Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting the functional consequences of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms: structure-based assessment of amino acid variation.

We have developed a formalism and a computational method for analyzing the potential functional consequences of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our approach uses a structural model and phylogenetic information to derive a selection of structure and sequence-based features serving as indicators of an amino acid polymorphim's effect on function. The feature values can be integrated into a probabilistic assessment of whether an amino acid polymorphism will affect the function or stability of a target protein. The method has been validated with data sets of unbiased mutations in the lac repressor and lysoyzyme. Applying our methodology to recent surveys of genetic variation in the coding regions of clinically important genes, we estimate that approximately 26-32 % of the natural non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms have effects on function. This estimate suggests that a typical person will have about 6240-12,800 heterozygous loci that encode proteins with functional variation due to natural amino acid polymorphism.
Endocrine studies in aging.

THE relation of glandular physiology to the aging process has been the basis of considerable theoretical speculation. The role of gonadal failure in senescence has for years been given prime consideration, but very few causal relationships have actually been established. The anterior pituitary, and more recently the adrenal cortex, have also received attention, but little is as yet known concerning the influence of hormones on the degenerative processes which accompany senility. The present investigation was concerned with three objectives: One was to measure the mean values for the output of pituitary, gonadal, and adrenal cortical hormones in a group of old men and women, to determine possible sex differences, and to compare the values of the -aged group with those encountered in young subjects. The second was to search for possible interrelationships between the changes in output of the three hormones as the aging process progressed. The third was to determine whether any correlation could be establish.
Estimation of dielectric response equivalent circuit parameters of transformers using QPSO

The initial slope of return voltage is not only an important characteristic quantity to assess insulation aging, but also of great significance to estimate the parameters of equivalent circuit based on linear dielectric response theory. This paper establishes a mathematical model with the data of initial slope for estimating circuit parameters, which is a group of nonlinear equations with exponential function. It is difficult to solve the problem using nonlinear least square optimization method. The most advantage of QPSO based on swarm intelligence is that it does not require any prior knowledge or space limitations and has very good performance on the complex problems. Therefore, this paper presents the QPSO to solve the parameters estimation problem. Based on estimated parameters, we can calculate the RVM curves from the equivalent circuit and compare the calculated data with the measured. The result shows that the established model is feasible and effective. It provides a new idea for assessment of insulation aging and research on new characteristic quantity.
9D-3 Characterization of Adipogenic, Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation with Time-Resolved Acoustic Microscopy

Adult stem cells in general have the potential to differentiate into different cell types. Bone marrow, in particular, contains a mesenchymal progenitor cell that can give rise to many other cell types, such as osteocytes, adipocytes, muscle cells, astrocytes, and neurons, as well as stromal cells that support hematopoiesis. In postnatal organisms, each tissue and organ is now generally perceived to contain a small sub-population of quiescent cells, which are, when stimulated accordingly, capable of self-renewal and of indefinite or at least prolonged proliferative potential. Regenerative medicine tries to exploit this fact by directing differentiation to specific cell types that can subsequently be transplanted to replace damaged tissue. Among the many challenges that need to be faced with regard to future exploitation, observation of the differentiation process and determination of the differentiation state of the cells without harming them are of prominent importance. We employed time-resolved acoustic microscopy in adult stem cell differentiation for monitoring the differentiation process and characterizing the degree of differentiation of individual cells.
Comparison of urinary sphingolipids in human populations with high and low maize consumption as a possible biomarker of fumonisin dietary exposure

The increased sphinganine/sphingosine (SA/SO) ratio has previously been shown as a biomarker of fumonisin exposure in experimental animals and has been proposed as a tool to assess human exposure to fumonisin mainly occurring through the dietary consumption of fumonisin contaminated maize-based foods. Sphinganine and sphingosine were measured in urines of humans resident in two areas of North Argentina and South Brazil with high maize consumption and compared with urine samples collected in areas with very low or no maize consumption, such as Central Argentina and Southern Italy. The pattern of SA/SO values in the two groups with no maize consumption (assumed as controls) was similar, with all SA/SO values lower than one. Mean SA/SO ratio was 1.27 in urine of subjects with high maize consumption (n = 123) and 0.36 in controls (n = 66) and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean fumonisin level in maize samples collected in North Argentina and South Brazil was 0.35 mg kg−1 (n = 40). Although a similar maize and fumonisin intake was recorded for the two groups of populations, the mean SA/SO ratio in South Brazil (1.57) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of North Argentina (0.69). These data suggest that the higher SA/SO values observed in South Brazil cannot be associated with high fumonisin exposure and further studies are necessary to provide convincing evidence for using the SA/SO ratio as a biomarker of human fumonisin exposure.
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) Breeding in Captivity: The Importance of Environmental Enrichment

Environmental enrichment is an improvement in the biological functioning of nonhuman animals in captivity resulting from modifications to their environment; however, specifying appropriate and practical measures of enrichment is problematic. This study analyzes the behavior of 4 bobcats (Lynx rufus) in the Jerez Zoo before and after the application of a global program of environmental enrichment that included (a) changes in the size and complexity of their installations, (b) the introduction of new objects into compounds, (c) changes in diet, and (d) modifications in the grouping of animals. A factorial correspondence analysis showed a highly significant relationship among individual animals, behavior, and experimental design. Behaviors such as locomotion, repeated pacing, vigilance, and grooming more often occurred before enrichment, whereas exploratory and food behaviors were more often associated with the enrichment phase. After the implementation of the enrichment program, the bobcats bred successfully for the first time since their arrival in the zoo.
Angiogenesis in development and cancer today.

The cardiovascular system plays a crucial role in vertebrate development and homeostasis. During embryonic development, vasculature is formed by both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Vasculogenesis, which consists of de novo vessel formation from angioblasts, provides the nascent vascular network, particularly during early embryonic life. Angiogenesis, which refers to expansion of a pre-existing vascular bed through sprouting, bridging and intussusceptive growth, intervenes mostly during later stages of embryogenesis. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that bone-marrow-derived stem and endothelial progenitor cells can in principle contribute to tissue repair by induction of neo-angiogenesis.
A gait analysis method based on a depth camera for fall prevention

This paper proposes a markerless system whose purpose is to help preventing falls of elderly people at home. To track human movements, the Microsoft Kinect camera is used which allows to acquire at the same time a RGB image and a depth image. Several articles show that the analysis of some gait parameters could allow fall risk assessment. We developed a system which extracts three gait parameters (the length and the duration of steps and the speed of the gait) by tracking the center of mass of the person. To check the validity of our system, the accuracy of the gait parameters obtained with the camera is evaluated. In an experiment, eleven subjects walked on an actimetric carpet, perpendicularly to the camera which filmed the scene. The three gait parameters obtained by the carpet are compared with those of the camera. In this study, four situations were tested to evaluate the robustness of our model. The subjects walked normally, making small steps, wearing a skirt and in front of the camera. The results showed that the system is accurate when there is one camera fixed perpendicularly. Thus we believe that the presented method is accurate enough to be used in real fall prevention applications.
Microglia density decreases with age in a mouse model of Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by selective neuronal loss and reactive gliosis. In the R6/2 transgenic HD mouse model, there is no selective cell loss, although astrocytosis has been reported. Since there have been no previous studies on microglia in this model, we have undertaken a detailed investigation of microglia in six different forebrain regions in the R6/2 mouse and their wild‐type littermates at two time points. Microglia were identified using the histochemical marker isolectin B4 and interactions of genotype, region, and age were analyzed. Results showed that there was a significant decrease in the number of microglia with age in both wild‐type and R6/2 brains, which was more pronounced in the transgenic mouse. There were also morphological changes with age observed in both genotypes. As early as 7 weeks of age, structural microglial abnormalities could be seen in R6/2 brains, including bulbous swellings and long stringy processes; comparable changes were seen at 16 weeks in wild‐type brains. At 14.5 weeks, microglia in R6/2 mouse brains were smaller in size with condensed nuclei and fragmentation of their processes. We suggest that the density and morphology of microglia change with normal aging and that this process is accelerated in R6/2 brains. Such changes in the dynamic status of microglia may lead to an impairment of their neurosupportive functions. Further studies are needed to understand better the role of microglia in aging and neurodegeneration. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Ideas and Measures of Building the Recycling Society in Japan Based on the White Paper

To develop circular economy is the strategy for achieving “Scientific View of Development”. Some good measures and experience, which are worth using for reference, have been summarized in the course of building the recycling society in Japan. Some basic ideas and measures of Japanese government in the course of building the recycling society are analyzed on the basis of Japan's White Paper on Recycling Society. To develop circular economy in China, four policies are advised.
Supply response of milk production: analysis and implications for BRIC countries

This paper examines the supply response of milk production in BRIC countries using annual data for the period 1992 to 2010. The results derived from panel data analysis support a strong positive supply response of milk prices to the number of milking animals and total milk yield. The study also finds a strong association between price of substitutes between chicken meat and milk. The non-price factors like membership in WTO and exports have a positive impact on supply response in terms of number of milking animals. The study unfolds that export of milk have a favorable impact on the supply response both in terms of number of milking animals and milk yield. The analysis suggests that milk supply in BRIC countries is responsive to the price factors and hence price support and subsidies programmes for dairy farmers in BRIC need to more visible and effective. Such results clearly make a case for introduction of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for milk famers in BRIC countries. Milk producers in BRIC countries can take advantage of the enhanced market access provided by WTO and simultaneously increase their herd size.
Effects of 16 Weeks of Concurrent Training on Resting Heart Rate Variability and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in People Living With HIV/AIDS Using Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Pedro, RE, Guariglia, DA, Okuno, NM, Deminice, R, Peres, SB, and Moraes, SMF. Effects of 16 weeks of concurrent training on resting heart rate variability and cardiorespiratory fitness in people living with HIV/AIDS using antiretroviral therapy: a randomized clinical trial. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3494–3502, 2016—The study evaluated the effects of concurrent training on resting heart rate variability (HRVrest) and cardiorespiratory fitness in people living with HIV/AIDS undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Fifty-eight participants were randomized into 2 groups (control and training group); however, only 33 were analyzed. The variables studied were HRVrest indices, submaximal values of oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2sub) and heart rate (HR5min), peak speed (Vpeak), and peak oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak). The training group performed concurrent training (15–20 minutes of aerobic exercise plus 40 minutes of resistance exercise), 3 times per week, for 16 weeks. Posttraining V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and Vpeak increased, and HR5min decreased. Resting heart rate variability indices did not present statistical differences posttraining; however, the magnitude-based inferences demonstrated a “possibly positive effect” for high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) plus high frequency (LF + HF) and a “likely positive effect” for R-Rmean posttraining. In conclusion, concurrent training was effective at improving cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance performance. Moreover, it led to probably a positive effect on HF and a likely positive effect on R-Rmean in people living with HIV/AIDS undergoing ART.
Successive precoding and user selection in MU-MIMO broadcast channel with limited feedback

In this paper, we propose a joint successive pre-coding and user selection algorithm in multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) broadcast channel with limited feedback. The proposed scheme recalculates each user's best precoding vector by projecting the original precoding vector, which is obtained by limited feedback, onto the orthogonal complement space of the precoding vectors of the selected users. The base station (BS) then calculates the estimated signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for each unselected user using the best precoding vector, and choose the one with the largest SINR. Numerical results illustrate the performance of the scheme.
Possibilistic mean- variance- skewness portfolio selection models

In portfolio selection problem, the investor usually makes his portfolio decision according to his experience and his economic acquaintance. So, deterministic portfolio selection is not a good choice for the investor. In most of the recent works on this problem, fuzzy set theory is widely used to model the problem in uncertain environment. Since portfolio returns are in general asymmetric, in addition to the general concept of considering mean and variance, the third moment skewness should be considered for a better decision making. This paper applies the concept of weighted possibilistic moments of fuzzy numbers to extend the classical mean- variance portfolio selection model under the consideration of skewness. Return ratios are considered as fuzzy numbers and its possibilistic moments are evaluated to formulate the models. In order to solve the models, fuzzy simulation (FS) and elitist genetic algorithm (EGA) are integrated to produce more powerful and effective hybrid intelligent algorithm (HIA). Finally, our approaches are tested on a set of stock data from Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Keywords Investment analysis, portfolio selection, mean-variance-skewness model, fuzzy numbers, weighted possibilistic moments, hybrid intelligent algorithm.
Open reading frame 176 in the photosynthesis gene cluster of Rhodobacter capsulatus encodes idi, a gene for isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase

Isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) isomerase catalyzes an essential activation step in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. A database search based on probes from the highly conserved regions in three eukaryotic IPP isomerases revealed substantial similarity with ORF176 in the photosynthesis gene cluster in Rhodobacter capsulatus. The open reading frame was cloned into an Escherichia coli expression vector. The encoded 20-kDa protein, which was purified in two steps by ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, catalyzed the interconversion of IPP and dimethylallyl diphosphate. Thus, the photosynthesis gene cluster encodes all of the enzymes required to incorporate IPP into the ultimate carotenoid and bacteriochlorophyll metabolites in R. capsulatus. More recent searches uncovered additional putative open reading frames for IPP isomerase in seed-bearing plants (Oryza sativa, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Clarkia breweri), a worm (Caenorhabditis elegans), and another eubacterium (Escherichia coli). The R. capsulatus enzyme is the smallest of the IPP isomerases to be identified thus far and may consist mostly of a fundamental catalytic core for the enzyme.
Expression of the natural resistance gene Lsh in resident liver macrophages

Innate resistance and susceptibility to Leishmania donovani infection in mice is controlled by a single gene (Lsh) thought to be identical to the genes Ity and Bcg which control the early response to Salmonella typhimurium and Mycobacterium bovis infections, respectively. In the present study, three new aspects of Lsh gene activity were demonstrated. First, it was shown that liver macrophages continue to express Lsh gene activity in vitro after their extraction from mice infected in vivo, although 2 days of infection were required before the resistant phenotype was expressed. Second, detailed examination of early growth of the parasite and tritiated thymidine labeling of the parasites indicated that this delay in expression of the resistant phenotype also occurred in vivo. Third, the expression of resistance was unaltered by the effects of lethal irradiation but could be selectively enhanced by prior treatment with suitable doses of S. typhimurium lipopolysaccharide or L. donovani membranes. These results suggest that the resistance mechanism may be expressed by resident liver macrophages after their interaction with parasite-derived material. The relevance of these findings to the other intramacrophage pathogens is discussed.
Visual kinesthesia and locomotion in Parkinson's disease

We investigated predominance of visual control in Parkinson's disease (PD) gait regulation and whether visual kinesthesia has systematic effects on gait parameters. Effects of artificial optic flow were studied on walking velocity (WV), stride length (SL), and stride frequency (SF) during treadmill walking in PD patients and young and elderly adults. The independent variable was relative optic flow (rOF), ranging from −1 times (forward flow, i.e., in walking direction) to 3 times WV (backward flow, natural direction). All walkers were influenced similarly by rOF, inducing systematic changes of WV. Backward flow caused a decrease and forward flow an increase of WV. Without effect of rOF, PD patients on average walked at 0.89 meters per second compared to 1.31 meters per second in the age‐matched healthy group. The rOF‐induced mean changes of WV in all PD patients amounted to 0.45 meters per second (50.4%), with 45.1% due to changes in SL and 5.3% to SF. In the age‐matched, rOF‐induced WV changes reached 0.18 meters per second (13.8%), with 10.8% due to SL and 3.2% to SF. Thus, compared to the results of the age‐matched group, effects of rOF in PD patients were stronger, which increased WV to a normal level by normalization of SL. Contrary to the healthy subjects, no attenuation of optic flow effects over time was observed in the PD patients. Predominance of visual control in PD gait is suggested due to deficits in proprioception compensated by visual kinesthesia, causing exaggerated reaction to visual feedback. The results extend beyond earlier findings, generally stating improvement of PD gait by presence of visual feedback but show systematic effects on gait parameters due to reweighting of visual kinesthesia. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Combined Method for Artifact Reduction in Surface Electroenterogram

Surface electroenterogram (EEnG) is a noninvasive method for monitoring the intestinal motility. However, surface EEnG recordings are contaminated by movement artifact, cardiac activity, respiratory artifact and other interferences. The aim of this work is to remove movement artifacts by means of a combined method of empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and independent component analysis (ICA). Four recording sessions were conducted on canine model. Surface signals from 4 different channels are decomposed using EMD. Resulting intrinsic mode functions are the inputs of ICA analysis which permits to separate and identify the activities of different origin. Signal components associated to movement artifacts are removed and the original signals are reconstructed by means of an inverse procedure. The results show that the proposed method allows extracting and canceling movement artifacts from surface EEnG, avoiding the presence of irregular peaks in external intestinal motility indexes. Therefore, the proposed method could be useful to reduce artifacts in EEnG recording and to provide more robust non-invasive intestinal motility indicators.