Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transmission genetics of pancreatic acinar atrophy in the German Shepherd Dog and development of microsatellite DNA-based tools for canine forensics and linkage analysis

Transmission Genetics of Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy in the German Shepherd Dog and Development of Microsatellite DNA-based Tools for Canine Forensics and Linkage Analysis. (May 2004) Leigh Anne Clark, B.S., Texas A&M University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Keith E. Murphy Dr. Jörg M. Steiner The domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris, has emerged as a model system for the study of human hereditary diseases. Of the approximately 450 hereditary diseases described in the dog, half have clinical presentations that are quite similar to specific human diseases. Understanding the genetic bases of canine hereditary diseases will not only complement comparative genetics studies but also facilitate selective breeding practices to reduce incidences in the dog. Whole genome screens have great potential to identify the marker(s) that segregate with canine hereditary diseases for which no reasonable candidate genes exist. The Minimal Screening Set-1 (MSS-1) was the first set of microsatellite markers described for linkage analysis in the dog and was, until recently, the best tool for genome screens. The MSS-2 is the most recently described screening set and offers increased density and more polymorphic markers. The first objective of this work was to develop tools to streamline genomic analyses in the study of canine hereditary diseases. This was achieved through the development of 1)
Size-selective loosening of the blood-brain barrier in claudin-5-deficient mice

ight junctions are well-developed between adjacent endothelial cells of blood vessels in the central nervous system, and play a central role in establishing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Claudin-5 is a major cell adhesion molecule of tight junctions in brain endothelial cells. To examine its possible involvement in the BBB, claudin-5– deﬁcient mice were generated. In the brains of these mice, the development and morphology of blood vessels were not altered, showing no bleeding or edema. How-T ever, tracer experiments and magnetic resonance imaging revealed that in these mice, the BBB against small molecules ( (cid:2) 800 D), but not larger molecules,
Brain Targeting of anti-HIV Nucleosides: in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of 6-chloro-2′,3′-dideoxypurine, a Lipophilic Prodrug of 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine

Lipophilic 6-halo-2′,3′-dideoxypurine nucleosides may be useful prodrugs for the targeting of 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (ddl) to the central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential effectiveness of 6-chloro-2′,3′-dideoxypurine (6-CI-ddP) for the targeting of ddl to the brain. In vitro studies indicated that the adenosine deaminase-mediated biotransformation of 6-CI-ddP to ddl was more rapid in mouse brain homogenate than in mouse serum. The brain distribution of 6-CI-ddP and ddl was assessed in vivo in mice following intravenous and oral administration of the prodrug or parent drug. Brain concentrations of ddl were similar after intravenous administration of 6-CI-ddP or ddl. However, after oral administration of the 6-CI-ddP prodrug, significantly greater concentrations of ddl were seen in the brain compared to those found after oral administration of ddl. The brain:serum AUG ratio (expressed as a percentage) of ddl after intravenous administration of 50 mg kg−1 of the active nucleoside was 3%. Following oral administration of 250 mg kg−1 ddl, low concentrations of ddl were detected in the brain. Brain:serum AUC ratios following intravenous and oral administration of the prodrug 6-CI-ddP were 19–25%. Thus, brain:serum AUC ratios were 6- to 8-fold higher after prodrug administration than those obtained after administration of the parent nucleoside. Oral administration of 6-CI-ddP yielded concentrations of ddl in the brain similar to those obtained following intravenous administration. The results of this study provide further evidence that 6-CI-ddP may be a useful prodrug for delivering ddl to the central nervous system, particularly after oral administration.
Tracking Smell Loss to Identify Healthcare Workers with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) treating COVID-19 patients are at high risk for infection and may also spread infection through their contact with vulnerable patients. Smell loss has been associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but it is unknown whether monitoring for smell loss can be used to identify asymptomatic infection among high risk individuals, like HCW. Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study, tracking 473 HCW across three months to determine if smell loss could predict SARS-CoV-2 infection in this high-risk group. HCW subjects completed a longitudinal, novel behavioral at-home assessment of smell function with household items, as well as detailed symptom surveys that included a parosmia screening questionnaire, and RT-qPCR testing to identify SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results: SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 17 (3.6%) of 473 HCW. Among the 17 infected HCW, 53% reported smell loss, and were more likely to report smell loss than COVID-negative HCW on both the at-home assessment and the screening questionnaire (P < .01). 67% reported smell loss prior to having a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, and smell loss was reported a median of two days before testing positive. Neurologic symptoms were reported more frequently among COVID-positive HCW who reported smell loss (P < .01). Conclusions: In this prospective study of HCW, self-reported changes in smell using two different measures were predictive of COVID-19 infection. Smell loss frequently preceded a positive test and was associated with neurological symptoms.
Neonatal Presentations to the Children's Emergency Department

Background Paediatric attendances to Emergency Departments (EDs) in the UK are increasing, particularly for younger children. Neonates present a challenge due to their non-specific presentations. Community services are under increasing pressure and parents may preferentially bring their children to the ED, even for non-urgent problems. Neonatal attendances have not been extensively studied, but previous reviews have shown many are well, often not requiring specific medical intervention. This study aimed to characterise the presenting features, management and disposition of neonatal attendances to a tertiary Children's ED (CED). Methods Retrospective observational review of medical records identified via the ED Electronic database of neonatal attendances (<28 days) to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC) over 12 months (01/01/2016-31/12/2016). Further information was obtained from investigation results, discharge summaries and historical admissions data. Results Neonatal attendances increased from 655 to 1205 from 2008-2016. The most common presenting complaints were breathing difficulty (18.1%), vomiting (8.3%) and poor feeding (8.2%). The most common diagnoses were "no significant medical problem" (41.9%), bronchiolitis (10.5%) and suspected sepsis (10.0%). Just over 1/3 were admitted (23% inpatient, 12% Short Stay Unit). Median length of stay for inpatients was 2 days. Half of neonatal attendances to the ED had no investigations performed and most (77.7%) needed advice or observation only. Conclusion Many neonates presenting to the CED were well and discharged with observation only. This suggests not only that there is potential for improved community management but that increased support for community colleagues and new parents is needed. There are also implications for reviewing training in emergency medicine, especially the ability to assess "well" infants and to manage common neonatal problems. Drivers of health policy should consider developing enhanced models of out of hospital care which are acceptable to clinicians and families
Long-run real exchange rate movements in Africa : parallel market and official rates

This paper poses the question whether parallel market and official real exchange rates in Africa behave in a manner consistent with the long-run purchasing power parity hypothesis. A recent econometric method, the panel unit root test, enables us to examine the long-run behaviours of real exchange rates by pooling the time-series data. Using data for 16 countries, our study concludes that the parallel market rates in Africa move consistently with the long-run PPP hypothesis, but the official rates follow a non-stationary process. This seems to suggest the existence of substantial parallel market premiums in Africa.
MITES ASSOCIATED WITH SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS (ASTERACEAE) IN HAMEDAN, IRAN

Medicinal plants have been used from the past to present. Different small arthropods such as Acari were found on these plants. Therefore a study on the Acari fauna associated with some medicinal plants (Family: Asteraceae) in Hamedan region was carried out during 2008-2009. In this survey, 23 species belonging to 18 genera from 15 different families of the subclass Acari were collected and identified. Two spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) was determined as an abundant phytophagous mite species in this study.
Population structure and biology of Lebanese rocky shore crabs Pachygrapsus marmoratus and P. transversus (Grapsidae) - by Azza S. Arab

Thesis (M.S.)--American University of Beirut, Dept. of Biology, 2010. ;"Advisor : Dr. Michel J. Bariche, Associate professor , Biology--Member of Committee : Dr. Khouzama M. Knio, Professor , Biology--Member of Committee : Dr. Colin A. Smith, Associate pro
A Survey of the Vertebrate Fauna of the Isle of May (Firth of Forth)

TWELVE examples of Mus musculus L. were trapped on the Isle of May during July 1936. Ordinary break-back traps were used and these were set at night and visited in the early morning, and during the following day. The interval that must have occurred between trapping and collecting in many cases probably accounts for the small number of fleas (Siphonaptera) recorded. In one of the two cases where they were found the individual was still alive in the trap. Many mites (Acarina) were collected from some of the specimens. All these belonged to the species Aleurobius farinae Koch, and had evidently come from the storehouses that the mice frequented. Trapping was first carried out in the outhouses and stores of the lighthouse buildings; but since only small numbers were obtained in this way, the walls of the various enclosed fields were tried, with a much higher yield. Towards the end of the visit, however, a period of wet weather intervened, and most were then caught again in the outhouses. The Isle of May is five miles distant from the nearest coast (that of Fife to the north). The rest of the mammal fauna consists entirely of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.). The lighthouse keepers are certain that there are no rats, and trapping along the rocks near the coast produced no shrews. I wish very gratefully to acknowledge the help given me in identification by the following experts: Dr H. A. Baylis (parasitic worms); Mr F. J. Cox (Siphonaptera); and Mrs Margaret Hughes (Acarina).
The challenge of genetic change in the broiler chicken

Genetic progress in poultry species for meat production has contributed to the consistent growth in world production of poultry meat. The poultry species have a number of advantages over the larger species used for meat production. It is possible to maintain large pedigreed populations and use their high reproductive rates to transfer genetic progress to the production generations in less than five years. These populations continue to maintain high heritabilities despite, in some cases, prolonged selection. The history of selection progress in broiler chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) is reviewed and compared with rates of progress in the duck ( Anas platyrhyncos ) and the turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ). The rates of genetic change for production traits such as growth, feed efficiency and yield have changed the physiology of the birds. Changes in selection criteria have been made to improve the robustness of the production stock. This allows them to perform well in a wider range of environments. These have been combined with improved definitions of the optimum environments for the birds to minimise any impact on welfare and health. This paper describes examples of selection in the broiler chicken aimed at improving skeletal quality and resistance to ascites. A number of the factors influencing future selection criteria are discussed. Breeding programmes have adapted to respond quickly to adverse genetic correlated responses. The need to combine selection for a large number of traits requires that the programmes are very efficient and use the best statistical techniques available for multivariate breeding value estimation.
Polymorphism of KRT 1.2 and KAP 1.3 Genes in Indian Sheep Breeds

Keratin proteins are the major components of sheep wool, which are divided into two major groups: keratin intermediate filament (KIF) proteins and keratin-associated proteins (KAP). In this study, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to study the genotype and allele frequencies of KRT 1.2 and KAP 1.3 genes in the major wool sheep breeds/strains of India viz., Malpura, Avikalin, Chokla, Sonadi, Nali, Nellore, Garole, Magra, Deccani, Patanwadi and Kendrapara. M alleles predominated in KRT 1.2 locus; while variations in predominance between allele X and allele Y at KAP 1.3 locus were observed in the studied populations. All three genotypes were observed in native sheep populations for KRT 1.2 and KAP 1.3 loci.
The non-indigenous ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi in the southern North Sea: ecological and socio-economic effects related to its trophic position and the current distribution of gelatinous zooplankton

In recent years, abundances of gelatinous zooplankton are thought to have increased all over the world, resulting in jellyfish-dominated ecosystems and food webs. This trend, also referred to as ‘jellification’, is mainly based on a few local case studies and media-driven public perception, because long-term jellyfish datasets are scarce. Sudden increases in jellyfish densities (blooms) are a common life cycle characteristic, mainly driven by natural fluctuations in the climate. However, certain anthropogenic pressures, such as overfishing, eutrophication, non-deliberate transport of non-indigenous species can be correlated with varying jellyfish abundances. Moreover, gelatinous zooplankton blooms can directly interfere with anthropogenic activities, for example by clogging and rupturing of commercial fishing nets, by stinging beach tourists or by killing fish in sea farms. To be able to manage and reduce the potential problems and economic costs related to jellyfish outbreaks, understanding the mechanisms driving these outbreaks is imperative.
ROLE OF GLUTATHIONE

Radicals produced by X-rays may react with oxygen, producing intermediates that are believed to be toxic to cells. We propose a hypothesis that glutathione (GSHi may protect against radiation damage in four ways, as shown in Figure 1. GSH can react with hydroxyl radicals, organic radicals, and peroxyl radicals, and is a substrate for enzymatic reduction of hydro peroxides and peroxides. Based on this model, we used the GSH-synthesis inhibitor L-buthionine sulfoximine (LBSO) to deplete cell~lar GSH in order to determine its importance in radiation response. Results showed that GSH
Ludwigia ravenii (Onagraceae), a New Species from the Coastal Plain of the Southeastern United States

Ludwigia ravenii, a uniform new species with scattered distribution in the Coastal Plains from Virginia south to northeastern Florida, belongs to the diverse sect. Microcarpium and bears a striking superficial resemblance to L. pilosa and, to some degree, L. sphaerocarpa. Careful morphological study and field observations reveal that they differ significantly in floral details and in breeding system. Ludwigia ravenii is one of eight tetraploid taxa in sect. Microcarpium, which is a polyploid complex. The other seven tetraploid taxa are interfertile; there are presumably no genetic barriers between L. ravenii and them. In the course of a biosystematic study of Lud- wigia L. sect. Microcarpium Munz, a number of atypical specimens initially identified as L. pi- losa Walter were discovered. Although they su- perficially resemble L. pilosa in general aspect and in the presence of hirtellous pubescence, detailed analysis of these plants reveals signif- icant differences in sepal shape and color, sta- men and style size, and microscopic seed char- acters, and supports their recognition as a new species. 0.3-0.35 mm longae; filamenta 0.7-1.1 mm lon- ga. Pollen in tetradis effundata. Discus nectarii viridis. Stylus 0.25-0.5 mm longus; stigma 0.25- 0.45 mm crassum. Capsula oblongo-ovoidea, 4- 5(3-5.3) mm longa, 2-3.5(-4) mm crassa. Brac- teolae (1.5-)2-4.3 mm longae. Semina 0.5-0.7 mm longa, 0.25-0.35 mm crassa, cellulis super- ficialibus oblongis transverse elongatis. Auto- compatabilis, plerumqute autogogama. Nume- rus chromosomaticus gameticus, n = 16. Erect herb perennating by stolons; stems
The cosmic merger rate density of compact objects: impact of star formation, metallicity, initial mass function, and binary evolution

We evaluate the redshift distribution of binary black hole (BBH), black hole - neutron star binary (BHNS) and binary neutron star (BNS) mergers, exploring the main sources of uncertainty: star formation rate (SFR) density, metallicity evolution, common envelope, mass transfer via Roche lobe overflow, natal kicks, core-collapse supernova model and initial mass function. Among binary evolution processes, uncertainties on common envelope ejection have a major impact: the local merger rate density of BNSs varies from $\sim{}10^3$ to $\sim{}20$ Gpc$^{-3}$ yr$^{-1}$ if we change the common envelope efficiency parameter from $\alpha_{\rm CE}=7$ to 0.5, while the local merger rates of BBHs and BHNSs vary by a factor of $\sim{}2-3$. The BBH merger rate changes by one order of magnitude, when $1 \sigma$ uncertainties on metallicity evolution are taken into account. In contrast, the BNS merger rate is almost insensitive to metallicity. Hence, BNSs are the ideal test bed to put constraints on uncertain binary evolution processes, such as common envelope and natal kicks. Our BNS models match the cosmic merger rate inferred from LIGO - Virgo data only for large values of $\alpha_{\rm CE}$ ($\ge{}3$) and only if the magnitude of natal kicks scales with the mass of the ejecta.
Surface and volumetric scattering analysis of terrains for polarimetric and interferometric sar applications

El trabajo realizado en esta tesis se basa en la aplicacion conjunta de dos tecnicas que han sido ampliamente utilizadas en el campo de la teledeteccion radar durante estos ultimos anos: la interferometria SAR y la polarimetria radar. Hasta el momento, las dos tecnicas se habian aplicado por separado en diferentes areas de interes, obteniendose resultados muy interesantes. En esta tesis se estudian los beneficios que se pueden obtener a partir de la combinacion de las dos tecnicas, tanto en la mejora de metodos ya existentes, como en el desarrollo de nuevos algotitmos inversos para la estimacion de parametros fisicos de la superficie terrestre. Las principales areas de aplicacion desarrolladas en esta tesis son las siguientes: -Optimizacion de los procesos de generacion de mapas topograficos de la superficie terrestre a partir de datos obtenidos con sensores SAR polarimetricos. -Desarrollo de metodos de inversion para la estimacion de parametros fisicos de terrenos cubiertos con vegetacion(biomassa, topografia,) a partir de datos radar interferometricos y polarimetricos. -Desarrollo de un nuevo metodo para la deteccion de objetos dielectricos(minas plasticas anti-personas) enterrados bajo un "clutter" superficial.
Neural Time-Dependent Partial Differential Equation

Partial differential equations (PDEs) play a crucial role in studying a vast number of problems in science and engineering. Numerically solving nonlinear and/or high-dimensional PDEs is often a challenging task. Inspired by the traditional finite difference and finite elements methods and emerging advancements in machine learning, we propose a sequence deep learning framework called Neural-PDE, which allows to automatically learn governing rules of any time-dependent PDE system from existing data by using a bidirectional LSTM encoder, and predict the next n time steps data. One critical feature of our proposed framework is that the Neural-PDE is able to simultaneously learn and simulate the multiscale variables.We test the Neural-PDE by a range of examples from one-dimensional PDEs to a high-dimensional and nonlinear complex fluids model. The results show that the Neural-PDE is capable of learning the initial conditions, boundary conditions and differential operators without the knowledge of the specific form of a PDE this http URL our experiments the Neural-PDE can efficiently extract the dynamics within 20 epochs training, and produces accurate predictions. Furthermore, unlike the traditional machine learning approaches in learning PDE such as CNN and MLP which require vast parameters for model precision, Neural-PDE shares parameters across all time steps, thus considerably reduces the computational complexity and leads to a fast learning algorithm.
Semaphorin 6B acts as a receptor in post-crossing commissural axon guidance

Semaphorins are a large family of axon guidance molecules that are known primarily as ligands for plexins and neuropilins. Although class-6 semaphorins are transmembrane proteins, they have been implicated as ligands in different aspects of neural development, including neural crest cell migration, axon guidance and cerebellar development. However, the specific spatial and temporal expression of semaphorin 6B (Sema6B) in chick commissural neurons suggested a receptor role in axon guidance at the spinal cord midline. Indeed, in the absence of Sema6B, post-crossing commissural axons lacked an instructive signal directing them rostrally along the contralateral floorplate border, resulting in stalling at the exit site or even caudal turns. Truncated Sema6B lacking the intracellular domain was unable to rescue the loss-of-function phenotype, confirming a receptor function of Sema6B. In support of this, we demonstrate that Sema6B binds to floorplate-derived plexin A2 (PlxnA2) for navigation at the midline, whereas a cis-interaction between PlxnA2 and Sema6B on pre-crossing commissural axons may regulate the responsiveness of axons to floorplate-derived cues.
QR-MIX: Distributional Value Function Factorisation for Cooperative Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

In Cooperative Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) and under the setting of Centralized Training with Decentralized Execution (CTDE), agents observe and interact with their environment locally and independently. With local observation and random sampling, the randomness in rewards and observations leads to randomness in long-term returns. Existing methods such as Value Decomposition Network (VDN) and QMIX estimate the value of long-term returns as a scalar that does not contain the information of randomness. Our proposed model QR-MIX introduces quantile regression, modeling joint state-action values as a distribution, combining QMIX with Implicit Quantile Network (IQN). However, the monotonicity in QMIX limits the expression of joint state-action value distribution and may lead to incorrect estimation results in non-monotonic cases. Therefore, we proposed a flexible loss function to approximate the monotonicity found in QMIX. Our model is not only more tolerant of the randomness of returns, but also more tolerant of the randomness of monotonic constraints. The experimental results demonstrate that QR-MIX outperforms the previous state-of-the-art method QMIX in the StarCraft Multi-Agent Challenge (SMAC) environment.