Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Host shifts enhance diversification of ectomycorrhizal fungi: diversification rate analysis of the ectomycorrhizal fungal genera Strobilomyces and Afroboletus with an 80-gene phylogeny.

Mutualisms with new host lineages can provide symbionts with novel ecological opportunities to expand their geographical distribution, thereby leading to evolutionary diversification. Because ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi provide ideal opportunities to test the relationship between host shifts and diversification, we tested whether mutualism with new host lineages could increase the diversification rates of ECM fungi. Using a Bayesian tree inferred from 23 027-base nucleotide sequences of 80 single-copy genes, we tested whether the diversification rate had changed through host-shift events in the monophyletic clade containing the ECM fungal genera Strobilomyces and Afroboletus. The results indicated that these fungi were initially associated with Caesalpinioideae/Monotoideae in Africa, acquired associations with Dipterocarpoideae in tropical Asia, and then switched to Fagaceae/Pinaceae and Nothofagaceae/Eucalyptus. Fungal lineages associated with Fagaceae/Pinaceae were inferred to have approximately four-fold and two-fold greater diversification rates than those associated with Caesalpinioideae/Monotoideae and Dipterocarpoideae or Nothofagaceae/Eucalyptus, respectively. Moreover, the diversification rate shift was inferred to follow the host shift to Fagaceae/Pinaceae. Our study suggests that host-shift events, particularly those occurring with respect to Fagaceae/Pinaceae, can provide ecological opportunities for the rapid diversification of Strobilomyces-Afroboletus. Although further studies are needed for generalization, we propose a possible diversification scenario of ECM fungi.
Serum Citrulline as a Biomarker of Gastrointestinal Function During Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Children

Objectives: We sought to determine whether serum citrulline (CIT), an amino acid produced by small bowel enterocytes, was associated with clinical and biochemical markers of gastrointestinal function in children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Methods: We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study of 26 children to define time-related changes in serum CIT during the course of HCT. Markers of gastrointestinal function including oral energy intake, emesis, stool volume, presence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), oral mucositis severity, and cytokine and neurohormone levels were measured. Weekly serum CIT concentrations were obtained from 10 days prior until 30 days after HCT. Results: Mean baseline CIT concentration was 22.7 &mgr;mol/L (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.7–27.6) on day −10, which decreased to a nadir of 7.5 &mgr;mol/L (95% CI 3.1–18.0, P = 0.017) on day 8 following HCT before returning to baseline by day 30. After adjustment for IL-6 level (1.0% lower CIT per 10% increase in interleukin-6, P = 0.004), presence of acute GVHD (27% lower CIT, P = 0.025), and oral energy intake (2.1% lower CIT per 10% decrease in energy intake, P = 0.018), the nadir shifted to day 10, when mean CIT concentration was lower in patients with severe oral mucositis (6.7 &mgr;mol/L, 95% CI 3.4–13.1) than in those without severe mucositis (11.9 &mgr;mol/L, 95% CI 5.8–24.4, P = 0.003). Change in CIT was not correlated with stool volume, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-&agr;, leptin, or ghrelin. Conclusions: In children undergoing HCT, serum CIT correlates with measures of gastrointestinal function (oral mucositis severity, dietary intake, acute GVHD) and may reflect mucosal injury to the gastrointestinal tract.
Tribological Properties of Hard Carbon Films on Zirconia Ceramics

In this study, the authors investigated the tribological properties of hard diamondlike carbon (DLC) films on magnesia-partially stabilized zirconia (MgO-PSZ) substrates over a wide range of bads, speeds, temperatures, and counterface materials. The films were 2 μm thick and produced by ion-beam deposition at room temperature. Tribological tests were conducted on a ball-on-disk machine with MgO-PSZ balls, in open air of 30 to 50% relative humidity under contact loads of 1 to 50 N, at sliding velocities of 0.1 to 6 m/s, and at temperatures of 400°C. Al2O3 and Si3N4 balls were also rubbed against the DLC-coaled MgO-PSZ disks, primarily to assess their friction and wear performance and to compare it with that of MgO-PSZ balls. A series of long-duration lifetime tests was run at speeds of 1, 2, and 6 m/s under a 5 N load to assess the durability of these DLC films. Results showed that the friction coefficients of MgO-PSZ balls sliding against MgO-PSZ disks were 0.5-0.8, and the average specific wear rates of .
The fundamental group of random 2-complexes

We study Linial-Meshulam random 2-complexes, which are two-dimensional analogues of Erd\H{o}s-R\'enyi random graphs. We find the threshold for simple connectivity to be p = n^{-1/2}. This is in contrast to the threshold for vanishing of the first homology group, which was shown earlier by Linial and Meshulam to be p = 2 log(n)/n. We use a variant of Gromov's local-to-global theorem for linear isoperimetric inequalities to show that when p = O(n^{-1/2 -\epsilon}) the fundamental group is word hyperbolic. Along the way we classify the homotopy types of sparse 2-dimensional simplicial complexes and establish isoperimetric inequalities for such complexes. These intermediate results do not involve randomness and may be of independent interest.
Review of Latest Advances in 3GPP Standardization: D2D Communication in 5G Systems and Its Energy Consumption Models

Device-to-device (D2D) communication is an essential part of the future fifth generation (5G) system that can be seen as a “network of networks,” consisting of multiple seamlessly-integrated radio access technologies (RATs). Public safety communications, autonomous driving, socially-aware networking, and infotainment services are example use cases of D2D technology. High data rate communications and use of several active air interfaces in the described network create energy consumption challenges for both base stations and the end user devices. In this paper, we review the status of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standardization, which is the most important standardization body for 5G systems. We define a set of application scenarios for D2D communications in 5G networks. We use the recent models of 3GPP long term evolution (LTE) and WiFi interfaces in analyzing the power consumption from both the infrastructure and user device perspectives. The results indicate that with the latest radio interfaces, the best option for energy saving is the minimization of active interfaces and sending the data with the best possible data rate. Multiple recommendations on how to exploit the results in future networks are given.
RNA-stabilization factors in chloroplasts of vascular plants

In contrast to the cyanobacterial ancestor, chloroplast gene expression is predominantly governed on the post-transcriptional level such as modifications of the RNA sequence, decay rates, exo- and endonucleolytic processing as well as translational events. The concerted function of numerous chloroplast RNA-binding proteins plays a fundamental and often essential role in all these processes but our understanding of their impact in regulation of RNA degradation is only at the beginning. Moreover, metabolic processes and post-translational modifications are thought to affect the function of RNA protectors. These protectors contain a variety of different RNA-recognition motifs, which often appear as multiple repeats. They are required for normal plant growth and development as well as diverse stress responses and acclimation processes. Interestingly, most of the protectors are plant specific which reflects a fast-evolving RNA metabolism in chloroplasts congruent with the diverging RNA targets. Here, we mainly focused on the characteristics of known chloroplast RNA-binding proteins that protect exonuclease-sensitive sites in chloroplasts of vascular plants.
Group B streptococcal immunisation of pregnant women for the prevention of early and late onset Group B streptococcal infection of the neonate as well as adult disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: Early onset neonatal Group B streptococcal disease is preventable. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis has resulted in a significant reduction in neonatal mortality and morbidity. National guidelines for the selection of women eligible for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, whether screening-based or risk-based, differ according to the local burden of disease. Despite the introduction of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, there remains a significant burden of disease, which can be resolved by better adherence to guidelines, rapid identification of maternal colonization or in the future, vaccination. Areas covered: The introduction of a vaccine to women in the third trimester is likely to further reduce the burden of disease and provide benefits beyond the prevention of early neonatal disease, including meningitis and disability following late onset disease. Development of specific polyvalent vaccines continues, but testing has challenges and may require surrogate markers or molecular-based techniques to manipulate antigenicity and immunogenicity. Expert commentary: Group B streptococcal vaccination using conjugated polyvalent vaccines against the major disease causing serotypes of Group B streptococcus, either alone, or in combination with a policy of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, may decrease the burden of Group B streptococcus beyond that achieved by current use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis alone.
Mechanical Properties and Rapid Chloride Permeability of Concrete With Ground Fly Ash

The objective of this study was to optimize the design of high-strength, high-volume fly ash concretes. Eight concrete mixtures were prepared using the same batch of ordinary portland cement (OPC) and ground low-lime fly ash. The aggregate grading used in the mixtures of concrete, water-binder ratio, and the maximum particle size of aggregate were kept constant in all concretes, however, the partial replacement of cement by fly ash was varied from 0% to 70% OPC concrete, in steps of 10%. The replacement was on a one-to-one weight basis. At 28 days, there was little reduction in compressive strength up to 40% cement replacement by ground fly ash; then a significant decrease was recorded for the further fly ash dosages. At 56 and 120 days, however, the compressive strength up to 40% cement replacement by fly ash was found to be almost identical to that of the no fly ash concrete, and for one year it was even higher. Beyond 40% replacement, the compressive strength decreased significantly. It was shown that the brittleness index increases substantially with increasing compressive strength of concrete. The results of the rapid chloride penetration tests revealed that high volume ground fly ash concrete had better resistance to the penetration of chloride ions. The mortar phases of these concretes were also prepared. As the dosage of fly ash increased, 2, 7, and 28-day compressive strengths of the mortars decreased. However, at later ages at 56, 120, and 365 days, nearly 40% cement replacement by ground fly ash, the compressive strength of mortar with fly ash was about equal to that of mortar without fly ash. The pozzolanic effectiveness ratio increased with increasing curing time and fly ash content.
Methadone Maintenance and Breastfeeding in the Neonatal Period

OBJECTIVE. In a sample of methadone-maintained breastfeeding women and a matched group of formula-feeding women, this study evaluated concentrations of methadone in breast milk among breastfeeding women and concentrations of methadone in maternal and infant plasma in both groups. METHODS. Eight methadone-maintained (dose: 50–105 mg/day), lactating women provided blood and breast milk specimens on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 14, and 30 after delivery, at the times of trough and peak maternal methadone levels. Paired specimens of foremilk and hindmilk were obtained at each sampling time. Eight matched formula-feeding subjects provided blood samples on the same days. Infant blood samples for both groups were obtained on day 14. Urine toxicological screening between 36 weeks of gestation and 30 days after the birth confirmed that subjects were not using illicit substances in the perinatal period. RESULTS. Concentrations of methadone in breast milk were low (range: 21.0–462.0 ng/mL) and not related to maternal dose. There was a significant increase in methadone concentrations in breast milk over time for all 4 sampling times. Concentrations of methadone in maternal plasma were not different between groups and were unrelated to maternal dose. Concentrations of methadone in infant plasma were low (range: 2.2–8.1 ng/mL) in all samples. Infants in both groups underwent neurobehavioral assessments on days 3, 14, and 30; there were no significant effects of breastfeeding on neurobehavioral outcomes. Fewer infants in the breastfed group required pharmacotherapy for neonatal abstinence syndrome, but this was not a statistically significant finding. CONCLUSION. Results contribute to the recommendation of breastfeeding for methadone-maintained women.
Some researchers try to integrate plant architecture and function within the same model to quantify plant growth and development (

YUNTAO MA1,2 , MEIPING WEN1,3 , YAN GUO1, BAOGUO LI1,* , PAUL-HENRY COURNÈDE4 and PHILIPPE DE REFFYE5,6 Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, College of Resources and Environment, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100094, China, LIAMA, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China, Institute of Remote Sensing Applications, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China, Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Ecole Centrale Paris, 92295 Antony Cedex, France, INRIA-Rocquencourt, BP 105, 78153 Le Chesnay Cedex, France and Cirad-amis, TA 40/01 Ave Agropolis, 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
Factors associated with acceptability of child adoption as a management option for infertility among women in a developing country

Background Adoption as a treatment option for infertility amongst those that cannot access and/or afford assisted reproduction is not well accepted in developing countries. This study sets out to determine the willingness of infertile women in developing countries to adopt a child and factors that influence women’s attitude to adoption. Methods We conducted a questionnaire survey of consecutive infertile patients who attended the gynecological clinic of a regional teaching hospital over a 2-month period. Information on demographics, fertility history, and attitude to adoption was obtained, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Tests of statistical significance were used where appropriate at the 95% confidence level. Results The majority of respondents were aware of child adoption, and the most common source of information was friends (47.8%), followed by the media (39.7%); 42.6% of respondents were willing to adopt if their infertility became intractable. The main reasons given by those unwilling to adopt were culture (78.3%) and family constraints (13.45%). On univariate analysis of factors associated with a favorable or unfavorable attitude to adoption, awareness of adoption (P = 0.002), duration of infertility > 5 years (P = 0.015), no living child (P = 0.007), tertiary education (P < 0.001), pressure from parents (P = 0.041), household yearly income ≥ $650 (P < 0.001), and belief that treatment will bring about the desired results (P < 0.001) were significant, and all except awareness of adoption turned out to be significant on multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusion There was a high level of awareness about child adoption among all respondents. However, the acceptability of adoption was significantly lower among poor women and those with limited education. Community advocacy and mobilization, especially through the media as well as via health care providers, will go a long way towards enlightening and enhancing the uptake of adoption among women in Nigeria.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytodiagnosis of Liver Tumors

OBJECTIVE To present our experience with liver fine needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis based on Riu's stain. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed a total of 322 liver fine needle aspirates from 286 patients seen in a seven-year period from April 1990 to April 1997 at Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei. Surgical and/or clinical follow-up was available for confirmation in 292 aspirates. RESULTS The cytologic diagnosis was categorized into four groups: benign in 81 cases, suspicious in 13, malignant in 225, and inadequate specimen in 3 cases. There were 16 false negative and no false positive diagnoses. Two suspicious aspirates were negative. Our results showed a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 100% for the detection of malignancy. If suspicious cases were considered positive, the specificity decreased to 95.1%, while the sensitivity increased to 93.6%. Among 87 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in our series, correct FNA diagnosis was made in 84 cases with an accuracy of 96.6%. Out of 135 cases of non-HCCs, 1 was incorrectly diagnosed. The accuracy of identifying a liver malignancy as non-HCC was 99.3%. CONCLUSION Cytologic features of HCC are well demonstrated by Riu's stain, with high accuracy in identifying them. Liver FNAs using Riu's stain combined with cell block study and clinicopathologic correlation can achieve very high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of hepatic malignancies.
Practice of Epidemiology Estimation of the Relative Excess Risk Due to Interaction and Associated Confidence Bounds

The relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) provides a useful metric of departure from additivity of effects on a relative risk scale. In this paper, the authors show that RERI is identical to the product term in a linear odds ratio or a linear relative risk model. SAS and STATA codes are provided for fitting a linear odds ratio model that directly parameterizes RERI. In addition, this paper presents a method for obtaining likelihood-based 95% confidence bound estimates for RERI. The authors show that likelihood-based confidence intervals may differ substantially from the asymptotic confidence interval estimates advocated by previous authors. The approach presented in this paper should facilitate estimation of RERI and associated likelihood-based confidence bounds, by using standard statistical packages.
Dominance-based duplication simulation (DBDS): code duplication to enable compiler optimizations

Compilers perform a variety of advanced optimizations to improve the quality of the generated machine code. However, optimizations that depend on the data flow of a program are often limited by control-flow merges. Code duplication can solve this problem by hoisting, i.e. duplicating, instructions from merge blocks to their predecessors. However, finding optimization opportunities enabled by duplication is a non-trivial task that requires compile-time intensive analysis. This imposes a challenge on modern (just-in-time) compilers: Duplicating instructions tentatively at every control flow merge is not feasible because excessive duplication leads to uncontrolled code growth and compile time increases. Therefore, compilers need to find out whether a duplication is beneficial enough to be performed. This paper proposes a novel approach to determine which duplication operations should be performed to increase performance. The approach is based on a duplication simulation that enables a compiler to evaluate different success metrics per potential duplication. Using this information, the compiler can then select the most promising candidates for optimization. We show how to map duplication candidates into an optimization cost model that allows us to trade-off between different success metrics including peak performance, code size and compile time. We implemented the approach on top of the GraalVM and evaluated it with the benchmarks Java DaCapo, Scala DaCapo, JavaScript Octane and a micro-benchmark suite, in terms of performance, compilation time and code size increase. We show that our optimization can reach peak performance improvements of up to 40% with a mean peak performance increase of 5.89%, while it generates a mean code size increase of 9.93% and mean compile time increase of 18.44%.
Feasibility of Cytology-Based Cervical Cancer Screening in Rural Cameroon

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of cervical cancer and its precursors in a rural population in Cameroon and to evaluate the feasibility of a cytology-based screening program in such areas. STUDY DESIGN A prospective study was conducted in the rural town of Bafang. Following an advocacy campaign, 750 women were recruited. After a clinical examination, all women had a Pap smear with the Cervex Brush. Each sample had two preparations, conventional and liquid based. The conventional smears were interpreted in Bafang. Cytologically abnormal cases, those with clinical inflammation and/or macroscopic cervical lesions, had a colposcopic examination and directed biopsy. HSIL and colposcopically abnormal cases were treated with large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). The liquid-based preparations and histopathology were performed in Geneva and the results sent to Cameroon for patient follow-up. RESULTS Mean age and parity of the women screened were 43.7 years and 7.8, respectively. The conventional smears showed 3.6% cervical abnormalities: 2% (15/740) ASCUS/LSIL and 1.6% (12/740) HSIL. The liquid-based preparations showed 12.6% (91/722) cervical abnormalities: 10.1% (73/722) ASCUS/LSIL and 2.5% (18/722) HSIL. Fifty percent of samples in both preparations showed evidence of inflammation. Histology was performed on 64 colposcopically directed punch biopsies and LLETZ specimens. The histologic diagnoses agreed with the cytologic findings in 60% (14/23) of conventional smears and 85% (12/14) of liquid-based preparations. CONCLUSION There is a high rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in the unscreened rural population of Cameroon. The situation is complicated by a high rate of cervical infection. A population-based cytologic screening program for cervical cancer would not be feasible in rural Cameroon because of high cost, low quality and limited technical facilities. Rural Africa requires an algorithm using a simple, low-cost technique of mass screening and an improved cytology service only to triage selected patients.