Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vivo analysis of phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by testicular Sertoli cells

Sertoli cells, a somatic cell type present within the seminiferous tubules of testes, are responsible for the phagocytic elimination of apoptotic spermatogenic cells. We here established an in vivo assay system that enables us to quantitatively analyze Sertoli cell phagocytosis of apoptotic cells in testes of live mice. Apoptotic cells were injected into the seminiferous tubules of spermatogenic cell‐depleted mice, and the occurrence of phagocytosis by Sertoli cells was examined by histochemically analyzing testis sections or dispersed testicular cells. We reproducibly observed similar levels of phagocytosis in either examination, and the ratio of Sertoli cells that engulfed injected apoptotic cells was almost the same between the two examinations. These results indicated that a quantitative in vivo assay system was established using the seminiferous tubules of live mice as ‘test tubes. ’ We then determined the requirements for Sertoli cell phagocytosis of apoptotic cells using this assay. For this purpose, apoptotic cells were injected together with various phagocytosis inhibitors, and the extent of phagocytosis by Sertoli cells was determined. The results revealed that Sertoli cells phagocytose apoptotic cells in a manner dependent on class B scavenger receptor type I (SR‐BI) of Sertoli cells and phosphatidylserine exposed at the surface of target cells, as previously observed in vitro using primary cultures of dispersed rat testicular cells. Furthermore, the amount of SR‐BI in Sertoli cells increased after injection of apoptotic cells into the seminiferous tubules, suggesting a positive feedback regulation of the expression of this phagocytosis receptor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 71: 166–177, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Space-Efficient Algorithms for Reachability in Surface-Embedded Graphs

This work presents a log-space reduction which compresses an n-vertex directed acyclic graph with m(n) sources embedded on a surface of genus g(n), to a graph with O(m(n) + g(n)) vertices while preserving reachability between a given pair of vertices. Applying existing algorithms to this reduced graph yields new deterministic algorithms with improved space bounds as well as improved simultaneous timespace bounds for the reachability problem over a large class of directed acyclic graphs. Specifically, it significantly extends the class of surface-embedded graphs with log-space reachability algorithms: from planar graphs with O(log n) sources, to graphs with 2O(√log n) sources embedded on a surface of genus 2O(√log n). Additionally, it yields an O(n1-ϵ) space algorithm with polynomial running time for reachability over graphs with O(n1-ϵ) sources embedded on surfaces of genus O(n1-ϵ).
An Electronic Publication Dedicated to Early Stellar Evolution and Molecular Clouds Abstracts of Recently Accepted Papers a Single Circumstellar Disk in the Svs 13 Close Binary System Fragmentation in Massive Star Formation

We present Very Large Array observations at 7 mm of the sources IRAS 2A, IRAS 2B, MMS2, MMS3 and SVS 13, in the NGC1333 region. SVS 13 is a young close binary system whose components are separated by 65 AU in projection. Our high angular resolution observations reveal that only one of the components of the SVS 13 system (VLA 4B) is associated with detectable circumstellar dust emission. This result is in contrast with the well known case of L1551 IRS5, a binary system of two protostars separated by 45 AU, where each component is associated with a disk of dust. Both in SVS 13 and in L1551 IRS5 the emission apparently arises from compact accretion disks, smaller than those observed around single stars, but still massive enough to form planetary systems like the solar one. These observational results confirm that the formation of planets can occur in close binary systems, either in one or in both components of the system, depending on the specific angular momentum of the infalling material. Studies of evolved massive stars indicate that they form in a clustered mode. During the earliest evolutionary stages, these regions are embedded within their natal cores. Here, we show high-spatial-resolution interferometric dust continuum observations disentangling the cluster-like structure of a young massive star-forming region. The derived protocluster mass distribution is consistent with the stellar initial mass function. Thus, fragmentation of the initial massive cores may determine the initial mass function and the masses of the final stars. This implies that stars of all masses can form via accretion processes, and coalescence of intermediate-mass protostars appears not to be necessary.
Maxing Out: Stocks as Lotteries and the Cross-Section of Expected Returns

Motivated by existing evidence of a preference among investors for assets with lottery-like payoffs and that many investors are poorly diversified, we investigate the significance of extreme positive returns in the cross-sectional pricing of stocks. Portfolio-level analyses and firm-level cross-sectional regressions indicate a negative and significant relation between the maximum daily return over the past one month (MAX) and expected stock returns. Average raw and risk-adjusted return differences between stocks in the lowest and highest MAX deciles exceed 1% per month. These results are robust to controls for size, book-to-market, momentum, short-term reversals, liquidity, and skewness. Of particular interest, including MAX reverses the puzzling negative relation between returns and idiosyncratic volatility recently documented in Ang et al. (2006, 2008).
It takes two DNA translocases to untangle chromosomes from the division septum

The DNA translocase function of Bacillus subtilis SpoIIIE is essential for spore development and is important during vegetative growth for moving trapped chromosomal DNA away from division septa. Two papers in this issue of Molecular Microbiology, from the teams of Peter Graumann and William Burkholder, have characterized a second SpoIIIE/FtsK‐like protein in B. subtilis, SftA. This protein lacks any recognizable transmembrane domain possessed by the other characterized members of the family, yet the protein is shown to be associated with the division septum and, like SpoIIIE, is required for clearing DNA from the septum. However, SftA and SpoIIIE act at different stages of septation and together they ensure maximum fidelity in chromosome segregation.
Parentage analysis with incomplete sampling of candidate parents and offspring

Many breeding systems include ‘multiple mating’ in which males or females mate with multiple partners. We identify two forms of multiple mating: ‘single‐sex’, where the next‐generation individuals (NGIs) are the product of multiple mating by one sex; and ‘two‐sex’, where the NGIs are the product of multiple mating by both sexes. For both mating systems we develop models that estimate the proportion of NGIs that is fathered (paternity) or mothered (maternity) by the putative parents. The models only require genetic data from the parent or parents in question and the sample of NGIs, as well as an estimate of population allele frequencies. The models provide unbiased estimates, can accommodate loci with many alleles and are robust to violations of their assumptions. They allow researchers to address intractable problems such as the parentage of seeds found on the ground, juvenile fish in a stream, and nestlings in a communal breeding bird. We demonstrate the models using genetic data from a nest of the bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus, where the NGIs may be from multiple females that have spawned with multiple males from different life histories (cuckolder and parental).
Millimeter-wave voltage-controlled oscillators in 0.13-μm CMOS technology

This paper describes the design of CMOS millimeter-wave voltage controlled oscillators. Varactor, transistor, and inductor designs are optimized to reduce the parasitic capacitances. An investigation of tradeoff between quality factor and tuning range for MOS varactors at 24 GHz has shown that the polysilicon gate lengths between 0.18 and 0.24 /spl mu/m result both good quality factor (>12) and C/sub max//C/sub min/ ratio (/spl sim/3) in the 0.13-/spl mu/m CMOS process used for the study. The components were utilized to realize a VCO operating around 60 GHz with a tuning range of 5.8 GHz. A 99-GHz VCO with a tuning range of 2.5 GHz, phase noise of -102.7 dBc/Hz at 10-MHz offset and power consumption of 7-15mW from a 1.5-V supply and a 105-GHz VCO are also demonstrated. This is the CMOS circuit with the highest fundamental operating frequency. The lumped element approach can be used even for VCOs operating near 100-GHz and it results a smaller circuit area.
Complications and failure of uterine artery embolisation for intractable postpartum haemorrhage

Objective Primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world. Most patients can be managed conservatively, but patients with intractable bleeding require more aggressive treatment. In these cases uterine artery embolisation (UAE) has proven to be a useful tool to control PPH. The reported success rate of UAE is over 90% with only minor complications. In this case series we studied the effectiveness and complications of UAE.
A Comparative Study of Ion Diffusion from Calcium Hydroxide with Various Herbal Pastes through Dentin

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the diffusion ability of ions through dentinal tubules of different nonalcoholic calcium hydroxide-containing herbal pastes and compare it with the calcium hydroxide paste prepared with saline. Materials and methods A total of 36 single-rooted premolar teeth were used in this study. The tooth crowns were removed and the root canals were prepared. Depending on the vehicle to be used for preparing calcium hydroxide pastes, six groups were made: Group I: Ca(OH)2 saline paste (control group), group II: Ca(OH)2 papaya latex paste, group III: Ca(OH)2 coconut water paste, group IV: Ca(OH)2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) paste, group V: Ca(OH)2 Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) paste, and group VI: Ca(OH)2 garlic (Allium sativum) paste. After biomechanical preparation, calcium hydroxide herbal paste dressings were applied and sealed with resin-based cement. The teeth were placed in containers with deionized water, and the pH of the water was measured at regular intervals over 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours. Results We observed that all herbal pastes allowed the diffusion of ions, but pastes prepared with Ashwagandha and papaya latex showed more ion diffusion after 168 hours and marked increase in pH, depicting better support for calcium hydroxide action. Conclusion We conclude that Ashwagandha and papaya latex allow better diffusion of calcium hydroxide through den-tinal tubules, thus enhancing its action, and advise its use as a vehicle for placing intracanal medicament. How to cite this article Dausage P, Dhirawani RB, Marya J, Dhirawani V, Kumar V. A Comparative Study of Ion Diffusion from Calcium Hydroxide with Various Herbal Pastes through Dentin. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(1):41-44.
The Y-Chromosome Tree Bursts into Leaf: 13,000 High-Confidence SNPs Covering the Majority of Known Clades

Many studies of human populations have used the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) as a marker, but MSY sequence variants have traditionally been subject to ascertainment bias. Also, dating of haplogroups has relied on Y-specific short tandem repeats (STRs), involving problems of mutation rate choice, and possible long-term mutation saturation. Next-generation sequencing can ascertain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an unbiased way, leading to phylogenies in which branch-lengths are proportional to time, and allowing the times-to-most-recent-common-ancestor (TMRCAs) of nodes to be estimated directly. Here we describe the sequencing of 3.7 Mb of MSY in each of 448 human males at a mean coverage of 51×, yielding 13,261 high-confidence SNPs, 65.9% of which are previously unreported. The resulting phylogeny covers the majority of the known clades, provides date estimates of nodes, and constitutes a robust evolutionary framework for analyzing the history of other classes of mutation. Different clades within the tree show subtle but significant differences in branch lengths to the root. We also apply a set of 23 Y-STRs to the same samples, allowing SNP- and STR-based diversity and TMRCA estimates to be systematically compared. Ongoing purifying selection is suggested by our analysis of the phylogenetic distribution of nonsynonymous variants in 15 MSY single-copy genes.
Two types of autoantibody-mediated thrombocytopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether autoantibodies to two platelet-specific antigens, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) and thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR), contribute to thrombocytopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Circulating B cells producing anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibodies and serum anti-TPOR antibodies were measured in 32 SLE patients with thrombocytopenia, 30 SLE patients without thrombocytopenia, 92 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia and 60 healthy controls. The megakaryocyte density in bone-marrow smears from all the patients with thrombocytopenia was evaluated. RESULTS Anti-GPIIb/IIIa and anti-TPOR antibody responses were more frequent in SLE patients with thrombocytopenia than in those without thrombocytopenia (88 vs 17%, P<0.0001; and 22% vs 0%, P=0.01, respectively). The frequencies of these platelet-related antibodies were comparable between SLE patients with thrombocytopenia and patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenia. Twenty-nine (91%) SLE patients with thrombocytopenia had either anti-GPIIb/IIIa or anti-TPOR antibody, and six had both. In SLE patients with thrombocytopenia, the anti-TPOR-positive patients had significantly higher frequencies of megakaryocytic hypoplasia and poorer therapeutic responses to corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin than did the anti-TPOR-negative patients, most of whom had the anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibody alone. CONCLUSIONS Anti-GPIIb/IIIa and anti-TPOR antibodies are major factors contributing to SLE-associated thrombocytopenia, but the clinical presentations associated with these autoantibodies are different.
A dominant role of acid pH in inflammatory excitation and sensitization of nociceptors in rat skin, in vitro

A major role of local acidosis in long lasting excitation and sensitization of cutaneous nociceptors has recently been demonstrated. In inflamed tissue, acid pH meets with a mixture of inflammatory mediators which, by themselves, stimulate nociceptors though being subject to profound tachyphylaxis. We have mimicked this condition in a rat skin-saphenous nerve preparation in vitro which allows direct application of chemicals to the isolated receptive fields at the corium side. Stimulant solutions used were CO2-saturated “synthetic interstitial fluid” (CO2-SIF, pH 6.1), and “inflammatory soup” (IS) in submaximal concentration containing bradykinin, 5-HT, histamine, prostaglandin E2 (all 10(-6) M in SIF at 38.5 degrees C and pH 7.0), and a combination made of CO2-saturated IS (CO2-IS, pH 6.1). Identified mechano-heat sensitive (“polymodal”) C-fiber terminals (n = 36) were treated with these solutions for 5 min at 10 min intervals or for 30 min of sustained stimulation: 20 units responded to CO2-SIF, 12 to IS, whereas 27 units (75%) were excited by CO2-IS. Thus, 6 out of 15 units insensitive to either of the two basic solutions were stimulated by their combination. This enhanced effect of CO2-IS was also expressed in shorter latencies (than with CO2-SIF) and in a significantly larger mean response magnitude of the fiber population: 152 spikes with the combination versus 45 spikes evoked by IS and 93 spikes by CO2-SIF (n = 25; p < 0.002 and < 0.02, respectively, Wilcoxon test).
Faster-Than-Nyquist Broadcasting in Gaussian Channels: Achievable Rate Regions and Coding

We consider the concept of faster-than-Nyquist rate (FTN) broadcasting, which nonorthogonally multiplexes more than one user message in the continuous-time domain for transmission over broadcast channels. Two FTN broadcasting approaches, namely, sub-FTN and full-FTN, are considered for broadcasting of K independent messages over K-user continuous time Gaussian broadcast channel. The derived achievable rate regions of the two approaches are shown to be, in general, greater than the capacity region of the optimally coded Nyquist-rate broadcasting using a same modulating pulse. The full-FTN broadcasting provides larger degrees of freedom (capacity pre-log factor) to each user of the broadcast channel while the sub-FTN improves signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratios of the individual link. The amount of capacity gains in high SNR regime is linearly proportional to excess bandwidth in the modulating pulse used and dependent on FTN signaling rates, channel SNRs, and number of users in the broadcast channel. The simulated sub-FTN and full-FTN broadcast transceivers outperform coded Nyquist-rate systems both in BER performances and in capacity.
[Influence of iron status on attention and intellectual performance of a population of Spanish adolescents].

Dietetic, hematologic and biochemical data were used to asses the iron status of a group of 64 adolescents (37 males and 27 females), aged 15 to 18 (mean age 15.94 +/- 0.76 years), who study in a High School in the comunidad Autónoma de Madrid. All were asked to keep a dietary record during 5 days, one of which had to be a sunday. Iron intake was estimated using the Food Composition Tables of the Instituto de Nutrición (1990). The hematologic survey determined hemoglobin hematocrit mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum iron and serum ferritin. These data were correlated with the scores obtained in the attention and school capability test (AT), that gave information about the verbal (V), reasoning (R) and calculus (C) capabilities. There is a positive correlation between MCV (r = 0.2705), MCH (r = 0.3370) ferritin (r = 0.3383) and attention. MCV (r = 0.2995), MCH (r = 0.3998), MCHC (r = 0.3134) and ferritin (r = 0.3970) were also correlated with the speed capability shown on the attention test and the hemoglobin level was correlated with the calculus capability (r = 0.2905). The students who obtained higher scores in the school capability test had also better blood parameter values. This was statistically significant for serum ferritin in males students and for hemoglobin and MCHC in female students. 19.6% of the adolescents had ferritin levels lower than 12 ng/ml. Their intelligence test scores were lower to those who had serum ferritin > or = 12 ng/ml. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Linkage proof for PTPN22, a rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility gene and a human autoimmunity gene

The tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22 allele 1858T has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. RA is the most frequent of those multifactorial diseases. The RA association was usually restricted to serum rheumatoid factor positive disease (RF+). No interaction was shown with HLA-DRB1, the first RA gene. Many case-control studies replicated the RA association, showing an allele frequency increase of ≈5% on average and large variations of population allele frequencies (2.1–15.5%). In multifactorial diseases, the final proof for a new susceptibility allele is provided by departure from Mendel's law (50% transmission from heterozygous parents). For PTPN22–1858T allele, convincing linkage proof was available only for type 1 diabetes. We aimed at providing this proof for RA. We analyzed 1,395 West European Caucasian individuals from 465 “trio” families. We replicated evidence for linkage, demonstrating departure from Mendel's law in this subset of early RA onset patients. We estimated the overtransmission of the 1858T allele in RF+ families: T = 63%, P < 0.0007. The 1858T allele frequency increased from 11.0% in controls to 17.4% in RF+ RA for the French Caucasian population and the susceptibility genotype (1858T/T or T/C) from 20.2% to 31.6% [odds ratio (OR) = 1.8 (1.2–2.8)]. In conclusion, we provided the linkage proof for the PTPN22–1858T allele and RF+ RA. With diabetes and RA, PTPN22 is therefore a “linkage-proven” autoimmunity gene. PTPN22 accounting for ≈1% of the RA familial aggregation, many new genes could be expected that are as many leads to definitive therapy for autoimmune diseases.
Application of the Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) to estimates of ocean surface currents

The Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) can be utilized efficiently to observe subtle changes in oceanic environments under cloud-free conditions because it receives ocean color images around the Korean Peninsula hourly, for 8 h a day. Here we investigated the applicability of the GOCI for estimating hourly variations in ocean surface currents, which provide significant information on seawater circulation for fisheries, shipping controls, and more. Ocean surface currents were deduced from eight images of GOCI-derived total suspended matter (TSM) from highly turbid coastal waters and images of chlorophyll concentration (CHL) for relatively clear waters. The results showed that GOCI TSM-derived ocean surface currents can effectively estimate and represent fast tidal currents, as well as flood and ebb tides on the west coast of Korea, in comparison with in situ measurements. GOCI-derived CHL scenes successfully illustrated currents moving along boundaries where warm and cold seawaters mix, in addition to mesoscale currents such as the East Korea Warm Current (EKWC) in the East Sea of Korea. Satellite-based sea surface temperature and sea surface height images supported the reliability of GOCI-derived ocean surface currents in the East Sea.
Modeling stratified wave and current bottom boundary layers on the continental shelf

The Glenn and Grant [1987] continental shelf bottom boundary layer model for the flow and suspended sediment concentration profiles in the constant stress layer above a noncohesive movable sediment bed has been updated. The Reynolds fluxes for sediment mass and fluid momentum are closed using a continuous, time-invariant linear eddy viscosity modified by a continuous stability parameter to represent the influence of suspended sediment-induced stratification throughout the constant stress region. Glenn and Grant [1987] use a less realistic discontinuous eddy viscosity and neglect the stratification correction in the wave boundary layer. For typical model parameters the two models produce currents above the wave boundary layer that are in better agreement than the suspended sediment concentrations. Within the wave boundary layer the differences are much greater for both the current and the sediment concentration. This leads to significant differences in the sediment transport throughout the constant stress layer. Sensitivities of the updated model were examined on the basis of observed wave and current data acquired during storms on the inner continental shelf. Comparisons between the stratified and neutral versions of the updated model indicate that the stratified version produces a total depth-integrated sediment transport that can be 2 orders of magnitude less than, and time-averaged shear velocities that can be nearly half of, that predicted by the neutral version. Sensitivities to grain size distributions indicate that even a small amount of finer sediment can stratify the storm-driven flows. Sensitivities to closure constants within the range of reported values also produce up to an order of magnitude variation in sediment transport, illustrating the need for dedicated field experiments to refine further estimates of these parameters.