Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the population structure of Uruguayan Creole cattle as inferred from milk major gene polymorphisms

The ancestors of Uruguayan Creole cattle were introduced by the Spanish conquerors in the XVII century, following which the population grew extensively and became semi-feral before the introduction of selected breeds. Today the Uruguayan Creole cattle genetic reserve consists of 575 animals. We used the tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) to analyze the k-casein, b-casein, aS1-casein and a-lactoalbumin gene polymorphisms and restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR (RFLP-PCR) for the b-lactoglobulin and the acylCoA:diacyl glycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) genes. The k-casein and b-lactoglobulin genes presented very similar A and B allele frequencies, while the as1-casein and a-lactoalbumin gene B alleles showed much higher frequencies than the corresponding A alleles. The b-casein B allele was not found in the population sampled. There was a very high frequency of the DGAT1 gene A allele which is associated with low milk fat content and high milk yield. All loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the level of heterozygosity agreed with the high genetic diversity observed in a previous analysis of this population. Preservation of the allelic richness observed in the Uruguayan Creole cattle should be considered for future dairy management and livestock genetic improvement. The results also emphasize the value of the tetra primers ARMS-PCR technique as a rapid, easy and economical way of genotyping cattle breeds for milk gene single nucleotide polymorphisms.
ACQUA: Automated Community-based Question Answering through the Discretisation of Shallow Linguistic Features

This paper addresses the problem of determining the best answer in Community-based Question Answering (CQA) websites by focussing on the content. In particular, we present a novel system, ACQUA (http://acqua.kmi.open.ac.uk), that can be installed onto the majority of browsers as a plugin. The service offers a seamless and accurate prediction of the answer to be accepted. Our system is based on a novel approach for processing answers in CQAs. Previous research on this topic relies on the exploitation of community feedback on the answers, which involves rating of either users (e.g., reputation) or answers (e.g. scores manually assigned to answers). We propose a new technique that leverages the content/textual features of answers in a novel way. Our approach delivers better results than related linguistics-based solutions and manages to match rating-based approaches. More specifically, the gain in performance is achieved by rendering the values of these features into a discretised form. We also show how our technique manages to deliver equally good results in real-time settings, as opposed to having to rely on information not always readily available, such as user ratings and answer scores. We ran an evaluation on 21 StackExchange websites covering around 4 million questions and more than 8 million answers. We obtain 84% average precision and 70% recall, which shows that our technique is robust, effective, and widely applicable.
Olfaction in neurodegenerative disease: a meta-analysis of olfactory functioning in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

BACKGROUND Olfactory deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) have been well established. OBJECTIVE To clarify and review the literature by evaluating the evidence for olfactory deficits in 3 olfactory domains, including odor identification, recognition, and detection threshold. DATA SOURCES A literature search of English-language studies of olfaction in AD, PD, and healthy controls was conducted via online databases (PsycInfo and MEDLINE) and reference lists from review articles. STUDY SELECTION To meet selection criteria for meta-analysis, each study required a control group and complete and usable data. This review yielded 26 publications of olfactory identification, recognition, and/or detection threshold. Because of the inclusion of more than 1 relevant study of olfaction in several of these publications (eg, both identification and threshold assessed), 43 studies were ultimately appropriate for meta-analysis. DATA EXTRACTION Effect sizes were calculated for each study by expressing differences between patient and control group means in SD units (Cohen's d). DATA SYNTHESIS Extremely large effect sizes were shown across all tasks in both AD and PD groups. Both between-group analyses using the Mann-Whitney U test and within-group analyses using Friedman 2-way analysis of variance did not reveal any significant differences (all P > .30). CONCLUSIONS As expected, severe deficits were found for both patients with AD and PD in each of the 3 olfactory domains relative to controls. However, no discriminating olfactory deficits were seen between patient groups or among the 3 measured olfactory domains, suggesting a similar disturbance in olfactory function between patients with AD and PD.
Targeting Holliday Junctions by the RecG Branch Migration Protein of Escherichia coli *

The RecG protein of Escherichia coliis a junction-specific DNA helicase that drives branch migration of Holliday intermediates in genetic recombination and DNA repair. The reaction was investigated using synthetic X-junctions. RecG dissociates X-junctions to flayed duplex products, although DNA unwinding of the heterologous arms is limited to ≤30 base pairs. Junction unwinding requires Mg2+ and the hydrolysis of ATP. X-junction DNA stimulates the ATPase activity of RecG. ATPase activity is also stimulated by linear duplex DNA, although to a lesser extent than by X-DNA, but not by linear single-stranded DNA. In situ1,10-phenanthroline-copper footprinting shows that RecG binds to the strand cross-over point at the center of the X-junction. Substrate recognition by RecG was investigated using DNAs that represented the various component parts of an X-junction. The minimal DNA structure that RecG forms a stable complex with is a flayed duplex, suggesting that this is the critical feature for junction recognition by RecG. Junction binding and unwinding also depend critically on the concentration of free Mg2+, excess free cation dramatically inhibiting both processes. These inhibitory effects are not mediated specifically by Mg2+; e.g. both Ca2+ and hexamminecobalt(III) chloride also inhibit X-junction binding and unwinding by RecG. The relative abilities of these cations to inhibit RecG-junction binding is correlated with their respective abilities to stack X-junction DNA. From this we conclude that RecG is unable to bind or binds very poorly to fully stacked X-junctions.
Information retrieval based on topic map and grid agent technologies

Topic map is one of the hottest areas in information retrieval field in that it enables a user to navigate and access the documents he needs in an organized manner, rather than browsing through hyperlinks that are generally unstructured and often misleading. This paper proposes a new framework for information retrieval. Through actions of registry, discovery and access in grid information service discovery process, a grid space manager will find out the suitable services. And grid agent should remember the success and quality of the former cases by knowledge element mining and topic map building and reasoning, therefore the agent can gain experience of user's preference. We also detail the methods through which we can mine knowledge elements from web page resources' and to build extended topic maps including a new knowledge elements level.
Controlled in vivo infestation of mandarin fruit with Ceratitis capitata for development of quarantine treatments

Movement of citrus fruit from Ceratitis capitata-infested areas requires mandatory quarantine treatments. Development of such treatments requires the use of infested fruit. The in vivo approach is the most realistic way to obtain these fruit. However, it requires previous studies to determine the optimal fruit:fly ratio to minimize the number of decayed fruit and to maximize the number of flies per fruit obtained. In this study, the optimal fruit:fly ratio for the in vivo infestation of mandarin fruit was investigated. The effect of different fruit:fly ratios from 1:5 to 1:50 for an exposure time of up to 3 days on the number of both decayed fruit and puparia per fruit was determined. Provided that an adequate fungicide treatment is applied before the infestation to avoid fruit decay, the use of a 1:10 fruit:fly ratio for 48 h is enough to obtain almost 20 healthy puparia per fruit. These results allow the use of the in vivo approach to develop quarantine treatments against C. capitata in mandarins.
On the stability of a differential Riccati equation for continuous-discrete observers

ABSTRACT This article deals with the stability properties of a continuous-discrete Riccati differential equation. The main motivation comes from the theory of Kalman filters for continuous-time nonlinear systems with sampled measurements, where this type of equation often arises. Stability is to be understood in the following sense: under appropriate hypotheses, the solution matrix is always symmetric positive definite and bounded from above and below. No uniformity is expected from the sampling procedure, only an upper bound on the elapsed time between consecutive samples is needed. The exposition consists of two parts. First, the stability properties are proven and second, by means of three examples, it is shown how the article's main result applies.
Touch, Grasp, Deliver and Control: Functional Cross‐Talk Between Microtubules and Cell Adhesions

Cross‐talk between microtubule networks and sites of cell–matrix and cell–cell adhesion has profound impact on these structures and is essential for proper cell organization, polarization and motility. Components of adhesion sites can interact directly with microtubules or with proteins that specifically associate with microtubule plus ends and minus ends and in this way capture, stabilize or destabilize microtubules. In their turn, microtubules can serve as routes for delivery of structural and regulatory factors that control adhesion site turnover. In addition, the microtubule lattice or growing microtubule plus ends can serve as diffusional sinks that accumulate and scaffold regulatory molecules, thereby affecting their activity in the vicinity of adhesions. Combination of these mechanisms underlies the functional co‐operation between microtubules and adhesion sites and defines their dynamic behavior.
Left ventricular unloading and concomitant total cardiac output increase by the use of percutaneous impella recover LP 2.5 assist device during high‐risk coronary intervention

A number of techniques have been proposed for circulatory support during high‐risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), but no single approach has achieved wide acceptance so far. We report on a patient with severe left ventricular (LV) impairment who underwent a PCI with the use of a new left ventricular assist device, the Impella Recover LP 2.5 system. The effects on global cardiac output were determined by thermodilution (TD) and LV pressure‐volume loops obtained by conductance catheter. The activation of the pump resulted in a rapid and sustained unloading effect of the LV. At the same time, the continuous expulsion of blood into ascending aorta throughout the cardiac cycle produced by the pump resulted in an increase of systemic overall CO, measured by the TD technique, of 1.43 L/min. The procedure was uncomplicated and the patient remained uneventful at follow‐up. Our single experience gives new input for future trials to assess the effect of the Impella Recover LP 2.5 assist device on outcome in this subset of patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome

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The Selective Protein Kinase C Inhibitor, Ro-31-8220, Inhibits Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) Expression, Induces c-Jun Expression, and Activates Jun N-terminal Kinase*

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in inflammation, mitogenesis, and differentiation has been deduced in part through the use of a variety of PKC inhibitors. Two widely used inhibitors are the structurally related compounds GF109203X and Ro-31-8220, both of which potently inhibit PKC activity and are believed to be highly selective. While using GF109203X and Ro-31-8220 to address the role of PKC in immediate early gene expression, we observed striking differential effects by each of these two compounds. Growth factors induce the expression of the immediate early gene products MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), c-Fos and c-Jun. Ro-31-8220 inhibits growth factor-stimulated expression of MKP-1 and c-Fos but strongly stimulated c-Jun expression, even in the absence of growth factors. GF109203X displays none of these properties. These data suggest that Ro-31-8220 may have other pharmacological actions in addition to PKC inhibition. Indeed, Ro-31-8220 strongly stimulates the stress-activated protein kinase, JNK1. Furthermore, Ro-31-8220 apparently activates JNK in a PKC-independent manner. Neither the down-regulation of PKC by phorbol esters nor the inhibition of PKC by GF109203X affected the ability of Ro-31-8220 to activate JNK1. These data suggest that, in addition to potently inhibiting PKC, Ro-31-8220 exhibits novel pharmacological properties which are independent of its ability to inhibit PKC.
DAUGHTER PRAISING, MOTHER BASHING: A CASE STUDY FROM HONG KONG

In this paper, we present the case of a mother and daughter in family therapy. We call for a critical examination of Western literature that describes how a mother praises her child. I illustrate how one observer (the first author) perceives the issue of maternal praise differently from other observers. To illustrate the interaction between this family and the family therapist (the second author), some representative vignettes of the sixth session have been extracted for discussion. Ten observers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 7 of whom were master's students and 3 were doctoral students, observed the therapy sessions from the adjoining room. The article is composed of four parts: (a) parental styles and relationships in families with an anorectic daughter literature review; (b) vignettes of the sixth family therapy session; (c) the observers' comments about the therapist; and (d) discussion. The paper concludes with a question of whether the impact of praise on a child's development in Western society functions in the same way and produces the same effects on a child's development as it does in Chinese society.
FPGA based highly efficient, fast & reliable controlled braking method based on 13 level medium voltage drive suitable for high inertia

Any variable frequency drive requires an efficient and controlled braking system. Therefore, different braking techniques have been the subject area of researchers to enhance the performance as well as overall life of the drives. In this paper, a literature study is made of various existing braking methods, focused on induction motor (IM) drive performance. The braking methods are compared and summarized based on speed range, braking time and efficiency of 13 level medium voltage 3-phase squirrel cage IM drive. Finally, an advanced D.C. braking technique is presented where braking torque in terms of varying D.C. signal is injected into the stator windings using fully controlled phase shifted carrier sine pulse Width Modulation (PSC-SPWM). A method has been proposed for providing frequent smooth, fast and fully controlled braking torque with minimal regeneration from VFD, without additional hardware circuit. Simulations are performed in MATLAB/Simulink, tested and validated on Digital signal processor (DSP) and Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based drive. Control algorithm written in DSP and FPGA, is used to generate PWM signals because it is fast, having simple hardware and software design. Test results are presented in this paper.
Analysis of the saliva from patients with oral cancer by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), this study analyzed the saliva obtained from patients with oral cancer and compared these mass spectra with those obtained from healthy controls. Saliva without pre-treatment was mixed directly with a sinapinic acid matrix. Alpha-amylase (57 kDa) dominated the high mass range in the MALDI mass spectra of the saliva from healthy subjects, but the peak was suppressed for patients with oral cancer and was replaced by a peak at m/z 66 k in the spectra of patients' samples (15 out of 20). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) with in-gel tryptic digestion combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) was employed to characterize this 66-kDa protein, which was thus shown to be albumin. However, based on SDS-PAGE results, concentrations of both alpha-amylase and albumin in patients' saliva were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects. This discrepancy was shown to be due to MALDI suppression effects due to the albumin. MALDI-MS thus has potential as a possible rapid diagnostic screening tool for oral cancer.
The Indirect Costs of Arthritis Resulting From Unemployment, Reduced Performance, and Occupational Changes While at Work

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the cost attributable to lost productivity from arthritis and the association between the degree of loss and demographic, disease-related, occupational, and psychosocial variables for people. Methods:In a prospective study, 383 employed individuals with arthritis were recruited from southwestern Ontario, Canada. Respondents completed structured questionnaires assessing demographic, disease-related, workplace, and psychosocial variables as well as employment-related transitions at 2 time points 18 months apart. Indirect costs resulting from arthritis-related absences, reduced performance, decreased work hours, job change, and work disability were estimated. A proportional odds model was used to assess the impact of the various variables on lost productivity. Results:The average cost attributable to arthritis was CAN $11,553 ($CAN = 0.75 $US) per person per year. The largest component of the loss was the result of reduced performance at work, which accounted for 41% ($4724) of the total loss. This was followed by wage loss resulting from stopping working or changing jobs, which comprised 37% ($4309) of the total. Another 12% ($1398) and 10% ($1121) of the loss were the result of the decrease in hours of work and absenteeism, respectively. Four variables were associated with the productivity loss: greater symptom severity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11), low or medium control over the work schedule (OR = 0.55 and 0.60, respectively), greater workspace limitation (OR = 1.10), and higher depression (OR = 1.04). Conclusions:Indirect arthritis-related costs are substantial. Our results show that not only the disease itself, but also psychosocial and work-related factors affect the magnitude of the costs.
Devic's neuromyelitis optica: A clinicopathological study of 8 patients

We report the clinical, imaging, and laboratory features of 8 patients with Devic's neuromyelitis optica. All patients had severe myelopathy and optic neuritis. In no patient was the brain, the brainstem, or the cerebellum affected, even after several years of disease. Various immunosuppressive treatments failed to benefit the patients, 5 of whom died. Autopsies of these 5 patients demonstrated a severe necrotizing myelopathy with thickening of blood vessel walls and no lymphocyte infiltrates. In the appropriate clinical setting, the lack of white matter abnormalities demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging of the head facilitates the recognition of Devic's syndrome during life. Inasmuch as Devic's myelopathy is necrotizing, rather thatn demyelinating, the prognosis of this syndrome is poor.
A voltage‐gated hydrogen ion current in the oocyte membrane of the axolotl, Ambystoma.

Membrane currents in the immature oocyte of the urodele amphibian Ambystoma were studied using the two‐micro‐electrode voltage‐clamp technique. A current carried by H ions (IH) constituted the major portion of outward current activated by depolarizations from the resting voltage (about ‐60 mV). Net inward current was not observed at this developmental stage. The reversal potential for IH measured from tail currents obtained in two step voltage‐clamp experiments shifted by 54 mV per unit change in external pH between pH 6.9 and 8.4. The reversal potential at pH 7.4 was not affected by changes in external K or Cl concentrations. A small change in reversal potential was observed with removal of external Na. The amplitude of IH was not affected by removal of external Ca (Mg or Sr substitution). Ca ionophore A23187 shifted the current‐voltage relation towards negative voltages. Activation of IH did not appear to depend on Ca influx. The instantaneous current‐voltage relation for IH, measured from tail currents at approximately equal internal and external H ion concentrations, was linear between ‐40 and +30 mV. The steady‐state conductance‐voltage relationship was sigmoidal with membrane voltage, and, at pH 7.4, was one‐half maximum at about +15 mV (V1/2). The time courses of activation and deactivation were proportional to 1‐exp (‐t/tau). A plot of time constant (tau) against voltage was bell‐shaped, with a maximum near V1/2. These results suggested that the activation of IH is voltage dependent. Increases in the external H ion concentration shifted the conductance‐voltage and time constant‐voltage relations in parallel towards positive voltages. The magnitude of these shifts showed a lower saturation near pH 9. Low concentrations of external Cd (10‐300 microM) reduced current amplitude by shifting the current‐voltage relation in the positive direction. Cd also reduced the limiting slope conductance. These effects were partially reversible.
THE EVOLUTION OF GENES IN BRANCHED METABOLIC PATHWAYS

Simulation models of the evolution of genes in a branched metabolic pathway subject to stabilizing selection on flux are described and analyzed. The models are based either on metabolic control theory (MCT), with the assumption that enzymes are far from saturation, or on Michaelis–Menten kinetics, which allows for saturation and near saturation. Several predictions emerge from the models: (1) flux control evolves to be concentrated at pathway branch points, including the first enzyme in the pathway. (2) When flux is far from its optimum, adaptive substitutions occur disproportionately often in branching enzymes. (3) When flux is near its optimum, adaptive substitutions occur disproportionately often in nonbranching enzymes. (4) Slightly deleterious substitutions occur disproportionately often in nonbranching enzymes. (5) In terms of both flux control and patterns of substitution, pathway branches are similar to those predicted for linear pathways. These predictions provide null hypotheses for empirical examination of the evolution of genes in metabolic pathways.