Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a major gene for bone mineral density/content in human pedigrees identified via probands with extreme bone mineral density

Bone mineral content (BMC) and/or bone mineral density (BMD, i.e. BMC scaled by bone size) are major determinants for osteoporosis, which is a serious health problem. The major determinant of variation in BMD/BMC is genetic. The few studies now available are inconsistent in the identification and/or even in the existence of major gene(s) for BMD/BMC. In 51 human pedigrees with 941 individuals (526 measured for phenotypes) identified via probands with extreme BMD values, we performed complex segregation analyses to test the existence of a genetic locus with a major effect on BMD/BMC variation. We analyzed BMD and BMC at the spine, hip and wrist jointly by employing, as the study phenotype, factor scores (FS) of the principle component that explains ∼75% of the total BMD/BMC variation at the three sites. The results indicate that a major gene exists with a codominant effect that is responsible for ∼16% of the FS variation when adjusted for significant effects of sex, body weight and age. A significant genotype‐×‐sex‐×‐age interaction was found, which may explain ∼14% of the FS variation after adjusting for body weight. Testing of various models did not provide support for shared familial environmental effects but suggested the existence of residual polygenic effects, which may explain ∼50% of the FS variation when adjusting for sex, body weight and age. This study indicates a promising aspect of studies to identify a major gene for BMD/BMC variation in our pedigrees identified via extreme probands.
Optically controlled phase-shifter based on gaps on microstrip line

An optically controlled phase-shifter has been designed taking benefit of high resistive silicon photo-absorption at 843 nm. Phase-shift of 85/spl deg/ has been achieved in the frequency range 18 GHz-28 GHz under very low optical power while the magnitude remains practically constant. Physical and electromagnetic modelling has been performed to explain optically controlled microwave effects in these microstrip structures.
An Optimal Time-Power Tradeoff for Sorting on a Mesh-Connected Computer with On-Chip Optics

Energy consumption has become a critical factor constraining the design of massively parallel computers, necessitating the development of new models and energy-efficient algorithms. The primary component of on-chip energy consumption is data movement, and the mesh computer is a natural model of this, explicitly taking distance into account. Unfortunately the dark silicon problem increasingly constrains the number of bits which can be moved simultaneously. For sorting, standard mesh algorithms minimize time and total data movement, and hence constraining the mesh to use only half its processors at any instant must double the time. It is anticipated that on-chip optics will be used to minimize the energy needed to move bits, but they have constraints on their layout. In an abstract model, we show that a pyramidal layout and a new power-aware algorithm allows one to sort with only a square root increase in time as the fraction of processors simultaneously powered decreases. Furthermore, this layout is shown to be optimal in terms of the time-power tradeoff required for sorting. Previous algorithms assumed fully powered systems, hence pyramid sorting was of no interest since when fully powered they are no faster than the base mesh. Our results show asymptotic theoretical limits of computation and energy usage on a model which takes physical constraints and developing interconnection technology into account. Â
A Comparative Analysis of Maritime Universities Websites

Nowadays, the Internet, i.e. its leading services like the World Wide Web are unavoidable in communications, providing services and information sharing. Websites and a variety of Internet pages that make up the World Wide Web are the primary user interfaces for online business, providing information and promotional activities on the Internet. The rapid and progressive development of this medium has led to the fact that there is almost no maritime education institution without its own website, or at least a web page. The quality and success of the presentation via the Internet and the development of websites in a way to suit users’ needs still remain a problem, not only for designers and managers but also for owners, representing an incentive for the analysis and research in the field of maritime colleges. In evaluating user interfaces, including websites, different approaches and methods are used where the usability, due to its widespread use, is most often considered as the main factor of quality. In this paper, usability factors of websites are analyzed using the questionnaire method and available online tools for 20 maritime universities worldwide and the obtained results are presented as well as recommendations for further researches.
Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1: Transforming the choice of model organism

For more than 25 years, Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 has been used in molecular biology studies that address a broad range of questions. Recently, the rapid accumulation of data from DNA sequencing, gene expression, protein structure, and other high‐throughput methodology has increased the ability to tackle complex topics using sophisticated approaches to metabolic and genetic engineering. While the genetic malleability of ADP1 makes it an ideal organism for such investigations, A. baylyi ADP1 has yet to become a common choice for bacterial studies. This review describes examples of ADP1‐based studies that exploit its highly efficient system for natural transformation and chromosomal incorporation of exogenous DNA. These studies focus on a wide array of problems, including gene duplication and amplification, horizontal gene transfer, bioreporters, and metabolic reconstruction. Interesting results in these diverse areas highlight the utility of using A. baylyi in laboratory and industrial settings. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(12): 1075–1080, 2011
Victimization and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Use Disorders in a Nationally Representative Sample

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between perpetration and victimization of physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) in the past year and substance use disorders (SUDs) in the past year, including alcohol, sedatives/tranquilizers, cocaine, cannabis, and nicotine stratified according to sex. Data were from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. A series of adjusted logistic regression models were conducted. Among men and women, all types of SUDs were associated with increased odds of IPV perpetration (odds ranging from 1.4 to 8.5 adjusting for sociodemographic variables). IPV victimization increased the odds of having all types of SUDs for male and female victims, with the exception of sedatives/tranquilizer abuse/dependence among women (odds ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 adjusting for sociodemographic variables). Substances that had the most robust relationship with perpetration and victimization of IPV included alcohol and cannabis, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and mutual violence.
Computer keyboards and faucet handles as reservoirs of nosocomial pathogens in the intensive care unit.

PURPOSE We postulate that computer keyboards and faucet handles are significant reservoirs of nosocomial pathogens in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. METHODS Sterile swab samples were obtained from 10 keyboards and 8 pairs of faucet handles in the medical ICU at Tripler Army Medical Center during a period of 2 months. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) obtained from the environmental and patient specimens were sent for DNA identification by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS A total of 144 samples were obtained (80 keyboards and 64 faucet handles), yielding 33 isolates. The colonization rate for keyboards was 24% for all rooms and 26% in occupied rooms. Rates for faucet handles in all rooms and occupied rooms were 11% and 15%, respectively. The environmental isolates annd their prevalence were: MRS, 49%; Enterococcus, 18%; Enterobacter, 12%; and all other gram-negative rods, 21%. Fourteen individual patient isolates were recorded: MRSA, 43%; Enterobacter, 21%; other gram-negative rods, 36%; and Enterococcus, 0%. By using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, an indistinguishable strain of MRSA was identified in two patients, the keyboards and faucet handles in their respective rooms, and on other keyboards throughout the ICU, including the doctors' station. CONCLUSIONS The colonization rate for keyboards and faucet handles, novel and unrecognized fomites, is greater than that of other well-studied ICU surfaces in rooms with patients positive for MRSA. Our findings suggest an associated pattern of environmental contamination and patient infection, not limited to the patient's room. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results have documented an indistinguishable strain of MRSA present as an environmental contaminant on these two fomites and in two patients with clinical infections patients during the same period. We believe these findings add evidence to support the hypothesis that these particular surfaces may serve as reservoirs of nosocomial pathogens and vectors for cross-transmission in the ICU setting. New infection control policies and engineering plans were initiated on the basis of our results.
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline.

PURPOSE To provide evidence-based recommendations to oncologists and others for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. METHODS American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, palliative care, and advocacy experts to conduct a systematic review of the literature from April 2004 to June 2015. Outcomes were overall survival, disease-free survival, progression-free survival, and adverse events. RESULTS Twenty-four randomized controlled trials met the systematic review criteria. RECOMMENDATIONS A multiphase computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis should be performed. Baseline performance status and comorbidity profile should be evaluated. Goals of care, patient preferences, treatment response, psychological status, support systems, and symptom burden should guide decisions for treatments. A palliative care referral should occur at first visit. FOLFIRINOX (leucovorin, fluorouracil, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin; favorable comorbidity profile) or gemcitabine plus nanoparticle albumin-bound (NAB) -paclitaxel (adequate comorbidity profile) should be offered to patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) 0 to 1 based on patient preference and support system available. Gemcitabine alone is recommended for patients with ECOG PS 2 or with a comorbidity profile that precludes other regimens; the addition of capecitabine or erlotinib may be offered. Patients with an ECOG PS ≥ 3 and poorly controlled comorbid conditions should be offered cancer-directed therapy only on a case-by-case basis; supportive care should be emphasized. For second-line therapy, gemcitabine plus NAB-paclitaxel should be offered to patients with first-line treatment with FOLFIRINOX, an ECOG PS 0 to 1, and a favorable comorbidity profile; fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin, irinotecan, or nanoliposomal irinotecan should be offered to patients with first-line treatment with gemcitabine plus NAB-paclitaxel, ECOG PS 0 to 1, and favorable comorbidity profile, and gemcitabine or fluorouracil should be offered to patients with either an ECOG PS 2 or a comorbidity profile that precludes other regimens. Additional information is available at www.asco. org/guidelines/MetPC and www.asco. org/guidelineswiki.
Frequency-Selective Rasorber Based on Square-Loop and Cross-Dipole Arrays

A novel design of a transmission window within the absorption band of a circuit analog absorber, named as frequency-selective rasorber (FSR), is presented. Based on an equivalent circuit model, the conditions are formulated to produce a passband with small insertion loss and to reduce the reflection at frequencies below and above the passband in the meanwhile. Simple design guidelines of our proposed FSR are then developed. With loaded lumped elements, the arrays of square-loop and cross-dipole are combined to realize its implementation. It is shown through measurements that an insertion loss of 0.68 dB can be obtained at 4.42 GHz and the fractional bandwidth for at least 10 dB reflection reduction within the lower and upper frequency bands is 92.3% under the normal incidence. A good agreement between simulated and measured results validates our design.
Imaging and pathological findings of AIDS complicated by pulmonary Rhodococcus equi infection.

BACKGROUND Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) infection commonly occurs in grazing areas, especially in patients with AIDS or with T-lymphocyte immuno-deficiencies. Literature reviews revealed that cases radiologically and pathologically diagnosed of AIDS complicated by R. equi infection are rare. This study aimed to investigate the imaging features and pathological basis of AIDS complicated by pulmonary R. equi infection. METHODS A total of 13 cases of AIDS complicated by pulmonary R. equi infection were retrospectively analyzed based on their imaging, bacterial culture and pathological data, including 10 cases by chest CT scanning and X-ray radiology and 3 cases by only X-ray radiology. All 13 cases were definitely diagnosed by bacterial culture, including one by CT-guided pulmonary puncture with following H&E staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining for diagnostic biopsy and another one by bronchial biopsy with following H&E staining and PAS staining for pathological diagnosis. The imaging findings and the pathological findings of AIDS complicated by pulmonary R. equi infection were compared and evaluated. RESULTS Totally 9 subjects (70%) had radiological demonstrations of central ball liked high density shadows in unilateral pulmonary hilus areas; 10 (77%), cavities and liquefied levels; 3 (23%), pleural effussion. The foci were found in pulmonary inner zone in 10 subjects (77%) and in pulmonary outer zone in one subject (7%). The pathological findings included intra-alveolar hemorrhage, lymphocyte infiltration and granulation tissue proliferation, which were in line with the pathological process of necrotic pneumonia. After 8-month follow-up of anti-R. equi therapy of these 13 cases, 9 cases had obviously decreased or shrunk pulmonary cavities, one died, one missed follow-up, one completely absorbed foci and one did not receive reexaminations. CONCLUSIONS The radiological demonstrations of AIDS complicated by pulmonary R. equi infection are central ball liked high density areas in unilateral pulmonary hilus area, parenchymal changes, secondary cavities, ground glass liked changes in the lung fields, nodules and treeinbuds sign, which are characteristic rather than specific.
Concept review of genital herpes vaccines.

A workshop was convened on February 2-3, 1981, at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. , to review current information about immunization against genital herpes and to develop recommendations about the further development of such vaccines. The meeting was attended by invited participants who were selected from academic, commercial, and government establishments to represent various interests in vaccine development. Presentations and discussions focused on the complexity of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 (HSV-2), the clinical picture of genital herpes in sexually active adults and in neonates, the epidemiology and magnitude of the health problem in the United States, animal models, and the present status of development of vaccines. Dr. William S. Jordan, Jr., Director of the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program,
Simulations of Ground Motion in the Los Angeles Basin Based upon the Spectral-Element Method

We use the spectral-element method to simulate ground motion generated by two recent and well-recorded small earthquakes in the Los Angeles basin. Simulations are performed using a new sedimentary basin model that is constrained by hundreds of petroleum-industry well logs and more than 20,000 km of seismic reflection profiles. The numerical simulations account for 3D variations of seismic-wave speeds and density, topography and bathymetry, and attenuation. Simulations for the 9 September 2001 M_w 4.2 Hollywood earthquake and the 3 September 2002 M_w 4.2 Yorba Linda earthquake demonstrate that the combination of a detailed sedimentary basin model and an accurate numerical technique facilitates the simulation of ground motion at periods of 2 sec and longer inside the basin model and 6 sec and longer in the regional model. Peak ground displacement, velocity, and acceleration maps illustrate that significant amplification occurs in the basin.
Effect of template size on accumulation of defective interfering RNAs in protoplasts

A turnip protoplast system has been used to study the effects of template size and sequence on the replication and/or stability of a small defective interfering (DI) RNA associated with turnip crinkle virus. Our results indicated that as little as a single base difference in the size of the molecule in some regions, rather than the specific sequence, affected the level of DI RNA accumulating in protoplasts.
Antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Expressed during Preclinical Tuberculosis: Serological Immunodominance of Proteins with Repetitive Amino Acid Sequences

ABSTRACT Four antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosisthat are expressed in vivo after aerosol infection but prior to the development of clinical tuberculosis (TB) in rabbits were identified by immunoscreening of an expression library of M. tuberculosis genomic DNA with sera obtained 5 weeks postinfection. Three of the proteins identified, PirG (Rv3810), polymorphic GC-repetitive sequence (PE-PGRS; Rv3367), and proline-threonine repetitive protein (PTRP) (Rv0538), have multiple tandem repeats of unique amino acid sequences and have characteristics of surface or secreted proteins. The fourth protein, MtrA (Rv3246c), is a response regulator of a putative two-component signal transduction system, mtrA-mtrB, ofM. tuberculosis. All four antigens were recognized by pooled sera from TB patients and not from healthy controls, confirming their in vivo expression during active infection in humans. Three of the antigens (PE-PGRS, PTRP, and MtrA) were also recognized by retrospective preclinical TB sera obtained, prior to the clinical manifestation of TB, from human immunodeficiency virus-TB patients, suggesting that they are potential candidates for devising diagnostic tests for active, preclinical TB.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology 205 Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology

The advances in developmental pharmacokinetics during the past decade reside with an enhanced understanding of the influence of growth and development on drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). However, significant information gaps remain with respect to our ability to characterize the impact of ontogeny on the activity of important drug metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and other targets. The ultimate goal of rational drug therapy in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents resides with the ability to individualize it based on known developmental differences in drug disposition and action. The clinical challenge in achieving this is accounting for the variability in all of the contravening factors that influence pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (e.g., genetic variants of ADME genes, different disease phenotypes, disease progression, and concomitant treatment). Application of novel technologies in the fields of pharmacometrics (e.g., in silico simulation of exposure–response relationships; disease progression modeling), pharmacogenomics and biomarker development (e.g., creation of pharmacodynamic surrogate endpoints suitable for pediatric use) are increasingly making integrated approaches for developmentally appropriate dose regimen selection possible.
Glial cell transplants that are subsequently rejected can be used to influence regeneration of glial cell environments in the CNS

Transplantation of glial cells into demyelinating lesions in CNS offers an experimental approach which allows investigation of the complex interactions that occur between CNS glia, Schwann cells, and axons during remyelination and repair. Earlier studies have shown that (1) transplanted astrocytes are able to prevent Schwann cells from participating in CNS remyelination, but that they are only able to do so with the cooperation of cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage, and (2) transplanted mouse oligodendrocytes can remyelinate rat axons provided their rejection is controlled by immunosuppression. On the basis of these observations, we have been able to prevent the Schwann cell remyelination that normally follows ethidium bromide demyelination in the rat spinal cord by co‐transplanting isogeneic astrocytes with a potentially rejectable population of mouse oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Since male mouse cells were used it was possible to demonstrate their presence in immunosuppressed recipients using a mouse Y‐chromosome probe by in situ hydridisation. When myelinating mouse cells were rejected by removal of immunosuppression, the demyelinated axons were remyelinated by host oligodendrocytes rather than Schwann cells, whose entry was prevented by the persistence of the transplanted isogeneic astrocytes. The oligodendrocyte remyelination was extensive and rapid, indicating that the inflammation associated with cell rejection did not impede repair. If this host oligodendrocyte remyelination was prevented by local X‐irradiation, the lesion consisted of demyelinated axons surrounded by processes from the transplanted astrocytes. By this approach, it was possible to create an environment which resembled the chronic plaques of multiple sclerosis. Thus, these experiments demonstrate that in appropriate circumstances the temporary presence of a population of glial cells can alter the outcome of damage to the CNS. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Verifiable Hypotheses for Thymosin β4-Dependent and -Independent Angiogenic Induction of Trichinella spiralis-Triggered Nurse Cell Formation

Trichinella spiralis has been reported to induce angiogenesis for nutrient supply and waste disposal by the induction of the angiogenic molecule vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) during nurse cell formation. However, the action mechanism to induce VEGF in nurse cells by T. spiralis is not known. Hypoxia in nurse cells was suggested as a possible mechanism; however, the presence of hypoxic conditions in infected muscle or nurse cells and whether hypoxia indeed induces the expression of VEGF and subsequent angiogenesis in the infected muscle are both a matter of debate. Our recent studies have shown that thymosin β4, a potent VEGF inducing protein, is expressed in the very early stages of T. spiralis muscle infection suggesting the induction of VEGF in early stage nurse cells. Nevertheless, we now show that hypoxic conditions were not detected in any nurse cell stage but were detected only in the accumulated inflammatory cells. These studies propose that induction of angiogenesis by VEGF in T. spiralis-infected nurse cells was mediated by thymosin β4 and is unrelated to hypoxic conditions.