Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linkage mapping and physical localization of the major histocompatibility complex region of the marsupial Monodelphis domestica

We used genetic linkage mapping and fluorescence in situhybridization (FISH) to conduct the first analysis of genic organization and chromosome localization of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of a marsupial, the gray, short-tailed opossum Monodelphis domestica. Family based linkage analyses of two M. domestica MHC Class I genes (UA1, UG) and three MHC Class II genes (DAB, DMA, and DMB) revealed that these genes were tightly linked and positioned in the central region of linkage group 3 (LG3). This cluster of MHC genes was physically mapped to the centromeric region of chromosome 2q by FISH using a BAC clone containing the UA1 gene. An interesting finding from the linkage analyses is that sex-specific recombination rates were virtually identical within the MHC region. This stands in stark contrast to the genome-wide situation, wherein males exhibit approximately twice as much recombination as females, and could have evolutionary implications for maintaining equality between males and females in the ability to generate haplotype diversity in this region. These analyses also showed that three non-MHC genes that flank the MHC region on human chromosome 6, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), and prolactin (PRL), are split among two separate linkage groups (chromosomes) in M. domestica. Comparative analysis with eight other vertebrate species suggests strong conservation of the BMP6–PRL synteny among birds and mammals, although the BMP6–PRL–MHC–ME1 synteny is not conserved.
A psycho-educational program for improving women's attitudes and coping with menopause symptoms.

OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of participation in a psycho-educational program on women's attitudes toward menopause, the perceived severity of their symptoms, and the association between the two. DESIGN Quasi-experimental. Data were gathered at baseline and 3 months after termination of the program. SETTING Two health maintenance organization clinics. PARTICIPANTS Eighty-two healthy 40- to 60-year-old women who chose to participate in the study. Thirty-six women participated in the program, and 46 women comprised the control group. INTERVENTION Program participants met for 10 weekly sessions to receive information from a professional team on subjects related to menopause and to share and discuss their experiences. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Attitudes toward menopause and severity of menopause symptoms. RESULTS The more negative the attitudes, the higher was the severity of symptoms. Participants reported significant improvements in attitudes and reductions in symptom severity compared to their own baseline scores and compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS Participation in a program that combines delivery of information and processing of experiences on the cognitive, emotional, and social levels may improve women's attitudes toward menopause and ease the perceived severity of their symptoms, thereby increasing quality of life.
Culture, Legal Origins, and Financial Development

This study proposes that countries with a cultural orientation toward individualism tend to enjoy a higher level of financial development. Estimates based on cross‐country data lend strong support to this hypothesis. Specifically, the results indicate that existing disparity in the level of financial development is significantly correlated with variation in the extent of individualism across countries, where a one standard deviation increase in individualism is associated with 0.631 standard deviations improvement in the level of financial development. The results are robust to a number of considerations. Additional results provide some support to the notion that individualistic culture and legal origin may serve as complements rather than substitutes to each other. (JEL O40, O50, Z10)
A Many-core Architecture for In-Memory Data Processing

For many years, the highest energy cost in processing has been data movement rather than computation, and energy is the limiting factor in processor design [21]. As the data needed for a single application grows to exabytes [56], there is clearly an opportunity to design a bandwidth-optimized architecture for big data computation by specializing hardware for data movement. We present the Data Processing Unit or DPU, a shared memory many-core that is specifically designed for high bandwidth analytics workloads. The DPU contains a unique Data Movement System (DMS), which provides hardware acceleration for data movement and partitioning operations at the memory controller that is sufficient to keep up with DDR bandwidth. The DPU also provides acceleration for core to core communication via a unique hardware RPC mechanism called the Atomic Transaction Engine. Comparison of a DPU chip fabricated in 40nm with a Xeon processor on a variety of data processing applications shows a 3× - 15× performance per watt advantage.CCS CONCEPTS• Computer systems organization $\rightarrow$ Multicore architectures; Special purpose systems;
Fault-Tolerant and Constrained Relay Node Placement in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper we focus on wireless sensor networks deployed to cover some given Points of Interest (PoIs), achieve connectivity with the sink and be robust against link and node failures. The Relay Node Placement problem (RNP) consists in minimizing the number of relays needed and the maximum length of the paths connecting each PoI with the sink. We propose a solution that determines the positions of relay nodes based on the virtual grid computed by the optimal deployment for full area coverage. We compare our solution with two different solutions based respectively on 1) the straight line that builds the shortest path between each PoI and the sink, 2) the Steiner point that connects PoIs together. We then extend these algorithms to achieve k-connectivity. Our solution outperforms the Steiner points solution in terms of maximum path length on the one hand, and the straight line solution in terms of total number of relay nodes deployed on the other hand. We also apply our solution in an area containing obstacles and show that it provides very good performances.
Hemodialysis Versus Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Control Study of Survival in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5

It is still controversial whether the mode of dialysis or preexisting comorbidities may influence the prognosis of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5. Therefore, we performed a prospective case control study to evaluate whether the mode of dialysis may influence outcome. We found 25 cases on peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment and 75 age and sex‐matched controls on hemodialysis (HD) treatment for more than 3 months. Analysis was by intention‐to‐treat. During the follow up of 58 months, 6 out of 25 patients (24%) died in the PD group, whereas in the HD group 26 out of 75 patients (35%) died (relative risk 0.69 [95% CI 0.32 to 1.49]; P = 0.46). Survival was not significantly different between the groups as indicated by Mantel‐Cox log‐rank test (hazard ratio 0.52 [95% CI 0.25 to 1.10]; P = 0.11). Multiple variable regression showed that age and diabetes mellitus, but not mode of dialysis, predicted death in patients with chronic kidney disease. It is concluded that age and comorbidities but not mode of dialysis are important to predict survival in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5.
Quality of life in dementia patients in Athens, Greece: predictive factors and the role of caregiver-related factors

ABSTRACT Background: Quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognized as the main target of currently available dementia care. Its assessment has grown exponentially in the dementia field, but few studies have examined predictive factors for QOL taking caregiver variables into account. We examined patient and caregiver factors related to the QOL of dementia patients. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. 161 couples of community residing dementia patients and their primary caregivers were interviewed. QOL was measured by the ADRQL, a proxy-rated, dementia-specific QOL instrument. Demographic factors were collected and clinical characteristics assessed using validated scales. Results: In univariate analyses several patient and caregiver characteristics appeared associated with patient QOL. In multivariate analyses, independent predictors of worse patient QOL were behavioral and depressive symptoms of dementia patients, dependency in basic activities of daily living, poorer cognitive function, use of antipsychotic medication, caregiver burden, and caregiver not being an adult child. The adjusted R2 of the final, seven-factor model was 0.598. Conclusions: QOL for a person with dementia is a complex issue that is associated with several patient and caregiver factors. Efforts to improve patients’ QOL should be addressed for both patients and caregivers. The measurement of QOL should be included, when possible, as a standard measurement tool, in everyday dementia clinical practice.
Divergent Hd1, Ghd7, and DTH7 Alleles Control Heading Date and Yield Potential of Japonica Rice in Northeast China

The heading date is a vital factor in achieving a full rice yield. Cultivars with particular flowering behaviors have been artificially selected to survive in the long-day and low-temperature conditions of Northeast China. To dissect the genetic mechanism responsible for heading date in rice populations from Northeast China, association mapping was performed to identify major controlling loci. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified three genetic loci, Hd1, Ghd7, and DTH7, using general and mixed linear models. The three genes were sequenced to analyze natural variations and identify their functions. Loss-of-function alleles of these genes contributed to early rice heading dates in the northern regions of Northeast China, while functional alleles promoted late rice heading dates in the southern regions of Northeast China. Selecting environmentally appropriate allele combinations in new varieties is recommended during breeding. Introducing the early indica rice’s genetic background into Northeast japonica rice is a reasonable strategy for improving genetic diversity.
Clostridium perfringens Iota-Toxin b Induces Rapid Cell Necrosis

ABSTRACT Clostridium perfringens iota-toxin is a binary toxin composed of an enzyme component (Ia) and a binding component (Ib). Each component alone lacks toxic activity, but together they produce cytotoxic effects. We examined the cytotoxicity of iota-toxin Ib in eight cell lines. A431 and A549 cells were susceptible to Ib, but MDCK, Vero, CHO, Caco-2, HT-29, and DLD-1 cells were not. Ib bound and formed oligomers in the membranes of A431 and MDCK cells. However, Ib entered MDCK cells but not A431 cells, suggesting that uptake is essential for cellular survival. Ib also induced cell swelling and the rapid depletion of cellular ATP in A431 and A549 cells but not the insensitive cell lines. In A431 cells, Ib binds and oligomerizes mainly in nonlipid rafts in the membranes. Disruption of lipid rafts by methyl-β-cyclodextrin did not impair ATP depletion or cell death caused by Ib. Ib induced permeabilization by propidium iodide without DNA fragmentation in A431 cells. Ultrastructural studies revealed that A431 cells undergo necrosis after treatment with Ib. Ib caused a disruption of mitochondrial permeability and the release of cytochrome c. Staining with active-form-specific antibodies showed that the proapoptotic Bcl-2-family proteins Bax and Bak were activated and colocalized with mitochondria in Ib-treated A431 cells. We demonstrate that Ib by itself produces cytotoxic activity through necrosis.
Scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) spermatozoa are functionally competent in a heterologous bovine in vitro fertilization system after cryopreservation on dry ice, in a dry shipper, or over liquid nitrogen vapor.

A heterologous bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) system was used to study the functional competence of scimitar-horned oryx spermatozoa after cryopreservation. Four sperm-freezing methods were compared after dilution of ejaculates from six oryx with an equine semen extender: 1) dry ice, 2) dry shipper one-step, 3) dry shipper two-step, and 4) liquid nitrogen vapor. Post-thaw sperm motility, longevity, and acrosomal status were assessed and zona pellucida penetration, fertilization, and embryo cleavage were evaluated after coincubation of thawed oryx spermatozoa with in vitro-matured domestic cow oocytes. Sperm motility index (SMI) decreased (p < 0.05) over a 6-h period, but a high percentage (>/= 65%) of spermatozoa contained intact acrosomes in all treatments. Despite differences in sperm motility among methods, oocyte penetration, fertilization, and embryo cleavage did not differ (p >/= 0.05). However, cleavage success was < 50% across all treatments. There were positive correlations (p < 0.05; r = 0.81-0.97) between sample SMI at 3 and 6 h and fertilization, penetration, and cleavage, but no correlations (p >/= 0.05) between SMI at 0 or 1 h and IVF success. This study demonstrates that compatible heterologous gamete interaction allows thorough assessment of post-thaw sperm function in an endangered antelope. Scimitar-horned oryx spermatozoa appear relatively tolerant of varied cryopreservation methods, and preserved samples exhibit adequate post-thaw function to warrant use for assisted reproduction.
Serum total IgE levels in a representative sample of a Greek population

The distribution of IgE in a large randomly stratified Greek population sample was determined in 1187 subjects (793 men and 394 women) aged between 20 and 60 years. Skin prick testing was performed and serum total IgE expressed in iu/ml was measured by Phadebas PRIST: the data are presented as the geometric mean. Subjects were classified as atopic (257 men, 118 women) and nonatopic (536 men, 276 women) according to the results of skin testing with various aeroallergens. At any age, atopic males (120.5 vs 38 iu/ml) and females (99.8 vs 29.3 iu/ml) had higher mean IgE levels, as compared to nonatopic subjects (P<0.0001). In our adult nonatopic sample, IgE levels did not differ with age (P>0.05). At any age, nonatopic males had higher (38 iu/ml) mean IgE levels than nonatopic females (29.3 iu/ml) (P<0.05). The comparison of normal IgE values (nonatopic subjects) from this study with those reported by other investigators revealed that Greek adult males and females had higher IgE levels than populations from other nations. Our results represent the first report on reference values regarding serum total IgE in Greek adults.
Ziprasidone- and Lithium-Induced Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Objective: To report a case of ziprasidone- and lithium-induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Case Summary: A 47-year-old white male with a history of schizoaffective disorder was admitted to the hospital due to an exacerbation of severe mania. He had been taking lithium 450 mg twice daily and divalproex sodium 750 mg/day. On hospital day 2, ziprasidone 80 mg twice daily was added, and as-needed doses of intramuscular ziprasidone 20 mg and lorazepam 2 mg were used for agitation. On day 6, the patient developed hyperthermia (39.4 °C), elevated creatine kinase 26 000 units/L and white blood cell (WBC) count (20.7 × 103/μL), myoglobinuria, hypotension (68/40 mm Hg), altered mental status, and tachypnea (28 breaths/min). This case is notable for the absence of muscle rigidity, which presents in greater than 90% of patients with NMS taking traditional antipsychotics. Discussion: This case of ziprasidone- and lithium-induced NMS is of probable cause, as determined by the Naranjo probability scale. The patient presented with symptoms consistent with NMS 4 days after initiation of ziprasidone and lithium. The majority of NMS cases present with the core features of hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and elevated CK levels. Other frequently seen symptoms include altered mental status, tachypnea, tachycardia, elevated WBC count, hypotension, diaphoresis, and myoglobinuria. Our patient presented with 2 of the core symptoms, but did not develop muscle rigidity at any time. NMS criteria include muscle rigidity as one of the major presenting symptoms. Recent literature suggests that perhaps NMS due to novel antipsychotics presents with less muscle rigidity than is seen with traditional agents due to their lower affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor. Conclusions: This case illustrates that NMS due to the novel antipsychotic ziprasidone may present with many of the core symptoms of the syndrome, but possibly less muscle rigidity than is seen with traditional agents.
Effects of human PrPSc type and PRNP genotype in an in-vitro conversion assay

Prion protein type and codon 129 genotype are thought to be major determinants of susceptibility and phenotype in human prion diseases. Using an in-vitro system (protein misfolding cyclic amplification) we have attempted to model human prion protein conversion using the abnormal prion protein associated with each of the major sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease subtypes, in substrates containing the normal cellular form of the prion protein of each of the three possible human PRNP codon 129 polymorphic genotypes. The prion protein type is converted with fidelity in these amplification reactions, but the efficiency of conversion depends both on the methionine/valine polymorphic status of the sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease seed and substrate homogenate, and on the abnormal prion protein type.
Clinical manifestations of liver injury in patients with anorexia nervosa

The number of Japanese patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) is increasing as society changes. Mild liver injury is a complication of AN in around 30% of cases. In some rare instances, patients present with severe liver injury similar to acute liver failure. However, there are numerous uncertainties over the clinical characteristics of this condition. The objective of the present study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of AN complicated by liver injury and to investigate the factors related to hepatic complications.
Trace Amine-Associated Receptor 1 Displays Species-Dependent Stereoselectivity for Isomers of Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, and Para-Hydroxyamphetamine

The synthetic amines methamphetamine (METH), amphetamine (AMPH), and their metabolite para-hydroxyamphetamine (POHA) are chemically and structurally related to the catecholamine neurotransmitters and a small group of endogenous biogenic amines collectively referred to as the trace amines (TAs). Recently, it was reported that METH, AMPH, POHA, and the TAs para-tyramine (TYR) and β-phenylethylamine (PEA) stimulate cAMP production in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells expressing rat trace amine-associated receptor 1 (rTAAR1). The discovery that METH and AMPH activate the rTAAR1 motivated us to study the effect of these drugs on the mouse TAAR1 (mTAAR1) and a human-rat chimera (hrChTAAR1). Furthermore, because S-(+)-isomers of METH and AMPH are reported to be more potent and efficacious in vivo than R-(–), we determined the enantiomeric selectivity of all three species of TAAR1. In response to METH, AMPH, or POHA exposure, the accumulation of cAMP by HEK-293 cells stably expressing different species of TAAR1 was concentration- and isomer-dependent. EC50 values for S-(+)-METH were 0.89, 0.92, and 4.44 μM for rTAAR1, mTAAR1, and h-rChTAAR1, respectively. PEA was a potent and full agonist at each species of TAAR1, whereas TYR was a full agonist for the rodent TAAR1s but was a partial agonist at h-rChTAAR1. Interestingly, both isomers of METH were full agonists at mTAAR1 and h-rChTAAR1, whereas both were partial agonists at rTAAR1. Taken together, these in vitro results suggest that, in vivo, TAAR1 could be a novel mediator of the effects of these drugs.
Ethanol suppresses LPS-induced Toll-like receptor 4 clustering, reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and associated TNF-alpha production.

BACKGROUND Ethanol (EtOH) suppresses cytokine responses induced through most Toll-like receptors (TLRs), but the mechanism of action is unclear. We recently found that acute EtOH alters lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced partitioning of CD14, a critical component of the LPS receptor complex, within lipid raft fractions in the macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. METHODS Here we investigated the role of receptor clustering in alteration of the responses of cells to LPS caused by EtOH both in vitro and in vivo. The cellular distribution of CD14, TLR4, actin cytoskeleton, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were studied by confocal microscopy following exposure of cells to LPS with or without EtOH. TLR4 and CD14 were clustered into highly colocalized patches on the cell membrane accompanied by the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton in some of the RAW264.7 cells as well as peritoneal cells following LPS treatment. RESULTS Addition of EtOH reduced the number of cells that had LPS-induced receptor patches and in which this reorganization occurred. Cells on which CD14 and TLR4 formed clusters or caps had substantially higher levels of membrane-bound TNF-alpha compared with cells without clustering or capping of these molecules. Interference with the actin cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D suppressed the production of TNF-alpha and receptor clustering, as EtOH did. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm our previous observations, suggest a novel mechanism of EtOH action that involves interference with receptor clustering, and indicate a potential role of actin filaments in the formation of receptor patches, subsequent activation of macrophages by LPS, and production of TNF-alpha.
Resources, State Ownership and Innovation Capability: Evidence from Chinese Automakers

Promoting innovation has been a major task for both business practitioners and governments in emerging markets. Based on the resource&#8208;based view, this study examines the contributing factors of firms' innovation capability and the contingent role of state ownership. Utilizing data on 102 Chinese automobile firms, we found that financial resources, R&amp;D human capital, innovation leadership, collaborative culture, and government support positively relate to firms' innovation capability. Moreover, the firm's ownership type serves as a boundary condition for the resource&#8211;capability relationship. The significance of different resources in developing innovation capability vary for firms with different ownership types. In particular, government support and R&amp;D human capital have stronger effects in promoting non&#8208;state&#8208;owned enterprises' innovation capability. From a practical standpoint, developing innovation capability should consider the critical role of ownership. Specifically, while state&#8208;owned enterprises can capitalize on organizational and financial resources to enhance innovation capability, it is also important for them to transform bureaucratized systems into more market&#8208;orientated ones and facilitate the effective utilization of R&amp;D human capital and government support.