Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Haploidy but Not Parthenogenetic Activation Leads to Increased Incidence of Apoptosis in Mouse Embryos1

Abstract Aneuploidy underlies failed development and possibly apoptosis of some preimplantation embryos. We employed a haploid model in the mouse to study the effects of aneuploidy on apoptosis in preimplantation embryos. Mouse metaphase II oocytes that were activated with strontium formed haploid parthenogenetic embryos with 1 pronucleus, whereas activation of oocytes with strontium plus cytochalasin D produced diploid parthenogenetic embryo controls with 2 pronuclei. Strontium induced calcium transients that mimic sperm-induced calcium oscillations, and ploidy was confirmed by chromosomal analysis. Rates of development and apoptosis were compared between haploid and diploid parthenogenetic embryos (parthenotes) and control embryos derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF). Haploid mouse parthenotes cleaved at a slower rate, and most arrested before the blastocyst stage, in contrast to diploid parthenotes or IVF embryos. Developmentally retarded haploid parthenotes exhibited apoptosis at a significantly higher frequency than did diploid parthenotes or IVF embryos. However, diploid parthenotes exhibited rates of preimplantation development and apoptosis similar to those of IVF embryos, indicating that parthenogenetic activation itself does not initiate apoptosis during preimplantation development. These results suggest that haploidy can lead to an increased incidence of apoptosis. Moreover, the initiation of apoptosis during preimplantation development does not require the paternal genome.
An Improved Task Scheduling Algorithm Based on Cache Locality and Data Locality in Hadoop

The optimization of task scheduling in Hadoop environment is an important research topic. The result of task scheduling affects the system performance and resource utilization. The existing task scheduling algorithm is lack of consideration at the cache level, which makes the performance of the task greatly affected. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved task scheduling algorithm based on cache locality and data locality. Firstly section matrix and weighted bipartite graph are constructed according to the relation between resources and tasks. Then the bipartite graph matching is used to realize map task scheduling for optimizing the local cache and data locality and reducing the data transmission amount during task execution process. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the data locality and system performance, which is better than other two algorithms.
Transvaginal ultrasonographic findings in the uterus and the endometrium: Low prevalence of leiomyoma in a random sample of women age 25–40 years

Background. In articles and textbooks the prevalence of uterine leiomyomas is said to be 20–25% in women over the age of 30. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of uterine leiomyoma, the thickness and the texture of the endometrium, and the size of the uterus in a random sample of asymptomatic women 25–40 years old.
A trade–off between reproduction and a condition–dependent sexually selected ornament in the house sparrow Passer domesticus

Reproductive effort was manipulated in a free–living population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to investigate the trade–off between reproductive investment and the expression of a condition–dependent sexually selected ornament. Phenotypic plasticity in the expression of this trait was related to the experimentally manipulated size of the brood reared by a male. Males that invested more in current reproduction subsequently became more attractive to females in this population as they showed a preference for males with smaller badges. This supports the argument that direct benefits are a primary focus for mate choice by females. Trade–offs between reproductive effort and the expression of sexual ornaments are a potentially important source of phenotypic variation in both sexual ornaments and lifehistory traits.
Sensitivity And Uncertainty Analysis of Models for Determining Energy Consumption in the Residential Sector

Energy models are used in the residential sector to determine the baseline energy consumption and to predict the future energy demand. They represent a useful tool for evaluating energy saving measures and the effects of different CO2 emission reduction strategies. However, the results of the modeling are subject to multiple sources of uncertainty which are mainly related to the input parameters. In this work, the uncertainty of seven residential energy models is analyzed. It is found that the cumulative uncertainty in residential energy models is large with a range of -24% to +54% in relation to the modeled mean value for a 90%tile confidence interval. The consequences of this variation on the accuracy of the predictions are discussed and measures to avoid erroneous assessment of energy efficiency measures suggested.
Genetic and phenotypic parameters of lifetime production traits in Holstein cows.

Canadian Record of Performance data of 51,599 Holstein cows freshened first between 1958 and 1965 were used to evaluate genetic and environmental aspects of production and longevity traits. Traits were adjusted for age at first calving and for average and last calving intervals by partial regression coefficients derived from these data. Heritabilities and phenotypic and genetic correlations then were estimated from paternal half-sister analyses of 138 sires representing 5 genetic time-trend groups. Within herd-year-season heritabilities (and standard errors) were: first lactation 305 day milk . 22 (.03); first lactation 305 day fat yield . 25 (.03); first lactation herd-year deviation milk . 22 (.02); first lactation herd-year deviation fat yield . 24 (.03); last lactation 305 day milk . 14 (.02); last lactation 305 day fat yield . 16 (.02); last lactation length . 06 (.01); lifetime milk . 11 (.02); lifetime fat yield . 12 (.02); milk per day of productive life . 21 (.02); fat per day of productive life . 25 (.03); culling age . 10 (.01); length of productive life . 10 (.01); and number of lactations completed . 09 (.01). Genetic correlations of first lactation yield with lifetime production ranged from . 34 to . 93 and with longevity traits from . 41 to . 47. Genetic correlations between lifetime production traits ranged from . 43 to . 96 and between longevity traits were greater than or equal to . 99. Genetic correlations of first lactation milk with lifetime milk (.56) and milk per day of productive life (.93) indicate that continued selection on first lactation milk is an effective means of maximizing lifetime milk and milk per day of productive life.
On the Ergodic Capacity of Amplify-and-Forward Relay Channels with Interference in Nakagami-m Fading

Integrating relaying techniques into cellular communications sheds new light on higher capacity and broader coverage. However, applying relaying techniques in practice has to take into account important issues such as co-channel interference (CCI). In this work, a generalized framework for the ergodic capacity analysis of dual-hop fixed-gain amplify and forward (AF) relaying systems in the presence of interference is presented. New expressions for the ergodic capacity are derived considering transmissions over independent but not necessarily identically distributed Nakagami-m fading channels in the presence of a finite number of co-channel interferers. Our results establish that the ergodic capacity is dominated by the source-relay interference power and that it improves slowly with the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increasing. It slightly deteriorates, however, with a larger Nakagami-m fading parameter for interference channels. Furthermore, our results offer an analytical insight into the key impact of relay placement on performance. Our new ergodic capacity expressions could therefore provide a very practical/low-cost performance optimization tool for relayed-communication system designers.
On the unintended consequences of publishing performance data in the public sector

Most performance indicator schemes in the public sector have been implemented on the assumption that they will yield benefits in terms of efficiency and equity. Less attention has been paid to the potential costs of such schemes. Drawing on experience from a range of sources, this paper identifies eight consequences of publishing performance data that are not necessarily intended, and which are likely to be dysfunctional. The paper gives examples of such phenomena from the UK public sector, and suggests ways in which they can be mitigated. While not challenging the desirability of publishing performance data, the paper concludes that the performance indicator philosophy is based on inadequate models of production and control. Most performance indicator schemes will therefore fail unless serious consideration is given to the deficiencies described in this paper.
Impact of Exchange Rate Uncertainty on Trade Flows: Evidence from Commodity Trade Between the United States and the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Previous studies that investigated the impact of exchange rate volatility on the trade flows employed aggregate trade data and standard estimation techniques. They provided mixed results. In this paper we use disaggregated import and export data for 177 commodities traded between the United States and the United Kingdom to investigate whether volatility of the real bilateral dollar-pound exchange rate has any detrimental effect on trade flows at the commodity level. Additionally, we employ the bounds testing approach to cointegration and error-correction modelling that is suitable for the models used mostly because it does not require pre-unit-root testing and variables in the model could be stationary, non-stationary or a combination of the two. In most trade flow models estimated, we found a negative effect of exchange rate volatility on commodity trade. Copyright 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Knowledge networks of young innovators in the urban economy: biotechnology as a case study

The paper explores how young innovative companies shape knowledge networks in seizing local and global opportunities of learning. The perspective used in the paper is derived from management and business literature, that is, knowledge networking is perceived as based upon choices following from strategies and networking capabilities. The empirical part makes use of a small sample of urban innovators in the Netherlands and of rough set analysis as a relatively new way of revealing ‘causal' relations. The paper reports that local/regional and global networks tend to coexist in clusters, and that this pattern follows from particular organizational capabilities derived from the company of origin and particular strategies in building customer and supplier relationships. An in-depth study of a biotechnology cluster supports the idea of coexistence of local and global networks, in that a local/regional orientation is associated with research companies in early stages of existence and with particular service companies, whereas a global orientation is associated with research companies that have passed the early stages. However, there seems to be a general trend that knowledge networks are increasingly shaped on a global scale.
Customer-focused IT: a process of continuous value innovation

Purpose – Transition to a digital economy and the pervasiveness of IT in a firm’s operations together has brought the IT function in corporations to the threshold of a needed transformation: from an orientation that prizes technical excellence to one that achieves continuous innovation by finding new opportunities to provide value to customers. Design/methodology/approach – The author believes that companies need to adopt customer-focused IT, this requires a shift in organizational culture, from considering technical excellence as an end in itself, to respecting customers as the centrally important stakeholder of an organization. Findings – In many companies, rethinking the IT function to focus it on providing value to the customer presents an opportunity to empower frontline employees, to make innovations in the company value chain and to maintain and to enhance competitive advantage. Practical implications – Changing to a customer focus requires dedicated continuous innovation to enlist the full resourc.
Drotrecogin Alfa (Activated) for Nonmenstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome Associated with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection

Nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS) due to Staphylococcus aureus can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. While drotrecogin alfa (DA) has been employed in patients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) severe sepsis and septic shock, its utility in TSS remains unclear. The authors report a case of severe sepsis in the setting of MRSA-associated TSS that responded to treatment with DA. This case illustrates a potential role for DA in the treatment of toxic shock syndromes and emphasizes the importance of aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in approaching these conditions.
Career counseling with undocumented Latino youth: A qualitative analysis of school counselors

The career development trajectory of undocumented Latino youth can present unique challenges for school counselors. Undocumented Latino youth have few career choices due to holding different values from the majority culture, realistic fears of deportation, restrictions in obtaining lawful employment, and having an unconventional pathway to citizenship. Yet, the school counseling profession has been tasked with working with undocumented Latino students on issues of career development, despite these obstacles. The purpose of this qualitative dissertation was to build a stronger understanding of the unique experiences school counselors encounter when career counseling undocumented Latino students. In this study, the theoretical tradition of grounded theory, with a social constructivist paradigm, was implemented to address emerging themes about the methods school counselors are using while career counseling undocumented Latino students. Grounded theory methodology centers on uncovering relevant conditions and how individuals actively respond to those conditions and consequences (Corbin & Strauss, 1990). As such, a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions and a demographic form with an open ended survey were used to gather data. The participants selected for this study included 16 practicing school counselors who had national board certification based on the school counseling standards published by the NBPTS (2002) from the ten most populated states containing undocumented Latino immigrants. Data analysis generated 20 open codes, seven selective codes and three axial codes. The grounded theory, Supporting Pragmatic Equality, emerged from the data while exploring the causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, action strategies and consequences of
Protective effects of exenatide on RINm5f cell injury induced by palmitate

In this study, in vitro cultured islet RINm5f cells were used to observe effects of exenatide on the apoptosis induced by palmitate and explore its mechanism. MTT, AO/EB bi-label assay, flow cytometry and laser confocal microscope were applied for the observation of the cell proliferation, survival rate, apoptosis rate and morphological change. The results confirmed that the survival rate of cultured rat islet RINm5f cells treated with 250 μM palmitate for 24h was lower. Compared with the control group, the survival rate was higher, the apoptosis rate was lower and died cells and necrotic cells were less in exenatide groups. These facts indicate that exenatide can promote cell proliferation and improve rat islet cell apoptosis induced by palmitate, and promoting pancreatic B cell growth, increasing B cell volume, improving and restoring B cell function should be a new strategy used for the treatment of diabetes.
Observation of a nematic quantum Hall liquid on the surface of bismuth

Relating interactions and nematicity The electronic system in a strongly correlated material can sometimes be less symmetrical than the underlying crystal lattice. This loss of symmetry, caused by interactions and dubbed electronic nematicity, has been observed in a number of exotic materials. However, establishing a direct connection between the interactions and nematicity is tricky. Feldman et al. used scanning tunneling microscopy to image the wave functions of electrons on the surface of bismuth placed in an external magnetic field. The exchange interactions in the material caused a loss of symmetry, which was reflected in the orientations of the electrons' elliptical orbits. Science, this issue p. 316 Scanning tunneling spectroscopy makes a direct connection between exchange interactions and electronic nematicity. Nematic quantum fluids with wave functions that break the underlying crystalline symmetry can form in interacting electronic systems. We examined the quantum Hall states that arise in high magnetic fields from anisotropic hole pockets on the Bi(111) surface. Spectroscopy performed with a scanning tunneling microscope showed that a combination of single-particle effects and many-body Coulomb interactions lift the six-fold Landau level (LL) degeneracy to form three valley-polarized quantum Hall states. We imaged the resulting anisotropic LL wave functions and found that they have a different orientation for each broken-symmetry state. The wave functions correspond to those expected from pairs of hole valleys and provide a direct spatial signature of a nematic electronic phase.
New Frontiers in Biomedical Engineering LARGE-SCALE SIMULATION OF THE HUMAN ARTERIAL TREE

SUMMARY 1. Full-scale simulations of the virtual physiological human (VPH) will require significant advances in modelling, multiscale mathematics, scientific computing and further advances in medical imaging. Herein, we review some of the main issues that need to be resolved in order to make three-dimensional (3D) simulations of blood flow in the human arterial tree feasible in the near future. 2. A straightforward approach is computationally prohibitive even on the emerging petaflop supercomputers, so a three-level hierarchical approach based on vessel size is required, consisting of: (i) a macrovascular network (MaN); (ii) a mesovascular network (MeN); and (iii) a microvascular network (MiN). We present recent simulations of MaN obtained by solving the 3D Navier–Stokes equations on arterial networks with tens of arteries and bifurcations and accounting for the neglected dynamics through proper boundary conditions. 3. A multiscale simulation coupling MaN–MeN–MiN and running on hundreds of thousands of processors on petaflop computers will require no more than a few CPU hours per cardiac cycle within the next 5 years. The rapidly growing capacity of supercomputing centres opens up the possibility of simulation studies of cardiovascular diseases, drug delivery, perfusion in the brain and other pathologies.
Structural and Functional Analysis of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3: Localization of the Transactivation and Autoinhibitory Domains

ABSTRACT The interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) gene encodes a 55-kDa protein which is expressed constitutively in all tissues. In unstimulated cells, IRF-3 is present in an inactive cytoplasmic form; following Sendai virus infection, IRF-3 is posttranslationally modified by protein phosphorylation at multiple serine and threonine residues located in the carboxy terminus. Virus-induced phosphorylation of IRF-3 leads to cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation of phosphorylated IRF-3, association with the transcriptional coactivator CBP/p300, and stimulation of DNA binding and transcriptional activities of virus-inducible genes. Using yeast and mammalian one-hybrid analysis, we now demonstrate that an extended, atypical transactivation domain is located in the C terminus of IRF-3 between amino acids (aa) 134 and 394. We also show that the C-terminal domain of IRF-3 located between aa 380 and 427 participates in the autoinhibition of IRF-3 activity via an intramolecular association with the N-terminal region between aa 98 and 240. After Sendai virus infection, an intermolecular association between IRF-3 proteins is detected, demonstrating a virus-dependent formation of IRF-3 homodimers; this interaction is also observed in the absence of virus infection with a constitutively activated form of IRF-3. Substitution of the C-terminal Ser-Thr phosphorylation sites with the phosphomimetic Asp in the region ISNSHPLSLTSDQ between amino acids 395 and 407 [IRF-3(5D)], but not the adjacent S385 and S386 residues, generates a constitutively activated DNA binding form of IRF-3. In contrast, substitution of S385 and S386 with either Ala or Asp inhibits both DNA binding and transactivation activities of the IRF-3(5D) protein. These studies thus define the transactivation domain of IRF-3, two domains that participate in the autoinhibition of IRF-3 activity, and the regulatory phosphorylation sites controlling IRF-3 dimer formation, DNA binding activity, and association with the CBP/p300 coactivator.
Diagnosis and Management of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Background— The purpose of this statement is to provide an overview of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and to provide recommendations for its diagnosis, management, and treatment. The intended audience is physicians and other healthcare providers who are responsible for the diagnosis and management of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Methods and Results— Members of the panel were appointed by the American Heart Association Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and represent different areas of expertise. The panel reviewed the relevant literature with an emphasis on reports published since 1966 and used the American Heart Association levels-of-evidence grading algorithm to rate the evidence and to make recommendations. After approval of the statement by the panel, it underwent peer review and approval by the American Heart Association Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee. Conclusions— Evidence-based recommendations are provided for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of recurrence of cerebral venous thrombosis. Recommendations on the evaluation and management of cerebral venous thrombosis during pregnancy and in the pediatric population are provided. Considerations for the management of clinical complications (seizures, hydrocephalus, intracranial hypertension, and neurological deterioration) are also summarized. An algorithm for diagnosis and management of patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is described.
Does purchasing power parity hold following the launch of the euro? Evidence from the panel unit root test

Using a richer panel data set with more representative price indexes, this article adopts Pesaran's (2007) panel unit root test to study the validity of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) across the eurozone countries both before and after the launch of the euro in 1999. We find that PPP holds before the introduction of the single currency, whereas it fails to hold after 1999. Our result is consistent with the finding in Engel and Rogers (2004) and Rogers (2007) that there is no longer a tendency to support the law of one price following the birth of the euro.