Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Another functional frame-shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) associated with male infertility

DEFB126 rs140685149 mutation was shown to cause sperm dysfunction and subfertility. Indel rs11467497 is another 4‐nucleotide frame‐shift mutation (151bp upstream of rs140685149) that leads to the premature termination of translation and the expression of peptide truncated at the carboxyl terminus. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive association study to check the contribution of rs140685149 and rs11467497 to male infertility. Our results confirmed the previous findings that there was no association between rs140685149 and sperm motility. In contrast, we found a significant association of another indel rs11467497 with male infertility. Moreover, rs11467497 was shown to be associated with higher number of round cells in the infertile males with low sperm motility. Surprisingly, the two mutations commonly existed in the sperm donors (n = 672), suggesting a potential application of the two indels in the screening for eligible sperm donors. Western blotting assays showed the sperms with rs140685149 2‐nt deletion tended to have unstable DEFB126 protein in contrast of no DEFB126 protein expressed in the sperms with rs11467497 4‐nt deletion, suggesting a more severe consequence caused by rs11467497 mutation. In conclusion, our study presented a significant contribution of another functional frame‐shift polymorphism of DEFB126 (rs11467497) to male infertility.
Managing Conflicts When Using Combination Strategies to Test Software

Testers often represent systems under test in input parameter models. These contain parameters with associated values. Combinations of parameter values, with one value for each parameter, are potential test cases. In most models, some values of two or more parameters cannot be combined. Testers must then detect and avoid or remove these conflicts. This paper proposes two new methods for automatically handling such conflicts and compares these with two existing methods, based on the sizes of the final conflict-free test suites. A test suite reduction method, usable with three of the four investigated methods is also included in the study, resulting in seven studied conflict handling methods. In the experiment, the number and types of conflicts, as well as the size of the input parameter model and the coverage criterion used, are varied. All in all, 3854 test suites with a total of 929,158 test cases were generated. Two methods stand out as tractable and complementary. The best method (called the avoid methods) with respect to test suite size is to avoid selection of test cases with conflicts. However, this method cannot always be used. The second best method (called the replace method), removing conflicts from the final test suite, is completely general.
Fighting the bufferbloat: On the coexistence of AQM and low priority congestion control

Nowadays, due to excessive queuing, delays on the Internet can grow longer than several round trips between the Moon and the Earth - for which the “bufferbloat” term was recently coined. Some point to active queue management (AQM) as the solution. Others propose end-to-end low-priority congestion control techniques (LPCC). Under both approaches, promising advances have been made in recent times: notable examples are CoDel for AQM, and LEDBAT for LPCC. In this paper, we warn of a potentially fateful interaction when AQM and LPCC techniques are combined: namely (i) AQM resets the relative level of priority between best effort and low-priority congestion control protocols; (ii) while reprioritization generally equalizes the priority of LPCC and TCP, we also find that some AQM settings may actually lead best effort TCP to starvation. By an extended set of experiments conducted on both controlled testbeds and on the Internet, we show the problem to hold in the real world for all tested combination of AQM policies and LPCC protocols. To further validate the generality of our findings, we complement our experiments with packet-level simulation, to cover cases of other popular AQM and LPCC that are not available in the Linux kernel. To promote cross-comparison, we make our scripts and dataset available to the research community.
Molecular analysis of coordinated bladder and urogenital organ formation by Hedgehog signaling

The urogenital and reproductive organs, including the external genitalia, bladder and urethra, develop as anatomically aligned organs. Descriptive and experimental embryology suggest that the cloaca, and its derivative, the urogenital sinus, contribute to the formation of these organs. However, it is unknown how the primary tissue lineages in, and adjacent to, the cloaca give rise to the above organs, nor is bladder formation understood. While it is known that sonic hedgehog (Shh) is expressed by the cloacal epithelia, the developmental programs that regulate and coordinate the formation of the urogenital and reproductive organs have not been elucidated. Here we report that Shh mutant embryos display hypoplasia of external genitalia, internal urethra (pelvic urethra) and bladder. The importance of Shh signaling in the development of bladder and external genitalia was confirmed by analyzing a variety of mutant mouse lines with defective hedgehog signaling. By genetically labeling hedgehog-responding tissue lineages adjacent to the cloaca and urogenital sinus, we defined the contribution of these tissues to the bladder and external genitalia. We discovered that development of smooth muscle myosin-positive embryonic bladder mesenchyme requires Shh signaling, and that the bladder mesenchyme and dorsal (upper) external genitalia derive from Shh-responsive peri-cloacal mesenchyme. Thus, the mesenchymal precursors for multiple urogenital structures derive from peri-cloacal mesenchyme and the coordination of urogenital organ formation from these precursors is orchestrated by Shh signals.
Identification of Leonurus sibiricus as a Weed Reservoir for Three Pepper-Infecting Viruses

In plant virus ecology, weeds are regarded as wild reservoirs of viruses and as potential sources for insect-mediated transmission of viruses. During field surveys in 2013–2014, three Leonurus sibiricus plants showing virus-like symptoms were collected from pepper fields in Daegu, Seosan, and Danyang in Korea. Molecular diagnosis assays showed that the collected L. sibiricus samples were infected with either Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), or Beet western yellow virus (BWYV), respectively. Since this is the first identification of TSWV, PMMoV, and BWYV from L. sibiricus, complete genome sequences of three virus isolates were determined to examine their phylogenetic relationships with the previously reported strains and isolates. Phylogenetic analyses performed using full genome sequences of the viruses showed the isolates of TSWV and PMMoV obtained from L. sibiricus are closely related to the pepper isolates of the corresponding viruses. Our results suggest that L. sibiricus could act an alternative host and reservoir of viruses that cause damages in pepper fields.
Child and family-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric bipolar disorder: pilot study of group treatment format.

INTRODUCTION This study is a preliminary report of a group adaptation of child- and family-focused cognitive behavior therapy (CFF-CBT) for pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). METHODS CFF-CBT group treatment was provided to twenty six families who had children with a diagnosis of PBD ranging between six- and twelve-years-old. RESULTS Results indicated that CFF-CBT was feasible and acceptable to families. CFF-CBT resulted in significant improvement in manic, but not depressive, symptoms and in children's psychosocial functioning post-treatment. In addition, although not statistically significant, parents reported an increased ability to cope with their child's illness. Results of this study suggest that group psychosocial treatment provided alongside pharmacotherapy may help attain remission of symptoms, as well as increase overall psychosocial coping and well-being in both children and parents. CONCLUSION Future work must include a more rigorous test of CFF-CBT in a randomized controlled trial.
The cooling history and the depth of detachment faulting at the Atlantis Massif oceanic core complex

Oceanic core complexes (OCCs) are domal exposures of oceanic crust and mantle interpreted to be denuded to the seafloor by large slip oceanic detachment faults. We combine previously reported U‐Pb zircon crystallization ages with (U‐Th)/He zircon thermochronometry and multicomponent magnetic remanence data to determine the cooling history of the footwall to the Atlantis Massif OCC (30°N, MAR) and help establish cooling rates, as well as depths of detachment faulting and gabbro emplacement. We present nine new (U‐Th)/He zircon ages for samples from IODP Hole U1309D ranging from 40 to 1415 m below seafloor. These data paired with U‐Pb zircon ages and magnetic remanence data constrain cooling rates of gabbroic rocks from the upper 800 m of the central dome at Atlantis Massif as 2895 (+1276/−1162) °C Myr−1 (from ∼780°C to ∼250°C); the lower 600 m of the borehole cooled more slowly at mean rates of ∼500 (+125/−102) °C Myr−1(from ∼780°C to present‐day temperatures). Rocks from the uppermost part of the hole also reveal a brief period of slow cooling at rates of ∼300°C Myr−1, possibly due to hydrothermal circulation to ∼4 km depth through the detachment fault zone. Assuming a fault slip rate of 20 mm/yr (from U‐Pb zircon ages of surface samples) and a rolling hinge model for the sub‐surface fault geometry, we predict that the 780°C isotherm lies at ∼7 km below the axial valley floor, likely corresponding both to the depth at which the semi‐brittle detachment fault roots and the probable upper limit of significant gabbro emplacement.
Does hip implant positioning affect the peak external adduction moments of the healthy knees of subjects with total hip replacements?

After unilateral total hip replacement (THR) for hip osteoarthritis (OA), knee OA incidence or progression is common. The contralateral knee is at particular risk, and some have speculated that abnormal THR‐hip biomechanics contributes to this asymmetry. We investigated the relationships between operated‐hip joint geometry or gait variables and the peak external knee adduction moments—an indicator of knee OA risk—in 21 subjects with unilateral THRs. We found that the peak adduction moment was 14% higher on the contralateral versus the ipsilateral knee (p = 0.131). The best predictors of ipsilateral knee adduction moments were superior‐inferior joint center position and operated‐hip peak adduction moment (adj R2 = 0.291, p = 0.017). The sole predictor of the contralateral knee adduction moment was the medial‐lateral hip center position (adj R2 = 0.266, p = 0.010). A postoperative medial shift of the hip center was significantly correlated with a lower postoperative contralateral/ipsilateral knee adduction moment ratio (R = 0.462, p = 0.035). Based on these relationships, we concluded that implant positioning could influence the biomechanical risk of knee OA progression after THR. Although implant positioning decisions are necessarily driven by other factors, it may be appropriate to assess individual THR candidate's knee OA risk and adjust perioperative management accordingly. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1187–1194, 2013
Salmonella senftenberg: epidemics in India and present status.

l,3,19:g,[s],t:-) was first isolated by Kauffmann in 1928 from the stool of an 8 years old male child with acute gastroenteritis, at Senftenberg Hospital, Berlin, Germany(l). Since then, this organ-ism has been reported in more than 30 countries with most isolations from the Netherlands, England, Germany, USA, Australia, India, Israel and Japan(2).
Target tracking using delayed measurements with implicit constraints

In target tracking, standard sensors as radar and EO/IR observe the target with a negligible delay, since the speed of light is much larger than the speed of the target. This contribution studies the case where the ratio of the target and the propagation speed is not negligible, as is the case in sensor networks with microphones, geophones or sonars for instance, where the speed of air, ground waves and water cause a state dependent and stochastic delay of the observations. The proposed approach utilizes a temporary augmentation of the state vector with the observation delay, and sampling based approaches are suggested for modifying standard filters as the extended Kalman filter, unscented Kalman filters and possibly particle filters. An application example with bearing only tracking using a single microphone array is used as an illustration.
Influence of different Thickness of Zirconia Core on the Flexural Strength in Article Saliva

To Study the Effect of Different Core Thickness on the Flexural Strength of Zirconia and Feldspathic Ceramics. Bilayered Zirconia-Feldspathic Samples of Three Commercial Brands were Made in Three Different Thickness(n=10): 0.5 Mm, 0.8 Mm and 1.0 Mm Respectively. on Zirconia Core Specimens of each Thickness, Feldspathic Dentin Porcelain was Added to Reach a Total Crown Thickness of 2 Mm. Samples were Stored in Artificial Saliva with Neutral Ph for 10 Days at 37°C. Flexural Strength was Conducted with 3-Point Bending Test. Data were Analyzed by One-way ANOVA, and Multiple Comparisons were Performed Using Student-Newman-Keuls Test(α=0.05). the Measurement of 1.0 Mm Group was Higher than the other Groups, and 0.5 Mm Group was the Lowest(P＜0.05), Regardless of any Commercial Brand. Commercial Dental Zirconia Blocks had Varied Flexural Strength, Zirkonzahn Expressed Highest Value in any Thickness Group Compared with the other Materials. Moreover, the Fracture Mode of Zirconia Bilayered Composites was Different in this Study, 0.5 Mm and 0.8 Mm Groups Exhibited Higher Number of Fragments and Appeared to Delamination Compared with 1.0 Mm Group. so we Infer that the Thickness of Core can have an Effect on the Flexural Strength of Bilayered Zirconia-Feldspathic Crown, as well as Different Kinds of Materials.
Natalizumab in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody, representing a new class of medication for treating relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Conventional treatments include interferons, glatiramer acetate and chemotherapies such as mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide. These therapies offer only modest clinical benefits and are commonly not tolerated due to side effects. Natalizumab has been proven in large-scale, blinded, randomized, controlled trials to have an exceptional effect on preventing relapses, decreasing the risk of sustained progression of disability, and increasing the rate of disease-free patients over a 24-month period compared to placebo. These trials led to the speedy approval of natalizumab for treating relapsing MS, but its use was halted a few months after its induction after several cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a fatal demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system. After a long deliberation by an FDA advisory panel and strong support from the MS community, natalizumab was reapproved with stringent restrictions including patient, provider and site registration. Natalizumab is now considered second-line therapy for patients who have failed first-line agents such as interferon or glatiramer acetate. As little is known about additional risk factors for PML and other potential infections, patients and providers must work together to carefully decide if potential benefits outweigh these rare but potentially devastating complications.
Causes of Blindness in Southwestern Nigeria: A General Hospital Clinic Study

Purpose This hospital-based study was carried out to assess the common causes of blindness in Ibadan, the largest city in the southwestern part of Nigeria, and to strengthen the primary eye care approach to control and reduction of cases of blindness in the community. Methods Following Hospital Ethical Board approval and informed consent of participants, a prospective study was performed in which 1,544 consecutive patients with bilateral or unilateral blindness seen between January and December 2003 at the Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, were evaluated for causes of blindness. Visual acuity was measured with an illuminated Snellen chart placed 6 meters away from the participants. This was followed by pen torch examination and dilated funduscopy with a direct ophthalmoscope. Friedman field analyzer was used to measure visual field. Patients with corrected visual acuity of less than 3/60 in the better eye or with visual field of less than 10 degrees from fixation were considered blind according to the World Health Organization criteria. Results The 1,544 patients had a mean age of 53.5 years (range, 4 to 96 years); 858 (56%) were male and 686 (44%) were female. Blindness was bilateral in 471 (30%) patients and unilateral in 1,073 (70%). When those persons with unilateral and bilateral blindness were grouped together, individuals within the 60 to 79 years age bracket were 667 (44%) and constituted the largest group of all blind persons. The leading causes of bilateral blindness were cataract, 171 (36%); glaucoma, 138 (29%); and optic atrophy, 21 (4%). The most common causes of unilateral blindness were cataract, 446 (41%); glaucoma, 213 (20%); and those referable to trauma, 116 (11%). Conclusions Cataract and glaucoma are the main causes of bilateral and uniocular blindness in the study area.
The Impact of Adenosine Fast Induction of Myocardial Arrest during CABG on Myocardial Expression of Apoptosis-Regulating Genes Bax and Bcl-2

Background. We studied the effect of fast induction of cardiac arrest with denosine on myocardial bax and bcl-2 expression. Methods and Results. 40 elective CABG patients were allocated into two groups. The adenosine group (n = 20) received 250 μg/kg adenosine into the aortic root followed by blood potassium cardioplegia. The control group received potassium cardioplegia in blood. Bcl-2 and bax were measured. Bax was reduced in the postoperative biopsies (1.38 versus 0.47, P = .002) in the control group. Bcl-2 showed a reducing tendency (0.14 versus 0.085, P = .07). After the adenosine treatment, the expression of both bax (0.52 versus 0.59, P = .4) and bcl-2 (0.104 versus 0.107, P = .4) remained unaltered after the operation. Conclusion. Open heart surgery is associated with rapid reduction in the expression of apoptosis regulating genes bax and bcl-2. Fast Adenosine induction abolished changes in their expression.
Synergy between Polyethylenimine and Different Families of Antibiotics against a Resistant Clinical Isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT The in vitro activities of 10 families of antimicrobial agents alone and in combination with a synthetic polycationic polymer, polyethylenimine (PEI), against a resistant clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated by MIC assays, checkerboard testing, and killing curve studies. At a concentration of 250 nM, PEI (10 kDa) was not directly bactericidal or bacteriostatic; but when it was used in combination with novobiocin, ceftazidime, ampicillin, ticarcillin, carbenicillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, rifampin, or norfloxacin, it significantly reduced the MICs of these antibiotics by 1.5- to 56-fold. However, the MICs of aminoglycosides, polymyxins, and vancomycins were increased by 1.2- to 5-fold when these drugs were combined with PEI; and the MICs of tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin were not affected when these drugs were combined with PEI. In the killing curve studies, combinations of PEI with novobiocin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, or rifampin resulted in 5- to 8-log10 CFU/ml reductions in bacterial counts when 25% of the MIC of each antibiotic was used. These results indicate that infections due to resistant Pseudomonas strains could be treated by the use of a synergistic combination of PEI and antimicrobial drugs.
Utility of Computed Tomography versus Abdominal Ultrasound Examination to Identify Iliosacral Lymphadenomegaly in Dogs with Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Anal Sac

Background Apocrine gland adenocarcinoma of the anal sac (AGAAS) is associated with high rates of iliosacral lymph node metastasis, which may influence treatment and prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recently has been shown to be more sensitive than abdominal ultrasound examination (AUS) in affected patients. Objective To compare the rate of detection of iliosacral lymphadenomegaly between AUS and computed tomography (CT) in dogs with AGAAS. Animals Cohort A: A total of 30 presumed normal dogs. Cohort B: A total of 20 dogs with AGAAS that underwent AUS and CT. Methods Using cohort A, mean normalized lymph node : aorta (LN : AO) ratios were established for medial iliac, internal iliac, and sacral lymph nodes. The CT images in cohort B then were reviewed retrospectively and considered enlarged if their LN : AO ratio measured 2 standard deviations above the mean normalized ratio for that particular node in cohort A. Classification and visibility of lymph nodes identified on AUS were compared to corresponding measurements obtained on CT. Results Computed tomography identified lymphadenomegaly in 13 of 20 AGAAS dogs. Of these 13 dogs, AUS correctly identified and detected all enlarged nodes in only 30.8%, and either misidentified or failed to detect additional enlarged nodes in the remaining dogs. Despite limitations in identifying enlargement in all affected lymph nodes, AUS identified at least 1 enlarged node in 100% of affected dogs. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Abdominal ultrasound examination is an effective screening test for lymphadenomegaly in dogs with AGAAS, but CT should be considered in any patient in which an additional metastatic site would impact therapeutic planning.
Experimental study on the synthesis and characterization of aplite rock-based geopolymers

This paper presents a new method for geopolymer synthesis of ground aplite rock. The resulting geopolymers were easy to manufacture and exhibited promising mechanical properties. Compressive strength testing, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope analyzes were performed. The results indicated that in manufacturing, the aplite-based geopolymers, potassium-containing systems gave noticeable improvements in comparison with sodium-containing systems. Rheological behavior of the geopolymeric slurry showed non-Newtonian behavior. The Bingham and Herschel–Bulkley models were selected to simulate the viscosities of the slurries. The Bingham model fitted to the measured data with an average deviation of 1.65 (lbf/100 ft2) while the Herschel–Bulkley model showed large deviations from the experimental data.