Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Direct Detection of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) in Clinical Specimens from a Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Singapore by Reverse Transcription-PCR with Universal Enterovirus and EV71-Specific Primers

ABSTRACT A recent outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Singapore in 2000 affected several thousand children and resulted in four deaths. The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) with universal pan-enterovirus primers and enterovirus 71 (EV71) type-specific primers for the direct detection of enteroviruses in clinical specimens derived from this outbreak. With the universal primers, EV71 RNA sequences were successfully detected by RT-PCR and direct sequencing in 71% of positive specimens. Three pairs of EV71 type-specific primers were evaluated for rapid detection of EV71 directly from clinical specimens and cell culture isolates. By using a seminested RT-PCR strategy, specific identification of EV71 sequences directly in clinical specimens was achieved, with a detection rate of 53%. In contrast, cell culture could isolate EV71 in only 20% of positive specimens. EV71 was detected directly from brain, heart, and lung specimens of two deceased siblings. Although more than one type of enterovirus was identified in clinical specimens from this outbreak, 90% of the enteroviruses were confirmed as EV71. The data demonstrate the clinical applicability of pan-enterovirus and seminested RT-PCR for the detection of EV71 RNA directly from clinical specimens in an outbreak situation.
Distribution System Analysis to support the Smart Grid

The “Smart Grid” refers to various efforts to modernize the power grid through the application of intelligent devices. This paper describes current thinking by members of the Distribution System Analysis Subcommittee (DSA SC) on how distribution system analysis might evolve to support the Smart Grid. Various issues related to Smart Grid and distribution system analysis are identified. The essential characteristics of distribution system analysis tools to support these issues are discussed. Relevant activities of the DSA SC are described.
Low mRNA levels of RGS4 splice variants in Alzheimer's disease: Association between a rare haplotype and decreased mRNA expression

Regulator of G‐protein signaling 4 (RGS4) showed decreased mRNA levels in Alzheimer's disease in a large collection of human brain autopsies from prefrontal cortex. The expression levels of three RGS4 splice variants were examined in the same samples, and the association between RGS4 gene expression and/or the disease with single nucleotide polymorphisms located in this gene was explored. We show that all splice variants are down‐regulated in patients. We also demonstrate that one rare haplotype (ATAG) is associated with decreased mRNA levels in both cases and controls. Our results suggest that an altered regulation in transcription initiation may be an important mechanism for low RGS4 protein levels in Alzeimer's disease. Synapse 59:173–176, 2006. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clustering with Hidden Markov Model on Variable Blocks

Large-scale data containing multiple important rare clusters, even at moderately high dimensions, pose challenges for existing clustering methods. To address this issue, we propose a new mixture model called Hidden Markov Model on Variable Blocks (HMM-VB) and a new mode search algorithm called Modal Baum-Welch (MBW) for mode-association clustering. HMM-VB leverages prior information about chain-like dependence among groups of variables to achieve the effect of dimension reduction. In case such a dependence structure is unknown or assumed merely for the sake of parsimonious modeling, we develop a recursive search algorithm based on BIC to optimize the formation of ordered variable blocks. The MBW algorithm ensures the feasibility of clustering via mode association, achieving linear complexity in terms of the number of variable blocks despite the exponentially growing number of possible state sequences in HMM-VB. In addition, we provide theoretical investigations about the identifiability of HMM-VB as well as the consistency of our approach to search for the block partition of variables in a special case. Experiments on simulated and real data show that our proposed method outperforms other widely used methods.
Intensive scaffolding in an intelligent tutoring system for the learning of algebraic word problem solving

The term intensive scaffolding refers to any set of conceptual scaffolding strategies that always allow the user to find the solution to a problem. Despite the many benefits of scaffolding, some negative effects have also been reported. These are mainly related to the possibility that a student solves the problems without actually engaging in their content. In this paper, we have used an intelligent tutoring system ( ITS) to analyze the effect that intensive scaffolding has on the learning of algebraic word problem solving ( AWPS). Two different versions of the ITS, which differ in the amount of scaffolding that they provide, have been created. These two versions were used by two groups of students in Secondary Education, in a quasi-experimental study. The comparison of pre- and posttest scores shows a significant increase of the competence in AWPS in the group that used the ITS with intensive scaffolding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Robust prediction of individual creative ability from brain functional connectivity

Significance People’s capacity to generate creative ideas is central to technological and cultural progress. Despite advances in the neuroscience of creativity, the field lacks clarity on whether a specific neural architecture distinguishes the highly creative brain. Using methods in network neuroscience, we modeled individual creative thinking ability as a function of variation in whole-brain functional connectivity. We identified a brain network associated with creative ability comprised of regions within default, salience, and executive systems—neural circuits that often work in opposition. Across four independent datasets, we show that a person’s capacity to generate original ideas can be reliably predicted from the strength of functional connectivity within this network, indicating that creative thinking ability is characterized by a distinct brain connectivity profile. People’s ability to think creatively is a primary means of technological and cultural progress, yet the neural architecture of the highly creative brain remains largely undefined. Here, we employed a recently developed method in functional brain imaging analysis—connectome-based predictive modeling—to identify a brain network associated with high-creative ability, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired from 163 participants engaged in a classic divergent thinking task. At the behavioral level, we found a strong correlation between creative thinking ability and self-reported creative behavior and accomplishment in the arts and sciences (r = 0.54). At the neural level, we found a pattern of functional brain connectivity related to high-creative thinking ability consisting of frontal and parietal regions within default, salience, and executive brain systems. In a leave-one-out cross-validation analysis, we show that this neural model can reliably predict the creative quality of ideas generated by novel participants within the sample. Furthermore, in a series of external validation analyses using data from two independent task fMRI samples and a large task-free resting-state fMRI sample, we demonstrate robust prediction of individual creative thinking ability from the same pattern of brain connectivity. The findings thus reveal a whole-brain network associated with high-creative ability comprised of cortical hubs within default, salience, and executive systems—intrinsic functional networks that tend to work in opposition—suggesting that highly creative people are characterized by the ability to simultaneously engage these large-scale brain networks.
HAPLOID MALE GERM CELLS SHOW NO SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TRANSFORMATION BY SIMIAN VIRUS 40 LARGE TUMOUR ANTIGEN IN TRANSGENIC MICE

Cell‐type specific tumorigenesis can be induced in transgenic mice by the directed expression of simian virus 40 (SV 40) large tumour antigen (TAg). In an attempt to determine the susceptibility of haploid male germ cells to neoplastic transformation by this oncogene, transgenic mice were generated that harboured a chimeric gene composed of the SV40 T antigen genes fused to the 2.3‐kb 5′ flanking sequences of the rat proacrosin gene. It was previously shown that this regulatory sequence is able specifically to direct the expression of CAT reporter gene in male germ cells with the onset of translation in early haploid male germ cells. The transgene showed regulated expression in male germ cells. Although T antigen immunostaining was detected specifically in spermatids, no testicular pathology was observed. This indicates that spermatids show no susceptibility to transformation by oncogene TAg. However, in about 10% of animals of two independent transgenic lines, we could find non‐testicular tumours in abdomen with a sarcoma‐like structure in advanced age which showed SV40 TAg expression.
Two Extremely Thermostable Xylanases of the Hyperthermophilic Bacterium Thermotoga maritima MSB8

During growth with xylose or xylan as the source of carbon, xylanase production by Thermotoga maritima MSB8 was enhanced about 10-fold compared with growth with glucose or starch. Two extremely thermostable endoxylanases (1,4-(beta)-d-xylan-xylanohydrolase, EC 3.2. 1.8), designated XynA and XynB, were identified and purified from cells of this organism. XynA and XynB occurred as proteins with apparent molecular masses of about 120 and 40 kDa, respectively, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Maximum activity at the optimal pH (pH 6.2 and pH 5.4 for XynA and XynB, respectively) was measured at about 92(deg)C for XynA (10-min assay) and at about 105(deg)C for XynB (5-min assay). XynB activity was stimulated twofold by the addition of 500 mM NaCl, while XynA displayed maximum activity without the addition of salt. Both xylanases were tolerant of relatively high salt concentrations. At 2 M (about 12% wt/vol) NaCl, XynA and XynB retained 49 and 65%, respectively, of their maximum activities. In contrast to XynB, XynA was able to adsorb to microcrystalline cellulose. Antibodies raised against a recombinant truncated XynA protein cross-reacted with XynB, indicating that the enzymes may have sequence or structural similarities. Part of the xylanase activity appeared to be associated with the outer membrane of T. maritima cells, since more than 40% of the total xylanase activity present in the crude cellular extract was found in the membrane fraction after high-speed centrifugation. Most of the membrane-bound activity appeared to be due to the 120-kDa xylanase XynA.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and their comorbid conditions: role in pathogenesis and treatment

As US military service members return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with elevated rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention has been increasingly focused on TBI/PTSD comorbidity, its neurobiological mechanisms, and novel and effective treatment approaches. TBI and PTSD, and their comorbid conditions, present with a spectrum of common clinical features such as sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, suicidality, chronic pain, and alterations in arousal. These TBI and PTSD disorders are also thought to be characterized by overlapping neural mechanisms. Both conditions are associated with changes in hippocampal, prefrontal cortical, and limbic region function because of alterations in synaptogenesis, dendritic remodeling, and neurogenesis. Neural changes in TBI and PTSD result from pathophysiological disturbances in metabolic, cytotoxic, inflammatory, and apoptic processes, amongst other mechanisms. Neurotrophins have well-established actions in regulating cell growth and survival, differentiation, apoptosis, and cytoskeleton restructuring. A body of research indicates that dysregulation of neural brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is found in conditions of TBI and PTSD. Induction of BDNF and activation of its intracellular receptors can produce neural regeneration, reconnection, and dendritic sprouting, and can improve synaptic efficacy. In this review, we consider treatment approaches that enhance BDNF-related signaling and have the potential to restore neural connectivity. Such treatment approaches could facilitate neuroplastic changes that lead to adaptive neural repair and reverse cognitive and emotional deficits in both TBI and PTSD.
Uncovering the phenomenon of Employees' Enterprise Social Software Use in the Post-Acceptance stage - proposing a Use Typology

Social software applications – such as wikis, weblogs, and social networking sites – have in recent years attracted the attention of organizations. However, a better understanding of employees’ enterprise social software use behaviors would help organizations to make better informed decisions regarding enterprise social software implementations. As an important step toward addressing this need, this study – on the basis of (i) qualitative empirical data and (ii) existing literature – identifies four post-acceptance information system (IS) use behaviors related to how employees leverage implemented enterprise social software platforms (ESSPs): Consumptive use, contributive use, hedonic use, and social use. A conceptualization of these four distinct use behaviors is proposed and subsequently validated based on data from 233 employees using an ESSP in the post-acceptance stage at a communications and high-tech sector organization. By providing an enterprise social software use framework, developing and rigorously validating an according measurement instrument, this study provides researchers as well as practitioners with a proven instrument to assess employees’ post-acceptance enterprise social software use behaviors.
Gender and Other Determinants of CPA Exam Success: A Survival Analysis

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of individual, institutional, and jurisdictional factors on the probability of passing the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. This is an important subject because the CPA designation is the most valuable credential for advancing an accounting professional’s career. Therefore, an understanding of factors that influence CPA exam success is essential. Using survival analysis and a large sample from NASBA of CPA exam candidate sittings from 2005-2013, the current study shows that the candidates were more likely to succeed on the CPA exam if they were male, younger, received a degree from a college or university with an AACSB accredited business school and separately AACSB accredited accounting program, and received a degree from a private college or university. Also, the more times that candidates sat for a section of the exam the less likely they were to pass the given section and the exam as a whole. Interestingly, candidates who sat for the exam in jurisdictions that have the 150 hour to sit requirement were no more likely to pass any part of the exam than candidates sitting in jurisdictions without the 150 hour to sit requirement.
Thrombin and Trypsin Activate Phospholipase C in Human Platelets via a Proteolytic-Mediated Pathway

Thrombin and trypsin, two proteases with overlapping cleavage specificity, activate human platelets by inducing the aggregation and release of serotonin from intracellular storage granules. To activate platelets, thrombin has to bind to the cell membrane and retain its proteolytic activity. It is apparent that binding and generation of the intra­ cellular signal are two separate processes. The pro­ teolytic action of thrombin on plasma membrane proteins is still poorly understood; thrombin catalyzes the cleavage of a specific platelet protein, termed "glycoprotein V," but the meaning of this reaction and the function or function of this protein are unknown. In platelets, thrombin elicits phospholipase Cinduced breakdown of polyphosphoinositides with the production of two putative second messengers, myo-inostiol-l,4,5-tris-phosphate and 1,2-diacylglycerol. The former has been connected to intracellu­ lar Ca + mobilization, and the latter is known to activate protein kinase C. In this article we show that trypsin also elicites phospholipase C-induced breakdown of polyphos­ phoinositides with formation of inositol phosphates (Table 1) and phosphorylation of 20,000 and 40,000 D proteins (Fig. 1), which are the substrates, respec­ tively, of myosin light chain kinase and protein kinase C. The autoradiograph in Figure 1 also shows that trypsin, but not thrombin, stimulates the phosphorylation of another protein, of approximate 25,000 D molecular weight. Leupeptin, a protease inhibitor produced by various species of actinomycetes, inhibits platelet activation induced by thrombin and trypsin; leupep­ tin does not inhibit thrombin proteolytic activity when assayed with synthetic substrates, and it does not inhibit thrombin binding to platelets. However, leupeptin inhibits platelet aggrega­ tion and serotonin release induced by thrombin and trypsin in a dose-dependent manner. It also inhibits thrombinand trypsin-induced formation of inositol phosphates (Table 1). Leupeptin also inhibits thrombin and trypsin-induced activation of protein kinase C and myosin light chain kinase in human platelets (Fig. 1); trypsin-induced phosphorylation of a 25,000 D protein is inhibited by leupeptin also (Fig. 1). Our study suggests that thrombinand trypsininduced activation of phospholipase C is related to their proteolytic activity: another possibility is that the initial degradation of plasma membrane pro­ teins induced by thrombin and trypsin could acti­ vate platelet endogenous proteases involved in transmembrane signalling. Indeed, platelet phos­ pholipase C is degraded by Ca-dependent pro­ teases when the cytosolic enzyme is isolated in the absence of leupeptin or ethylene glycol-bis (βaminoelthyl ether)-NN'-tetraacetic acid, and the proteolytic action of thrombin might affect guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins that could interact with platelet phospholipases.
Sampling plans for the assessment of Salmonella contamination

Divergent regulations can be found for the controlling of Salmonella in minced meat, which prescribe different sub-sample sizes at constant number of sub-samples. The parallel application of these plans provokes some basic thoughts about the attributive two-class planes with an acceptance number of c=0. Since all the sub-samples may be pooled and gathered in the same pre-enrichment broth, the theoretical sensitivity of a sampling plan for the detection of Salmonellae depends only on the total size of sample, while the size of sub-samples seems to be insignificant. However, if the microorganisms or nests of bacteria are not randomly distributed but heterogeneously, the total amount of sample should be divided into as many sub-units as possible.
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in tumorigenesis (Part II).

The rate-limiting step in arachidonate metabolism is mediated by enzymes known as cyclooxygenases (COXs). These enzymes catalyze the biosynthesis of prostaglandin H2, the precursor of molecules such as prostaglandins, prostacyclin, and thromboxanes. The COX enzyme family consists of the classical COX-1 enzyme, which is constitutively expressed in many tissues, and a second isozyme, i.e., COX-2, which is induced by various stimuli, such as mitogens and cytokines, and is involved in many inflammatory reactions. Because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, these drugs also cause unwanted side effects, exemplified by gastrointestinal bleeding. Accumulating evidence indicates that NSAIDs can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancers in human and experimental animals and can reduce the number and size of polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. This Part II (of a two-part review) focuses on the growing clinical and experimental evidence that NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitors can influence the risk of colon (and possibly of other) cancers.
THE EFFECT OF EARNINGS PER SHARE, BOOK VALUE AND SYSTEMATIC RISK ON EQUITY VALUATION IN MANUFACTURING COMPANY LISTED ON INDONESIAN STOCK EXCHANGE FOR THE YEAR 2011-2014

The objectives of this research are to measure the partial and simultaneous influence of : the Earning Per Share (EPS) on Equity Valuation, Book Value on Equity Valuation, and Systematic Risk on Equity Valuation. With a quantitative model employed, the data collected in this research are hence based on secondary sources of which are derived from audited financial statements published by the capital market reference centre at the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The research used random sampling method in selecting the researched sample. From the population of all manufacturing companies of 2011-2014 that consistently listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange, it was selected 96 mixed manufacturing companies as the research sample. This research used multiple linear regression equation to test the researched hypotheses and employed SPSS statistical software for data processing. The outcome of research indicated that Earning Per Share (EPS) partially has a significant positive influence on Equity Valuation; Book Value partially has a significant negative influence on Equity Valuation; Systematic Risk partially does not have a significant influence on the Equity Valuation; and Earning Per Share (EPS), Book Value, and Systematic Risk have a simultaneous influence on Equity Valuation. The using combined three variables of EPS, Book Value, and Systematic Risk influencing on Equity Valuation in the context of a combined type of manufacturing companies as a theoretical research framework with data sample from a listed manufacturing companies? audited financial statements as far as the researcher? s concerned is the novelty of this research. The major limitations of the research that it does not reflect deeply the performance of the industry and unable to capture the individual managerial perceptions involved in the industry
Design methodology for Booth-encoded Montgomery module design for RSA cryptosystem

In this paper, a design methodology for the design of a Montgomery module is proposed. We summarize the result in pseudo C-like codes and call it Booth-encoded Montgomery modular multiplication algorithm. Using this algorithm, iteration number is reduced to about n/2 in each Montgomery operation. In addition, we apply the folding and unfolding techniques to shorten the critical path. Finally, we propose the 4 bit-digit-serial pipelined architecture to process RSA encryption/decryption in a more efficient way. The speed of the proposed algorithm is approximately 1.7 times that of most RSA VLSI designs based on original Montgomery modular multiplication algorithm.