Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bile Acid Concentration Reference Ranges in a Pregnant Latina Population

Abstract Objective The total bile acid (TBA) concentration criterion for diagnosing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy varies in the published literature. The purpose of this study was to establish pregnancy-specific reference ranges for the TBA concentration among Latina women. Study Design Self-identified Latina women (n = 211) over 18 years of age with a singleton pregnancy were recruited and had random serum samples drawn during the second and third trimesters. The total and fractionated bile acid concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and reference ranges were calculated. Laboratory-provided general reference ranges from a general population of adult men and nonpregnant women were used for comparison. Results The TBA reference range for our Latina pregnant population (<8.5 µmol/L) was markedly lower than the laboratory-provided reference range (4.5 to 19.2 µmol/L). Conclusion These data suggest that the upper TBA concentration reference range in our Latina pregnant population is 8.5 µmol/L, based on LC-MS/MS measurements.
Estimating the Uncertainty of the Behavior of a PWM Power Converter by Analyzing a Set of Experimental bifurcation Diagrams

One of the main faults of a PWM power converter is linked to losing the operating process stability because of bifurcations. A bifurcation diagram contains information on the evolution of the behavior of a PWM power converter that could be theoretically used to prevent the bifurcations. Surprisingly, applying the bifurcation analysis is not yet typical in engineering practice. One of the reasons seems to be in the fundamental properties of the PWM power converter dynamics caused by the unavoidable uncertainty of its behavior near a bifurcation point. We propose a new approach to estimating this uncertainty. By analyzing a set of experimental bifurcation diagrams, our approach allows to determine both the location of the uncertainty zone and the quantitative regularities of the behavior within this zone. The proposed approach can be applied to design and maintenance, including fault diagnosis, and also to scientific research of the nonlinear dynamics regularities. Our results are experimentally verified by using the "PWM DC drive" setup.
Risk of intussusception after rotavirus vaccination : a meta-analysis

Background: Rotavirus vaccines (RVs) are commonly used in children in the clinical setting. However, increasing concerns on its association with intussusception have been reported, with controversial outcomes. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of Medline, Pubmed and Embase. Children less than one year old vaccinated with RV1 and/or RV5 rotavirus vaccine were used as inclusion criteria. Results: 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Vaccines under studies were RV1 and RV5. Overall, there was an association between immunization and risk for developing intussusception: the overall estimate of relative risk (RR) of intussusception during the 7 days after dose 1 and/or dose 2 of RV1 and/or RV5 respectively was: 5.31 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.22-8.74), P < 0.0001; 1.93 (95% CI: 1.43-2.61), P < 0.0001; 4.56 (95% CI: 3.05-6.82), P < 0.0001; 1.69 (95% CI: 1.18-2.40), P = 0.004. Sensitivity analysis showed that the significances of pooled estimates of RR stay unchanged when a single study was excluded for both vaccines and two doses. Conclusions: There is a significant increased risk of developing intussusception after immunization with RV during the first 7 days. Similarly increased risk pattern of intussusception for both vaccines are found where post-dose 1 has more risk compared to post-dose 2.
Use of platelet-rich fibrin as an autologous biologic rejuvenating media for avulsed teeth - an in vitro study.

AIM The prognosis of replanted avulsed tooth depends on the existence of viable cells in the periodontal ligament and also on those cells which are able to proliferate on the damaged areas of the root. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival of periodontal ligament cells (PDL) when soaked in an autologous biologic rejuvenating media after an extra-oral dry time of 40 min. METHOD Thirty teeth were selected with intact crown which were advised for Orthodontic extraction having healthy PDL. They were divided into two experimental and two control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0-min and 1-h dry time, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 40 min and then immersed in one of the two media, combination of platelet-rich fibrin and platelet poor plasma (PRF+PPP) and PPP for 45 min. The teeth in each group were treated with dispase II and collagenase for 30 min and later centrifuged for 5 min at 50.17 g. The supernatant was removed with sterile micropipette, the cells labelled with 0.4% trypan blue, and the number of viable PDL cells was counted with a haemocytometer, under a light microscope. RESULTS anova and Mann-Whitney U-test demonstrated statistically significant differences in the viability of PDL cells among experimental groups. CONCLUSION Within the parameters of this study, a combination of platelet-rich fibrin and PPP demonstrated higher number of viable PDL cells and hence could be a good biologic rejuvenating media for avulsed teeth.
Resistiendo el canto de las sirenas financieras en Centroamérica: Una ruta hacia un gasto eficiente con más crecimiento

América Central vive un momento particular de altos déficits fiscales y bajísimos costos de financiamiento externo dada la abundante liquidez internacional. La bonanza financiera ha dado un respiro, pero pocos incentivos a contener el gasto o a construir estrategias de revisión del mismo, con importantes riesgos de financiamiento del fisco si subieran fuertemente las tasas de interés. Este trabajo identifica estos riesgos y construye una estrategia de revisión del gasto con énfasis en su eficiencia, identificando filtraciones (particularmente en las áreas de energía y asistencia social) que de atenderse, mejorarían la posición fiscal en casi 2% del PIB, a la vez que se protege a los sectores más pobres de la población.
Identification of S6 Kinase 1 as a Novel Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR)-phosphorylating Kinase*

Here we demonstrate that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is phosphorylated in a rapamycin-sensitive manner. We show that S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), but not Akt, directly phosphorylates mTOR in cell-free in vitro system and in cells. Expression of a constitutively active, rapamycin- and wortmannin-resistant S6K1 leads to constitutive phosphorylation of mTOR, whereas knock-down of S6K1 using small inhibitory RNA greatly reduces mTOR phosphorylation despite elevated Akt activity. Importantly, phosphorylation of mTOR by S6K1 occurs at threonine 2446/serine 2448. This region has been shown previously to be part of a regulatory repressor domain. These sites are also constitutively phosphorylated in the breast cancer cell line MCF7 carrying an amplification of the S6K1 gene, but not in a less tumorigenic cell line, MCF10a. Many models for Akt signaling to mTOR have been presented, suggesting direct phosphorylation by Akt. These models must be reconsidered in light of the present findings.
The Thermodynamics of Latent Fingerprint Corrosion of Metal Elements and Alloys

Abstract: Redox reactions taking place between the surface of a metal and fingerprint residue have been expressed thermodynamically in terms of both the Nernst equation for reduction potential and the complexation constant for the formation of complex metal halide ions in aqueous solution. These expressions are used to explain experimental results for the corrosion of 10 different metal elements by fingerprint residue in air at room temperature. Corrosion of noble metals, such as silver and gold, supports the proposition that the degree of metal corrosion is enhanced by the presence of chloride ions in eccrine sweat. Extending the experiments to include 10 metal alloys enabled the construction of a fingerprint corrosion series for 20 different metals. Fingerprint corrosion on metals alloyed with > ∼40% copper was found to display third level fingerprint detail. A comparison of both conventional ink on paper and digital (Livescan) fingerprinting techniques with fingerprints deposited on 9 Karat gold alloy has shown that gold alloy depositions are least susceptible to third level detail obliteration by poor fingerprint capturing techniques.
The value of internal medicine outreach in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

BACKGROUND Sustainable multifaceted outreach is crucial when equity between specialist services available to different sections of South Africa (SA)'s population is addressed. The healthcare disadvantage for rural compared with urban populations is exemplified in KwaZulu-Natal Province (KZN). Outreach to rural hospitals has reduced the need for patients to undergo journeys to regional or tertiary hospitals for specialist care. OBJECTIVES Multifaceted outreach visits to seven district hospitals in western KZN by a specialist in the Pietermaritzburg Department of Internal Medicine were analysed for the period 2013 - 2014. METHODS Church of Scotland, Vryheid, Dundee, Charles Johnson Memorial, Rietvlei, Estcourt and Greytown hospitals were visited. During each visit, data were collected on data collection forms, including patient numbers, gender and age, whether out- or inpatient, whether referred, and diagnostic categories. RESULTS During 113 visits, of 1 377 contacts made, 631 were outpatients and 746 were inpatients. Females formed the majority overall, but for inpatients males outnumbered females. The majority of patients were aged >40 years, but over half of inpatients seen were aged <40 years. A modest 15% of patients seen were referred to hospitals with specialist services. Overall, cardiovascular disease, predominantly among outpatients, was the biggest diagnostic category. Infectious diseases followed, primarily among inpatients, and then general medicine. No other category reached 10%. CONCLUSION The analysis showed differences between diagnostic categories, especially when outpatients and inpatients were separated out. Referral patterns, age-distribution and gender distinctions were made. The value of a good database was confirmed. The multifaceted outreach may have suggested useful outcomes as well as output. The vulnerability v. sustainability of outreach programmes was emphasised.
Contact with astroglial membranes induces axonal and dendritic growth of human CNS model neurons and affects the distribution of the growth‐associated proteins MAP1B and GAP43

The development of morphological complexity of CNS neurons is thought to be regulated by extracellular factors and cellular contact. To analyze the role of contact with astroglia in this process and to determine the intraneuronal mechanisms involved, an in vitro system was developed where terminally differentiated and polar human CNS model neurons (NT2‐N neurons) were cultured on a layer of mouse astrocytes or isolated membrane fractions in chemically defined medium. Morphometric analysis revealed that physical contact with living astrocytes increased the lengths of axonal and dendritic processes and lead to an increased number of branch points. Contact with astrocytes also resulted in a redistribution of the growth‐associated proteins MAP1b and GAP‐43 toward the growth cones of NT2‐N neurons. Astrocyte‐contact did not lead to a maturation of the neurons as would be detected by an increased expression of tau isoforms containing the adult‐specific exons 2 and 3. Culture on immobilized membrane fractions prepared from astrocytes also increased the morphological complexity of the neurons in a qualitatively similar manner. The results indicate that physical contact with astrocyte membranes increases the morphological complexity of CNS model neurons through a mechanism that involves a redistribution of growth‐associated proteins to neuronal growth cones. NT2‐N neurons may provide a useful cellular model to analyze cytoskeletal mechanisms during the development of terminally differentiated and polar human neurons. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ethorobotics: A New Approach to Human-Robot Relationship

Here we aim to lay the theoretical foundations of human-robot relationship drawing upon insights from disciplines that govern relevant human behaviors: ecology and ethology. We show how the paradox of the so called “uncanny valley hypothesis” can be solved by applying the “niche” concept to social robots, and relying on the natural behavior of humans. Instead of striving to build human-like social robots, engineers should construct robots that are able to maximize their performance in their niche (being optimal for some specific functions), and if they are endowed with appropriate form of social competence then humans will eventually interact with them independent of their embodiment. This new discipline, which we call ethorobotics, could change social robotics, giving a boost to new technical approaches and applications.
Genome-Wide Analysis of CCA1-Like Proteins in Soybean and Functional Characterization of GmMYB138a

Plant CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1)-like proteins are a class of single-repeat MYELOBLASTOSIS ONCOGENE (MYB) transcription factors generally featured by a highly conserved motif SHAQK(Y/F)F, which play important roles in multiple biological processes. Soybean is an important grain legume for seed protein and edible vegetable oil. However, essential understandings regarding CCA1-like proteins are very limited in soybean. In this study, 54 CCA1-like proteins were identified by data mining of soybean genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that soybean CCA1-like subfamily showed evolutionary conservation and diversification. These CCA1-like genes displayed tissue-specific expression patterns, and analysis of genomic organization and evolution revealed 23 duplicated gene pairs. Among them, GmMYB138a was chosen for further investigation. Our protein–protein interaction studies revealed that GmMYB138a, but not its alternatively spliced isoform, interacts with a 14-3-3 protein (GmSGF14l). Although GmMYB138a was predominately localized in nucleus, the resulting complex of GmMYB138a and GmSGF14l was almost evenly distributed in nucleus and cytoplasm, supporting that 14-3-3s interact with their clients to alter their subcellular localization. Additionally, qPCR analysis suggested that GmMYB138a and GmSGF14l synergistically or antagonistically respond to drought, cold and salt stresses. Our findings will contribute to future research in regard to functions of soybean CCA1-like subfamily, especially regulatory mechanisms of GmMYB138a in response to abiotic stresses.
Attachment anxiety and avoidance as mediators of the association between childhood maltreatment and adult personality dysfunction

ABSTRACT This paper tests the hypothesis that the association between childhood maltreatment and adult personality dysfunction is at least partially attributable to insecure attachment, that is that attachment style mediates the relationship between childhood maltreatment and adult personality dysfunction. Associations between childhood trauma, as measured by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), anxious and avoidant attachment in romantic relationships, as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), and five personality domains, as measured by the Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP-118), were examined in a sample of 72 psychiatric inpatients. The SIPP-118 domains included relational capacities, identity integration, self-control, responsibility, and social concordance. The direct effect of childhood trauma on all SIPP-118 domains was not significant after controlling for the indirect effect of attachment. In regression modeling, a significant indirect effect of childhood trauma via adult attachment style was found for SIPP-118 relational capacities, identity integration, self-control, and social concordance. Specifically, anxious attachment was a significant mediator of the effect of childhood trauma on self-control, identity integration, and relational domains. These results suggest that childhood trauma impacts a broad range of personality domains and does so in large part through the pathway of anxious romantic attachment style.
N-Glycans on the Nipah Virus Attachment Glycoprotein Modulate Fusion and Viral Entry as They Protect against Antibody Neutralization

ABSTRACT Nipah virus (NiV) is the deadliest known paramyxovirus. Membrane fusion is essential for NiV entry into host cells and for the virus' pathological induction of cell-cell fusion (syncytia). The mechanism by which the attachment glycoprotein (G), upon binding to the cell receptors ephrinB2 or ephrinB3, triggers the fusion glycoprotein (F) to execute membrane fusion is largely unknown. N-glycans on paramyxovirus glycoproteins are generally required for proper protein conformational integrity, transport, and sometimes biological functions. We made conservative mutations (Asn to Gln) at the seven potential N-glycosylation sites in the NiV G ectodomain (G1 to G7) individually or in combination. Six of the seven N-glycosylation sites were found to be glycosylated. Moreover, pseudotyped virions carrying these N-glycan mutants had increased antibody neutralization sensitivities. Interestingly, our results revealed hyperfusogenic and hypofusogenic phenotypes for mutants that bound ephrinB2 at wild-type levels, and the mutant's cell-cell fusion phenotypes generally correlated to viral entry levels. In addition, when removing multiple N-glycans simultaneously, we observed synergistic or dominant-negative membrane fusion phenotypes. Interestingly, our data indicated that 4- to 6-fold increases in fusogenicity resulted from multiple mechanisms, including but not restricted to the increase of F triggering. Altogether, our results suggest that NiV-G N-glycans play a role in shielding virions against antibody neutralization, while modulating cell-cell fusion and viral entry via multiple mechanisms.
Endothelial cell protein c receptor gene 6936a/G, 1651c/G, 4678g/C polymorphisms and soluble endothelial protein c receptor levels impact on in vitro fertilization outcomes

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a well-documented risk factor for thromboembolic complications [1]. Hypercoagulability could be either intrinsic or may be induced by the hormonal treatment preceding the IVF procedure [2]. Possible plasma factor compositional reasons for the link between IVF and thrombotic events include activated protein C resistance [3]. Protein C regulates blood coagulation by inhibiting the activities of factors Va and VIIIa, and hence thrombin generation [4]. Activated protein C (APC) activity is regulated by several factors, including endothelial cell activated protein C receptor (EPCR). EPCR is a 46kDa type I transmembrane glycoprotein spanning approximately 8 kbp of genomic DNA, localized to 20q11.2, and consists of four exons interrupted by three introns [5]. EPCR can increase the activity of PC/APC via the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex by five to 20-fold, leading to markedly elevated anticoagulation activity [6]. EPCR is expressed by both the vascular endothelium of large vessels [7] and the trophoblast giant cells at the fetomaternal boundary [8]. When APC binds EPCR, it activates protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1), thus triggering both antiinflammatory and cytoprotective signaling events in endothelial cells [9]. Soluble EPCR (sEPCR) is a soluble form of EPCR that is constituted by metalloprotease cleavage and present in normal human plasma [10]. Soluble EPCR plays a role in maintenance of pregnancy. That is confirmed by the findings that EPCR expression is critical for embryo development [11]. In addition, blocking of EPCR activity by anti-EPCR autoantibodies was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes [12]. Several mutants of EPCR have been identified with differential expression levels and function. Four haplotypes involved in alteration of soluble EPCR levels were demonstrated, among which, the haplotype 3 (H3) is linked with increased soluble EPCR levels. This haplotype is identified Volume 6 Issue 1 2018
Searching for indexes suitable for rotating machines diagnosis

Results of investigations having the purpose to select meaningful diagnostic indexes for the identification of different defects of insulation systems of AC rotating machines are reported in this paper. Different discharge sources were created artificially on six Roebel bars arranged in a mock-up of eight stator slots. These bars have been firstly tested one by one, then connected in series to simulate different locations of PD sources. Standard quantities and parameters, derived from PD-pulse height and phase distribution analysis, were compared in order to verify their ability to identify the defects in the various set-up conditions (bars alone or connected together, changing couplers and instrument bandwidth). It was found that parameters related to the shape of PD patterns remain almost constant and their suitable processing allows identification of the different PD sources
La domestication des plantes en Océanie et les contraintes de la voie asexuée

A l’exception du cocotier, les cultures traditionnelles d’Oceanie (arbre a pain, bananiers, canne a sucre, ignames, kava et taros) sont a multiplication vegetative exclusive et les insulaires n’utilisent jamais de graines pour les cultiver ou les distribuer. Ces clones ont ete deplaces sur de tres grandes distances geographiques au gre des migrations humaines et des echanges de materiel vegetal. Les apports recents des nouveaux outils de la biologie moleculaire contribuent a elucider de nombreuses enigmes d’ethnobotanique oceanienne. Ces deux dernieres decennies ont en effet permis de conduire des inventaires de ressources genetiques des principales plantes cultivees dans le Pacifique. Les etudes de diversite qui ont ete realisees a l’aide de marqueurs moleculaires, sur plusieurs milliers de cultivars, permettent d’utiliser les empreintes genetiques pour clarifier les genealogies et reveler les processus de domestication. Il apparait que les nombreux cultivars qu’utilisent les horticulteurs oceaniens trouvent leur origine geographique sur la plaque continentale Sahul et non pas en Asie comme suppose anterieurement. Dans certains cas, la domestication a toujours cours. Nous presentons une synthese des connaissances acquises sur l’origine de ces plantes et tentons d’expliquer les fortes contraintes que rencontrent aujourd’hui les horticulteurs qui manipulent ces cultivars steriles. La vulnerabilite genetique des especes cultivees est accentuee par les rapides changements environnementaux.
Kin Discrimination in a Macropod Marsupial

Differential treatment of kin is ubiquitous in social animals. Parents often behave preferentially towards their dependent offspring. Species in several taxa also bias behaviour towards non-descendent kin. This latter phenomenon has not been demonstrated in marsupials, which are reportedly less social than eutherian mammals. We report the first evidence of non-parental kin-biased behaviour in a macropodid marsupial. Experimental pairing of individuals based on kinship reliably altered the rate of aggression between individuals in pairs of female tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii). This effect is probably attributable to relatedness rather than to familiarity. Marsupial sociality may be substantially more complex than is currently recognized.