Furthermore, this region functions as an orientation-dependent insulator, that binds the chromatin insulator factor CTCF. The hypothesis that the methylation status of the ICR dictates the activity of the Igf2 gene 90 kb further upstream was confirmed by the demonstration that the insulator function is lost when the ICR is CpG methylated. The ICR has previously been shown to act as a silencer when positioned in a promotorproximal position. The cause of this silencing was shown to be distance-dependent, suggesting that the silencing features of the ICR depend on a chromatin conformation that renders adjacent sequences inaccessible to the RNA polymerase. These data issue a cautionary note with respect to the interpretation of silencer functions. In several forms of cancer, the normally silent maternal IGF2 gene is expressed, possibly as a result of loss of insulator function at the ICR. The utilisation of CTCF target-sites was analysed in different tumours, and was shown to be highly variable. Methylation analysis showed that potential loss of insulator function and gain of methylation at the maternal ICR did not always correlate with biallelic expression of IGF2. Further investigations uncovered a novel mechanism, in which the activation of the IGF2 promoter was independent of insulator function in some cancers. This thesis shows that the regulation of the imprinted state of Igf2 depends on the formation of an epigenetically regulated chromatin insulator, and that the loss of IGF2 imprinting in human cancer can be attributed to several mechanisms, including a novel mechanism that neutralises chromatin insulator function. Claes Holmgren, Department of Animal Development and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC), Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.  Claes Holmgren 2003
Adult Onset Still’s Disease in Tropical Area: Illustration of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Difficulties from 3 Senegaleses Observations

Introduction: The Adult Onset Still’s Disease (ASD) is a systemic auto-inflammatory affection of unknown cause seldom described in sub-Saharan Africa. We report 3 observations of ASD illustrating the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties of this affection in our areas. Observation 1: Our first patient is a 56 years old schoolteacher presenting an ASD in its chronic articular form. She had been followed for an inflammatory arthralgia for 10 years and of the pharyngal pains without exact diagnosis. She presented ASD’s criteria of Yamaguchi and of Fautrel. The prednisone was begun at the dose of 0.8 mg/kg/day with fast appearance of a progressive muscular weakness. Use of methotrexate at a rate of 15 mg per week, associated with low dose of prednisone was effective in long-term without any flare of the disease so far. Observation 2: Our second patient is a 30 years old dressmaker presenting an ASD in its complicated systemic form of lymphohistiocytic activation syndrome. She validated the criteria of Yamaguchi and Fautrel for ASD. She also presented resistance to corticosteroid therapy. The evolution was marked by a hospital-acquired septicemia and a multi-organ failure leading to death. The diagnosis was retrospectively confirmed after that, with the low level of the glycosylated ferritin serum value. Observation 3: The third patient is a 22 years old Guinean student who presented prolonged fever and inflammatory polyarthralgia without articular deformation. He had been misdiagnosed for ASD with diagnostic wandering of several months. He was treated successfully with prednisone after set up of ASD diagnosis according common criteria. Corticosteroid therapy was stopped after 8 months without any relapse noted so far. Conclusion: Caring for ASD is difficult in our context mainly because of high cost of several explorations needed to set up its exact diagnosis while making differential one. Evolution under corticosteroid therapy is usually favorable but diagnostic delay may lead to severe complications and death.
Non-Organic-Based Isolation of Plant microRNA using Norgen ’ s Plant / Fungi RNA Purification Kit

INTRODUCTION Small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), are key components of an evolutionarily conserved system of RNA-based gene regulation in eukaryotes. In eukaryotes, regulatory small RNAs are divided into two main classes; (a) small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are double-stranded RNA of ~20-25 nucleotides that are involved in RNA interference, and (b) microRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded RNA of ~21-23 nucleotides in length that contain complementary sequences to the 3’ untranslated regions of the target messenger RNAs (mRNA). They are involved in many molecular interactions, including defense against viruses and regulation of gene expression during development. miRNAs interfere with expression of messenger RNAs encoding factors that control developmental timing, stem cell maintenance, and other developmental and physiological processes in plants and animals. miRNAs are negative regulators that function as specificity determinants, or guides, within complexes that inhibit protein synthesis (animals) or promote degradation (plants) of mRNA targets (1).
In vitro ruminal fermentation of leaves from three tree forages in response to incremental levels of polyethylene glycol

Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a phenol binding agent has been used extensively to measure the biological activity of tannins in forage species. The optimum inclusion rate of PEG, per unit weight of sample varies from species to species. Determining optimum inclusion levels can prevent wastage and reduce the cost of diagnosing the biological activity of tannins, especially in developing countries. This study was designed to determine the optimum PEG inclusion levels required to completely ameliorate In vitro ruminal bioactivity of tannins in leaves from Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium and Trichanthera gigantea using the Reading Pressure Technique. Fermentation parameters were generated by fitting gas production data to the Orskov and McDonald (1979) non-linear equation: . An asymptotic response to incremental levels of PEG was observed with cumulative gas production at 48 h post inoculation. The minimum level of PEG required to maximize In vitro ruminal fermentation of tree leaves was found to be 200 mg PEG/g DM for all tree species. Gas production rate constant for the insoluble fraction (c) showed an increase (P In vitro organic matter degradability (iOMD) declined (P In vitro ruminal tannin biological activity in leaves of the three tree species.
How Inheriting Affects Bequest Plans

We present and test the idea that bequest planning is linked with the experience of inheriting. We consider “a family tradition of bequeathing” as a channel through which the intention to bequeath is molded by and is positively correlated with the experience of inheriting. We use data from the Survey on Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to test whether, other things held constant, inheriting has a positive influence on the intention to bequeath. We find that the experience of inheriting enhances the intension to bequeath as predicted by the family tradition model, independently of the positive impact of wealth. We also find that the expectation of inheriting has a positive impact on the intention to bequeath, controlling for the expected increase in wealth on account of future inheritances. Apparently, it is not the financial means that inheritance provides which account for its impact on the intention to bequeath; it is rather the family tradition of bequeathing instilled through inheriting.
Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone and Its Effect on Economic Growth: A Counter-Factual Approach

Together with the deepening of globalization and economic integration, trade and investment liberalization has played more important role in economic cooperation. Besides the free trade agreements among member countries, free trade zone is also considered to establish a favorable environment in order to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth of the areas laying inside and outside the zone. On the basis of economic reforming and trade liberalization initiative, China approved the establishment of Shanghai Pilot free trade zone on September 29th, 2013. The Shanghai Pilot free trade zone is the experiment area of the whole country’s national economic transition process. For the first time, many new policies and management mode were adopted in this area to examine their performance and usability. This study aims to analyze the policy’s effect of Shanghai pilot free trade zone on Shanghai economic growth. By using counter-factual method, the study compares the difference of Shanghai GDP in counter-factual scenario from the actual scenario and figures out the policy effect with the existence of the free trade zone. Therefore, the finding emphasizes the strong effect of Shanghai free trade zone on its economic growth. Understanding the economic effect of Shanghai pilot free trade zone is necessary to further up investment and trade liberalization in China.
Prospective evaluation of aortic stenosis in end-stage kidney disease : a more fulminant process ?

Background. We have previously demonstrated an increased rate of progression of aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with end-stage kidney disease (CKD 5D) compared to controls. We sought to follow prospectively a CKD 5D cohort with AS and determine major event-free survival. Follow-up was terminated once all CKD 5D subjects had undergone aortic valve replacement (AVR) or died. Our aim was to determine whether the increased rate of progression resulted in shorter major event-free (AVR or death) survival as compared to controls. Methods. We re-matched our original CKD 5D cohort (n = 27) to a control cohort (n = 27) based on aortic valve area (AVA) at completion of the prior study. This was done Prospective evaluation of aortic stenosis in end-stage kidney disease 1651 © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org Downloaded from https://academic.oup. com/ndt/article-abstract/26/5/1651/1890897 by guest on 27 July 2018 as CKD 5D and AVAwere the only statistically significant variables with respect to rate of progression. Results. All the CKD 5D patients (100%) underwent surgery or died during the follow-up period. In contrast, 17 (63%) of the controls underwent surgery or died. Of the remaining 10 controls, nine remain alive and free of AVR and one was lost to follow-up. Conclusion. The controls displayed greater major eventfree survival (P = 0.001), suggesting a need to consider patients with CKD 5D and AS for early AVR once echocardiographic evidence of moderate to severe AS is present, regardless of symptoms.
Income support and staying in school: what can we learn from Australia's AUSTUDY experiment?

In Australia, as in most industrialised countries, there has been a dramatic increase in unemployment rates over the last three decades. The teenage labour market, in particular, has undergone significant structural changes which have resulted in large increases in the rate of unemployment among teenagers. The proportion of children staying on at school past the minimum leaving age and higher-education participation rates have also been rising over this period. Despite this, the overall full-time education participation of Australian teenagers remains low compared with that in most other OECD nations.
Environmental heterogeneity explains species turnover but not nestedness in fish assemblages of a Neotropical basin

Aim: Heterogenous environments can contribute to maintain biodiversity. Traditionally beta diversity studies have focused on determining the effect of environmental variables on the total dissimilarity of species composition. However, decomposing beta diversity in species replacement and nestedness could give new insights on mechanisms affecting spatial patterns of biodiversity. We aimed to answer two main questions about spatial patterns of fish diversity in a Neotropical basin: 1) whether some regions contribute differently to fish diversity, and 2) whether species turnover and nestedness are explained by environmental gradients. Methods: Sampling sites in the main channel and tributaries of the Upper Paraná River were sampled between 2013 and 2015. We partitioned beta diversity and tested the relationship of turnover and nestedness with environmental variables. Results: 74 species were captured. Some of these species were restricted to different sites, contributing to variation in species composition. Hill numbers showed a trend for higher diversity in the tributaries than in Paraná River sampling sites, and the partition of beta diversity revealed that species replacement drove dissimilarity in species composition. Only total beta diversity and turnover were related to environmental variables, mainly conductivity and turbidity. Conclusions: Species diversity and composition of fish assemblages in the Upper Paraná River could be related to environmental gradients. Overall, our results suggest that Paraná River tributaries contribute to increase environmental heterogeneity, and hence to maintain a high diversity and variation in species composition. For that reason, we strongly recommend preserving highly heterogeneous habitats in the region.
WWAN/LTE printed slot antenna for tablet computer application

A printed slot antenna comprising two quarter‐wavelength slots of different lengths and a half‐wavelength slot for eight‐band wireless wide area network/long term evolution operation in the tablet computer is presented. The two quarter‐wavelength slots are open slots or monopole slots, and the half‐wavelength slot is aligned in‐between the two quarter‐wavelength slots. The three slots are excited using a two‐strip feedline which is printed on the opposite surface of the printed slots. The proposed three‐slot configuration can lead to two wide operating bands, with the lower one covering the 704–960 MHz band and the upper one covering the 1710–2690 MHz band. Good radiation efficiency for frequencies over the operating bands is obtained. The simulated body specific absorption rate values of the antenna in the bottom face, landscape and portrait orientations to the flat phantom in the body specific absorption rate testing model also meet the limit of 1.6 W/kg for 1‐g tissue. Details of the results are presented. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:44–49, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26509
Freshwater quality of a stream in agricultural area where organic compost from animal and vegetable wastes is used

Organic compost from biomass residues constitutes a viable alternative for partial or total replacement of mineral fertilizers for growing vegetables. This study evaluated the effects of compost on the water quality of a stream used mainly for irrigation of agricultural crops cultivated in nearby soil that has been treated with organic compost produced by carcasses, animal and vegetable waste for the last ten years. We sampled water biannually for two years, 2013 and 2014, from five locations along the stream. Physical variables and some chemical variables were analyzed. We also analyzed the total number of coliforms (Escherichia coli). Bacterial populations were compared by carbon substrate consumption. Total phosphorus contents in the samples from 2014 exceeded 0.1 mg L-1. The concentrations of other chemical species analyzed and the results for the physical variables were in accordance with the expected values compared with national and international water quality standards. The environment showed differential carbon source consumption and a high diversity of microorganisms, but our results did not show any evidence that the applied compost is changing the microbial population or its metabolic activity. This study shows that the use of the organic compost in agricultural areas seen does not negatively influence the quality of surface water in the study area. These results are important because the process of composting animal and vegetable waste and the use of compost obtained can be an alternative sustainable for adequate destination of these wastes.
Performance evaluation of a particle-enhanced turbidimetric cystatin C assay using the Abbott Aeroset analyser and assessment of cystatin C-based equations for estimating glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease

Introduction. Measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is critical for the diagnosis and stratification of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies have shown that cystatin C is superior to creatinine for the detection of impaired GFR, and several cystatin C-based equations for estimating GFR have been developed for this clinical application. We conducted the present study to assess the applicability of cystatin C as a routine clinical laboratory index and to determine the performance of cystatin Cbased equations in estimating GFR in CKD patients in China. Methods. Performance evaluation of particle-enhanced turbidimetric cystatin C assay on the Abbott Aeroset analyser was carried out according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory document EP10-A2. Estimated GFR, which was generated from cystatin C-based equations, was compared with measured GFR, which was detected by plasma clearance of 99mTc-DTPA. Results. Our cystatin C assay showed a very low total imprecision and linearity drift. All eight cystatin C-based GFR estimating equations underestimated or overestimated GFR as compared with GFR determined by 99mTc-DTPA clearance. Conclusion. Although the cystatin C assay is acceptable for routine clinical laboratory monitoring, none of the existing cystatin C-based equations were ideal for estimating GFR in Chinese CKD patients.
Three Arabidopsis MBF 1 Homologs with Distinct Expression Profiles Play Roles as Transcriptional Coactivators

Kenichi Tsuda 1, , Toshihiro Tsuji , Susumu Hirose 2 and Ken-ichi Yamazaki 1 1 Laboratory of Environmental Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan 2 Department of Developmental Genetics, National Institute of Genetics and Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Yata 1111, Mishima, 411-8540 Japan
Engaging with assessment: Increasing student engagement through continuous assessment

Student engagement is intrinsically linked to two important metrics in learning: student satisfaction and the quality of the student experience. One of the ways that engagement can be influenced is through careful curriculum design. Using the knowledge that many students are ‘assessment-driven’, a low-stakes continuous weekly summative e-assessment was introduced to a module. The impact this had on student engagement was measured by studying student activity within the module virtual learning environment. It was found that introduction of the e-assessments led to a significant increase in virtual learning environment activity compared to the virtual learning environment activity in that module the previous year, and also compared to the virtual learning environment activity of two other modules studied by the same student cohort. As many institutions move towards greater blended or online deliveries, it will become more important to ensure that virtual learning environments encourage high levels of student engagement in order to maintain or enhance the student experience.
14.382 Spring 2017 Lecture 8: Linear Panel Data Models Under Strict and Weak Exogeneity

We discuss basic examples of linear panel data models and their estimation via the “fixed effects”, differencing, and correlated random effects approaches. 1. A Structural Linear Panel Model 1.1. The Setting. Here we consider the linear structural equations model (SEM) Yit itα + W f itγ + Eit, (1.1) = ai + Df itβ + Eit =: ai + X f Eit ⊥ (Xit, ai), where i = 1, . , n and t = 1, . , T . Here Yit is the outcome for an observational unit i at “time” t, Dit is a vector of variables of interest or treatments, whose predictive effect α we would like to estimate, Wit is a vector of covariates or controls including a constant, Xit simply stacks together Dit and Wit, and Eit is an error term normalized to have zero mean for each unit. We shall assume that the vectors Zi := {(Yit, X f it)}t=1, that collect all the variables for the observational unit i, are i.i. d. across i. We note that this assumption does allow for arbitrary dependence of data for unit i across t, subject to other conditions specified below. In our analysis the temporal dimension T will be small and the cross-sectional dimension n will be large. Accordingly, we shall derive formal asymptotic results under the “large n, fixed T ” asymptotics, were n → ∞ and T is fixed. This type of scenario is often called the “short panel”. The orthogonality condition stated will be strengthened below to various assumptions, which permit application of common estimation methods for performing inference on the target parameter α. The random variable ai is the unobserved individual effect. It can be correlated to Xit, and so we can not omit it without introducing omitted variable bias that leads to
Parametric math symbol fonts

In 2007, Microsoft released their math-equipped MS Office along with the math OpenType (OTF) font Cambria. In the past 10 years, a dozen more OTF math fonts have been released—half of which were developed by the GUST e-foundry [4, p. 908]. Given the huge number of font vendors (see, e.g., [2]) and the correspondingly huge number of offered fonts, the nearly negligible number of math OTF fonts is somewhat puzzling. Leaving aside the reasons for such a state of the art, one conclusion seems obvious: math OTF fonts, despite having a welldefined standard which is undoubtedly an important advantage, are not particularly popular. Thus, the question arises: is concentrating efforts on generating more math fonts reasonable? As far as the TEX society is considered, the answer is equivocal: yes and no. Certainly, TEXies are interested in typesetting math texts, as TEX is still the best tool for this purpose, therefore they would gladly use a broad variety of math fonts. However, TEXies do not actually need complete OTF math fonts. Thanks to new TEX engines, notably LuaTEX, math fonts can be assembled out of already existing text fonts and a “math trunk”—a set of math symbols from another font. Below we present the idea of assembling math fonts on the fly using the LuaTEX engine. We will try to justify that this approach is less laborious than the making of a regular math font, yet general enough for TEX users.