Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Air Pollution on Preterm Birth Among Children Born in Southern California Between 1989 and 1993

We evaluated the effect of air pollution exposure during pregnancy on the occurrence of preterm birth in a cohort of 97,518 neonates born in Southern California. We used measurements of carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter less than 10 &mgr;m (PM10) collected at 17 air-quality-monitoring stations to create average exposure estimates for periods of pregnancy. We calculated crude and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) for premature birth by period-specific ambient pollution levels. We observed a 20% increase in preterm birth per 50-&mgr;g increase in ambient PM10 levels averaged over 6 weeks before birth [RRcrude = 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.33] and a 16% increase when averaging over the first month of pregnancy (RRcrude = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.06–1.26). PM10 effects showed no regional pattern. CO exposure 6 weeks before birth consistently exhibited an effect only for the inland regions (RRcrude= 1.13; 95% CI = 1.08–1.18 per 3 parts per million), and during the first month of pregnancy, the effect was weak for all stations (RRcrude = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.01–1.09 per 3 parts per million). Exposure to increased levels of ambient PM10 and possibly CO during pregnancy may contribute to the occurrence of preterm births in Southern California.
The Weddell Gyre, Southern Ocean: Present Knowledge and Future Challenges

The Weddell Gyre (WG) is one of the main oceanographic features of the Southern Ocean south of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current which plays an influential role in global ocean circulation as well as gas exchange with the atmosphere. We review the state‐of‐the art knowledge concerning the WG from an interdisciplinary perspective, uncovering critical aspects needed to understand this system's role in shaping the future evolution of oceanic heat and carbon uptake over the next decades. The main limitations in our knowledge are related to the conditions in this extreme and remote environment, where the polar night, very low air temperatures, and presence of sea ice year‐round hamper field and remotely sensed measurements. We highlight the importance of winter and under‐ice conditions in the southern WG, the role that new technology will play to overcome present‐day sampling limitations, the importance of the WG connectivity to the low‐latitude oceans and atmosphere, and the expected intensification of the WG circulation as the westerly winds intensify. Greater international cooperation is needed to define key sampling locations that can be visited by any research vessel in the region. Existing transects sampled since the 1980s along the Prime Meridian and along an East‐West section at ~62°S should be maintained with regularity to provide answers to the relevant questions. This approach will provide long‐term data to determine trends and will improve representation of processes for regional, Antarctic‐wide, and global modeling efforts—thereby enhancing predictions of the WG in global ocean circulation and climate.
MOLECULAR LINE OBSERVATIONS OF INFRARED DARK CLOUDS. II. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Using a source selection biased toward high-mass star-forming regions, we used a large velocity gradient code to calculate the H2 densities and CS column densities for a sample of Midcourse Space Experiment 8 μm infrared dark cores. Our average H2 density and CS column density were 1.14 × 106cm−3 and 1.21 × 1013 cm−2, respectively. In addition, we have calculated the Jeans mass and Virial mass for each core to get a better understanding of their gravitational stability. We found that core masses calculated from observations of N2H+ J = 1→0 and C18O J = 1→0 by Ragan et al. (Paper I) were sufficient for collapse, though most regions are likely to form protoclusters. We have explored the star-forming properties of the molecular gas within our sample and find some diversity which extends the range of infrared dark clouds from the very massive clouds that will create large clusters, to clouds that are similar to some of our local counterparts (e.g., Serpens, Ophiuchus).
Molecular position of radiolabels and its impact on functional integrity of proteins.

Therapy control is one of the main areas of interest during the follow-up of cancer patients. This information is currently acquired by a series of conventional investigations, including morphologic changes, symptomatic responses, and clinical chemistry. Techniques such as radiography, CT, sonography, and MRI are imaging techniques that cover the extent and morphology of tumor masses and, to some degree, alterations in tumor perfusion. In contrast, nuclear medicine has at its disposal a series of radiopharmaceuticals that are successfully used for the assessment of the therapy response. Among these agents,
PET Measurement of Renal GFR: Is there a role in Nuclear Medicine

The article by Wakabayashi and colleagues (1) describes the evaluation and potential use of fluorine 18 fluorodeoxy sorbitol as a potential PET agent, which can be used for the measurement of glomerular filtration rate. There is good reason to consider the possible use of a GFR agent in renal nuclear medicine. The standard of measurement of renal function used by the urologist and nephrologist is the GFR. Currently this is estimated using serum creatinine and creatinine estimated renal function, which is inaccurate and does not provide any information about individual renal function. (2) Most of the attention of investigators in renal nuclear medicine in recent years has been directed towards agents that measure tubular function and effective renal plasma flow rather than GFR. This effort has been spearheaded by Dr. Andrew Taylor and colleagues who have introduced several compounds in recent years that are promising and have a high renal extraction (3). The advantage of an agent that is extracted to a high extent by the tubules for imaging with a SPECT camera is significant. GFR agents are only extracted to the extent of about 20 or 25% of the amount in the blood and therefore background activity is very high during imaging from a variety of tissues in and around the kidneys. Gamma camera evaluation of renal function with agents that are extracted by the tubules and that approximate the effective renal plasma flow is easier and background activity is reduced thereby reducing the expected error in calculation of renal function. A number of approaches have been advocated to correct for this background activity but none eliminate the problem 100% and none can be proven to be correct with the current methodology in place (4). There are several advantages to a PET agent in this situation. It is possible using PET to provide tomographic images of the kidney and virtually eliminate contributions to background from surrounding organs including the liver and spleen and major blood vessels. There still remains the problem of correcting for activity that is in the renal blood stream and has not actually been extracted by the kidney. In a highly vascular organ such as the kidney this is a significant problem but one that could potentially be overcome once attention can be directed toward the intrarenal background alone and the problem of the overlying organs is eliminated.
In vitro manipulation of gene expression in larval Schistosoma: a model for postgenomic approaches in Trematoda

SUMMARY With rapid developments in DNA and protein sequencing technologies, combined with powerful bioinformatics tools, a continued acceleration of gene identification in parasitic helminths is predicted, potentially leading to discovery of new drug and vaccine targets, enhanced diagnostics and insights into the complex biology underlying host-parasite interactions. For the schistosome blood flukes, with the recent completion of genome sequencing and comprehensive transcriptomic datasets, there has accumulated massive amounts of gene sequence data, for which, in the vast majority of cases, little is known about actual functions within the intact organism. In this review we attempt to bring together traditional in vitro cultivation approaches and recent emergent technologies of molecular genomics, transcriptomics and genetic manipulation to illustrate the considerable progress made in our understanding of trematode gene expression and function during development of the intramolluscan larval stages. Using several prominent trematode families (Schistosomatidae, Fasciolidae, Echinostomatidae), we have focused on the current status of in vitro larval isolation/cultivation as a source of valuable raw material supporting gene discovery efforts in model digeneans that include whole genome sequencing, transcript and protein expression profiling during larval development, and progress made in the in vitro manipulation of genes and their expression in larval trematodes using transgenic and RNA interference (RNAi) approaches.
Novel surfactant mixtures for NMR spectroscopy of encapsulated proteins dissolved in low‐viscosity fluids

NMR spectroscopy of encapsulated proteins dissolved in low‐viscosity fluids is emerging as a tool for biophysical studies of proteins in atomic detail in a variety of otherwise inaccessible contexts. The central element of the approach is the encapsulation of the protein of interest within the aqueous core of a reverse micelle with high structural fidelity. The process of encapsulation is highly dependent upon the nature of the surfactant(s) employed. Here we describe novel mixtures of surfactants that are capable of successfully encapsulating a range of types of proteins under a variety of conditions.
Game Theory Based Energy-Aware Uplink Resource Allocation in OFDMA Femtocell Networks

Femtocell is a promising technique not only in operator networks but also in having potential applications for industrial wireless sensor networks. In this paper, we investigate energy efficient uplink power control and subchannel allocation in two-tier femtocell networks. Taking transmit power and circuit power into account, we model the power control and subchannel allocation problem as a supermodular game to maximize energy efficiency of femtocell users. To reduce the cochannel interference from femtousers to neighboring femtocells and macrocells, we introduce a convex pricing scheme to curb their selfish behavior. We decompose the resource allocation problem into two subproblems, that is, a distributed subchannel allocation scheme and a distributed power control scheme to reduce costs and complexity. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can improve user utilities significantly, compared with existing power control and subchannel allocation algorithms.
3D mobile interactions for public displays

We propose the use of 3D mobile interactions as a way to give public displays viewers (users) new ways to collaborate among them with the public display. Getting and maintaining the user attention is one of the main struggles of public displays but previous research has shown that collaboration among viewers are able to engage users with public displays more. Our proposed 3D mobile interactions for public displays utilize mobile devices as 3D user interfaces to facilitate the use of the user's natural skills to control 3D content. The 3D content can also be positioned outside the public display, which let us explore new interaction techniques. We present a prototype of our 3D mobile interaction that demonstrates the proposed interaction as well as describes one of the use case scenarios.
The structure of the mouse glutathione peroxidase gene: the selenocysteine in the active site is encoded by the ‘termination’ codon, TGA.

Glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) is an important selenium‐containing enzyme which protects cells from peroxide damage and also has a role in leukotriene formation. We report the identification of a genomic recombinant as encoding the entire mouse GSHPx gene. Surprisingly, the selenocysteine in the active site of the enzyme is encoded by TGA: this has been confirmed by primer extension/dideoxy sequencing experiments using reticulocyte mRNA. The same site of transcription initiation is used in three tissues in which the GSHPx mRNA is expressed at high levels (erythroblast, liver and kidney). Like some other regulated ‘house‐keeping’ genes, the GSHPx gene has Sp1 binding site consensus sequences but no ‘ATA’ and ‘CAAT’ consensus sequences upstream of the transcription initiation site. Moreover, there is a cluster of two Sp1 binding site consensus sequences and two SV40 core enhancer sequences in the 3′ region of the gene, close to the previously mapped position of a DNase I‐hypersensitive site found only in tissues expressing the GSHPx mRNA at high levels.
Determining key predictors influencing intention to use electric vehicles in Malaysia

The purpose of this paper is to conduct an investigation into the key factors influencing the intention to use electric vehicles in Malaysia. An empirical study using a survey questionnaire distributed to a judgment sampling of 350 drivers within Selangor and Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya). A research model based on the framework of Theory of Planned Behavior was proposed to realize the objective of the study. Linear regression-stepwise technique was used to test the research hypotheses of this study. The result indicated that the intention to use electric vehicles in Malaysia can be explained by environmental concern, consumer knowledge, psychological benefits and demographics. This paper is a useful source of information on the consumer intention for automotive players planning to market electric vehicles in Malaysia. It offers practical guidelines for formulation of marketing strategies that will address the real wants and needs of their future clients. Policy makers should address the appropriate intervention and policy to encourage the growth of electric vehicles in Malaysia as part of the strategy to increase energy efficiency and to reduce emissions and the reliance on fossil fuel within the transportation sector. Future study should be expanded to others cities to improve representation of respondents within Malaysia and more factors that might influence the intention to use to be further explored.
Behavioral Confirmation of Everyday Sadism

Past research on socially aversive personalities has focused on subclinical psychopathy, subclinical narcissism, and Machiavellianism—the “Dark Triad” of personality. In the research reported here, we evaluated whether an everyday form of sadism should be added to that list. Acts of apparent cruelty were captured using two laboratory procedures, and we showed that such behavior could be predicted with two measures of sadistic personality. Study 1 featured a bug-killing paradigm. As expected, sadists volunteered to kill bugs at greater rates than did nonsadists. Study 2 examined willingness to harm an innocent victim. When aggression was easy, sadism and Dark Triad measures predicted unprovoked aggression. However, only sadists were willing to work for the opportunity to hurt an innocent person. In both studies, sadism emerged as an independent predictor of behavior reflecting an appetite for cruelty. Together, these findings support the construct validity of everyday sadism and its incorporation into a new “Dark Tetrad” of personality.
Cooperative Stimulation of Megakaryocytic Differentiation by Gfi1b Gene Targets Kindlin3 and Talin1

Understanding the production and differentiation of megakaryocytes from progenitors is crucial for realizing the biology and functions of these vital cells. Previous gene ablation studies demonstrated the essential role of the transcriptional repressor Gfi1b (growth factor independence 1b) in the generation of both erythroid and megakaryocytic cells. However, our recent work has demonstrated the down-regulation of this factor during megakaryocytic differentiation. In this study we identify two new gene targets of Gfi1b, the cytoskeletal proteins Kindlin3 and Talin1, and demonstrate the inverse expression and functions of these cytoskeletal targets relative to Gfi1b, during megakaryocytic differentiation. Both kindlin3 and talin1 promoters exhibit dose dependent Gfi1b and LSD1 (lysine specific demethylase 1; a Gfi1b cofactor) enrichment in megakaryocytes and repression in non-hematopoietic cells. Accordingly the expression of these genes is elevated in gfi1b mutant and LSD1 inhibited hematopoietic cells, while during megakaryocytic differentiation, declining Gfi1b levels fostered the reciprocal upregulation of these cytoskeletal factors. Concordantly, manipulation of Kindlin3 and Talin1 expression demonstrated positive correlation with megakaryocytic differentiation with over-expression stimulating, and inhibition diminishing, this process. Co-operativity between these factors and integrins in promoting differentiation was further underscored by physical interactions between them and integrinβ3/CD61 and by stimulation of differentiation by the Talin1 head domain, which is necessary and sufficient for integrin activation. Therefore this study demonstrates the significance of Gfi1b regulated Kindlin3-Talin1 expression in driving megakaryocytic differentiation and highlights the contribution of cytoskeletal agents in the developmental progression of these platelet progenitors.
Mutations in the Endodomain of Sindbis Virus Glycoprotein E2 Define Sequences Critical for Virus Assembly

ABSTRACT Envelopment of Sindbis virus at the plasma membrane is a multistep process in which an initial step is the association of the E2 protein via a cytoplasmic endodomain with the preassembled nucleocapsid. Sindbis virus is vectored in nature by blood-sucking insects and grows efficiently in a number of avian and mammalian vertebrate hosts. The assembly of Sindbis virus, therefore, must occur in two very different host cell environments. Mammalian cells contain cholesterol which insect membranes lack. This difference in membrane composition may be critical in determining what requirements are placed on the E2 tail for virus assembly. To examine the interaction between the E2 tail and the nucleocapsid in Sindbis virus, we have produced substitutions and deletions in a region of the E2 tail (E2 amino acids 408 to 415) that is initially integrated into the endoplasmic reticulum. This sequence was identified as being critical for nucleocapsid binding in an in vitro peptide protection assay. The effects of these mutations on virus assembly and function were determined in both vertebrate and invertebrate cells. Amino acid substitutions (at positions E2: 408, 410, 411, and 413) reduced infectious virus production in a position-dependent fashion but were not efficient in disrupting assembly in mammalian cells. Deletions in the E2 endodomain (Δ406-407, Δ409-411, and Δ414-417) resulted in the failure to assemble virions in mammalian cells. Electron microscopy of BHK cells transfected with these mutants revealed assembly of nucleocapsids that failed to attach to membranes. However, introduction of these deletion mutants into insect cells resulted in the assembly of virus-like particles but no assayable infectivity. These data help define protein interactions critical for virus assembly and suggest a fundamental difference between Sindbis virus assembly in mammalian and insect cells.
KILETM total ankle arthroplasty : Clinical and CT scan analysis f periprosthetic cysts

Introduction: Despite good clinical results following total ankle replacement (TAR), the development of large periprosthetic cysts (> 400 mm2) in the medium-term is a source of concern. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to detect any large periprosthetic cysts in a cohort of AKILETM patients using radiographs and CT scans, and then to compare these findings to published ones. Material and methods: A total of 127 TAR procedures were performed between June 1995 and January 2012. We retrospectively reviewed 68 cases with the newest AKILETM implant design that had a minimum follow-up of 36 months. The average follow-up was 81 ± 33 months; eight patients were lost to follow-up. The outcomes consisted of analyzing radiographs (A/P and lateral weight bearing views, Meary view and lateral views of flexion/extension) and helical CT scans, performing clinical evaluations (range of motion, AOFAS score, Foot Function Index, pain levels) and determining the survivorship of TAR implants. Results: TAR survival at 5 years was 79% for in situ implants and 62% for revision-free implants. The AOFAS score improved from 33.7 ± 14.7 to 77.1 ± 15.1 (out of 100) and the pain sub-score was 30.2 ± 9.7 (out of 40) at the last follow-up. The average ankle range of motion was 32.3◦ ± 12.7◦ on the radiographs. CT scan revealed Type A cysts (< 200 mm2) under the talar implant in 52% of cases and in the tibia in 50% of cases; these cysts were smaller than 100 mm2 in 80% of cases and had no effect on the implants. No periprosthetic cysts larger than 400 mm2 in size were identified. Discussion: The medium-term functional results and survivorship are comparable to those reported for other TAR designs. The incidence of cysts was low overall and there were no large-diameter cysts, which should improve long-term survival. The implant’s design and materials likely played a role in preserving the periprosthetic bone stock. The AKILETM TAR has distinctive features related to the low rate of large periprosthetic cysts in the medium-term. Level of evidence: IV (retrospective case series). © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Binding kinetics and mechanism of action: toward the discovery and development of better and best in class drugs

Binding kinetics (BK), an often overlooked key aspect of the broader concept of drug mechanism of action (MOA), is increasingly recognized as a springboard from pharmacokinetics (PK) to pharmacodynamics, and as a critical differentiator and predictor for drug efficacy and safety. Just as greater attention to PK issues has helped reduce the attrition of drugs tested in clinical trials, the emerging paradigm shift from primarily affinity/potency-emphasized to a more holistic BK-perceptive and MOA-informed approach is expected to further enhance the success of drug discovery and development. This perspective attempts to envision what this new approach looks like when proper emphasis is placed on BK and MOA in designing better and best in class drugs.
NMED-T: A Tempo-Focused Dataset of Cortical and Behavioral Responses to Naturalistic Music

Understanding human perception of music is foundational to many research topics in Music Information Retrieval (MIR). While the field of MIR has shown a rising interest in the study of brain responses, access to data remains an obstacle. Here we introduce the Naturalistic Music EEG Dataset—Tempo (NMED-T), an open dataset of electrophysiological and behavioral responses collected from 20 participants who heard a set of 10 commercially available musical works. Song stimuli span various genres and tempos, and all contain electronically produced beats in duple meter. Preprocessed and aggregated responses include dense-array EEG and sensorimotor synchronization (tapping) responses, behavioral ratings of the songs, and basic demographic information. These data, along with illustrative analysis code, are published in Matlab format. Raw EEG and tapping data are also made available. In this paper we describe the construction of the dataset, present results from illustrative analyses, and document the format and attributes of the published data. This dataset facilitates reproducible research in neuroscience and cognitive MIR, and points to several possible avenues for future studies on human processing of naturalistic music.