Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel genetic markers in the 5'-flanking region of ANKH are associated with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE To use a candidate gene approach for the identification of genetic markers that are significantly linked to and associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS We searched for novel polymorphisms in the ANKH gene (human homolog of the murine progressive ankylosis gene) and genotyped 2 polymorphic sites, one in the 5'-noncoding region and the other in the promoter region of ANKH, using DNA from affected (n = 273) and unaffected (n = 112) individuals from 124 AS families. We used these ANKH and other nearby polymorphisms to perform linkage and family-based association analyses. RESULTS We identified 2 novel polymorphic sites: one in the 5'-noncoding region of ANKH involving 1-2 copies of an 8-bp repeat (denoted as ANKH-OR), and the other in the promoter region involving different copy numbers of a triplet repeat (denoted as ANKH-TR). ANKH-OR and ANKH-TR were in complete linkage disequilibrium. Five markers (D5S1953, ANKH-TR, ANKH-OR, D5S1954, and D5S1963) were used for both the linkage and association analyses. Multipoint linkage analysis of 124 AS families showed a modest level of significance (nonparametric linkage score 2.15; P = 0.015) at the ANKH region. The contribution of ANKH to AS susceptibility (lambda(s)) was 1.9. A family-based association study on the same AS families revealed that both ANKH-OR allele 1 and ANKH-TR allele 7 were significantly associated with disease, assuming an additive model (for ANKH-OR allele 1, P = 0.03; for ANKH-TR allele 7, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that ANKH-OR and ANKH-TR are novel genetic markers that are significantly associated with AS.
Evidence for mora timing in Japanese.

Japanese has long been described as a "mora-timed" language by linguists. Japanese pedagogy has traditionally claimed that moras are constant in duration. Four experiments are reported investigating segmental timing in Japanese in order to test several straightforward hypotheses about mora timing. First, it is demonstrated that words with an increasing number of moras increase in duration by nearly constant increments. The next two experiments explored the mechanisms by which constant mora durations are achieved given that there are large universal differences in the inherent duration of various segment types (e.g., /u/vs/a/), and given that some syllables are supposed to be two mora long (such as, those with long vowels or final consonants). In each case, it was found that the duration of a word stays very close to a target duration that depends on the number of moras in it. This is achieved by stretching or compressing the duration of neighboring segments and adjacent moras. Thus increasing the number of segments in two-mora syllables results in lengthening, not the expected shortening, of other segments in the heavier syllable.
A method for measuring detailed demand for workers’ competences

Abstract There is an increasing need for analysing the demand for skills in the labour market. While most studies aggregate skills in groups or use available proxies for them, the authors analyse the demand by employers for individual competences. Such an analysis better reflects reality because companies usually require job candidates to have particular competences, rather than generally defined groups of skills. However, no method exists to analyse on a large scale which competences are required by employers. At a detailed level, there are hundreds of competences; thus, this demand cannot be measured in a sample survey. The authors propose a method for conducting a continuous and efficient analysis of the demand for competences of prospective employees. The method involves collecting online job offers and analysing them with data mining and text analysis tools. The authors use this method to analyse transversal competences in the Polish labour market. Their findings indicate that companies typically required only certain competences—especially ‘language and communication competences’—while neglecting others. The number of job candidate requirements was counter-cyclical. However, the structure of the competences demanded did not change during the analysed period.
The sclerosing glomerulus in mice and man: novel insights

Purpose of review Segmental glomerulosclerosis is the end-point of a series of processes with have podocyte damage as a common denominator. This review summarizes the important advances that have been made in the past 2 years leading to the comprehension of several molecular mechanisms of regulation of podocyte physiology and pathology. Recent findings From recent studies it has become clear that the dynamic cytoskeleton of podocyte foot processes has to be highly regulated to maintain cell shape and function. The importance of intracellular calcium in this process has started to be revealed, together with the channels and the organelles appointed to calcium entry and buffering. Novel data highlight the centrality and the complexity of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathways, which are implicated in the regulation of autophagy. Similarities between podocytes and neuronal cells have been extended to the process of dynamin-regulated endocytosis, and further data in mice and humans provide support to the idea that podocytes can be directly targeted by old and new drugs. Summary Research is bringing numerous advances regarding the role of podocytes in the development of glomerulosclerosis, which can lead to novel and specific therapeutic approaches, as well as to a more rational use of drugs already in use. Consequently, renal biopsy becomes the indispensable instrument not only for diagnosis but also to precisely detect molecular therapeutic targets and guide personalized therapy.
Serpulina pilosicoli, waterbirds and water: potential sources of infection for humans and other animals

Serpulina pilosicoli was isolated from 8 of 43 (19%) faecal specimens obtained from feral waterbirds sampled around a small lake at Perth Zoological Gardens, Western Australia, and from 3 of 7 (43%) samples of the lake water. The organism was only isolated from 1 of 204 (0·5%) samples from captive birds and animals in the zoological collection. Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis analysis of the isolates showed that they were genetically diverse, and none had identical electrophoretic profiles as those previously obtained from human beings, dogs, pigs and other avian species. To determine the survival time of S. pilosicoli in water, cells of strain 1648 were seeded into lake and tap water, and incubated at 4, 25 and 37°C. The organism could be recultured from lake water for up to 66 days at 4°C, and for 4 days at 25°C. A healthy human volunteer who drank water seeded with S. pilosicoli strain Wes B became colonized, and developed abdominal discomfort and headaches. Contamination of water by faeces may represent a source of S. pilosicoli infection for both humans and animals.
Effects of combining high- and low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on upper limb hemiparesis in the early phase of stroke.

BACKGROUND Both high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) and low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS) are reported to benefit upper limb motor function rehabilitation in patients with stroke. However, the efficacy of combining LF- and HF-rTMS (LF-HF rTMS) has not been adequately explored, especially in the early phase of stroke. OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of LF- and LF-HF rTMS on the upper limb motor function in the early phase post stroke. METHODS Sixty-two patients were randomly assigned to three groups: LF-rTMS group (1 Hz rTMS to the contralesional hemisphere), LF-HF rTMS group (1 Hz rTMS to the contralesional hemisphere followed by 10 Hz rTMS to the lesional hemisphere) and sham group. The patients received the same conventional rehabilitation accompanied with sessions of rTMS for 15 consecutive days. The upper limb motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) before the first session, after the last session, and at 3 months after the last session. RESULTS All patients finished the study without any adverse reaction. Three groups exhibited improvement in terms of the FMA score and the log WMFT time at the end of the treatment and 3 months later. Better improvement was found in the LF-HF rTMS group than in the LF-rTMS and sham groups. CONCLUSION The results indicated that both LF- and LF-HF rTMS were effective in promoting upper limb motor recovery in patients with acute stroke. Combining HF- and LF-rTMS protocol in the present study is tolerable and more beneficial for motor improvement than the unilateral use of LF-rTMS alone.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOCRINE CELLS TO GASTRIC EPITHELIAL CHANGES WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO GASTRIC CANCER

Using advanced gastric adenocarcinoma and carcinoid as human material and gastric adenocarcinoma in rats induced by MNNG and in mice by localized X‐irradiation of the stomach as experimental material, a pathological study was made on the relationship of gastric endocrine cells to gastric cancer. The results of the present study suggest that most of the endocrine cells in the cancer tissue are derived from the didte rentiation of cancer cells. Therefore, the following three may be given as the aformentioned relationship, that is, 1) carcinoid of endocrine cell origin, 2) endocrine cell carcinoma showing undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, and 3) endocrine cell cloning developed from the differentiation of cancer cell of adenocarcinoma. There is the possibility that most of 2) are of 3) origin and thus 2) and 3) should be discriminated from 1), having a functioning tumor in rare cases. The significance of reactive hyperplasia of endocrine cells in the non‐metaplastic mucosa of the stomach around cancer and atypical epithelium is not yet determined, but that of EC cell seems at least to be related with the development of intestinal metaplasia in the gastric mucosa.
Factors Improving the Vibration Transfer of the Floating Mass Transducer at the Round Window

Objectives: With the placement of a floating mass transducer (FMT) at the round window, a new approach of coupling an implantable hearing system to the cochlea has been introduced. The aim of the present experimental study is to examine the influence of different ways of FMT placement at the round window on the vibration energy transfer to the cochlea. Material and Methods: Experiments were performed on 8 ears of human whole head specimens. A mastoidectomy and facial recess approach were performed to access the middle ear structures. Seven different conditions were compared, that is, a perpendicular or 90-degree rotated position of the FMT in the round window niche, overlaid or underlaid with connective tissue or with tight fixation and disrupted ossicular chain. The FMT was stimulated electrically and the movements at the FMT, the stapes head, and the promontory were measured using laser Doppler vibrometry. Results: Vibration transmission to the cochlear fluids was best with the FMT placed perpendicular to the round window membrane and underlaid with connective tissue. The energy transfer to the inner ear was up to 45 dB higher compared with tight fixation condition, where the poorest energy transfer was found. Underlaying the FMT with connective tissue improved energy transfer even for a suboptimal orientation of the FMT. Conclusion: The way of coupling of the FMT to the round window has a substantial influence on the vibration transmission. Energy transfer to the inner ear is highest with the FMT placed in the round window and underlaid with tissue.
Tumor Cell Binding and Induction of Endothelial Cell Tumoricidal Activity In Vitro by Muramyl Dipeptide Is Enhanced by Liposomal Encapsulation

We investigated the ability of phosphatidylcholine (PC):phosphatidylserine (PS) liposomes containing muramyl dipeptide (MDP) to enhance tumor cell binding and induction of vascular endothelial cell tumoricidal activity in vitro against syngeneic B16-BL6 melanoma tumor cells. Endothelial cell-liposome interaction was influenced by the proportion of PS in the liposome and the length of fatty acid chain of PC. Optimum phagocytosis occurred with multilamellar liposomes (mean diameter 0.8 μm) composed of distearoylphos-phatidylecholine (DSPC):PS, 1:1 molar ratio. Hydrosoluble MDP stimulated endothelial cell binding of tumor cells in the dose range 10–100 g/ml. Lipo-some-incorporated MDP or liposomes containing the lipophilic MDP prodrug MDP-glyceroyl dipalmitate (GDP) significantly enhanced tumor cell binding in the dose range 0.01–1 μg/ml. MDP, MDP-containing liposomes, or liposomal MDP-GDP induced endothelial cell tumoricidal activity against B16-BL6 tumor cells with relative potencies of 1.0, 10, and 500, respectively. MDP or liposomal MDP did not induce or enhance endothelial cell nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity (as determined by NO2 production) in the absence or presence of interferon-τ (IFN-τ) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), respectively, indicating the induction of an NO-independent cytotoxic mechanism.
Biomarkers of Space Radiation Risk

Abstract Durante, M. Biomarkers of Space Radiation Risk. Radiat. Res. 164, 467–473 (2005). Radiation risk estimates are based on epidemiological data obtained on Earth for cohorts exposed predominantly to acute doses of γ rays, and the extrapolation to the space environment is highly problematic and error-prone. The uncertainty can be reduced if risk estimates are compared directly to space radiation-induced biological alterations, i.e. by detecting biomarkers in astronauts. Chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes are the only biomarker that can provide simultaneous information on dose, dose equivalent and risk, and they have been measured extensively in astronauts during the past 10 years. Individual relative risks calculated from chromosomal aberration measurements in crew members after single space missions in low-Earth orbit fall in the same range as the estimates derived from physical dosimetry, suggesting that the current system for radiogenic risk evaluation is essentially sound. However, the output of the biomarker test is dependent upon the sampling time. Recent results show a fast time-dependent decay of chromosomal aberrations in blood lymphocytes after space flight and a lack of correlation between translocations and cumulative dose in astronauts involved in two to five space missions. This “time factor” may reflect individual variability and time dependence in the risk produced by exposure to cosmic radiation during the flight. Biomarkers may be superior to dose in predicting space radiation risk, pending technical improvements in sensitivity, and validation by epidemiological studies.
Insight into the evolution of avian flight from a new clade of Early Cretaceous ornithurines from China and the morphology of Yixianornis grabaui

In studies of the evolution of avian flight there has been a singular preoccupation with unravelling its origin. By contrast, the complex changes in morphology that occurred between the earliest form of avian flapping flight and the emergence of the flight capabilities of extant birds remain comparatively little explored. Any such work has been limited by a comparative paucity of fossils illuminating bird evolution near the origin of the clade of extant (i.e. ‘modern’) birds (Aves). Here we recognize three species from the Early Cretaceous of China as comprising a new lineage of basal ornithurine birds. Ornithurae is a clade that includes, approximately, comparatively close relatives of crown clade Aves (extant birds) and that crown clade. The morphology of the best‐preserved specimen from this newly recognized Asian diversity, the holotype specimen of Yixianornis grabaui Zhou and Zhang 2001, complete with finely preserved wing and tail feather impressions, is used to illustrate the new insights offered by recognition of this lineage. Hypotheses of avian morphological evolution and specifically proposed patterns of change in different avian locomotor modules after the origin of flight are impacted by recognition of the new lineage. The complete articulated holotype specimen of Yixianornis grabaui, from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Liaoning Province, in north‐eastern China, arguably the best‐preserved basal ornithurine specimen yet discovered, provides the earliest evidence consistent with the presence of extant avian tail feather fanning.
Analysing the Influence of Health Insurance Status on Peoples' Health Seeking Behaviour in Rural Ghana

This paper examines the influence of health insurance status on healthcare use in rural Ghana using 286 sampled respondents from four rural communities in the Bekwai Municipality. Data were obtained using structured interview and Pearson's Chi square and bivariate regressions were used to analyse data. The results show low healthcare utilization among study participants, with most respondents having irregular use (43.5%) or rare use (43.3%). Respondents with health insurance utilized healthcare more than those without health insurance, the results being statistically significant (df = 4; n = 283, p = 0.000). The bivariate analysis revealed that health insurance status has a positive and significant influence on utilization (β = 1.284; p value = 0.000). The study recommends promotion and improvement of services of the National Health Insurance Scheme as effective strategy to improve healthcare consumption by the rural people. The expansion of health insurance services to all sections of the population is also recommended.
Designing Curricular Games

Most teachers only dream of their students spending the amount of motivation, attention, passion, and critical thinking on their classes that some do playing video games. Many teachers have thought “How can I compete with that? ” as they confiscate a hand-held gaming device from a student. However, more and more teachers are incorporating video games into their curriculum, instead of banning them. This chapter argues that it is not just video games that can transform teaching, video game techniques can as well. By using video game design principles such as game stories and quests, teachers can restructure their teaching so students do not just learn the curriculum, they experience it. This chapter explores the research on using game-based teaching and learning with the Next Generation including how game-based teaching can be used to achieve 21st century goals as outlined by business leaders within 21st century educational constraints.
Phosphatase activity in rat adipocytes: effects of insulin and insulin resistance

Insulin regulates the activity of both protein kinases and phosphatases. Little is known concerning the subcellular effects of insulin on phosphatase activity and how it is affected by insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine insulin‐stimulated subcellular changes in phosphatase activity and how they are affected by insulin resistance. We used an in vitro fatty acid (palmitate) induced insulin resistance model, differential centrifugation to fractionate rat adipocytes, and a malachite green phosphatase assay using peptide substrates to measure enzyme activity. Overall, insulin alone had no effect on adipocyte tyrosine phosphatase activity; however, subcellularly, insulin increased plasma membrane adipocyte tyrosine phosphatase activity 78 ± 26% (n = 4, P < 0.007), and decreased high‐density microsome adipocyte tyrosine phosphatase activity 42 ± 13% (n = 4, P < 0.005). Although insulin resistance induced specific changes in basal tyrosine phosphatase activity, insulin‐stimulated changes were not significantly altered by insulin resistance. Insulin‐stimulated overall serine/threonine phosphatase activity by 16 ± 5% (n = 4, P < 0.005), which was blocked in insulin resistance. Subcellularly, insulin increased plasma membrane and crude nuclear fraction serine/threonine phosphatase activities by 59 ± 19% (n = 4, P < 0.005) and 21 ± 7% (n = 4, P < 0.007), respectively. This increase in plasma membrane fractions was inhibited 23 ± 7% (n = 4, P < 0.05) by palmitate. Furthermore, insulin increased cytosolic protein phosphatase‐1 (PP‐1) activity 160 ± 50% (n = 3, P < 0.015), and palmitate did not significantly reduce this activity. However, palmitate did reduce insulin‐treated low‐density microsome protein phosphatase‐1 activity by 28 ± 6% (n = 3, P < 0.04). Insulin completely inhibited protein phosphatase‐2A activity in the cytosol and increased crude nuclear fraction protein phosphatase‐2A activity 70 ± 29% (n = 3, P < 0.038). Thus, the major effects of insulin on phosphatase activity in adipocytes are to increase plasma membrane tyrosine and serine/threonine phosphatase, crude nuclear fraction protein phosphatase‐2A, and cytosolic protein phosphatase‐1 activities, while inhibiting cytosolic protein phosphatase‐2A. Insulin resistance was characterized by reduced insulin‐stimulated serine/threonine phosphatase activity in the plasma membrane and low‐density microsomes. Specific changes in phosphatase activity may be related to the development of insulin resistance. J. Cell. Biochem. 77:445–454, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Multi-Objective Collaborative Planning Strategy for Integrated Power Distribution and Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

An elaborately designed integrated power distribution and electric vehicle (EV) charging system will not only reduce the investment and operation cost of the system concerned, but also promote the popularization of environmentally friendly EVs. In this context, a multi-objective collaborative planning strategy is presented to deal with the optimal planning issue in integrated power distribution and EV charging systems. In the developed model, the overall annual cost of investment and energy losses is minimized simultaneously with the maximization of the annual traffic flow captured by fast charging stations (FCSs). Additionally, the user equilibrium based traffic assignment model (UETAM) is integrated to address the maximal traffic flow capturing problem. Subsequently, a decomposition based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA/D) is employed to seek the non-dominated solutions, i.e., the Pareto frontier. Finally, collaborative planning results of two coupled distribution and transportation systems are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed model and solution method.
Ischemic preconditioning protects right ventricular function in coronary artery bypass grafting patients experiencing angina within 48-72 hours.

BACKGROUND To test whether ischemic preconditioning (IP) is able to protect the myocardium in recently unstable CABG patients. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN prospective, randomised, controlled clinical study. SETTING University Hospital. PATIENTS Forty CABG patients with recent unstable angina were randomised into an IP group (n=20) and a control group (n=20). Subgroup was divided based on the time of the most recent ischemia onset before the operation. INTERVENTION The IP group was preconditioned with 2 cycles of 2-min ischemia followed by 3-min reperfusion before cross clamping. MEASURES Hemodynamic data were monitored till the 1st POD. Biochemical markers were measured till the 2nd POD. RESULTS There were no differences in cardiac index (Cl) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in patients experiencing angina within 48 hours prior to operation. The percentage changes in CI and RVEF at 1 hour after declamping were significantly better in the IP group in patients experienced angina within 48-72 hours (106% vs 88% of baseline, p=0.027 and 103% vs 81% of baseline, p=0.023). No difference in postoperative cardiac troponin I (CTnI) and CK-MB was found between the IP and controls in either subgroup. CONCLUSIONS IP has a beneficial effect on global and right ventricular hemodynamic functional recovery in unstable CABG patients experiencing angina within 48-72 hours prior to the operation. However, IP has no additional protective effects in unstable CABG patients who experience angina within 48 hours.