Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NPHP4 Variants Are Associated With Pleiotropic Heart Malformations

Rationale: Congenital heart malformations are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in young children. Failure to establish normal left-right (L-R) asymmetry often results in cardiovascular malformations and other laterality defects of visceral organs. Objective: To identify genetic mutations causing cardiac laterality defects. Methods and Results: We performed a genome-wide linkage analysis in patients with cardiac laterality defects from a consanguineous family. The patients had combinations of defects that included dextrocardia, transposition of great arteries, double-outlet right ventricle, atrioventricular septal defects, and caval vein abnormalities. Sequencing of positional candidate genes identified mutations in NPHP4. We performed mutation analysis of NPHP4 in 146 unrelated patients with similar cardiac laterality defects. Forty-one percent of these patients also had laterality defects of the abdominal organs. We identified 8 additional missense variants that were absent or very rare in control subjects. To study the role of nphp4 in establishing L-R asymmetry, we used antisense morpholinos to knockdown nphp4 expression in zebrafish. Depletion of nphp4 disrupted L-R patterning as well as cardiac and gut laterality. Cardiac laterality defects were partially rescued by human NPHP4 mRNA, whereas mutant NPHP4 containing genetic variants found in patients failed to rescue. We show that nphp4 is involved in the formation of motile cilia in Kupffer's vesicle, which generate asymmetrical fluid flow necessary for normal L-R asymmetry. Conclusions: NPHP4 mutations are associated with cardiac laterality defects and heterotaxy. In zebrafish, nphp4 is essential for the development and function of Kupffer's vesicle cilia and is required for global L-R patterning.
Vascular permeability factor accelerates endothelial regrowth following balloon angioplasty.

Many failures of vascular reconstructions are due to thrombosis and restenosis and are often attributed to inadequate endothelial regeneration at the site of endothelial denudation. Vascular permeability factor (VPF) is a naturally occurring growth factor responsible for vessel permeability and microvascular angiogenesis. Here, we show that VPF stimulated rabbit endothelial cell proliferation in vitro at concentrations 100 ng/ml. However, VPF had no effect on smooth muscle cell proliferation at these concentrations up to 500 ng/ml. When VPF was administered for 4 weeks (120 micrograms, twice weekly, i.v.) following balloon angioplasty-induced endothelial denudation of rabbit carotid artery, there was a significant increase in the in vivo regeneration of endothelium compared to control (57.5 +/- 6.7% vs. 38.3 +/- 1.9%, P < 0.01). Moreover, 8 weeks of VPF administration resulted in 88.1 +/- 3.1% re-endothelialization compared to control (44.7 +/- 3.8%). Hence, VPF appears to be a specific mitogen for endothelial regeneration.
Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in pain associated with chronic tendinopathy: A systematic review

Abstract Background: Chronic tendinopathy has often been a management dilemma for general practitioners. With our understanding of the pathophysiology of tendinopathy evolving, so has our management, with the advent of newer strategies such as topical glycerol trinitrate, extracorporeal shock-wave therapy, as well as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Aim: To systematically review the literature regarding PRP therapy in chronic tendinopathy. Design and setting: The databases used in our search include the Elton B. Stephens Co. (EBSCO) database, Medline, the Cochrane library, Ovid, and Embase (the Excerpta Medica database). A total of 389 articles were reviewed from Feb 2010 to April 2014, for possible inclusion. Of these articles, a total of 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. Only 1 RCT was excluded due to previous surgery in both the trial and control groups. Methods: Each article was reviewed independently by 2 authors. Each article was analyzed using the Cochrane Criteria checklist. Where any discrepancy occurred in results, a third independent reviewer was consulted. Results: Our review found that PRP was most effective in patellar and lateral epicondylar tendinopathy, with both RCTs in the patellar section of our study supporting the use of PRP in pain reduction at 3 and 12 months, whereas 2 of 4 studies in the lateral epicondylar section showed improvements in pain and disability at 6 and 12 months. There was a lack of evidence to support the use of PRP in Achilles and rotator cuff tendinopathy. Conclusions: Although the results of this review show promise for the use of PRP in chronic tendinopathy, the analysis highlighted the need for more controlled clinical trials comparing PRP with placebo.
Wireless power and data transfer to sensors in extreme space environments

This paper describes the novel use of high power laser diodes for rapid delivery of power and data to wireless sensors when solar illumination is not an option and continuous point-to-point power flow is not desirable. A single high power, laser diode source can service multiple sensors, either sequentially or in parallel. Laser irradiance levels exceeding 10k suns decrease the charging time of a super-capacitor, without damage to the photovoltaic converter. Alternatively, multiple devices, connected in parallel, also reduce the charging time. We demonstrate the efficacy of the approach using four photonic power converters. Simultaneously, with delivery of power, IrDA trans-receivers establish full-duplex communication between the transmitter and receiver.
Impact of male partner responses on sexual function in women with vulvodynia and their partners: a dyadic daily experience study.

OBJECTIVE There is a paucity of research investigating the role of interpersonal variables in vulvodynia--a prevalent, chronic, vulvo-vaginal pain condition that negatively affects many aspects of women's sexual health, emotional well-being and intimate relationships. Cross-sectional studies have shown that male partner responses to painful intercourse are associated with pain and sexual satisfaction in women with vulvodynia. Partner responses can be solicitous (attention and sympathy), negative (hostility and frustration), and facilitative (encouragement of adaptive coping). No research has assessed the influence of daily partner responses in this population. Further, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of partner responses on sexual function, which is a key measure of impairment in vulvodynia. METHODS Using daily diaries, 66 women (M age = 27.91, SD = 5.94) diagnosed with vulvodynia and their cohabiting male partners (M age = 30.00, SD = 8.33) reported on male partner responses and sexual function on days when sexual intercourse occurred (M = 6.54, SD = 4.99). Drawing on the Actor-Partner Interdependence model (APIM), a multivariate multilevel modeling approach was adopted. RESULTS A woman's sexual functioning improved on days when she perceived greater facilitative and lower solicitous and negative male partner responses, and when her male partner reported lower solicitous responses. A man's sexual functioning was poorer on days when he reported greater solicitous and negative responses. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that facilitative male partner responses may improve sexual functioning whereas solicitous and negative responses may be detrimental. Partner responses should be targeted in psychological interventions aimed to improve the sexual functioning of affected couples.
The adenovirus E3-14.7K protein is a general inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-mediated cytolysis.

We have previously described a 14,700 m.w. protein (14.7K) encoded by the E3 region of adenovirus that prevents TNF-mediated cytolysis of adenovirus-infected C3HA mouse fibroblasts. In the studies described here we have extended our analysis of TNF cytolysis of C3HA cells and the circumstances under which 14.7K protects these cells from cytolysis. C3HA cells were killed by TNF in the presence of inhibitors of protein synthesis, in the presence of cytochalasin E (which disrupts the microfilaments), and when adenovirus E1A was expressed. As described for other cell types, pretreatment of C3HA cells with TNF prevented cytolysis by TNF plus cycloheximide or TNF plus cytochalasin E, indicating that TNF induces a response that protects against these treatments. Remarkably, when 14.7K was expressed in virus-infected cells, it also prevented TNF-induced lysis whether sensitivity to TNF was induced by inhibition of protein synthesis, disruption of the cytoskeleton by cytochalasin E, or expression of adenovirus E1A. The 14.7K protein also prevented TNF lysis of cells that are spontaneously sensitive to TNF lysis. Thus, 14.7K appears to be a general inhibitor of TNF cytolysis, and as such should be an important tool in unraveling the mechanism of TNF cytolysis. There was one exception; NCTC-929 cells were spontaneously sensitive to TNF lysis and that lysis was not affected by 14.7K even though the protein was made in large quantities and was metabolically stable in these cells. This suggests that there is heterogeneity among TNF-sensitive cell lines. The 14.7K protein was found in both the nuclear and cytosol fractions of TNF resistant as well as all spontaneously sensitive cells suggesting that 14.7K may have more than one site of action within the cell.
Selection on somatic cell score to improve resistance to mastitis in the United States.

Increased genetic susceptibility to mastitis has accompanied the rapid genetic increase in milk yield, and genetic selection for mastitis resistance should be considered. Somatic cell score is recommended as an indicator trait to achieve genetic improvement for mastitis resistance. Heritability of somatic cell score is around 10%, and genetic correlation between somatic cell score and clinical mastitis is around . 6 to . 8. Selection for lower somatic cell score is consistent with the goal of maximizing genetic improvement for total economic merit and should be included in breeding programs. National genetic evaluations for somatic cells scores will use the same animal models and methods as are currently used for milk yield traits. Reliabilities of PTA for somatic cell scores will be smaller than for yield traits because of lower heritability and availability of records from fewer cows. Several forms are proposed for reporting genetic evaluations of somatic cells to producers, and advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Using somatic cell scores for breeding decisions would marginally decrease genetic gain for milk yield and increase total economic merit. Optimal selection indexes would slow the rate of increase in mastitis, rather than decrease its incidence.
Evolutionarily conserved low copy repeats (LCRs) in 22q11 mediate deletions, duplications, translocations, and genomic instability: An update and literature review

Several constitutional rearrangements, including deletions, duplications, and translocations, are associated with 22q11.2. These rearrangements give rise to a variety of genomic disorders, including DiGeorge, velocardiofacial, and conotruncal anomaly face syndromes (DGS/VCFS/CAFS), cat eye syndrome (CES), and the supernumerary der(22)t(11;22) syndrome associated with the recurrent t(11;22). Chromosome 22-specific duplications or low copy repeats (LCRs) have been directly implicated in the chromosomal rearrangements associated with 22q11.2. Extensive sequence analysis of the different copies of 22q11 LCRs suggests a complex organization. Examination of their evolutionary origin suggests that the duplications in 22q11.2 may predate the divergence of New World monkeys 40 million years ago. Based on the current data, a number of models are proposed to explain the LCR-mediated constitutional rearrangements of 22q11.2.
Influence of Sex on the Outcome of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Chondral Defects of the Knee

Background: Sex-specific outcomes have been reported in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as well as in osteoarthrosis progression, but there are currently no related published data on autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). The present prospective study was performed to investigate sex-dependent differences in the results after ACI. Hypothesis: The clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results after ACI of the knee are influenced by the patient’s sex. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The midterm clinical and MRI results of a cell-based fibrin-polymer graft for the treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects were evaluated preoperatively and 6, 12, and 48 months after surgery in 52 patients (male:female ratio, 25:27; average age, 35.6 years). Depending on the sex and the location of the defects (femoral condyles, n = 32; patellofemoral compartment, n = 20), patients were assigned to 4 different groups. Baseline clinical scores were compared with follow-up data by paired Wilcoxon tests for the Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring system. Sex-specific differences were evaluated with the Mann-Whitney U test. The MRI evaluation was performed with the Henderson score at final follow-up. Results: Clinical scores improved in all groups over the whole study period (P < .05). Compared with female patients, male patients achieved significantly better results in the Lysholm score at all time intervals and in the IKDC score at 6 and 12 months after surgery (P < .05). In a subgroup analysis, female patients with patellar defects had the worst results in both clinical scores. With the available number of patients, MRI evaluation at 48 months after surgery revealed no significant difference in defect fill between male and female patients (P > .05). The Pearson correlation coefficient between both clinical scores and the MRI parameters of defect fill and cartilage signal was significant (P < .05). Conclusion: Autologous chondrocyte implantation is a promising treatment option for full-thickness cartilage defects of male and female knee joints. Female patients with patellar defects have worse prognostic factors.
Head tracking stereoscopic display

This paper describes a full-color stereoscopic display using two field sequential CRT projection modules combined with a simple head position sensor with servo-controlled moveable exit pupils. The position sensor has a lens imaging the user's head on a two-segment detector. This reasults in an optimized system permitting a moving observer to view a high-contrast high-resolution high-brightness full-color stereoscopic presentation without using special glasses.
Mixed-mode input feedforward delta-sigma modulator

A delta-sigma modulator using a mixed-mode feedforward path is proposed. The new modulator retains the conventional input feedforward structure advantages and adds to them the elimination of the analog adder at the quantizer input and improved signal-to-noise ratio. The new modulator requires an extra quantizer and digital circuits
Optic disc detection using ant colony optimization

The retinal fundus images are used in the treatment and diagnosis of several eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. This paper proposes a new method to detect the optic disc (OD) automatically, due to the fact that the knowledge of the OD location is essential to the automatic analysis of retinal images. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is an optimization algorithm inspired by the foraging behaviour of some ant species that has been applied in image processing for edge detection. Recently, the ACO was used in fundus images to detect edges, and therefore, to segment the OD and other anatomical retinal structures. We present an algorithm for the detection of OD in the retina which takes advantage of the Gabor wavelet transform, entropy and ACO algorithm. Forty images of the retina from DRIVE database were used to evaluate the performance of our method.
Verification in the Age of Microservices

Many large applications are now built using collections of microservices, each of which is deployed in isolated containers and which interact with each other through the use of remote procedure calls (RPCs). The use of microservices improves scalability -- each component of an application can be scaled independently -- and deployability. However, such applications are inherently distributed and current tools do not provide mechanisms to reason about and ensure their global behavior. In this paper we argue that recent advances in formal methods and software packet processing pave the path towards building mechanisms that can ensure correctness for such systems, both when they are being built and at runtime. These techniques impose minimal runtime overheads and are amenable to production deployments.
Analysis of Alternative Purification of Beta-Propiolactone Inactivated, Tangential Flow Filtration Concentrated Vero Cell Derived Rabies Vaccine

Rabies virus is a single stranded negative sense RNA virus that belongs to the genus lyssavirus of the rhabdoviridae family which causes an acute disease of vertebrate animals. In the production of vaccines, purification plays a crucial role in the vaccine efficacy. Viral inactivation and removal steps are critical parts in mammalian cell culture derived biotechnology products. Regulatory agencies are concerned with the presence of endogenous or adventitious agent in the cell lines or raw materials employed to manufacture pharmaceuticals protein from cell culture. Due to this, numerous techniques are affianced in the downstream processing of viral vaccines manufacturing especially chromatography. Advances in vaccine manufacturing have created an increasing demand for large volumes of highly purified viral antigens. Cellufine sulfate Chromatography which has been used for other viral vaccines of both animal and human, was used in this study for optimal recovery of valuable rabies viral protein and optimal removal of impurities such as residual cellular DNA and host cellular BSA successfully as a replacement of the existing zonal centrifuge method.
Cognitive Relay Networks: A Comprehensive Survey

Cognitive radio is an emerging technology to deal with the scarcity and requirement of radio spectrum by dynamically assigning spectrum to unlicensed user. This revolutionary technology shifts the paradigm in the wireless system design by allowing unlicensed user the ability to sense, adapt and share the dynamic spectrum. Cognitive radio technology applied to different networks and applications ranging from wireless to public safety, smart grid, medical, relay and cellular applications to increase the throughput and spectrum efficiency of network. Among these applications, cognitive relay networks is one of the famous application where cognitive radio technology is applied. Cognitive relay network increases the throughput of network by reducing the complete path loss and also by ensuring cooperation among secondary users and cooperation among primary and secondary users. In this paper, our aim is to provide a survey on cognitive relay network. We also provide a detailed review on existing schemes in cognitive relay networks on the basis of relaying protocol, relay cooperation and channel model. Received on 20 June 2015; accepted on 25 June 2015; published on 16 July 2015
Localization using infrared beacons

In this paper, we deal with a localization system allowing one to determine the position and orientation of a mobile robot. This system uses active beacons distributed at the ceiling of the navigation area. These beacons can transmit a coded infrared signal which allows the robots to identify the sender. A CCD camera associated to an infrared receiver allows one to compute the position with a triangulation method which needs reduced processing time. Calibration and correcting distortion stages are performed to improve accuracy in the determination of the position. Dynamic localisation is established for most actual mobile robots used in indoor areas.
Nucleosome Stability at the Yeast PHO5 and PHO8 Promoters Correlates with Differential Cofactor Requirements for Chromatin Opening

ABSTRACT The coregulated PHO5 and PHO8 genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae provide typical examples for the role of chromatin in promoter regulation. It has been a long-standing question why the cofactors Snf2 and Gcn5 are essential for full induction of PHO8 but dispensable for opening of the PHO5 promoter. We show that this discrepancy may result from different stabilities of the two promoter chromatin structures. To test this hypothesis, we used our recently established yeast extract in vitro chromatin assembly system, which generates the characteristic PHO5 promoter chromatin. Here we show that this system also assembles the native PHO8 promoter nucleosome pattern. Remarkably, the positioning information for both native patterns is specific to the yeast extract. Salt gradient dialysis or Drosophila embryo extract does not support proper nucleosome positioning unless supplemented with yeast extract. By competitive assemblies in the yeast extract system we show that the PHO8 promoter has greater nucleosome positioning power and that the properly positioned nucleosomes are more stable than those at the PHO5 promoter. Thus we provide evidence for the correlation of inherently more stable chromatin with stricter cofactor requirements.
Design of Metaheuristic Based on Machine Learning: A Unified Approach

In this work, a framework based on maximum likelihood estimation and mutual information is proposed to design a metaheuristic. A multilevel decomposition of metaheuristics is proposed that allow to have a unified vision on this optimization approach. Then, a new layer based on machine learning is added to take profit from the evolution of the algorithm to adapt it to the considered problem to alleviate users efforts interested in designing and implementing metaheuristics. In other terms, the goal is to proved an alternative to implement metaheuristics. Surprisingly, when results were compared to those of other classical metaheuristics, in most of cases the proposed approach provided good results.
16-Month-Olds Rationally Infer Causes of Failed Actions

Infants use statistical inference to decide what went wrong. Sixteen-month-old infants (N = 83) rationally used sparse data about the distribution of outcomes among agents and objects to solve a fundamental inference problem: deciding whether event outcomes are due to themselves or the world. When infants experienced failed outcomes, their causal attributions affected whether they sought help or explored.
Le tabac en France de 1940 à nos jours

Envahie par des volutes de fumee en 1950, la France est aujourd’hui en passe de devenir un pays non-fumeur. Le sevrage est encourage alors qu’hier, c’est la consommation qui l’etait. Comment est-on passe d’une France du tout tabac a une France de non-fumeurs ? Comment le SEITA, devenu la SEITA en 1980, unique fabricant national de tabac, a-t-il pu pendant des decennies promouvoir la cigarette, pour le plus grand profit du Tresor public, mais au risque de ruiner la sante de milliers de fumeurs ? Histoire d’une entreprise et d’un marche, histoire d’un produit de consommation des plus banals, ce livre est surtout l’histoire de l’apogee et du declin de la civilisation du tabac. La SEITA, instrument d’Etat qui a longtemps favorise la consommation, est confrontee a partir des annees 1970 au retournement de la demande sociale et a la naissance d’une politique de sante publique. Engagee dans la mondialisation, l’entreprise a utilise toutes les armes du marketing et de la publicite pour affronter les grands conglomerats anglo-saxons, jusqu’au moment ou elle a ete absorbee par l’un d’entre eux.