Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting fetal karyotype in fetuses with omphalocele: The current role of ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE To assess the ability of ultrasound in predicting abnormal karyotype in pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed omphaloceles and to compare its test characteristics to previously published studies. METHODS A retrospective case-control study of omphaloceles diagnosed at one center was performed from 1995-2007. Cases were those with an abnormal karyotype and controls were those with a normal karyotype. Data collection included demographics, karyotype results, and ultrasound findings. The number and type of associated anomalies were compared between the cases and controls. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for predicting an abnormal karyotype were calculated from previously published studies. RESULTS Of the 73 subjects, there were 12 cases and 61 controls. The majority of women were Caucasian and primigravida. The cases were less likely to have an isolated omphalocele [1 (8.3%) vs. 27 (42.6%), OR = 0.122; 95% CI: 0.02-0.08] but were more likely to have two or more major anomalies [8 (66.7%) vs. 17 (27.9%), OR = 5.18; 95% CI: 1.19-24.04)] compared to the controls. Cardiac anomalies and only one additional major anomaly were not different between the two groups, P > 0.05. The test characteristics for this study were similar to previously published studies. CONCLUSIONS Isolated omphaloceles were more likely to have a normal karyotype; however fetuses with multiple anomalies were more likely to have an abnormal karyotype. Despite advances in ultrasound technology, its ability for predicting an abnormal karyotype in these fetuses has not improved.
Social Media, News Media and the Stock Market

Abstract: We contrast the impact of traditional news media and social media coverage on stock market volatility and trading volume. We develop a theoretical model of asset pricing and information processing, which allows for both rational traders and a variety of commonly studied behavioral biases. The model yields several novel and testable predictions about the impact of news and social media on asset prices. We then test the model’s theoretical predictions using a unique dataset which measures coverage of individual stocks in social and news media using a broad spectrum of print and online sources. Stocks with high social media coverage in one month experience high idiosyncratic volatility of returns and trading volume in the following month. Conversely, stocks with high news media coverage experience low volatility and low trading volume in the following month. These effects are statistically and economically significant and robust to controlling for stock and time fixed effects, as well as time-varying stock characteristics. The empirical evidence on news media is consistent with a market in which some traders are overconfident when interpreting new information. The evidence on social media is consistent with Tetlock (2011)’s “stale news” hypothesis (investors treat repeated information on social networks as though it were new) and with a model where investors’ perceptions are subject to random sentiment shocks.
Sampling from Non-Log-Concave Distributions via Stochastic Variance-Reduced Gradient Langevin Dynamics

We study stochastic variance reduction-based Langevin dynamic algorithms, SVRG-LD and SAGA-LD (Dubey et al., 2016), for sampling from non-log-concave distributions. Under certain assumptions on the log density function, we establish the convergence guarantees of SVRG-LD and SAGA-LD in 2Wasserstein distance. More specifically, we show that both SVRG-LD and SAGA-LD require Õ ( n+n/ +n/ 4 ) ·exp ( Õ(d+γ) ) stochastic gradient evaluations to achieve accuracy in 2-Wasserstein distance, which outperforms the Õ ( n/ 4 ) · exp ( Õ(d + γ) ) gradient complexity achieved by Langevin Monte Carlo Method (Raginsky et al., 2017). Experiments on synthetic data and real data back up our theory.
Frequency and pattern dependence of adrenergic and purinergic vasoconstriction in rat skeletal muscle arteries

Sympathetic nerves fire in bursts followed by brief periods of quiescence. Periods of quiescence may be a valuable part of coding for different neurotransmitters. We compared adrenergic‐ and non‐adrenergic‐mediated vasoconstriction with repeating burst patterns versus constant frequency stimulation. Seventeen rats were killed, and the femoral arteries dissected out and mounted in organ tissue baths at 37°C and pH 7.4. Field stimulation was applied to artery rings from five rats at constant frequencies of 2–6 Hz for 144 impulses. In 12 rats, artery rings were stimulated with two burst pattern protocols consisting of repeating pairs, triplets, quadruplets or sextuplets performed using either 8 or 30 Hz as the instantaneous frequency for a total of 144 impulses. All protocols were repeated with the P2 purinergic antagonist pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADs; 0.42 m) or the α1‐antagonist prazosin (1.59 μm). Tension was decreased by the addition of the P2 antagonist PPADs (P < 0.05). Prazosin abolished tension at all constant frequencies (P < 0.05). P2 and α1‐antagonism decreased tension with 8 and 30 Hz burst pattern field stimulation. However, the magnitude of decrease in tension with prazosin was less with burst patterns compared to the same average constant frequencies (P < 0.05). It appears that P2X receptors and α1‐receptors in the femoral artery are sensitive to frequency and patterns of electrical stimulation.
Mathematical Modelling of Plastic Waste Pyrolysis Kinetics

In this work, mathematical models were developed and validated in order to monitor the optimal design and operation of the pyrolysis reactors. Mathematical models for plastic waste pyrolysis kinetics were developed. The simulated models are reliable as it predicted the experimental results and thermo-gravimetric properties of HDPE (its types/kinds), LDPE and PP types of plastic wastes. Pyrolysis temperature of plastic waste pyrolysis increases as the density and hardness of plastic waste types increases i.e. from HDPE to PS. At the same temperature HDPE laminate shows a higher rate of pyrolysis than that of HDPE pellets and HDPE powder. The results of the simulation (temperature profile for a reactor of 0.44m length using LDPE) depicts that during the first stage of the pyrolysis of the plastic waste type, the temperature increases rapidly from 100K to 700K. At temperatures 700K to 1000K fast or flash pyrolysis was observed between 0.07m to 0.37m reactor length. It can be concluded that pyrolysis temperature of plastic waste increases as the density and hardness of plastic waste types increases which implies that the conversion rate increases with the extent of branching (HDPE
Inverse relation between in vivo amyloid imaging load and cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42 in humans

Amyloid‐β42 (Aβ42) appears central to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis and is a major component of amyloid plaques. Mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42 is decreased in dementia of the Alzheimer's type. This decrease may reflect plaques acting as an Aβ42 “sink,” hindering transport of soluble Aβ42 between brain and CSF. We investigated this hypothesis.
TITLE Effective Reinforcement for Achievement Behaviors in Disadvantaged Children : The First Year

This report describes the results of the first year of a five-year study whose overall aims are twofold: first, to discover classroom strategies that can improve children's achievement, their self-concept, and their belief in their own ability to control the type of reinforcement they receive in school; second, to develop procedures for training teachers to employ these strategies. The specific aims of the first year were to select intruments for assessing the attitudes and classroom behavior of both children and teachers, and to ascertain the relationships, in a small sample of classrooms, between characteristic teacher behaviors and children's end-of-year achievement and attitudes. Observation schedules were developed especially for this project. The sample was composed of six third-grade classes and their six teachers from a low-income, predominantly Black district. Measures were taken early in the school year and at the end of the school year. Since the sample for the first year of the study was small, the results described here should be considered tentative. Similar analyses using a larger sample will be made during the second year. Evidence from the first year suggests that an individualized style of teaching, as contrasted with group instruction, significantly increases children's verbal achievement. Individualized teaching appears to be especially effective with children who have a relatively positive self-concept to start with. The development of a positive self-concept and a belief in internal control of reinforcement appears to be more likely among children who are well regarded socially by teachers and peers. The same favorable development is more strongly related to the teacher behavior of listening to children with approval than to initiating interaction with them.
UBE 2 Q 1 , as a Down Regulated Gene in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), the major prot ein degradation pathway in the cells, typically deg rades short lived and damaged proteins and regulates gr owth and stress responses. This pathway is altered in various cancers, including Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (AL L). ALL begins with a change in bone marrow cells a nd is the most common type of leukemia in children und er 15 years. UBE2Q1 as a new characterized gene of E2 enzyme family is located on chromosome 1 and report d to be altered in some malignancies. In this stud y, we aimed to explore the expression pattern of UBE2Q1 g ene in children with ALL. For this purpose, a serie s of RT PCR and quantitative RT PCR were performed on a collection of 20 bone marrow samples of ALL patien s and the same number of whole blood samples of age matched normal subjects. Gel electrophoresis of RT PCR products revealed the expression of UBE2Q1 mRNA in most of the normal (90%) and about half of the leukemic (45%) samples. QRT PCR data indicated th at only 1 patient out of 20 (5%) showed up regulati on of the gene (> 2 folds). In 4 patients (20%), the expr ssion of UBE2Q1 mRNA was equivocal (from 1/2 to 2) and in 15 cases (75%), the gene was down regulated (> 1/2) when compared to the normal samples. In conclusion , down regulation of UBE2Q1 in the majority of the le uk mic samples suggests its potential implication i n the pathogenesis of ALL. UBE2Q1 can be considered as a molecular marker and a candidate targeting to treat ALL in the future.
Marketing Barriers and Export Performance: A Strategy Categorization Approach in the Vietnamese Seafood Industry

This study tests the combined effect of five marketing barriers (product, price, distribution, logistics, and promotion) on the export performance of Vietnamese seafood companies. Representative cross-sectional data on business managers of seafood companies in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, are used to validate construct measures and test hypotheses. The results indicate that, except for the promotion barrier, the barriers of product, price, distribution, and logistics have a significant negative impact on export performance. Based on the relative importance of the different marketing barriers, seafood firms should firstly focus on quality improvements in order to improve their export performance.
WHO technical consultation on research requirements to support policy recommendations on highly sensitive point-of-care diagnostics for P . falciparum malaria

Recently, next-generation highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tests (hsRDTs) for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) have become commercially available. These tests claim a limit of detection (LOD) that is 10-fold more sensitive than that of conventional rapid diagnostic tests (cRDTs). Similar tests are also under development for the improved detection of pan-species malaria, P. vivax (Pv), and Pf parasites with pfhrp2/3 gene deletions. In May 2017, WHO convened an evidence review group (ERG) on lowdensity malaria infections that highlighted the scarcity of data on the relative contributions of lowdensity Pf and Pv infections to onward transmission in human populations. It was therefore concluded that it would be difficult to determine the impact of identifying and treating these infections in a number of endemic settings through active test-and-treat based interventions. Subsequently, the Malaria Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) recommended that hsRDTs only be used for research purposes until there is evidence that the detection of low-density infections using these tools will have a significant impact on transmission (1).
Growth stimulation followed by growth inhibition in livers of female rats treated with ethinyl estradiol.

Ethinyl estradiol (EE) is a strong promoter of hepatocarcinogenesis in female rats. A common effect shared by many non-genotoxic hepatic promoters is the stimulation of hyperplastic growth. However, studies by others with several hepatic promoters have shown that following an initial, transient increase in liver growth, continued exposure causes an inhibition in basal and/or induced growth. We have shown that EE also causes an initial, transient increase in hepatocyte proliferation (Carcinogenesis, 7, 2007-20014, 1986). The objective of the investigation reported here was to determine whether chronic EE treatment also becomes inhibitory to basal and/or induced liver growth. Female Lewis rats were treated with EE at 2.5 and 5.0 micrograms/rat/day using time-release tablets. Seven days prior to sacrifice, the rats were implanted with osmotic minipumps containing bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to allow the cumulative labeling of replicating hepatocytes. At sacrifice, liver tissue was fixed, sectioned and the percent labeled hepatocyte nuclei determined by immunohistochemistry. The results of these experiments revealed that, as expected, during the first 7 days of treatment, EE increased hepatocyte proliferation. However, after 28 and 42 days of EE treatment, the basal level of liver growth was dramatically inhibited. Thus, hepatocyte nuclear labeling indices, compared to controls, were reduced by 72 and 88% after 28 and 42 days of treatment respectively. An analysis of 125I-labeled EGF binding to isolated liver membranes revealed that EGF receptor levels decreased during the initial period of growth, but had returned to control levels by day 21 when replication had ceased. In another experiment, rats were treated with EE at 5.0 micrograms/rat/day for 21 days; control rats received placebo time-release tablets. At the end of that time, the rats were surgically partially hepatectomized and the level of subsequent regenerative DNA synthesis was determined using [3H]thymidine administered 2 h prior to sacrifice 24, 48, 72 and 96 h later. The results showed that EE caused an inhibition of regenerative growth. While at each time point the level of DNA synthesis in EE-treated rats was not significantly less than in corresponding controls, statistical analysis indicated that overall, EE caused a significant reduction in liver growth. The results of these studies demonstrate that chronic EE treatment leads to the appearance of a mitosuppressed state in the liver which is characterized by reduced cell turnover and decreased growth responsiveness. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Gelatin Sponge Model of Effector Recruitment: Tumoricidal Activity of Adherent and Non‐Adherent Lymphokine‐Activated Killer Cells After Culture in interleukin‐2

This study examined the specific tumoricidal activity of lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells derived from tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes that prevent the growth of secondary tumors in animals harboring progressing primary tumors. A pre‐implanted gelatin sponge was employed to capture infiltrating host effectors during the expression of concomitant tumor immunity. Additionally, this study compared the cytolytic activity of these sponge‐derived cells with those of counterpart splenic lymphocytes. The cells from both sources were cultured for 4 days in IL‐2 to generate LAK cells which were further expanded in IL‐2‐containing medium for up to 11 days. The cytotoxic activities of these cells were measured in a Chromium‐51 release assay. The data revealed that the culture of splenic, or sponge‐derived lymphocytes results in the emergence of non‐adherent and adherent cell populations with LAK activity. The 4‐day sponge‐derived LAK cells (adherent and non‐adherent) exhibited significant cytotysis of EMT6 cells while the spleen‐derived counterparts showed minimal cytotoxicity toward these targets. Some NK activity in LAK cells derived from both sources was evident by their lysis of YAC‐1 cells. LAK cells from both sources were incapable of lysing histo‐compatible EL‐4 (H‐2b) tumor cells. The lysis of the EMT6 cells by the sponge‐derived LAK cells was maintained over an 11‐day period of culture in IL‐2. Conversely, the spleen‐derived LAK cells were unable to significantly lyse EMT6 cells during this period of in vitro culture. These results show the superior specific tumoricidal activity of LAK cells derived from lymphocytes mediating tumor rejection in vivo (sponge‐derived) over that of counterpart splenic lymphocytes.
Water Dynamics in Apple Orchards of Different Ages on the Loess Plateau of China

Knowledge of soil water in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards is necessary for formulating robust management strategies and sound planning of apple plantations with limited water resources, such as on the Chinese Loess Plateau. In this work, we assessed the relationship between the age of trees and soil water dynamics in apple orchards that were initially 7 and 17 yr old in the Wangdonggou watershed on the Loess Plateau. For this, we monitored soil water content (SWC, measured using a neutron probe) and calculated soil water storage (SWS), available SWS (ASWS), and soil desiccation along 0to 600-cm soil profiles in both orchards from May to September in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. For both orchards, annual mean SWCs along the 0to 600-cm profile differed during the past 4 yr. Mean SWC along the profile was consistently higher in the 7-yrold orchard at both monthly and annual timescales. Accordingly, monthly mean SWS and ASWS along the 0to 600-cm soil profiles were consistently lower in the 17-yr-old orchard. Moreover, a dried soil layer (DSL) had formed in the soil of the 17-yr-old orchard and there was slightly desiccation in the 320to 600-cm layers, but no DSL was detected in the 7-yr-old orchard during the four study years. Tree age was mostly responsible for the differences in soil water dynamics in apple orchards. Therefore, it is important to take tree age into account when considering soil water management regimes in orchards in both the focal region of the Loess Plateau and other water-limited regions around the world.
Microvascular Display of Xanthine Oxidase and NADPH Oxidase in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Objective: Oxygen free radical production in hypertension may be associated with elevated arteriolar tone and organ injury. Previous results suggest an enhanced level of oxygen free radical formation in microvascular endothelium and in circulating neutrophils associated with xanthine oxidase activity in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with their normotensive controls, the Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). The aim of this study was to gain more detailed understanding of where oxidative enzymes are located in the microcirculation.
Efficacy of Modified Bottom Boards to Control Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman) in Honeybee Colonies

This study was designed to test whether hive bottom boards modified with polyvinyl chloride pipe or screen-mesh reduces number of Varroa mites in naturally infested honeybee colonies comparing to chemical control. Fifty-six colonies distributed equally between two locations each received one of four experimental treatments: Conventional solid board with/out Apistan, Screen bottom board and Tube bottom board. Results were inconsistent between apiaries. In apiary 1, colonies with Apistan and Tube bottom boards had fewer V. destructor than other treatments in spring only, but this benefit was not apparent in Apiary 2. There were no effects of modified bottom boards on honey yield, brood production, and stored pollen. We conclude that the efficacy of modified bottom boards in reducing varroa mite population in bee colonies remains uncertain due to observed differences of hygienic behavior.
Cloning and expression analysis of potassium channel gene NKT 3 from Nicotiana tabacum

Potassium (K + ) is the predominant inorganic ion of plant cells. K + channels in higher plant cells play an important role in regulating the influx and efflux of K + from cells, and activity of these channels might be involved in plant stress resistance. A completely new K + channel gene of Nicotiana tabacum was obtained through homologous cloning strategy. The complete cDNA sequence was submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank, designated as NKT3 and the accession number is FJ230956. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that NKT3 is located at the branch of weakinwardly rectifying K + channels and might be a member of the Shaker family. The spatial and temporal expression of the gene was also investigated. NKT3 is expressed abundantly in the roots, while little in the leaves of N. tabacum. It might be involved in the process of K + acquirement and release in tobacco roots.
A Mechanism of Intracellular P2X Receptor Activation*

Background: P2X receptors are localized both to the cell surface and within intracellular vacuoles. Mechanisms activating intracellular receptors are unclear. Results: The P2X receptor ATP binding site faces into the vacuole lumen. ATP translocation triggers P2X receptor-dependent release of calcium. Conclusion: Vacuolar P2X receptors are luminal ATP sensors releasing stored calcium in response to luminal ATP accumulation. Significance: Intracellular P2X receptors are calcium release channels. P2X receptors (P2XRs) are ATP-activated calcium-permeable ligand-gated ion channels traditionally viewed as sensors of extracellular ATP during diverse physiological processes including pain, inflammation, and taste. However, in addition to a cell surface residency P2XRs also populate the membranes of intracellular compartments, including mammalian lysosomes, phagosomes, and the contractile vacuole (CV) of the amoeba Dictyostelium. The function of intracellular P2XRs is unclear and represents a major gap in our understanding of ATP signaling. Here, we exploit the genetic versatility of Dictyostelium to investigate the effects of physiological concentrations of ATP on calcium signaling in isolated CVs. Within the CV, an acidic calcium store, P2XRs are orientated to sense luminal ATP. Application of ATP to isolated vacuoles leads to luminal translocation of ATP and release of calcium. Mechanisms of luminal ATP translocation and ATP-evoked calcium release share common pharmacology, suggesting that they are linked processes. The ability of ATP to mobilize stored calcium is reduced in vacuoles isolated from P2XAR knock-out amoeba and ablated in cells devoid of P2XRs. Pharmacological inhibition of luminal ATP translocation or depletion of CV calcium attenuates CV function in vivo, manifesting as a loss of regulatory cell volume decrease following osmotic swelling. We propose that intracellular P2XRs regulate vacuole activity by acting as calcium release channels, activated by translocation of ATP into the vacuole lumen.