Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Subclasses of Human γ2-Globulin Based on Differences in the Heavy Polypeptide Chains

Three subclasses of human γ2-globulin (IgG) molecules were detected in normal human serum with antiserums prepared in monkeys. These subclasses, designated γ2a-, γ2b-, and γ2c-globulins, have antibody activity. The distinguishing antigenic characteristics of each subclass were associated with the heavy polypeptide chains and the F (fast) fragments resulting from treatment of γ2-globulins with papain.
Partial discharge detection and localization of defected power cable using HFCT and UHF sensors

This paper proposes two alternative methods for online partial discharge (PD) detection and localization of a 6.2/7 kV XLPE insulated medium voltage (MV) power cable. The artificial defect as surface discharge was made in the middle of the cable at the joint connecting between two of 10 m length cables with 50 sq.mm diameter. Therefore, the total length of the cable is 20 m. In addition, the corona discharge was also made at the end of cable termination. The PD measurement was performed under uncontrollable noises with limitations of cable characteristics. UHF and HFCT sensors together with their supplemented techniques as Trending method for UHF sensor as well as Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technique for HFCT sensor are applied in the experiment in order to identify and locate the PD types. The results for PD identification and localization of both UHF and HFCT sensors are satisfied.
Loss of RD1 contributed to the attenuation of the live tuberculosis vaccines Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Mycobacterium microti

Although large human populations have been safely immunized against tuberculosis with two live vaccines, Mycobacterium bovis BCG or Mycobacterium microti, the vole bacillus, the molecular basis for the avirulence of these vaccine strains remains unknown. Comparative genomics has identified a series of chromosomal deletions common to both virulent and avirulent species but only a single locus, RD1, that has been deleted from M. bovis BCG and M. microti. Restoration of RD1, by gene knock‐in, resulted in a marked change in colonial morphology towards that of virulent tubercle bacilli. Three RD1‐encoded proteins were localized in the cell wall, and two of them, the immunodominant T‐cell antigens ESAT‐6 and CFP‐10, were also found in culture supernatants. The BCG::RD1 and M. microti::RD1 knock‐ins grew more vigorously than controls in immunodeficient mice, inducing extensive splenomegaly and granuloma formation. Increased persistence and partial reversal of attenuation were observed when immunocompetent mice were infected with the BCG::RD1 knock‐in, whereas BCG controls were cleared. Knocking‐in five other RD loci did not affect the virulence of BCG. This study describes a genetic lesion that contributes to safety and opens new avenues for vaccine development.
Hardware-in-the-loop testing of PV control systems using RT-Lab simulator

This paper presents a testing system for power converters control units. A hardware-in-the-loop test bench is designed for assessing control unit performances. A photovoltaic generator, coupled with a boost circuit, is software-simulated within a real-time environment, RT-Lab and coupled in closed loop with the physical control unit to be tested.
Insider Threats: Detecting and Controlling Malicious Insiders

Malicious insiders are posing unique security challenges to organizations due to their knowledge, capabilities, and authorized access to information systems. Data theft and IT sabotage are two of the most recurring themes among crimes committed by malicious insiders. This paper aims to investigate the scale and scope of malicious insider risks and explore the impact of such threats on business operations. Organizations need to implement a multi layered defensive approaches to combat insider risks; safeguarding sensitive business information from malicious insiders require firstly, an effective security policy that communicates consequences of stealing or leaking confidential information in an unauthorized manner. Secondly, logging and monitoring employee activity is essential in detecting and controlling system vulnerabilities to malicious insiders. Thirdly, conducting periodic and consistent insider vulnerability assessments is critical to identifying any gaps in security controls and preventing insiders from exploiting them. And lastly, but certainly not least, taking extra caution with privileged users is important to proactively protecting information infrastructure from insider risks.
Characterization of the physical demands of firefighting.

To characterize the physical demands associated with on-the-job use of current firefighting equipment and the performance of essential firefighting operations, an initial task analysis of all firefighting operations was followed by an in-depth physical and physiological characterization of those tasks deemed to be physically demanding. The most commonly encountered applications of strength and endurance were lifting and carrying objects (up to 80 lbs), pulling objects (up to 135 lbs), and working with objects in front of the body (up to 125 lbs). The most demanding firefighting operations required a mean VO2 of 41.5 ml/kg.min-1 with peak lactate concentrations of 6 to 13.2 mM. Ninety percent of the demanding firefighting operations that were studied required a mean VO2 of 23 ml/kg.min-1. These aerobic energy requirements corresponded to 85 and 50% VO2max, respectively. Therefore a minimum VO2max standard for firefighter applicants of 45 ml/kg.min-1 is recommended.
A reduced protein model with accurate native‐structure identification ability

A protein model that is simple enough to be used in protein‐folding simulations but accurate enough to identify a protein native fold is described. Its geometry consists of describing the residues by one, two, or three pseudoatoms, depending on the residue size. Its energy is given by a pairwise, knowledge‐based potential obtained for all the pseudoatoms as a function of their relative distance. The pseudoatomic potential is also a function of the primary chain separation and residue order. The model is tested by gapless threading on a large, representative set of known protein and decoy structures obtained from the “Decoys ‘R’ Us” database. It is also tested by threading on gapped decoys generated for proteins with many homologs. The gapless threading tests show near 98% native‐structure recognition as the lowest energy structure and almost 100% as one of the three lowest energy structures for over 2200 test proteins. In decoy threading tests, the model recognized the majority of the native structures. It is also able to recognize native structures among gapped decoys, in spite of close structural similarities. The results indicate that the pseudoatomic model has native recognition ability similar to comparable atomic‐based models but much better than equivalent residue‐based models. Proteins 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atmospheric transmittance from spacecraft using multiple view angle imagery.

A procedure for determining atmospheric transmittance using surface images acquired at several view angles from space is presented. Fourier filtering of the image data is used to mitigate the effects of atmospheric path radiance and instrument noise. Although it is essential for some contrast to be present in the images, knowledge of the atmospheric scattering phase function or the surface bidirectional reflectance function is not required. The method appears to provide absolute transmittances with an accuracy of better than 10%, which is useful in some applications.
Efficient strategies to detect genome editing and integrity in CRISPR-Cas9 engineered ESCs

CRISPR-mediated genome engineering provides a powerful tool to study the function of genes and proteins. In the past decades, the advances in genome and transcriptome sequencing techniques have shed light on the genetic causes underlying many human diseases, such as neurodevelopmental disabilities or cancer. Sometimes, a single point-mutation in a protein coding gene has been identified as the primary cause of the disease. CRISPR-Cas offers the possibility to introduce or remove such a mutation of interest to understand disease mechanisms and even bears therapeutic potential. We describe the adaptation of an experimental strategy that allows the mutation of protein residues in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and propose a new screening method, Mismatch-qPCR, to reliably detect editing events in clonal cell lines as an alternative to restriction digest or Sanger sequencing. Finally, we show that RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) data or low-coverage genomic sequencing data can be used to detect large chromosomal deletions and rearrangements that frequently occur at the CRISPR-targeting site.
Efficient parallel algorithms for selection and searching on sorted matrices

Parallel algorithms for more general versions of the well known selection and searching problems are formulated. The authors look at these problems when the set of elements can be represented as an n*n matrix with sorted rows and columns. The selection algorithm takes O(lognloglogn log* n) time with O(n/log nlog* n) processors on an EREW PRAM. The searching algorithm takes O(loglogn) time with O(n/loglogn) processors on a CREW PRAM, which is optimal. The authors also show that no algorithm using at most n log/sup c/ n processors, c>or=1, can solve the matrix search problem in time faster than Omega (log log n). <<ETX>>
Transdermal testosterone therapy improves well-being, mood, and sexual function in premenopausal women

ObjectiveCirculating testosterone in women declines during the late reproductive years such that otherwise healthy women in their 40s have approximately half the testosterone level as women in their 20s. Despite this, research showing the benefits of androgen replacement has been limited to the postmenopausal years. In view of the known premenopausal physiological decline in testosterone, we have evaluated the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood, well-being, and sexual function in eugonadal, premenopausal women presenting with low libido. DesignPremenopausal women with low libido participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, efficacy study of testosterone cream (10 mg/day) with two double-blind, 12-week, treatment periods separated by a single-blind, 4-week, washout period. ResultsThirty-four women completed the study per protocol, with 31 women (mean age 39.7 ± 4.2 years; serum testosterone 1.07 + 0.50 nmol/L) providing complete data. Testosterone therapy resulted in statistically significant improvements in the composite scores of the Psychological General Well-Being Index [+12.9 (95% CI, +4.6 to +21.2), P = 0.003] and the Sabbatsberg Sexual Self-Rating Scale [+15.7 (95% CI, +6.5 to +25.0), P = 0.001] compared with placebo. A mean decrease in the Beck Depression Inventory score approached significance [−2.8 (95% CI, −5.7 to +0.1), P = 0.06]. Mean total testosterone levels during treatment were at the high end of the normal range, and estradiol was unchanged. No adverse effects were reported. ConclusionsTestosterone therapy improves well-being, mood, and sexual function in premenopausal women with low libido and low testosterone. As a substantial number of women experience diminished sexual interest and well-being during their late reproductive years, further research is warranted to evaluate the benefits and safety of longer-term intervention.
Stages of change for sugar and fat reduction in an adolescent sample.

OBJECTIVES To apply the stages of change model for sugar and fat intakes in a sample of adolescents and to assess the factors influencing young people's ability to change their eating patterns. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN Self complete questionnaires assessed young people's readiness to change both their sugar and fat intakes in a cross sectional study. PARTICIPANTS The study sample consisted of 479 young people aged 13-14 years attending four mixed ability state secondary schools in Camden, North London. RESULTS A sizeable proportion of the sample were either in the precontemplation or action stages for their sugar or fat consumption. There were significant differences between the males and females. Application of the stages of change model produced very similar results for both sugar and fat consumption. The main reason given for reducing sugar or fat intakes was a desire to improve appearance through losing weight. Direct health concerns were less of a concern. A range of social and structural factors were identified by the sample as having an influence over their ability to make future dietary changes. CONCLUSIONS Future oral health promotion interventions designed to promote healthier eating practices amongst young people need to recognise the various stages of change young people may be in and develop appropriate measures to meet their needs.
Effect of early short-term cardiac rehabilitation after acute ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction on 1-year mortality

Abstract Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of short-term cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on clinical events during a 1-year follow-up after acute myocardial infarction. Methods: From the observational, prospective Acute COronary Syndromes (ACOS) registry, 4547 consecutive patients after ST-elevation (STEMI: n = 2432) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI: n = 2115), recruited between June 2000 and December 2002, were characterised and evaluated for clinical outcomes during a 1-year follow-up. From the STEMI group 67.8% and from the NSTEMI group 52.3% participated in cardiac rehabilitation (CR+). Results: Age > 70 years and previous myocardial infarction were independent predictors not to attend CR in STEMI and NSTEMI patients, whereas early revascularisation (<48 hours after hospital admission) was associated with increased likelihood to undergo CR. Multivariable analysis adjusting for propensity score shows that CR+ was independently associated with a significant reduction of all-cause mortality (STEMI: OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28–0.60; NSTEMI: OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.76) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; STEMI: OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.89; NSTEMI: OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.98) during a 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The study shows an independent and strong association of CR+ with markedly reduced total mortality and MACCE during a 1-year follow-up after STEMI or NSTEMI. The limitation of the study is that it is not a prospective randomised trial. Furthermore, unequal distribution of risk factors relevant for long-term prognosis had to be corrected by multivariable analysis adjusting for propensity score.
Enhanced MPSM3 for Applications to Quantum Biological Simulations

Classical molecular dynamics simulations have been the preferred method to cope with the characteristic sizes and time scales of complex life-science systems. However, while classical methods have well known limitations, such as that their accuracy strongly depends on empirical tuning, the practical use of far more accurate methods that rely on quantum Hamiltonians, has been limited by the current efficiency and scalability of sparse matrix-matrix multiplication algorithms used in the self-consistent field equations. In this paper, we show unprecedented massive scalability of a recently presented method, called MPSM3, for sparse matrix-matrix multiplication. The algorithmic basis of the method was presented in a recent publication, while here we describe the algorithmic enhancements that allow us to claim at least one order of magnitude improvement in scalability and time to solution over the state of the art (original MPSM3). We achieve a time to solution for the multiplication of density matrices within the self-consistent field scheme that is approaching the time needed to evaluate energy and forces with classical force-field methods and that is independent from the system size, provided proportional resources. This latest development renders the application of entirely quantum Hamiltonians to systems of several millions of atoms for extended molecular dynamics investigations feasible.
Time-Dependent Predictive Values of Prognostic Biomarkers With Failure Time Outcome

In a prospective cohort study, information on clinical parameters, tests, and molecular markers often is collected. Such information is useful to predict patient prognosis and to select patients for targeted therapy. We propose a new graphical approach, the positive predictive value (PPV) curve, to quantify the predictive accuracy of prognostic markers measured on a continuous scale with censored failure time outcome. The proposed method highlights the need to consider both predictive values and the marker distribution in the population when evaluating a marker, and it provides a common scale for comparing different markers. We consider both semiparametric- and nonparametric-based estimating procedures. In addition, we provide asymptotic distribution theory and resampling-based procedures for making statistical inference. We illustrate our approach with numerical studies and data sets from the Seattle Heart Failure Study.
Evaluation of Soil Test Phosphorus Extractants in Idaho Soils

Evaluation of soil-phosphorus (P) tests is critical to ensure the accuracy of fertilizer recommendations to optimize crop yield while minimizing negative environmental consequences. Olsen-P is the most commonly used soil-P test for alkaline calcareous soils found in Idaho and the Western United States. The Bray-1 test is commonly used in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) on neutral to acidic soils but underestimates P in alkaline calcareous soils. Mehlich-3 has been evaluated throughout various regions in the United States. Little data evaluating the test exists on soils in the Western United States. Additionally, the comparatively newly developed H3A test, a component of the soil health tool, has not been widely evaluated on alkaline calcareous soils. Soil samples from the 0- to 30-cm depth were collected from agricultural fields throughout Idaho and analyzed using Bray-1, H3A, Mehlich-3, and Olsen P extractants. Results suggested that Olsen P was strongly correlated with Mehlich-3, while Bray-1 and H3A were not correlated with Olsen P. Both the Bray-1 and H3A test underestimated extractable P when compared with the Olsen P test, whereas the Mehlich-3 overestimated. A threshold point in calcium carbonate (i.e., inorganic carbon (IC)) of 6.7 and 5.1 mg kg-1 for the Bray-1 and H3A was obtained, respectively, that indicated inorganic carbon concentrations at or above these levels result in underestimation of extractable soil P. Thus, Mehlich-3 was very strongly correlated to Olsen P and could be evaluated for use in alkaline calcareous soils whereas Bray-1 and H3A have notable issues that would limit their applicability.
Colonization factors of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated from children with diarrhea in Argentina

A prospective study was performed to evaluate the presence of colonization factor antigens (CFAs) in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains isolated from 1,211 children with diarrhea in Argentina. One hundred nine ETEC strains that were isolated from seven different laboratories in various regions of the country were tested for CFAs by using monoclonal antibodies against CFA/I and E. coli surface antigens CS1, CS2, and CS3 of CFA/II and CS4 and CS5 of CFA/IV; a polyclonal antiserum against CS6 was used. The CFAs searched for were found in 52% of the ETEC strains: 23% of the strains carried CFA/I, 17% carried CFA/IV, and 12% carried CFA/II. All of the CFA/I strains produced heat-stable enterotoxin, and several of them were of the prevalent serotypes O153:H45 and O78:H12. Among the 19 strains expressing CFA/IV, 16 expressed CS5 and CS6 and produced the heat-stable enterotoxin and most were of serotype O128:H21; the remaining 3 strains produced CS6 only. No ETEC strains expressing CS4 were found. Most (11 of 13) of the CFA/II-carrying ETEC strains expressed CS1 and CS3, and 10 of them were of the O6:K15:H16 serotype and produced both heat-labile and heat-stable toxins. As many as 24 of the 109 CFA-negative ETEC strains gave mannose-resistant hemagglutination with erythrocytes from different species; 4 strains had high surface hydrophobicity, suggesting the presence of additional, as yet undefined, colonization factors in up to 25% of the ETEC isolates.
Risk stratification in stable coronary artery disease is possible at cardiac troponin levels below conventional detection and is improved by use of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide

Aims Low prevalence of detectable cardiac troponin in healthy people and low-risk patients previously curtailed its use. With a new high-sensitive cardiac troponin assay (hs-cTnT), concentrations below conventional detection may have prognostic value, notably in combination with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP). Methods and results Biomarker concentrations were determined from serum obtained at enrolment in the CLARICOR trial involving 4197 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) followed for 2.6 years. Serum hs-cTnT was detectable (above 3 ng/l) in 78% and above the conventional 99th percentile (13.5 ng/l) in 23%. Across all levels of hs-cTnT there was a graded increase in the risk of cardiovascular death after adjustment for known prognostic indicators: hazard ratio (HR) per unit increase in the natural logarithm of the hs-cTnT level, 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.23–1.81; similarly for all-cause mortality (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.29–1.70) and myocardial infarction (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13–1.67). Increasing values of hs-cTnT were associated with increased mortality across all values of NT-pro-BNP, but this was particularly prominent when NT-pro-BNP >400 ng/l. Conclusions In patients with stable CAD, any detectable hs-cTnT level is significantly associated with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular death, and myocardial infarction after adjustment for traditional risk factors and NT-pro-BNP. Excess mortality is particularly pronounced in patients with NT-pro-BNP >400 ng/l.