Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
C4A deficiency due to a 2 bp insertion is increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE The association of C4A deficiency with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is well documented. In Caucasian populations, the most common cause of C4A deficiency is a large gene deletion in linkage disequilibrium with a conserved MHC haplotype. Because of this linkage disequilibrium, it has been difficult to determine which of the genes constitutes the disease susceptibility allele. Evidence from non-caucasoid populations has supported a role for C4A deficiency in SLE. We investigated whether a specific genetic cause of C4A deficiency, not associated with A1, B8, DR3, is found with increased frequency in SLE compared to controls. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify carriers of a 2 base pair (bp) insertion in exon 29. In total, 188 patients with SLE from the Johns Hopkins lupus cohort and 222 controls were genotyped. RESULTS The 2 bp insertion was found more frequently in patients with SLE compared to controls and was more common in Caucasian than in African American SLE patients. There were no clinical differences between patients that carried the mutation and those that did not. CONCLUSION The association of this C4A null allele with SLE supports a role for C4A deficiency independent of other MHC associations in the etiopathogenesis of SLE.
Coexistence of 5G With the Incumbents in the 28 and 70 GHz Bands

A promising way of realizing the fifth generation (5G) wireless systems is to operate 5G deployments at higher frequency bands, specifically in the millimeter-wave (mmW) spectrum (30–300 GHz). Access to such spectrum bands will enable future 5G wireless systems to meet the 5G requirements of peak rate greater than 10 Gb/s, and cell edge rate of up to 1 Gb/s. However, the emerging 5G systems will need to coexist with a number of incumbent systems in these bands. This paper provides an extensive study of the co-channel coexistence of 5G in two critical mmW bands, 27.5–28.35 GHz (28 GHz) and 71–76 GHz (70 GHz) bands, where fixed satellite service (FSS) and fixed service (FS), such as wireless backhaul, are the predominant incumbent users. In the 28-GHz study, we show that interference from 5G into the FSS space stations can be kept below the FSS interference protection criterion. We also characterize the minimum separation distance between the FSS earth stations (ESs) and 5G in order to protect the 5G system from interference due to the ESs transmissions. In the 70-GHz study, we show that the 5G-to-FS interference could be a potential issue in certain scenarios, but we introduce techniques to significantly suppress this interference, while maintaining acceptable performance of the 5G systems. For each study, we suggest appropriate deployment strategies for a 5G system based on our results.
Phosphatidic Acid Generation through Interleukin 2 (IL-2)-induced -Diacylglycerol Kinase Activation Is an Essential Step in IL-2-mediated Lymphocyte Proliferation (*)

Proliferation of T lymphocytes is triggered by the interaction of interleukin 2 (IL-2) with its high affinity specific receptor that is expressed on the cell surface following T lymphocyte activation. Significant advances have recently been made in identifying the multiple signals that follow IL-2 receptor occupancy, although the exact mechanism responsible for IL-2-induced proliferation remains an enigma. It has been shown previously that unique species of phosphatidic acid are rapidly produced in vivo following IL-2 binding. It was then suggested that, in contrast to other eukaryotic growth factor systems, phosphatidic acid was at least in part generated through IL-2-induced diacylglycerol (DG) kinase activation. In the present study we demonstrate IL-2-dependent activation of the α isoform of DG kinase. Confocal microscopy studies reveal that the enzyme is located in the cytosol and nuclei of resting T cells. Interleukin 2 stimulation induces translocation of the enzyme to the perinuclear region. Furthermore, our results indicate that inhibition of the α isoform of DG kinase has a profound effect on IL-2-induced T cell growth. Studies on cell cycle distribution demonstrate that the inhibition of IL-2-induced phosphatidic acid production induces arrest in late G1 phase of IL-2 dependent cells. Altogether, these results link previous observations of interleukin 2 and phosphatidic acid production to activation of an specific isoform of DG kinase and suggest that activation of this enzyme is part of a novel signaling cascade that utilizes phosphatidic acid as an effector molecule.
Modulation of chloride secretion across the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether active Cl- secretion in the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva was subject to cAMP, Ca2+ and protein kinase C (PKC) modulation. The excised pigmented rabbit conjunctivas were mounted in the modified Ussing-type chambers for measurement of unidirectional 36Cl fluxes under the open-circuit condition and of the short-circuit current (Isc), potential difference, and transconjunctival electrical resistance. The results indicate that Cl- secretion across the conjunctiva was abolished by mucosal application of 1 mM N-phenylanthranilic acid and was reduced by 40% by serosal application of 10 microM bumetanide. Net Cl- flux was stimulated by 133% by 1 mM 8-Br cAMP, 107% by 10 microM A23187, and 87% by 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), suggesting that cAMP, Ca2+, and PKC all modulated active Cl- secretion, respectively. There existed a linear correlation between measured changes in net Cl- flux and observed changes in Isc (r2=0.99). The serial treatment of the conjunctiva with (a) 1 mM 8-Br cAMP and 10 microM A23187 and (b) 10 microM A23187 and 1 microM PMA resulted in sequence-independent, additive stimulation of Isc. In the case of 1 mM 8-Br cAMP and 1 microM PMA, additive stimulation of Isc was observed only when 1 mM 8-Br cAMP was added prior to 1 microM PMA. These results suggest that a given pharmacological agent may affect more than one channel type and that there might be a possible connection among the channels at the signal transduction level. In summary, Cl- appears to enter the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva from the serosal fluid via Na+-(K+)-2Cl- cotransport process and exit to the mucosal fluid via channels, resulting in active Cl- secretion. Active Cl- secretion in the pigmented rabbit conjunctiva appears to be modulated by cAMP, Ca2+, and PKC.
Evaluation of equine hemograms using the ADVIA 120 as compared with an impedance counter and manual differential count.

BACKGROUND The ADVIA 120 is an automated laser cell counter widely used in veterinary medicine. Although specific software for equine samples is available and validated, only a few reports have been published comparing the ADVIA 120 with other methods for equine hemogram evaluation. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the hematologic values and reference intervals obtained on the ADVIA 120 with those obtained on an impedance cell counter and manual differential counts in healthy horses. METHODS EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples were obtained from 114 clinically healthy horses of various breeds, both sexes, and 2-6 years of age. Samples were stored for up to 12 hours at 4 degrees C and then analyzed on the ADVIA 120 and the Hemat 8. A 100-cell to 200-cell differential leukocyte count was performed by 3 independent observers on May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained smears. Intra-assay precision of the ADVIA 120 was determined by analyzing 5 replicates each of 10 of the blood samples. RESULTS Results from the ADVIA were significantly higher than those from the impedance counter for RBC count, total WBC count, hemoglobin concentration, red cell distribution width, MCH, and MCHC, and significantly lower for HCT and platelet count. Significantly higher neutrophil and basophil counts and significantly lower lymphocyte counts were obtained with the ADVIA 120 compared with manual counts. Based on Passing-Bablok regression analysis, RBC and platelet counts were in good agreement between the 2 analyzers; a constant and proportional bias was present for other values. Coefficients of variation for erythrocyte parameters on the ADVIA were <1%, but were higher for platelet (6%), total WBC (2%), differential WBC (4%-30%), and reticulocyte (75%) counts. CONCLUSIONS Results obtained with equine samples on the ADVIA 120 were comparable with those obtained on an impedance counter; reference intervals differed statistically but overlapped. The ADVIA had poor precision for reticulocyte and differential leukocyte counts such that the latter should always be verified on smears.
An analysis of successful efforts to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint at a public psychiatric hospital.

OBJECTIVE The author reviews and evaluates a variety of interventions that were considered to have contributed to the successful reduction of reliance on the use of seclusion and restraint in a public psychiatric hospital for adult patients with severe and persistent psychiatric impairments. METHODS A multiple regression analysis was applied to monthly seclusion and restraint data covering the period from 1997 to 2002. The independent variables were each of the component efforts to reduce reliance on seclusion and restraint at the hospital: changes in the criteria for administrative review of incidents of seclusion and restraint, changes in the composition of the case review committee, development of a behavioral consultation team, enhancement of standards for behavioral assessments and plans, and improvements in the staff-patient ratio. RESULTS The use of seclusion and restraint was 75 percent lower during the final year of the five-year study period than it was during the first year. The only variable that was significantly associated with reduction in the use of seclusion and restraint was changes in the process for identifying critical cases and initiating a clinical and administrative case review. CONCLUSION The results of this analysis underscore the importance of clinical and administrative priorities in efforts to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint in public psychiatric hospitals.
Appendectomy Timing: Waiting Until the Next Morning Increases the Risk of Surgical Site Infections

Objective:To investigate the association between time from admission to appendectomy (TTA) and the incidence of perforation and infectious complications. Background:Immediate appendectomy to prevent perforation has been challenged by recent studies supporting a semielective approach to acute appendicitis. Methods:Patients admitted with appendicitis from July 2003 to June 2011 were reviewed. Age, sex, admission white blood cell count, surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic), TTA, and pathology report were abstracted. Primary outcomes included perforation and surgical site infection (SSI). Logistic regression was performed both to identify independent predictors of perforation and to investigate the association between TTA and SSI. Results:Over 8 years, 4529 patients were admitted with appendicitis and 4108 (91%) patients underwent appendectomy. Perforation occurred in 23% (n = 942) of these patients. Logistic regression identified 3 independent predictors of perforation: age 55 years or older [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) OR (95% CI), 1.66 (1.21–2.29); P = 0.002], white blood cell count more than 16,000 [OR (95% CI), 1.38 (1.15–1.64); P < 0.001], and female sex [OR (95% CI), 1.20 (1.02–1.41); P = 0.02]. Delay to appendectomy was not associated with higher perforation rate. However, after controlling for age, leukocytosis, sex, laparoscopic approach, and perforation, TTA of more than 6 hours was independently associated with an increase in SSI [OR (95% CI), 1.54 (1.01–2.34); P = 0.04]. Delay of more than 6 hours resulted in a significant increase in SSI from 1.9% to 3.3% among patients with nonperforated appendicitis [OR (95% CI), 2.16 (1.03–4.52); P = 0.03], raising the incidence of SSI in nonperforated appendicitis to levels similar to those with perforation (3.3% vs 3.9%, P = 0.47). Conclusions:In this series, appendectomy delay did not increase the risk of perforation but was associated with a significantly increased risk of SSI in patients with nonperforated appendicitis. Prompt surgical intervention is warranted to avoid additional morbidity in this population.
What causes inefficient transmission of male-killing Wolbachia in Drosophila?

Selfish genetic elements that distort the sex ratio are common in arthropods. Theory predicts they will invade and spread to fixation if they are vertically transmitted with perfect fidelity, potentially leading to host extinction. For inherited microorganisms that distort the sex ratio, inefficient vertical transmission or incomplete sex ratio distorting ability is required for host persistence. However, the relative roles of genetic and environmental factors in permitting the survival of male hosts and preventing parasite transmission are poorly understood. We examined the causes of transmission infidelity and male survival for a male-killing Wolbachia strain in Drosophila bifasciata. Under standard laboratory conditions (18°C), in its standard genetic background, males are produced very rarely, and no case of reversion has been observed in 20 generations of laboratory rearing. To investigate the role of host genetic factors, Wolbachia was crossed into 27 different inbred lines of D. bifasciata, but in no case was reversion observed at preferred environmental temperatures. The role of elevated temperature in inducing inefficient transmission was examined. Whilst vertical transmission was perfect over three generations of maintenance at 23.5°, transmission infidelity was observed at 25°. We conclude that there is no evidence for the presence of either fixed or polymorphic host genes that repress transmission at standard environmental temperatures. However, severe temperature treatment does make vertical transmission imperfect. We suggest that the case of Wolbachia in D. bifasciata is one that is naturally balanced, the population being maintained polymorphic without the evolution of host resistance genes.
Active commuting and sociodemographic factors among university students in Spain.

BACKGROUND Commuting to university represents an opportunity to incorporate physical activity (walking or biking) into students' daily routines. There are few studies that analyze patterns of transport in university populations. This cross-sectional study estimated energy expenditure from active commuting to university (ACU) and examined sociodemographic differences in findings. METHODS The sample included 518 students with a mean age of 22.4 years (59.7% female) from 2 urban universities in Valencia, Spain. Time spent in each mode of transport to university and sociodemographic factors was assessed by self-report. RESULTS Nearly 35% of the students reported walking or biking as their main mode of transport. ACU (min/wk) were highest for walkers (168) and cyclists (137) and lowest for motorbike riders (0.0) and car drivers (16). Public transport users, younger students, low socioeconomic status students, and those living ≤ 2 km from the university had higher energy expenditure from active commuting than comparison groups. Biking was highest among those living 2-5 km from the university. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that active commuting and public transit use generated substantial weekly energy expenditure, contributed to meeting physical activity recommendations, and may aid in obesity prevention.
The efficacy of HPV 16/18 vaccines on sexually active 18–23 year old women and the impact of HPV vaccination on organized cervical cancer screening

Objective. Evaluate the efficacy of catch‐up HPV vaccination in sexually active young women and the potential impact of HPV vaccines on the practice of organized screening. Sample. (1) Women enrolled in the Future II study and (2) from a separate population‐based study in Iceland. Methods. (1) Analysis of cytological and histological results and colposcopic examinations among 710 women, aged 18–23, with less than five sexual partners, irrespectively of baseline HPV status at enrolment. (2) The impact on screening practice as determined by evaluating the distribution of 12 oncogenic HPV types in 582 cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN 2–3) and cancer cases. Main outcome measures. (1) Distribution of evaluated parameters according to age at enrolment. (2) Age distribution of four HPV groups, within age classes and HPV groups: mean time to development of lesions, mean time to development of CIN 2–3+, cumulative frequency for CIN 2–3+ lesions after the last normal smear. Results. (1) After an average 52 months of post‐enrolment follow‐up, significant reductions in all evaluated parameters were observed in women aged 18–19 at enrolment. (2) Among women <25years, the proportion of cases with only HPV 16/18 was significantly lower and the proportion containing HPV16/18 plus ≥1 out of 10 non‐vaccine HPV types (31/33/45/52/58/35/39/51/56/59) was higher than at age 25–49. The proportion of cases containing only the non‐vaccine types was the same within all age groups. Cases with HPV 16/18 and some non‐vaccine types decreased significantly with age and accumulated more slowly after the last negative smear. Conclusions. Catch‐up vaccination of younger women should be considered in the context of sexual practices and the effects of prevalent disease on observed vaccine efficacy. Current data do not support a change in the lower age limit or screening intervals for women.
Three essays on intertemporal choice

This thesis focuses on the cognitive processes of intertemporal choice. Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter, laying out the economics standard of intertemporal choice, the environmental complications and cognitive factors that drive the departures from rational intertemporal choice and finally the approach taken in the thesis. Chapters 2-4 are three empirical studies. Chapter 2 focuses on the evaluation rule of intertemporal choice. Three different evaluation rules have been proposed: alternative-based, attribute-based and hybrid rules. We contrast different evaluation rules by running a comprehensive model comparison in intertemporal choice by involving fifteen candidate models (eight alternative-based, one hybrid and six attribute-based), three stochastic specifications, and 225 data sets taken from the existing literature. Results lend strong support to the class of attribute-based models, especially the family of the tradeoff model, for intertemporal choice. Chapter 3 studies the attention effects on intertemporal choice. Behavioural theories and experimental studies usually assume an option-wise attention effect on value-based decision making: When an option is focused attention on, the option is given additional weight in the making of decision. Beyond the option-wise attention effect, the study in Chapter 3 reveals a component-wise attentional effect: When each component (or the single value of an attribute in an option) receives attention, it is given additional weight independently. Further comparisons between experiments suggest a probable co-existence of the component-wise and the attribute-wise attention effects, the latter of which is that the comparison along an attribute receives additional weight when focused attention on, on intertemporal choice. The study also demonstrates robust background contrast effects on intertemporal choice. Chapter 4 focuses on a controversial topic: the pattern of impatience concerning the near vs. the far future (i.e., decreasing impatience, increasing impatience and constant impatience). The study tests two ways to look through the conflicting results in the literature. The first is a design bias when pairs of intertemporal choice items are used to detect the aggregate pattern of impatience. This method makes an implicit assumption that the undetected patterns are homogeneous to the detected and thus generalises the detected patterns to the undetected ones. The present study is the first to test the homogeneity assumption and the results suggest a design bias. The second is an order effect on the detected pattern of impatience, relating to the background contrast effect. Taken together, the two findings could reconcile much variation in the detected pattern of impatience in the literature. Chapter 5 is a general discussion. I discuss the results from the preceding chapters and implications on theory development. Further discussion on extensions to other domains of intertemporal choice concludes the thesis.
The Influence of Pricing Strategies on Willingness to Pay for Accommodations: Anchoring, Framing, and Metric Compatibility

Travel providers advertise low prices to attract customers, which can decrease willingness to pay through anchoring effects. Customers often approach purchases with a budget goal, which can influence price interpretation due to framing effects. Accommodation prices are typically displayed per night, whereas consumers may have a total trip budget in mind, leading to metric incompatibility. This research uses experimental methods to test the effects of price anchors, framing, and metric compatibility on willingness to pay for a Spring Break vacation. A high anchor increases willingness to pay compared to a low anchor, and consumers will pay more when exposed to an average price versus a range. Anchoring effects are reduced when the budget goal is incompatible with a high anchor but not a low anchor. The findings can be attributed to dual processing systems and asymmetry effects. The results yield practical guidelines for effective pricing strategies.
Performance characteristics of serologic tests for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody among Minnesota blood donors. Public health and clinical implications.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate performance characteristics of sequential enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Western blot human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody testing in a low-risk population. DESIGN Three-year prospective study of a selected sample from a community-based population. SETTING Two blood collection facilities in Minnesota. POPULATION Minnesota blood donors. RESULTS During the study period, 630,190 units of blood (donations) from an estimated 290,110 Minnesota-resident donors were screened for HIV-1 antibody. Seventeen Minnesota-resident donors were identified as positive for HIV-1 antibody. Sixteen donors were available for follow-up HIV-1 culture: all were culture positive. The other donor, who was not available for follow-up culture, was likely infected with HIV-1 based on a history of high-risk behavior and positive serologic findings for hepatitis B surface antigen. Using 95% binomial confidence intervals, performance characteristics for sequential EIA and Western blot HIV-1 antibody serology were as follows: false-positive rate by number of donations, 0% to 0.0006%; specificity by number of donations, 99.9994% to 100%; predictive value of a positive test, 81% to 100%. CONCLUSIONS In this low-risk population, the false-positive rate of serologic tests for HIV-1 antibody, using HIV-1 culture as the definitive standard for infection status, was extremely low and test specificity was extremely high.