Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sperm segregation patterns by fluorescence in situ hybridization studies of a 46,XY,t(2;6) heterozygote giving rise to a rare triploid product of conception with a 69,XXY,t(2;6)(p12;q24)der(6)t(2;6)(p12;q24)pat karyotype

A blighted ovum diagnosed initially by ultrasound was determined to be a partial hydatidiform mole with a 69,XXY,t(2;6)(p12;q24)der(6)t(2;6)(p12;q24)pat karyotype by cytogenetic analysis. The triploid state arose through dispermy in which both spermatozoa carried rearranged chromosomes, one carrying a balanced translocation through alternate segregation and the other an unbalanced derivative chromosome 6 through adjacent 1 segregation. Segregation analysis of 7,000 spermatozoa from the father was performed with a three‐color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) protocol using α‐satellite 6, telomeric 2p, and telomeric 6q probes. Segregation frequencies of normal and balanced products (alternate segregation), adjacent 1, adjacent 2, and 3:1 were 49.9%, 42.4%, 2.5%, and 4.2%, respectively. The high percentage of alternate segregation is consistent with the knowledge of their preferential outcome. However, the high incidence of adjacent 1 sperm highlights the abnormality risk. Alternate and adjacent 1 segregations (92.3%) accounted for the observed rearranged chromosomes in the triploid. The most viable imbalanced combination would be the one carrying the der(6) chromosome, but since the unbalanced segment comprises 3.6% of the haploid autosomal length (HAL), no risk of a viable imbalanced offspring is indicated. However, an increased likelihood of recurrent miscarriages is likely, and this is confirmed by the couple's two earlier miscarriages. Sperm segregation patterns of translocation carriers determined by FISH can help in ascertaining expected and unexpected karyotypes. The high frequency of adjacent 1 products shows that the presence of the additional derivative chromosome in the partial mole, though rare in occurrence, should be less surprising. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Riding the wave: explaining cycles in urban mega-project development

This paper examines the complex mix of technological innovation, economics, social networks, ideologies and interest groups that spur the diffusion of certain new mega-project approaches at punctuated moments in time. Situating mega-projects within a context of long-range economic cycles and competitive urban entrepreneurialism on a global scale, cyclical patterns of innovation are identified, where successful early trendsetter mega-projects have stimulated interest groups to promote similar projects in their own cities. The paper concludes that the global diffusion of mega-project innovations are driven by the political and policy lure of achieving major tangible benefits, as well as the potential to convey a powerful set of symbolic messages.
Osmosensation in TRPV2 dominant negative expressing skeletal muscle fibres

Increased plasma osmolarity induces intracellular water depletion and cell shrinkage (CS) followed by activation of a regulatory volume increase (RVI). In skeletal muscle, the hyperosmotic shock‐induced CS is accompanied by a small membrane depolarization responsible for a release of Ca2+ from intracellular pools. Hyperosmotic shock also induces phosphorylation of STE20/SPS1‐related proline/alanine‐rich kinase (SPAK). TRPV2 dominant negative expressing fibres challenged with hyperosmotic shock present a slower membrane depolarization, a diminished Ca2+ response, a smaller RVI response, a decrease in SPAK phosphorylation and defective muscle function. We suggest that hyperosmotic shock induces TRPV2 activation, which accelerates muscle cell depolarization and allows the subsequent Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, activation of the Na+–K+–Cl− cotransporter by SPAK, and the RVI response.
Diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography for pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Context Right heart catheterisation is the gold standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. However, echocardiography is frequently used to screen for this disease and monitor progression over time because it is non-invasive, widely available and relatively inexpensive. Objective To perform a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis to determine the correlation of pulmonary pressures obtained by echocardiography versus right heart catheterisation and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography for pulmonary hypertension. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, PapersFirst, the Cochrane collaboration and the Cochrane Register of controlled trials were searched and were inclusive as of February 2010. Study selection Studies were only included if a correlation coefficient or the absolute number of true-positive, false-negative, true-negative and false-positive observations was available, and the ‘reference standards’ were described clearly. Data extraction Two reviewers independently extracted the data from each study. Quality was assessed with the quality assessment for diagnostic accuracy studies. A random effects model was used to obtain a summary correlation coefficient and the bivariate model for diagnostic metaanalysis was used to obtain summary sensitivity and specificity values. Results 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The summary correlation coefficient between systolic pulmonary arterial pressure estimated from echocardiography versus measured by right heart catheterisation was 0.70 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.73; n=27). The summary sensitivity and specificity for echocardiography for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension was 83% (95% CI 73 to 90) and 72% (95% CI 53 to 85; n=12), respectively. The summary diagnostic OR was 13 (95% CI 5 to 31). Conclusions Echocardiography is a useful and noninvasive modality for initial measurement of pulmonary pressures but due to limitations, right heart catheterisation should be used for diagnosing and monitoring pulmonary hypertension.
Evaluating environmental and economic benefits of yellow dust storm-related policies in north China

Yellow-dust storms (YDSs) have attracted increasing attention worldwide in the past decade. They can extensively disrupt socioeconomic activities and pose hazards to ecosystems, as well as to human health. In recent years, China has invested multi-billions of dollars to mitigate the impact of YDSs. However, the effectiveness of such YDS control programmes has rarely been evaluated. This research develops a causal model to quantify the environmental benefits of YDS control programmes in China, and further employs regional economic models to evaluate the ensuing economic impacts. The economic benefits generated from the YDS control programmes should remain stable across the years, primarily because of the multiplier effect of the investments, while the environmental benefits tend to decline over time. Our results suggest that YDS control programmes should consider stimulating local economic activities in addition to environmental goals in order to be cost-effective and sustainable in the long term.
Classification and management of the tandem ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and flaval ligament

Objective To provide appropriate guidelines for treatment of tandem ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and flaval ligament (OFL). Data sources Published articles about OPLL and OFL were selected using Medline and Embase electronic databases. Study selection An English literature search from January 1980 to December 2006 was conducted. Because many reported cases were incorporated in OFL studies, the key words for search were OFL or OFL and OPLL. The first step revealed 93 studies of which 13 reports of tandem OPLL and OFL (tandem ossification) were selected. Results All studies were case series or case report and advocated that the primary therapy for tandem ossification should be operative. The clinical outcomes of surgery were evaluated in most reports, predominantly using the JOA scores. Gender is the only factor which has prognostic value. A higher proportion of women was found in the failure group. A two‐ stage classification of tandem ossification was developed to relate diagnosis to outcome. Conclusions All patients with suspected ossification of the spinal ligaments should undergo routine MRI screening of the whole spine. The correlation of the classification with surgical treatments needs further studies to validate its usefulness.
Consanguinity and congenital heart disease in Saudi Arabia.

First-cousin marriage may be a significant risk factor for specific types of congenital heart disease in a consanguineous population. Inbreeding studies suggest an autosomal recessive component in the cause of some congenital heart defects. We studied a large sample of patients with structural congenital heart defects (CHD) identified through the Congenital Heart Disease Registry at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After exclusions of chromosome abnormalities and non-participation, data were collected on 891 consecutive patients who were registered between January and August, 1998. Data on first-cousin consanguinity and type of CHD diagnosis were collected. A z test of proportions was used to determine the association between consanguinity and subtypes of CHD. Data indicate that the proportion of first cousins in the CHD sample is higher than the proportion in the general population, supporting a hypothesis of autosomal recessive gene involvement in congenital heart disease. When subgroups of CHD were analyzed, first-cousin consanguinity was significantly associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), pulmonary stenosis (PS), and pulmonary atresia (PA). There was no relationship between consanguinity and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), tricuspid atresia (TA), aortic stenosis (AS), co-arctation of the aorta (CoA), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Thus, in a population with a high degree of inbreeding, consanguinity may exacerbate underlying genetic risk factors, particularly in the offspring of first cousins. There may be a recessive component in the causation of some cardiac defects.
Disappearing Dividends: A Rational Explanation and Implications

This paper provides risk and information asymmetry-based explanations of the disappearing dividend puzzle first documented by Fama and French (2001). Dividends serve as signaling device and, under models of dividend signaling under information asymmetry, the cost of signaling increases with volatility of firms’ cash flows. Declining propensities to pay dividends imply that information asymmetries have become lower and/or cost of signaling has increased. We find evidence consistent with both. First, we find abnormal returns associated with dividend initiations have been declining over the years. We attribute this decline to increasing stock price informativeness: as stock prices become more informative, dividends contain lower information content, which in turn result in lower price reactions. Consistent with this, we find that firms with more informative stock prices are less likely to pay dividends. In addition, we also show that firms with higher (lower) information asymmetries are more (less) likely to pay dividends. Second, we find that firms with higher (lower) cash flow volatilities are less (more) likely to pay dividends. Our risk and information asymmetry proxies could explain a significant portion of the disappearing dividend trend.
Dispatch of EV Charging Station Energy Resources for Sustainable Mobility

For sustainable mobility and transportation electrification, an electric vehicle (EV) charging station equipped with photovoltaic panels, fuel cell, and energy storage system is proposed and an algorithm for economic dispatch of the controllable resources in such a station is presented. Mathematical models of EV charging service demands, solar power outputs, operational costs of energy storage, and fuel cell systems are developed. A stochastic dynamic programming method is proposed to take different temporal variations of energy production and consumption into account, and determine optimal dispatch schedule and contracted power from utility, such that the operation cost of the charging station and its impact to the distribution grid are reduced. Tests are conducted for a comparison with deterministic dynamic programming methods using perfect prediction of intermittent renewable outputs and charging demands. Numerical results indicate that the stochastic approach proposed can provide efficient dispatch schedules and an informed decision on the contracted power capacity to support transportation electrification.
Purchasing Power Parity Under the Current Float

Purchasing power parity (PPP) is an important benchmark model in international finance. Recent literature emphasizes that panel unit root tests have higher power than univariate unit root tests. The results from the ADF unit root test also support the recent literature. Using four panel data unit root tests for the 1990:1 - 2006:3 period, we re-examine the PPP both for developed countries and emerging market economies during the floating exchange rate period. Our empirical results fail to support long-run PPP for both developed countries and emerging market economies.
The relationship between maternal dietary intake and infant birthweight.

BACKGROUND Zinc and folate are important for fetal growth. However, the relationship between the dietary intake of these nutrients and pregnancy outcome is not settled. METHODS A prospective study was conducted to ascertain the relationship between maternal dietary zinc and folate intake (n = 1398), serum zinc and folate levels (n = 289), and infant birthweight. Twenty-four hour recalls were used to measure energy, zinc, folate and other nutrient intakes at 18 and 30 weeks of gestation. Subjects in the study were offered daily folic acid (1.0 mg) and iron (60 mg as ferrous sulfate) at enrollment. RESULTS Maternal zinc nutriture as assessed by serum and dietary intake was not associated with birthweight or length of gestation. There was a small but significant positive association between maternal folate intake and adjusted infant birthweight (beta = 0.05, p = 0.03). The indirect measures of maternal nutritional status including maternal pre-pregnancy weight (beta = 8.0, p = 0.0001) and weight gain during pregnancy (beta = 18.1, p = 0.0001) were stronger predictors of adjusted infant birthweight as compared to energy intake and intake of zinc and folate. An increase of 320, 290, and 48 g in infant birthweight was associated with the 90th-10th percentile difference for pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, and folate intake respectively. CONCLUSION These results indicate that pre-pregnancy weight and weight gain during pregnancy are both strong predictors of infant birthweight. Folate intake, although significantly associated with birthweight, was a weak predictor while maternal intake of zinc and other nutrients was not associated with birthweight.
Functional Role of the Noncatalytic Subunit of Complement C5 Convertase1

The C5 convertase is a serine protease that consists of two subunits: a catalytic subunit which is bound in a Mg2+-dependent complex to a noncatalytic subunit. To understand the functional role of the noncatalytic subunit, we have determined the C5-cleaving properties of the cobra venom factor-dependent C5 convertase (CVF,Bb) made with CVF purified from the venom of Naja naja (CVFn) and Naja haje (CVFh) and compared them to those for two C3b-dependent C5 convertases (ZymC3b,Bb and C3b,Bb). A comparison of the kinetic parameters indicated that although the four C5 convertases (CVFn,Bb, ZymC3b,Bb, CVFh,Bb, and C3b,Bb) had similar catalytic rate constants (kcat = 0.004–0.012 s−1) they differed 700-fold in their affinity for the substrate as indicated by the Km values (CVFn,Bb = 0.036 μM, ZymC3b,Bb = 1.24 μM, CVFh,Bb = 14.0 μM, and C3b,Bb = 24 μM). Analysis of binding interactions between C5 and the noncatalytic subunits (CVFh or C3b, or CVFn) using the BIAcore, revealed dissociation binding constants (Kd) that were similar to the Km values of the respective enzymes. The kinetic and binding data demonstrate that the binding site for C5 resides in the noncatalytic subunit of the enzyme, the affinity for the substrate is solely determined by the noncatalytic subunit and the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme appears not to be influenced by the nature of this subunit.
The symbiotic phenotypes of exopolysaccharide-defective mutants of Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145 do not differ on determinate- and indeterminate-nodulating tree legumes.

Three classes of exopolysaccharide (EPS) defective mutants were isolated by Tn3Hogus -insertion mutagenesis of Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145, which nodulates tree legumes. The class I and class III mutants produced 10-22% of the EPS produced by TAL1145 and appeared partially mucoid while the class II mutants formed small, opaque and non-mucoid colonies. Size-fractionation of the soluble EPSs made by these mutants in the culture supernatant indicated that the class I and the class III mutants produced reduced levels of both highland low-molecular-mass EPSs while the class II mutants lacked both these EPSs but produced a small amount of a medium-molecular-mass anthrone-reactive EPS. The succinyl and acetyl substituents observed in the TAL1145 EPS were absent in the EPS of the class II mutants. When examined under UV, the class I and class III mutants grown on Calcofluor-containing YEM agar showed dim blue fluorescence, compared to the bright blue fluorescence of the wild-type strain, whereas the class II mutants did not fluoresce. While the dim blue fluorescence of the class III mutants changed to yellow-green after 10 d, the fluorescence of the class I mutants did not change after prolonged incubation. Unlike the EPS-defective mutants of other rhizobia, these mutants did not show different symbiotic phenotypes on determinate- and indeterminate-nodulating tree legumes. The class I and the class III mutants formed small ineffective nodules on both types of legumes whereas the class II mutants formed normal nitrogen-fixing nodules on both types. The genes disrupted in the class I and class III mutants form a single complementation group while those disrupted in the class II mutants constitute another. All the three classes of EPS-defective mutants were located within a 10.8 kb region and complemented by two overlapping cosmids.
Testing Benefits Transfer of Forest Recreation Values over a Twenty-Year Time Horizon

We conduct a functional benefit transfer over 20 years of total willingness to pay based on carborne forest recreation in 52 forests, using a mixed logit specification of a random utility model and geographic information systems to allow heterogeneous preferences across the population and for heterogeneity over space. Results show that preferences for some forest attributes, such as species diversity and age, as well as transport mode have changed significantly over the period. Updating the transfer model with present total demand for recreation improves the error margins by an average of 282%. Average errors of the best transfer model remain 25%. (JEL Q26, Q51)
Parametric study of a transverse flux wind generator at no-load using three-dimensional finite element analysis

This paper deals with the three-dimensional static and dynamic finite element analysis of a transverse flux generator at no-load conditions used in offshore wind turbines. Two transverse flux topologies, namely the basic topology and that utilizing iron bridges are analyzed. The parametric study with respect to the flux linkage and pole-to-pole flux leakage is conducted for various combinations of dimensions in static finite element analysis. The magnitudes and waveforms of the flux linkage and the induced emf obtained in the dynamic finite element simulations are compared with the analytical and static simulation results.
Association between the three functional miR-146a single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs2910164, rs57095329, and rs2431697, and autoimmune disease susceptibility: A meta-analysis

Abstract Studies suggest associations between the miR-146a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to arrive at a conclusion about the association between the three functional miR-146a SNPs and autoimmune disease risk. Studies were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE searches for studies published up to January 2016 using as keywords rs2910164, rs57095329, rs2431697, and miR-146a polymorphisms. Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis. The SNP rs2910164 G > C was found to be associated with increased risk of multiple sclerosis (CC + CG versus GG, OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01–1.55), with decreased risks of psoriasis (C versus G, OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.96; CC versus GC + GG, OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56–0.94), Behcet’s disease (CC versus GC + GG, OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50–0.73), asthma (C versus G, OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69–0.93; CC versus GC + GG, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.86), and uveitis (CC + CG versus GG, OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49–0.77). The SNP rs2431697 C > T was found to be associated with an increased risk of SLE (T versus C, OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.15–1.38; TC + TT versus CC, OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03–1.58; TT versus TC + CC, OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.21–1.62). The SNP rs57095329 A > G was found to be associated with an increased risk of SLE (G versus C, OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.17–1.35). The miR-146a SNPs rs2910164, rs57095329, rs2431697 are associated with susceptibility to certain autoimmune diseases. However, for other autoimmune diseases, they may be protective or insignificant.
Agricultural Development Policy: Concepts and Experiences

"Agricultural Development Policy: Concepts and Experiencesm," prepared under the aegis of the Policy Assistance Division of FAO, presents a fresh and comprehensive look at agricultural development policy. It provides a clear, systematic review of important classes of policy issues in developing countries and discusses the emerging international consensus on viable approaches to the issues. Topics covered include agriculture's role in economic development, objectives and instruments of agricultural policy, linkages between macroeconomic and agricultural policies, sectoral policies related to agricultural prices, the role of government in the sector, gender issues in agriculture, policies for the rural poor, land tenure policies, water management, agricultural finance policies, and agricultural technology development and dissemination. This book is suitable for use in university courses in agricultural and economic development, international development, natural resource management, and specialized topics in agriculture, and it serves as a valuable reference tool for policy makers and other professionals and researchers in the field of international agricultural development. (A co-publication with John Wiley &Sons, Ltd, UK)
Bandgap guidance in chalcogenidesilica photonic crystal fibers

We present a novel technique for realizing hybrid all-solid band-gap-guiding fibers [1] using chalcogenide and fused silica glass. The high refractive index contrast between the two materials gives rise to the formation of distinct band-gaps and pass-bands, resulting in a sequence of transmission bands at different wavelengths.
The Mixing Triangle: Correlation and Graphical Decision Support for LCA‐based Comparisons

Recent developments within life‐cycle impact assessment (LCIA) allow direct modeling of changes to predefined safeguard subjects that represent the environment to be protected. These changes are often expressed in a few damage indicators and calculated for each product alternative to be compared. This article analyzes the correlation among damage indicators within one specific LCIA methodology, assesses the implications of such correlation for the use of weighting methods, and proposes a method for graphically displaying choices with respect to weighting.