Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thyroid nodules: evaluation with color Doppler ultrasonography

Forty‐seven patients with thyroid nodules (13 papillary carcinomas, 14 adenomas, and 20 adenomatous goiters) underwent color Doppler sonography with a 7.5 MHz transducer. Perinodular or intranodular color flow signals were depicted in 10 of 13 papillary carcinomas, in 10 of 14 follicular adenomas, and in 14 of 20 adenomatous goiters. No correlation existed between the presence of color signals and pathology, whereas the detection rate of color signals had a dependence on the size of the lesions. No specific flow pattern for malignancy could be found. Color Doppler sonography would not improve the ability to differentiate benign from malignant nodules significantly.
Patients with high‐bone‐mass phenotype owing to Lrp5‐T253I mutation have low plasma levels of serotonin

The Lrp5 gene is a major determinant of bone mass accrual. It has been demonstrated recently to achieve this function by hampering the synthesis of gut‐derived serotonin, which is a powerful inhibitor of bone formation. In this study we analyzed plasma serotonin levels in patients with a high‐bone‐mass (HBM) phenotype owing to gain‐of‐function mutation of Lrp5 (T253I). A total of 9 HBM patients were compared with 18 sex‐ and age‐matched controls. In HBM patients, the serotonin concentrations in platelet‐poor plasma were significantly lower than in the controls (mean ± SEM: 2.16 ± 0.28 ng/mL versus 3.51 ± 0.49 ng/mL, respectively, p < .05). Our data support the hypothesis that circulating serotonin levels mediate the increased bone mass resulting from gain‐of‐function mutations in Lrp5 in humans. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Temporal self-organization of the cyclin/Cdk network driving the mammalian cell cycle

We propose an integrated computational model for the network of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) that controls the dynamics of the mammalian cell cycle. The model contains four Cdk modules regulated by reversible phosphorylation, Cdk inhibitors, and protein synthesis or degradation. Growth factors (GFs) trigger the transition from a quiescent, stable steady state to self-sustained oscillations in the Cdk network. These oscillations correspond to the repetitive, transient activation of cyclin D/Cdk4–6 in G1, cyclin E/Cdk2 at the G1/S transition, cyclin A/Cdk2 in S and at the S/G2 transition, and cyclin B/Cdk1 at the G2/M transition. The model accounts for the following major properties of the mammalian cell cycle: (i) repetitive cell cycling in the presence of suprathreshold amounts of GF; (ii) control of cell-cycle progression by the balance between antagonistic effects of the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and the transcription factor E2F; and (iii) existence of a restriction point in G1, beyond which completion of the cell cycle becomes independent of GF. The model also accounts for endoreplication. Incorporating the DNA replication checkpoint mediated by kinases ATR and Chk1 slows down the dynamics of the cell cycle without altering its oscillatory nature and leads to better separation of the S and M phases. The model for the mammalian cell cycle shows how the regulatory structure of the Cdk network results in its temporal self-organization, leading to the repetitive, sequential activation of the four Cdk modules that brings about the orderly progression along cell-cycle phases.
Predicting long-term seizure outcome after resective epilepsy surgery

Background: In a seven-center prospective observational study of resective epilepsy surgery, the authors examined probability and predictors of entering 2-year remission and the risk of subsequent relapse. Methods: Patients aged 12 years and over were enrolled at time of referral for epilepsy surgery, and underwent standardized evaluation, treatment, and follow-up procedures. The authors defined seizure remission as 2 years completely seizure-free after hospital discharge with or without auras, and relapse as any seizures after 2-year remission. The authors examined type of surgery, seizure, clinical and demographic variables, and localization study results with respect to prediction of seizure remission or relapse, using χ2 and proportional hazards analysis. Results: Of 396 operated patients, 339 were followed over 2 years, and 223 (66%) experienced 2-year remission, not significantly different between medial temporal (68%) and neocortical (50%) resections. In multivariable models, only absence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and presence of hippocampal atrophy were significantly and independently associated with remission, and only in the medial temporal resection group. Fifty-five patients relapsed after 2-year remission, again not significantly different between medial temporal (25%) and neocortical (19%) resections. Only delay to remission predicted relapse, and only in medial temporal patients. Conclusion: Hippocampal atrophy and a history of absence of generalized tonic clonic seizures were the sole predictors of 2-year remission, and only for medial temporal resections.
Expression of Human Papillomavirus DNA and p53 Polymorphisms through Polymerase Chain Reaction in Normal Mucosa and Oral Leukoplakia Individuals with Deleterious Oral Habits

Context: Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a well-recognized precancerous lesion with various etiological factors. Most commonly deleterious oral habits such as tobacco smoking and viral etiologies mainly human papillomavirus (HPV) play an important role. p53 polymorphisms mostly homozygous Arginine (Arg) allele has a greater risk of degradation by HPV. Hence, HPV infection and p53 polymorphisms may act as synergistic factors for increased the risk of malignant transformation in oral precancerous lesions. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk of OL and its malignant transformation due to infection by HPV and p53 polymorphisms in the oral biopsy samples through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subjects and Methods: A total of 40 individuals were involved– 10 individuals were controls without deleterious habits, 15 were controls with deleterious habits, and 15 were with histologically confirmed OL individuals with deleterious habits. PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism using sma1 enzyme were carried out to evaluate the expression of HPV and p53 polymorphisms. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test, Fischer's exact t-test, and odds ratio. Results: (1) HPV DNA expression was higher in Leukoplakia individuals than controls. (2) p53 genotype with homozygous Arg was more in HPV-infected individuals. Conclusions: To conclude HPV infected OL cases were mostly with Arg/Arg type of p53 polymorphism.
Gain-clamped erbium-doped fiber-ring lasing amplifier with low noise figure by using an interleaver

A novel all-optical gain-clamped erbium-doped fiber-ring lasing amplifier (GC-EDFRLA) has been demonstrated, in which the odd port of a 100/200-G interleaver was used to form a fiber-ring cavity to produce lasing oscillation for locking the gain and its even port was employed to export the amplified signals. In such a way, the problem existing in the conventional GC-EDFRLA is solved. The signal can be exported separately without the lasing power while the noise figure (NF) is very low. Finally, the GC-EDFRLA with a low NF of 4.2 dB was achieved.
Insider Selling and IPO Price Premium

ABSTRACT We examine insider selling for initial public offering (IPO) firms using a sample of 1868 IPOs between 1988 and 2012. We find that overvalued IPOs have higher probability of offering secondary shares, higher proportion of secondary shares offered, and more upward revision in the total number of shares offered. They also have higher probability of insider sale in the open market both before and after lockup expiration. The size of insider sale in the open market also increases with the degree of overvaluation. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that IPO insiders try to sell their shares opportunistically into overvalued markets.
THE INFLUENCE THE CONTAGION EFFECT AND THE SPILLOVER EFFECT OF GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKET ON THE STOCK INDEX : CASE INDONESIA

Based on the results of the Granger Causality Test, the results of contagion effect test occur among regional stock markets in the global financial system. Based on spillover effect test result there is no spillover effect from volatility of Indonesia Composite Index to volatility from Dow Jones index as well from Dow Jones Index to Indonesia Composite Index. Composite stock price index which geographically adjacent also have big influence on volatility Ham nearby. The Hangseng index from the regional financial center closest to Indonesia has the greatest impact on JCI volatility, followed by the Dow Jones and STI (Singapore) Indexes.
Business Groups, Bank Control and Large Shareholders: An Analysis of German Takeovers

I analyse the effect of ownership structure and bank control on performance. I employ a unique data set of 715 German takeovers to test whether group structure, large shareholders, and bank control affect their value to shareholders. First, I find that takeovers increase bidder value, but generally not that of the business group surrounding it. Second, majority owners provide no clear benefit. Third, bank control is only beneficial if it is counter-balanced by another large shareholder. Fourth, the worst takeovers are completed by firms that are majority-controlled by financial institutions.
A framework for joint optical-wireless resource management in multi-RAT, heterogeneous mobile networks

Mobile networks are constantly evolving: new Radio Access Technologies (RATs) are being introduced, and backhaul architectures like Cloud-RAN (C-RAN) and distributed base stations are being proposed. Furthermore, small cells are being deployed to enhance network capacity. The end-users wish to be always connected to a high-quality service (high bit rates, low latency), thus causing a very complex network control task from an operator's point of view. We thus propose a framework allowing joint overall network resource management. This scheme covers different types of network heterogeneity (multi-RAT, multi-layer, multi-architecture) by introducing a novel, hierarchical approach to network resource management. Self-Organizing Networks (SON) and cognitive network behaviors are covered as well as more traditional mobile network features. The framework is applicable to all phases of network operation like planning, deployment, operation, maintenance and therefore aids network operators in improving their business potential.
Absence of FKBP10 in recessive type XI osteogenesis imperfecta leads to diminished collagen cross‐linking and reduced collagen deposition in extracellular matrix

Recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is caused by defects in genes whose products interact with type I collagen for modification and/or folding. We identified a Palestinian pedigree with moderate and lethal forms of recessive OI caused by mutations in FKBP10 or PPIB, which encode endoplasmic reticulum resident chaperone/isomerases FKBP65 and CyPB, respectively. In one pedigree branch, both parents carry a deletion in PPIB (c.563_566delACAG), causing lethal type IX OI in their two children. In another branch, a child with moderate type XI OI has a homozygous FKBP10 mutation (c.1271_1272delCCinsA). Proband FKBP10 transcripts are 4% of control and FKBP65 protein is absent from proband cells. Proband collagen electrophoresis reveals slight band broadening, compatible with ≈10% overmodification. Normal chain incorporation, helix folding, and collagen Tm support a minimal general collagen chaperone role for FKBP65. However, there is a dramatic decrease in collagen deposited in culture despite normal collagen secretion. Mass spectrometry reveals absence of hydroxylation of the collagen telopeptide lysine involved in cross‐linking, suggesting that FKBP65 is required for lysyl hydroxylase activity or access to type I collagen telopeptide lysines, perhaps through its function as a peptidylprolyl isomerase. Proband collagen to organics ratio in matrix is approximately 30% of normal in Raman spectra. Immunofluorescence shows sparse, disorganized collagen fibrils in proband matrix. Hum Mutat 33:1589–1598, 2012. Published 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.*
New method of DOA estimation for coherent sources under unknown noise field

The major shortcomings of the MUSIC algorithm for direction-of arrival (DOA) are that it performs poorly when the sources are highly and when the noise is unknown. A method was proposed to estimate DOA for coherent, noncoherent, and mixed narrowband signals under an unknown spatially noise environment, in this method, the forward-backward spatial smoothing algorithm was employed to decorrelate highly correlated sources and increase data amount, and a covariance matrix difference between the forward-backward spatial smoothing for covariance matrix of the received data and its transform matrix was introduced to eliminate noise components from the array structure, then, the MUSIC spectral was constructed by eigenvalue decomposition the difference to estimate DOA of signal sources. The numerical result verified that the method is effective.
Energetics and optimization of human walking and running: The 2000 Raymond Pearl memorial lecture

Humans seem to adjust their walking and running gaits to minimise the metabolic energy cost of locomotion. The walking speed that we tend to prefer is the one that minimises energy cost per unit distance, though faster speeds might seem preferable when time is valuable. At speeds up to 2 m/s, walking requires less energy than running, and we walk. At higher speeds, running is more economical, and we run. At each speed we use the stride length that minimises energy costs. A computer model that predicts metabolic rates for all conceivable gaits of a simple biped helps to understand these and other features of human gait. The energy cost of walking is increased on uphill slopes and also on soft ground. Consequently, zigzag paths should be preferred to straight ones, up hills of more than a critical gradient. Also, it may be more economical to divert a path around a hill than to travel along a straight line. Simple theories of optimum diversions are presented, both for hilly ground and for ground interrupted by marshy patches, on which costs of walking are increased. Energy costs are also increased by heavy loads, though it seems possible in some circumstances to carry moderate loads without measurable extra cost. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 14:641–648, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxicity of endosulfan to Atalophlebia spp. (Ephemeroptera) in the laboratory, mesocosm, and field

A series of single‐species toxicity tests was conducted in the laboratory and in outdoor stream mesocosms. The mayfly nymphs of Atalophlebia spp. (A. av2 and A. av6) were exposed to the organochlorine pesticide endosulfan for either 12‐ or 48‐h periods, with mortality recorded after 96 h. For both exposure periods, the lethal concentration (LC50 and LC10) values were not significantly different between laboratory and mesocosm single‐species tests, suggesting that the absence of natural environmental conditions and biological interactions in laboratory single‐species tests did not influence the toxicity of technical endosulfan to Atalophlebia spp. Interpolation of toxicity test data indicates that peak endosulfan concentrations recorded in the rivers during storm events are likely to cause only minimal impact on Atalophlebia spp. populations. This suggests that changes in the abundance of populations observed in the field, if due to total endosulfan alone, are the result of chronic rather than acute exposure.
Identification of the tliDEF ABC Transporter Specific for Lipase in Pseudomonas fluorescensSIK W1

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas fluorescens, a gram-negative psychrotrophic bacterium, secretes a thermostable lipase into the extracellular medium. In our previous study, the lipase of P. fluorescensSIK W1 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, but it accumulated as inactive inclusion bodies. Amino acid sequence analysis of the lipase revealed a potential C-terminal targeting sequence recognized by the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. The genetic loci around the lipase gene were searched, and a secretory gene was identified. Nucleotide sequencing of an 8.5-kb DNA fragment revealed three components of the ABC transporter, tliD,tliE, and tliF, upstream of the lipase gene,tliA. In addition, genes encoding a protease and a protease inhibitor were located upstream of tliDEF.tliDEF showed high similarity to ABC transporters ofPseudomonas aeruginosa alkaline protease, Erwinia chrysanthemi protease, Serratia marcescens lipase, and Pseudomonas fluorescens CY091 protease.tliDEF and the lipase structural gene in a single operon were sufficient for E. coli cells to secrete the lipase. In addition, E. coli harboring the lipase gene secreted the lipase by complementation of tliDEF in a different plasmid. The ABC transporter of P. fluorescenswas optimally functional at 20 and 25°C, while the ABC transporter,aprD, aprE, and aprF, of P. aeruginosa secreted the lipase irrespective of temperature between 20 and 37°C. These results demonstrated that the lipase is secreted by the P. fluorescens SIK W1 ABC transporter, which is organized as an operon with tliA, and that its secretory function is temperature dependent.
Systematic Electromagnetic Interference Filter Design Based on Information From In-Circuit Impedance Measurements

Based on a two-probe measurement approach, the noise source and noise termination impedances of a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) under its normal operating condition are measured. With the accurate noise source and noise termination impedances, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter can be optimally designed. A practical example of the design of an EMI filter to comply with a regulatory conducted EMI limit using the proposed procedure is demonstrated and compared with the cases, where the noise source and noise termination impedances are not taken into account, or coarse estimates of them are considered. Although all approaches allow filtered SMPS to pass the regulation limits, designing EMI filters with the accurate noise source and termination impedances leads to optimal component values and avoids overdesign.
Different sensitivities of rat and human red cells to exogenous Ca2+

During an examination of the effects of shear and of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 on Ca2+ entry into erythrocytes of rats and humans, we noted that rat erythrocytes were much more sensitive to Ca2+‐induced hemolysis than the human cells. An examination of the effect of Ca2+ on transglutaminase, a cytosolic enzyme in the erythrocyte which crosslinks membrane proteins and renders cells less deformable, demonstrated a correlation between enzyme activity and Ca2+‐induced hemolysis. Both rat and human cells subjected to shear‐induced Ca2+ entry exhibited increased enzyme activity and altered membrane protein SDS‐PAGE patterns. Twenty micromolar A23187 with Ca2+ at concentrations above 80 μM caused hemolysis of rat erythrocytes. In contrast to human erythrocytes, under these conditions no membranes were recoverable from rat erythrocytes. At lower concentrations of Ca2+ (25 and 50 μM), however, rat erythrocytes maintained integrity, and exhibited enhanced transglutaminase activity and cross‐linking of membrane proteins. The rat enzyme can be activated 30% by 10 μM Ca2+, while 50 μM Ca2+ was necessary to achieve a similar activation of the enzyme from human red blood cells. In studies of shear‐stimulated Ca2+ uptake by erythrocytes the rat red cell enzyme was more readily activated. The SDS‐PAGE pattern of rat red cell membranes after a 30 sec shear showed specific changes in protein banding, including the appearance of bands >330 kDa. Changes in protein banding were also apparent in cytosolic proteins. This work supports the view that shear‐induced Ca2+ entry activates transglutaminase that leads to cross‐linking of membrane components, a loss of cell integrity, and eventual cell death.
Enzymatically Active Paraoxonase-1 Is Located at the External Membrane of Producing Cells and Released by a High Affinity, Saturable, Desorption Mechanism*

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a high density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated serum enzyme that protects low density lipoproteins from oxidative modifications. There is a relative lack of information on mechanisms implicated in PON1 release from cells. The present study focused on a model derived from stable transfection of CHO cells, to avoid co-secretion of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and lipids, which could lead to formation of HDL-like complexes. Our results indicate that, in the absence of an appropriate acceptor, little PON1 is released. The results designate HDL as the predominant, physiological acceptor, whose efficiency is influenced by size and composition. Neither lipid-poor apoA-I or apoA-II nor low density lipoproteins could substitute for HDL. Protein-free phospholipid complexes promoted PON1 release. However, the presence of both apolipoprotein and phospholipid were necessary to promote release and stabilize the enzyme. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that PON1 was inserted into the external membrane of CHO cells, where it was enzymatically active. Accumulation of PON1 in the cell membrane was not influenced by the ability of the cell to co-secrete of apoA-I. Release appeared to involve desorption by HDL; human and reconstituted HDL promoted PON1 release in a saturable, high affinity manner (apparent affinity 1.59 ± 0.3 μg of HDL protein/ml). Studies with PON1-transfected hepatocytes (HuH-7) revealed comparable structural features with the peptide located in a punctate pattern at the external membrane and enzymatically active. We hypothesize that release of PON1 involves a docking process whereby HDL transiently associate with the cell membrane and remove the peptide from the external membrane. The secretory process may be of importance for assuring the correct lipoprotein destination of PON1 and thus its functional efficiency.
Over The Edge: Factors Nudging Mid-Career, School-Based Agriculture Teachers Out of the Profession

The field of agricultural education has experienced a consistent labor shortage the past several decades. Consequently, many school districts struggle to fill their open positions, while others are forced to shut down their agricultural programs completely due to inadequate staffing. Teacher attrition has been identified as a predominant factor behind the teacher shortage. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to identify factors influencing mid-career school-based agriculture teachers’ decision to stay in or leave the secondary agriculture teaching profession. Researchers developed and administered questionnaires, as well as conducted interviews, to gather data from current, mid-career agriculture teachers to answer the research questions. The researcher’s discovered mid-career agriculture teachers are satisfied with their careers and significant differences do not exist in overall job satisfaction between those contemplating leaving and those who were not. However, differences existed between groups in areas related to recognition and school policy and administration. Additional findings suggest mid-career agriculture teachers value student and program successes, autonomy and variety, and stakeholder support. Moreover, the researcher’s discovered mid-career agriculture teachers experience similar frustrations as teachers in other professional life stages; however, they seem to struggle more with balancing their personal and professional lives due to changing family dynamics.