Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic and environmental influence on language impairment in 4-year-old same-sex and opposite-sex twins.

BACKGROUND We investigated the aetiology of language impairment in 579 four-year-old twins with low language performance and their co-twins, members of 160 MZ twin pairs, 131 same-sex DZ pairs and 102 opposite-sex DZ pairs. METHODS Language impairment in 4-year-olds was defined by scores below the 15th percentile on a general factor derived from an extensive language test battery. Language impairment of different degrees of severity was investigated by using multiple cut-offs below the 15th percentile. RESULTS DeFries-Fulker extremes analysis indicated that language impairment as measured by the general language scale is under strong genetic influence. In addition, group differences heritability showed an increasing trend (from 38% to 76%) as a function of severity of language impairment. Although more boys are impaired than girls, incorporating opposite-sex DZ pairs into the analysis found neither quantitative nor qualitative differences between boys and girls in genetic and environmental aetiologies. CONCLUSIONS Language impairment at four years is heritable. This finding replicates previous research on language impairment and extends it by showing that language impairment is heritable in twins selected from a representative community sample. Despite the mean difference between boys and girls, genetic and environmental influences are quantitatively and qualitatively similar for language impairment for boys and girls. For both boys and girls, heritability appears to be greater for more severe language impairment, indicating stronger influence of genes at the lower end of language ability.
TLS Connection Validation by Web Browsers: Why do Web Browsers Still Not Agree?

The TLS protocol is the primary technology used for securing web transactions. It is based on X.509 certificates that are used for binding the identity of web servers' owners to their public keys. Web browsers perform the validation of X.509 certificates on behalf of web users. Our previous research in 2009 showed that the validation process of web browsers is inconsistent and flawed. We showed how this situation might have a negative impact on web users. From 2009 until now, many new X.509 related standards have been created or updated. In this paper, we performed an increased set of experiments over our 2009 study in order to highlight the improvements and/or regressions in web browsers' behaviours.
Explicit evaluation of Viterbi's union bounds on convolutional code performance for the binary symmetric channel (Corresp.)

An explicit method is given to evaluate Viterbi's union bounds on both the first event error probability and the bit error probability of binary convolutional codes on a binary symmetric channel. These bounds are evaluated for the rate 1/2 code with generators 1 + D + D^{2} and 1 + D^{2} . Comparison is made with the bounds and experimental results of van de Meeberg.
Dynamic network structure identification with prediction error methods - basic examples

Abstract Modeling of dynamical properties of highly complex and interconnected systems becomes important in different fields of science. When identifying the structure and dynamics of a network of interconnected dynamical systems, including cause-effect relations, there is a tendency to use nonparametric or FIR models of the output error type. In this paper it is shown, and illustrated by some simple examples, that appropriate attention should be given to using flexible noise models, in order to allow consistent identification of the dynamics, while the use of external excitation/probing signals may reduce this need. It is a first step towards using prediction error identification tools to identify the structure of a network.
Nephrotoxicity of increased glomerular protein traffic.

function in the long term has several theoretical and Introduction clinical implications. secondary interstitial may cause congestion of intracellular endocytic and biosynthetic compartments leading to NF- k B-dependent and -independent gene upregulation. Among those genes, RANTES, MCP1, and osteopon-lymphocytes tin and endothelin stimulate processes of interstitial inﬂammation and ﬁbroblast proliferation ultimately responsible for enhanced extracellular matrix deposition and renal scarring.
The European Heart Failure Self‐care Behaviour scale revised into a nine‐item scale (EHFScB‐9): a reliable and valid international instrument

Improved self‐care is the goal of many heart failure (HF) management programmes. The 12‐item European Heart Failure Self‐Care Behaviour Scale (EHFScB scale) was developed and tested to measure patient self‐care behaviours. It is now available in 14 languages. The aim of this study was to further determine reliability and validity of the EHFScB scale.
Predicting Analgesic Use after Spinal Surgery

To the Editor: We read with great interest the article of Kasukawa et al. in a recent issue of Pain Practice. In this retrospective multicenter study of 329 patients who underwent lumbar spinal decompression, the authors concluded that (1) the need for preoperative pain medication, (2) a longer duration between the surgery and the time of chart review, and (3) the presence of postoperative intermittent claudication were factors that predicted the subsequent prescription of limaprost and/or pregabalin. The authors should be commended for investigating an important healthcare problem, as the need for spine surgery continues to grow, and analgesics, many of which add significant cost to health care, are commonly utilized to control the postoperative pain for these patients. However, in order to confirm the validity of these study findings, clarification is needed. First, it is not clear why the authors did not include a validated measurement of pain as well as the types and daily doses of pain medications used in the preoperative and postoperative assessment periods; these are a major outcomes of interest. In addition, it is unclear why the authors did not control for surgical duration, as this variable is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes following spine surgery. Lastly, it is unclear if the data was evaluated for potential interactions among the studied variables (eg, preoperative claudication and use of preoperative analgesics). We would welcome clarification from the authors. This would further strengthen the conclusions of their study.
Antimicrobial-resistant nontyphoidal Salmonella is associated with excess bloodstream infections and hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND Nontyphoidal Salmonella is a leading cause of foodborne illness. Few studies have explored the health consequences of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. METHODS The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) performs susceptibility testing on nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates. The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) ascertains outcomes for patients with culture-confirmed Salmonella infection, in 9 states, each of which participates in NARMS. We analyzed the frequency of bloodstream infection and hospitalization among patients with resistant infections. Isolates defined as resistant to a clinically important agent were resistant to 1 or more of the following agents: ampicillin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and/or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. RESULTS During 1996-2001, NARMS received 7370 serotyped, nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates from blood or stool. Bloodstream infection occurred more frequently among patients infected with an isolate resistant to > or =1 clinically important agent (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.1), compared with patients with pansusceptible infection. During 1996-2001, FoodNet staff ascertained outcomes for 1415 patients who had isolates tested in NARMS. Hospitalization with bloodstream infection occurred more frequently among patients infected with an isolate resistant to > or =1 clinically important agent (adjusted OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.4-6.6), compared with patients with pansusceptible infection. CONCLUSIONS Patients with antimicrobial-resistant nontyphoidal Salmonella infection were more likely to have bloodstream infection and to be hospitalized than were patients with pansusceptible infection. Mitigation of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella will likely benefit human health.
Genetic divergence between two phenotypically distinct bottlenose dolphin ecotypes suggests separate evolutionary trajectories

Abstract Due to their worldwide distribution and occupancy of different types of environments, bottlenose dolphins display considerable morphological variation. Despite limited understanding about the taxonomic identity of such forms and connectivity among them at global scale, coastal (or inshore) and offshore (or oceanic) ecotypes have been widely recognized in several ocean regions. In the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWA), however, there are scarce records of bottlenose dolphins differing in external morphology according to habitat preferences that resemble the coastal‐offshore pattern observed elsewhere. The main aim of this study was to analyze the genetic variability, and test for population structure between coastal (n = 127) and offshore (n = 45) bottlenose dolphins sampled in the SWA to assess whether their external morphological distinction is consistent with genetic differentiation. We used a combination of mtDNA control region sequences and microsatellite genotypes to infer population structure and levels of genetic diversity. Our results from both molecular marker types were congruent and revealed strong levels of structuring (microsatellites F ST = 0.385, p < .001; mtDNA F ST = 0.183, p < .001; ΦST = 0.385, p < .001) and much lower genetic diversity in the coastal than the offshore ecotype, supporting patterns found in previous studies elsewhere. Despite the opportunity for gene flow in potential “contact zones”, we found minimal current and historical connectivity between ecotypes, suggesting they are following discrete evolutionary trajectories. Based on our molecular findings, which seem to be consistent with morphological differentiations recently described for bottlenose dolphins in our study area, we recommend recognizing the offshore bottlenose dolphin ecotype as an additional Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) in the SWA. Implications of these results for the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in SWA are also discussed.
Plasma iron turnover in normal subjects.

Ferrokinetic measurements have been used ex tensively to characterize erythropoiesis (7). More specifically, the plasma iron turnover has been used to indicate the number of red-cell precursors over total erythropoiesis. This measurement, carried out at one interval of time, is extrapolated to the 24-hr period. Past studies have shown variations in re peated determinations of plasma iron turnover but no consistent variations during the day (2-4). The purpose of this study was to determine the amounts of variation in plasma iron turnover over the 24-hr period and to clarify insofar as possible the reasons for such variations.
Virtual reality games for movement rehabilitation in neurological conditions: how do we meet the needs and expectations of the users?

Purpose: To review quantitative and qualitative studies that have examined the users’ response to virtual reality game-based interventions in people with movement disorders associated with chronic neurological conditions. We aimed to determine key themes that influenced users’ enjoyment and engagement in the games and develop suggestions as to how future systems could best address their needs and expectations. Key message and implications: There were a limited number of studies that evaluated user opinions. From those found, seven common themes emerged: technology limitations, user control and therapist assistance, the novel physical and cognitive challenge, feedback, social interaction, game purpose and expectations, and the virtual environments. Our key recommendations derived from the review were to avoid technology failure, maintain overt therapeutic principles within the games, encompass progression to promote continuing physical and cognitive challenge, and to provide feedback that is easily and readily associated with success. Conclusions: While there have been few studies that have evaluated the users’ perspective of virtual rehabilitation games, our findings indicate that canvassing these experiences provides valuable information on the needs of the intended users. Incorporating our recommendations may enhance the efficacy of future systems to optimize the rehabilitation benefits of virtual reality games. Implications for Rehabilitation Feedback from users is valuable in the development of virtual reality games for rehabilitation. It is important to maintain therapeutic principles in game designs. Positive feedback, success, and avoiding technology failure appear to be critical components to enhance engagement.
Murine Coronavirus-Induced Subacute Fatal Peritonitis in C57BL/6 Mice Deficient in Gamma Interferon

ABSTRACT Gamma interferon-deficient (IFN-γ−/−) mice with a C57BL/6 background were infected intraperitoneally with mouse hepatitis virus strain JHM (JHMV). In contrast to IFN-γ-+/− and IFN-γ+/+ mice, JHMV persisted in IFN-γ−/− mice and induced death during the subacute phase of the infection. Unexpectedly, infected IFN-γ−/− mice showed severe peritonitis accompanying the accumulation of a viscous fluid in the abdominal and thoracic cavities in the subacute phase. Destructive changes of hepatocytes were not observed. Administration of recombinant IFN-γ protracted the survival time of IFN-γ−/− mice after JHMV infection. These results demonstrate that IFN-γ plays a critical role in viral clearance in JHMV infection. They also show that a resultant persistent JHMV infection induces another form of disease in IFN-γ−/− mice, which bears a resemblance to feline infectious peritonitis in cats.
A new architecture for high efficiency maximum power point tracking in grid-connected photovoltaic system

In the development of grid-connected PV systems, efficiency plays a key role for solar farmers to shorten their capital payoff. Moreover, it is found that the architecture of a grid-connected PV system affects its efficiency greatly. After an overview for kinds of power architectures in grid-connected PV system, multi-string configuration attracts us most attention for its best compromise between efficiency and cost. However, strong anticipation for efficiency improvement continuously drives the development of grid-connected PV system. A new architecture for supper high efficiency maximum power point tracking (MPPT) based on multi-string configuration is proposed in this paper. This new architecture with the compensating concept for MPPT is theoretically developed and a 2.8 kW experimental PV platform is built. Experiment results verified the 99% high efficiency merit of the proposed PV architecture under complex climate condition for whole year operation.
Host genetic profiles predict virological and immunological control of HIV-1 infection in adolescents

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between host genetic profiles and virological and immunological outcomes among HIV-1-seropositive participants from the Reaching for Excellence in Adolescent Care and Health (REACH) cohort. Methods: HLA class I and chemokine coreceptor (CCR) alleles and haplotypes were resolved in 227 HIV-1-seropositive adolescents (ages 13–18 years; 75% females; 71% African-Americans) and 183 HIV-seronegative individuals, with quarterly follow-up visits between 1996 and 2000. Each HLA and CCR variant with consistent risk and protective effect on HIV-1 pathogenesis was assigned a score of −1 and +1, respectively. All individual markers and genetic scores were analyzed in relation to plasma viral load (VL) and CD4 T lymphocytes during a 6–12-month interval when no antiretroviral therapy was taken. Results: HLA-B*57 alone was a strong predictor of VL (P < 0.0001), but composite genetic profiles found in over 50% of patients consistently outperformed the individual component markers in multivariable analyses with or without adjustment for gender, race, age, and membership of clinical patient groups. Adolescents (n = 37) with a favorable combination of VL (< 1000 copies/ml) and CD4 T cell counts (> 450 × 106 cells/l) consistently had more positive (+1 to +2) than negative (−1 to −4) HLA and CCR scores compared with those (n = 56) with an unfavorable combination (VL > 16 000 copies/ml and CD4 cells < 450 × 106 cells/l) or the remainder (n = 134) of the cohort (overall P < 0.0001). Conclusion: A generalizable genetic scoring algorithm based on seven HLA class I and CCR markers is highly predictive of viremia and immunodeficiency in HIV-1-infected adolescents.
Potential of ceramic materials as permanently implantable skeletal prostheses.

The feasibility of the use of porous ceramic materials in the permanent repair of skeletal defects was studied from the standpoint of physiological compatibility and in growth of natural bone. High-fired calcium aluminate samples in the form of quarter-inch diameter cylindrical pellets containing interconnecting porous networks were implanted in vivo into canine femurs for 4-, 11-, and 22-week periods. The implants had 65% porosity with pore size falling within one of five distinct ranges from less than 45 μ to about 200 μ in diameter. Thin sections were prepared by grinding (poly) methyl methacrylate-mounted cross sections of the femurs containing the implanted ceramic samples and adjacent soft tissues. Tissue-prosthetic compatibility was determined using standard histological thin section procedures, electron microbeam probe examinations, autoradiographic techniques, microfadiographic techniques, microchemistry techniques, and ultra-violet fluorescent techniques. Optical microscopic evaluations of each section showed the ceramic samples to be bound lightly by natural bone and gave no detectable signs of tissue incompatibility. Minimum pore size for significant ingrowth of natural bone was indicated to be between 75 and 100 μ.
Reliability of black phosphorus field-effect transistors with respect to bias-temperature and hot-carrier stress

We perform a detailed study of bias-temperature instabilities and hot-carrier degradation in highly-stable black phosphorus field-effect transistors and attempt to capture the correlation between these phenomena. We demonstrate that a hot-carrier stress applied in conjunction with a bias stress leads neither to a considerably stronger degradation nor to dramatically different recovery dynamics, which is in contrast to graphene devices and Si technologies. This allows us to conclude that the BP/SiO2 system is a significant step forward in terms of the reliability improvement of next-generation 2D devices.
Interleukin-23 Orchestrates Mucosal Responses to Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium in the Intestine

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium causes an acute inflammatory reaction in the ceca of streptomycin-pretreated mice that involves T-cell-dependent induction of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-22 (IL-22), and IL-17 expression (genes Ifn-γ, Il-22, and Il-17, respectively). We investigated here the role of IL-23 in initiating these inflammatory responses using the streptomycin-pretreated mouse model. Compared to wild-type mice, the expression of IL-17 was abrogated, IL-22 expression was markedly reduced, but IFN-γ expression was normal in the ceca of IL-23p19-deficient mice during serotype Typhimurium infection. IL-23p19-deficient mice also exhibited a markedly reduced expression of regenerating islet-derived 3 gamma, keratinocyte-derived cytokine, and reduced neutrophil recruitment into the cecal mucosa during infection. Analysis of CD3+ lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa by flow cytometry revealed that αβ T cells were the predominant cell type expressing the IL-23 receptor in naive mice. However, a marked increase in the number of IL-23 receptor-expressing γδ T cells was observed in the lamina propria during serotype Typhimurium infection. Compared to wild-type mice, γδ T-cell-receptor-deficient mice exhibited blunted expression of IL-17 during serotype Typhimurium infection, while IFN-γ expression was normal. These data suggested that γδ T cells are a significant source, but not the sole source, of IL-17 in the acutely inflamed cecal mucosa of mice. Collectively, our results point to IL-23 as an important player in initiating a T-cell-dependent amplification of inflammatory responses in the intestinal mucosa during serotype Typhimurium infection.
Thymineless Death in Escherichia coli: Strain Specificity

Thymineless death of various ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive strains of Escherichia coli B and K-12 was investigated. It was found that E. coli B, Bs−12, K-12 rec-21, and possibly K-12 Lon−, all sensitive to UV, were also sensitive to thymine starvation. However, other UV-sensitive strains of E. coli were found to display the typical resistant-type kinetics of thymineless death. The correlation of these results with various other cellular processes suggested that the filament-forming ability of the bacteria might be involved in the mechanism of thymineless death. It was apparent from the present results that capacity for host-cell reactivation, recombination ability, thymine dimer excision, and probably induction of a defective prophage had little to do with determining sensitivity to thymine deprivation.
Long-term follow-up of a phase III intergroup study of cisplatin alone or in combination with methotrexate, vinblastine, and doxorubicin in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a cooperative group study.

PURPOSE A previously reported randomized intergroup trial demonstrated that combination chemotherapy with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M-VAC) was superior to single-agent cisplatin in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. We conducted a long-term analysis of patients included in the intergroup trial to examine factors associated with long-term survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two-hundred fifty-five assessable patients with urothelial carcinoma were randomized to receive either single-agent cisplatin (70 mg/m2 on day 1) or combination chemotherapy with methotrexate (30 mg/m2 on days 1, 15, and 22), vinblastine (3 mg/m2 on days 2, 15, and 22), doxorubicin (30 mg/m2 on day 2), and cisplatin (70 mg/m2 on day 2). Courses were repeated every 28 days. The association between patient characteristics and survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS With long-term follow-up evaluation, survival in the M-VAC arm continues to be superior to cisplatin (P = .00015, log-rank test). Predictors of survival include performance status, histology, and the presence of liver or bone metastasis. Only 3.7% of the patients randomized to M-VAC are alive and continuously disease-free at 6 years. CONCLUSION Long-term follow-up evaluation of the intergroup trial confirms that M-VAC is superior to single-agent cisplatin in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma; however, durable progression-free survival is rare. Patients with non-transitional-cell histology, poor performance status, and/or bone or visceral involvement fare poorly and are unlikely to benefit significantly from M-VAC chemotherapy.