Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low frequency radio observations of bi-directional electron beams in the solar corona

The radio signature of a shock travelling through the solar corona is known as a type II solar radio burst. In rare cases these bursts can exhibit a fine structure known as `herringbones', which are a direct indicator of particle acceleration occurring at the shock front. However, few studies have been performed on herringbones and the details of the underlying particle acceleration processes are unknown. Here, we use an image processing technique known as the Hough transform to statistically analyse the herringbone fine structure in a radio burst at $\sim$20-90 MHz observed from the Rosse Solar-Terrestrial Observatory on 2011 September 22. We identify 188 individual bursts which are signatures of bi-directional electron beams continuously accelerated to speeds of 0.16$_{-0.10}^{+0.11} c$. This occurs at a shock acceleration site initially at a constant altitude of $\sim$0.6 R$_{\odot}$ in the corona, followed by a shift to $\sim$0.5 R$_{\odot}$. The anti-sunward beams travel a distance of 170$_{-97}^{+174}$ Mm (and possibly further) away from the acceleration site, while those travelling toward the sun come to a stop sooner, reaching a smaller distance of 112$_{-76}^{+84}$ Mm. We show that the stopping distance for the sunward beams may depend on the total number density and the velocity of the beam. Our study concludes that a detailed statistical analysis of herringbone fine structure can provide information on the physical properties of the corona which lead to these relatively rare radio bursts.
Bifurcations and symmetry breaking in the wake of axisymmetric bodies

We consider the generic problem of wake instabilities past fixed axisymmetric bodies, and focus on the extreme cases of a sphere and a flat disk. Numerical results reveal that the wakes of these two bodies evolve differently as the Reynolds number is increased. Especially, two new vortex shedding modes are identified behind a disk. To interpret these results, we introduce a model based on the theory of mode interactions in presence of O(2) symmetry. This model, which was initially developed for the Taylor-Couette system, allows us to explain the structural differences observed in the evolution of the two types of wakes and to accurately predict the evolution of the lift force.
A single glycine residue at the entrance to the first membrane-spanning domain of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor beta(2) subunit affects allosteric sensitivity to GABA and anesthetics.

Site-directed mutagenesis of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptor beta(2) subunit has demonstrated that conversion of a conserved glycine residue located at the entrance to the first transmembrane domain into the homologous rho(1) residue phenylalanine alters the modulating effects of four different i.v. anesthetics: pentobarbital, alphaxalone, etomidate, and propofol. Using the baculovirus expression system in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 cells, anesthetic-induced enhancement of [(3)H]muscimol and [(3)H]flunitrazepam binding in receptors containing the beta(2)(G219F) point mutation displayed a significantly reduced efficacy in modulation by all four i.v. anesthetics tested. Furthermore, GABA(A) receptors containing the alpha(1)(G223F) point mutation also significantly decreased the maximal effect of etomidate- and propofol-induced enhancement of ligand binding. Conversely, the homologous point mutation in rho(1) receptors (F261G) changed the i.v. anesthetic-insensitive receptor to confer anesthetic modulation of [(3)H]muscimol binding. Consistent with the binding, functional analysis of pentobarbital-enhanced GABA currents recorded with whole-cell patch clamp demonstrated the beta(2)(G219F) subunit mutation eliminated the potentiating effect of the anesthetic. Similarly, propofol-enhanced GABA currents were potentiated less in alpha(1)beta(2)(G219F)gamma(2) receptors than in alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) receptors. Although ligand binding displayed comparable K(D) values for muscimol among wild-type, alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2), and mutant receptors, patch-clamp recordings showed that alpha(1)beta(2)(G219F)gamma(2) receptors had a significantly more potent response to GABA than did alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2) or alpha(1)(G223F)beta(2)gamma(2). The alpha(1)beta(2)(G219F)gamma(2) receptors also were more sensitive to direct channel activation by pentobarbital and propofol in the absence of GABA. These results suggest that the first transmembrane glycine residue on the beta(2) subunit may be important for conformational or allosteric interactions of channel gating by both GABA and anesthetics.
New Framework for Measuring and Managing Macrofinancial Risk and Financial Stability

This paper proposes a new approach to improve the way central banks can analyze and manage the financial risks of a national economy. It is based on the modern theory and practice of contingent claims analysis (CCA), which is successfully used today at the level of individual banks by managers, investors, and regulators. The basic analytical tool is the risk-adjusted balance sheet, which shows the sensitivity of the enterprise's assets and liabilities to external "shocks. " At the national level, the sectors of an economy are viewed as interconnected portfolios of assets, liabilities, and guarantees -- some explicit and others implicit. Traditional approaches have difficulty analyzing how risks can accumulate gradually and then suddenly erupt in a full-blown crisis. The CCA approach is well-suited to capturing such "non-linearities" and to quantifying the effects of asset-liability mismatches within and across institutions. Risk-adjusted CCA balance sheets facilitate simulations and stress testing to evaluate the potential impact of policies to manage systemic risk.
In-Sync or Out-of-Sync? The Joint Information in Revenues and Expenses

When revenues are higher or lower than expected, expenses are normally also higher or lower than expected, but by a smaller amount. We hypothesize that when revenue and expense surprises follow this normal revenue-cost structure (i.e., are "in-sync"), the resultant earnings surprises are more persistent. Conversely, when revenue and expense surprise deviate from the normal cost structure (i.e., are "out-of-sync"), earnings surprise are less persistent. Our findings are consistent with this hypothesis. Further, we show that analysts incorporate into their forecast revisions only some, but not all, of the differential persistence between in-sync and out-of sync earnings surprises. The market also only partially incorporates this differential persistence into stock prices, leading to differential post-earnings-announcement-drifts for in-sync and out-of-sync earnings surprises. In comparison with prior research findings, we show that revenue and expense surprises are more informative about future earnings when considered jointly rather than as separate variables. In particular, once we account for the joint information in revenue and expense surprises, the incremental information of revenue surprises per se over earnings surprises documented by prior research is substantially weakened or eliminated.
Multi-attribute automatic negotiation model based on niche genetic algorithm

A multi-criteria ranking method about interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets is introduced into the automatic negotiation model to weaken the subjectivity of preference information report from negotiation Agents. Using evidential reasoning algorithms, the criteria values are aggregated and the interval intuitionist fuzzy sets of alternatives are obtained; considering the incomplete certain information on weight, a nonlinear programming model is developed and the weight of various attribute is obtained. The niche genetic algorithm is proposed to search optimization and improve astringency. Finally, a simulation testing shows the model is a feasible and effective, which can help negotiation Agents to reach quickly a mutually beneficial agreement objectively.
Rapid diagnosis of catheter-related sepsis using the acridine orange leukocyte cytospin test and an endoluminal brush.

BACKGROUND In neonates, the acridine orange leukocyte cytospin (AOLC) test has been found to be a highly sensitive test for the detection of infected i.v. catheters in situ, which provides a result in less than 1 hour. Preliminary data suggested that the AOLC test was of limited value in adults. We report here a modification of the test for adult patients with indwelling central venous catheters. METHODS A prospective study was performed on two groups of 50 adult patients with suspected sepsis and a central venous catheter. The AOLC test was carried out after the clinical decision to remove the catheter had been made. In group 1 patients, a blood sample was withdrawn from the catheter for the AOLC test. In the patients in group 2, an endoluminal brush was used to "sweep" the catheter before the collection of the blood sample. Results of the AOLC test were compared with culture of the removed catheter tip. RESULTS From the catheters in group 1 (no brush), 17 catheter tips were found to be infected, but the AOLC was positive in only two patients (12%). In group 2 (brush), 18 tips were infected, and the AOLC test was positive in 15 patients (83%). The use of the endoluminal brush significantly improved the yield of the AOLC test (p < .01) to levels reported in neonates. The AOLC test produced no false positives in either group CONCLUSION When used independently, the AOLC test was not sensitive enough to detect catheter-related sepsis. However, in combination with an endoluminal brush, the AOLC test was much more sensitive and has the potential to provide a simple, rapid, and accurate diagnostic test for catheter-related sepsis, which does not require removal of the catheter.
Two Naturally Occurring Mutations on FVII Gene (S363I-W364C) Altering Intrinsic Catalytic Activity

Summary Factor VII (FVII) requires the cleavage of an internal peptide bond and the association with tissue factor (TF) to attain its fully active FVIIa conformation. This event alone leaves FVIIa in a zymogen-like state of relatively low specific activity. The TF-induced allosteric enhancement of FVIIa’s activity contributes to the procoagulant activity of the complex. We have characterized two naturally occurring mutations (S363I W364C) on FVII gene. Both homozygous patients for each mutation have a normal FVII:Ag level associated to an undetectable FVII coagulant activity. The patient carrying the allele 364C had a more severe hemorrhagic diathesis than the S363I mutant. To understand the mechanism of these deficiency, in vitro expression analysis with further biochemical characterization of recombinant proteins of both mutants FVII-363I, FVII-364C and wild type (WTFVII) FVII constructs were done. The results recapitulated the patients’ plasma data with normal Ag level and no detectable coagulant activity. The D-F-Pip-R-pNA and CH3SO2-D-CHA-A-But-R chromogenic substrates were used to evaluate the amidolytic activity of WT and mutant FVII in presence and absence of recombinant tissue factor (rTF). Binding of FVII to rTF by a solid phase binding assay was done using recombinant human rTF. The results of amidolytic assays showed that rTF enhances 28 fold the value of the specificity of constant (kcat/Km) in WT but no activity was detectable in either mutant constructs under any condition. The equilibrium dissociation constant of rTF-FVIIa interaction showed Kd equal to 4.4 ± 0.2nM, 4.9 ± 0.5nM and 6 ± 0.9 of WT, 363I and 364C FVII forms, respectively. The Kd values of the non activated forms were equal to 24.7 ± 3.3, 24.4 ± 3.1 and 20.6 ± 4nM, respectively. These data demonstrate that, compared to the WT form, FVII-363I and FVII-364C have no significant affinity change for TF and that the detrimental effect of these two mutations is attributable to the loss of an efficient catalytic machinery in the FVII molecule causing a severe deficiency of coagulant activities.
Genetic Variation and the Risk of Haloperidol-Related Parkinsonism in Elderly Patients: A Candidate Gene Approach

AbstractFactors that influence the variation in occurrence of antipsychotic-related parkinsonism in elderly have not been well elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether previous identified and studied genetic polymorphisms at DRD2, ANKK1, DRD3, HTR2A, HTR2C, RGS2, COMT, and BDNF genes are associated with antipsychotic-related parkinsonism in elderly patients.This cross-sectional study included 150 inpatients aged 65 years and older who were treated with haloperidol. Parkinsonism assessed by the Simpson Angus Scale was present in 46% of the included patients. The investigated predictors were polymorphisms in DRD2 (141CIns/Del and C957T), ANNK1 (TaqIA), DRD3 (Ser9Gly), HTR2A (−1438G>A and His452Tyr), HTR2C (Cys23Ser and −759C/T), RGS2 (+2971C>G), COMT (G158A), and BDNF (Val66Met). Frequencies of the −759 T allele of the HTR2C gene and the 158A allele of the COMT gene were significantly higher in patients without antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism (AIP) (nominal P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). −759 T allele carriership in females was associated with a lower risk of AIP (adjusted odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.85). The decrease in risk of AIP in carriers of the COMT 158A allele did not reach statistical significance. No significant associations were found between AIP and the remaining selected polymorphisms.Although validation is needed, this study suggests that carriership of the −759 T allele of the HTR2C gene in females may be protective against development of parkinsonism in elderly patients during treatment with haloperidol.
Recombinants between herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2: analyses of genome structures and expression of immediate early polypeptides

Recombinants between temperature-sensitive mutants of herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) were constructed. Using restriction endonucleases, we analyzed the genome composition of 17 intertypic recombinants and detected crossovers in every region of the genome. The virion DNA of one recombinant appeared to be largely "frozen" in two of the four possible genome arrangements of HSV. Knowledge of the genome structures of recombinants enabled us to physically map immediate early polypeptides. We present evidence that the immediate early polypeptide Vmw IE 110 of HSV-1 and its functionally equivalent polypeptide, Vmw IE 118, of HSV-2 may map in the repetitive sequences bounding the long unique region of HSV.
Designing a Global Multi-Disciplinary Classroom: A Learning Experience in Supply Chain Logistics Management

Global competition has created multinational supply chains where raw materials production, marketing, and consumption can be in different countries in order to achieve cost-effective production and higher customer service levels by taking a systems approach to supply chain management. Therefore, a key to successful management is acquaintance with interdisciplinary multicultural environments, and with utilization of communication technologies. In this research, a global learning environment for industrial engineering and business students was designed, implemented, and evaluated.
Nitric Oxide Signaling During Senescence and Programmed Cell Death in Leaves

Senescence is a ubiquitous developmental process that leads to the death of a cell, an organ, or an organism and occurs at the final stage of their development. There is a striking divergence and convergence between plants and animals regarding senescence regulation (Kenyon, 2001). The mechanisms of regulation of ageing in animals including p53, telomerase and telomere dynamics, DNA damage sensing and repair, and transcriptional activation and inactivation by histone acetylation/deacetylation are either not present or do not appear to play an important role in plant ageing. On the contrary, plants have evolved their own unique senescence-regulating mechanisms. These include the modulation of senescence by phytohormones, photosynthetic machinery, and protein degradation. In plants, the chloroplast is reported to be the first origin and target for initiating senescence (Misra and Biswal, 1980, 1981; 1982a, b, c, Biswal et al., 2001; Dilnawaz et al. 2001; Misra et al. 2011a), whereas in animals the mitochondrion serves as the initiator (Thomas, 2002). Thus, we may infer that plants and animals have evolved conserved strategies for the regulation of senescence, while employing diverse molecular mechanisms that have been shaped during the long history of evolution. Senescence is a genetically-controlled developmental programme, but it has no adaptive advantages in animals, except that in plants leaf senescence is a recruited nutrient recycle programme and hence is considered to have a strong adaptive advantage (Bleecker, 1998). This is the final developmental phase of a leaf which starts with nutrient salvage and ends with cell death. However, until late in senescence the process requires cell viability and is often reversible (Thomas et al., 2003). There has been some debate about the degree of overlap of senescence and PCD (Thomas et al., 2003; van Doorn & Woltering, 2004, 2008). van Doorn & Woltering (2004, 2008) identified three positions regarding the overlap in senescence and PCD. Some authors assumed total overlap (Nooden, 2004), but van Doorn & Woltering (2004, 2008) postulated that overlap is complete and senescence and PCD are synchronous. However a minority, argued that there was no overlap (Delorme et al., 2000; Thomas et al., 2003). van Doorn & Woltering (2008)
Biochemical Studies on the Response of Organo-phosphorus Insecticide and Release of Extra Cellular Products by Cyanobacteria

A comparative study on the cyanobacterial isolates, Anabaena ambigua Rao (A100) and Oscillatoria foreaui Fremy (A1340) were carried out to investigate the response of an organophosphorus insecticide Divap 100 at different concentrations of 1, 5 and 10ppm on the growth and release of extracellular products such as protein, nitrogen, ammonia, carbohydrates, amino acids and phenols. The experiment was conducted up to 28 days and observed at intervals of 4 days, which showed to be deleteriously affecting the release of these extracellular products in both the organisms. However, in A. ambigua, the release of extracellular products was affected at higher concentrations of 5 and 10ppm of Divap 100. It also revealed that these products were released in higher amounts only at late exponential phases even in untreated control conditions in both the isolates.
Peritoneal cytokine concentrations and survival outcome in an experimental bacterial infusion model of peritonitis

Objective: To correlate the dynamics of peritoneal cytokines with systemic concentrations and survival outcome. Design: Randomized, controlled study using a recently developed rat model of peritonitis. Setting: Government research facility. Subjects: Male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Interventions: Infected animals (INF) received an intraperitoneal infusion of 6.5 × 108 colony‐forming units of Escherichia coli over 12 hrs, whereas control rats (CON) received a sterile inoculum. Peritoneal fluid and plasma samples were obtained from all rats at the end of the 12‐hr infusion period as well as from all animals that survived the 7‐day study (SURV). Measurements and Main Results: Interleukin (IL)‐1β concentration in the peritoneal fluid at 12 hrs tended to be higher in nonsurvivors (NONSURV) than in SURV. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and IL‐6 peritoneal concentrations at 12 hrs were significantly greater in NONSURV than in SURV. There were no significant differences in IL‐2 and IL‐4 peritoneal concentrations at 12 hrs between SURV and NONSURV. Although the concentrations of IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐α in the peritoneal fluid of INF decreased gradually during the study, these concentrations remained significantly higher than those of CON at 7 days. In contrast, peritoneal IL‐2 concentrations remained lower in INF than in CON for most of the experiment. Peritoneal IL‐6 concentrations in INF were transiently elevated above those of CON for 12 hrs. Cytokine concentrations in the peritoneal fluid of INF were always higher than those in plasma, which remained relatively unchanged throughout the study. For most of the variables assessed, CON showed no significant changes compared with INF. Conclusions: This model of peritonitis is associated with a significant and prolonged peritoneal inflammatory response that is adversely correlated with survival outcome. Our data would suggest that to be effective, novel immunotherapies should target mainly the peritoneal compartment.
Patho-epidemiology of cancer corpus uteri in Karachi South '1995-1997'.

AIM To provide demographics and pathology of cancer of the uterine corpus in Karachi. METHODOLOGY Data for 66 incident cases of cancer corpus uteri, ICD-10 category C54-5 registered at the Karachi Cancer Registry, for Karachi South, during a 3 year period, 1st January, 1995 to 31st December 1997 were reviewed. RESULTS Cancer uterine corpus (1995-97) was the sixth most common malignancy, following breast, oral cavity, ovary, esophagus and cervix. The age standardized incidence rate (ASR) world and crude incidence rate (CIR) per 100,000 were 6.4 (4.73 to 8.01) and 2.9 (2.18 to 3.57). The mean age was 53.7 years (SD 15.6; range 6-90 years). Fifty eight cases were endometrial carcinoma with ASR world and CIR per 100,000 of 5.77 (4.20 to 7.33) and 2.53 (1.88 to 3.18) respectively. Sarcomas comprised 6% of the cases. Approximately a third of the females (28.8%) were below 50 years of age. The age-specific curves showed a gradual increase from the fourth till the seventh decade, followed by an actual apparent decrease in risk after 70 years. Peak incidence was observed in the 65-69 year age group. Presenting symptoms were post-menopausal bleeding (86.4%) and purulent discharge (4%). Associated pathologies included adenomyosis, adenomatous hyperplasia (12% each) or leiomyoma (8%). Associated clinical conditions were diabetes mellitus and hypertension (4% each). The majority of the cases presented as well differentiated (39.4%), localized (59.1%) lesions. CONCLUSION The incidence of cancer corpus uteri in Karachi South reflects a moderate risk population, predominantly middle aged with a higher socio-economic status. On the average the malignancy is observed a decade earlier then reported elsewhere. This calls for in-depth investigation of risk factors and identification of underlying etiology.