Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Breeding implications resulting from classification of patellae luxation in dogs.

Patellar luxation (PL) is one of the major hereditary orthopaedic abnormalities observed in a variety of dog breeds. When the patellae move sideways out of the trochlear groove, this is called PL. The PL score varies between dogs from normal to very severe. Reducing the prevalence of PL by breeding could prevent surgery, thereby improve welfare. Orthopaedic specialists differentiate between normal and loose patellae, where the patellae can be moved to the edge of the trochlear groove, considering scoring loose patellae as normal in the future. Loose patellae are considered acceptable for breeding so far by the breeding organization. The aim of this study was to analyse the genetic background of PL to decide on the importance of loose patellae when breeding for healthy dogs. Data are available from two dog breeds, that is Flat-coated Retrievers (n = 3808) and Kooiker dogs (n = 794), with a total of 4602 dogs. Results show that loose patellae indicate that dogs are genetically more susceptible to develop PL because family members of the dogs with loose patellae showed more severe PL. In addition, the estimated breeding values for dogs with loose patellae indicate that breeding values of dogs with loose patellae were worse than breeding values obtained for dogs with a normal score. Given these results, it is advised to orthopaedic specialists to continue to score loose patellae as a separate class and to dog breeders to minimize the use of dogs in breeding with a genetically higher susceptibility for PL.
Sonar observations of killer whales (Orcinus orca) feeding on herring schools

Behavior of killer whales feeding on herring schools was recorded with a high frequency (455 kHz) sonar and recorded on a SVHS tape. Synchronization of surfacing behavior of killer whales was analyzed from 8 mm videotapes recorded between 1990–92. Two different feeding techniques, carousel feeding, where killer whales cooperatively herd herring schools into a tight ball towards the surface and feed on herring which have been stunned by tailslaps, and subsurface feeding were observed and compared. Subsurface feeding killer whales showed less coordination and spent less time around the herring schools than carousel feeding killer whales. Both feeding techniques were employed mainly in the upper 20 m of water but only carousel feeding killer whales brought the herring school to the surface. Subsurface feeding killer whales were observed approaching herring schools down to 98 m, but no feeding could be verified when the whales were deeper than 20 m. The possible causes for different techniques employed by killer whales feeding on herring are discussed as well as the apparent similarity of predator–antipredator behavior between schooling fish and their predators regardless of the species in question.
Biological Aspects of Postpartum Depression

In comparison with the vast epidemiological literature on postpartum depression (PPD), relatively few studies have examined the biological aspects of the disorder. However, research into the biological mechanisms of PPD is a challenging task, as normal pregnancy and the postpartum period cause adaptive endocrine changes, which would otherwise be considered pathological in nonpregnant women. This review focuses on the adaptive changes of childbearing and nursing, which ultimately may put women at increased risk of PPD. In light of the normal physiology, the authors also attempt to describe the current evidence of the biological changes associated with the development of depression in the postpartum period, including ovarian steroids, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, the thyroid system and inflammatory markers. In addition, current knowledge on candidate genes associated with PPD is reviewed.
Reconfigurable Electric Double Layer Doping in an MoS2 Nanoribbon Transistor

A back-gated multilayer nanoribbon molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) transistor grown by chemical vapor transport and doped using polyethylene oxide cesium perchlorate is fabricated and characterized. Ions in the polymer dielectric are directed by side gates to the source and drain access regions where they form electric double layers (EDLs) that control the carrier densities. This allows the junctions of the same transistor channel to be reconfigured as an n-MOSFET, p-MOSFET, and as a tunnel field-effect transistors. The EDLs are formed at room temperature and then locked into place by cooling the polymer below the glass transition temperature (~240 K). Transport measurements are presented and explained using simulated band diagrams. Both n and p-conduction in MoS2 is demonstrated using solid polymer ion doping, enabling characterization of a semiconductor in which the doping of the same channel has been reconfigured to form three different transistor configurations.
The evolving role of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Introduction: While the majority of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors currently used for the therapy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are small molecule agents inhibiting multiple targets, monoclonal antibodies are inhibitors of specific targets, which may decrease off-target effects while preserving on-target activity. A few monoclonal antibodies have already been approved for mRCC (bevacizumab, nivolumab), while many others may play an important role in the therapeutic scenario of mRCC. Areas covered: This review describes emerging monoclonal antibodies for treating RCC. Currently, bevacizumab, a VEGF monoclonal antibody, is approved in combination with interferon for the therapy of metastatic RCC, while nivolumab, a Programmed Death (PD)-1 inhibitor, is approved following prior VEGF inhibitor treatment. Other PD-1 and PD-ligand (L)-1 inhibitors are undergoing clinical development. Expert opinion: Combinations of inhibitors of the PD1/PD-L1 axis with VEGF inhibitors or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)-4 inhibitors have shown promising efficacy in mRCC. The development of biomarkers predictive for benefit and rational tolerable combinations are both important pillars of research to improve outcomes in RCC.
On line and other Game-Based Learning for Mathematics

The last decade, researchers and educators have shown particular interest for the use of educational video games in mathematics education, in an effort to provide educational character to entertainment. In this paper we represent some of the most representative studies which evaluate the effects of video games on mathematics achievement as well as the improvement of memory, attention and cognitive skills. As indicated by the studies, video games may constitute useful tools in mathematics education as they support children’s comprehension on fundamental concepts, but also motivate them to see positively the course of mathematics.
Depletion of topoisomerase II in isolated nuclei during a glucose-regulated stress response

Conditions, such as anoxia or glucose starvation, which induce the glucose-regulated set of stress proteins also lead to resistance to adriamycin (J. Shen, C. Hughes, C. Chao, J. Cai, C. Bartels, T. Gessner, and J. Subjeck, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:3278-3282, 1987) and etoposide. We report here that chronic anoxia, glucose starvation, 2-deoxyglucose, the calcium ionophore A23187, glucosamine, ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), and tunicamycin (all specific inducers of the glucose regulated system) lead to a rapid and selective depletion of topoisomerase II from isolated nuclei of Chinese hamster ovary cells. This effect precedes a decline in tritiated thymidine incorporation and a redistribution of cells from S into G1/G0. The depletion of the enzyme is not accompanied by a decline in mRNA levels. We have also examined the mutant Chinese hamster K12 cell line which is temperature sensitive for expression of glucose-regulated proteins. When nuclei were isolated from K12 cells incubated at the nonpermissive temperature, a loss of topoisomerase II was again observed in congruence with the expression of stress proteins and cellular resistance to etoposide. These changes were not obtained in parental Wg1A cells incubated at the same temperature. These studies indicate that topoisomerase II is highly sensitive to glucose-regulated stresses and that its depletion from the nucleus, with the associated changes in cell cycle parameters, may represent general characteristics of the glucose-regulated state. Since anoxia and glucose starvation can occur during tumor development, this pathway for expression of drug resistance may have clinical ramifications.
Viral Etiology and Symptoms of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children

Aims: To determine viral causes of acute upper respiratory tract infections and clinical findings in children living in Istanbul, Turkey. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 234 outpatient children (age range: 1-180 months) with acute upper respiratory tract infections, seen in the outpatient clinic at Istanbul Medical School Children´s Hospital. After clinical findings were recorded, nasal swab specimens were taken. In 201 specimens collected, influenza-A and -B, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza viruses were studied using direct fluorescence antibody, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and cell culture techniques. Results: Rate of virus isolation was 29.8% (60/201). The viruses isolated in decreasing order were influenza-A (36.6%), adenovirus (28.4%), parainfluenza (14.9%), and respiratory syncytial virus (13.5%). All influenza-A cases were type H3N2. The common viruses in children less than 2 years of age were respiratory syncytial virus (63%) and adenovirus (59%), whereas influenza-A was dominant over 2 years of age (82%). Clinical symptoms did not differ among the different viral causes. Conclusions: Viral etiologies in children with acute upper respiratory tract infections were shown at a rate of 29.8% and the most common causes were influenza-A, adenovirus and parainfluenza viruses.
An Examination of the Multidimensionality of Situational Interest in Elementary School Physical Education

It has been demonstrated that situational interest in physical activity may derive from five dimensional sources, Novelty, Optimal Challenge, Attention Demand, Exploration Intent, and Instant Enjoyment. The purpose of this study was to examine the multidimensional sources in elementary school physical education. The five dimensions were measured in 5,717 students in third, fourth, and fifth grades from a random sample of 30 elementary schools. Students' responses were randomly divided into two samples for a two-step confirmatory factor analysis. The results confirmed that the five dimensions are primary sources of situational interest for elementary school physical education. The findings implied that situational interest should be taken into account as a necessary curricular component in elementary physical education.
Efficient Moving Mesh Methods for Q-Tensor Models of Nematic Liquid Crystals

This paper describes a robust and efficient numerical scheme for solving the system of six coupled partial differential equations which arises when using $Q$-tensor theory to model the behavior of a nematic liquid crystal cell under the influence of an applied electric field. The key novel feature is the use of a full moving mesh partial differential equation approach to generate an adaptive mesh which accurately resolves important solution features. This includes the use of a new monitor function based on a local measure of biaxiality. In addition, adaptive time-step control is used to ensure the accurate predicting of the switching time, which is often critical in the design of liquid crystal cells. We illustrate the behavior of the method on a one-dimensional time-dependent problem in a Pi-cell geometry which admits two topologically different equilibrium states, modeling the order reconstruction which occurs on the application of an electric field. Our numerical results show that, in addition to achie.
Use of clomiphene citrate and birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2005.

BACKGROUND Clomiphene citrate (CC) is the first line drug for subfertility treatment. Studies assessing the association between CC and birth defects have been inconclusive. METHODS We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, a population-based, multi-site case-control study of major birth defects. Women from 10 US regions with deliveries affected by at least one of >30 birth defects (cases) and mothers of live born infants without a major birth defect (controls) who delivered October 1997-December 2005 were interviewed. The exposure of interest was reported CC use in the period from 2 months before conception through the first month of pregnancy. Women who conceived using assisted reproductive technology were excluded. Thirty-six birth defect categories with at least three exposed cases were studied. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders. RESULTS CC use was reported by 1.4% of control mothers (94/6500). Among 36 case-groups assessed, increased adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were found [all: aOR, 95% confidence interval (CI)] for anencephaly (2.3, 1.1-4.7), Dandy-Walker malformation (4.4, 1.7-11.6), septal heart defects (1.6, 1.1-2.2), muscular ventricular septal defect (4.9, 1.4-16.8), coarctation of aorta (1.8, 1.1-3.0), esophageal atresia (2.3, 1.3-4.0), cloacal exstrophy (5.4, 1.6-19.3), craniosynostosis (1.9, 1.2-3.0) and omphalocele (2.2, 1.1-4.5). CONCLUSIONS Several associations between CC use and birth defects were observed. However, because of the small number of cases, inconsistency of some findings with previous reports, and the fact that we cannot assess the CC effect separately from that of the subfertility, these associations should be interpreted cautiously.
A novel CD154 monoclonal antibody in acute and chronic rat vascularized cardiac allograft rejection1

Background. The CD40-CD154 interaction is critically important in the cell-mediated immune responses. Blockade of this costimulatory pathway has been shown to prevent acute allograft rejection in murine, as well as nonhuman primate models. However, the role of the CD40-CD154 pathway in the development of chronic rejection and the effects of CD154 targeting on progression of chronic rejection have not been evaluated. Methods. We examined the effect of AH.F5, a new hamster anti-rat CD154 monoclonal antibody, in a fully allogeneic acuteu) into Lewis [LEW] (RT11)and chronic [WF.1L (RT1l) into LEW (RT1l)] vascularized cardiac allograft rejection model. In the chronic model, the antibody was evaluated for prevention (starting day of transplant) and interruption of progression (starting day 30 or 60 after transplant) of chronic vasculopathy. Graft survival, morphology, and immunohistology were evaluated. Results. In the acute rejection model, anti-CD154 therapy alone prevented acute allograft rejection and resulted in 50% long-term allograft survival (>200 days) and donor-specific tolerance. In recipients treated with anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody in combination with a short course of cyclosporine, 100% of allografts survived long-term and all recipients achieved donor-specific tolerance. In the chronic rejection model, allografts from animals treated with the anti-CD154 antibody had a statistically significant lower score of graft arteriosclerosis and fibrosis in both the prevention and 30-day interruption groups when compared with control allografts. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed a decrease in intragraft mononuclear cell infiltration and activation. Conclusion. A new anti-CD154 antibody not only prevents acute allograft rejection, but also inhibits and interrupts the development of chronic rejection. In the acute rejection model cyclosporine acts synergistically with anti-CD154 therapy to prolong allograft survival and induce tolerance. In the chronic rejection model relatively early initiation of therapy is essential to prevent progression of chronic allograft vasculopathy and fibrosis.
Making sense out of jargon

Objective: To identify the cognitive and neuroanatomic bases of neologistic jargon aphasia with spared comprehension and production of written words. Methods: Detailed analysis of performance across experiments of naming, reading, writing, repetition, and word/picture matching by a 68-year-old woman (J.B.N.) served to identify which cognitive mechanisms underlying naming and word comprehension were impaired. J.B. N. ’s impairments were then simulated by selectively “lesioning” a computer model of word production that has semantic, word form, and subword phonologic levels of representation (described by Dell in 1986). Results: In comprehension experiments, J.B. N. made far more errors with spoken word input than with written word or picture input (chi-square = 40–59; df = 1; p < 0.0001) despite intact auditory discrimination. In naming experiments (with picture, definition, or tactile input), J.B. N. made far more errors in spoken output relative to written output (chi-square = 14–56; df = 1; p < 0.0001). These selective impairments of spoken word processing were simulated by reducing connection strength between word-level and subword-level phonologic units but maintaining full connection strength between word-level and semantic units in Dell’s model. The simulation yielded a distribution of error types that was nearly identical to that of J.B. N. , and her CT and MRI scans showed a small subarachnoid hemorrhage in the left sylvian fissure without infarct. Cerebral angiogram showed focal vasospasm in sylvian branches of the left middle cerebral artery. Conclusion: Focal left perisylvian dysfunction can result in a highly selective “disconnection” between word-level and subword-level phonologic representations manifest as neologistic jargon aphasia with intact understanding and production of written words.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Micropercops swinhonis (Perciformes: Gobioidei: Odontobutidae)

Abstract For understanding the phylogenetic position of Micropercops swinhonis within the family Odontobutidae, the complete nucleotide sequence of M. swinhonis mitochondrial genome was firstly determined. The genome is 16,493 bp in length, and consists of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes) and 2 main noncoding regions (the control region and the origin of the light strand replication). The gene composition and order of which were similar to most other vertebrates. Within the control region, typical conserved domains, such as the termination-associated sequence, central and conserved sequence blocks domains were identified.
Electroweak bubbles: Nucleation and growth.

In the standard electroweak theory, if the Higgs boson mass is comparable with the weak scale, the electroweak transition is weakly first order, and proceeds via bubble nucleation. It is shown that the Universe supercools beyond the point where phase equilibrium is possible. When true-vacuum bubbles nucleate, they expand at velocities of the order of the speed of light until they fill the Universe. These considerations are important for the recently proposed electroweak baryogenesis mechanisms.
Does Interbank Market Matter for Business Cycle Fluctuation? An Estimated DSGE Model with Financial Frictions for the Euro Area

The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of the interbank market on the business cycle fluctuations. In order to do that, we build a DSGE model with heterogeneous households and banks. The surplus bank can allocate its resources between interbank lending and risk free government bonds. This portfolio choice is affected by an exogenous counterpart risk shock on the interbank lending. An increase of the counterpart risk diverts funds from the interbank markets toward the risk free market. This mechanism allow us to capture the collapse of the interbank market and the fly to quality mechanism underlying the 2007 financial crisis. The main result is that an interbank riskiness shock seems to explain part of the 2007 downturn and especially the rise of the interest rates on the credit market during and just after the financial turmoil.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Antenatal Women with Bad Obstetric History

The Causes of bad obstetric history (BOH) may be genetic, hormonal, abnormal maternal immune response and maternal infections (Turbadkar et al., 2003). Infection caused by TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes SimplexVirus) are one of the major causes for bad obstetrichistory (BOH) (Mc cabe, 1988). These are a group of viral, bacterial and protozoan infections that gain access to the fetal blood stream transplacentally via the chorionic villi. The pathogens usually cause only asymptomatic or mild infections in mother, but can cause much more serious consequences in fetus (Kaur et al., 1999). Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 3 (2017) pp. 732-741 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Genetic Parameters of Foal Inspection Scores in the International Sporthorse Registry and Oldenburg Registry North America

Foal scores from the International Sporthorse Registry and Oldenburg Registry North America were used for statistical and genetic analysis. Scored traits include type and conformation (TC), athletic ability of movement (AM), overall development as related to age (OD), and total score (TS) calculated as a weighted average of TC, AM, and OD. Premium status (PS) was analyzed as a binary trait. Preliminary statistical analysis determined significant fixed effects of sex, year of birth, dam breed, and inspection period. Offspring of stallions with only one offspring in the dataset and nonwarmblood sires were deleted. Non-warmblood or non-Thoroughbred dams were also removed. Variance components were estimated using ASReml methodology to obtain genetic parameters. Traits were moderately to highly heritable with heritabilities of 0.45, 0.47, 0.49, and 0.55 for TC, AM, OD, and TS, respectively. PS had a heritability of 0.32 on a binary scale and 0.51 when transformed to the normal scale. Genetic correlations between TC, AM, OD, and TS were all high and favorable, ranging from 0.80 to 0.99. Genetic correlations with PS were inestimable. Foal inspection scores are heritable and should respond to selection. Selection for improvement in one trait should result in improvement in all traits. If genetic parameters can be correlated to data obtained in older horses, incorporating foal scores in selection decisions could improve warmblood breeding programs. Utilizing foal inspection scores should be beneficial to breeding objectives of the International Sporthorse Registry and Oldenburg Registry North America.
Enhancing the Assessment of Verbal Aggression Through Observational Methodology

The assessment of verbal aggression in adolescent and young adult dating relationships has largely relied on self-report methodology. We investigated whether information on verbal aggression derived from an observational assessment would enhance the prediction of romantic relationship satisfaction and dissolution in a sample of young adult dating relationships (N = 113). Observationally assessed verbal aggression was moderately associated with self-reported verbal aggression. Consistent with previous findings, neither self-reported nor observationally assessed verbal aggression was associated with relationship dissolution. Observationally assessed verbal aggression and self-reported verbal aggression each uniquely accounted for a substantial amount of variability in romantic relationship satisfaction. The findings of this study provide additional support for conducting multimethod assessments of verbal aggression and incorporating observational methodology in the study of aggression in young adult dating relationships.