Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linkage Analysis of Moyamoya Disease on Chromosome 6

Genetic factors have been suggested to contribute to the etiology of moyamoya disease. The authors have previously reported an association between moyamoya disease and several alleles for human leukocyte antigens (HLA). To further specify the genetic component of moyamoya disease, a linkage study of moyamoya disease using markers on chromosome 6, where the HLA gene is located, was performed. The 15 microsatellite markers of chromosome 6 were studied in 20 affected sibling pairs. From an identical-by-descent analysis of these markers, an allele with possible linkage to moyamoya disease was identified. Sharing of the allele among affected members in 19 families was investigated, considering the haplotype. The marker, D6S441, might be linked to moyamoya disease. Considering the haplotype, the allele was shared among the affected members in 16 (82%) of the 19 families, but not in two others. In one family, sharing of the allele could not be determined because of low heterozygosity. Further studies are necessary to clarify multiple genetic factors that are definitely linked with moyamoya disease. (J Child Neurol 2000;15:179-182).
Taxonomic analysis of cryptococcus species complex strain S8012 revealed Cryptococcus gattii with high heterogeneity on the genetics.

BACKGROUND Initially, Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans was previously divided into two varieties comprising C. neoformans var. neoformans and C. neoformans var. gattii. Currently, taxonomic studies defined C. neoformans as C. species complex, which contains C. neoformans var. neoformans (serotype D), the hybrid isolates (serotype AD), C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) and C. gattii (serotypes B and C). However, Liao and his team once isolated a unique C. gattii isolate, namely strain S8012 with unique phenotype from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a 43-year-old male patient in the Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and described as C. neoformans var. shanghaiensis in 1980s. The aim of this study was to explore the genetic background and polymorphism of Chinese clinical C. gattii isolates. METHODS S8012 was analyzed as representative strain using the M13-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting pattern and multilocus sequence analysis including internal transcribed spacers of rDNA (ITS region), the intergenic spacer 1 regions (IGS1), RPB1, RPB2, CNLAC1, and TEF1 genes. RESULTS The PCR fingerprinting pattern results showed strain S8012 belonged to molecular types VGI, and phylogenetic analysis suggested strain S8012 was grouped into the cluster of C. gattii environmental isolates originated from Eucalyptus camaldulensis trees in Australia. CONCLUSION C. gattii isolates from Chinese patients expresses high polymorphism on the phenotype, and molecular type VGI isolates from China have a close genetic relationship with the C. gattii isolates from Australia.
Medication profiles of patients in the University of Puerto Rico inflammatory bowel disease registry.

OBJECTIVE The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC)] in Puerto Rico has increased significantly in recent years. Experience with these diseases outside of a referral center is limited. A registry for IBD, created by the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) Center for IBD, has collected data from subjects all over the island for 15 years. We analyzed the medication profiles and IBD-related surgeries of the registrants in order to characterize the therapies used and to identify any trends in disease severity. METHODS This descriptive study reports on the medication profiles of 507 individuals with IBD (1995 to 2007). Descriptive statistics related to gender, diagnosis, pharmacological therapies (aminosalicylates, steroids, immune modulators, and anti-TNF antibodies), and IBD-related surgical interventions (as indicators of disease severity) are presented. RESULTS The study included 256 females and 251 men. There were 241 patients with UC (48%) and 266 patients with CD (52%). The great majority of them had received aminosalicylates and steroids. Biological agents and immune modulators were less commonly used, generally in IBD patients who had undergone surgical procedures. Steroid use was almost equivalent in both IBD populations despite a trend towards greater steroid use both in UC patients with colectomies and in nonsurgical CD patients. CONCLUSION Aminosalicylates and steroids are the mainstays of medical treatment for IBD in Puerto Rico. The use of biological agents and immune modulators appears to be limited to severe disease. A prospective analysis to detect changes in prescribing practices, as a step-down approach becomes more prevalent, is needed.
Genetic Evidence for Local Retention of Pelagic Larvae in a Caribbean Reef Fish

The pelagic larvae of many marine organisms can potentially disperse across hundreds of kilometers, but whether oceanographic or behavioral mechanisms can constrain dispersal over periods sufficient for the evolution of genetic differentiation remains unclear. Here, we concurrently examine larval duration and genetic population differentiation in a cleaner goby, Elacatinus evelynae, a member of the most species-rich genus of Caribbean reef fishes. Despite evidence for extended pelagic duration (21 days), populations ofE. evelynae show strong genetic differentiation: among color forms (1.36 to 3.04% divergent at mitochondrial cytochrome b) and among island populations within color forms (ΦST up to 70%). These results suggest that marine populations can remain demographically closed for thousands of generations despite extended larval duration, and that recognition cues such as color may promote speciation when geographic barriers are transient or weak.
Nutritional geometry: gorillas prioritize non-protein energy while consuming surplus protein

It is widely assumed that terrestrial food webs are built on a nitrogen-limited base and consequently herbivores must compensate through selection of high-protein foods and efficient nitrogen retention. Like many folivorous primates, gorillas' diet selection supports this assumption, as they apparently prefer protein-rich foods. Our study of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei) in Uganda revealed that, in some periods, carbohydrate-rich fruits displace a large portion of protein-rich leaves in their diet. We show that non-protein energy (NPE) intake was invariant throughout the year, whereas protein intake was substantially higher when leaves were the major portion of the diet. This pattern of macronutrient intake suggests that gorillas prioritize NPE and, to achieve this when leaves are the major dietary item, they over-eat protein. The concentrations of protein consumed in relation to energy when leaves were the major portion of the diet were close to the maximum recommended for humans and similar to high-protein human weight-loss diets. By contrast, the concentrations of protein in relation to energy when gorillas ate fruit-dominated diets were similar to those recommended for humans. Our results question the generality of nitrogen limitation in terrestrial herbivores and provide a fascinating contrast with human macronutrient intake.
REX10 nuclear unit and interconnection of island areas with KEPCO power system

In this paper, we introduce the REX-10 (Regional Energy Reactor, 10MWth), nuclear reactor power generation units with thorium fuel, and describe the assumed strategy for power interconnection between island areas and a KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) power system. The electric power capacity for the regional power generation per unit has a power output of less than 10 MW. The newly designed REX-10 has been developed to maintain the system safety allowing it to be placed in a densely populated region, island, etc. Also, the REX-10 units for the distributed generations (DGs) are connected to the backbone transmission line of a KEPCO 154kV power system in South Korea. We executed an analysis using the PSS/E 28 Version tool and performed a comparison study with the inter-area power flow map using the KEPCO 2007 power system data.
Criteria of Functional Operability in Patients with Bronchial Carcinoma : Preoperative Assessment of Risk and Prediction of Postoperative Function*

In this prospective study of 433 patients undergoing surgery for bronchial carcinoma 3 main factors influencing the operative risk were identified: (1) extent of resection, (2) pulmonary function and (3) age. The 30-day mortality rate was 8.3% in the whole group which comprised a high percentage of patients over 70 years of age (27%) and with a disturbed pulmonary function (45%). The value of various functional criteria proposed in the extensive literature is assessed and compared with the results of the study in which the use of FEV1 and quantitative regional analysis by perfusion scanning and 'regions of interest' proved to be highly efficient, allowing, in addition, the prediction of postoperative lung function even in sleeve resections. A new formula for estimation of the additional loss of function in the early postoperative phase after lobectomies is proposed along with a flow sheet for routine preoperative evaluation of pulmonary function.
Using code metrics to predict maintenance of legacy programs: a case study

The paper presents an empirical study on the correlation of simple code metrics and maintenance necessities. The goal of the work is to provide a method for the estimation of maintenance in the initial stages of outsourcing maintenance projects, when the maintenance contract is being prepared and there is very little available information on the software to be maintained. The paper shows several positive results related to the mentioned goal.
No association between tea consumption and risk of renal cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between tea consumption and the risk of renal cell carcinoma. METHODS We searched PubMed,Web of Science and Scopus between 1970 and November 2012. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles based on predetermined selection criteria. RESULTS Twelve epidemiological studies (ten case-control studies and two cohort studies) were included in the final analysis. In a meta-analysis of all included studies, when compared with the lowest level of tea consumption, the overall relative risk (RR) of renal cell carcinoma for the highest level of tea consumption was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-1.21). In subgroup meta-analyses by study design, there was no significant association between tea consumption and renal cell carcinoma risk in ten case-control studies using adjusted data (RR=1.08, 95% CI 0.84-1.40). Furthermore, there was no significant association in two cohort studies using adjusted data (RR=0.95, 95% CI 0.81-1.12). CONCLUSION Our findings do not support the conclusion that tea consumption is related to decreased risk of renal cell carcinoma. Further prospective cohort studies are required.
Estimação Objetiva da Qualidade de Vídeos Estereoscópicos

Este artigo contem a descricao dos resultados do desempenho de algoritmos objetivos aplicados para a avaliacao da qualidade de videos estereoscopicos sob efeito de degradacoes espaciais geradas a partir das codificacoes H.264 e JPEG2000. Os algoritmos utilizados foram o Indice de Similaridade Estrutural (SSIM), a Relacao Sinal-Ruido de Pico (PSNR), que sao largamente utilizados na avaliacao de videos 2D, a Metrica de Qualidade Perceptual (PQM) e a Avaliacao de Sensibilidade Estereo (SSA) que sao medidas recentemente publicadas para a avaliacao da qualidade de videos estereoscopicos. Os resultados obtidos por meio da correlacao entre as medidas objetivas e os escores subjetivos sugerem que o algoritmo SSIM, apesar de nao agregar quaisquer caracteristicas especificas para videos estereoscopicos, apresenta uma melhor capacidade para aferir a qualidade de videos estereoscopicos.
PMU based islanding detection method for large photovoltaic power station

With the application of synchronous phasor measuring units (PMU) and the development of wide area measurement system (WAMS) on power systems, islanding detection of large photovoltaic (PV) power station can be implemented based on communication and embed islanding detection function on central management unit (CMU), instead of on PV inverters. This paper discussed an islanding detection method based on synchronous phasor measurement technology, or on WAMS which collects the frequencies of photovoltaic power station and the connected utility. The discussed method can release the conflict in satisfying national code demands for large photovoltaic power station: low voltage ride through (LVRT) and islanding detection. The frequency difference between photovoltaic power station and the utility is main index to distinguish islanding. The paper developed simulations using MATLAB/Simulink to discuss frequency performance of grid in power mismatch result from load shedding, generator tripping, and islanding events. Simulation results show that the frequency performance of PV stations have difference with those in synchronous machine power system. The criteria rule of islanding detection and threshold setting for algorithm are discussed to provide guide for PV station applications.
Paths of lysine degradation in patients with hyperlysinemia.

Study of lysine metabolites in the urine of two children with hyperlysinemia indicates that several pathways for lysine breakdown exist in man. Two of these are demonstrated to be functioning and are shown to be of secondary importance for lysine degradation in these children. One of the paths, via homocitrulline and homoarginine, has been demonstrated for humans by others. The second, through \g=elunate\-N-acetyl-L-lysine, is documented here for the first time in man. These pathways are not the site of the metabolic block, and another path of lysine degradation must be postulated as the site of the metabolic block in these patients with hyperlysinemia.
1H NMR metabolite profiling of feces as a tool to assess the impact of nutrition on the human microbiome

Current research increasingly recognizes the human gut microbiome as a metabolically versatile biological ‘digester’ that plays an essential role in regulating the host metabolome. Gut microbiota recover energy and biologically active molecules from food that would otherwise be washed out of the intestinal tract without benefit. In this study, a protocol for NMR‐based metabolite profiling has been developed to access the activity of the microbiome. The physicochemical properties of fecal metabolites have been found to strongly affect the reproducibility and coverage of the profiles obtained. Metabolite profiles generated by water and methanol extraction of lyophilized feces are reproducible and comprise a variety of different compounds including, among others, short‐chain fatty acids (e.g. acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, malate), organic acids (e.g. succinate, pyruvate, fumarate, lactate), amino acids, uracil, trimethylamine, ethanol, glycerol, glucose, phenolic acids, cholate, and lipid components. The NMR profiling approach was validated on fecal samples from a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, randomized cross‐over study, in which healthy human subjects consumed a placebo and either a grape juice extract or a mix of grape juice and wine extract over a period of 4 weeks, each. The considerable inter‐ and intra‐individual variability observed originates in the first instance from variable metabolite concentrations rather than from variable metabolite compositions, suggesting that different colonic flora share general biochemical characteristics metabolizing different substrates to specific metabolic patterns. Whereas the grape juice extract did not induce changes in the metabolite profiles as compared with the placebo, the mixture of grape juice and wine extract induced a reduction in isobutyrate, which may indicate that polyphenols are able to modulate the microbial ecology of the gut. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver transplantation using grafts of living donors with isolated unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia: a matched case–control study

Unconjugated bilirubin has shown both cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects, acting as either an oxidant or an antioxidant. Elevated unconjugated bilirubin with otherwise normal, so‐called isolated unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (IUHB), is encountered frequently in living liver donor evaluation. However, the significance of IUHB on transplantation‐related outcomes has not been clarified in donors and recipients. Forty‐six living donors with IUHB were matched 1:1 with the control donors and 43 recipients who received grafts from donors with IUHB were matched 1:1 with the control recipients. Matched variables included donor/recipient age, residual liver volume, steatosis, cold ischemic time, graft versus recipient weight ratio, the MELD score and others. Donors in the control and IUHB group were comparable regarding the maximum postoperative transaminase concentrations, postoperative complications, and hospital stay. Recipients in the control and IUHB group were comparable regarding primary graft dysfunction, major postoperative complications, long‐term ICU/hospital stay, 1‐year mortality, and rejection rate, as well as recipient/graft survival rates. Recipients' unconjugated bilirubin concentration at 3 years after transplantation was higher in IUHB group with otherwise comparable liver function. It was concluded that living donor liver transplantation is safe for donors with IUHB and their recipients.
CMOS VCO design optimization using reliable 3D electromagnetic inductor models

Lack of reliable inductor models at high frequencies in SiGe makes the design of certain microwave circuits a tiresome task. This paper presents the design process of a fully integrated 11.6 GHz BiCMOS VCO with a good compromise between phase noise, power consumption and area. Inductors are essential components in the VCO design and therefore must be carefully modeled. We propose the use of a three dimensional electromagnetic field simulator to characterize the silicon integrated planar inductor within the VCO. Simulation and measurement results demonstrate how the use of an accurate inductor model can significantly reduce the designing steps leading to a first time working silicon.
Correction to "a new parameterization of stable polynomials"

for which the pseudoinverse fails. The order-recursive algorithm developed in the original paper 1 is unchanged, but is now supported by a complete theory. The examples presented exhibit the excellent numerical behavior of the algorithm in handling both very ill-conditioned and singular covariance matrices. As a result, ill-conditioned and colinear data can be efficiently and accurately used in estimating high-order linear regression models such as ARX time series models.
A Survey of Classification Methods and Applications for Sentiment Analysis

------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT---------------------------------------------------The amount of data readily available is far beyond our capacity to analyze and understand. The internet revolution has added to this problem by having billions of customer’s review data in its repositories. This has provoked an interest in sentiment analysis and opinion mining in the recent years. People have to rely on machines to classify and process the data as there are terabytes of review data available for a single product. In order to predict the customer sentiments it is very important to analyze the reviews as it not only helps in increasing profits but also goes a long way in improving and bringing out better products. The main problem in this sentiment analysis understands the use of negation and the classification of positive and negative sentiments recorded by the users as the syntax and semantics of the language varies according to the dialect, it is difficult to categorize an opinion. This paper presents a survey regarding the presently available techniques, applications and problems that appear in the field of opinion mining.
Dynamics of indigenous bacterial communities associated with crude oil degradation in soil microcosms during nutrient-enhanced bioremediation

Bacterial population dynamics were examined during bioremediation of an African soil contaminated with Arabian light crude oil and nutrient enrichment (biostimulation). Polymerase chain reaction followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were used to generate bacterial community fingerprints of the different treatments employing the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene as molecular marker. The DGGE patterns of the nutrient-amended soils indicated the presence of distinguishable bands corresponding to the oil-contaminated–nutrient-enriched soils, which were not present in the oil-contaminated and pristine control soils. Further characterization of the dominant DGGE bands after excision, reamplification and sequencing revealed that Corynebacterium spp. , Dietzia spp. , Rhodococcus erythropolis sp. , Nocardioides sp. , Low G+C (guanine plus cytosine) Gram positive bacterial clones and several uncultured bacterial clones were the dominant bacterial groups after biostimulation. Prominent Corynebacterium sp. IC10 sequence was detected across all nutrient-amended soils but not in oil-contaminated control soil. Total heterotrophic and hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts increased significantly in the nutrient-amended soils 2 weeks post contamination whereas oil-contaminated and pristine control soils remained fairly stable throughout the experimental period. Gas chromatographic analysis of residual hydrocarbons in biostimulated soils showed marked attenuation of contaminants starting from the second to the sixth week after contamination whereas no significant reduction in hydrocarbon peaks were seen in the oil-contaminated control soil throughout the 6-week experimental period. Results obtained indicated that nutrient amendment of oil-contaminated soil selected and enriched the bacterial communities mainly of the Actinobacteria phylogenetic group capable of surviving in toxic contamination with concomitant biodegradation of the hydrocarbons. The present study therefore demonstrated that the soil investigated harbours hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial populations which can be biostimulated to achieve effective bioremediation of oil-contaminated soil.
Rapid re-analysis in BEM elastostatic calculations

The real time solution and updating of stress contours for small elasticity problems allows the rapid and interactive evaluation of multiple design proposals and the convergence on an optimum solution in a significantly reduced time. The increased level of interactivity allows the user to see the potentially complex interactions between multiple geometric features. A number of strategies are proposed and compared with current techniques. Boundary element integrals are accelerated by the use of Look-Up Tables (LUT’s) containing pre-computed integrals. These can be employed in the matrix assembly and the internal point calculations for both flat and arc elements. The effect of problem size on propagated error has been investigated and the effect of interpolation has been considered. An error analysis has been performed and a suitable scheme for LUT refinement proposed. The approach has been benchmarked against regular Gauss-Legendre quadrature. The large storage requirement of the LUT’s has been considered and the use of a least squares surface fit to the LUT’s has been investigated and the computational cost compared with Gauss-Legendre quadrature. Iterative re-solution of the problem is accelerated by the use of an approximate LU preconditioner that is updated as required by a secondary thread of execution. The proposed preconditioner has been benchmarked against other preconditioners and reduces solve times to typically less than 30% of the direct solve time. The proposed techniques achieve the aim of providing a real-time update of contours for small problems on a PC.