Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Genome-Wide Association Study for Diabetic Retinopathy in a Japanese Population: Potential Association with a Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNA

Elucidation of the genetic susceptibility factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) is important to gain insight into the pathogenesis of DR, and may help to define genetic risk factors for this condition. In the present study, we conducted a three-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify DR susceptibility loci in Japanese patients, which comprised a total of 837 type 2 diabetes patients with DR (cases) and 1,149 without DR (controls). From the stage 1 genome-wide scan of 446 subjects (205 cases and 241 controls) on 614,216 SNPs, 249 SNPs were selected for the stage 2 replication in 623 subjects (335 cases and 288 controls). Eight SNPs were further followed up in a stage 3 study of 297 cases and 620 controls. The top signal from the present association analysis was rs9362054 in an intron of RP1-90L14.1 showing borderline genome-wide significance (Pmet = 1.4×10−7, meta-analysis of stage 1 and stage 2, allele model). RP1-90L14.1 is a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) adjacent to KIAA1009/QN1/CEP162 gene; CEP162 plays a critical role in ciliary transition zone formation before ciliogenesis. The present study raises the possibility that the dysregulation of ciliary-associated genes plays a role in susceptibility to DR.
Neurotoxicity Induced by Mephedrone: An up-to-date Review

Mephedrone is a β-ketoamphetamine belonging to the family of synthetic cathinones, an emerging class of designer drugs known for their hallucinogenic and psychostimulant properties as well as for their abuse potential. The aim of this review was to examine the emerging scientific literature on the possible mephedrone-induced neurotoxicity, yet not well defined due to the limited number of experimental studies, mainly carried on animal models. Relevant scientific articles were identified from international literature databases (Medline, Scopus, etc.) using the keywords: “Mephedrone”, “4-MMC,” “neurotoxicity,” “neuropharmacology”, “patents”, “monoamine transporters” and “neurochemical effects”. Of the 498 sources initially found, only 36 papers were suitable for the review. Neurotoxic effect of mephedrone on 5-HT and DA systems remains controversial. Although some studies in animal models reported no damage to DA nerve endings in the striatum and no significant changes in brain monoamine levels, some others suggested a rapid reduction in 5-HT and DA transporter function. Persistent serotonergic deficits were observed after binge like treatment in a warm environment and in both serotonergic and dopaminergic nerve endings at high ambient temperature. Oxidative stress cytotoxicity and an increase in frontal cortex lipid peroxidation were also reported. In vitro cytotoxic properties were also observed, suggesting that mephedrone may act as a reductant agent and can also determine changes in mitochondrial respiration. However, due to the differences in the design of the experiments, including temperature and animal model used, the results are difficult to compare. Further studies on toxicology and pharmacology of mephedrone are therefore necessary to establish an appropriate treatment for substance abuse and eventual consequences for public health.
Effects of Tip Clearance and Casing Recess on Heat Transfer and Stage Efficiency in Axial Turbines

Calculations were performed to assess the effect of the tip leakage flow on the rate of heat transfer to blade, blade tip and casing. The effect on exit angle and efficiency was also examined. Passage geometries with and without casing recess were considered. The geometry and the flow conditions of the GE-E 3 first stage turbine, which represents a modem gas turbine blade were used for the analysis. Clearance heights of 0%, 1%, 1.5% and 3% of the passage height were considered. For the two largest clearance heights considered, different recess depths were studied. There was an increase in the thermal load on all the heat transfer surfaces considered due to enlargement of the clearance gap. Introduction of recessed casing resulted in a drop in the rate of heat transfer on the pressure side but the picture on the suction side was found to be more complex for the smaller tip clearance height considered. For the larger tip clearance height the effect of casing recess was an orderly reduction in the suction side heat transfer as the casing recess height was increased. There was a marked reduction of heat load and peak values on the blade tip upon introduction of casing recess, however only a small reduction was observed on the casing itself. It was reconfirmed that there is a linear relationship between the efficiency and the tip gap height. It was also observed that the recess casing has a small effect on the efficiency but can have a moderating effect on the flow undertuming at smaller tip clearances. NOMENCLATURE
Reclassification Patterns Among Latino English Learner Students in Bilingual, Dual Immersion, and English Immersion Classrooms

Schools are under increasing pressure to reclassify their English learner (EL) students to “fluent English proficient” status as quickly as possible. This article examines timing to reclassification among Latino ELs in four distinct linguistic instructional environments: English immersion, transitional bilingual, maintenance bilingual, and dual immersion. Using hazard analysis and 12 years of data from a large school district, the study investigates whether reclassification timing, patterns, or barriers differ by linguistic program. We find that Latino EL students enrolled in two-language programs are reclassified at a slower pace in elementary school but have higher overall reclassification, English proficiency, and academic threshold passage by the end of high school. We discuss the implications of these findings for accountability policies and educational opportunities in EL programs.
Nucleotide variability in partial promoter of IGF-1 gene and its association with body weight in fast growing chicken

Present study was carried out to unravel the variability in the nucleotide sequence of the promoter region of the IGF-1 gene and to delineate the association of polymorphism with body weight, in fast growing chicken. It was observed that the IGF-1 was monomorphic and being monomorphic, no association was observed with body weights in fast growing chicken
Decidual cell regulation of trophoblast is altered in pregnancies at risk of pre-eclampsia

Successful implantation and placentation are dependent on the interaction between decidual stromal cells (DSC) and extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells. The extent of trophoblast invasion relies on communication between the placenta and maternal decidua. The cyclical process of decidualisation induces a transformation of endometrial fibroblasts to secretory DSC; these secreted products have many functions including the control of trophoblast invasion. Inadequate trophoblast invasion and remodelling of the uterine vessels (the spiral arteries) are associated with pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia. Uterine artery Doppler resistance index (RI) in the first trimester of pregnancy can be used as a proxy measure of remodelling. DSC were isolated from pregnancies with normal (normal RI) or impaired (high RI) spiral artery remodelling. Following isolation, DSC were re-decidualised using cAMP and MPA and secretion of the decidualisation markers IGFBP-1 and prolactin assessed. We examined the impact of DSC-secreted factors on trophoblast cell function, using the EVT cell line SGHPL-4. We demonstrated that DSC exposed to decidual factors were able to re-decidualise in vitro and that the chemoattraction of trophoblasts by DSC is impaired in pregnancies with high RI. This study provides new insights into the role that DSC play in regulating EVT functions during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is the first study to demonstrate that DSC from pregnancies with impaired vascular remodelling in the first trimester secrete factors that inhibit the directional movement of trophoblast cells. This finding may be important in understanding aberrant trophoblast invasion in pregnancies where vascular remodelling is impaired.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma–Associated Herpesvirus Infection of Neurons in HIV-Positive Patients

Background Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), one of the leading cancers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in Zambia. KSHV was detected in the human central nervous system (CNS) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, but tissue location and cell tropism for KSHV infection has not been established. Given the neurotropism exhibited by other herpesviruses and the frequent coinfection of HIV-positive individuals by KSHV, we sought to determine whether the central nervous system (CNS) can be infected by KSHV in HIV-positive Zambian individuals. Methods Postmortem brain tissue specimens were collected from individuals coinfected with KSHV and HIV. PCR and Southern blots were performed on DNA extracted from the brain tissue specimens to verify KSHV infection. Immunohistochemical analysis and immunofluorescent microscopy were used to localize and identify KSHV-infected cells. Tropism was further established by in vitro infection of primary human neurons with rKSHV.219. Results KSHV DNA was detected in the CNS from 4 of 11 HIV-positive individuals. Immunohistochemical analysis and immunofluorescent microscopy demonstrated that KSHV infected neurons and oligodendrocytes in parenchymal brain tissues. KSHV infection of neurons was confirmed by in vitro infection of primary human neurons with rKSHV.219. Conclusion Our study showed that KSHV infects human CNS-resident cells, primarily neurons, in HIV-positive Zambian individuals.
Determination of mortar strength using stone dust as a partially replaced material for cement and sand

Mortar is a masonry product which is matrix of concrete. It consists of binder and fine aggregate and moreover, it is an essential associate in any reinforced structural construction. The strength of mortar is a special concern to the engineer because mortar is responsible to give protection in the outer part of the structure as well as at a brick joint in masonry wall system. The purpose of this research is to investigate the compressive strength and tensile strength of mortar, which are important mechanical properties, by replacing the cement and sand by stone dust. Moreover, to minimize the increasing demand of cement and sand, checking of appropriateness of stone dust as a construction material is necessary to ensure both solid waste minimization and recovery by exchanging stone dust with cement and sand. Stone dust passing by No. 200 sieve, is used as cement replacing material and retained by No. 100 sieve is used for sand replacement. Sand was replaced by stone dust of 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% and 50% by weight of sand while cement was replaced by stone dust of 3%, 5%, and 7% by weight of cement. Test result indicates that, compressive strength of specimen mix with 35% of sand replacing stone dust and 3% of cement replacing stone dust increases 21.33% and 22.76% respectively than the normal mortar specimen at 7 and 28 days while for tensile it increases up to 13.47%. At the end, optimum dose was selected and crack analysis as well as discussion also included.
THE EFFECT OF CRYSTALLINE LATTICE OF NANOPARTICLES ON MANUFACTURING

Nanotechnology is a kind of technology to produce materials and tools in nano scale. In recent years, this branch of science is used more to find a solution for energy crisis and environmental pollution. Using new technology especially nanotechnology in order to lessen the negative effect of pollution on environment, proposed as one of the administrative approach. In this paper, at first, all kinds of nanoparticles are introduced. Secondly, some especial characteristics of nanoparticles that help us more to know them are briefly explained. Thirdly, nanoparticles which can use to produce Nano filters are studied and the way of nanoparticles application is presented. Then, crystalline lattice of used nanoparticles in Nano filters is investigated. Because solid nanoparticles have a particular structure, they can use to make improvements in nano filters. So, in this article, we tried to gather all required information and the effect of solid state characteristics on nanoparticles.
The long-run economic relationships: an optimization approach to fractional integrated and bilinear time series

One objective of this paper is to estimate the parameters p,d,q of an autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average ARFIMA(p,d,q) stochastic model by minimizing the squares of the residuals using a Bayesian global optimization techniques. We consider bilinear model, too because it is the simple extension of linear model, defined by adding a bilinear term to traditional ARMA model. Therefore, the second objective of the paper is to estimate parameters of a bilinear time series.
Are Juvenile Offenders Extreme Future Discounters?

It has been the prevailing view that young offenders are more present oriented than their peers, but this view has little empirical basis other than the actions that have defined these youth as offenders. In the present study, we used a decision task with actual monetary consequences to assess the tendency of young offenders and a control group of high school students to discount the future. The young offenders were not significantly different from the students in discounting the future, even though the young offenders scored significantly higher on a sensation-seeking personality scale, were less likely to have lived with their fathers, and had changed schools more often. Young offenders and control participants were also similar in the extent to which they manifested a clear vision of the future by anticipating which future milestones would occur sooner, in a task pairing milestones with each other and with year markers.
1D Piezoelectric Material Based Nanogenerators: Methods, Materials and Property Optimization

Due to the enhanced piezoelectric properties, excellent mechanical properties and tunable electric properties, one-dimensional (1D) piezoelectric materials have shown their promising applications in nanogenerators (NG), sensors, actuators, electronic devices etc. To present a clear view about 1D piezoelectric materials, this review mainly focuses on the characterization and optimization of the piezoelectric properties of 1D nanomaterials, including semiconducting nanowires (NWs) with wurtzite and/or zinc blend phases, perovskite NWs and 1D polymers. Specifically, the piezoelectric coefficients, performance of single NW-based NG and structure-dependent electromechanical properties of 1D nanostructured materials can be respectively investigated through piezoresponse force microscopy, atomic force microscopy and the in-situ scanning/transmission electron microcopy. Along with the introduction of the mechanism and piezoelectric properties of 1D semiconductor, perovskite materials and polymers, their performance improvement strategies are summarized from the view of microstructures, including size-effect, crystal structure, orientation and defects. Finally, the extension of 1D piezoelectric materials in field effect transistors and optoelectronic devices are simply introduced.
Stability and Ligand Promiscuity of Type A Carbohydrate-binding Modules Are Illustrated by the Structure of Spirochaeta thermophila StCBM64C*

Deconstruction of cellulose, the most abundant plant cell wall polysaccharide, requires the cooperative activity of a large repertoire of microbial enzymes. Modular cellulases contain non-catalytic type A carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) that specifically bind to the crystalline regions of cellulose, thus promoting enzyme efficacy through proximity and targeting effects. Although type A CBMs play a critical role in cellulose recycling, their mechanism of action remains poorly understood. Here we produced a library of recombinant CBMs representative of the known diversity of type A modules. The binding properties of 40 CBMs, in fusion with an N-terminal GFP domain, revealed that type A CBMs possess the ability to recognize different crystalline forms of cellulose and chitin over a wide range of temperatures, pH levels, and ionic strengths. A Spirochaeta thermophila CBM64, in particular, displayed plasticity in its capacity to bind both crystalline and soluble carbohydrates under a wide range of extreme conditions. The structure of S. thermophila StCBM64C revealed an untwisted, flat, carbohydrate-binding interface comprising the side chains of four tryptophan residues in a co-planar linear arrangement. Significantly, two highly conserved asparagine side chains, each one located between two tryptophan residues, are critical to insoluble and soluble glucan recognition but not to bind xyloglucan. Thus, CBM64 compact structure and its extended and versatile ligand interacting platform illustrate how type A CBMs target their appended plant cell wall-degrading enzymes to a diversity of recalcitrant carbohydrates under a wide range of environmental conditions.
New pathogenic mechanisms induced by germline erythropoietin receptor mutations in primary erythrocytosis

Primary familial and congenital polycythemia is characterized by erythropoietin hypersensitivity of erythroid progenitors due to germline nonsense or frameshift mutations in the erythropoietin receptor gene. All mutations so far described lead to the truncation of the C-terminal receptor sequence that contains negative regulatory domains. Their removal is presented as sufficient to cause the erythropoietin hypersensitivity phenotype. Here we provide evidence for a new mechanism whereby the presence of novel sequences generated by frameshift mutations is required for the phenotype rather than just extensive truncation resulting from nonsense mutations. We show that the erythropoietin hypersensitivity induced by a new erythropoietin receptor mutant, p.Gln434Profs*11, could not be explained by the loss of negative signaling and of the internalization domains, but rather by the appearance of a new C-terminal tail. The latter, by increasing erythropoietin receptor dimerization, stability and cell-surface localization, causes pre-activation of erythropoietin receptor and JAK2, constitutive signaling and hypersensitivity to erythropoietin. Similar results were obtained with another mutant, p.Pro438Metfs*6, which shares the same last five amino acid residues (MDTVP) with erythropoietin receptor p.Gln434Profs*11, confirming the involvement of the new peptide sequence in the erythropoietin hypersensitivity phenotype. These results suggest a new mechanism that might be common to erythropoietin receptor frameshift mutations. In summary, we show that primary familial and congenital polycythemia is more complex than expected since distinct mechanisms are involved in the erythropoietin hypersensitivity phenotype, according to the type of erythropoietin receptor mutation.
An improved GAF routing algorithm

In wireless sensor networks, the energy of sensors is often limited. Therefore, how to use energy efficiently becomes a hot research topic. In this paper, we propose a new GAF(Geographical Adaptive Fidelity) algorithm which can utilize energy evenly. The main idea of the algorithm is connected into a straight line with the cluster head node and the sink node in the cluster head node as the center, and the sink node and line less than 90 degrees semicircle area, looking for a distance near the sink node, node residual energy as node sends the next message. We compare the proposed algorithm with the traditional GAF algorithm. The experimental results show that the survival rate of the proposed algorithm is higher than that of the traditional GAF algorithm.
IRON CONTENT IN SERUM AND PULMONARY TISSUE OF RABBITS WITH EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA

Summary. The pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema is uncompletelly understood. As a catalyzer of some oxidants production iron is involved in oxidant/antioxidant balance disturbances, associated with oxidative stress injury of pulmonary tissue. That’s why the iron content was studied in serum and pulmonary tissue of rabbits with pulmonary emphysema induced by hipercholesterolemic diet. Experimental animals were divided into three groups (of 10 animals each): hypercholesterolemic (H)-on hypercholesterolemic diet (oil solution of crystalline cholesterol), oil (O)-on oil diet, and control (C)-on standard diet for that animal species. Pulmonary emphysema was pathohistologically confirmed. Iron content in serum and pulmonary tissue was determined using atomic absorptive spectrophotometric method. There is a significant increase in serum iron content in H in comparison with C group of rabbits. Pulmonary tissue iron content is found to be significantly decreased in H and O compared to C group of investigated animals. The changes of iron content in serum and pulmonary tissue, in relation with pathohistological findings of pulmonary tissue, could be of certain importance in developing mechanisms of pulmonary emphysema induced by hypercholesterolemic diet.
1 310 12 Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases in Agricultural

Modern cropping systems use substantial amounts of fossil energy in the form of fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel for field operations. An important environmental consequence of this use is the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere, from sources both direct and indirect. Direct sources include fossil fuel used for tillage and other field operations as well as GHGs produced and consumed by microbes in cropped soils. Indirect sources include fossil energy used off-site to produce fertilizers and other agronomic inputs, as well as GHGs produced by microbes in noncropped sites that receive nutrients escaped from cropped fields. Row-crop agriculture can thus be either a net source or sink of GHGs, with the balance (net emission or uptake) influenced greatly by management practices. All three of the major biogenic GHGs are affected by agriculture: carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), and nitrous oxide (N 2 O). Not including postharvest activities or land-use conversion caused by agricultural expansion, agriculture is responsible for 10–14% of total global anthropogenic GHG emissions (Barker et al. 2007, Smith et al. 2007). This includes ~84% of anthropogenic N 2 O emissions and ~53% of anthropogenic CH 4 emissions (Robertson 2004). The manufacture of agrochemicals adds another 0.6–1.5% to the global total (Vermeulen et al. 2012). Most agricultural CO 2 emissions are from land conversion and fossil fuel use. Methane emissions associated with agriculture are from enteric fermentation by ruminant animals such as cattle, cultivated rice soils, animal wastes, and agricultural biomass burning. In addition, land conversion to agriculture substantially reduces microbial CH 4 oxidation in soil, thereby attenuating an important CH 4 sink and effectively increasing CH 4 in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture are produced mostly from nitrogenous fertilizers, with lesser contributions from animal wastes and biomass burning. Gelfand, I. and G. P. Robertson. 2015. Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural ecosystems. Pages 310-339 in S. K. Hamilton, J. E. Doll, and G. P. Robertson, editors. The Ecology of Agricultural Landscapes: Long-Term Research on the Path to Sustainability. Oxford University Press, New York, New York, USA.