Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Testing in the Evaluation of Unexplained Cardiac Arrest: From the CASPER (Cardiac Arrest Survivors With Preserved Ejection Fraction Registry)

Background— Unexplained cardiac arrest may be because of an inherited arrhythmia syndrome. The role of genetic testing in cardiac arrest survivors without a definite clinical phenotype is unclear. Methods and Results— The CASPER (Cardiac Arrest Survivors with Preserved Ejection Fraction Registry) is a large registry of cardiac arrest survivors where initial assessment reveals normal coronary arteries, left ventricular function, and resting ECG. Of 375 cardiac arrest survivors in CASPER from 2006 to 2015, 174 underwent genetic testing. Patients were classified as phenotype-positive (n=72) or phenotype-negative (n=102). Genetic testing was performed at treating physicians’ discretion in line with contemporary guidelines and availability. All genetic variants identified from original laboratory reports were reassessed by the investigators in line with modern criteria. Pathogenic variants were identified in 29 (17%) patients (60% channelopathy-associated and 40% cardiomyopathy-associated genes) and 70 variants of unknown significance were identified in 32 (18%) patients. Prior syncope (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–9.7) and a family history of sudden death (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–9.4) were independently associated with the presence of a pathogenic variant. In phenotype-negative patients, broad multiphenotype genetic testing led to higher yields (21% versus 8%; P=0.04) but was associated with more variants of unknown significance (55% versus 5%; P<0.01). Conclusions— Genetic testing identifies a pathogenic variant in a significant proportion of unexplained cardiac arrest survivors. Prior syncope and family history of sudden death are predictors of a positive genetic test. Both arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy genes are implicated. Broad, multiphenotype testing revealed the highest frequency of pathogenic variants in phenotype-negative patients. Clinical Trial Registration— https://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique Identifier: NCT00292032
Perception of sentence stress in English infant directed speech

Various studies have examined the acoustic features in infant directed speech (IDS) and adult directed speech (ADS). However, there are few speech corpora with prominence annotation from multiple listeners or analysis of the acoustic properties of the stressed versus unstressed words, most studies and corpora focusing on syllabic stress. In order to fill this gap, the current study analyzes the acoustic properties of sentence stress in a corpus of English IDS. More specifically, the work is one of the first analyzing IDS as perceived by adult listeners, providing inter-annotator agreement ratings and an analysis of the acoustic correlates of sentence stress with regard to the most important prosodic features encountered in the literature: fundamental frequency, intensity, word duration, and spectral tilt. The analysis shows that all of the analyzed features correlate with the perception of stress, indicating that the sentential prominence in IDS is conveyed by similar acoustic characteristics that are known to be relevant for stress perception in ADS.
A Group-IV Ferromagnetic Semiconductor: MnxGe1−x

We report on the epitaxial growth of a group-IV ferromagnetic semiconductor, MnxGe1−x , in which the Curie temperature is found to increase linearly with manganese (Mn) concentration from 25 to 116 kelvin. The p-type semiconducting character and hole-mediated exchange permit control of ferromagnetic order through application of a ±0.5-volt gate voltage, a value compatible with present microelectronic technology. Total-energy calculations within density-functional theory show that the magnetically ordered phase arises from a long-range ferromagnetic interaction that dominates a short-range antiferromagnetic interaction. Calculated spin interactions and percolation theory predict transition temperatures larger than measured, consistent with the observed suppression of magnetically active Mn atoms and hole concentration.
Antibody response of infants to cell surface-exposed outer membrane proteins of Haemophilus influenzae type b after systemic Haemophilus disease

The immune response of nine infants with Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis was examined by using a radioimmunoprecipitation procedure designed to detect antibodies directed against cell surface-exposed outer membrane proteins of this pathogen. Using intrinsically or extrinsically radiolabeled intact H. influenzae type b cells with acute- and convalescent-phase human sera in this radioimmunoprecipitation system, we found that all of the infants produced an antibody response directed against several different H. influenzae type b outer membrane proteins. Anti-H. influenzae type b outer membrane protein antibodies present in convalescent sera, but not found in acute sera, were directed against cell surface-exposed H. influenzae type b outer membrane proteins. In contrast, both acute and convalescent sera contained antibody activity directed against numerous H. influenzae type b outer membrane proteins whose antigenic determinants were apparently inaccessible to antibody on intact H. influenzae type b cells. The ability of infants to develop an antibody response to cell surface-exposed, antibody-accessible H. influenzae type b outer membrane proteins indicates that these proteins may have vaccinogenic potential.
Plasma protein for pigs weaned at 19 to 24 days of age: effect on performance and plasma insulin-like growth factor I, growth hormone, insulin, and glucose concentrations.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) protein in diets for early weaned pigs. In Exp. 1, 144 weanling pigs (24 +/- 4 d of age) were used to determine the effects of replacing dried skim milk (DSM) with either 4% SDPP or 2.75% spray-dried blood meal (SDBM) in Phase 1 diets (d 0 to 14 postweaning). During 0 to 14, pigs fed SDPP or SDBM had higher ADG (P < .05) and ADFI (P < .1) than those fed DSM. Pigs fed SDPP had greater (P < .05) ADG and ADFI (P < .1) than those fed SDBM. In Exp. 2, performance was similar in pigs fed two plasma protein sources (AP-820 and MP-722). In Exp.3, 18 weanling pigs (19 to 20 d of age) were used to determine the effects of feeding high levels of SDPP on performance and on plasma IGF-I, growth hormone, insulin, and glucose concentrations. Pigs were fed either a control diet containing 21.5% soybean meal (SBM) or a diet containing 14% SDPP. Treatments were applied for 14 d (Phase 1). During d 0 to 14, pigs fed a SDPP had a greater ADG and ADFI (P < .05) than pigs fed SBM. Replacing SBM with SDPP did not affect plasma IGF-I and glucose concentrations. However, SDPP replacement increased (P < .06) plasma growth hormone concentrations. Insulin levels were greater (P < .06) in pigs fed SBM than in those fed SDPP. These results indicate that SDPP and SDBM are effective alternatives to DSM or SBM in Phase 1 diets and the two plasma protein sources will produce similar performance. The factor(s) responsible for this improved performance does not seem to involve a change in plasma IGF-I.
Effects of Electroacupuncture on Pulmonary Function and Immune Response in Horses

This study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on immune responses and pulmonary functions of Thoroughbred horses. Twenty horses were randomized and divided into EA (n 10) and sham (n 10) groups. EA was performed at acupuncture points BL-13, Ding-chuan, Fei-men, Fei-pan, Fei-shu, CV-22, and GV-14. Sham EA was performed using the same procedure, except that the needles were taped to acupoints without skin penetration. The effects of EA treatments on immunological parameters were determined by cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) and in vitro tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) production in whole blood after stimulation with selected immunological stimulants. The effects of treatments on pulmonary functions were determined by pulmonary-function test parameters (PFTPs) obtained by rapid partial forced expiration (RP-FE). Statistical analyses were performed by using a general linear model on SPSS 17 software for Windows. Data are reported as mean standard error of mean. p value 0.05 was used to determine significance. The results indicated that EA produces an anti-inflammatory effect as shown by the suppression of TNF- production in stimulated whole blood. This effect may reduce the inflammatory response present in chronic respiratory diseases. Suppression of TNF- production by immune cells after EA treatment may play a role in the exertion of an anti-inflammatory effect. EA treatment did not produce changes in PFTPs in this study. EA at GV-14, CV-22, BL-13, Ding-chuan, Fei-men, Fei-pan, and Fei-shu seems to have merit in the treatment of inflammatory diseases in horses, but further study is required. Results from this study suggest that EA possesses anti-inflammatory activity as shown by the inhibition of in vitro production of TNF- production. However, whether EA treatment has merit in the treatment
The D3 Bacteriophage α-Polymerase Inhibitor (Iap) Peptide Disrupts O-Antigen Biosynthesis through Mimicry of the Chain Length Regulator Wzz in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Lysogenic bacteriophage D3 causes seroconversion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 from serotype O5 to O16 by inverting the linkage between O-specific antigen (OSA) repeat units from α to β. The OSA units are polymerized by Wzy to modal lengths regulated by Wzz1 and Wzz2. A key component of the D3 seroconversion machinery is the inhibitor of α-polymerase (Iap) peptide, which is able to solely suppress α-linked long-chain OSA production in P. aeruginosa PAO1. To establish the target specificity of Iap for Wzyα, changes in OSA phenotypes were examined via Western immunoblotting for wzz1 and wzz2 single-knockout strains, as well as a wzz1 wzz2 double knockout, following the expression of iap from a tuneable vector. Increased induction of Iap expression completely abrogated OSA production in the wzz1 wzz2 double mutant, while background levels of OSA production were still observed in either of the single mutants. Therefore, Iap inhibition of OSA biosynthesis was most effective in the absence of both Wzz proteins. Sequence alignment analyses revealed a high degree of similarity between Iap and the first transmembrane segment (TMS) of either Wzz1 or Wzz2. Various topology prediction analyses of the Iap sequence consistently predicted the presence of a single TMS, suggesting a propensity for Iap to insert itself into the inner membrane (IM). The compromised ability of Iap to abrogate Wzyα function in the presence of Wzz1 or Wzz2 provides compelling evidence that inhibition occurs after Wzyα inserts itself into the IM and is achieved through mimicry of the first TMS from the Wzz proteins of P. aeruginosa PAO1.
Electrical load forecasting using support vector machines

In this study, an application with electrical load forecastingan important topic in the electrical industry — has been carried out by a machine learning method which has recently become popular: Support Vector Machines (SVM). Load forecasting with SVM can model the nonlinear relations with the factors that affect the load in addition to the accurate modelling of the load curve at the weekends and on important calendar days. The data gathered from the Istanbul European Side are used as a sample for the application. In addition to the past load data, daily average temperature, calendar days, holidays and electricity price are considered as an attribute in forecasting. The programme LibSVM is used for modelling the system. It is noted that SVM gave satisfactory results.
Electrophysiological Study in HUVECs 317 Materials and Methods Preparation of cells

The conventional whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to measure the resting membrane conductance and membrane currents of nonstimulated cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in different ionic conditions. Three electrophysiological phenotypes of cultured HUVECs (n = 122) were determined: first, 20% of cells as type I mainly displaying the inwardly rectifying potassium current (IKi); second, 38% of cells as type II in which IKi was superposed on a TEA-sensitive, delayed rectifying current; third, 27% of cells as type III predominantly displaying the outwardly rectifying current which was sensitive to TEA and slightly inhibited by a chloride channel blocker niflumic acid (N.A.). In cells of type I, the mean zero-current potential (V0) was dependent on extracellular K+ ([K]o) but not on Cl−, indicating major permeability to K+. Whereas V0 of type II was also affected by extracellular Cl ([Cl]o), indicating the contribution of an outward Cl− current in setting V0. The cells of type III were not sensitive to decrease of [Cl]o and the outward current was activated in a relative stable voltage range. This varying phenotypic expression and multipotential behavior of HUVECs suggests that the electrical features of HUVEC may be primarily determined by embryonic origin and local effect of the microenvironment. This research provided the detailed electrophysiological knowledge of the endothelial cells.
The Effects of Enprostil and RS‐86505‐007 on In‐vitro Intestinal Permeability of Rabbit and Monkey

Abstract— Enprostil is a prostaglandin E2 analogue characterized as a racemic mixture of four stereoisomers. Enprostil and a single isomer, RS‐86505‐007, were evaluated for their effects on the permeability of actively and passively transported compounds in segments of small intestine from rabbits and monkeys. Consistent with human in‐vivo studies, which have demonstrated decreases in absorption of D‐xylose, both compounds inhibited D‐glucose transport. The passively transported compounds mannitol and progesterone were also less permeable in this model in the presence of enprostil or RS‐86505‐007. In contrast to the concentration‐dependent inhibition displayed by ouabain, RS‐86505‐007 had no effect on purifed Na+K+‐ATPase. It is suggested that an effect of a general nature, possibly an increase in the barrier properties at the intestinal surface, may explain the transport inhibition. Of two other enprostil isomers, RS‐86812‐007 inhibited D‐glucose transport in rabbit small intestine, while RS‐86505‐008 had no effect. The prostaglandin E1 analogue misoprostol was ineffective in monkey and poorly effective in rabbit. This suggests that the inhibition of D‐glucose transport by enprostil and its active stereoisomers is mediated through some structurally specific receptor interaction.
Study of PBLH and Its Correlation with Particulate Matter from One-Year Observation over Nanjing, Southeast China

The Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH) plays an important role in the formation and development of air pollution events. Particulate Matter is one of major pollutants in China. Here, we present the characteristics of PBLH through three-methods of Lidar data inversion and show the correlation between the PBLH and the PM2.5 (PM2.5 with the diameter 75 μg/m3 and the PM2.5 < 35 μg/m3 in daytime, respectively. The low PBLH often occurs with condition of the low wind speed and high relative humidity, which will lead to high PM2.5 concentration and the low visibility. On the other hand, the stability of PBL is enhanced by high PM concentration and low visibility.
Double bag or Y-set versus standard transfer systems for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND Peritonitis is the most frequent serious complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). It has a major influence on the number of patients switching from CAPD to haemodialysis and has probably restricted the wider acceptance and uptake of CAPD as an alternative mode of dialysis. OBJECTIVES This systematic review sought to determine if modifications of the transfer set (Y-set or double bag systems) used in CAPD exchanges are associated with a reduction in peritonitis and an improvement in other relevant outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY A broad search strategy was employed which attempted to identify all RCTs or quasi-RCTs relevant to the management of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Five electronic databases were searched (Medline 1966-1999, EMBASE 1984-1999, CINAHL 1982-1996, BIOSIS 1985-1996 and the Cochrane Library), authors of included studies and relevant biomedical companies were contacted, reference lists of identified RCTs and relevant narrative reviews were screened and Kidney International 1980-1997 was hand searched. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing double bag, Y-set and standard CAPD exchange systems in patients with ESRD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were abstracted by a single investigator onto a standard form and subsequently entered into Review Manager 4.0. 4. Odds Ratio (OR) for dichotomous data and a (Weighted) Mean Difference (WMD) for continuous data were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). MAIN RESULTS Twelve eligible trials with a total of 991 randomised patients were identified. In trials comparing either the Y-set or double bag systems with the standard systems significantly fewer patients (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.46) experienced peritonitis and the number of patient-months on CAPD per episode of peritonitis were consistently greater. When the double bag systems were compared with the Y-set systems significantly fewer patients experienced peritonitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.71) and the numbers of patient-months on CAPD/ episode of peritonitis were also greater. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Double bag systems should be the preferred exchange systems in CAPD.
The purified yeast pre‐mRNA splicing factor PRP2 is an RNA‐dependent NTPase.

Unlike autocatalyzed self‐splicing reactions, nuclear pre‐mRNA splicing requires transacting macromolecules and ATP. A protein encoded by the PRP2 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required, in conjunction with ATP, for the first cleavage‐ligation reaction of pre‐mRNA splicing. In this study, we have purified two forms of the PRP2 gene product with apparent molecular weights of 100 kDa and 92 kDa, from a yeast strain overproducing the protein. Both proteins were indistinguishable in their ability to complement extracts derived from a heat‐sensitive prp2 mutant. Furthermore, we show that the PRP2 protein is capable of hydrolyzing nucleoside triphosphates in the presence of single‐stranded RNAs such as poly(U). However, purified PRP2 by itself did not unwind double‐stranded RNA substrates. The fact that an RNA‐dependent NTPase activity is intrinsic to PRP2 may account for the ATP requirement in the first catalytic reaction of pre‐mRNA splicing.
Imitative learning in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) depends on the motivational state of the observer quail at the time of observation.

The 2-action method was used to examine whether imitative learning in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) depends on the motivational state of the observer quail at the time of observation of the demonstrated behavior. Two groups of observers were fed before observation (satiated groups), whereas 2 other groups of observers were deprived of food before observation (hungry groups). Quail were tested either immediately following observation or after a 30-min delay. Results indicated that quail in the hungry groups imitated, whereas those in the satiated groups did not, regardless of whether their test was immediate or delayed. The results suggest that observer quail may not learn (through observation) behavior that leads to a reinforcer for which they are unmotivated at the time of test. In addition, the results show that quail are able to delay the performance of a response acquired through observation (i.e., they show deferred imitation).
Regional Headquarters of Japanese and Western MNCs : A Comparative Study

This in-depth survey of 30 RHQs in Asia and in Europe shows that the RHQs of Japanese MNC are less involved in shaping the regional perspective and in integrating operations in the region than the RHQs of Western MNCs. RHQs of Japanese MNCs were not staffed with more expatriates than those of Western MNCs, and in terms of the mind-set resemble those of Western MNCs. Japanese and Western MNCs use different organisational mechanisms in their RHQs in dealing with the national units in the region, but the differences are less pronounced
The murine neurokinin NK1 receptor gene contributes to the adult hypoxic facilitation of ventilation

Substance P and neurokinin‐1 receptors (NK1) modulate the respiratory activity and are expressed early during development. We tested the hypothesis that NK1 receptors are involved in prenatal development of the respiratory network by comparing the resting respiratory activity and the respiratory response to hypoxia of control mice and mutant mice lacking the NK1 receptor (NK1−/−). In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted on neonatal, young and adult mice from wild‐type and NK1−/− strains. In the wild strain, immunohistological, pharmacological and electrophysiological studies showed that NK1 receptors were expressed within medullary respiratory areas prior to birth and that their activation at birth modulated central respiratory activity and the membrane properties of phrenic motoneurons. Both the membrane properties of phrenic motoneurons and the respiratory activity generated in vitro by brainstem‐spinal cord preparation from NK1−/− neonate mice were similar to that from the wild strain. In addition, in vivo ventilation recordings by plethysmography did not reveal interstrain differences in resting breathing parameters. The facilitation of ventilation by short‐lasting hypoxia was similar in wild and NK1−/− neonates but was significantly weaker in adult NK1−/− mice. Results demonstrate that NK1 receptors do appear to be necessary for a normal respiratory response to short‐lasting hypoxia in the adult. However, NK1 receptors are not obligatory for the prenatal development of the respiratory network, for the production of the rhythm, or for the regulation of breathing by short‐lasting hypoxia in neonates.
Combining irbesartan and trichlormethiazide enhances blood pressure reduction via inhibition of sympathetic activity without adverse effects on metabolism in hypertensive rats with metabolic syndrome

Abstract Sympathoexcitation and oxidative stress in the brain have pivotal roles in hypertension with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Here, we examined whether oral administration of irbesartan (IRB) and trichlormethiazide (TCM) decreases blood pressure (BP) via inhibiting sympathetic activity through anti-oxidant effects in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-cp). IRB/TCM treatment decreased BP more profoundly than IRB monotherapy. Urinary norepinephrine excretion and oxidative stress in the brain were decreased in both IRB and IRB/TCM groups without any adverse effect on the metabolic profile. These findings suggest that IRB/TCM profoundly decreases BP in SHR-cp by inhibiting sympathetic activity via anti-oxidant effects in the brain.
Tau Immunoreactivity Detected in Human Plasma, But No Obvious Increase in Dementia

Tau proteins are central to the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease and tau levels in cerebrospinal fluid are elevated in affected individuals. In this study, we investigated the presence of tau in plasma from subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (n = 16), frontotemporal dementia (n = 10), vascular dementia (n = 16) and from healthy controls (n = 15). By using an ELISA with monoclonal tau antibodies, tau immunoreactivity was detected in approximately 20% of the subjects. However, no difference between the disease and control groups was seen. After gel filtration of tau immunopositive plasma, the peak reactivity was found in the 160-kD fraction, indicating the source to be tau-like molecules of high-molecular-weight or polymers of low-molecular-weight tau isoforms. We conclude that measurements of tau in plasma cannot be utilized diagnostically for Alzheimer’s disease or for the other dementias investigated.