Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 3 accelerometer data reduction approaches, step counts, and 2 self-report measures for estimating physical activity in free-living adults.

BACKGROUND Accelerometers have become one of the most common methods of measuring physical activity (PA). Thus, validity of accelerometer data reduction approaches remains an important research area. Yet, few studies directly compare data reduction approaches and other PA measures in free-living samples. OBJECTIVE To compare PA estimates provided by 3 accelerometer data reduction approaches, steps, and 2 self-reported estimates: Crouter's 2-regression model, Crouter's refined 2-regression model, the weighted cut-point method adopted in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 cycles), steps, IPAQ, and 7-day PA recall. METHODS A worksite sample (N = 87) completed online-surveys and wore ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers and pedometers (SW-200) during waking hours for 7 consecutive days. Daily time spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous intensity activity and percentage of participants meeting PA recommendations were calculated and compared. RESULTS Crouter's 2-regression (161.8 ± 52.3 minutes/day) and refined 2-regression (137.6 ± 40.3 minutes/day) models provided significantly higher estimates of moderate and vigorous PA and proportions of those meeting PA recommendations (91% and 92%, respectively) as compared with the NHANES weighted cut-point method (39.5 ± 20.2 minutes/day, 18%). Differences between other measures were also significant. CONCLUSIONS When comparing 3 accelerometer cut-point methods, steps, and self-report measures, estimates of PA participation vary substantially.
Fixed wireless service coexistence with IMT-A system within UHF band

Coexistence analysis is exceedingly important in investigating the possibility for spectrum sharing between IMT-A system and existing wireless services. The 470–862 MHz frequency band is currently allocating to several services such fixed wireless access (FWA). International telecommunication union-radio (ITU-R) sector has allocated sub-bands within 470–862 MHz for IMT-A system. This concurrent operation causes a destructive interference that influences the coexisting feasibility between IMT-A and this existing service, FWA. This paper addresses a timely and topical problem dealing with spectrum sharing and coexistence between an IMT-A systems and FWA service within 790–862 MHz. Co-channel and adjacent channel with an overlapping band and with or without guard band are intersystem interference scenarios investigated. The deterministic analysis is carried out by spectral emission mask (SEM) technique. Different significant factors such as channel bandwidths, propagation path lengths, and clutter loss which influence the feasibility of coexistence are examined. Feasible coexistence coordination procedures in terms of separation distance, frequency offset, and guard band are suggested.
Antiplatelet therapy for patients with stable ischemic heart disease and baseline thrombocytopenia: Ask the hematologist

Abstract Baseline thrombocytopenia (TP) is relatively common in patients referred for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Its detection may have implications for long-term antiplatelet medication prescription and adherence. The aim of this article is to review several practical aspects in managing patients with baseline TP and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Moving from two clinical cases, we tried to picture cardiological scenarios associated with baseline TP and to provide flow charts for patient’s management which take into consideration both the cardiological and the hematological conditions. TP in patients with stable CAD on antiplatelet treatment may follow diverse clinical courses depending upon TP inferred etiology, baseline degree of thrombocytopenia and its time course as outlined by previous complete blood counts, when available. Evaluation of these three parameters may guide the planning of further patient work-up and the choice of the most appropriate cardiological treatment (medical, invasive with stent implantation or coronary artery bypass). A multidisciplinary evaluation comprehensive of hematological counseling is also recommended in these patients before planning prolonged dual anti-platelet therapy.
Feeding pregnant rats a protein-restricted diet persistently alters the methylation of specific cytosines in the hepatic PPARα promoter of the offspring

Induction of an altered phenotype by prenatal under-nutrition involves changes in the epigenetic regulation of specific genes. We investigated the effect of feeding pregnant rats a protein-restricted (PR) diet with different amounts of folic acid on the methylation of individual CpG dinucleotides in the hepatic PPARα promoter in juvenile offspring, and the effect of the maternal PR diet on CpG methylation in adult offspring. Pregnant rats (five per group) were fed 180 g/kg casein (control) or 90 g/kg casein with 1 mg/kg folic acid (PR), or 90 g/kg casein and 5 mg/kg folic acid (PRF). Offspring were killed on postnatal day 34 (five males and females per group) and day 80 (five males per group). Methylation of sixteen CpG dinucleotides in the PPARα promoter was measured by pyrosequencing. Mean PPARα promoter methylation in the PR offspring (4·5 %) was 26 % lower than controls (6·1 %) due to specific reduction at CpG dinucleotides 2 (40 %), 3 (43 %), 4 (33 %) and 16 (48 %) (P < 0·05). There was no significant difference in methylation at these CpG between control and PRF offspring. Methylation of CpG 5 and 8 was higher (47 and 63 %, respectively, P < 0·05) in the PRF offspring than control or PR offspring. The methylation pattern in day 80 PR offspring was comparable to day 34 PR offspring. These data show for the first time that prenatal nutrition induces differential changes to the methylation of individual CpG dinucleotides in juvenile rats which persist in adults.
Frequency and phenotypic implications of mitochondrial DNA mutations in human squamous cell cancers of the head and neck

Mitochondrial genomic mutations are found in a variety of human cancers; however, the frequency of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in coding regions remains poorly defined, and the functional effects of mitochondrial mutations found in primary human cancers are not well described. Using MitoChip, we sequenced the whole mitochondrial genome in 83 head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Forty-one of 83 (49%) tumors contained mtDNA mutations. Mutations occurred within noncoding (D-loop) and coding regions. A nonrandom distribution of mutations was found throughout the mitochondrial enzyme complex components. Sequencing of margins with dysplasia demonstrated an identical nonconservative mitochondrial mutation (A76T in ND4L) as the tumor, suggesting a role of mtDNA mutation in tumor progression. Analysis of p53 status showed that mtDNA mutations correlated positively with p53 mutations (P < 0.002). To characterize biological function of the mtDNA mutations, we cloned NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) mutants based on primary tumor mutations. Expression of the nuclear-transcribed, mitochondrial-targeted ND2 mutants resulted in increased anchorage-dependent and -independent growth, which was accompanied by increased reactive oxygen species production and an aerobic glycolytic metabolic phenotype with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α induction that is reversible by ascorbate. Cancer-specific mitochondrial mutations may contribute to development of a malignant phenotype by direct genotoxic effects from increased reactive oxygen species production as well as induction of aerobic glycolysis and growth promotion.
Efficacy of communication skills training for giving bad news and discussing transitions to palliative care.

BACKGROUND Few studies have assessed the efficacy of communication skills training for postgraduate physician trainees at the level of behaviors. We designed a residential communication skills workshop (Oncotalk) for medical oncology fellows. The intervention design built on existing successful models by teaching specific communication tasks linked to the patient's trajectory of illness. This study evaluated the efficacy of Oncotalk in changing observable communication behaviors. METHODS Oncotalk was a 4-day residential workshop emphasizing skills practice in small groups. This preintervention and postintervention cohort study involved 115 medical oncology fellows from 62 different institutions during a 3-year study. The primary outcomes were observable participant communication skills measured during standardized patient encounters before and after the workshop in giving bad news and discussing transitions to palliative care. The standardized patient encounters were audiorecorded and assessed by blinded coders using a validated coding system. Before-after comparisons were made using each participant as his or her own control. RESULTS Compared with preworkshop standardized patient encounters, postworkshop encounters showed that participants acquired a mean of 5.4 bad news skills (P<.001) and a mean of 4.4 transitions skills (P<.001). Most changes in individual skills were substantial; for example, in the bad news encounter, 16% of participants used the word "cancer" when giving bad news before the workshop, and 54% used it after the workshop (P<.001). Also in the bad news encounter, blinded coders were able to identify whether a standardized patient encounter occurred before or after the workshop in 91% of the audiorecordings. CONCLUSION Oncotalk represents a successful teaching model for improving communication skills for postgraduate medical trainees.
Different domains of Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxins can bind to insect midgut membrane proteins on ligand blots

We investigated the role of the constituent domains of the CryIA(b) and CryIA(c) delta-endotoxins in binding to midgut epithelial cell membrane proteins of Spodoptera exigua and Manduca sexta on ligand blots. A collection of wild-type and CryIC-CryIA hybrid toxins was used for this purpose. As demonstrated elsewhere (R. A. de Maagd, M. S. G. Kwa, H. van der Klei, T. Yamamoto, B. Schipper, J. M. Vlak, W. J. Stiekema, and D. Bosch, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 62:1537-1543, 1996), CryIA(b) domain III recognized a 205-kDa protein on S. exigua blots, while no specific binding by domain I or II could be detected. In contrast, on ligand blots of M. sexta proteins CryIA(b) domain II recognized a 210-kDa protein and CryIA(b) domain III recognized a 250-kDa protein. Domain III is responsible for the interaction of CryIA(c) with 120-kDa major binding proteins of both S. exigua and M. sexta. In addition, in M. sexta CryIA(c) also reacts with a 210-kDa binding protein through its domain I and/or domain II. These results show that besides domain II, domain III of delta-endotoxins plays a major role in binding to putative receptors on ligand blots. However, for S. exigua there was no clear correlation between binding of toxins on ligand blots and the in vivo toxicity of the toxins. These and previous results suggest that interactions of insect membrane proteins with both domain II and domain III can occur and that detection of these interactions depends on the type of binding assay used.
A Markov regime switching approach to estimating the volatility of Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) returns

The study used the Markov regime switching model to investigate the presence of regimes in the volatility dynamics of the returns of JSE All-Share Index (ALSI). Volatility regimes are as a result of sudden changes in the underlying economy generating the market returns. In all, twelve candidate models were fitted to the data. Estimates from the regime switching model were compared to the industry standard non-switching GARCH (1,1) using the Deviance Information Criteria (DIC). The results show that the two-regime switching EGARCH model with skewed Student t innovations describes better the return of the JSE Index. Additionally, we backtest the model results in order to confirm our findings that the two-regime switching EGARCH is the best of the models for the sample period.
Function of the R Domain in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Chloride Channel*

For a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel to enter its open state, serine residues in the R domain must be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and intracellular ATP must bind to the nucleotide-binding folds and subsequently be hydrolyzed. CFTR with its R domain partially removed, ΔR(708–835)-CFTR, forms a chloride channel that opens independently of protein kinase A phosphorylation, with open probability approximately one-third that of the wild type CFTR channel. Deletion of this portion of the R domain from CFTR alters the response of the channel to 5′-adenylylimidodiphosphate, pyrophosphate, and vanadate, compounds that prolong burst duration of the wild type CFTR channel but fail to do so in the ΔR-CFTR. In addition, the addition of exogenous unphosphorylated R domain protein, which blocks the wild type CFTR channel, has no effect on the ΔR-CFTR channel. However, when the exogenous R domain is phosphorylated, significant stimulation of the ΔR-CFTR channel results;P o increases from 0.10 to 0.22. These data are consistent with a model for CFTR function in which the R domain in the unphosphorylated state interacts with the first nucleotide binding fold to inhibit either binding or hydrolysis of ATP or transduction of the effect to open the pore, but when the R domain is phosphorylated, it undergoes conformational change and interacts at a separate site in the first nucleotide binding fold to stimulate either binding or hydrolysis of ATP or transduction of the effect to open the pore.
Genetics of multiple sclerosis: swimming in an ocean of data.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Major advances in the genetics of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been reported in 2011. These include studies in gene mapping, functional characterization of previously associated genes, and the relationship between genes and the environment. While particularly true for gene discovery, each of these efforts requires substantial statistics and computational resources for adequate analysis. This review describes the major advances in the genetics of MS with a slight emphasis on data handling and analysis. RECENT FINDINGS Articles discussed include a new genome-wide association study (GWAS) with almost 10 000 cases (a collaboration between the Wellcome Trust and the international MS Genetics Consortium) that identified new susceptibility loci, taking the total number of risk alleles to more than 50. An article describing the use of next-generation sequencing to identify a rare mutation in CYP27B1 in a MS family is also discussed. Moreover, a summary of recent reports describing functional studies of MS-associated genes as well as the latest research on the interactions between genes and the environment is provided. SUMMARY This review provides a concise summary of the most relevant studies in the genetics of MS in the past year. We raise awareness about analytical resources to successfully analyze the massive datasets characteristic of today's genetic studies.
The Relationship between Accounting Indicators and Market Value of Russian Companies with Different Growth Potential

The paper investigates relationship between accounting and market indicators of Russian companies. The goal of the paper is to test the hypothesis that the power of companies’ book value and earnings in explaining market value varies across Russian firms with different growth potential. Empirical study was carried out on the basis of 41 Russian traded companies that provided financial reports in accordance with international financial reporting standards (IFRS) for 2007–2013. These companies were divided into three groups using price-to-earnings indicator: with high, medium and low growth potential. The linear regression model based on the Ohlson’s theoretical model was tested both on the whole sample of companies and on each subsample, the latter constituting a piece-wise linear function (growthbased model, GBM). The results of the tests show that GBM shows better accuracy in predicting companies’ market capitalization than basic linear model. This result contributes to the stream of literature on non-linear equity valuation and provides insights for valuing Russian companies.
Effect of intravenous iron on haemodialysis catheter microbial colonization and blood‐borne infection

Background: Intravenous (i.v.) iron is employed to treat absolute and relative iron deficiency in end‐stage renal disease patients. However, there exists the possibility that i.v. iron increases infection risk. This pilot study examines whether i.v. iron gluconate acutely increases tunnelled haemodialysis catheter colonization, microbial growth, or blood‐borne infection.
Migration from printing inks in multilayer food packaging materials by GC-MS analysis and pattern recognition with chemometrics

ABSTRACT Inks and varnishes used in food packaging multilayer materials can contain different substances that are potential migrants when packaging is in contact with food. Although printing inks are applied on the external layer, they can migrate due to set-off phenomena. In order to assess food safety, migration tests were performed from two materials sets: set A based on paper and set B based on PET; both contained inks. Migration was performed to four food simulants (EtOH 50%, isooctane, EtOH 95% and Tenax®) and the volatile compounds profile was analysed by GC-MS. The effect of presence/absence of inks and varnishes and also their position in the material was studied. A total of 149 volatile compounds were found in migration from set A and 156 from set B materials, some of them came from inks. Quantitative analysis and a principal component analysis were performed in order to identify patterns among sample groups.
A Brief Analysis of the Disputes Arising from China-African Civil and Commercial Transactions

Abstract: With the frequent civil and commercial transactions between China and Africa, more and more legal disputes arose as a result. Currently the civil and commercial disputes are mainly the contractual disputes, letter of credit or guarantee disputes, labor disputes, marine disputes and delictual disputes. These disputes often occur in the African countries and are often settled in African courts or arbitral institutions. Under the current legal systems and legal traditions in many African countries and in China, it is more preferable to settle such disputes through arbitration in stead of through litigation for the Chinese parties as well as for the African parties doing business in China.
Big Mitogen-activated Kinase Regulates Multiple Members of the MEF2 Protein Family*

Big mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase (BMK1), a member of the mammalian MAP kinase family, is activated by growth factors. The activation of BMK1 is required for growth factor-induced cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. We have previously shown that BMK1 regulates c-jun gene expression through direct phosphorylation and activation of transcription factor MEF2C. MEF2C belongs to the myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) protein family, a four-membered family of transcription factors denoted MEF2A, -2B, -2C, and -2D. Here, we demonstrate that, in addition to MEF2C, BMK1 phosphorylates and activates MEF2A and MEF2D but not MEF2B. The blocking of BMK1 signaling inhibits the epidermal growth factor-dependent activation of these three MEF2 transcription factors. The sites phosphorylated by activated BMK1 were mapped to Ser-355, Thr-312, and Thr-319 of MEF2A and Ser-179 of MEF2D both in vitro and in vivo. Site-directed mutagenesis reveals that the phosphorylation of these sites in MEF2A and MEF2D are necessary for the induction of MEF2A and 2D transactivating activity by either BMK1 or by epidermal growth factor. Taken together, these data demonstrate that, upon growth factor induction, BMK1 directly phosphorylates and activates three members of the MEF2 family of transcription factors thereby inducing MEF2-dependent gene expression.
Mejoramiento del proceso de compras para la empresa GV ingenieros basados en las normas ISO 9001:2008 Y OHSAS 18001:2007 en la ciudad de Bogotá D.C.

Con base en los conocimientos adquiridos en el seminario de sistemas integrados de gestion orientado por la empresa HS ademas la informacion se obtuvo por parte de la empresa GV INGENIEROS, la cual fue utilizada para documentar el sistema de gestion HSEQ y asi lograr realizar mejoramientos necesarios en la gestion de proveedores y sub programa de higiene y seguridad industrial, estos mejoramientos a estos sistemas de gestion brinda una ventaja competitiva a la empresa, con este trabajo podemos concluir que para poder realizar los mejoramientos y estos surtan el efecto esperado es necesario crear conciencia a todo el personal de la empresa a fin de cumplir con los compromisos adquiridos tanto con los clientes, como con los entes certificadores del sistema de gestion HSEQ con el que cuenta la empresa y asi lograr que este se mantenga.
Alcohol exposure alters DNA methylation profiles in mouse embryos at early neurulation

Alcohol exposure during development can cause variable neurofacial deficit and growth retardation known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The mechanism underlying FASD is not fully understood. However, alcohol, which is known to affect methyl donor metabolism, may induce aberrant epigenetic changes contributing to FASD. Using a tightly controlled whole-embryo culture, we investigated the effect of alcohol exposure (88mM) at early embryonic neurulation on genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression in the C57BL/6 mouse. The DNA methylation landscape around promoter CpG islands at early mouse development was analyzed using MeDIP (methylated DNA immunoprecipitation) coupled with microarray (MeDIP-chip). At early neurulation, genes associated with high CpG promoters (HCP) had a lower ratio of methylation but a greater ratio of expression. Alcohol-induced alterations in DNA methylation were observed, particularly in genes on chromosomes 7, 10, and X; remarkably, a >10 fold increase in the number of genes with increased methylation on chromosomes 10 and X was observed in alcohol-exposed embryos with a neural tube defect phenotype compared to embryos without a neural tube defect. Significant changes in methylation were seen in imprinted genes, genes known to play roles in cell cycle, growth, apoptosis, cancer, and in a large number of genes associated with olfaction. Altered methylation was associated with significant (p
Specific Glycosidase Activity Isolated from a Random Phage Display Antibody Library

Carbohydrates serve as key receptor sites in various cellular events such as viral attachment, tumor formation, and tissue inflammation. A potential route to control these events is to manipulate targeted carbohydrate structures in vivo using specifically designed glycohydrolases. Here we show that a stereospecific catalytic activity designed toward a particular sugar and linkage can be readily isolated from a phage display antibody library derived from a nonimmunized host. The activity was isolated using a transition‐state analogue mimicking an α‐glucosidasic linkage as antigen and showed a 20‐fold specificity for that sugar and linkage. The DNA sequence, however, contains a large deletion in the antibody gene, which also changes the downstream reading frame, resulting in a translated sequence containing only 57 amino acids that has a predominantly hydrophobic amino terminal and a strongly hydrophilic carboxy terminal. The isolated catalytic activity has a strong pH dependence, attributable to one or more of the numerous potentially charged groups in the carboxyl terminal. While the protein readily forms more stable multimers, the 7.3‐kD monomer represents by far the smallest glycosidase enzyme reported to date and can provide substantial new information toward understanding and modifying glycosidase activity.