Core promoter short tandem repeats as evolutionary switch codes for primate speciation

Alteration in gene expression levels underlies many of the phenotypic differences across species. Because of their highly mutable nature, proximity to the +1 transcription start site (TSS), and the emerging evidence of functional impact on gene expression, core promoter short tandem repeats (STRs) may be considered an ideal source of variation across species. In a genome-scale analysis of the entire Homo sapiens protein-coding genes, we have previously identified core promoters with at least one STR of ≥6-repeats, with possible selective advantage in this species. In the current study, we performed reverse analysis of the entire Homo sapiens orthologous genes in mouse in the Ensembl database, in order to identify conserved STRs that have shrunk as an evolutionary advantage to humans. Two protocols were used to minimize ascertainment bias. Firstly, two species sharing a more recent ancestor with Homo sapiens (i.e. Pan troglodytes and Gorilla gorilla gorilla) were also included in the study. Secondly, four non-primate species encompassing the major orders across Mammals, including Scandentia, Laurasiatheria, Afrotheria, and Xenarthra were analyzed as out-groups. We introduce STR evolutionary events specifically identical in primates (i.e. Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, and Gorilla gorilla gorilla) vs. non-primate out-groups. The average frequency of the identically shared STR motifs across those primates ranged between 0.00005 and 0.06. The identified genes are involved in important evolutionary and developmental processes, such as normal craniofacial development (TFAP2B), regulation of cell shape (PALMD), learning and long-term memory (RGS14), nervous system development (GFRA2), embryonic limb morphogenesis (PBX2), and forebrain development (APAF1). We provide evidence of core promoter STRs as evolutionary switch codes for primate speciation, and the first instance of identity-by-descent for those motifs at the interspecies level. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Distress Identification, Cost Analysis and Pavement Temperature Prediction for the Long-Term Pavement Performance for Western Australia

Collection and analysis of pavement distress data is a significant component for effective long-term pavement performance. Accurate, consistent, and repeatable pavement distress type’s evaluation can reduce a tremendous amount of time and money that has been spending each year on maintenance and rehabilitation of existing pavement distress. The main objective of this study is to identify and quantify of surface distress in a given segment of pavement, to perform details distress rating, to predict pavement temperature and cost analysis of individual pavement distress on heavily urban roads in Western Australia (WA). Field survey were conducted from three regions in WA and two approached were used to evaluate and analysis the pavement distress. First, the probabilistic network Marov-Chain Process method was used to predict the cost analysis for individual asphalt concrete surfaced pavement distress. Second, Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) was used to predict pavement temperature for asphalt concrete surface pavement. Meteorological data were collected from Perth, Kalgoorlie, and Albany region in WA, and data were used to develop and validation of the model. Different types of pavement distress level were identified and color photograph illustrated the asphalt concrete surfaced pavement. Results were performed and analysis. Results from this study will be useful resource to Main Roads Western Australia, Western Australia State Highways (WASH), and other pavement related users including to the National Highway System (NHS). In addition, results can be used for pavement management systems (PMSs) purpose

Origin of training effect of exchange bias in Co/CoO due to irreversible thermoremanent magnetization of the magnetically diluted antiferromagnet

The irreversible thermoremanent magnetization of a sole, magnetically diluted epitaxial antiferromagnetic Co$_{1-y}$O(100) layer is determined by the mean of its thermoremanent magnetizations at positive and negative remanence. During hysteresis-loop field cycling, thermoremanent magnetization exhibits successive reductions, consistent with the training effect (TE) of the exchange bias measured for the corresponding Co$_{1-y}$O(100)/Co bilayer. The TE of exchange bias is shown to have its microscopic origin in the TE of the irreversible thermoremanent magnetization of the magnetically diluted AFM

Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Shahin Dezh, Western Azarbaijan, Iran, 2008-2012

Background: Brucellosis is still one of the most challenging issues for health and the economy in many developing countries such as Iran. Objectives: This study investigated the epidemiological features of brucellosis in Shahin Dezh, Western Azarbaijan province, North West of Iran. Patients and Methods: This study had across-sectional design and data was collected from private and public sectors over a five-year period (2008-2012). All cases were studied between years 2008 and 2012 in Shahin Dezh. Results: In total, 492 cases of brucellosis were reported. The prevalence of brucellosis decreased from 152 cases/100000 inhabitants in 2008 to 97 cases/100000 inhabitants at the beginning of 2012. About 52.3 of subjects were male, and most cases of brucellosis were aged 25-30 years. Eighty-one percent of subjects lived in rural areas. There was a statistically significant difference regarding contact with livestock between rural and urban areas (91.7 vs. 68.8) (P value <0.001). Raw milk was the most commonly consumed dairy product; consumed by 37 of cases. Finally, during winter and spring a high prevalence rate of brucellosis was reported. Conclusions: Comprehensive health-related interventions need to empower communities at risk, especially young men and young and adult women in the Shahin Dezh County. Health education is needed to raise awareness of people in the studied area. © 2015, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center

Radiation exposure and bell�s palsy: A hypothetical association

Bell�s palsy is an idiopathic peripheral nerve palsy involving the facial nerve. It accounts for 60 to 75 of all cases of unilateral facial paralysis. The main mechanisms to induce BP remain unclear, but infection, ischemic condition and immunodeficiency may contribute to the development of Bell�s palsy. Accumulating evidence has shown several factors can trigger the reactivation of latent HSV including psychological stressors, physical stressors and immunosuppression. Ionization and non-ionization radiations are of importance of physical stressors. Some data have shown radiation can reactivate HSVs. Based on preliminary studies showing radiation reactivation of HSVs, we aimed to hypothesize radiation (in both forms of ionization and non-ion-ization) may cause Bell�s palsy. In the future, the role of radiotherapy, radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones and wireless devices in HSV reactivation and Bell�s palsy should be investigated. © 2018, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved