Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of hepatitis C virus infection with serum iron status: analysis of data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that mildly increased amounts of iron in the liver can increase hepatic injury, particularly if combined with other hepatotoxic factors, such as alcohol use, use of porphyrogenic drugs, or chronic viral hepatitis. In the present study, the association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with serum measurements of iron status was assessed in the US population. METHODS We analyzed data from a total of 14,462 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We excluded subjects who were aged <12 years, subjects for whom measurements of serum levels of iron or ferritin or the results of liver function tests were missing, and subjects who had a serum transferrin saturation of > or =50% (to help exclude subjects with hemochromatosis). RESULTS Mean serum levels of ferritin and iron (+/- standard error) were significantly higher among subjects with HCV infection (100+/-3 ng/mL and 229+/-17 microg/dL, respectively) than among subjects without liver disease (83+/-0.3 ng/mL and 101+/-2.1 microg/dL, respectively) (P<.0001). Serum levels of ferritin were directly and significantly correlated with serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (r=0.25, r=0.24, and r=0.28, respectively; P<.0001), whereas platelet counts were inversely correlated with serum levels of ferritin (r=-0.12; P<.0001). CONCLUSION HCV infection is significantly associated with higher serum levels of ferritin and iron in the US population.
How much is Wikipedia Lagging Behind News?

Wikipedia, rich in entities and events, is an invaluable resource for various knowledge harvesting, extraction and mining tasks. Numerous resources like DBpedia, YAGO and other knowledge bases are based on extracting entity and event based knowledge from it. Online news, on the other hand, is an authoritative and rich source for emerging entities, events and facts relating to existing entities. In this work, we study the creation of entities in Wikipedia with respect to news by studying how entity and event based information flows from news to Wikipedia. We analyze the lag of Wikipedia (based on the revision history of the English Wikipedia) with 20 years of The New York Times dataset (NYT). We model and analyze the lag of entities and events, namely their first appearance in Wikipedia and in NYT, respectively. In our extensive experimental analysis, we find that almost 20% of the external references in entity pages are news articles encoding the importance of news to Wikipedia. Second, we observe that the entity-based lag follows a normal distribution with a high standard deviation, whereas the lag for news-based events is typically very low. Finally, we find that events are responsible for creation of emergent entities with as many as 12% of the entities mentioned in the event page are created after the creation of the event page.
Influenza A Virus Lacking M2 Protein as a Live Attenuated Vaccine

ABSTRACT Mutant influenza virus that lacks the transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail domains of M2 (M2 knockout [M2KO]) is attenuated in both cell culture and mice. Here, we examined the potency of M2KO influenza virus as a live attenuated influenza vaccine. M2KO virus grew as efficiently as the wild-type virus in cells stably expressing the wild-type M2, indicating the feasibility of efficient vaccine production. Mice intranasally vaccinated with M2KO virus developed protective immune responses and survived a lethal challenge with the wild-type virus, suggesting that the M2KO virus has potential as a live attenuated vaccine.
Distinguishing contemporary hybridization from past introgression with post-genomic ancestry-informative SNPs in strongly differentiated Ciona species

Biological introductions bring into contact species that can still hybridize. The evolutionary outcomes of such secondary contacts may be diverse (e.g. adaptive introgression from or into the introduced species) but are not yet well examined in the wild. The recent secondary contact between the non-native sea squirt Ciona robusta (formerly known as C. intestinalis type A) and its native congener C. intestinalis (formerly known as C. intestinalis type B), in the western English Channel, provides an excellent case study to examine. To examine contemporary hybridization between the two species, we developed a panel of 310 ancestry-informative SNPs from a population transcriptomic study. Hybridization rates were examined on 449 individuals sampled in 8 sites from the sympatric range and 5 sites from allopatric ranges. The results clearly showed an almost complete absence of contemporary hybridization between the two species in syntopic localities, with only one first generation hybrid and no other genotype compatible with recent backcrosses. Despite the almost lack of contemporary hybridization, shared polymorphisms were observed in sympatric and allopatric populations of both species. Furthermore, one allopatric population from SE Pacific exhibited a higher rate of shared polymorphisms compared to all other C. robusta populations. Altogether, these results indicate that the observed level of shared polymorphism is more probably the outcome of ancient gene flow spread afterwards at a worldwide scale. They also emphasise efficient reproductive barriers preventing hybridization between introduced and native species, which suggests hybridization should not impede too much the expansion and the establishment of the non-native species in its introduction range.
WFPC2 Observations of the Cooling Flow Elliptical in Abell 1795

We present WFPC2 images of the core of the cooling flow cD galaxy in Abell 1795. An irregular, asymmetric dust lane extends 7 h−175 kpc in projection to the north-northwest. The dust shares the morphology observed in the Hα and excess UV emission. We see both diffuse and knotty blue emission around the dust lane, especially at the ends. The dust and emission features lie on the edge of the radio lobes, suggesting star formation induced by the radio source or the deflection of the radio jets off of preexisting dust and gas. We measure an apparent RV significantly less than 3.1, implying that the extinction law is not Galactic in the dust lane, or the presence of line emission that is proportional to the extinction. The dust mass is at least 2 × 105 h75−2 M☉ and is more likely to be 6.5 × 105 h75−2 M☉.
Brain size varies with temperature in vertebrates

The tremendous variation in brain size among vertebrates has long been thought to be related to differences in species’ metabolic rates. It is thought that species with higher metabolic rates can supply more energy to support the relatively high cost of brain tissue. And yet, while body temperature is known to be a major determinant of metabolic rate, the possible effects of temperature on brain size have scarcely been explored. Thus, here we explore the effects of temperature on brain size among diverse vertebrates (fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). We find that, after controlling for body size, brain size increases exponentially with temperature in much the same way as metabolic rate. These results suggest that temperature-dependent changes in aerobic capacity, which have long been known to affect physical performance, similarly affect brain size. The observed temperature-dependence of brain size may explain observed gradients in brain size among both ectotherms and endotherms across broad spatial and temporal scales.
Proapoptotic Role of Human Growth and Transformation-Dependent Protein in the Developing Rat Brain After Hypoxia-Ischemia

Background and Purpose— Human growth and transformation-dependent protein (HGTD-P) is a new proapoptotic protein and an effector of cell death induced by hypoxia-ischemia (HI). The function of HGTD-P has been investigated in human prostate cancer cells and mouse neurons cultured in vitro. However, whether HGTD-P is involved in regulating the apoptosis of rat neurons is not clear, and the relevance of HGTD-P in HI animal models is still unknown. Therefore, in the present study, we tried to elucidate the role that HGTD-P plays in apoptosis of rat neurons subjected to HI, both in culture and in the developing rat brain in vivo. Methods— Samples from primary cultured neurons and postnatal day 10 rat brains with HI were collected. RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry were used to detect the expression and distribution of rat HGTD-P, cleaved caspase 3, and apoptosis- inducing factor (AIF). MTT assay, DAPI, TUNEL, and flowcytometry were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Results— We found that HI upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of HGTD-P in rat neurons in vitro and in vivo. Antisense oligonucleotides (AS) targeted to HGTD-P inhibited the expression of HGTD-P, thus rescuing neuronal viability and attenuating neuronal apoptosis. In addition, we found that HGTD-P played its proapoptotic role by activating caspase 3 and inducing the translocation of AIF to nuclear. Conclusions— Our findings show that HGTD-P plays a proapoptotic role in the developing rat brain after HI and that it may be a potential target in treating HI-induced brain damage.
Human Viruses and Cancer

The first human tumor virus was discovered in the middle of the last century by Anthony Epstein, Bert Achong and Yvonne Barr in African pediatric patients with Burkitt’s lymphoma. To date, seven viruses -EBV, KSHV, high-risk HPV, MCPV, HBV, HCV and HTLV1- have been consistently linked to different types of human cancer, and infections are estimated to account for up to 20% of all cancer cases worldwide. Viral oncogenic mechanisms generally include: generation of genomic instability, increase in the rate of cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, alterations in DNA repair mechanisms and cell polarity changes, which often coexist with evasion mechanisms of the antiviral immune response. Viral agents also indirectly contribute to the development of cancer mainly through immunosuppression or chronic inflammation, but also through chronic antigenic stimulation. There is also evidence that viruses can modulate the malignant properties of an established tumor. In the present work, causation criteria for viruses and cancer will be described, as well as the viral agents that comply with these criteria in human tumors, their epidemiological and biological characteristics, the molecular mechanisms by which they induce cellular transformation and their associated cancers.
Atomic Quantum Computer

The current proposals for the realization of quantum computer such as NMR, quantum dots and trapped ions are based on the using of an atom or an ion as one qubit. In these proposals a quantum computer consists from several atoms and the coupling between them provides the coupling between qubits necessary for a quantum gate. We discuss whether a {\it single} atom can be used as a quantum computer. Internal states of the atom serve to hold the quantum information and the spin-orbit and spin-spin interaction provides the coupling between qubits in the atomic quantum computer. In particular one can use the electron spin resonance (ESR) to process the information encoded in the hyperfine splitting of atomic energy levels. By using quantum state engineering one can manipulate the internal states of the natural or artificial (quantum dot) atom to make quantum computations.
Effects of CCR5 59029G/A polymorphism on the risk to diabetic nephropathy

Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) causes high mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and imposes heavy burden on individuals and society. In previous studies, various researches have investigated the association of DN with CCR5 59029G/A polymorphism, but relevant findings were controversial. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to obtain a conclusion on this issue. Results CCR5 59029G/A polymorphism showed significant risk-increasing effects on DN in all analyses under AA vs. GG, AA+GA vs. GG, AA vs. GG+GA, A vs. G and GA vs. GG model contrasts. Besides, a similar result was also obtained in Asian and type 2 diabetes mellitus groups under these five contrasts after subgroup analyses. Methods The relevant publications were searched from the electronic databases and other sources. The association intensity between CCR5 59029G/A polymorphism and DN susceptibility was measured using pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Inter-study heterogeneity was inspected with Q test, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to verify the stability of the final outcomes by removing one study each time in turn. Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test were utilized to examine publication bias among selected studies. Conclusion CCR5 59029G/A polymorphism is significantly related to enhanced susceptibility to DN, especially in Asian populations and people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Mental disorders and personality traits as determinants of impaired work functioning

Background Both mental disorders and personality characteristics are associated with impaired work functioning, but these determinants have not yet been studied together. The aim of this paper is to examine the impairing effects that mental disorders and personality characteristics (i.e. neuroticism, locus of control and self-esteem) have on work functioning. Method Data for a representative sample of 3570 working people were derived from the first two waves of the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS), a prospective cohort study in the Dutch adult population. Results Higher neuroticism, more external locus of control and lower self-esteem were each significantly associated with subsequent impairment in work functioning, independently of any effects from mental disorders. Associations between mental disorders and subsequent work impairment disappeared once personality traits were taken into account. Personality traits did not moderate the relationships between mental disorders and work functioning. Conclusions Working people with vulnerable personalities have a greater risk of impaired work functioning, independent of the risk from any mental disorder they may have.
Experimental Discrimination of the World's Simplest and Most Antipodal Models: The Parallel-Serial Issue

In general cognitive systems are comprised of more than a single subprocess. The arrangement and linkages of these subprocesses are known as “mental architecture”. The simplest non-trivial systems or manner of carrying out multi-tasking on discrete items is found in two diametrically opposite models that have been classically used to describe the architecture of this processing. Serial systems allow only one subsystem at a time to operate. The antithesis of serial processing assumes that all subsystems operate simultaneously, or in parallel. Mathematical characterizations of these and other architectures have been developed. Models of serial vs. parallel systems, seemingly so distinct, are shockingly hard to tell apart with experimental methodology. Here we review the history of psychological work on the subject, both theoretical and experimental. We also describe three additional properties of systems that must be considered simultaneously (and have often been conflated with architecture): stopping rule, dependency, and capacity. We present formal mathematical descriptions that can allow us to examine in which cases the two will be indistinguishable, and summarize successful paradigms for differentiating the models in the context of various psychological tasks.
A 1.8-V 1.6-GSample/s 8-b self-calibrating folding ADC with 7.26 ENOB at Nyquist frequency

This study demonstrates for the first time the significant performance enhancement that calibration brings to folding-interpolating analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The resulting 1.8-V ADC in 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS achieves a conversion rate exceeding 1.6 GSample/s, since the amplifier device sizes can be minimized to maximize speed without the restriction of device matching. At 1.6 GS/s, the ADC achieves 0.15 LSB DNL, 0.35 LSB INL, 7.6 effective number of bits (ENOBs) at 100 MHz input, and 7.26 ENOB at Nyquist. At this speed, current consumption from a single 1.8-V supply is 245 mA analog, 185 mA digital, and 90 mA for the LVDS drivers. The ac performance is approximately 1.5 ENOBs higher compared to the same circuit with calibration disabled. The use of best design practices to optimize the ADC linearity prior to introducing calibration resulted in this small required dynamic calibration range, simplifying the calibrator circuitry and resulting in stable continuous performance over time without recalibration. Therefore, the fully on-chip calibration is performed automatically, just one time at power-up.
Efficient transport of tropospheric aerosol into the stratosphere via the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone

Significance Nonvolcanic stratospheric aerosols account for 20% of the radiative forcing of the entire atmospheric aerosol system since 1850. The Asian summer monsoon (ASM) effectively pumps Asian pollutants to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, leading to enhanced aerosol formation. Our in situ measurements combined with modeling work show that the aerosol formed within the ASM anticyclone is exported to the entire Northern Hemispheric stratosphere. On an annual average basis, we estimate that ∼15% of the Northern Hemisphere column stratospheric aerosol surface area originates from the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone region. This surface area is comparable to the modeled contribution from the sum of the small volcanic eruptions over the period 2000 to 2015. An enhanced aerosol layer near the tropopause over Asia during the June–September period of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) was recently identified using satellite observations. Its sources and climate impact are presently not well-characterized. To improve understanding of this phenomenon, we made in situ aerosol measurements during summer 2015 from Kunming, China, then followed with a modeling study to assess the global significance. The in situ measurements revealed a robust enhancement in aerosol concentration that extended up to 2 km above the tropopause. A climate model simulation demonstrates that the abundant anthropogenic aerosol precursor emissions from Asia coupled with rapid vertical transport associated with monsoon convection leads to significant particle formation in the upper troposphere within the ASM anticyclone. These particles subsequently spread throughout the entire Northern Hemispheric (NH) lower stratosphere and contribute significantly (∼15%) to the NH stratospheric column aerosol surface area on an annual basis. This contribution is comparable to that from the sum of small volcanic eruptions in the period between 2000 and 2015. Although the ASM contribution is smaller than that from tropical upwelling (∼35%), we find that this region is about three times as efficient per unit area and time in populating the NH stratosphere with aerosol. With a substantial amount of organic and sulfur emissions in Asia, the ASM anticyclone serves as an efficient smokestack venting aerosols to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. As economic growth continues in Asia, the relative importance of Asian emissions to stratospheric aerosol is likely to increase.
Effect of platelet-rich plasma on bone healing of autogenous bone grafts in critical-size defects.

AIM This study histologically analysed the effect of autogenous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prepared according to a new semiautomatic system, on healing of autogenous bone (AB) grafts placed in surgically created critical-size defects (CSD) in rabbit calvaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty rabbits were divided into three groups: C, AB and AB/PRP. A CSD was created in the calvarium of each animal. In Group C (control), the defect was filled by blood clot only. In Group AB (autogenous bone graft), the defect was filled with particulate autogenous bone. In Group AB/PRP (autogenous bone graft with platelet-rich plasma), it was filled with particulate autogenous bone combined with PRP. All groups were divided into subgroups (n=10) and euthanized at 4 or 12 weeks post-operatively. Histometric and histologic analyses were performed. Data were statistically analysed (anova, t-test, p<0.05). RESULTS Group C presented significantly less bone formation compared with Group AB and AB/PRP in both periods of analysis (p<0.001). At 4 weeks, Group AB/PRP showed a statistically greater amount of bone formation than Group AB (64.44 +/- 15.0%versus 46.88 +/- 14.15%; p=0.0181). At 12 weeks, no statistically significant differences were observed between Groups AB and AB/PRP (75.0 +/- 8.11%versus 77.90 +/- 8.13%; p>0.05). It is notable that the amount of new bone formation in Group AB/PRP at 4 weeks was similar to that of Group AB at 12 weeks (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Within its limitation, the present study has indicated that (i) AB and AB/PRP significantly improved bone formation and (ii) a beneficial effect of PRP was limited to an initial healing period of 4 weeks.
Changes in plasma TIMP-1 levels after resection for primary colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND Increased plasma levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) are associated with poor outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC), however postoperative changes in plasma TIMP-1 levels after resections for CRC have not been thoroughly evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Plasma samples were collected from 45 patients with primary CRC, preoperatively, 2 hours after surgery, and at days 1, 2, 7, 28, 45, 60, 75 and 90 after surgery. TIMP-1 and CEA levels were determined using the ARCHITECT Immunoanalyzer. RESULTS Postoperatively, the mean (geometric) TIMP-1 level increased and had a maximum level at day 1 (p < 0.0001). The mean TIMP-1 level then declined to a level at day 90 similar to the mean preoperative level. CONCLUSION A mean decline in plasma TIMP-1 levels was not observed within 90 days. However, individual significant reductions of plasma TIMP-1 levels did occur within 28-60 days postoperatively.
Cell death, non‐invasively assessed by intrinsic fluorescence intensity of NADH, is a predictive indicator of functional differentiation of embryonic stem cells

Continued advances in stem cell biology and stem cell transplantation rely on non‐invasive biomarkers to characterise cells and stem cell aggregates. The non‐invasive quality of such biomarkers is essential because exogenous labels, probes or reporters can unintentionally and dramatically alter stem cell state as can disruption of cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Here, we investigate the utility of the autofluorescent metabolite, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), as a non‐invasive, intrinsic biomarker of cell death when detected with multi‐photon optical‐based approaches. To test this possibility, cell death was induced in murine embryoid bodies (EBs) at an early stage (day 3) of differentiation using staurosporine, an ATP‐competitive kinase inhibitor of electron transport. Several hours after staurosporine treatment, EBs were stained with a single‐colour, live/dead probe. A single‐cross‐sectional plane of each EB was imaged to detect the fluorescence intensity of the live/dead probe (extrinsic fluorescence) as well as the fluorescence intensity of NADH (intrinsic fluorescence). EBs were assessed at subsequent time points (days 6–12) for the formation of beating areas as an indicator of functional differentiation.