Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Heritability and repeatability of the number of lambs born and reared estimated using linear and threshold models

The research was conducted on 3 844 Polish Merino lamb dams born in 1991-2001, used in 15 flocks from the Pomerania and Kujawy region in Poland. The assessed parameters were the number of lambs born from a dam after lambing (LSB) (1, 2, 3) and the number of lambs reared (LSW) (0, 1, 2, 3). The genetic parameters LSB and LSW were estimated with the use of two methods: Average Information – REML (AI-REML) and Gibbs sampling (GS). For estimation of components by means of the AI-REML method the animal’s linear model was used, and in the case of the GS method a threshold model was also used alongside the linear one. The LSB heritability estimated using the AI-REML and GS methods in combination with a linear model were similar and their values were respectively 0.025 and 0.029, with similar standard errors for variance components. Applying the GS method combined with a threshold model resulted in a two times higher heritability (0.054) compared to when linear models were used. A similar tendency was found to exist in respect of estimated repeatability. When using linear models, the obtained values were closely matched: 0.064 (AI-REML) and 0.065 (GS). The highest repeatability occurred when a threshold model was used (0.118). The LSW heritability was low and, depending on the model and method (0.016-0.020). Similar values LSW repeatability were obtained with the use of linear models (0.048 – REML and 0.049 – GS), and when a threshold model was used the result was higher – 0.070.
Positive Association Between IL-16 rs 11556218 T / G Polymorphism and Cancer Risk : a Meta-analysis

Cancer is one of the leading causes of human death especially in the developing countries and it also becomes the second killer for people in the developed countries (Weiderpass et al., 2010; Kimman et al., 2012). Cancer is a multifactorial disease with a complex etiology of interplay among genetic constitution, environmental exposures, and other factors (Bredberg et al., 2011). Many intracellular and extracellular factors were involved in carcinogenesis, cancer growth and metastasis. Increasing evidence has shown that molecular biomarkers can improve the diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of cancer and genetic markers play an important role in the prevention of some hereditary cancers (Quinn et al., 2012; Almendro et al., 2013). Preclinical and clinical studies has identified that inflammation was a risk factor for cancer and about 25% of cancer cases worldwide relate to cases of inflammation (Hussain et al., 2007). Inflammation-associated molecules including cytokines, chemokines and immune cells are associated with carcinogenesis and exist in many precancerous and cancerous tissues (Mantovani et al., 2005; Sethi et al., 2012). Cytokines can facilitate cancer promotion and progression via involving in immune
Metabolic changes of anterior cingulate cortex in patients with hepatic cirrhosis: A magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

Aim: The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays an important role in cognitive functions. The purpose of this study is to compare metabolite concentrations in the ACC of cirrhotic patients with normal controls, and to correlate metabolite changes with Child–Pugh class and with severity of hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
Growth and development of mice and rats conceived and reared at different G-intensities during chronic centrifugation.

Prenatal and postnatal growth of rats conceived and reared at different G-intensities from 1.0G (earth gravity) to a maximum of 2.03G were compared. Prenatal growth was not generally impaired but the lung/body mass ratio of 22-day old fetuses at 2.03G was decreased significantly compared to 1.06 controls. Survival of neonatal rats was substantially reduced at 1.71G and 2.03G. Postnatal growth was decreased at the higher G-intensities and showed smaller or no effects at the lower G-intensities. Comparisons of organ/body mass ratios of hyper-G and 1.0G rats at 9 wks of age showed relatively few differences at the lower G-intensities. Postnatal growth of mice at 2.03G was suppressed during the neonatal period but recovered later so that after 9 wks the body mass of females reached and of males approached controls. Results of this preliminary study clearly show the influence of body mass in scaling the effects of hyper-G on the growth and development of and between different animal species.
Morphological and hormonal parameters in two species of macaques: impact of seasonal breeding.

To compare physiological and developmental differences between two cogeneric species that differ by seasonal vs. aseasonal breeding, values for morphological measurements, testicular volume, serum testosterone, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels were obtained from 53 rhesus during the early breeding season, as well as 41 pig-tailed macaque males maintained at the Tulane Primate Center. The two species exhibited similar body size, testosterone, and estradiol levels, but differed substantially in testicular volume (3.00 +/- 1.7 vs. 1.72 +/- 1.3 cc), abdominal skinfold measures (15.7 +/- 9.2 vs. 9.0 +/- 7.7 mm), and DHEA-S levels (18.0 +/- 11.7 vs. 7.6 +/- 5.4 microg/dl). Significant interaction effects for species by age group were found for weight, tricep circumference, length, and estradiol level. In addition, length was more closely related to testicular volume among rhesus compared to pig-tailed macaques, suggesting different developmental patterns between the species. Predictors of hormonal levels differed between the two species. In the rhesus, estradiol levels were related to testicular volume and testosterone levels while there were no anthropometric predictors of testosterone or DHEA-S. For the pig-tailed macaques, testicular volume was related to tricep circumference, testosterone to triceps skinfold and testicular volume, and estradiol to weight. It is argued that rhesus have larger testes for body size and more abdominal fat deposits during the early breeding season relative to pig-tailed macaques reflecting the increased demands of sperm competition in a seasonally breeding species. Hormonal differences associated with the difference in breeding system appear to be primarily related to adrenal rather than testicular activity.
Complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequences show that modern birds are not descended from transitional shorebirds

To test the hypothesis put forward by Feduccia of the origin of modern birds from transitional birds, we sequenced the first two complete mitochondrial genomes of shorebirds (ruddy turnstone and blackish oystercatcher) and compared their sequences with those of already published avian genomes. When corrected for rate heterogeneity across sites and non–homogeneous nucleotide compositions among lineages in maximum likelihood (ML), the optimal tree places palaeognath birds as sister to the neognaths including shorebirds. This optimal topology is a re–rooting of recently published ordinal–level avian trees derived from mitochondrial sequences. Using a penalized likelihood (PL) rate–smoothing process in conjunction with dates estimated from fossils, we show that the basal splits in the bird tree are much older than the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary, reinforcing previous molecular studies that rejected the derivation of modern birds from transitional shorebirds. Our mean estimate for the origin of modern birds at about 123 million years ago (Myr ago) is quite close to recent estimates using both nuclear and mitochondrial genes, and supports theories of continental break–up as a driving force in avian diversification. Not only did many modern orders of birds originate well before the K–T boundary, but the radiation of major clades occurred over an extended period of at least 40 Myr ago, thus also falsifying Feduccia's rapid radiation scenario following a K–T bottleneck.
Induced mutations by gamma ray irradiation to Argomulyo soybean(Glycine max) variety

Hanafiah DS, Trikoesoemaningtyas, Yahya S, Wirnas D. 2010. Mutasi induksi irradiasi sinar gamma pada varietas kedelai Argomulyo (Glycine max). Nusantara Bioscience 2: 121-125. Induksi tanaman dengan irradiasi sinar gamma merupakan salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan keragaman genetik tanaman. Penelitian ini menggunakan irradiasi sinar gamma pada tingkat atau dosis rendah (mutasi mikro). Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui respon pemberian tingkat irradiasi mikro sinar gamma pada benih kedelai. Benih kedelai [Glycine max (L) Merr] yang diuji adalah kedelai varietas Argomulyo yang diirradiasi sinar gamma dengan dosis 0 Gray, 50 Gray, 100 Gray, 150 Gray dan 200 Gray. Keragaman yang diperoleh dari setiap peubah amatan yang diperoleh pada generasi M1 dan M2 menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan irradiasi dapat mempengaruhi pertumbuhan dan perkembangan tanaman secara kualitatif dan kuantitatif, yang akhirnya akan mempengaruhi produksi tanaman. Variasi fenotipe pada tanaman kedelai generasi M2 tertinggi rata-rata terjadi pada perlakuan 200 Gray. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa irradiasi sinar gamma pada dosis 200 Gray efektif menyebabkan terjadinya keragaman genetik tanaman. Kata kunci : mutasi induksi, mutasi mikro, irradiasi sinar gamma, kedelai varietas Argomulyo.
Depression and anxiety among medical students: Examining scores of the beck depression and anxiety inventory and the depression anxiety and stress scale with student characteristics

Abstract To evaluate the psychological well-being of medical students a relatively new self-report questionnaire (the depression, anxiety, and stress scale) was used alongside an established instrument (the beck depression and anxiety inventories) in a group of medical students. A total of 928 medical students (49.4% female; 50.6% male) participated voluntarily into this cross-sectional study. Students completed the Turkish versions of the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS), beck depression, and anxiety inventories together with a questionnaire about their socio-demographic characteristics. Mild and moderate levels of depression were found in 30.5% and severe and extremely severe levels of depression in 8.5% of students. Mild and moderate levels of anxiety and stress were present in 35.8% of the participants. Depression and anxiety were more frequently reported by female students. Depression was more frequent among first-year students, students in a poor economic situation and those who were not satisfied with their medical education. The frequency of depression and anxiety were seen to decrease with increasing grades. Bland and Altman plots showed an agreement between beck inventories and depression, anxiety, and stress scales, whereas the agreement between anxiety scales was found to be better than that of depression scales. Depression and anxiety are seen frequently among medical students in Turkey. The psychological distress was influenced only to a modest degree by traditional socio-demographic characteristics. Either the traditional beck inventories or the newer depression anxiety and stress scales can be used for non-clinical screening purposes in individuals.
Brain Tumors: Current Issues in Diagnosis and Management

There has been significant progress made in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors over the past 15 years. This has largely been due to significant advances in radiographic imaging capabilities that have allowed for much earlier detection of disease, both new and recurrent. Advances in surgical and radiotherapy techniques and technology have also affected the care of these patients. More recent advances in chemotherapy options and double and triple crossover clinical trials are beginning to have an impact in the treatment of malignant brain tumors. This article will address the 4 most common brain tumors practicing physicians see and will review the current concepts in treating these tumors.
Effect of Numbers Vs Pictures on Perceived Effectiveness of a Public Safety Awareness Advertisement

In a 2 × 2 completely randomized factorial experiment, 24 women and 16 men rated the perceived effectiveness of an earthquake preparedness advertisement which contained either a picture or no picture of prior earthquake damage and contained either statistics or no statistics on likelihood of an earthquake. A main effect for superiority of the picture was found. The presence of statistics had no main or interactive effects on the perceived effectiveness of the advertisement.
Primary care physicians and pain: education during residency.

OBJECTIVE This study examines whether family practice residents are receiving adequate training in the evaluation and treatment of pain during their residencies. DESIGN A survey of the training directors of all family practice residency programs in the United States (n = 390) was conducted by mail. Questions were included regarding the residency programs and training in and knowledge of common pain conditions and therapies. PARTICIPANTS Of all the training directors surveyed, 258 (66%) responded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The relationship between adequate training in pain and the characteristics of the residency programs was examined. RESULTS Twenty-nine percent of the training directors who responded considered that their residents received adequate training in the recognition and treatment of pain. Adequate training correlated with rotation through pain services and the number of hours of lecture on pain provided. While the majority of program directors reported that their trainees were receiving training in many of the common pain syndromes and the use of analgesic medications, significantly fewer (p < 0.001) considered it to be adequate. CONCLUSIONS Family practice training directors do not believe their residents are receiving adequate training in pain. In light of previous studies indicating the importance of providing proper pain treatment, enhanced teaching on this subject during residency appears to be needed.
Genetic heterogeneity in colorectal cancer associations between African and European americans.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Genome-wide association studies of colorectal cancer (CRC) have identified risk variants in 10 genomic regions. None of these studies included African Americans, who have the highest incidence and mortality from CRC in the United States. For the 10 genomic regions, we performed an association study of Americans of African and European descent. METHODS We genotyped 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA samples from 1194 patients with CRC (795 African Americans and 399 European Americans) and 1352 controls (985 African Americans and 367 European Americans). At chromosome 8q24.21 region 3, we analyzed 6 SNPs from 1000 African American cases and 1393 controls. Association testing was done using multivariate logistic regression controlling for ancestry, age, and sex. RESULTS Among African Americans, the SNP rs6983267 at 8q24.21 was not associated with CRC (odds ratio, 1.18; P = .12); instead, the 8q24.21 SNP rs7014346 (odds ratio, 1.15; P = .03) was associated with CRC in this population. At 15q13.3, rs10318 was associated with CRC in both populations. At 11q23.1, rs3802842 was significantly associated with rectal cancer risk only among African Americans (odds ratio, 1.34; P = .01); this observation was made in previous studies. Among European Americans, SNPs at 8q24.21, 11q23.1, and 16q22.1 were significantly associated with CRC, and the odds ratios were of the same magnitude and direction for all SNPs tested, consistent with previously published studies. In contrast, in African Americans, the opposite allele of rs10795668 at 10p14 was associated with colorectal cancer (odds ratio, 1.35; P = .04), and altogether the odds ratios were in the opposite direction for 9 of the 22 SNPs tested. CONCLUSIONS There is genetic heterogeneity in CRC associations in Americans of African versus European descent.
Identification of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain with Stable, Low-Level Resistance to Isoniazid

ABSTRACT We have identified a potential quality control strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to monitor isoniazid susceptibility testing. This strain (strain A) has a stable phenotypic low-level resistance to isoniazid, has a mutation of C (−15) → T in the inhA promoter region, and gave consistent susceptibility test results in 141 laboratories.
The Impact of Short, Irregular Sleep Opportunities at Sea on the Alertness of Marine Pilots Working Extended Hours

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of brief, unscheduled naps during work periods on alertness and vigilance in coastal pilots along the Great Barrier Reef. On certain routes, the duration of the work period can extend well beyond 24 h. Seventeen coastal pilots volunteered for the study, representing almost one‐third of the population. Participants collected sleep/wake and performance data for 28 days using a sleep and work diary and the palm PVT task. The average length of sleep on board was 1.4±1.0 h. Naps were taken regularly such that the average length of time awake between sleep periods on board a ship was 5.3±4.3 h. There was no change in mean reaction time across either the length of a pilotage or across the 24 h day. The results indicate that even though the naps were taken opportunistically, they tended to cluster at the high sleep propensity times. Further, frequent, opportunistic naps appeared to provide adequate recovery such that PVT performance remained stable. Pilots did report increases in subjective fatigue ratings at certain times of the 24 h day and at the end of a work period; however, these did not reach the high range. The fatigue‐risk minimization strategies employed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the coastal pilots appear to be effective in maintaining alertness and vigilance while at work aboard ships.
Amplitude equations and asymptotic expansions for multi-scale problems

In this paper we introduce a new technique to obtain the slow-motion dynamics in nonequilibrium and singularly perturbed problems characterized by multiple scales. Our method is based on a straightforward asymptotic reduction of the order of the governing differential equation and leads to amplitude equations that describe the slowly-varying envelope variation of a uniformly valid asymptotic expansion. This may constitute a simpler and in certain cases a more general approach toward the derivation of asymptotic expansions, compared to other mainstream methods such as the method of Multiple Scales or Matched Asymptotic expansions because of its relation with the Renormalization Group. We illustrate our method with a number of singularly perturbed problems for ordinary and partial differential equations and recover certain results from the literature as special cases. © 2010 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.
Social stigma and self-esteem: The self-protective properties of stigma.

Although several psychological theories predict that members of stigmatized groups should have low global self-esteem, empirical research typically does not support this prediction. It is proposed here that this discrepancy may be explained by considering the ways in which membership in a stigmatized group may protect the self-concept It is proposed that members of stigmatized groups may (a) attribute negative feedback to prejudice against their group, (b) compare their outcomes with those of the ingroup, rather than with the relatively advantaged outgroup, and (c) selectively devalue those dimensions on which their group fares poorly and value those dimensions on which their group excels. Evidence for each of these processes and their consequences for self-esteem and motivation is reviewed. Factors that moderate the use of these strategies and implications of this analysis for treatment of stigmas are also discussed. For more than three decades, social psychological research on prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination has examined both the content of stereotypes about a variety of social groups
Observed relationships between protein heterozygosity and protein genetic distance and comparisons with neutral expectations.

Relationships between protein genetic distance ( D ) and protein heterozygosity ( H ) were studied using allele frequency data for 42 proteins derived from multilocus electrophoretic surveys of genetic variation in over 200 invertebrate and over 300 vertebrate species. D¯ and H¯ values for the different proteins (mostly enzymes) were calculated, and large and significant correlations between D¯ and H¯ were found in comparisons of both intraspecific and interspecific populations. Empirical relationships between D¯ and H¯ were compared with neutral expectations under the stepwise model of neutral mutation with the assumption that populations are in equilibrium with respect to the effects of mutation and genetic drift. At low divergence levels, a linear relationship of D¯ on H¯ was observed, but at high levels of divergence D tended towards an asymptote at high H¯ . The results at high divergence cannot be explained using the approximate relationship D = 2ut (where u = mutation rate, t = time). However, computer simulations of neutral models showed that changes of this nature in the relationship between D¯ and H¯ were to be expected as divergence increases, the equation D = 2ut being a poor approximation at high D We therefore conclude that the observed relationships between D¯ and H¯ are, in fact, compatible with equilibrium neutral theory.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: test-retest reliability and normative values obtained with a feedback method for the sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction.

OBJECTIVE To determine normal limits and to analyse the test-retest reliability of the vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) parameters. METHODS The VEMP procedure was repeated on different test days to analyze test-retest differences. We calculated several reliability parameters: intraclass reliability coefficient (ICC), method error (ME), coefficient of variation of the method error (CV(ME)), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal difference (MD) for test-retest measurements. Normal values for left-right differences, based on the interaural ratio (IAR), were determined. RESULTS For each VEMP parameter, the ICC values indicated excellent reliability, except for p13 and corrected amplitude (fair to good reliability). The CV(ME)) values were less than 7% for p13, n23, threshold, MRV(females) and MRV(males). For the parameters corrected amplitude and raw amplitude, the CV(ME)) values exceeded 15%. The 95% IAR prediction intervals (PIs) were also largest for the parameters raw amplitude and corrected amplitude. CONCLUSION In order to evaluate a VEMP outcome in a patient, the VEMP parameters and IAR values can be compared with the 95% PI of the normal values. When successive measurements are performed within the same subjects, the minimal difference (MD) serves as a tool to decide whether these differences are clinically relevant or not.
A Weak-Inversion Low-Power Active Mixer for 2.4 GHz ISM Band Applications

This work describes a fully integrated active mixer designed in 0.18 mum CMOS technology for 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band applications. The mixer uses a source driven local oscillator (LO) to integrate the RF-LO buffering with the active mixer, and weakly inverted input MOSFETs to improve the gain and noise performance. The double-balanced quadrature mixer has a measured conversion gain of 32 dB with a double sideband (DSB) noise figure (NF) of 8.5 dB at 30 MHz intermediate frequency (IF) while consuming only 0.56 mA of current from a 1.8 V supply.