Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Interaction between Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) Gene Polymorphism (rs4570625) and BDNF Val66Met Predicts a High-Risk Emotional Phenotype in Healthy Subjects

Poor inhibitory processing of negative emotional content is central to many psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that core aspects of emotion-inhibitory processing are largely inherited and as such may represent a key intermediate or risk-related phenotype for common affective diseases (e.g., unipolar depressive, anxiety disorders). The current study employed a candidate-gene approach in order to most effectively examine this complex behavioral phenotype. We examined the novel interaction between BDNF (Val66Met) and TPH2 (rs4570625) polymorphisms and their influence on behavioral inhibition of negative emotion in two independent investigations of healthy adults. BDNF Met carriers consistently report greater symptoms of affective disease and display corresponding behavioral rigidity, while TPH2 T carriers display poor inhibitory processing. These genotypes are traditionally perceived as ‘risk’ genotypes when compared to their respective major Val and G homozygous genotypes, but evidence is mixed. Recent studies in humans and mutant mouse models suggest biological epistasis between BDNF and genes involved in serotonin regulation. Moreover, polymorphisms in the TPH2 gene may have greater influence on serotonergic function than other more commonly studied polymorphisms (e.g., 5-HTTLPR). We observed consistent evidence across two different emotion-inhibition paradigms, one with high internal validity (Study 1, n = 119) and one with high ecological validity (Study 2, n = 115) that the combination of Val/Val and G/G genotypes was clearly associated with impaired inhibition of negative emotional content. This was followed by individuals carrying the BDNF—Met allele (including Met/Val and Met/Met) when combined with the TPH2—T allele (including T/G and T/T combinations). The consistency of these results across tasks and studies suggests that these two groups may be particularly vulnerable to the most common psychiatric disorders and should be targets for future clinical investigation.
Connectivity development for binary classifier using neuron cultures

Neurons in the brain from connection hence many neuron together tie up to form a network. Connectivity map interprets such connections in graphical form. Various signal processing and information theory techniques, can be implemented to form connectivity of the network of neurons on the Multi electrode array dish. The time of spike occurrences and electrode location of spike were recorded from the culture. Using synchrony, a approach was defined for drawing connectivity of the network. Exploiting the connectivity map to understand binary value voltage train is also modelled. The application of the approach to be used as a binary classifier is also discussed.
Phylogenetics Clearcut : a fast implementation of relaxed neighbor joining

Summary: Clearcut is an open source implementation for the relaxed neighbor joining (RNJ) algorithm.While traditional neighbor joining (NJ) remains a popular method for distance-based phylogenetic tree reconstruction, it suffers from a O(N) time complexity, where N represents the number of taxa in the input. Due to this steep asymptotic time complexity, NJ cannot reasonably handle very large datasets. In contrast, RNJ realizes a typical-case time complexity on the order of NlogN without any significant qualitative difference in output. RNJ is particularly useful when inferring a very large tree or a large number of trees. In addition, RNJ retains the desirable property that it will always reconstruct the true tree given a matrix of additive pairwise distances. Clearcut implements RNJ as a C program, which takes either a set of aligned sequences or a pre-computed distance matrix as input and produces a phylogenetic tree. Alternatively, Clearcut can reconstruct phylogenies using an extremely fast standard NJ implementation. Availability: Clearcut source code is available for download at: http:// bioinformatics.hungry.com/clearcut Contact: sheneman@hungry.com Supplementary information: http://bioinformatics.hungry.com/
Elastic Complex Event Processing under Varying Query Load

Distributed data stream processing systems, like Twitter Storm or Yahoo! S4, have been primarily focusing on adapting to varying event rates. However, as these systems are becoming increasingly multi-tenant, adaptation to the varying query load is becoming an equally important problem. In this paper we present FUGU – an elastic allocator for Complex Event Processing systems. FUGU uses bin packing to allocate continuous queries to a varying set of nodes. Driven by elasticity requirements FUGU maximizes the overall system utilization while trying to maintain stable processing latencies. The specific contributions of this paper are: (1) introduction of a re-balancing scheme for bin packing allowing FUGU to increase overall system utilization by six percent and (2) a detailed study of achievable system utilization and latency under real-life workload from Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Synthesis, Structure, and Analgesic Properties of Halogen-Substituted 4-Hydroxy-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ6,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxanilides

As potential new analgesics, the corresponding 4-hydroxy-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ6,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxanilides have been obtained by amidation of ethyl 4-hydroxy-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ6,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylate with aniline and its halogenated analogsin boiling dry xylene. The peculiarities of the mass and nuclear magnetic resonance (1Н and 13С) spectra of the synthesized compounds are discussed. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, the ability of the compounds to form stable solvates with N,N-dimethylformamide has been shown on the example of 4-bromo-substituted derivative. It should be further studied to be considered in their crystallization. According to the results of the pharmacological testing conducted on the model of the thermal tail-flick (tail immersion test) among halogen-substituted 4-hydroxy-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ6,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxanilides, substances which are considerably superior to meloxicam and piroxicam by their analgesic activity have been found. They are of interest for further profound studies.
A Case Study of Swedish Scholars’ Experiences With and Perceptions of the Use of English in Academic Publishing

This empirical study surveyed academic staff at a Swedish university about their experiences and perceptions of the use of English in their academic fields. The objective was to examine how the influence of English in disciplinary domains might affect the viability of Swedish in the academic sphere and to investigate how it might disadvantage Swedish scholars. The data findings were analyzed quantitatively and are complemented with a qualitative content analysis, outlining perception and attitude patterns in the responses. Findings suggest power asymmetry between English and Swedish, as the data contain indications of perceived unequal opportunities between native and nonnative speakers in the international academic community. Swedish scholars highlighted the nuanced expressions of academic discourse found in social science writing as creating particular difficulty when writing in English.
Childhood physical abuse and suicide-related behavior: A systematic review

Childhood physical abuse is associated with suicide-related behavior. We investigate how shared environment with perpetrator(s) identified as a family member or parent/parental figure or an adult at home contribute to this association. This systematic review of school- and population-based studies in children and youth reports on five relevant studies. The association was statistically significant in each study, and when examined the association was independent of childhood sexual abuse and other factors. Childhood physical abuse may translate into suicide-related behavior through mechanisms unique from childhood sexual abuse. Future research is needed to strengthen causal inferences to inform the prevention of suicide-related behavior.
Contextual control over expression of fear is affected by cortisol

At the core of anxiety disorders is the inability to use contextual information to modulate behavioral responses to potentially threatening events. Models of the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders incorporate stress and concomitant stress hormones as important vulnerability factors, while others emphasize sex as an important factor. However, translational basic research has not yet investigated the effects of stress hormones and sex on the ability to use contextual information to modulate responses to threat. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was threefold: first, we aimed at developing an experimental paradigm specifically capable of capturing contextual modulation of the expression of fear. Second, we tested whether cortisol would alter the contextualization of fear expression. Third, we aimed at assessing whether alterations in contextualization due to cortisol were different for men and women. Healthy participants (n = 42) received placebo or hydrocortisone (20 mg) prior to undergoing a newly developed differential contextual fear-conditioning paradigm. The results indicated that people rapidly acquire differential contextual modulation of the expression of fear, as measured by fear potentiated startle (FPS) and skin conductance responses (SCR). In addition, cortisol impaired the contextualization of fear expression leading to increased fear generalization on FPS data in women. The opposite pattern was found in men. Finally, as assessed by SCR, cortisol impaired differential conditioning in men. The results are in line with models suggesting heightened vulnerability in women for developing anxiety disorders after stressful events.
Analysis of Positive Invariance and Almost Regional Attraction Via Density Functions With Converse Results

This note is concerned with analysis of positive invariance of nonlinear systems and convergence of trajectories in a region of the state-space via density functions. If there exists a density function that is positive inside a set containing an equilibrium point and tends to zero as approaches to the boundary, the set is positively invariant and almost all of the trajectories starting from there converge to the equilibrium. Converse results are also provided to prove the existence of such density functions.
Primary Graft Dysfunction in Lung Transplantation: The Role of CD26/Dipeptidylpeptidase IV and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

Background. Enzymatic activity inhibition of CD26/dipeptidylpeptidase IV (CD26/DPP IV) attenuated short-term post-Tx (transplantation) ischemia-reperfusion injury after 18-hr-ischemia. Here, we investigated the effect of intragraft CD26/DPP IV catalytic inhibition on primary graft dysfunction during 7 day post-Tx, following extended ischemia. Methods. A syngeneic rat (LEW [Lewis abstract]) orthotopic lung Tx model was used, grafts exposed to 18 hr cold ischemia before Tx. Controls were flushed and preserved in Perfadex, and harvested after 1 day (CON1) or 7 day (CON7) post-Tx. Investigational groups IN1, IN3, and IN7 grafts were perfused with and stored in Perfadex + inhibitor (AB192) and harvested at 1, 3, and 7 days post-Tx, respectively. Blood gas analysis, peak airway pressure (PAwP), wet/dry weight ratio, myeloperoxidase thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and staining for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were analyzed. Results. IN1 versus CON1 showed preserved histology, increased pO2 (P<0.01), lowered PAwP (P<0.01), less edema (P<0.05) and decreased TBARS (P<0.05). Survival was better for IN7 versus CON7 (P<0.01). The course of AB192-perfused grafts from 1 to 7 days displayed improved values for pO2 (P<0.01), PAwP (P<0.01), edema (P<0.05), TBARS (P<0.05), and myeloperoxidase (P<0.05). Compared with controls, VIP was preserved during 18 hr ischemia in alveolar macrophages (P=0.0001) and respiratory epithelial cells (P=0.001). Conclusions. Perfusion with an inhibitor of CD26/DPP IV enzymatic activity significantly reduced the incidence and severity of pulmonary primary graft dysfunction and enabled recovery after extended ischemia. This is the first report that CD26/DPPIV inhibitor treatment increases local pulmonary VIP levels, which correlate with preserved ventilatory function and pulmonary structural integrity.
Exploration of a treatment technique for prosodic disturbance following stroke

The effectiveness of a treatment technique targeting speech prosody was explored for an individual who had sustained a left hemisphere stroke. Acoustic and perceptual analyses suggested that reduced temporal variation of adjacent syllables (i.e. syllable isochronicity) contributed to impressions of reduced speech naturalness and monorhythmicity. Stress-patterning, therefore, was explored as a technique for increasing the temporal variation of adjacent syllables to improve rhythmicity and naturalness. Therapy tasks included three-syllable reiterant sequences and real words; treatment effects were measured for three-syllable words embedded in probe sentences. Visual and auditory feedback were provided in therapy using the Computerized Speech Lab. An objective, acoustic measure of syllable isochrony was also provided as feedback. Although the speaker was able to produce the targeted syllable isochrony measure in therapy tasks, performance did not generalize to three-syllable words in probe sentences. Potential explanations for why modifications in syllableisochronicity did not generalize beyond therapy tasks are discussed, as well as implications for using stress-patterning as a therapy technique with other individuals.
Intensifying Functional Task Practice to Meet Aerobic Training Guidelines in Stroke Survivors

Objective: To determine whether stroke survivors could maintain workloads during functional task practice that can reach moderate levels of cardiometabolic stress (i.e., ≥40% oxygen uptake reserve (V˙O2R) for ≥20 min) without the use of ergometer-based exercise. Design: Cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. Setting: Research laboratory in a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors (>6-months) who could provide consent and walk with or without assistance. Intervention: A single bout of intermittent functional training (IFT). The IFT protocol lasted 30 min and involved performing impairment specific multi-joint task-oriented movements structured into circuits lasting ~3 min and allowing 30–45 s recovery between circuits. The aim was to achieve an average heart rate (HR) 30-50 beats above resting without using traditional ergometer-based aerobic exercise. Outcome measures: Attainment of indicators for moderate intensity aerobic exercise. Oxygen uptake (V˙O2), carbon dioxide production (V˙CO2), and HR were recorded throughout the 30 min IFT protocol. Values were reported as percentage of V˙O2R, HR reserve (HRR) and HRR calculated from predicted maximum HR (HRRpred), which were determined from a prior maximal graded exercise test. Results: Ten (3-female) chronic (38 ± 33 months) stroke survivors (70% ischemic) with significant residual impairments (NIHSS: 3 ± 2) and a high prevalence of comorbid conditions (80% ≥ 1) participated. IFT significantly increased all measures of exercise intensity compared to resting levels: V˙O2 (Δ 820 ± 290 ml min−1, p < 0.001), HR (Δ 42 ± 14 bpm, p < 0.001), and energy expenditure (EE; Δ 4.0 ± 1.4 kcal min−1, p < 0.001). Also, mean values for percentage of V˙O2R (62 ± 19), HRR (55 ± 14), and HRRpred (52 ± 18) were significantly higher than the minimum threshold (40%) indicating achievement of moderate intensity aerobic exercise (p = 0.004, 0.016, and 0.043, respectively). Conclusion: Sufficient workloads to achieve moderate levels of cardiometabolic stress can be maintained in chronic stroke survivors using impairment-focused functional movements that are not dependent on ergometers or other specialized equipment.
The Intersection of Traditional and Modern Institutions in Gulf States: A contextual analysis of educational opportunities and outcomes in Iran and Kuwait

This analysis examines whether the unique mix of traditional and modern institutions in the Gulf region structures educational opportunity. We begin with a theoretically comparative framework, which emphasizes the blending of cultural capital differentiation with the cross-national adoption of similar models of schooling. We then use historical and cultural data to contextualize our analyses through mini-case studies aligning Gulf State-Islamic ideology within Iran and Kuwait's educational systems, specifically. Using cross-national data, we empirically test these assumptions in comparative context for Iran and Kuwait. Initial results for the hypothesized relationships rely on both descriptive analyses of resource availability and level of curricular influence in each country, as well as measures of students' expectations and attitudes towards schooling. We then expand these initial cross-national comparisons with multilevel regression models that estimate the effects of educational opportunity indicators on the technical processes and outcomes of schooling. In other words, our analyses not only indicate whether this intersection of traditional and modern institutions influences students' opportunity to learn but also provide preliminary empirical indicators of how this might happen by estimating the degree of penetration of Gulf State culture and religious ideology into schools' organizational environments.
Language use and reification of social information: Top-down and bottom-up processing in person cognition

The present research addresses the interface of social cognition and the use of interpersonal language. Based on a linguistic category model proposed by Semin and Fiedler (1988), it is demonstrated that under different conditions language users tend to describe other people's behavior either in concrete and specific terms (descriptive or interpretive action verbs) or in abstract, dispositional terms (state verbs, adjectives) A two-stage process is postulated by which these variations in abstractness can lead to the reification of social information: In the first stage, the rules of cooperative and efficient communication encourage the use of abstract statements about other people. Once the social information is represented on an abstract level, a top-down bias will then, in the second stage, influence the interpretation and judgments of subsequent specific behaviors in a way which tends to reify or confirm the abstract statements. While the abstraction tendency is expected in free communication, when information is taken for granted, the reverse top-down bias should be observed in social judgment tasks, when the truth or validity of statements is open to be judged. Study 1 demonstrates the abstraction tendency in a serial communication game involving the successive re-telling of person descriptions. Study 2 utilizes a priming technique to examine the top-down bias in social judgment: influences of prior judgments regarding abstract attributes on subsequent judgments of specific attributes are stronger than transfer influences in the reverse direction. Moreover, this top-down bias is independent of whether the applicability of the prime attribute to the target person is affirmed or denied. Study 3 supports the view that abstract language is due to taken-taken-for-granted conditions, showing a reversal from abstract to more specific language even in free communication when the validity of statements is challenged.
Adjustable Module Isolation for Distributed Computing Infrastructures

Cloud Computing infrastructures and Grid Computing platforms are representatives of a new breed of systems that leverage the modularity paradigm to assemble large-scale dynamic applications from modules contributed by different, possibly untrustworthy providers. Increased susceptibility to faults, diminished accountability, and complex system configuration are major challenges when assembling and operating such systems. In this paper, we describe how to solve these problems by retrofitting module management systems with the ability to deploy modules to execution environments with adjustable degree of isolation. We give a formal definition of the underlying hierarchical Module Isolation Problem and devise an online algorithm to solve it in an incremental fashion. We discuss how to apply our approach to a state-of-the-art module management system and demonstrate its effectiveness by an experimental evaluation.
Glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 null genotype frequency in chronic myeloid leukaemia

Polymorphisms associated with genes coding for glutathione S-transferase enzymes are known to influence metabolism of different carcinogens and have been associated with incidence of various types of cancer. We have determined the GST M1 and GST T1 ‘null’ genotype frequency in 81 patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and 123 racially and geographically matched control individuals by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). GST M1 null genotype frequencies in CML and controls were 28.4% and 27.7%, respectively. GST T1 null genotype frequencies in CML and controls were 19.8% and 7.3%, respectively. The GST T1 null genotype frequency in CML patients is significantly different from that in controls (odds ratio (OR) 3.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–7.45, P=0.008).
Murine B cell proliferation and protection from apoptosis with an antibody against a 105-kD molecule: unresponsiveness of X-linked immunodeficient B cells

We established a novel monoclonal antibody, RP/14, that can protect B cells from apoptosis induced by irradiation or dexamethasone. A molecule recognized by RP/14 (the RP antigen) was expressed on B cells with B220bright, IgMdull, and IgDbright. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that RP/14 recognized a monomeric protein with an approximate molecular mass of 105 kD. Stimulation of B cells with RP/14 for 48 h induced B cell proliferation and blastogenesis. In contrast to B cells of wild-type mice, X-linked immunodeficient (XID) B cells did not proliferate upon stimulation with RP/14, although the RP antigen was expressed to the same extent as that of wild-type B cells. These results suggest that the RP antigen-mediated signaling pathway is important for rescuing B cells from apoptosis and is deficient in XID B cells.