Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The introduction of the IDS-iSYS total IGF-1 assay may have far-reaching consequences for diagnosis and treatment of GH deficiency.

CONTEXT IGF-1 measurements are used for screening and monitoring GH deficiency (GHD) and acromegaly. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to study whether the introduction of the IDS-iSYS IGF-1 assay would lead to different clinical interpretations in GHD and acromegaly. DESIGN In 106 GHD subjects and in 15 acromegalic subjects visiting our university hospital, total IGF-1 levels were measured before and during therapy by using the Immulite (IM) assay and IDS-iSYS (ID) assay. Z-scores were calculated by using assay-specific age-specific normative range values. All treatment decisions were based upon results obtained by the IM assay. RESULTS In GHD subjects, absolute IGF-1 concentrations differed significantly between both IGF-1 assays before treatment (P < .001) but not during GH treatment (P = .32), and mean Z-scores for IGF-1 differed significantly before starting (IM, -2.23, vs ID, -1.43; P < .001) and during GH treatment (IM, -0.60, vs ID, +0.21; P < .001). In acromegalic subjects, absolute IGF-1 concentrations did not differ between both IGF-1 assays before treatment (P = .18) but were significantly different during treatment (P = 0.009), and mean Z-scores for IGF-1 were not different before starting (IM, 10.93, vs ID, 10.78; P = .41) or during treatment (IM, 3.60, vs ID, 3.18; P = .23). CONCLUSIONS In GHD subjects, mean IGF-1 Z-scores significantly differed when measured by the IM assay compared with the ID assay irrespective of treatment. In contrast, in acromegaly, mean IGF-1 Z-scores did not differ significantly between both assays. Our study suggests that replacement of the IM assay by the ID assay may have far-reaching consequences for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of GHD.
Liselerde Öğrencilerin Akademik Başarılarının Değerlendirilmesi Uygulamalarının Etkinliğine İlişkin Bir Araştırma

Egitim ve ogretim etkinliklerinin temel amaci; ogrencilerde istenen yondeki davranis degisikliklerini saglamak olduguna gore bu etkinliklerin odak noktasini ogrenciler teskil ediyor demektir. Boylelikle, egitim amaclari yonundeki davranis degisikliklerinin ogrencide ne olcude gerceklesebildiginin olculmesi ve degerlendirilmesi bir egitim sistemi cercevesinde yapilan degerlendirme islemlerinin bir bakima en onemlileri arasinda sayilma durumundadir. Bu duzeyde yapilan degerlendirmelerin, diger bir deyisle, Ogrencilerin akademik basarilarini degerlendirme uygulamalarinin etkililigi ise, gecerli ve guvenilir sonuclar veren olcu araclarinin kullanilmasini gerekli kilmaktadir. Bu husus, ekonomik kaynaklarini en verimli bir bicimde kullanmak, temel egitim kademesinden sonraki sinirli egitim olanaklarindan bireylerin; yetenekleri, ilgileri ve akademik basarilarina gore yararlanmalarini saglayarak egitimde imkan ve firsat esitligi cercevesinde, bireylerin gereksinmeleri ile toplumun gereksinmelerini dengelemek durumunda olan ulkemiz icin ozellikle buyuk bir onem tasimaktadir.
Biophotoacoustic Radar: Study of Tissue Phantoms, Tissues, Contrast Agent and Comparison to Ultrasound Imaging for Deep Subsurface Imaging

This study explored the imaging capability of our frequency-domain photoacoustic (FD-PA) system that utilizes correlation processing alias “photoacoustic radar” and ultrasonic phased array for imaging of soft tissues. The probe imaging capabilities were studied using tissuemimicking phantoms, tissue samples ex vivo, blood vessels in a human wrist and a rat tumour model in vivo. Our experimental results have shown decent image correlation between our FDPA and a clinical ultrasound modality. In comparison with ultrasound, we have also demonstrated strong potential of the FD-PA for deep (~15 mm) subsurface imaging with excellent contrast and high signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, we assessed the potential of silica-coated super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) as a novel PA contrast agent. Detection of the nanoparticles up to 24 mm inside an optically tissue-like turbid media and about 5-fold PA signal amplification due to their presence in sheep blood (~1.4 mg/ml) are
The Duration of Bank Retail Interest Rates

Abstract We examine the rigidity of retail deposit and loan rates by applying duration analysis on uniquely rich data. We find that the retail rate dynamics are state-dependent. An important determinant of the duration of retail interest rates are the dynamics of the wholesale (market and monetary policy) interest rates. We also show that the reaction to positive and negative wholesale interest rate changes is strongly asymmetric. Moreover, retail rate durations are significantly modified by bank and market characteristics, such as the size of the bank, its market share in a given local market, and its geographical scope.
Photoreceptor layer of salmonid fishes: Transformation and loss of single cones in juvenile fish

The retinas of many vertebrates have cone photoreceptors that express multiple visual pigments. In many of these animals, including humans, the original cones to appear in the retina (which express UV or blue opsin) may change opsin types, giving rise to new spectral phenotypes. Here we used microspectrophotometry and in situ hybridization with cDNA probes to study the distribution of UV and blue cones in the retinas of four species of Pacific salmon (coho, chum, chinook, and pink salmon), in the Atlantic salmon, and in the rainbow/steelhead trout. In Pacific salmon and in the trout, all single cones express a UV opsin at hatching (λmax of the visual pigment ∼365 nm), and these cones later transform into blue cones by opsin changeover (λmax of the blue visual pigment ∼434 nm). Cones undergoing UV opsin downregulation exhibit either of two spectral absorbance profiles. The first is characterized by UV and blue absorbance peaks, with blue absorbance dominating the base of the outer segment. The second shows UV absorbance diminishing from the outer segment tip to the base, with no sign of blue absorbance. The first absorbance profile indicates a transformation from UV to blue phenotype by opsin changeover, while the second type suggests that the cone is undergoing apoptosis. These two events (transformation and loss of corner cones) are closely associated in time and progress from ventral to dorsal retina. Each double cone member contains green (λmax ∼510 nm) or red (λmax ∼565 nm) visual pigment (double cones are green/red pairs), and, like the rods (λmax ∼508 nm), do not exhibit opsin changeover. Unlike Pacific salmonids, the Atlantic salmon shows a mixture of UV and blue cones and a partial loss of corner cones at hatching. This study establishes the UV‐to‐blue cone transformation as a general feature of retinal growth in Pacific salmonids (genus Oncorhynchus). J. Comp. Neurol. 495:213–235, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PATHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY: NOVEL THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES TO TREAT HEART FAILURE

1 In general, cardiac hypertrophy (an increase in heart mass) is a poor prognostic sign. Cardiac enlargement is a characteristic of most forms of heart failure. Cardiac hypertrophy that occurs in athletes (physiological hypertrophy) is a notable exception. 2 Physiological cardiac hypertrophy in response to exercise training differs in its structural and molecular profile to pathological hypertrophy associated with pressure or volume overload in disease. Physiological hypertrophy is characterized by normal organization of cardiac structure and normal or enhanced cardiac function, whereas pathological hypertrophy is commonly associated with upregulation of fetal genes, fibrosis, cardiac dysfunction and increased mortality. 3 It is now clear that several signalling molecules play unique roles in the regulation of pathological and physiological cardiac hypertrophy. 4 The present review discusses the possibility of targeting cardioprotective signalling pathways and genes activated in the athlete's heart to treat or prevent heart failure.
The evolution of jumping performance in anurans: morphological correlates and ecological implications

We investigated the evolution of anuran locomotor performance and its morphological correlates as a function of habitat use and lifestyles. We reanalysed a subset of the data reported by Zug (Smithson. Contrib. Zool. 1978; 276: 1–31) employing phylogenetically explicit statistical methods (n = 56 species), and assembled morphological data on the ratio between hind‐limb length and snout‐vent length (SVL) from the literature and museum specimens for a large subgroup of the species from the original paper (n = 43 species). Analyses using independent contrasts revealed that classifying anurans into terrestrial, semi‐aquatic, and arboreal categories cannot distinguish between the effects of phylogeny and ecological diversification in anuran locomotor performance. However, a more refined classification subdividing terrestrial species into ‘fossorials’ and ‘non‐fossorials’, and arboreal species into ‘open canopy’, ‘low canopy’ and ‘high canopy’, suggests that part of the variation in locomotor performance and in hind‐limb morphology can be attributed to ecological diversification. In particular, fossorial species had significantly lower jumping performances and shorter hind limbs than other species after controlling for SVL, illustrating how the trade‐off between burrowing efficiency and jumping performance has resulted in morphological specialization in this group.
A reconsideration of the origins of the type 2 diabetes epidemic among native Americans and the implications for intervention policy

Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in many Native American communities in North America. The overwhelming majority of physicians, biomedical researchers, and medical ecologists continue to explain the astoundingly high prevalence rates of diabetes among Native Americans and other high prevalence populations in terms of yet‐to‐be‐identified genetic factors. Recent experimental and epidemiological research, however, has brought to light an etiological alternative to the genetic‐predisposition model. This body of research suggests that type 2 diabetes may result initially from fetal malnutrition and, in subsequent generations, be propagated via perturbations in the intrauterine environment. Native American populations at greatest risk for diabetes today are the ones most likely to have endured severe nutritional stress in their recent histories, thus experiencing the conditions that are most conducive to the diabetic developmental sequence. If further substantiated, the implications of the fetal‐origin model of diabetes for diabetes intervention programs are profound.
Degradation of the Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1) by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway

The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of the Epstein-Barr virus is a constitutively active receptor essential for B lymphocyte transformation by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is a short-lived protein, but the proteolytic pathway involved in its degradation is not known. The ubiquitin pathway is a major system for specific protein degradation in eukaryotes. Most plasma membrane substrates of the pathway are internalized upon ubiquitination and delivered for degradation in the lysosome/vacuole. Here we show that LMP1 is a substrate of the ubiquitin pathway and is ubiquitinated bothin vitro and in vivo. However, in contrast to other plasma membrane substrates of the ubiquitin system, it is degraded mostly by the proteasome and not by lysosomes. Degradation is independent of the single Lys residue of the protein; a lysine-less mutant LMP1 is degraded in a ubiquitin- and proteasome-dependent manner similar to the wild type protein. Degradation of both wild type and lysine-less protein is sensitive to fusion of a Myc tag to the N terminus of LMP1. In addition, deletion of as few as 12 N-terminal amino acid residues stabilizes the protein. These findings suggest that the first event in LMP1 degradation is attachment of ubiquitin to the N-terminal residue of the protein. We present evidence suggesting that phosphorylation is also required for degradation of LMP1.
Reference text line identification using Gaussian kernel extended by morphological operations

In this paper, new approach for text segmentation, reference text line identification and skew rate estimation by Gaussian kernel is presented. As a result of basic algorithm, defined area exploited for text segmentation and text parameter extraction. To improve text segmentation process, basic method is extended by morphological operations. Furthermore, reference text line is estimated by least square method. Basic and extended algorithm is examined and evaluated under different text skew angles. Results are examined, analyzed and discussed. Proposed algorithm extension showed robustness for different types of skewness.
Repression of cap‐dependent translation by 4E‐binding protein 1: competition with p220 for binding to eukaryotic initiation factor‐4E.

An important aspect of the regulation of gene expression is the modulation of translation rates in response to growth factors, hormones and mitogens. Most of this control is at the level of translation initiation. Recent studies have implicated the MAP kinase pathway in the regulation of translation by insulin and growth factors. MAP kinase phosphorylates a repressor of translation initiation [4E‐binding protein (BP) 1] that binds to the mRNA 5′ cap binding protein eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)‐4E and inhibits cap‐dependent translation. Phosphorylation of the repressor decreases its affinity for eIF‐4E, and thus relieves translational inhibition. eIF‐4E forms a complex with two other polypeptides, eIF‐4A and p220, that promote 40S ribosome binding to mRNA. Here, we have studied the mechanism by which 4E‐BP1 inhibits translation. We show that 4E‐BP1 inhibits 48S pre‐initiation complex formation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that 4E‐BP1 competes with p220 for binding to eIF‐4E. Mutants of 4E‐BP1 that are deficient in their binding to eIF‐4E do not inhibit the interaction between p220 and eIF‐4E, and do not repress translation. Thus, translational control by growth factors, insulin and mitogens is affected by changes in the relative affinities of 4E‐BP1 and p220 for eIF‐4E.
mecBRJogo: uma proposta de Mecanismo de Busca e Recuperação de Jogos Educacionais

Conectar informacoes na Web de forma significativa ao contexto do usuario tornou-se um dos grandes desafios da atualidade. Trazendo-se tal problematica para contextos educacionais observa-se que as demandas nao sao diferentes. Profissionais dessa area precisam de suporte para acessar recursos importantes que auxiliem no desenvolvimento de suas acoes pedagogicas, bem como no alcance das metas propostas. Em meio a essa problematica, a presente pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar um mecanismo de busca e recuperacao do jogo (mecBRJogo) que auxilie o professor no desenvolvimento de atividades que usem jogos como recurso didatico e pedagogico. Tal mecanismo foi concebido para auxiliar na recuperacao de jogos apropriados a contextos que envolvem o aprendiz, a atividade de aprendizagem (AA) e os jogos.
The complete genomic sequence of the marine phage Roseophage SIO1 shares homology with nonmarine phages

Viruses are ubiquitous components of the marine environment, frequently reaching concentrations of 107–108 viruses per milliliter of surface seawater. The majority of these viral particles are bacteriophages (phages). Although the oceans are probably the largest pool of bacteriophages on the planet, the evolutionary relationships of marine phages to phages from other environments are unknown. To address this issue, we have completely sequenced the genome of the lytic marine phage, Roseophage SIO1, that infects the heterotrophic marine bacterium Roseobacter SIO67. This phage has an isometric capsid with a diameter of approximately 43 nm, a short tail, a buoyant density of 1.49 g cm‐3 in CsCl, and a 39,906‐bp dsDNA genome. Sequence similarities and relative positions within the genome suggest that three of the open reading frames (ORFs) are homologous to the primase, DNA polymerase, and endodeoxyribonuclease I proteins of coliphages T3 and T7. The results are consistent with the mosaic theory of phage evolution and indicate a genetic link between marine and nonmarine phages. Additionally, basic life histories of marine phages can be elucidated by comparison of complete genomes to those of other extensively studied phages (e.g., lambda, T4, T7). The DNA replication machinery of Roseophage SIO1 shows a clear homology with that of coliphages T3 and T7, suggesting that the process of DNA replication may be similar among these phages. The Roseophage SIO1 genome also encodes four predicted proteins involved in phosphate metabolism (RP PhoH, RP ribonucleotide reductase, RP Thy1, and RP endodeoxyribonuclease I) suggesting that phosphate recycling is important to Roseophage SIO1's life cycle. Other interesting clues about Roseophage SIO's life history come from the absence of certain expected protein regions. For example, we have not been able to identify the Roseophage SIO1 structural proteins (e.g., capsid proteins) by homology to other phages. It is also conspicuous that the Roseo‐phage SIO1 genome lacks a recognizable RNA polymerase, an essential component of T3 and T7 life cycles. Analysis of the Roseophage SIO1 genome shows that marine and nonmarine phages are genetically related but basic life histories may be significantly different.
Comparison of surface PM vernier motors with interior PM motors for traction application

Surface permanent magnet vernier (SPMV) motors are gaining more and more attentions over recent years due to their high torque density. Generally, most researches focuses on their applications in low speed, high torque area, and the study on their high speed operation is rarely seen. In this paper, a SPMV motor with 12 slot, 20 rotor pole is evaluated for traction application. The optimal designed SPMV motor is compared with the Prius-2004 interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor in terms of back-EMF, cogging torque, torque, field weakening ability, losses, efficiency and fault tolerance. The analyzing results show that the SPMV machine produces 12% higher torque under the same DC copper loss. However, the core loss and magnet loss of the SPMV motor are 2.5 and 6.25 times that of the IPM motor. Besides, the SPMV motor has inherently optimal flux-weakening capability despite its surface-mounted PM structure. Moreover, the anti- demagnetization capability of the SPMV motor with pole shoes to protect the magnets, is similar to that of the Prius PM motor.
The Relationship of Self-Perception and Stress in Adult Children of Alcoholics and Their Peers

Woititz identified thirteen generalizations which she asserts characterize adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) [1]. Her work, however, was based upon clinical populations and may not be generalizable to a non-clinical population. Using 442 undergraduate students, 2 × 3 multivariate analysis of variance (parental alcoholism by level of childhood stress) on students' perceptions of the applicability of Woititz's variables to them was conducted. No significant effects were found even though ACOAs experienced more childhood stress than their peers. Results do not support the generalization of Woititz's model to a non-clinical sample.
Splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity and circulating catecholamines in the hyperthermic rat.

The mechanisms responsible for the initial rise in splanchnic vascular resistance with environmental heating are controversial, and those responsible for the subsequent fall in splanchnic resistance in the severely hyperthermic animal are unknown. Thus we examined the effect of environmental heating on plasma catecholamine concentration, splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), and select blood chemistries. In one study, 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats (270-300 g) were assigned to one of five groups on the basis of their core temperature (Tc, 37, 39, 41, 43, or 44 degrees C) at death. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and Tc were monitored during heat stress under alpha-chloralose anesthesia (12.5 mg.ml-1.h-1). At each predetermined Tc, an aortic blood sample was drawn and analyzed for mean plasma concentration of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), Na+, K+, and lactate. From 41 to 43 degrees C, NE and E rose significantly, and the animals became hyperkalemic and lactacidemic. In a separate study, we quantitated SNA from the greater splanchnic nerve during heat exposure of artificially respired animals anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (50 mg/kg). MAP, splanchnic SNA, and Tc were recorded. Tc was elevated from 37.0 +/- 0.12 to 41.3 +/- 0.18 degrees C in 70 min by increase of ambient temperature to 38 degrees C in an environmental chamber. Splanchnic SNA was 54 +/- 8 spikes/s at a Tc of 37 degrees C and increased significantly as Tc exceeded 39 degrees C (P less than 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Incidence of Listeria spp. from Raw Milk in Sivas

Raw milk samples obtained from the Foundation of Milk Industry, three private dairy companies and individual dairy farms in Sivas, were tested for the presence of Listeria species. A total of 100 raw milk samples were analysed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and two-stage enrichment techniques. Two-stage enrichment procedure was found to be more effective than FDA method in isolating Listeria species from raw milk. The overall incidence of Listeria species in raw milk was 6%. Listeria monocytogenes was found in 4% of the raw milk samples, while L. innocua was found in 2% of the samples. One sample was revealed to contain two serotypes of L. monocytogenes.
4$\,\times\,$ 4-Element Corporate-Feed Waveguide Slot Array Antenna With Cavities for the 120 GHz-Band

We propose a 4 × 4-element corporate-feed waveguide slot array antenna with outer cavities for the 120 GHz band. To adjust the mutual coupling effects in a small sized array antenna, an outer cavity structure is employed for each radiating slot. The outer cavity in this antenna structure provides adequate mutual coupling effects for each radiating element. As a result, high antenna efficiency is achieved over a broad bandwidth. A 4 × 4-element array with the outer cavities was fabricated by diffusion bonding of laminated thin copper plates, which has the advantages of high precision and low loss characteristics even in a high frequency region such as the 120 GHz band. The antenna gain of 21.1 dBi and the antenna efficiency of 80.0% are measured at the center frequency. The measured 1 dB-down gain bandwidth is 22 GHz (from 118 to 140 GHz) which is corresponding to 17.6%.
OTHR highly maneuvering target detection via generalized randon-fourier transform

In the over-the-horizon radar (OTHR), the coherent integration time can approach to tens of seconds. In such a long coherent integration time, the effects of across range unit and across Doppler unit of uncooperative targets may become obvious, which will cause SNR loss for traditional moving target detection methods like MTD. In this paper the second-order generalized Radon-Fourier transform (GRFT) is introduced for detection for OTHR highly maneuvering target, which can accumulate energy along all possible target trajectories after phase compensation to obtain the improvement of detection probability. Based on OTHR highly maneuvering target modeling and analysis, it is showed that the second-order GRFT can outperform the exiting MTD with more than 20dB SNR gain. Finally, some numerical experiment results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.