Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
G protein β3 subunit 825T genotype is not associated with differing outcome in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Recent studies have identified a novel polymorphism (C825T) of the gene encoding the β3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins (GNB3), associated with enhanced activation of G proteins, which appears to be more common in hypertensive patients. The donor GNB3 825TT genotype was associated with reduced kidney allograft survival in adults. We examined (in 100 Caucasian pediatric renal transplant recipients) whether the GNB3 (C825T) polymorphism was associated with disease progression and outcome after renal transplantation. The slope of 1/creatinine was determined by linear regression analysis of a median of 12 points before and after renal transplantation, and the population was divided into two groups of equal size, before and after transplantation, according to the slope. The observed frequencies were 57 for the CC, 33 for the CT, and 10 for the TT haplotype. For comparison, 738 consecutive newborn babies with the same ethnic background were typed in the same hospital. Allele frequencies were statistically not significantly different (chi‐square test, p = 0.1327). When dividing the pediatric renal transplant recipients into two groups with regard to the slope of 1/creatinine, both before and after renal transplantation, the observed proportions were CC 26, CT 17, and TT 7 in the group with the poorer slope and CC 31, CT 16, and TT 3 in the group with the better slope before renal transplantation (not significant [NS], chi‐square test, p = 0.1777). The observed proportions after renal transplantation were CC 26, CT 16, and TT 8 in the group with the poorer slope and CC 31, CT 15, and TT 4 in the group with the better slope, respectively (NS, chi‐square test, p = 0.167). Allograft survival was not associated with the T allele. In conclusion, in a sizeable number of pediatric renal transplant recipients the GNB3 C825T polymorphism was found not to be a genetic risk factor for end‐stage kidney disease. In addition, kidney graft function and survival was also found not to be associated with a recipient GNB3 C825T polymorphism.
Rare complete loss of function provides insight into a pleiotropic genome-wide association study locus.

To the editor: Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of hematological traits have consistently found strong associations between the HBS1L - MYB intergenic region on 6q23 and a number of clinically significant hematologic traits, including fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels, red blood cell
Schedule first, manage later: Network-aware load balancing

Load balancing in large distributed server systems is a complex optimization problem of critical importance in cloud systems and data centers. Existing schedulers often incur a high overhead in communication when collecting the data required to make the scheduling decision, hence delaying the job request on its way to the executing server. We propose a novel scheme that incurs no communication overhead between the users and the servers upon job arrival, thus removing any scheduling overhead from the job's critical path. Our approach is based on creating several replicas of each job and sending each replica to a different server. Upon the arrival of a replica to the head of the queue at its server, the latter signals the servers holding replicas of that job, so as to remove them from their queues. We show, through analysis and simulations, that this scheme improves the expected queuing overhead over traditional schemes by a factor of 9 (or more) under various load conditions. In addition, we show that our scheme remains efficient even when the inter-server signal propagation delay is significant (relative to the job's execution time). We provide heuristic solutions to the performance degradation that occurs in such cases and show, by simulations, that they efficiently mitigate the detrimental effect of propagation delays. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency of our proposed scheme in a real-world environment by implementing a load balancing system based on it, deploying the system on the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), and measuring its performance.
mmTrace: Modeling millimeter-wave indoor propagation with image-based ray-tracing

Current mm-wave indoor propagation analysis techniques have limited options when it comes to more than one transmitter and receiver. Experimental testbed hardware is expensive and state-of-the-art simulation methods, such as statistical channel models, are limited to specific scenarios. To overcome these problems, we present mmTrace, a fast deterministic image-based ray-tracing simulation framework for mm-wave propagation. It supports developing mm-wave specific protocols and, in contrast to common statistical models, deals with multiple transceivers. The strengths of mmTrace constitute signal variations at different receivers and interference of multiple transmitters, which are crucial in certain situations. We implement our framework in MATLAB and validate simulated channel impulse responses against those of statistical channel models for IEEE 802.11ad in well-defined scenarios. Our results indicate that image-based ray-tracing is a feasible tool to predict interference in mm-wave communication systems.
The Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) Treatment on Forearm Muscle in GH-Deficient Children: Evidence Based on Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography Measurements

Conventional analyses of growth hormone (GH) treatment in children focus mainly on height development. We aimed to investigate the complex effects of GH on three components of the body, namely, muscle, fat and bone, by means of peripheral quantitative computed tomography. This method, in which a component of the body is taken to represent the whole, is non-invasive and suitable for children. Our study group comprised 74 pre-pubertal children with GH deficiency (mean age, 7.2 years; height standard deviation score [SDS], –2.9) who received recombinant human GH treatment (30 µg/kg/day [0.03 mg/kg/day]) for 12 months (55 of the children received treatment for up to 24 months). Within 2 years, mean height SDS increased from –2.9 to –1.5, muscle surface area SDS rose from –2.4 to 1.0, while fat surface area SDS decreased from 0.1 to –1.0. Grip strength SDS increased from –1.0 to –0.3, whereas the ratio of strength to muscle area did not change. We thus observed that changes in body compartments (including bone) occur during GH treatment; we also found evidence showing a specific pattern of dynamics over time. In view of the limited literature available on muscle development during GH therapy in children, we explore the potential role and significance of these response variables in the assessment of GH therapy.
SDN-WISE: Design, prototyping and experimentation of a stateful SDN solution for WIreless SEnsor networks

In this paper SDN-WISE, a software defined networking (SDN) solution for wireless sensor networks, is introduced. Differently from the existing SDN solutions for wireless sensor networks, SDN-WISE is stateful and pursues two objectives: (i) to reduce the amount of information exchanged between sensor nodes and the SDN network controller, and (ii) to make sensor nodes programmable as finite state machines so enabling them to run operations that cannot be supported by stateless solutions. A detailed description of SDN-WISE is provided in this paper. SDN-WISE offers APIs that allow software developers to implement the SDN Controller using the programming language they prefer. This represents a major advantage of SDN-WISE as compared to existing solutions because it increases flexibility and simplicity in network programming. A prototype of SDN-WISE has been implemented and is described in this paper. Such implementation contains the modules that allow a real SDN Controller to manage an OMNeT++ simulated network. Finally, the paper illustrates the results obtained through an experimental testbed which has been developed to evaluate the performance of SDN-WISE in several operating conditions.
Drosophila melanogaster as a model system of aluminum toxicity and aging

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxic effects of aluminum (Al) on the model organism–Drosophila melanogaster. The study is especially concerned with the effects of aluminum on the fruit fly's development, life span, and circadian rhythm in rest and activity. Flies were exposed to aluminum in concentrations from 40 to 280 mg/kg in rearing media or the flies were raised on control medium. Moreover, the life span of insects exposed to aluminum containing 40, 120, or 240 mg/kg of Al in the medium, only during their larval development, during the whole life cycle and only in their adult life was tested. To check if aluminum and aging cause changes in D. melanogaster behavior, the locomotor activity of flies at different ages was recorded. Results showed that aluminum is toxic in concentrations above 160 mg/kg in the rearing medium. Depending on Al concentration and time of exposure, the life span of the flies was shortened. At intermediate concentrations (120 mg/kg), however, Al had a stimulating effect on males increasing their life span and level of locomotor activity. At higher concentration the aluminum exposure increased or decreased the level of locomotor activity of D. melanogaster depending on age of flies. In addition, in the oldest insects reared on aluminum supplemented media and in mid‐aged flies reared on the highest concentration of Al the daily rhythm of activity was disrupted.
Does treatment of depression in ageing populations decrease risk of mortality?

Commentary on: Gallo JJ, Morales KH, Bogner HR, et al. Long-term effect of depression care management on mortality in older adults: follow-up of cluster randomised clinical trial in primary care. BMJ 2013;346:f2570. [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Multiple epidemiological studies have found that depression is a risk factor for mortality in ageing populations.1–⇓3 For instance, a recent meta-analysis found that comorbid depression increases the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes by about 50%. 2 Systematic reviews have also found that comorbid depression increases the risk of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease by up to twofold.3 However, prior studies that enhanced the quality of treatment of depression and depressive outcomes in ageing populations or those with specific chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, … [1]: {openurl}? query=rft.jtitle%253DBMJ%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1136%252Fbmj.f2570%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23738992%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink? linkType=ABST&journalCode=bmj&resid=346/jun05_2/f2570&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F2%2F60.atom
Oviposition preference, larval performance and adaptation of Trichoplusia ni on cabbage and cotton

Most female herbivores ensure to lay eggs where their offspring can develop successfully. The oviposition preferences of females affect strategies in pest management. In this study, the performance of two cohorts of Trichoplusia ni larvae on cabbage and cotton (after they had been transferred from their original host plants) were investigated. The preferences of female moth ovipositing and larval feeding on these two host plants were observed. The results indicated that plants significantly affected oviposition preference of the female adults and development and survival of larvae of T. ni. All females preferred to lay eggs on cabbage than cotton regardless from which host they originated. The detrimental effects of cotton on the development and survival of T. ni larvae originated from cabbage (CaTn) increased with the increase of the larval age when they were transferred. In addition, the host plant change did not significantly affect the development and survival of larvae of T. ni originating from cotton (CoTn). Larvae of CaTn preferred cabbage plants as compared to cotton plants, whereas larvae of CoTn did not show a significant choice. Although the adult females preferred laying eggs on cabbage, they did not show preferences between cotton and cabbage in a Y‐tube olfactometer test. The hypothesis of oviposition preference and performance of larvae was supported by the results of CaTn, whereas they not supported by those from CoTn. Based on these results, the strategy to manage this serious pest was discussed.
Comparison of three transgenic Bt rice lines for insecticidal protein expression and resistance against a target pest, Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Two transgenic rice lines (T2A‐1 and T1C‐19b) expressing cry2A and cry1C genes, respectively, were developed in China, targeting lepidopteran pests including Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The seasonal expression of Cry proteins in different tissues of the rice lines and their resistance to C. suppressalis were assessed in comparison to a Bt rice line expressing a cry1Ab/Ac fusion gene, Huahui 1, which has been granted a biosafety certificate. In general, levels of Cry proteins were T2A‐1 > Huahui 1 > T1C‐19b among rice lines, and leaf > stem > root among rice tissues. The expression patterns of Cry protein in the rice line plants were similar: higher level at early stages than at later stages with an exception that high Cry1C level in T1C‐19b stems at the maturing stage. The bioassay results revealed that the three transgenic rice lines exhibited significantly high resistance against C. suppressalis larvae throughout the rice growing season. According to Cry protein levels in rice tissues, the raw and corrected mortalities of C. suppressalis caused by each Bt rice line were the highest in the seedling and declined through the jointing stage with an exception for T1C‐19b providing an excellent performance at the maturing stage. By comparison, T1C‐19b exhibited more stable and greater resistance to C. suppressalis larvae than T2A‐1, being close to Huahui 1. The results suggest cry1C is an ideal Bt gene for plant transformation for lepidopteran pest control, and T1C‐19b is a promising Bt rice line for commercial use for tolerating lepidopteran rice pests.
Baculoviral p94 homologs encoded in Cotesia plutellae bracovirus suppress both immunity and development of the diamondback moth, Plutellae xylostella

Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are a group of insect DNA viruses, which exhibit a mutual symbiotic relationship with their specific host wasps. Moreover, most encapsidated genes identified so far in PDVs share homologies with insect‐originated genes, but not with virus‐originated genes. In the meantime, PDVs associated with 2 wasp genera Cotesia and Glytapanteles encode some genes presumably originated from other viruses. Cotesia plutellae bracovirus (CpBV) encodes 4 genes homologous to baculoviral p94: CpBV‐E94k1, CpBV‐E94k2, CpBV‐E94k3, and CpBV‐E94k4. This study was conducted to predict the origin of CpBV‐E94ks by comparing their sequences with those of baculoviral orthologs and to determine the physiological functions by their transient expressions in nonparasitized larvae and subsequent specific RNA interference. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated that CpBV‐E94ks were clustered with other E94ks originated from different PDVs and shared high similarity with betabaculoviral p94s. These 4 CpBV genes were expressed during most developmental stages of the larvae of Plutella xylostella parasitized by C. plutellae. Expression of these 4 E94ks was mainly detected in hemocytes and fat body. Subsequent functional analysis by in vivo transient expression showed that all 4 viral genes significantly inhibited both host immune and developmental processes. These results suggest that CpBV‐E94ks share an origin with betabaculoviral p94s and play parasitic roles in suppressing host immune and developmental processes.
Accuracy of ct colonography for detection of large adenomas and cancers

Although recognition and curative treatment of both precursor adenomas and localized cancers are possible through early-detection, and regular screening reduces mortality from colorectal cancer, screening is largely underused. Reasons for underuse include performance drawbacks and issues of comfort, availability, and expense. Computed tomographic (CT) colonography is an alternative that provides minimally invasive, structural evaluation of the entire colorectum, and permits rapid imaging of the entire colorectum without sedation, and with few procedure-related complications. Its effectiveness in detecting asymptomatic colorectal lesions in previous studies is controversial, in large part because of differences in patient populations, imaging techniques, and radiologists' qualifications. This large prospective trial compared the accuracy of CT colonography in detecting histologically confirmed, large colorectal adenomas and cancers (≥10 mm in diameter), with findings on screening colonoscopy and histologic review, the reference standard. A total of 2600 asymptomatic patients 50 years of age or older scheduled to undergo routine colonoscopy were recruited at 15 clinical sites between 2005 and 2006. Lesions measuring 5 mm or more in diameter were identified by radiologists trained in CT colonography. The preparation for CT colonography included stool and liquid tagging, laxative purgation, and colonic insufflation. Examinations were performed with multidetector-row CT scanners with a minimum of 16 rows. Complete data were available for 2512 participants examined with CT colonography and colonoscopy on the same day. For adenomas and cancers ≥10 mm, the mean (± SE) per-patient estimates of several measured parameters were as follows: sensitivity (0.90 ±.06); specificity (0.86 ±.05), positive (0.23 ±.04) and negative (0.99 ± <.01) predictive values, and area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve for CT colonography (0.89 ±.04). The estimated sensitivity of 0.90 for identifying patients with adenomas or cancers ≥10 mm indicates failure of CT colonography to identify large lesion(s) detected by colonoscopy in 10% of patients. The per-patient sensitivity for detecting lesions 6 to 9 mm in diameter was 0.78 ±. 07. The per-polyp sensitivity for detecting lesions ≥10 mm was 0.84 ±. 04. These data show that CT colonographic screening identified 90% of asymptomatic adults with adenomas and cancers ≥10 mm in diameter that were detected by screening colonoscopy. For smaller lesions (6 to 9 mm), the sensitivity was lower (78%).
Genetic data indicate that most field‐collected woodroach pairs are unrelated

Woodroaches in the genus Cryptocercus are subsocial cockroaches that utilize decaying logs for both shelter and as a food source (Nalepa, 1984). Based on molecular phylogenetic studies of multiple independent data (e.g., Lo et al., 2000; Inward et al., 2007), Cryptocercus and termites are shown to have a sister group relationship within the cockroach clade. The 2 groups also share multiple traits related to ecology, social structure, symbionts, and digestive physiology. Consequently, to discuss eusocial evolution in termites, Cryptocercus would serve as an important group for a “model-taxon by homology” (Klass et al., 2008). Adults of Cryptocercus spp. are completely wingless cockroaches. They typically pair up in late summer/early fall and initiate nest building, but they do not reproduce until the following summer (Nalepa, 1984). At that time, they produce several (up to 5) oothecae, each containing about 10−40 eggs; they then care for the hatched offspring (Nalepa, 1988, 1990). Coexisting with parents is necessary for the optimum development of offspring (Nalepa & Arellano, 2016). The logs these insects use for food and shelter vary greatly in size and are patchily distributed. Consequently, there is a possibility that new adults may either pair up and utilize decaying wood adjacent to their natal nest in a large log, leading to a relatively inbred mating strategy, or disperse to initiate nests in other logs on the forest floor, resulting in outbreeding. Studies of dispersing adults utilizing pitfall traps indicated that some females of C. punctulatus had sperm in their spermathe-
Acquired Carotid-Jugular Fistula: Its Changing History and Management

Purpose. To highlight the changes that have come about in recent years in the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of acquired carotid-jugular fistulas. Methods. We present a review of the literature on acquired carotid-jugular fistulas (CJFs), which includes studies from World Wars I and II up to today and a retrospective analysis of the lesion reports published in the period 2000–2012, with an update of Talwar's table. The case study of one patient suffering from an untreated, long-standing CJF recently treated by us is also presented and included in the updated table. Results. Thanks to early treatment of acute lesions by reconstructive and endovascular surgery, incidence of posttraumatic carotid-jugular fistulas is decreasing, while the number of iatrogenic ones due to medical advances is concomitantly increasing, specifically because of the ever more widespread use of central venous catheters for venous pressure monitoring, parenteral nutrition, and hemodialysis. Conclusion. Although such lesions seem destined to diminish in the future thanks to the above-mentioned diagnostic and therapeutic advances, the increasing number of internal jugular vein catheterizations performed worldwide implies that physicians will still be dealing with carotid-jugular fistulas for many years to come.
Impact of male condition on his spermatophore and consequences for female reproductive performance in the Glanville fritillary butterfly

In butterflies, male reproductive success is highly related to the quality and the size of the spermatophore transferred to the female. The spermatophore is a capsule produced by the male during copulation, which in many species contains sperm in addition to a nuptial gift, and which is digested by the female after copulation. The nuptial gift may contribute to egg production and offspring quality, and in some cases also to female body maintenance. The production of the spermatophore, however, represents a cost for the male and, in polyandrous species, ejaculates are sometimes allocated adaptively across matings. Nonetheless, although the ecological factors affecting the reproductive success of female butterflies have been the topic of numerous studies, little information exists on the factors affecting males’ contribution to reproduction, and the indirect impacts on female fecundity and fitness. We used the Glanville fritillary butterfly, Melitaea cinxia (Linnaeus, 1758) (Nymphalidae), in order to assess variation in male allocation to matings. In this species, smaller males produce smaller spermatophores, but variation in spermatophore size is not correlated with female reproductive success. We show that spermatophore size increases with male age at first mating, decreases with mating frequency and adult food‐deprivation, and is not influenced by developmental food‐limitation. The length of copulation period does not influence the spermatophore size nor influences the polyandrous mating behavior in this species. Male contribution to his spermatophore size is clearly influenced by his condition and adult‐resource at the time of mating. Despite this variation, spermatophore size does not seem to have a direct impact on female reproductive output or mating behavior.