Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relative contributions of aging, health, and lifestyle factors to serum testosterone decline in men.

CONTEXT Although it is known that serum testosterone (T) concentrations decline with age, the relative contributions of changes in health and lifestyle to that decline have not been adequately assessed. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to establish the relative importance of aging, health, and lifestyle in contributing to male T decline. DESIGN A prospective cohort study of health and endocrine functioning in randomly selected men with a baseline visit (T1, 1987-1989) and two follow-up visits (T2, 1995-1997; T3, 2002-2004) was conducted. SETTING An observational study of men residing in greater Boston, Massachusetts, was conducted. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 1667 men aged 40 to 70 at baseline; follow-up was conducted on 947 (57%) and 584 (35%) at T2 and T3, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Main outcome measures included total serum T, calculated free T (FT), and SHBG. RESULTS There were substantial declines in total serum T and FT levels associated with aging alone. However, many health and lifestyle changes were associated with accelerated decline. A 4- to 5-kg/m2 increase in body mass index or loss of spouse was associated with declines in total serum T comparable to that associated with approximately 10 yr of aging. Results were similar for FT, but fewer factors were associated with SHBG after age was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS Both chronological aging and changes in health and lifestyle factors are associated with declines in serum T. Comorbidities and lifestyle influences may be as strongly associated with declining T levels as is aging itself over the short- to midterm. These results suggest the possibility that age-related hormone decline may be decelerated through the management of health and lifestyle factors.
Diterpenes from Sideritis Trojana

Six known ent-kaurene, a new ent-kaurane and a new pimarane diterpenes were isolated from Sideritis trojana. The structures of new compounds were determined as ent-7f-15g,16g-epoxykaurane (1), and ent-2f-hydroxy-8(14),15-pimaradiene (2) along with the known compounds siderol (3), sideridiol (4), 7-epicandicandiol (5), isocandol B (6), candol A acetate (7) ent-7f-acetoxykaur-15-ene (8) by IR, 1D and 2D NMR techniques and HRMS.
The Potential of Integrons and Connected Programmed Rearrangements for Mediating Horizontal Gene Transfer

Site-specific recombination of integrons, mediates transfer of single genes in small genomes and plasmids. Recent data suggest that new genes are recruited to the cassettes--the units moved by integrons. Integrons are resident in a class of transposons with pronounced target selectivity for resolution loci in broad host range plasmids. A resulting network of programmed transfer routes, with potential offshoots reaching into eukaryotic cells, may channel genes to unexpectedly remote organisms. It has previously been observed that the conjugation apparatus of the broad host range plasmid R751 (IncP) which contains transposon Tn5090 harbouring an integron, promotes horizontal genetic transfer between bacteria and yeast. Furthermore, it is well known and fundamental for widely used gene replacement technologies, that site-specific recombination systems (e.g. Cre-lox of bacteriophage P1) related to the integrons are functional in higher eukaryotes. It seems very clear that integrons and associated programmed transfer mechanisms have high significance for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria whereas further studies are needed to assess their importance for spreading of arbitrary genes in a wider range of host systems.
The influence of Technology Teacher Leaders in building capacity for technology integration in schools: a case study

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that inhibit or support teachers leaders who support their colleagues as they learn to use and integrate technology in their classrooms. A mixed-methods approach was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data from participants in the Pewter Unified School District’s Technology Teacher Leader Program. Collection of the district’s survey data and artifacts were used to highlight the necessary conditions needed for TTLs to be effective in their role. The research questions were designed to highlight the challenges and supports technology teacher leaders (TTLs) confronted when trying to lead from within and out of their classrooms. TTLs, principals, and teachers contributed their experiences and reflections on their involvement their district’s Technology Teacher Leaders Program, which were analyzed for emerging themes. This study aimed to add to the body of research on effective models of support for teacher leaders charged with modeling the use and integration of technology in their own and their colleagues’ classrooms. The findings suggest teacher leaders of technology who lead from within the classroom need reliable technology, timely technical support, release time from their classrooms during the day to model teaching with technology for teachers, and more opportunities to facilitate authentic learning opportunities that include hands on practice with integration technology.
Technological System Solutions to Clinical Communication Error

Human beings are fallible and even the most expert practitioner is prone to error. Unfortunately, in healthcare, these errors can result in the loss of human life. The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) report1 estimating that between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die each year as the result of medical error illustrates the need for systematic approaches to error reduction. Healthcare administrators must constantly be alert to the potential for error and design system countermeasures to prevent errors, detect errors when they happen, and mitigate the effects of errors.2 In a review of 16,000 hospital deaths due to error, the leading cause of death was found to be communication errors, which resulted in twice as many deaths as did clinical inadequacy.3 A study of the verbal exchanges between nurses and physicians in an intensive care unit showed an error rate of 37%. 4 Faulty communication was found to be responsible for 12% of error in emergency care.5 In other contexts, results vary from 23%6 to 30% in general practice,7 25% in pediatric surgery,8 and 91% in a study of medical residents.9
A new method of extraction and purification of solanesol from tobacco extracts

Solanesol is the starting material for many high-value biochemicals, including Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin K analogues. A new and simple method, was developed for the rapid and efficient extraction of solanesol from tobacco extracts. The crude extracts containing 20-30% solanesol was subjected to a series of steps, viz., saponification and extraction, solvent crystallization, column chromatography and recrystallization. According to the experiment, two devices were made in the laboratory. Several parameters, such as crystallization solvent, crystallization temperature, crystallization time, eluent, the mesh of silica gel and the amount of silica gel were investigated to find the best experimental conditions. The analysis was carried out by a simple and rapid non-aqueous reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method. The product purity was about 95.5% as determined by RP-HPLC.
From Sustainability to Resilience: Why Locality Matters

Abstract Purpose To look at the role of local decision-making and control in the face of a trend towards unified national and transnational disaster protocols. To look at the implications of a shifting rhetoric – from sustainability to resilience – for this issue. Methods/approach This chapter draws upon the author’s case studies of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in New York City and Hurricane Sandy (2013) in New York City, as well as studies of Hurricane Katrina (2006) in New Orleans, to discuss governance issues. Findings Empirical studies confirm the importance of locally based decision-making and control. There are tensions between national disaster protocols and local decision-making; urban governance matters given differences in political culture, leadership, and community participation. Social implications We need a resilient social infrastructure as well as a resilient physical environment. Strong social institutions are an essential part of this process but communities must be given material, not only symbolic benefits. Originality/value of chapter The conclusion that the threat of natural disasters requires more rather than less autonomy in decision-making for the locality. Furthermore, that the shift in objectives, from sustainability to resilience (mandating redundancy and sophisticated data retrieval) requires what we might call a more empowered city.
Recombinant human stem cell factor stimulates differentiation of mast cells from dispersed human fetal liver cells.

We have previously shown the development in vitro of tryptase+ human mast cells from fetal liver cells cocultured with murine 3T3 fibroblasts. In this study, recombinant human stem cell factor (rhuSCF), the ligand for the c-kit proto-oncogene product called Kit, stimulated the growth and differentiation primarily of mast cells from dispersed fetal liver cells, whereas recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhuIL-3) stimulated the differentiation of basophils along with other cell types. Cultures of fetal liver cells were initiated and maintained in the presence of rhuSCF or rhuIL-3 for up to 6 weeks. Metachromatic cells in cytospins were identified as mast cells primarily on the basis of tryptase expression, and as MCT or MCTC by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against tryptase and chymase, whereas basophils were metachromatic, polymorphonuclear, and lacked these proteases. Levels of tryptase and histamine were measured by radioimmunoassay, tryptase and chymase activities by peptide hydrolysis, and cell surface Kit by flow cytometry with the monoclonal antibody YB5.B8. The predominant presence of mast cells occurred only in the cultures supplemented with rhuSCF. The percentage and total number of mast cells increased over time with increasing concentrations of rhuSCF and reached a plateau at 55 ng/mL. At this concentration of rhuSCF, mast cells first appeared by day 7; by day 42, 106% of the starting number of cells were present and 85% of these were tryptase+, 31% being weakly chymase+. These mast cells appeared immature by ultrastructural criteria; most cells were mononuclear, but some had nuclei with deeply divided lobes. DNA synthesis in tryptase+ mast cells at days 21 and 28 of culture with rhuSCF was demonstrated by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine. Calculated levels of histamine (1.2 pg/mast cell) and tryptase (0.9 pg/mast cell) were similar to those determined previously in coculture experiments with murine 3T3 fibroblasts. Chymase activity was undetectable in most cell extracts. On day 0, 4% to 20% of fetal liver cells expressed cell surface Kit. In the presence of rhuSCF, the percentages and total numbers of Kit+ cells and the apparent concentration of Kit per cell increased along with the number of tryptase+ cells. In the presence of rhuIL-3, toluidine blue+, tryptase- cells first and maximally appeared at day 14 (11% +/- 2.5%). The percentage of these toluidine blue+ cells then declined to about 6% by days 21 and 35, while the total number of positive cells declined over 10-fold. Kit+ cells in the presence of rhuIL-3 declined from 9% on day 3 to 2% on day 35. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Determination of the base recognition positions of zinc fingers from sequence analysis.

The CC/HH zinc finger is a small independently folded DNA recognition motif found in many eukaryotic proteins, which ligates zinc through two cysteine and two histidine ligands. A database of 1340 zinc fingers from 221 proteins has been constructed and a program for analysis of aligned sequences written. This paper describes sequence analysis aimed at determining the amino acid positions that recognize the DNA bases, by comparing two types of sequence variation. Using the idea that long runs of adjacent zinc fingers have arisen from internal gene duplication, the conservation of each position of the finger within the runs was calculated. The conservation of each position of the finger between homologous proteins from different species was also noted. A correlation of the two types of conservation showed clusters of related amino acids. One cluster of three positions was found to be especially variable within long runs, but highly conserved between corresponding fingers of homologous proteins; these positions are predicted to be the base contact positions. They match the amino acid positions that contact the bases in the co‐crystal structure determined by Pavletich and Pabo [Science, 240, 809–817 (1991)]. An adjacent cluster of four positions on the plot may also be associated with DNA binding. This analysis shows that the base recognition positions can be identified even in the absence of a known structure for a zinc finger. These results are applicable to zinc fingers where the structure of the complex is unknown, in particular suggesting that the individual finger‐‐DNA interaction seen in the Zif268‐‐DNA structure has been conserved in many zinc finger‐‐DNA interactions.
Retinoic acid regulates myelin formation in the peripheral nervous system

Understanding the mechanisms that control myelin formation is essential for the development of demyelinating diseases treatments. All‐trans‐retinoic acid (RA) plays an essential role during the development of the nervous system as a potent regulator of morphogenesis, cell growth, and differentiation. In this study, we show that RA is also a potent inhibitor of peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelination. RA acts through its binding to RA receptors (RAR) and retinoid X receptors (RXR), two members of the superfamily of nuclear receptors that act as ligand‐dependent transcription factors. Schwann cells (SCs) express all retinoid receptors during the relevant stages of myelin formation. Through the activation of RXR, RA produces an upregulation of Krox20, a SC‐specific regulatory transcription factor that plays a central role during myelination. Krox20 upregulation translates into Mbp and Mpz overexpression, therefore blocking myelin formation. This increase in myelin protein expression is accompanied by the induction of an adaptive ER stress response. At the same time, through a RAR‐dependent mechanism, RA downregulates myelin‐associated glycoprotein, which also contributes to the dysmyelinating effect of the retinoid. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The legitimacy of IFRS: An assessment of the influences on the due process of standard-setting

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to assess the influences on the due process of standard-setting with reference to the legitimacy of the financial reporting “soft law” that is International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Design/methodology/approach - This study uses a literature review to analyse the governance structures, due process steps, staffing and funding of IFRS standard-setting activities. The study also uses descriptive statistics to analyse constituent participation during the development of two IFRS standards. The mean, median and standard deviation are used as measures of location and dispersion when analysing constituent participation. Findings - IFRS governance structures are dominated by G20 countries. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) depends on international accounting firms, the European Commission and the G8 countries for its financial viability. Well-resourced national standard-setters, major international companies, international accounting firms and educational institutions are able to second their staff to the IASB thereby providing them with direct lobbying opportunities. The IFRS due process procedures provide opportunities for participation but actual participation is dominated by constituents from Europe with African and South American constituents the least active. Practical Implications - IFRS are required or permitted in over 100 countries. The IASB, with no legal or formal mandate, is performing a task normally reserved for national standard-setters. The legitimacy of IFRS is questionable if the standard-setting due process is perceived as invalid. Originality/value - The global financial crisis exposed weaknesses in the IFRS due process when the IASB amended IAS 39 without following the due process. African and South American standard-setters should take note that their lack of participation in IFRS standard-setting, coupled with the influence of powerful stakeholders on IFRS standard-setting, could result in standards not relevant for their regions.
Exploiting gene‐environment independence in family‐based case‐control studies: Increased power for detecting associations, interactions and joint effects

Family‐based case‐control studies are popularly used to study the effect of genes and gene‐environment interactions in the etiology of rare complex diseases. We consider methods for the analysis of such studies under the assumption that genetic susceptibility (G) and environmental exposures (E) are independently distributed of each other within families in the source population. Conditional logistic regression, the traditional method of analysis of the data, fails to exploit the independence assumption and hence can be inefficient. Alternatively, one can estimate the multiplicative interaction between G and E more efficiently using cases only, but the required population‐based G‐E independence assumption is very stringent. In this article, we propose a novel conditional likelihood framework for exploiting the within‐family G‐E independence assumption. This approach leads to a simple and yet highly efficient method of estimating interaction and various other risk parameters of scientific interest. Moreover, we show that the same paradigm also leads to a number of alternative and even more efficient methods for analysis of family‐based case‐control studies when parental genotype information is available on the case‐control study participants. Based on these methods, we evaluate different family‐based study designs by examining their relative efficiencies to each other and their efficiencies compared to a population‐based case‐control design of unrelated subjects. These comparisons reveal important design implications. Extensions of the methodologies for dealing with complex family studies are also discussed. Genet Epidemiol. 28:138–156, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transient dystonia in non‐handicapped low‐birthweight infants and later neurodevelopment

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term prognostic significance of transient increase in muscle tone during infancy (dystonia) in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants without cerebral palsy. Motor (Peabody Developmental Motor Scales), cognitive (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence) and behavioural (Personality Inventory for Children, Yale Children's Inventory) development was assessed at 5 years of age. In a population‐based sample of 50 VLBW children, transient dystonia was present in 14. In explorative analyses, transient dystonia was associated with low 1 min Apgar scores, neonatal bacterial infection, and lack of breast‐milk in the neonatal period. Cognitive, neuromotor and behavioural development at 5 years of age was comparable in those with and without transient dystonia, although there was a statistically non‐significant tendency towards more neuromotor problems in the dystonic children.
Fatty acid profile, tocopherol, squalene and phytosterol content of brazil, pecan, pine, pistachio and cashew nuts

Nuts contain bioactive constituents that elicit cardio-protective effects including phytosterols, tocopherols and squalene. The objective of the present study was to determine the total oil content, peroxide value, fatty acid composition and levels of tocopherols, squalene and phytosterols in oil extracted from freshly ground brazil, pecan, pine, pistachio and cashew nuts. The total oil content of the nuts ranged from 40.4 to 60.8% (w/w) while the peroxide values ranged from 0.14 to 0.22 mEq O2/kg oil. The most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1), while linoleic acid (C18:2) was the most prevalent polyunsaturated fatty acid. The levels of total tocopherols ranged from 60.8 to 291.0 mg/g. Squalene ranged from 39.5 mg/g oil in the pine nut to 1377.8 mg/g oil in the brazil nut. β-Sitosterol was the most prevalent phytosterol, ranging in concentration from 1325.4 to 4685.9 mg/g oil. In conclusion, the present data indicate that nuts are a good dietary source of unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, squalene and phytosterols.
Inertial sensor based and shoe size independent gait analysis including heel and toe clearance estimation

Falls are a major cause for morbidity and mortality in the ageing society. Inertial sensor based gait assessment including the analysis of the heel and toe clearance can be an indicator for the risk of falling. This paper presents a method for calculating the continuous heel and toe clearance without the knowledge of the shoe dimensions as well as the foot angle in the sagittal plane. These gait parameters were validated using an optical motion capture system. 20 healthy subjects from 3 different age groups (young, mid age, old) performed gait trials with different stride lengths and stride velocities. We obtained low mean absolute errors, low standard deviations and high Pearson correlations (0.91-0.99) for all gait parameters. In summary, we implemented a viable algorithm for the calculation of the heel and toe clearance without knowing the shoe dimensions as well as the foot angle in sagittal plane. We conclude that the given method is applicable for a mobile and unobtrusive gait assessment for healthy subjects from all age classes.
Muscle Architectural Characteristics in Young and Elderly Men and Women

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle architectural characteristics, i. e. , muscle thickness, pennation angle, fascicle length, of four different groups comprising a total of 121 men and 190 women, divided according to sex and age (i. e., 20 - 39 yrs and 60 - 85 yrs). Muscle thickness and pennation angles of the vastus lateralis (VL), medial gastrocnemius (MG), long head of triceps brachii (TB) muscles were measured by B-mode ultrasonography, and fascicle length was estimated. Men had significantly greater relative muscle thickness (to limb length) than women, but not for MG. Relative muscle thickness of VL was significantly greater in younger subjects than in elderly (men; p < 0.001, women; p < 0.001), although there were no significant differences in relative muscle thickness of MG and TB between younger and elderly subjects. Men had significantly greater pennation angles than women, but not for MG in elderly subjects. The pennation angle of VL was significantly greater in younger subjects than in elderly (men; p < 0.001, women; p < 0.001), although there were no significant differences in pennation angles of MG and TB between younger and elderly subjects. Women had longer relative fascicle lengths (to limb length) of VL than men (p = 0.048 for younger, p = 0.028 for elderly). These results suggest that the decrease of thickness of the vastus lateralis muscle with aging is significant, and that there is the gender difference in the fascicle length of the vastus lateralis muscle.
Enhanced Petri Net: elucidating the pathway-level mechanism of targeted-therapy drugs

Abstract Characterizing the dynamics of cellular signaling pathways with external simuli or drug treatment is critical for the understanding of mechanisms of cellular behavors. Petri Net, as a non-parametric approach, has been widely used for studying dynamics of a large scale of signaling network only based on the connections (interactions) within this network. In this article, we will describe an extension of the Petri net methods, called Enhanced Petri Net (EPN), specifcally designed for analyzing and modeling the dynamics of signaling pathways in order to predict the unknown signaling mechanisms of targeted-therapy drugs.