Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPING A WEB-BASED ONTOLOGY FOR EXPERT DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Expert systems were originally developed to solve illdefined problems and well-defined problems that are not efficiently solved with algorithmic approaches. This technology provides an innovative and robust techniques to capture and package knowledge. Its strength lies in its ability to be put to practical use when an expert is not available. This technology has proven to be especially effective when the task is in a rapidly changing environment. On the other side, ontology is the foundation of describing a domain of interest and it consists in a collection of terms organized in a hierarchical structure that shape the reality. The main objective of using ontologies is to share knowledge between computers or computers and human. Most of the usages of ontologies in the field of artificial intelligence are related to knowledge based systems and intelligent systems. These types of ontologies include a small number of concepts and their main objective is to facilitate reasoning tasks. This paper presents the developing of web-based ontology for expert systems technology. The developed ontology was encoded in OWL-DL format using the Protégé-OWL editing environment. Keywords-Ontological Engineering, Expert Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Engineering, Web Technology
Crystal structure of human dipeptidyl peptidase IV in complex with a decapeptide reveals details on substrate specificity and tetrahedral intermediate formation

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) is a member of the prolyl oligopeptidase family of serine proteases. DPPIV removes dipeptides from the N terminus of substrates, including many chemokines, neuropeptides, and peptide hormones. Specific inhibition of DPPIV is being investigated in human trials for the treatment of type II diabetes. To understand better the molecular determinants that underlie enzyme catalysis and substrate specificity, we report the crystal structures of DPPIV in the free form and in complex with the first 10 residues of the physiological substrate, Neuropeptide Y (residues 1–10; tNPY). The crystal structure of the free form of the enzyme reveals two potential channels through which substrates could access the active site—a so‐called propeller opening, and side opening. The crystal structure of the DPPIV/tNPY complex suggests that bioactive peptides utilize the side opening unique to DPPIV to access the active site. Other structural features in the active site such as the presence of a Glu motif, a well‐defined hydrophobic S1 subsite, and minimal long‐range interactions explain the substrate recognition and binding properties of DPPIV. Moreover, in the DPPIV/tNPY complex structure, the peptide is not cleaved but trapped in a tetrahedral intermediate that occurs during catalysis. Conformational changes of S630 and H740 between DPPIV in its free form and in complex with tNPY were observed and contribute to the stabilization of the tetrahedral intermediate. Our results facilitate the design of potent, selective small molecule inhibitors of DPPIV that may yield compounds for the development of novel drugs to treat type II diabetes.
Clinical relevance of bone marrow fibrosis and CD34-positive cell clusters in primary myelodysplastic syndromes.

PURPOSE We studied bone marrow (BM) histologic abnormalities in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) classified according to WHO criteria to determine their clinical correlates and prognostic value. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three hundred one consecutive patients were retrospectively evaluated for BM fibrosis and CD34 immunoreactivity. Marrow fibrosis was assessed following the European consensus guidelines. RESULTS Moderate to severe BM fibrosis was detected in 17% of cases and was associated with multilineage dysplasia (P = .001), high transfusion requirement (P < .001), and poor-risk cytogenetics (P = .007). CD34+ cell clusters were found in 23% of patients and were associated with WHO categories with excess of blasts (P < .001) and poor-risk cytogenetics (P = .001). In multivariable analysis, BM fibrosis and presence of CD34+ cell clusters had independent negative impact on overall survival (P < .001 and P = .019, respectively) and leukemia-free survival (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively). A hierarchical clustering analysis identified three subsets of patients with distinct clinical features. One cluster consisted mainly of patients with BM fibrosis, multilineage dysplasia, and high transfusion requirement; these individuals had lower overall survival and leukemia-free survival (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). Within patients stratified according to International Prognostic Scoring System and WHO classification-based Prognostic Scoring System categories, BM fibrosis involved a shift to a one-step more advanced risk group. CONCLUSION BM fibrosis identifies a distinct subgroup of MDS with multilineage dysplasia, high transfusion requirement, and poor prognosis and represents an independent prognostic factor that may be useful in clinical decision making. Furthermore, the presence of CD34+ cell clusters is an independent risk factor for progression to acute leukemia.
Coupling-Matrix Design of Dual/Triple-Band Uni-Planar Filters

Dual-band and triple-band filters in uniplanar technology are designed using cross-coupled networks represented by coupling matrices. The multiband response is created by placing transmission zeros within the bandwidth of a wideband filter. Realizable planar topologies can be imposed and associated coupling coefficients enforced during optimization. The design method is demonstrated using three different planar resonator configurations: hairpin, open-loop and quasi-dual-mode resonators. Designs are verified by commercially available software packages and, in principle, by measurements
The impact of occupational therapy and lifestyle interventions on older persons’ health, well-being, and occupational adaptation

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a four-month occupational based health-promoting programme for older persons living in community dwellings could maintain/improve their general health and well-being. Further, the aim was to explore whether the programme facilitated the older persons’ occupational adaptation. Methods: The study had a quasi-experimental design, with a non-equivalent control group combined with semi-structured interviews. The intervention group comprised 22 participants, and the control group 18. Outcomes were measured using the Short Form 36, Life Satisfaction Index-Z and Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment. Content analysis, based on concepts from the Model of Occupational Adaptation, was used to analyse the interviews. Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in general health variables such as vitality and mental health, and positive trends for psychological well-being. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention group and the control group, but the groups were not fully matched. The qualitative analysis based on Occupational Adaptation pointed out social aspects as a compliment to the overall results. Conclusions: Participating in meaningful, challenging activities in different environments stimulates the occupational adaptation process; this is something occupational therapists could use to empower older persons to find their optimal occupational lives.
On the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy and Fiscal Policy

There has been a major shift within macroeconomic policy over the past two decades or so in terms of the relative importance given to monetary policy and to fiscal policy in both policy and theoretical terms. The former has gained considerably in importance, with the latter being rarely mentioned. Furthermore, the nature of monetary policy has shifted away from any attempt to control some monetary aggregate (prevalent in the first half of the 1980s), and instead monetary policy has focused on the setting of interest rates as the key policy instrument. There has also been a general shift towards the adoption of inflation targets and the use of monetary policy to target inflation. This paper considers the significance of this shift in the nature of monetary policy. This enables us to question the effectiveness of monetary policy, and to explore the role of fiscal policy. We examine these questions from the point of view of the "new consensus" in monetary economics and suggest that it is rather limited in its analysis. When the analysis is broadened out to embrace empirical issues and evidence the clear conclusion emerges that monetary policy is relatively impotent. The role of fiscal policy is also considered, and we argue that fiscal policy (under specified conditions) remains a powerful tool for macroeconomic policy. This is particularly an apt conclusion under current economic conditions.
Sclerostin, Osteocytes, and Chronic Kidney Disease – Mineral Bone Disorder

Osteocytes respond to kidney damage by increasing production of secreted factors important to bone and mineral metabolism. These circulating proteins include the antianabolic factor, sclerostin, and the phosphaturic hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Elevated sclerostin levels correlate with increased FGF23, localized reduction in Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in the skeleton and reduced osteoblast differentiation/activity. Decreased Wnt/β‐catenin signaling occurs regardless of the overall changes in bone formation rates, suggesting that a reduction in the anabolic response may be a common feature of renal bone disorders but additional mechanisms may contribute to the diversity of osteodystrophy phenotypes. Recent preclinical studies support this hypothesis, as treatment with antisclerostin antibodies improved bone quality in the context of low but not high turnover renal osteodystrophy. Sclerostin also appears in the circulation suggesting additional roles outside the skeleton in normal and disease states. In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), serum levels are elevated several fold relative to healthy individuals. Emerging data suggest that these changes are associated with increased fracture rates but the relationship between sclerostin and cardiovascular disease is unclear. Additional epidemiologic studies that examine stage specific and patient sub‐populations are needed to assess whether sclerostin elevations influence comorbidities associated with CKD.
The nature and dynamics of spermatogonial stem cells

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are crucial for maintaining spermatogenesis throughout life, and understanding how these cells function has important implications for understanding male infertility. Recently, various populations of cells harbouring stem cell-like properties have been identified in rodent seminiferous tubules, but deciphering how these cells might fuel spermatogenesis has been difficult, and various models to explain SSC dynamics have been put forward. This Review provides an overview of the organization and timing of spermatogenesis and then discusses these models in light of recent studies of SSC markers, heterogeneity and cell division dynamics, highlighting the evidence for and against each model. Summary: This Review gives an overview of the process of spermatogenesis and places recent findings using cell-type markers in the context of a hierarchical model for the regulation of spermatogonial proliferation.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STUDY OF LYSOZYMES.

Lysozymes are widely distributed enzymes. They split the chemical skeleton of bacterial cell walls by hydrolysing the β (1 → 4) linkages between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. the amino acid sequence of lysozyme from hen's egg-white is known (129 amino acid residues). Lysozymes of different origins frequently differ in their primary structures although they exhibit qualitatively the same biological activity. The results obtained from investigations with lysozymes allow conclusions to be drawn regarding the chemical structure of the “backbone” of bacterial cell walls.
Localización intracelular de proteínas involucradas en el proceso patogénico de Metarhizium anisopliae

Metarhizium anisopliae es un hongo entomopatogeno comunmente aislado de suelos e insectos de todos los continentes, excepto la Antartida y es capaz de matar al menos siete ordenes de insectos. Su metabolismo le permite crecer en escases de nutrientes y en presencia de compuestos toxicos para otros hongos. Sin embargo, el tiempo que tarda en matar al insecto plaga es prolongado, lo cual limita drasticamente sus aplicaciones. Por esta razon se han realizado diversos estudios con el proposito de encontrar posibles nuevos factores de virulencia que permitan aumentar su capacidad patogenica. Entre estos, en nuestro grupo se han aislado 6 genes que codifican proteinas con actividad de 2 nitropropano dioxigenasa. Con el fin de avanzar en el conocimiento de la funcion de estos genes. En este proyecto se planteo la localizacion intracelular de proteinas codificadas por estos genes 2np, mediante fusiones genicas con proteinas fluorescente, para ello se utilizaron transformantes de S. cerevisiae como receptores de las fusiones genicas 2np-mCherry. Mediante microscopia de fluorescencia se analizo su localizacion intracelular. Por ultimo, se realizo el etiquetamiento del gen PEX16 con el gen GFP mediante amplificacion de los fragmentos mediante PCR y la posterior fusion de los mismos mediante PCR de fusion.
Identification of a uniquely immunodominant, cross-reacting site in the human immunodeficiency virus endonuclease protein

One of the features of the life cycle of retroviruses is insertion of the proviral DNA into host chromosomes. A protein encoded by the 3' end of the pol gene of the virus genome has been shown to possess endonuclease activity (D. P. Grandgenett, A. C. Vora, and R. D. Schiff, Virology 89:119-132, 1978), which is necessary for DNA integration. Sera from the majority of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals react with endonuclease protein p31 in serological tests (J. S. Allan, J. E. Coligan, T.-H. Lee, F. Barin, P. J. Kanki, S. M'Boup, M. F. McLane, J. E. Groopman, and M. Essex, Blood 69:331-333, 1987; E. F. Lillehoj, F. H. R. Salazar, R. J. Mervis, M. G. Raum, H. W. Chan, N. Ahmad, and S. Venkatesan, J. Virol. 62:3053-3058, 1988; K. S. Steimer, K. W. Higgins, M. A. Powers, J. C. Stephans, A. Gyenes, G. George-Nascimento, P. A. Liciw, P. J. Barr, R. A. Hallewell, and R. Sanchez-Pescador, J. Virol. 58:9-16, 1986). It is not known, however, which part of the protein represents the target(s) for antibody response. To study this, we synthesized peptides and used them in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system to map the reactivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody-positive sera to the different regions of the HIV endonuclease. A uniquely antigenic, HIV-1- and HIV-2-cross-reacting site was identified in the central part of this protein from Phe-663 to Trp-670.
OECD GUIDELINES FOR THE TESTING OF CHEMICALS In vitro skin corrosion: reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) test method

1. Skin corrosion refers to the production of irreversible damage to the skin manifested as visible necrosis through the epidermis and into the dermis, following the application of a test chemical [as defined by the United Nations (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)] (1). This updated Test Guideline 431 provides an in vitro procedure allowing the identification of non-corrosive and corrosive substances and mixtures in accordance with UN GHS (1). It also allows a partial sub-categorization of corrosives.
Syndromic Craniosynostosis

Abstract Although most cases of craniosynostosis are nonsyndromic, craniosynostosis is known to occur in conjunction with other anomalies in well-defined patterns that make up clinically recognized syndromes. Patients with syndromic craniosynostoses are much more complicated to care for, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to address all of their needs effectively. This review describes the most common craniosynostosis syndromes, their characteristic features and syndrome-specific functional issues, and new modalities utilized in their management. General principles including skull development, the risk of developing increased intracranial pressure in craniosynostosis syndromes, and techniques to measure intracranial pressure are discussed. Evolving techniques of the established operative management of craniosynostosis are discussed together with more recent techniques including spring cranioplasty and posterior cranial vault distraction osteogenesis.
Chronic Wallerian degeneration--an in vivo and ultrastructural study.

The rapid morphological responses of peripheral nerve fibres to a proximally situated crush in vivo were the subject of a previous communication (Williams & Hall, 1971). This paper describes the results of in vivo observation of the subsequent changes, particularly those of Wallerian degeneration, over a 60-day period. In vivo observation was also used to monitor various stages which were analysed ultrastructurally.
Commentary: civilization and peptic ulcer 40 years on.

We are happy to see the International Journal of Epidemiology reprint one of our papers 1 some 40 years after publication. We are not among the deeply sceptical who would deny that understanding marches on with time. Sometimes, as with peptic ulcer, it is a slow march. Some of the mist and mystery surrounding the condition, as well as a degree of disbelief our conclusions provoked, have cleared. Points of entry to much that seemed impenetrable can be discerned. Here we take up the editor's invitation to tell how the work came to be written. For us, the story begins in 1959, when MS received a letter from the Editor of the Practitioner. That journal planned to publish a symposium on peptic ulcer, and he hoped MS would write a review of its epidemiology. The invitation was a great surprise. We were not long out of troubles in Apartheid South Africa. With equal surprise and great good fortune MS had been appointed Lecturer in Social and Preventive Medicine at Manchester University under Professor C Fraser Brockington. Soon after moving there, ZS was appointed Research Fellow. In epidemiology, both MS and ZS were untaught novices (in the original sense). We could only assume a wand had been waved by one of the benevolent spirits whose paths we had somewhat fleetingly crossed—perhaps Jeremy Morris, or Theodore Fox at The Lancet, or Robert Platt or Douglas Black in the Manchester Department of Medicine, or Cicely Williams (discoverer of Kwashiorkor) at the School of Hygiene. We had at most a half-dozen joint or separate publications of any sort, no track record in the subject of peptic ulcer, and no knowledge of the disease beyond the requirements for the Membership of a Royal College of Physicians. Peptic ulcer was then a rarity in the Black South Africans among whom we had worked. MS set to work on the literature, beginning with Morris' Uses of Epidemiology 2 of 1957. This treasure trove of epidemiological observations and lively ideas had entranced us, not least the idea of diseases of civilization and its identification of coronary heart disease, lung cancer and peptic ulcer as rising epidemics among males of the 20th century. He led us to an intriguing history of peptic ulcer perforations through the 19th century and into the 20th, in which Jennings 3 identified three successive forms of perforated ulcer. The first, gastric ulcer in young …
A 7.5mW 101dB SNR low-power high-performance audio delta-sigma modulator utilizing opamp sharing technique

A low power and high performance third order delta-sigma modulator for audio applications, fabricated in a 0.18/im CMOS process, is presented. The modulator utilizes a third order noise shaping with only one opamp by using opamp sharing technique. The opamp sharing among three integrator stages is achieved through the optimal operation timing, which makes use of the load capacitance differences between the three integrator stages. The designed modulator achieves 101.1dB signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted) and 101.5dB dynamic range (A-weighted) with 7.5mW power consumption from a 3.3 V supply.
CARACTERÍSTICAS VISCOGRÁFICAS E CONCENTRAÇÃO DE AMIDO RESISTENTE EM AMIDOS DE QUATRO VARIEDADES DE MANDIOCA

INTRODUCAO O amido e encontrado em uma grande concentracao na natureza, e estao principalmente em plantas como os graos de cereais, tuberculos, raizes e leguminosas (LEONEL & CEREDA, 2002). O amido e um carboidrato composto de dois biopolimeros de grande peso molecular, a amilose e amilopectina que sao facilmente hidrolisadas no trato gastrointestinal na forma de carboidratos de baixo peso molecular (Asp NG, 1995). As propriedades reologicas de pastas de amido determinam seu melhor uso em processo alimenticio, e este depende da especie botânica. Em geral, as raizes e os amidos dos tuberculos apresentam forcas intragranulares inferiores. Eles gelatinizam em temperaturas relativamente baixas, com inchamento rapido e uniforme de grânulos, e exibe uma viscosidade alta e um perfil de claridade de pasta mais alta comparada aos amidos de cereal, embora eles retrogradam facilmente (CRAIG et al., 1989). O amido resistente e aquele que resiste a hidrolise enzimatica, e pode ser definido como aquele que nao e absorvido/ digerido no intestino delgado de individuos saudaveis, podendo ser fermentado no intestino grosso (JACOBS & DELCOUR, 1998). O amido resistente possui efeitos fisiologicos, onde o amido nao digerido ao chegar ao colon e utilizado por diversas bacterias intestinais, principalmente as anaerobias estritas (bacteroides, eubacterias, bifidosbacterias e Clostridium) que constituem 99% da flora intestinal humana, sendo assim considerado um agente prebiotico (TOPPING & CLIFTON, 2001). O objeto deste trabalho foi verificar as caracteristicas viscograficas do amido e tambem a concentracao de amido resistente.
Surgical margin in hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis: a critical and improvable determinant of outcome.

OBJECTIVE To update the analysis of technical and biologic factors related to hepatic resection for colorectal metastasis in a large single-institution series to identify important prognostic indicators and patterns of failure. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Surgical therapy for colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the liver is the only potentially curable treatment. Careful patient selection of those with resectable liver-only metastatic disease is crucial to the success of surgical therapy. METHODS Two hundred forty-four consecutive patients undergoing curative hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. Variables examined included sex, stage of primary lesion, size of liver lesion(s), number of lesions, disease-free interval, ploidy, differentiation, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen level, and operative factors such as resection margin, use of cryotherapy, intraoperative ultrasound, and blood loss. RESULTS Surgical margin, number of lesions, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels significantly control prognosis. Patients with only one or two liver lesions, a 1-cm surgical margin, and low CEA levels have a 5-year disease-free survival rate of more than 30%. Disease-free interval, original stage, bilobar involvement, size of metastasis, differentiation, and ploidy were not significant predictors of recurrence. The pattern of failure correlates with surgical margin. Routine use of intraoperative ultrasound resulted in an increased incidence of negative surgical margin during the period examined. CONCLUSIONS Surgical resection or cryotherapy of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer is safe and curable in appropriately selected patients. Biologic factors, such as number of lesions and carcinoembryonic antigen levels, determine potential curability, and surgical margin governs the patterns of failure and outcome in potentially curable patients. Optimization of selection criteria and surgical resection margins will improve outcome.