Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of tissue-specific cell death using methylation patterns of circulating DNA

Significance We describe a blood test for detection of cell death in specific tissues based on two principles: (i) dying cells release fragmented DNA to the circulation, and (ii) each cell type has a unique DNA methylation pattern. We have identified tissue-specific DNA methylation markers and developed a method for sensitive detection of these markers in plasma or serum. We demonstrate the utility of the method for identification of pancreatic β-cell death in type 1 diabetes, oligodendrocyte death in relapsing multiple sclerosis, brain cell death in patients after traumatic or ischemic brain damage, and exocrine pancreas cell death in pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis. The approach allows minimally invasive monitoring of tissue dynamics in humans in multiple physiological and pathological conditions. Minimally invasive detection of cell death could prove an invaluable resource in many physiologic and pathologic situations. Cell-free circulating DNA (cfDNA) released from dying cells is emerging as a diagnostic tool for monitoring cancer dynamics and graft failure. However, existing methods rely on differences in DNA sequences in source tissues, so that cell death cannot be identified in tissues with a normal genome. We developed a method of detecting tissue-specific cell death in humans based on tissue-specific methylation patterns in cfDNA. We interrogated tissue-specific methylome databases to identify cell type-specific DNA methylation signatures and developed a method to detect these signatures in mixed DNA samples. We isolated cfDNA from plasma or serum of donors, treated the cfDNA with bisulfite, PCR-amplified the cfDNA, and sequenced it to quantify cfDNA carrying the methylation markers of the cell type of interest. Pancreatic β-cell DNA was identified in the circulation of patients with recently diagnosed type-1 diabetes and islet-graft recipients; oligodendrocyte DNA was identified in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis; neuronal/glial DNA was identified in patients after traumatic brain injury or cardiac arrest; and exocrine pancreas DNA was identified in patients with pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the tissue origins of cfDNA and thus the rate of death of specific cell types can be determined in humans. The approach can be adapted to identify cfDNA derived from any cell type in the body, offering a minimally invasive window for diagnosing and monitoring a broad spectrum of human pathologies as well as providing a better understanding of normal tissue dynamics.
COMPONENTS OF A MOTIVE TO SUCCEED

A motive to succeed (Ms) is defined in terms of one's academic self concept (Sa) and confidence in that self concept (S ) . The motive to succeed is determined by the multiplicative interaction between the academic self concept (Sa) and confidence in that self concept (Sc) i.e., Mg = Sa x Sc. Evidence confirming Mg as a motive to succeed includes 1. ) M correlates significantly with grade point average of college students and 2. ) Mg correlates inversely with test anxiety i.e., a motive to avoid failure. In addition, it is reported that con fidence in one's academic self concept (Sc) is related to preference for academic risk-taking and is proportional to course examination anxiety.
Absorption of Hazardous Pollutants by a Medicinal Fern Blechnum orientale L.

A Chinese medicinal fern Blechnum orientale (Linn) was separately collected from polluted and unpolluted sites to determine whether it could accumulate hazardous pollutants or not. Metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, As, and Hg) both in the fronds and roots and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the fronds of this fern were quantified. At both sites, roots of B. orientale had significantly higher heavy metals than the fronds. Concentrations of Pb, As, Hg, Cd, and Cu in the fronds at the polluted site were more than 2, 6, 7, 14, 5, and 13 times of those at the unpolluted site. Translocation factor and bioaccumulation factor implied that B. orientale did not have a good ability to transport heavy metals from the roots to the fronds. Total PAHs in the fronds at the polluted site were significantly higher than those at the unpolluted site, indicating the physiological PAHs absorption by B. orientale growing at polluted sites. Uptake of pollutants via stomata might be the main reason causing the significant accumulation of hazardous pollutants in the fronds of B. orientale. Large-scale systematical survey and intensive monitoring on pollutants in this medicinal fern should be necessarily strengthened.
MONTE CARLO METHODS FOR THE VALUATION OF MULTIPLE‐EXERCISE OPTIONS

We discuss Monte Carlo methods for valuing options with multiple‐exercise features in discrete time. By extending the recently developed duality ideas for American option pricing, we show how to obtain estimates on the prices of such options using Monte Carlo techniques. We prove convergence of our approach and estimate the error. The methods are applied to options in the energy and interest rate derivative markets.
Into the Fray on the Very First Day: Lessons from an unconventional mentor

This study will contribute to the debate on the role of the preservice cooperating teacher mentor (mentor) by giving readers a snapshot of how a mentor defined her role and how the preservice teacher candidates (trainees) learned from her unconventional approach to mentoring. From the first day, in the case study classroom, trainees were encouraged to take over the class. This study suggests that a 'catalyst event' reshaped the entire student teaching experience. By accelerating the process of the trainee taking on the teaching role, the comentoring phase of the mentoring relationship, during which both the mentor and trainee reap the benefits of an interactive, reciprocal, mutually beneficial relationship, was elongated. What can be learned from this 'into the fray on the first day' approach that is of value and transferable to preservice mentoring practices in other settings?
Three-Dimensional Charging via Multimode Resonant Cavity Enabled Wireless Power Transfer

The majority of existing wireless power solutions are capable of 2-D surface charging of one or two devices, but are not well suited to deliver power efficiently to large numbers of devices placed throughout a large 3-D volume of space. In this paper, we propose an unexplored type of wireless power transfer system based on electromagnetic cavity resonance. Here, we use the natural electromagnetic modes of hollow metallic structures to produce uniform magnetic fields which can simultaneously power multiple small receiver coils contained almost anywhere inside. An analytical model is derived that predicts the coupling coefficient and power transfer efficiency from the cavity resonator to a small coil. These predictions are verified against simulated results with a coefficient of determination of 0.9943. By using two resonant modes, we demonstrate that a 3-in diameter receiver can be powered in nearly any location in a 140 cubic foot test chamber, at greater than 50% efficiency. Additionally, we show that ten receivers can be powered simultaneously and that this system is capable of recharging consumer electronics such as a cell phone.
Predicting pKa for proteins using COSMO-RS

We have used the COSMO-RS implicit solvation method to calculate the equilibrium constants, pKa, for deprotonation of the acidic residues of the ovomucoid inhibitor protein, OMTKY3. The root mean square error for comparison with experimental data is only 0.5 pH units and the maximum error 0.8 pH units. The results show that the accuracy of pKa prediction using COSMO-RS is as good for large biomolecules as it is for smaller inorganic and organic acids and that the method compares very well to previous pKa predictions of the OMTKY3 protein using Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics. Our approach works well for systems of about 1000 atoms or less, which makes it useful for small proteins as well as for investigating portions of larger proteins such as active sites in enzymes.
Non-Negative Matrix Factorization based on Projected Nonlinear Conjugate Gradient Algorithm

The popular multiplicative algorithms in non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) are known to have slow convergence. Several algorithms have been proposed to improve the convergence of iterative algorithms in NMF, such as the projected gradient algorithms. However, these algorithms also suffer a common problem, that is, a previously exploited descent direction may be searched again in subsequent iterations which potentially leads to slow convergence of these algorithms. In this paper, we propose a projected non-linear conjugate gradient algorithm using orthogonal searching directions at each iteration which ensures each descent direction is different from others. The algorithm is shown to have better convergence performance as compared with bothmultiplicative algorithms and the projected gradient algorithms.
QoS enhancement methods for MPEG video transmission on the Internet

With the advances in services using the present Internet, an increasing demand for video-on-demand (VoD) on the Internet may be expected in the near future. However, because of the best-effort characteristics of the Internet, it is important to suppress the degradation of communication quality caused by packet dropping when Internet traffic is congested. This paper focuses on MPEG transmission over the Internet, and suitable control mechanisms are established for an acceptable quality of service (QoS) improvement through detailed evaluation. Packets are classified using a frame-based scheme. The server applies the proposed end-to-end control scheme and shuffles the order of packets to avoid burst dropping, and may omit selected packets belonging to certain frames prior to forwarding. At the intermediate routers, transferred packets are transmitted according to round robin (RR) or weighted round robin (WRR) scheduling, and are dropped statistically using selective random early detection (RED) corresponding to frame attributes when there is congestion. We evaluate the proposed transmission method using both simulation of transmission characteristics and empirical measurements of picture quality.
Stereoselective steady state disposition and action of propafenone in Chinese subjects.

AIMS To investigate the steady state disposition and action of racemic propafenone and its enantiomers and the potential for an enantiomer-enantiomer interaction in Chinese subjects. METHODS Eight healthy male Chinese individuals received in a double-blind, randomized, cross-over study racemic propafenone (150 mg every 6 h), (S)-, and (R)-propafenone (150 mg each every 6 h) and placebo orally for 4 days. During the last dosing interval the plasma concentrations of both enantiomers of propafenone were measured and ECG, blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate were monitored. RESULTS Whereas the apparent elimination half-life (t1/2,z), mean residence time (MRT) and time to reach peak concentrations (tmax) of (S)- and (R)-propafenone were similar and independent of the administered agent, significant differences were observed in the apparent oral clearance (CLO) of the enantiomers. During dosing with racemic propafenone CLO of (S)- and (R)-propafenone averaged (+/-s.d.) 1226+751 and 1678+625 ml min(-1), respectively (P=0.024). Following the administration of the pure enantiomers CLO of (S)-propafenone increased (P= 0.007) to 2028+/-959 ml min(-1) and that of (R)-propafenone was reduced (P= 0.042) to 1318+/-867 ml min(-1). Both enantiomers and the racemate caused about a 10% increase in the QRS duration (P<0.05) and PR-interval (P<0.01) when compared with placebo. The increase in maximum exercise heart rate was significantly (P<0.05) attenuated only at 3 h following the administration of the racemate and the S-enantiomer. MAP and QTC were not affected significantly. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the stereoselective disposition of propafenone is similar in Chinese and Caucasian subjects (previously published findings), the (R)-enantiomer being cleared more rapidly. A similar enantiomer-enantiomer interaction also occurred. Thus, when the racemate was given, the elimination of (S)-propafenone was impaired and that of the (R)-form accelerated compared with single enantiomer administration. The results indicate that dosage adjustments are probably not required in Chinese patients receiving propafenone.
POPULATION VARIATION IN SEXUAL SELECTION AND ITS EFFECT ON SIZE ALLOMETRY IN TWO DUNG FLY SPECIES WITH CONTRASTING SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM

Abstract Body size is one of the most important quantitative traits under evolutionary scrutiny. Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in a given species is expected to result if opposing selection forces equilibrate differently in both sexes. We document variation in the intensity of sexual and fecundity selection, male and female body size, and thus SSD among 31 and 27 populations of the two dung fly species, Scathophaga stercoraria and Sepsis cynipsea, across Switzerland. Whereas in S. cynipsea females are larger, the SSD is reversed in S. stercoraria. We comprehensively evaluated Fairbairn and Preziosi's (1994) general, three-tiered scenario, hypothesizing that sexual selection for large male size is the major driving force of SSD allometry within these two species. Sexual selection intensity on male size in the yellow dung fly, S. stercoraria, was overall positive, greater, and more variable among populations than fecundity selection on females. Also, sexual selection intensity in a given population correlated positively with mean male body size of that population for both the field-caught fathers and their laboratory-reared sons, indicating a response to selection. In S. cynipsea, sexual selection intensity on males was lower overall and significantly positive, about equal in magnitude, but more variable than fecundity selection on females. However, there was no correlation between the intensity of sexual selection and mean male body size among populations. In both species, the laboratory-reared offspring indicate genetic differentiation among populations in body size. Despite fulfillment of all key prerequisites, at least in S. stercoraria, we did not find hypoallometry for SSD (Rensch's rule, i.e., greater evolutionary divergence in male size than female size) for the field-caught parents or the laboratory-reared offspring: Female size was isometric to male size in both species. We conclude that S. cynipsea does not fit some major requirements of Fairbairn and Preziosi's (1994) scenario, whereas for S. stercoraria we found partial support for it. Failure to support Rensch's rule within the latter species may be due to phylogenetic or other constraints, power limitations, erroneous estimates of sexual selection, insufficient genetic isolation of populations, or sex differences in viability selection against large size. Corresponding Editor: J. Merilä
Quantum Spin Dynamics (QSD)

An anomaly-free operator corresponding to the Wheeler - DeWitt constraint of Lorentzian, four-dimensional, canonical, non-perturbative vacuum gravity is constructed in the continuum. This operator is entirely free of factor-ordering singularities and can be defined in symmetric and non-symmetric form. We work in the real connection representation and obtain a well defined quantum theory. The action of the Wheeler - DeWitt constraint on spin-network states is by annihilating, creating and rerouting the quanta of angular momentum associated with the edges of the underlying graph while the ADM energy is essentially diagonalized by the spin-network states. We argue that the spin-network representation is the `nonlinear Fock representation' of quantum gravity, thus justifying the term `quantum spin dynamics (QSD)'. This paper is the first in a series of seven papers with the title `quantum spin dynamics (QSD)'.
PDEL—a language for partial differential equations

Conventional computer methods available to solve continuous system problems characterized by partial differential equations are very time-consuming and cumbersome. A convenient, easy to learn and to use, high level problem oriented language to solve and study partial differential equation problems has been designed; a practical translator for the language has also been designed, and a working version of it has been constructed for a significant portion of the language. This <italic>P</italic>artial <italic>D</italic>ifferential <italic>E</italic>quation <italic>L</italic>anguage, PDEL, is outlined, and the highlights of the translator are briefly summarized.
Perceptual Grouping in Artists and Non-Artists: A Psychophysical Comparison

Are advantages in complex object perception that have been observed in artists supported by advantages in more basic perceptual processes? To address this question, we compared artists and non-artists on a psychophysical task measuring perceptual grouping thresholds in order to test for group differences in sensitivity to perceptual grouping cues. Participants viewed grids of dots that could be perceptually grouped into a series of lines. The level of organization of stimuli was progressively reduced until perceived grouping was ambiguous. While artists were not observed to have an overall advantage relative to non-artists, non-artists exhibited sex differences in perceptual grouping sensitivity that artists did not. This suggests that the visual systems of male and female artists may be less differentiated than non-artist males and females.
Anti‐CD38 autoantibodies in type? diabetes

Human diabetes mellitus comprises two main clinical entities: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is autoimmune in origin, type 2 diabetes is due to a decreased sensitivity to insulin action (so‐called insulin resistance) associated with impaired beta cell function. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is a certain overlap between these two diseases. While some degree of insulin resistance is present in type 1 diabetic patients, markers of beta cell autoimmunity (either primary or secondary) can frequently be detected in type 2 diabetic subjects. In this scenario, anti‐CD38 autoantibodies (aAbs) have been described in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. Contrary to the other known islet aAbs, anti‐CD38 autoantibodies are more prevalent in long‐standing than in new‐onset type 1 diabetes, and more prevalent in type 2 than in type 1 diabetes. Moreover, anti‐CD38 aAbs are endowed with unique stimulatory properties on Ca2+ mobilization and insulin secretion. These observations suggest that autoimmunity may be both the cause and consequence of beta cell dysfunction, in either case imposing a further toll for the control of glucose homeostasis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of the relationship between emotional intelligence and performance in UK call centres

Within business the organisational concept of call centres has developed rapidly. Within the UK the use and development of these centres has grown at a significant rate over the last decade. The economic benefits of this organisational concept have been threatened by the nature of the work and operating environment leading to high levels of attrition with associated recruitment, training and loss of productivity costs. As a result much effort has been focused on recruitment criteria and selection processes. In reviewing the criteria it is clear that many overlap with elements from within the concept of emotional intelligence (EI). This research note reports a study designed to explore the relationship between the EI of call centre agents (using the EIQ measure developed by Dulewicz and Higgs, and ratings of their performance. A sample of 289 agents from three organisations was studied. Results included a strong relationship between overall EI and individual performance, as well as between several EI elements from the model and performance. Furthermore, a relationship between age and performance was established along with a number of gender differences. The practical implications of these findings are discussed along with the study limitations. Further areas for research are identified including differences between agents in reaction and proactive roles and relationships to more direct measures of agent attrition.
Measurement Accuracy of Oscillation‐Based Test of Analog‐to‐Digital Converters

Oscillation‐based testing of analog‐to‐digital converters represents a viable option for low‐cost built‐in self‐testing in mixed‐signal design. While numerous papers have addressed implementation issues, little attention has been paid to the measurement accuracy. In this letter, we highlight an inherent measurement uncertainty which has to be considered when deriving the parameters from the oscillation frequency.
Intelligent search techniques for large software systems

This paper describes a study of what we call intelligent search techniques as implemented in a software exploration environment, whose purpose is to facilitate software maintenance. The paper first introduces the intelligent search techniques used in our study, including abbreviation contraction and abbreviation expansion. Then it describes in detail the rating algorithms used to evaluate the query results' similarity to the original query strings. Next, we describe a series of experiments we conducted to assess the effectiveness of both the intelligent search methods and our rating algorithms. The experiment involved asking software engineers to evaluate the search results. Finally, we use the analysis of the experimental results to guide our future research.
Antifungal activity of lawsone methyl ether in comparison with chlorhexidine.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal activity of lawsone methyl ether mouthwash (LME) in comparison with chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX) in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS For in vitro study, each mouthwash preparation was added into the inoculum of Candida. The turbidity was recorded after incubation at 37°C for 48 h. Candidal culture was performed and the number of colony of Candida albicans was recorded. For in vivo study, a crossover clinical trial was conducted in 22 HIV-infected subjects and 32 denture wearers. Clinical examination was performed and oral rinse technique was carried out immediately before and 0, 1, 2 h after using each mouthwash. Allergy and subjective assessment of the mouthwashes were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and linear mixed effect modeling. RESULTS In vitro, antifungal activity of 0.25% LME was significantly greater than that of 0.12% CHX (P < 0.05) and comparable with that of 0.2% CHX. In vivo, antifungal activity up to 2 hours of 0.025% LME mouthwash was evidenced in both groups of subjects, although significantly lower than that of 0.12% CHX. No allergic reaction was reported. LME mouthwash was graded to have less bitter taste than that of CHX. Subjects' satisfaction on taste and smell of LME mouthwash was significantly greater than that of CHX (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Lawsone methyl ether mouthwash possesses potent antifungal activity both in vitro and in vivo. However, concentration of the mouthwash needs to be adjusted in addition to further clinical trials on long-term use.