Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An ontological approach to quantify distance between hereditary disease modules on the interactome

For about 30% of hereditary diseases no disease gene is currently known. Very little if anything at all is known about the molecular basis of these orphan diseases. In this Thesis I present an ontological method that accurately quantifies similarity between heritable diseases modules in the interactome, which can be used to help pinpoint the location of the perturbation causing the orphan diseases . This method, based on the MeSH ontologies, effectively brings together the existing information about diseases that is scattered across the vast corpus of biomedical literature. I prove that sets of MeSH terms provide a highly descriptive representation of heritable disease and that the structure of MeSH provides a natural way of combining individual MeSH vocabularies. I also show that the measure can be used effectively in the prediction of candidate disease genes. The effective use of the vast information available allows the measure to be applicable for orphan diseases: the measure can help pinpoint the location of their molecular perturbations. More generally, the measure enables the transfer of knowledge between similar diseases, providing hypotheses for disease genes and even suggestions for drug repositioning. I have validated the method through a machine learning approach to show the predictive power of the measure. Further to the numerical evaluation, I have curated a highly illustrative set of examples for the literature showcasing the accuracy of the method. Lastly, I show that the measure is effective for the prediction of candidate disease genes. I have developed a web application to query more than 28.5 million relationships between 7,574 hereditary diseases (96% of OMIM) based on the similarity measure. During my PhD I have also developed GOssTo and GOssToWeb a console and web application to compute semantic similarities in the Gene Ontology. GOssTo was integrated into a disease gene prediction pipeline that showed the advantages of using functional similarities to improve the predictions.
Understanding adaptive information seeking in the context of microblogging from the cognitive switching perspective

Drawing on adaptive structuration theory and cognitive switching theory, this study develops a research model exploring the effects of cognitive switching stimuli on adaptive information seeking and the moderating effects of information need and personal innovativeness in information technologies. Data collected from microblogging users were used to test the model. The findings suggest that other people’s use, discrepancies, and deliberate initiatives each have significant positive effects on trying new features to seek information. Other people’s use which essentially reflects the nature of learning from observing other people is the most important determinant. Meanwhile, information need and personal innovativeness in IT each positively moderate the effect of other people’s use on trying new features to seek information. This study contributes to theory by examining adaptive information seeking in the context of microblogging which has been largely overlooked by prior literature. The findings and more implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Transient Triglyceridemia Decreases Vascular Reactivity in Young, Healthy Men Without Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease

Background Hypertriglyceridemia is now accepted as a risk factor for coronary heart disease, although the mechanism behind the increased risk is not well understood. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of triglyceridemia on endothelial function, because impaired endothelial function is considered a marker of atherogenesis. Methods and Results Flow- and nitroglycerin-induced dilatation of the brachial artery was investigated noninvasively by high-resolution ultrasound technique in seven young, healthy men without risk factors for coronary heart disease. Transient triglyceridemia was induced by infusion of a triglyceride emulsion, Intralipid, which raised free fatty acid concentrations twofold and triglyceride levels fourfold. Flow-induced vasodilatation decreased from 7.1±3.0% to 1.6±2.6% (P<.0002), whereas nitroglycerin-induced vasodilatation decreased from 20.5±5.8% to 11.5±3.2% (P<.002) before and after 1 hour of infusion of Intralipid, respectively. Conclusions Transient triglyc.
Vitamin C Improves Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation by Restoring Nitric Oxide Activity in Essential Hypertension

Background—Essential hypertension is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Inactivation of endothelium-derived nitric oxide by oxygen free radicals participates in endothelial dysfunction in experimental hypertension. To test this hypothesis in humans, we evaluated the effect of antioxidant vitamin C on endothelium-dependent responses in essential hypertensive patients. Methods and Results—In 14 healthy subjects (47.1±4.8 years; blood pressure, 120.6±4.5/80.9±3.5 mm Hg) and 14 essential hypertensive patients (47.3±5.1 years; blood pressure, 153.9±7.1/102.3±4.1 mm Hg), we studied forearm blood flow (strain-gauge plethysmography) modifications induced by intrabrachial acetylcholine (0.15, 0.45, 1.5, 4.5, and 15 μg · 100 mL−1 · min−1) or sodium nitroprusside (1, 2, and 4 μg/100 mL forearm tissue per minute), an endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilator, respectively, in basal conditions and during infusion of intrabrachial vitamin C (2.4 mg/100 mL forearm tissue per minute). I.
Defining Blockchain Governance: A Framework for Analysis and Comparison

ABSTRACT In this article, we introduce a blockchain governance framework that defines the governance of a blockchain as a combination of six dimensions and three layers. An evaluation through eight expert interviews confirms the perceived usefulness and operational feasibility of the presented framework. Furthermore, the framework, is demonstrated by an application in two case studies. The introduced blockchain governance framework establishes a shared understanding and discussion surrounding the topic of blockchain governance.
Morphological aspects of the pancreas in the rat and the rabbit: An investigation into the location, ducts, arteries and veins

The aim of the present study was to determine both the location of the pancreatic duct and the anatomical variation in the pancreatic ducts of rat and rabbit. Following administration of ether anesthesia, the abdomens were opened. Catheters were placed in the ileocolic vein, junction of the duodenum and jejunum, and into the aorta. All arteries, veins and pancreatic ducts were filled with red, blue and white dyed latex, respectively. The rat pancreas was consisted of three lobes, while the rabbit pancreas was consisted of two lobes. The rat pancreas also involved a diffuse gland situated in the gastrolienal ligament and mesoduodenum. In the rat the ducts of the pancreas opened the biliaropancreatic duct and originated from the biliaropancreatic duct on different sides. The ducts that were in the right side of the biliaropancreatic duct open from origin the biliaropancreatic duct were measurements approximately 8.09 + 2.65 mm and left side 7.32 + 3.61 mm. The rabbit pancreas included a diffuse gland situated among the liver, stomach and duodenum. In the rabbit, the duct of the pancreas (pancreatic duct) entered the duodenum approximately 51.52 + 3.23cm distal to the pylorus. In contrast to the report of Bunting & Jones 19 that found that the pancreatic duct opened to the duodenum and 25-27cm away from (distal part) the pylorus in rabbit, the present authors found the pancreatic duct to be very long, measuring 46.33-57.17cm in our study.
Lamb production from diverse genotypes. 1. Lamb growth and survival and ewe performance

Growth and survival of 3673 female and cryptorchid lambs representing the range of types (second cross, first cross and Merino) produced in the Australian lamb industry are reported. The lambs were sired by a selection of Poll Dorset (D; no. = 7), Texel (T; no. = 10), Border Leicester (BL; no. = 12) and Merino (M; no. = 12) rams and born to Border Leicester × Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) dams, which resulted in six lamb genotypes (D×BLM, T×BLM, D×M, T×M, BL×M and M×M). The second cross lambs (D×BLM, T×BLM) were heavier at birth, weaning and post-weaning and had higher growth rates, than first cross lambs (D×M, T×M, BL×M), which were higher than M×M lambs ( P Lamb survival to weaning was 76% and it was affected by birth weight and birth type ( P P Overall the proportion of ewes lambing was 84% with a mean litter size of 1·77. There was no difference infertility between AI (thawed frozen semen and laparoscopic insemination) and natural (single sire) mating, although the M were higher than the BLM ewes ( P P
Pictogram: A Better Tool for Counselling Tuberculosis Patients on Medication Use, Diet, and Life Style Modifications

Relapse and spread of tuberculosis occurs due to lack of knowledge among the patients. India has 37% of the global total of illiterate patients. This emphasizes the need for developing effective tools to counsel patients according to their literacy level. So, we focus on developing pictograms which can be used to counsel even those TB patients with low literacy levels. To evaluate the role of pictograms in conveying information about medication use, diet, and life style modifications for TB patients and to develop a pictographic leaflet for counseling them. Study included patients with basic education diagnosed with respiratory diseases. In Phase I survey, the best out of 5 pictograms, which conveyed good understanding for each counselling point, were selected and modified. In Phase II, comprehensibility of these pictograms was tested using "guess-ability" and "translucency" studies. Best 56 pictograms out of 240 were selected by 20 pharmacists and 30 patients. 150 patients were enrolled in the guess-ability and translucency studies. Comprehensibility of pictograms did not vary based on gender, age group, or educational level. But differences existed for specific pictograms. Pictograms are generally well understood when the intended meanings were explained. Out of 56 pictograms, 26 passed the European Commission criteria. Pictograms play a vital role in educating patients irrespective of literacy. Pictographic leaflets can be used as an effective counseling aid in TB patients which help to improve compliance.
Bone marrow transplantation with T lymphocyte depleted and stem cell enriched bone marrows grafts : experiments in Rhesus monkeys

textabstractThe major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is the occurrence of acute GvHD. This complication can be successfully prevented when T lymphocytes are depleted from a bone marrow graft. The beneficial effect of prevention of acute GvHD is counterbalanced by an increased frequency of engraftment failures. In view of this problem several experiments were planned to unravel whether the engraftment failures after T lymphocyte depletion were attributable to the loss of the trophic function of T lymphocytes or were attributable to the loss of the immunosuppressive action of donor Tlymphocytes. When the latter option is valid, more immunosuppression of the recipient would result in sustained engraftment ofT lymphocyte depleted bone marrow grafts. With regard to T lymphocyte depletion, it was attempted to positively select for stem cells and concomitantly negatively select for T lymphocytes. Stem cells are the essential cells in a bone marrow graft since they are responsible for sustained engraftment. A positive selection of these cells would yield an uniform method for preparation of a bone marrow graft rich in stem cells and fully depleted of T lymphocytes. A second approach was to investigate whether depletion of a subpopulation of T lymphocytes (helper/inducer or suppressor/ cytotoxic T lymphocytes) was sufficient to prevent acute GvHD.
Factors associated with neonatal danger signs among high risk mothers during perinatal period

Background and objective: Complications during pregnancy and labour increase the risk of perinatal mortality fivefold which in turn has a negative effect on the neonate. Despite several studies have examined the determinants of neonatal mortality, limited studies have explored neonatal danger signs which potentially cause morbidity. This study aimed to assess danger signs observed in neonates at the different times so early, early, and late to identify associated factors with neonatal danger signs \& to determine the relationship between danger signs at different times and maternal danger signs/complications of high risk mothers.Subjects & Method: Setting: This study was conducted in the Obstetrics Department at Women's Health Center, Assiut University Hospital, Egypt. Sample: A total of 150 postpartum women and their delivered newborns were included and completed the questionnaire from April to the end of July 2017. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized in this study in which structured interviewer managed questionnaire using face-to-face used to collect data.Results: The present findings revealed that nearly three-quarters (75.3%) and more than two-thirds (67.3%) of the total sample complained of antenatal & postnatal danger signs respectively and consequently the majority (80%) of their neonates had so early neonatal danger signs/complications with a most frequent one in the form of neonatal jaundice. A positive significant correlation was apparent between so early & early neonatal danger signs and maternal antenatal and postpartum danger signs. Educational level, maternal age, occupation & parity were considered significant factors affected neonatal danger signs.Conclusions: A highly percentage of neonates were born with so early danger signs. Maternal factors can be used to predict neonatal health condition at birth and 7th days postpartum with marked decline at 28th day postpartum.
Relationship of Intracellular Signaling Pathways with Migration in Bovine Neutrophils with Different CXCR1+777 Genotypes

Prior research in our lab has demonstrated a significant association between the incidence of subclinical mastitis and neutrophil functions with polymorphisms of the CXCR1 gene in Holstein dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the specificity of the response relative to CXCR1 and potential involvement of intracellular signaling pathways. Migration was evaluated in cows of both homozygous genotypes (n=7 each) in response to high and low doses of interleukin-8 (IL -8; specific for CXCR1 and CXCR2), epithelial neutrophil activating peptide (ENA-78; specific for CXCR2) or zymosan activated sera (ZAS; complement receptors). Cows with a GG genotype had significantly more migration in response to both 12.5 and 50 nM doses of IL -8 (p<0.05) compared to cows with a CC genotype. Although a similar trend was observed for 50 nM ENA-78 (p<0.07), this was not evident with the 12.5 nM dose. This result was comparable to ZAS, where the 5% dose caused significantly more neutrophil migration in cows with a GG genotype than those with a CC genotype (p<0.03), while the response to the 1% dose of ZAS was similar between genotypes. p38 MAPK and PKB phosphorylation were evaluated prior to and following stimulation with the high doses of each ligand. Relative increases in p38 MAPK
Factors associated with prognosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome

40 patients diagnosed with GBS recruited from neuropsychiatry department of Nasser Institute Hospital. They were assessed clinically using the Hughes scale at onset and 3-6 months later. In follow up patients were divided into GBS with good and those with poor prognosis according to their score, Good prognostic group has only 2 or less in the Hughes score while above two patients were considered having poor prognosis At presentation, some lab studies were done to them including CSF examination. Nerve conduction study was done to all the 40 patients. They were treated with plasma pharesis sessions with different number of sessions (6 or less versus more than 6). Reassessment of patients using Hughes GBS disability scale, and nerve conduction study; done 3-6 months after onset.
Strategies and models in statistical reasoning

The traditional literature did not directly investigate the role of strategies in statistical reasoning. According to the mental model theory, individuals may construct various representations of the same statistical problem and apply various strategies to them. However, the theory posits that the activation of these strategies does not essentially depends on the format in which information is presented (i.e., frequentist vs. probabilistic). In this chapter, we report evidence which corroborates the model theory's predictions. In particular, contrary to the assumptions of the frequentist theory, we show that Bayesian-like strategies can be activated even with probabilistic formats.
Fluxes of methane and nitrous oxide from an Indian mangrove

Fluxes of greenhouse gases, CH 4 and N 2 O, were measured from a mangrove ecosystem of the Cauvery delta (Muthupet) in South India. CH 4 emissions were in the range between 18.99 and 37.53 mg/sq. m/d, with an average of 25.21 mg/sq. m/d, whereas N 2 O emission ranged between 0.41 and 0.80 mg/sq. m/d (average of 0.62 mg/sq. m/d). The emission of CH 4 and N 2 O correlated positively with the number of pneumatophores. In addition to the flux measurements, different parts of the roots of Avicennia marina were quantified for CH 4 concentration. Invariably in all the seasons, measured CH 4 concentrations were high in the cable roots, with gradual decrease through the pneumatophores below water level and the above water level. This clearly indicates the transport of CH 4 through the roots. We were able to establish that CH 4 was released passively through the mangrove pneumatophores and is also a source to the atmosphere. We present some additional information on transport mechanisms of CH 4 through the pneumatophores and bubble release from the mangrove ecosystems.
PECTIN FROM APPLE POMACE: EXTRACTION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND UTILIZATION IN ENCAPSULATING ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL ACETATE

Pectin is a cell wall polysaccharide widely used in the food industry as a gelling agent, stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener. Pomace, the main byproduct of apple juice and cider processing, is known to be a good source of pectin. The aim of this study was to optimize process conditions for the hot acid extraction of pectin, from fresh apple pomace, to maximize yield. Three extraction conditions; pH (1.5-3.5), temperature (5090°C), and hot acid extraction time (30-180 minutes) were selected and optimized based on pectin yield and uronic acid content, using a Box-Behnken experimental design. Process conditions were optimized, based on pectin yield, using a linear model. An amount of 8.6% (w/w d.b) yield was obtained, under selected conditions; pH 1.5, temperature 90°C, and time 120 minutes. A partial physicochemical characterization was performed on the extracted pectin. Pectin, extracted under optimum conditions, had a degree of esterification of 66.68%, molecular weight of 10 6 Da, uronic acid content of 64.67% (w/w d.b), and a neutral sugar content of 11.58% (w/w d.b). 2.
DESIGN OPTIMIZATION AND PRECLINICAL TESTING OF PEDIATRIC ROTARY BLOOD PUMPS AND COMPONENTS: TOWARDS THE PEDIAFLOW® VAD

Limited options exist for children (BSA<1.5 m2) requiring long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Unlike adults where compact, 3rd generation, continuous-flow, implantable rotary blood pumps (RBPs) are now the standard for ventricular assist device (VAD)-indications, the only pediatric-approved chronic MCS device is the Berlin Heart® EXCOR®: a 1st generation pulsatile, pneumatically-driven, paracorporeal life-saving technology albeit with a substantial risk profile associated with frequent neurological and coagulation-related serious adverse events. In support of the smallest and most vulnerable patients, the goal of this research is to facilitate the development and translation of next-generation pediatric RBPs, including the University of Pittsburgh-led Consortium’s PediaFlow®: a miniature, implantable, rotodynamic, fully magnetically levitated, continuous-flow pediatric VAD intended to support patients between 3 to 15 kg at a flow rates of 0.3-1.5 L/min for up to six months. Presented here is the i) development of a standardized method for in vitro mechanical blood trauma testing of pediatric MCS devices; ii) design and ex vivo evaluation of a novel, pediatric-appropriate, suction resistant, placement insensitive, left ventricular drainage cannula; iii) creation of an MCS-tailored monitoring software for preclinical testing; iv) development of a PediaFlow®-specific flow estimation algorithm; and v) hemocompatibility findings in vitro and in vivo of the 4th generation PediaFlow® (PF4) VAD. The PF4, comparable in size to an AA battery, is the embodiment of more than a decade of extensive computational and experimental efforts over the span of four device iterations to minimize size, optimize performance, and maximize safety. This dissertation represents the work and results to date of PediaFlow® PF4 on the path to preclinical testing to submit an Investigation Device Exception (IDE) application in anticipation of eventual clinical trials.
Vitamin D Status in Secondary Care Patients

Vitamin D deficiency is a growing problem worldwide; it is associated with a variety of disease3,4. Vitamin D receptor is present in most tissues and cells of the body. Vitamin D deficiency could lead to complications, such as low bone mineral density, osteopenia and osteoporosis, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and increased cancer risk1,4,5. Vitamin D deficiency evaluation is important to avoid diverse health conditions3,6,7. Vitamin D Status in Secondary Care Patients
Comparison of modern heuristics on solving the phase stability testing problem

In this paper, we are concerned with the phase stability testing at constant volume, temperature, and moles ( \begin{document}$ VTN $\end{document} -specification) of a multicomponent mixture, which is an unconstrained minimization problem. We present and compare the performance of five chosen optimization algorithms: Differential Evolution, Cuckoo Search, Harmony Search, CMA-ES, and Elephant Herding Optimization. For the comparison of the evolution strategies, we use the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In addition, we compare the evolution strategies with the classical Newton-Raphson method based on the computation times. Moreover, we present the expanded mirroring technique, which mirrors the computed solution into a given simplex.
Molecular Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Genus Disporum (Colchicaceae)

J Department ofBotanM Graduate Schooi ofScience, K),oto Cl}ziversi4M Kitashirakawa-oiwake-eho, Sakyo-ku, 1<),oto 606-8502, Jopan, 'mntamura@sys.bot. dyoto-u.ac,i'p (buthorfor eorrespondencel; 2Botanical Gardens, Graduate Sehoot ofSeience, Osaka City UhiversitM 2000 Kisaiehi, 1<btano-shi, Osaka 576-OO04, Japan; SMitseum ofIVdture andHuman Activities, flyogo, 6 }2u,oigaoka, Sancla-shi, H),ogo 669-i546, Jtu)an; 4Plant inj7)rmation Centerfor Southwestern J4pan, 1-5-9 Kinmoike, Kbgoshima-shi, Kagoshima 890-O063, Jlzpan
Sonographic evaluation of the diaphragm in patients with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis

http://www.e-acn.org pISSN 2508-691X eISSN 2508-6960 Copyright © 2018 the Korean society of Clinical Neurophysiology This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Sonographic evaluation of the diaphragm in patients with unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis