Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serotonin transporter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) association with melancholic depression: a female specific effect?

Earlier studies yielded inconsistent results on the association between variation in the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) gene and depression, with evidence for a differential effect of the 5‐HTTLPR on melancholic versus atypical depression. To further delineate the impact of 5‐HTT gene variation on psychopathology in depression, in this analysis the influence of the 5‐HTTLPR and the functionally closely related 5‐HTT rs25531 was investigated in 340 Caucasian patients with a major depressive episode (DSM‐IV) with particular attention to the subtype of depression (melancholic depression versus atypical depression) applying logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender. The homozygous, more active 5‐HTTLPR LL genotype was significantly associated with melancholic depression (odds ratio, OR, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1–2.6; P=0.04), with the effect originating in the female subgroup of patients (OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.0–3.4; P=0.05). Also, the more active 5‐HTTLPR/5‐HTT rs25531 haplotype LALA conveyed a significant risk for melancholic depression (OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.3–3.1; P=0.001), again only in the female subsample of patients (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.1–4.1; P=0.02). The present results provide further support for an association of genetic variation increasing serotonin transporter activity with the melancholic subtype of depression as well as evidence for a potential female‐specific mechanism underlying this effect. Depression and Anxiety, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic relationships of serologically nontypable and serotype b strains of Haemophilus influenzae

A collection of 242 strains of Haemophilus influenzae, including 65 nontypable (unencapsulated) isolates and 177 encapsulated serotype b isolates recovered largely from children with invasive and noninvasive diseases in the United States, was characterized by the electrophoretic mobilities of 15 metabolic enzymes presumably encoded by chromosomal genes. All enzymes were polymorphic for three to seven electromorphs, and 94 distinctive multilocus genotypes (electrophoretic types [ETs]) were distinguished, among which mean genetic (allelic) diversity was 0.500. Isolates recovered from cases of invasive or noninvasive diseases did not differ significantly in level of genetic variation. The observation that 29 ETs were represented exclusively by serotype b isolates and that each of the 65 nontypable isolates was of a unique ET strongly confirmed the hypothesis that unencapsulated clinical isolates are not merely phenotypic variants of the common serotype b cell lines. Rather, the two types of isolates are distinctive subsets of the multilocus chromosomal genotypes of the species as a whole. Serotype b capsule occurred in three groups of isolates that are distantly related in multilocus enzyme genotype. Isolates of four closely related nontypable biotype IV ETs associated with obstetrical infections or neonatal bacteremia were highly divergent from all others examined and may be specifically distinct. A phylogenetic scenario was proposed in which the ancestor of H. influenzae was encapsulated and the nontypable clones arose by convergent evolutionary loss of the ability to synthesize or extracellularly express a polysaccharide capsule.
Breeding for high welfare in outdoor pig production: a simulation study

The simulations showed that approximately 3, 2 and 7 times higher weights on leg condition at weaning, piglet mortality and weaning-to-mating interval (compared to literature values) were required to avoid deterioration of these traits. The aim of this study was to investigate the opportunities for genetic progress in a dam-line selected for outdoor production of pork products with an "animal friendly-label". The genetic gain from two simulated breeding programs were compared: • Conventional, a breeding program based on economic weights for production and reproduction traits • High welfare, a breeding program with additional non-market weights on traits important for pig welfare
Multi-frequency encoding for fast color flow or quadroplex imaging

Ultrasonic color flow maps are made by estimating the velocities line by line over the region of interest. For each velocity estimate, multiple repetitions are needed. This sets a limit on the frame rate, which becomes increasingly severe when imaging deeper lying structures or when simultaneously acquiring spectrogram data for triplex imaging. This paper proposes a method for decreasing the data acquisition time by simultaneously sampling multiple lines for color flow maps, using narrow band signals with approximately disjoint spectral support. The signals are separated in the receiver by filters matched to the emitted waveforms, producing a number of data sets with different center frequencies. The autocorrelation estimator is then applied to each of the data sets. The method is presented, various side effects are considered, and the method is tested on data from a recirculating flow phantom. A mean standard deviation across the flow profile of 3.1, 2.5, and 2.1% of the peak velocity was found for bands at 5 MHz, 7 MHz, and 9 MHz, respectively. Alternatively, the method can be used for simultaneously sampling data for a color flow map and for multiple spectrograms using different spectral bands. Using three spectral bands, data for a color flow map and two independent spectrograms can be acquired at the time normally spent on acquiring data for a color flow map only. This yields an expansion of triplex imaging called multi-frequency quadroplex imaging, which enables study of the flow over an arterial stenosis by simultaneously acquiring spectrograms on both sides of the stenosis, while maintaining the color flow map. The method was tested in vivo on data from the common carotid artery of a healthy male volunteer, both for fast color flow mapping and for multi-frequency quadroplex imaging.
Use of HPV testing for cervical screening in vaccinated women—Insights from the SHEVa (Scottish HPV Prevalence in Vaccinated Women) study

The management of cervical disease is changing worldwide as a result of HPV vaccination and the increasing use of HPV testing for cervical screening. However, the impact of vaccination on the performance of HPV based screening strategies is unknown. The SHEVa (Scottish HPV Prevalence in Vaccinated women) projects are designed to gain insight into the impact of vaccination on the performance of clinically validated HPV assays. Samples collated from women attending for first cervical smear who had been vaccinated as part of a national “catch‐up” programme were tested with three clinically validated HPV assays (2 DNA and 1 RNA). Overall HR‐HPV and type specific positivity was assessed in total population and according to underlying cytology and compared to a demographically equivalent group of unvaccinated women. HPV prevalence was significantly lower in vaccinated women and was influenced by assay‐type, reducing by 23‐25% for the DNA based assays and 32% for the RNA assay (p = 0.0008). All assays showed over 75% reduction of HPV16 and/or 18 (p < 0.0001) whereas the prevalence of non 16/18 HR‐HPV was not significantly different in vaccinated vs unvaccinated women. In women with low grade abnormalities, the proportion associated with non 16/18 HR‐HPV was significantly higher in vaccinated women (p < 0.0001). Clinically validated HPV assays are affected differentially when applied to vaccinated women, dependent on assay chemistry. The increased proportion of non HPV16/18 infections may have implications for clinical performance, consequently, longitudinal studies linking HPV status to disease outcomes in vaccinated women are warranted.
Variation in mitochondrial DNA and population structure of the Taipei treefrog Rhacophorus taipeianus in Taiwan

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 40 samples of the Taipei treefrog Rhacophorus taipeianus collected from seven populations in Taiwan were sequenced to document the DNA sequence variation in anuran mtDNA and to elucidate the phylogeographic population structure in the Taipei treefrog. Sequences of 722–764 bases in length, including a 108‐bp segment of the cytochrome b gene and a 614–656‐bp D‐loop segment, were obtained by direct sequencing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The variation in length was due to a 40‐bp region that tandemly repeated four to five times in the D‐loop region. The first repeat is the most conserved one among the five repeats because there are no variable sites in this repeat. Besides the 40‐bp length variation, 28 positions in the 764‐bp sequences are variable and distributed evenly in the cytochrome b gene fragment and D‐loop region. Variation in the D‐loop of the Taipei treefrog is comparable to those of other vertebrates. Two well‐differentiated lineages (northern and central) differing by mean sequence divergence of 1.7% are identified and concordant with their geographic distributions. The two lineages are inferred to have split from a common ancestral population in the early Pleistocene. However, the interpopulation divergence of the northern lineage (< 0.33%) is apparently lower than that of the central lineage (1.11%), implying that the two lineages evolved independently and had different demographic histories after divergence. This study reveals that anuran D‐loop has potential as a genetic marker in phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of anurans.
Effect of dietary extruded linseed, verbascoside and vitamin E supplements on yield and quality of milk in Lacaune ewes

Milk yield and milk qualitative parameters were evaluated in Lacaune ewes on a diet supplemented with extruded linseed, verbascoside and vitamin E. A 98 d-trial was conducted on 44 ewes and started 40±2 d post partum. The animals were divided into four homogeneous groups of eleven animals each; one control group (CON) without extruded linseed and dietary supplements, and the diet of the other three experimental groups was enhanced with extruded linseed (L group), extruded linseed-verbascoside (LVB group), and extruded linseed-verbascoside-vitamin E (LVBE group). All animals individually received an isoenergetic diet, consisting of 700 g concentrated feed and meadow hay ad libitum. Body weight, body condition score, milk yield and milk qualitative parameters were assessed. LVB and LVBE groups resulted in a significant improvement (P<0·05) in milk yield due to the verbascoside supplementation. The extruded linseed supplementation L, LVB and LVBE groups produced a milk fat increase and a better milk fatty acid profile in terms of a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content and a reduced saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, a lower n-6/n-3 ratio and atherogenic and thrombogenic index. The dietary verbascoside supplementation in the LVB and LVBE group resulted in a better milk quality due to the low cholesterol level and higher vitamin A and E contents, in addition to an increased oxidative stability highlighted by the lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level. Thus, the addition of extruded linseed and verbascoside supplements improved milk yield and quality both from a chemical and nutritive point of view.
Functional Regeneration of the Visual System in Teleosts. Comparative Investigations after Optic Nerve Crush and Damage of the Retina

Abstract Goldfish and carp are shown to be capable of functional reconstitution of the visual system, although their neural retina except of the marginal growth zone at the ora serrata was completely destroyed by injection of the Na-K-ATPase inhibitor ouabain. This was demonstrated by the observation of the recovery of the optokinetic nystagmus after dam age of the retina. Recovery of vision coincides well with the morphological reconstitution of the visual system. The regenerated axons within the optic nerve are still unmyelinated at the moment of visual recovery, whereas some fibers within the stratum opticum pars profunda of the corresponding optic tectum are already myelinated. The recovery of vision after regeneration of the retina was com pared with the recovery of vision after crush of the optic nerve. The range of time needed for visual recovery was smaller and better reproducible after crush than after dam age o f the retina.
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis-Related Uveitis: Different Ophthalmological Manifestations and Ocular Inflammation Features

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare clinical features of uveitis in patients affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: A retrospective case-control study. Results: 117 patients were affected by uveitis and psoriasis or PsA (92 and 25 patients, respectively) from 2003 to 2013. Axial PsA was associated with unilateral uveitis onset compared to the peripheral pattern (p < 0.03). The prevalence of eyes with at least one complication involving anterior segment was significantly more represented in the PsA group than the psoriasis one (p = 0.024). Anterior segment complications were more frequently associated with posterior ones in PsA patients than in psoriasis patients (p = 0.005). Most common complications in total sample at baseline examination were cataract (29.7%), ocular hypertension (17%), macular edema (7%), and pupillary seclusion (4.4%). Conclusion: Uveitis in patients with psoriasis and PsA may have distinguishing clinical features. PsA patients have more ocular complications than those with psoriasis. Both groups need an ophthalmological examination to promptly detect ocular co-morbidity.
New compact and versatile wide tuning range CMOS voltage controlled oscillator

A simple and very high speed approach for waveform generation is introduced. The VCO is very compact and versatile. It generates triangle and square waveforms. The VCO has a very wide range of oscillating frequencies (from fractions of Hz to 100MHz in 0.5mum CMOS technology). The amplitude of the oscillations can be very precisely controlled. Simulation results are shown that verify the characteristics of the proposed VCO
Targeting Histone Deacetylases in Diseases: Where Are We?

SIGNIFICANCE Epigenetic inactivation of pivotal genes involved in cell growth is a hallmark of human pathologies, in particular cancer. Histone acetylation balance obtained through opposing actions of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferases is one epigenetic mechanism controlling gene expression and is, thus, associated with disease etiology and progression. Interfering pharmacologically with HDAC activity can correct abnormalities in cell proliferation, migration, vascularization, and death. RECENT ADVANCES Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) represent a new class of cytostatic agents that interfere with the function of HDACs and are able to increase gene expression by indirectly inducing histone acetylation. Several HDACi, alone or in combination with DNA-demethylating agents, chemopreventive, or classical chemotherapeutic drugs, are currently being used in clinical trials for solid and hematological malignancies, and are, thus, promising candidates for cancer therapy. CRITICAL ISSUES (i) Non-specific (off-target) HDACi effects due to activities unassociated with HDAC inhibition. (ii) Advantages/disadvantages of non-selective or isoform-directed HDACi. (iii) Limited number of response-predictive biomarkers. (iv) Toxicity leading to dysfunction of critical biological processes. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Selective HDACi could achieve enhanced clinical utility by reducing or eliminating the serious side effects associated with current first-generation non-selective HDACi. Isoform-selective and pan-HDACi candidates might benefit from the identification of biomarkers, enabling better patient stratification and prediction of response to treatment.
Characterization of the Temperature Dependence of the Piezoresistive Coefficients of Silicon From  ${-}150\,^{\circ}$C to  ${+}125\,^{\circ}$C

Stress sensing test chips are widely utilized to investigate integrated circuit die stresses arising from assembly and packaging operations. In order to utilize these test chips to measure stresses over a wide range of temperatures, one must have values of six piezoresistive coefficients for n- and p-type silicon over the temperature range of interest. However, the literature provides limited data over the desired range, and even the data at room temperature exhibit wide discrepancies in magnitude as well as sign. Thus, this work focuses on an extensive experimental study of the temperature dependence of the fundamental piezoresistive coefficients, pi11, pi12, and pi44, for both p- and n-type silicon from -150degC to +125degC, as well as a number of useful combined coefficients. Measurements were performed using stress sensors fabricated on (001) silicon. In order to minimize errors associated with misalignment with the crystallographic axes on (001) silicon wafers, anisotropic wet etching was used to accurately locate the axes. Four-point bending (4PB) was used to generate the required stress in strip-on-beam samples, and finite-element simulations were used to determine the states of stress in the silicon material.
The effects of interactive music and bubble feedback using Arduino on enhancing physical activities for children with cerebral palsy

This study uses an interactive music and bubble effect in Arduino to enhance the body strength of children with cerebral palsy. Arduino, using a servo motor and mp3 module function, creates real feedback. This study uses a force-sensitive resistor and laser tripwire circuit sensor transmit as the interactive interface, to enhance the performance and real activity of children with cerebral palsy to perform on physical activities. This study uses a single-case research using an ABAB structure, in which A is the baseline and B is the intervention. The experimental period was 3 months, from March to June 2016. The experimental results demonstrated that the scores for two children with cerebral palsy increased considerably during the intervention phrases. The relative developmental applications of these results are also discussed here.
Differential expression of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits in the outer retina

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are extremely diverse in their subunit compositions. To understand the functional consequences of this diversity, it is necessary to know the subunits that are expressed by known cell types. By using immunocytochemistry with light and electron microscopy, we localized several subunits (GluR2/3, GluR4, and GluR6/7) in cat retinal neurons, postsynaptic to photoreceptors. Type A horizontal cells express all three subunits strongly, whereas type B horizontal cells express GluR2/3 strongly, GluR6/7 weakly, and do not express GluR4. When they are present, the subunits are expressed strongly throughout the cytoplasm of the somata and primary dendrites; however, in the terminals, they are concentrated at the postsynaptic region, just opposite the presumed site of photoreceptor glutamate release. Surprisingly, all bipolar cell classes (OFF cone bipolar cells, ON cone bipolar cells, and rod bipolar cells) express at least one iGluR subunit at their dendritic tips. Cone bipolar cells forming basal contacts with the cones (presumably OFF cells) express all three subunits in association with the electron‐dense postsynaptic membrane. Invaginating dendrites of cone bipolar cells (presumably ON cells) express GluR2/3 and GluR4. Rod bipolar cells (ON cells) express GluR2/3 in their invaginating dendrites. The function of iGluRs in horizontal cells and OFF bipolar cells clearly is to mediate their light responses. GluR6/7 subunit in the receptor of these cells may be responsible for the dopamine‐mediated enhancement of glutamate responses that have been observed previously in these cells. The function of iGluRs in ON bipolar cells remains an enigma. J. Comp. Neurol. 405:173–184, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Anterior Cingulate Gyrus Signals the Net Value of Others' Rewards

Evaluating the costs and benefits of our own choices is central to most forms of decision-making and its mechanisms in the brain are becoming increasingly well understood. To interact successfully in social environments, it is also essential to monitor the rewards that others receive. Previous studies in nonhuman primates have found neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) that signal the net value (benefit minus cost) of rewards that will be received oneself and also neurons that signal when a reward will be received by someone else. However, little is understood about the way in which the human brain engages in cost–benefit analyses during social interactions. Does the ACC signal the net value (the benefits minus the costs) of rewards that others will receive? Here, using fMRI, we examined activity time locked to cues that signaled the anticipated reward magnitude (benefit) to be gained and the level of effort (cost) to be incurred either by a subject themselves or by a social confederate. We investigated whether activity in the ACC covaries with the net value of rewards that someone else will receive when that person is required to exert effort for the reward. We show that, although activation in the sulcus of the ACC signaled the costs on all trials, gyral ACC (ACCg) activity varied parametrically only with the net value of rewards gained by others. These results suggest that the ACCg plays an important role in signaling cost–benefit information by signaling the value of others' rewards during social interactions.
Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division-Type Efflux Pump Involved in Aminoglycoside Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii Strain BM4454

ABSTRACT Multidrug-resistant strain Acinetobacter baumanniiBM4454 was isolated from a patient with a urinary tract infection. TheadeB gene, which encodes a resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) protein, was detected in this strain by PCR with two degenerate oligodeoxynucleotides. Insertional inactivation ofadeB in BM4454, which generated BM4454-1, showed that the corresponding protein was responsible for aminoglycoside resistance and was involved in the level of susceptibility to other drugs including fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and ethidium bromide. Study of ethidium bromide accumulation in BM4454 and BM4454-1, in the presence or in the absence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, demonstrated that AdeB was responsible for the decrease in intracellular ethidium bromide levels in a proton motive force-dependent manner. The adeB gene was part of a cluster that included adeA and adeC which encodes proteins homologous to membrane fusion and outer membrane proteins of RND-type three-component efflux systems, respectively. The products of two upstream open reading frames encoding a putative two-component regulatory system might be involved in the regulation of expression of the adeABC gene cluster.