Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Treatment and follow-up of children with transient congenital hypothyroidism

Objective: To study the clinical therapy and prognosis in children with transient congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Methods: Fifty-seven children with CH diagnosed after neonatal screening were treated with low-dosage levothyroxine (L-T4). Follow-up evaluation included the determination of TT3, TT4 and TSH serum levels and the assessment of thyroid gland morphology, bone age, growth development and development quotients (DQ). A full check-up was performed at age 2, when the affected children first discontinued the L-T4 treatment for 1 month, and one year later. Development quotients were compared with a control group of 29 healthy peers. Results: The initial L-T4 dosage administered was 3.21:_5. 81 µg/(kg·d) with an average of (16.25±3.87) µg/d. Mean duration of therapy was (28.09±9.56) months. No significant difference was found between study group and control group in the DQ test (average score (106.58±14.40) vs (102.4±8.6), P>0.05) and 96.49% of the CH children achieved a test score above 85. Bone age, 99mTc scans and ultrasonographic findings were all normal, and evaluation of physical development was normal too, as were the serum levels of TT3, TT4 and TSH after one year of follow-up. Conclusion: AL-T4 dosage of 3.21:_5. 81 µg/(kg·d) was found sufficient for the treatment of transient CH. The treated children showed satisfactory overall mental and physical development at age 2. So it is possible for CH children to stop taking medicine if their laboratory findings and physical development are all normal after regular treatment and 2:_3 years of follow-up.
An efficient solution for K-center problems

The facility location problem is a well-known challenge in logistics that is proven to be NP-hard. In this paper we specifically simulate the geographical placement of facilities to provide adequate service to customers. We analyze the problem and compare different placement strategies and evaluate the number of required centers. We simulate several existing approaches and propose a new heuristic for the problem.
Autophagy Signaling in Prostate Cancer: Identification of a Novel Phosphatase

Abstract : Phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI(3)P) is concentrated on endocytic and autophagic vesicles and recruits effector proteins critical for these processes. In an effort to understand the phosphatase regulation of PI(3)P, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen and found that knockdown of PTPRS (PTPsigma), a dual-domain protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), increases cellular PI(3)P and hyperactivates both constitutive and induced autophagy. We have found that PTPsigma localizes to PI(3)P-positive membranes in cells and its vesicular localization is enhanced during autophagy. Furthermore, PTPsigma is proteolytically processed from its location at the cell surface into a membrane-bound C-terminal fragment, which appears to be targeted to the lysosome. Taken together, our findings propose a novel role for PTPsigma and provide insight into the regulation of PI(3)P and autophagy. Intriguingly, we have previously demonstrated that RNAi-mediated knockdown of PTPsigma confers chemoresistance to cancer cells in culture. In addition, reduced expression of PTPsigma was found during the progression from primary prostate cancer to metastatic disease. Accordingly, our central hypothesis is that autophagy is activated in the absence of PTPsigma as a mechanism of chemoresistance, thereby densensitizing prostate cancer cells to chemotherapeutic stress and supporting disease progression.
Role of Protease-Activated Receptor-1 in Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase-Thr495 Phosphorylation

Protease activated receptors (PARs) are G protein-coupled receptors that are known to regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity in part by phosphorylating the enzyme at various sites. Ser1177 is a positive regulatory site, which leads to the enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator of arteries. Thr495 is a negative regulatory site, which inhibits NO production. We have shown that thrombin, a PAR agonist, mediates eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation through Gq and a calcium and protein kinase C (PKC)-δ sensitive, but phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt-independent pathway. However, the mechanism for eNOS-Thr495 phosphorylation by PAR agonists is unknown. We used a specific synthetic PAR-1 activating peptide, TFLLR, and thrombin to assess the role of PAR-1 involvement in the phosphorylation of eNOS-Thr495 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using Western blot analysis and the Griess Reagent assay, we found that both agonists phosphorylated Thr495 in a time- and dose-dependent manner and significantly decreased nitrite production, respectively. Pretreatment of cells with the PAR-1 inhibitor, SCH-79797, resulted in a significant decrease in thrombin- and TFLLR-induced phosphorylation of eNOS-Thr495 and an increase in nitrite production. We further demonstrated that inhibition of Rho with C3 exoenzyme or dominant negative (dn) RhoA, and inhibition of Rho-Kinase (ROCK) with Y-27632 caused a significant decrease in thrombin and TFLLR-induced Thr495 phosphorylation. Blockade of the Rho/ROCK pathway also caused an increase in nitrite production. This suggests that PAR-1 regulates eNOS activity via phosphorylation of eNOS-Thr495, which is dependent upon activation of the Rho/ROCK pathway. These findings will be beneficial in further understanding the signaling pathways that regulate eNOS-induced NO production, which plays an important role in endothelial dysfunction associated with cardiovascular disease.
Nuclear and chloroplast DNA phylogeography reveals Pleistocene divergence and subsequent secondary contact of two genetic lineages of the tropical rainforest tree species Shorea leprosula (Dipterocarpaceae) in South‐East Asia

Tropical rainforests in South‐East Asia have been affected by climatic fluctuations during past glacial eras. To examine how the accompanying changes in land areas and temperature have affected the genetic properties of rainforest trees in the region, we investigated the phylogeographic patterns of a widespread dipterocarp species, Shorea leprosula. Two types of DNA markers were used: expressed sequence tag‐based simple sequence repeats and chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequence variations. Both sets of markers revealed clear genetic differentiation between populations in Borneo and those in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra (Malay/Sumatra). However, in the south‐western part of Borneo, genetic admixture of the lineages was observed in the two marker types. Coalescent simulation based on cpDNA sequence variation suggested that the two lineages arose 0.28–0.09 million years before present and that following their divergence migration from Malay/Sumatra to Borneo strongly exceeded migration in the opposite direction. We conclude that the genetic structure of S. leprosula was largely formed during the middle Pleistocene and was subsequently modified by eastward migration across the subaerially exposed Sunda Shelf.
“And now for the good news…” the impact of negative and positive messages in self-management education for people with Type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study in an ethnically diverse population

Objectives To explore the impact of Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) Foundation education, particularly from interviewees' narratives regarding recall of good and bad news messages and behaviour changes. Methods In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample (n=19) of people who had attended education sessions as part of a randomised controlled trial in two UK sites with ethnically diverse populations. Data collection and analysis were informed by the constant comparative approach and facilitated through charting. Results Findings were similar in people from different ethnic backgrounds. Exploration of levels of recall of the sessions suggested that this was variable and sometimes very limited, but that interviewees had all assimilated some relevant learning. Key themes emerged relating to the way in which interviewees recalled and had been influenced by positive (good news) and negative (bad news) messages within the education sessions, including biomedical explanations. Both types of message appeared to have an important role in terms of motivation to change behaviour, but a notable observation was that none of the interviewees recalled receiving bad news messages when diagnosed. Discussion Our findings have highlighted the importance of providing and combining both negative and positive messages within education designed to promote self-management behaviour change.
Faster than Nyquist broadcast signaling

In this work, we propose using Faster than Nyquist (FTN) signaling to achieve transmission over continuous-time Gaussian broadcast channel. In the FTN broadcasting, different users' messages are completely separated in the coding stage; hence removing the joint encoding that is typically needed in the previously proposed broadcast channel coding schemes. Furthermore, users' data symbols are explicitly and separately transmitted over the channel using the FTN signaling; thus, alleviating the definition of auxiliary random variables used in the broadcast channel coding theorems. This work shows that the FTN broadcast signaling allows achieving the capacity boundaries of the Gaussian broadcast channel. This implies that FTN can be a viable alternative to the standard capacity-achieving techniques considered in discrete-time Gaussian broadcast channel, i.e., superposition coding and dirty paper coding.
Effective Test Case Prioritization Technique in Web Application for Regression Test Suite

Regression testing is retesting of a software system that has been modified to ensure that any bugs have been fixed and that no other previously working functions have failed as a result of the fixes and that newly added features have not created problems with previous versions of the software. Test case prioritization techniques, which are used to improve the cost-effectiveness of regression testing, order test cases in such a way that those cases that are expected to outperform others in detecting software fault are run earlier in the testing phase. In this paper we are describing the test suite prioritization through fault exposed. As a result, this will help us to prioritize the test suite for execution and coverage.
Ionizing radiation damage to the folded chromosome of Escherichia coli K-12: sedimentation properties of irradiated nucleoids and chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid

The structures of the membrane-free nucleoid of Escherichia coli K-12 and of unfolded chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were investigated by low-speed sedimentation on neutral sucrose gradients after irradiation with 60Co gamma rays. Irradiation both in vivo and in vitro was used as a molecular probe of the constraints on DNA packaging in the bacterial chromosome. The number of domains of supercoiling was estimated to be approximately 180 per genome equivalent of DNA, based on measurements of relaxation caused by single-strand break formation in folded chromosomes gamma irradiated in vivo and in vitro. Similar estimates based on the target size of ribonucleic acid molecules responsible for maintaining the compact packaging of the nucleoid predicted negligible unfolding due to the formation of ribonucleic acid single-strand breaks at doses of up to 10 krad; this was born out by experimental measurements. Unfolding of the nucleoid in vitro by limit digestion with ribonuclease or by heating at 70 degrees C resulted in DNA complexes with sedimentation coefficients of 1,030 +/- 59S and 625 +/- 15S, respectively. The difference in these rates was apparently due to more complete deproteinization and thus less mass in the heated material. These structures are believed to represent intact, replicating genomes in the form of complex-theta structures containing two to three genome equivalents of DNA. The rate of formation of double-strand breaks was determined from molecular weight measurements of thermally unfolded chromosomal DNA gamma irradiated in vitro. Break formation was linear with doses up to 10 krad and occurred at a rate of 0.27 double-strand break per krad per genome equivalent of DNA (1,080 eV/double-strand break). The influence of possible nonlinear DNA conformations on these values is discussed.
Experimental study on the positive upward leader inception condition of horizontal conductors

It is believed that the lightning strike point of a large scale structure is dominated by the conjunction of the downward stepped leader and the upward connecting leader. The average height of conductors of the UHV transmission line is above 100m, and there is rarely report on the observation of positive upward leader initiated from ground wires or large bundle conductors in lightning attachment process to UHV transmission lines. In this paper, a series of experiments were carried out in high voltage laboratory to investigate the positive upward leader initiated from the real scale ground wire and bundle conductors. The positive upward leader emerging from horizontal conductors is recorded by high speed camera and the corresponding current is measured by using a broadband digital acquisition device. The stabilization field of ground wires and bundle conductors is derived from experiment results. It is concluded that the grounding resistance has no impact on the stable leader initiation, and the positive continuous upward leader incepted from the large bundle conductor is more difficult than the ground wire.
Lineages of Silene nutans developed rapid, strong, asymmetric postzygotic reproductive isolation in allopatry

Reproductive isolation can rise either as a consequence of genomic divergence in allopatry or as a byproduct of divergent selection in parapatry. To determine whether reproductive isolation in gynodioecious Silene nutans results from allopatric divergence or from ecological adaptation following secondary contact, we investigated the pattern of postzygotic reproductive isolation and hybridization in natural populations using two phylogeographic lineages, western (W1) and eastern (E1). Experimental crosses between the lineages identified strong, asymmetric postzygotic isolation between the W1 and the E1 lineages, independent of geographic overlap. The proportion of ovules fertilized, seeds aborted, and seeds germinated revealed relatively little effect on the fitness of hybrids. In contrast, hybrid mortality was high and asymmetric: while half of the hybrid seedlings with western lineage mothers died, nearly all hybrid seedlings with E1 mothers died. This asymmetric mortality mirrored the proportion of chlorotic seedlings, and is congruent with cytonuclear incompatibility. We found no evidence of hybridization between the lineages in regions of co‐occurrence using nuclear and plastid markers. Together, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that strong postzygotic reproductive isolation involving cytonuclear incompatibilities arose in allopatry. We argue that the dynamics of cytonuclear gynodioecy could facilitate the evolution of reproductive isolation.
Fgf10+ progenitors give rise to the chick hypothalamus by rostral and caudal growth and differentiation

Classical descriptions of the hypothalamus divide it into three rostro-caudal domains but little is known about their embryonic origins. To investigate this, we performed targeted fate-mapping, molecular characterisation and cell cycle analyses in the embryonic chick. Presumptive hypothalamic cells derive from the rostral diencephalic ventral midline, lie above the prechordal mesendoderm and express Fgf10. Fgf10+ progenitors undergo anisotropic growth: those displaced rostrally differentiate into anterior cells, then those displaced caudally differentiate into mammillary cells. A stable population of Fgf10+ progenitors is retained within the tuberal domain; a subset of these gives rise to the tuberal infundibulum – the precursor of the posterior pituitary. Pharmacological approaches reveal that Shh signalling promotes the growth and differentiation of anterior progenitors, and also orchestrates the development of the infundibulum and Rathke's pouch – the precursor of the anterior pituitary. Together, our studies identify a hypothalamic progenitor population defined by Fgf10 and highlight a role for Shh signalling in the integrated development of the hypothalamus and pituitary. Summary: Anterior and then mammillary hypothalamic cells differentiate from Fgf10+ progenitors that are retained as central tuberal hypothalamic cells. Shh is required for anterior regionalisation and also for integrated hypothalamic/pituitary development.
Inner Control Method and Frequency Regulation of a DFIG Connected to a DC Link

In this paper, an inner loop for the control and frequency regulation of the doubly fed induction generator connected to a dc link through a diode bridge on the stator is presented. In this system, the stator is directly connected to the dc link using a diode bridge, and the rotor is fed by only a pulsewidth-modulated (PWM) converter. If compared to the DFIG connected to an ac grid, this system uses one PWM inverter less and a much less expensive diode bridge. Thus, the cost of power electronics is reduced. The application in mind is for dc networks such as dispersed generation grids and microgrids. These networks use several elements that should work together. Usually, these elements are connected with each other by power electronic devices in a common dc link. This paper presents a control system for the inner control loop in order to regulate the torque and the stator frequency. Simulation and experimental results show that the system works properly and is able to keep the stator frequency near the rated value of the machine.
The quality of adolescents' friendships: associations with mothers' interpersonal relationships, attachments to parents and friends, and prosocial behaviors.

Adolescents' friendship quality and observed emotional expression with their best friends were predicted from reports of their mother's interpersonal relationships-specifically the quality of her marriage and social network. Two models explaining these relationships received support. Consistent with an Attachment Theory model, adolescents' perceptions of marital quality predicted attachment security with mother, father and friends. Security of attachment to friends in turn predicted best friendship quality, but not affective behavior with the friend. A Social Learning Theory model was also supported, in which perceptions of both marital quality and mother's social network quality predicted adolescents' prosocial behavior. Prosocial behavior in turn predicted both best friendship quality and affective behavior with the friend.
Gene delivery by a cationic and thermosensitive nanogel promoted established tumor growth inhibition.

AIM In vivo stability and consequent high tumor accumulation is highly desired for nonviral gene therapy. MATERIALS & METHODS Here, a well-defined cationic nanogel system (NPS) was facilely prepared for gastric tumor therapy. RESULTS The physical chemical properties of NPS were finely regulated and investigated. In vitro transfer efficiency of NPS was obviously promoted due to stable polyplex structure, small size, narrow size distribution and weak surface potential. Interestingly, the transfection was further enhanced by its passive targeting function. Intratumor accumulation was significantly promoted post intravenous administrated to Balb/c nude mice. Thus, the established gastric tumor (N87) growth was significantly inhibited by p53 as delivered by NPS. CONCLUSION Such noncytotoxic cationic thermosensitive NPS can be effective for practicable gene therapy.
"Pelvic girdle relaxation"--suggested new nomenclature.

The term "pelvic girdle relaxation" is not uniformly used. For better understanding of pelvic joint pain during and after pregnancy it is crucial to have commonly accepted definitions for the different conditions. A committee appointed by the Norwegian Medical Association suggests the term "physiological pelvic girdle relaxation" for the ligament relaxation that occurs during any pregnancy. Ligament relaxation that causes considerable pain and/or pelvic instability during pregnancy and/or puerperium (so that daily function is impaired) is termed "symptom-giving pelvic girdle relaxation". A pain condition in one or more of the pelvic joints outside pregnancy and puerperium is called "pelvic joint syndrome".
Roles of Serum Total P-Cresylsulfate and Chronic Kidney Disease in Coronary Atherosclerotic Burden in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease is prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Additionally, patients with CKD have elevated levels of p-cresylsulfate (PCS), which have been linked to vascular impairment and hypercoagulability in the CKD population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of CKD in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and to investigate whether a significant correlation exists between CKD, total PCS, and coronary atherosclerotic burden in ACS patients.Methods: 221 consecutive ACS patients and 93 non-coronary artery disease controls were tested to establish total serum PCS concentration levels, which were measured using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Thereafter, their associations with angiographic indices of the number of diseased vessels and modified Gensini score were estimated. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ＜ 60 ml/min per 1.73 m^2.Results: ACS patients had increased median total serum PCS levels related to patients with normal coronary arteries. When the patients were divided into 4 groups on the basis of their CKD status and total PCS level, patients with high total PCS (＞ 1.26 mg/L) levels and CKD had significantly increased numbers of diseased vessels and Gensini score. By multivariate analysis, high total serum total PCS level and CKD were independently associated with ACS. Furthermore, the odds ratio for stenotic vessel disease in the group with both CKD and high total PCS level was 4.100 relative to the group without CKD and a low total PCS level (p = 0.0003). Conclusion: Our study suggests that total PCS is related to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis, and might play a role in the consequence of plaque vulnerability in ACS patients with low eGFR.