Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth of California red fir advance regeneration after overstory removal and thinning.

WILLIAM W. OLIVER is in charge of the Station's silviculmnl research on California conifer types, wilh hcadquwcrs at Kcdding, Calif. He earned a bachelor's degree (1956) in forestry froin the University of New Hampshire. and a master of foreslry degree (1960) fmln the University of Michigan. He joined the Station in 1962. Advance regeneration is co~nmon under decadent, old-growth stands of California red fir (Abies magni$c~i A. Mum.). Intense competition for the site's resources can create sapling stands of poor vigor and advanced age. When competition is reduced by overstoiy removal and thinning, suppressed advance regenem-tion has been shown to respond with increased growth. But, to select leave trees, land managers need to know which tree characteristics we associated with growth after release and thinning. This paper reports those easily measured tree characteristics found to be most closely associated with growth after 8 years, on the Swain Mountain Experimental Forest in northeastern Cal-ifornia. About 400 saplings were monitored after removal of the over-story and thinning on 10 acres, at 6700 ft (2044 m) on the northeast face of Swain Mountain. At this elevation, most of the annual precipitation falls as snow, which usually accumulates to a depth of 6 ft (1.8 m). Site index is 45 ft (14 m) at 50 years. After trees were thinned to a 6-ft (1.8-m) spacing, about 200 were chosen randomly within 10 study plots to obtain at least nine trees each in nine live crown ratio classes from 10 to 90 percent. A variety of stem and crown characteristics expected to be related to growth was measured on the sample trees, which averaged 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter at breast height (d.b.h.), 6.8 ft (2. l m) tall, and 60 years old. Also, measured annually for d.b. h. only were 200 other saplings of similar size that were randomly selected from among well-fanned dominant and co-dominant trees. Rates of d.b. h. and height growth increased for most saplings during the 8 years of observation. According to the criteria used, variation in diameter growth was explained best by the easily measured characteristics: 3-year height growth before thinning (3-YHG), the product (PLC. CD) of percent live crown (PLC) and crown diameter (CD), and initial d.b. h. (ID). For height growth, the most effective variables by the same criteria were 3-YHG and PLC. CD. These variable sets were chosen for each of four response periods-0 to 2 , 0 …
Chronic Interpersonal Stress Predicts Activation of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Signaling Pathways 6 Months Later

Objective: To understand the mechanisms underlying chronic interpersonal difficulties and their detrimental influence on mental and physical health. Methods: A total of 103 healthy young women (mean age = 17 years) were administered a structured interview to assess the degree of chronic interpersonal stress in their lives. At the same time, blood was drawn to measure systemic inflammation, the expression of signaling molecules that regulate immune activation, and leukocyte production of the cytokine interleukin-6 after ex vivo stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. All of the immunologic assessments were repeated 6 months later. Results: To the extent subjects were high in chronic interpersonal stress at baseline, their leukocytes displayed greater increases in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for the proinflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-&kgr;B (NF-&kgr;B) over the next 6 months. They also showed larger increases in mRNA for inhibitor of &kgr;B, a molecule that sequesters NF-&kgr;B in the cytoplasm and minimizes its proinflammatory activities. Chronic interpersonal stress at baseline was unrelated to changes in biomarkers of systemic inflammation but was associated with increasingly pronounced interleukin-6 responses to lipopolysaccharide. These associations were independent of demographics, lifestyle variables, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: These findings suggest that chronic interpersonal difficulties accentuate expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling molecules. Although this process does not result in systemic inflammation under quiescent conditions, it does accentuate leukocytes’ inflammatory response to microbial challenge. These dynamics may underlie the excess morbidity associated with social stress, particularly in inflammation-sensitive diseases like depression and atherosclerosis. CRP = C-reactive protein; GR = glucocorticoid receptor; I&kgr;B = inhibitor of &kgr;B; IL = interleukin; mRNA = messenger ribonucleic acid; NF-&kgr;B = nuclear factor-&kgr;B.
The history of contraction of the wrist flexors can change cortical excitability

Voluntary contractions induce thixotropic changes in intrafusal muscle fibres and hence, by induction or removal of ‘slack’, the background discharge and sensitivity of spindle endings to stretch is altered. This study assessed whether such changes also altered the ‘excitability’ of the motor cortex. Eleven subjects performed a series of voluntary conditioning contractions of the wrist flexors designed to remove slack in the intrafusal fibres (contract and test at intermediate length, termed ‘contract‐test’) or to introduce slack (contract at long length and test at intermediate length, termed ‘contract‐long’). Surface electromyographic recordings were made from one wrist flexor, flexor carpi radialis. Subjects relaxed after each contraction, and 10 s later a test stimulus was applied to elicit a tendon tap response, H‐reflex, or motor‐evoked potential (MEP) to transcranial magnetic stimulation in the flexor carpi radialis. Each of the three test stimuli was applied during 15 consecutive pairs of contractions (‘contract‐long’ and ‘contract‐test’). Three subjects repeated the protocol using transmastoid electrical stimulation as the test stimulus to evoke a cervicomedullary motor‐evoked potential (CMEP). For the group of subjects, after conditioning contractions designed to induce slack there was a significant reduction in the amplitude of the tendon reflex, no significant change in the H‐reflex, and a small but significant reduction in the amplitude of the MEP. In one subject the CMEP was significantly reduced, while it was unchanged in two others. In the absence of corresponding changes in the H‐reflex (or CMEP), changes in the size of the response to motor cortical stimulation suggest that the level of motor cortical ‘excitability’ changes according to naturally induced variations in the discharge of muscle spindle afferents.
Water at hydrophobic interfaces delays proton surface-to-bulk transfer and provides a pathway for lateral proton diffusion

Fast lateral proton migration along membranes is of vital importance for cellular energy homeostasis and various proton-coupled transport processes. It can only occur if attractive forces keep the proton at the interface. How to reconcile this high affinity to the membrane surface with high proton mobility is unclear. Here, we tested whether a minimalistic model interface between an apolar hydrophobic phase (n-decane) and an aqueous phase mimics the biological pathway for lateral proton migration. The observed diffusion span, on the order of tens of micrometers, and the high proton mobility were both similar to the values previously reported for lipid bilayers. Extensive ab initio simulations on the same water/n-decane interface reproduced the experimentally derived free energy barrier for the excess proton. The free energy profile GH+ adopts the shape of a well at the interface, having a width of two water molecules and a depth of 6 ± 2RT. The hydroniums in direct contact with n-decane have a reduced mobility. However, the hydroniums in the second layer of water molecules are mobile. Their in silico diffusion coefficient matches that derived from our in vitro experiments, (5.7 ± 0.7) × 10-5 cm2 s-1. Conceivably, these are the protons that allow for fast diffusion along biological membranes.
Enhanced shear‐induced platelet aggregation due to low‐temperature storage

Refrigeration of platelets (PLTs) offers an attractive alternative to the currently practiced storage at room temperature since it may mitigate problems associated with bacterial contamination and extend storage lifetime. Refrigeration causes a number of biophysical and biochemical changes in PLTs and decreases PLT circulation time in vivo. However, the effect of refrigeration on PLT hemostatic functions under physiologic and pathophysiologic shear conditions has not been adequately characterized.
Saccadic Palsy following Cardiac Surgery: Possible Role of Perineuronal Nets

Objective Perineuronal nets (PN) form a specialized extracellular matrix around certain highly active neurons within the central nervous system and may help to stabilize synaptic contacts, promote local ion homeostasis, or play a protective role. Within the ocular motor system, excitatory burst neurons and omnipause neurons are highly active cells that generate rapid eye movements – saccades; both groups of neurons contain the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin and are ensheathed by PN. Experimental lesions of excitatory burst neurons and omnipause neurons cause slowing or complete loss of saccades. Selective palsy of saccades in humans is reported following cardiac surgery, but such cases have shown normal brainstem neuroimaging, with only one clinicopathological study that demonstrated paramedian pontine infarction. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that lesions of PN surrounding these brainstem saccade-related neurons may cause saccadic palsy. Methods Together with four controls we studied the brain of a patient who had developed a permanent selective saccadic palsy following cardiac surgery and died several years later. Sections of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded brainstem blocks were applied to double-immunoperoxidase staining of parvalbumin and three different components of PN. Triple immunofluorescence labeling for all PN components served as internal controls. Combined immunostaining of parvalbumin and synaptophysin revealed the presence of synapses. Results Excitatory burst neurons and omnipause neurons were preserved and still received synaptic input, but their surrounding PN showed severe loss or fragmentation. Interpretation Our findings support current models and experimental studies of the brainstem saccade-generating neurons and indicate that damage to PN may permanently impair the function of these neurons that the PN ensheathe. How a postulated hypoxic mechanism could selectively damage the PN remains unclear. We propose that the well-studied saccadic eye movement system provides an accessible model to evaluate the role of PN in health and disease.
Yeast Gaa1p is required for attachment of a completed GPI anchor onto proteins

Anchoring of proteins to membranes by glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) is ubiquitous among all eukaryotes and heavily used by parasitic protozoa. GPI is synthesized and transferred en bloc to form GPI- anchored proteins. The key enzyme in this process is a putative GPI:protein transamidase that would cleave a peptide bond near the COOH terminus of the protein and attach the GPI by an amide linkage. We have identified a gene, GAA1, encoding an essential ER protein required for GPI anchoring. gaal mutant cells synthesize the complete GPI anchor precursor at nonpermissive temperatures, but do not attach it to proteins. Overexpression of GAA1 improves the ability of cells to attach anchors to a GPI-anchored protein with a mutant anchor attachment site. Therefore, Gaa1p is required for a terminal step of GPI anchor attachment and could be part of the putative GPI:protein transamidase.
Resolving the Stellar Population of the Standard Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3379

Using the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope, we have obtained F110W (∼J) and F160W (∼H) images of three fields in NGC 3379, a nearby normal giant elliptical galaxy. These images resolve individual red giant stars, yielding the first accurate color-magnitude diagrams for a normal luminous elliptical galaxy. The photometry reaches ∼1 mag below the red giant branch (RGB) tip with errors of ≲0.2 mag in F110W-F160W. A strong break in the luminosity function at F160W = 23.68 ± 0.06 is identified as the tip of the red giant branch; comparison with theoretical isochrones implies a distance of 10.8 ± 0.6 Mpc, in good agreement with a number of previous estimates using various techniques. The mean metallicity is close to solar, but there is an appreciable spread in abundance, from at least as metal-poor as [Fe/H] ≈ -1.5 to as high as +0.8. There is a significant population of stars brighter than the RGB tip by up to ∼1 mag. The observations of each field were split over two epochs separated by 2–3 months, allowing the identification of candidate long-period variables; at least 40% of the stars brighter than the RGB tip are variable. Lacking period determinations, the exact nature of these variables remains uncertain, but the bright AGB stars and variables are similar to those found in metal-rich globular clusters and are not luminous enough to imply an intermediate-age population. All of the evidence points to a stellar population in NGC 3379 that is very similar to the bulge of the Milky Way, or an assortment of Galactic globular clusters covering a large metallicity spread.
A Mycobacterium marinum mel2 Mutant Is Defective for Growth in Macrophages That Produce Reactive Oxygen and Reactive Nitrogen Species

ABSTRACT Macrophages produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in response to bacterial infections. Mycobacteria are relatively resistant to ROS, but RNS inhibit growth of, and possibly even kill, mycobacteria in activated macrophages. We recently constructed a Mycobacterium marinum mel2 locus mutant, which is known to affect macrophage infection. We found previously that the mel2 locus confers resistance to ROS and RNS in laboratory medium, suggesting that this locus might play a similar role during growth in macrophages. Since J774A.1 murine macrophages produce high levels of ROS and RNS upon activation with gamma interferon (IFN-γ), we examined the effects of IFN-γ on ROS and RNS production by these cells as well as the effects on growth of M. marinum in these cells. We found that an M. marinum mutant with mutation of the first gene in the mel2 locus, melF, is defective for growth in IFN-γ-plus-lipopolysaccharide-treated J774A.1 cells and that this defect is abrogated by the presence of either inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase or ROS scavengers. Furthermore, the M. marinum melF mutant displays a defect at late stages in the mouse footpad model of infection. These phenotypic characteristics could be complemented fully by the entire mel2 locus but only partially by the presence of melF alone, supporting data suggesting that this insertion mutation has polar effects on downstream genes in the mel2 locus. These observations demonstrate that the M. marinum mel2 locus plays a role in resistance to ROS and RNS produced by activated macrophages.
A framework to minimize test escape and yield loss during I/sub DDQ/ testing: a case study

We describe a new framework to minimize test escape (TE) and yield loss (YL) during I/sub DDQ/ testing. The proposed framework defines the concept of critical severity of a fault S/sub k/', that provides a link between the fault magnitude and violation of one or more specifications. The framework provides various strategies to select the values of I/sub DDQ/ threshold and provides a mechanism to compute test escape and/or yield loss. The framework is illustrated using an SRAM as a case study. The results demonstrate various trade-offs that can be explored using the framework.
Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case–control study

Montalti R, Rompianesi G, Di Benedetto F, Ballarin R, Gerring RC, Busani S, De Pietri L, De Ruvo N, Iemmolo RM, Guerrini GP, Smerieri N, Gerunda GE. Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case–control study. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010. 01230.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Can the heterogeneity in stream dissolved organic carbon be explained by contributing landscape elements

The controls on stream dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were investigated in a 68 km 2 catchment by applying a landscape-mixing model to test if downstream concentrations could be predicted from contributing landscape elements. The landscape-mixing model reproduced the DOC concentration well throughout the stream network during times of high and intermediate discharge. The landscape-mixing model approach is conceptually simple and easy to apply, requiring relatively few field measurements and minimal parameterisation. Our interpretation is that the higher degree of hydrological connectivity during high flows, combined with shorter stream residence times, increased the predictive power of this whole watershed-based mixing model. The model was also useful for providing a baseline for residual analysis, which highlighted areas for further conceptual model development. The residual analysis indicated areas of the stream network that were not well represented by simple mixing of headwaters, as well as flow conditions during which simple mixing based on headwater watershed characteristics did not apply. Specifically, we found that during periods of baseflow the larger valley streams had much lower DOC concentrations than would be predicted by simple mixing. Longer stream residence times during baseflow and changing hydrological flow paths were suggested as potential reasons for this pattern. This study highlights how a simple landscape-mixing model can be used for predictions as well as providing a baseline for residual analysis, which suggest potential mechanisms to be further explored using more focused field and process-based modelling studies.
Anatomical Reattachment of the TFCC to the Ulnar Fovea Using an ECU Half-Slip

Abstract Background Since 1998, we treated 25 wrists with foveal detachment of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) by our original reattachment technique using a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon with a very small titanium interference screw. We examine the clinical outcome of this procedure with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Patients and Methods There were 25 wrists of 24 patients (16 right, 7 left, 1 bilateral, mean age, 34.8 years) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years (range 2–7 years, average 3.1). There was a neutral ulnar variance in 19 wrists and positive in 6. In the positive-variance wrists, an ulnar shortening was performed to prevent ulnar abutment before the reattachment. The diagnosis of a TFCC injury was done by arthrogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and distal radioulnar (DRUJ) arthroscopy. The clinical outcome was evaluated using our original DRUJ evaluating system. Technique A distally based ECU half-slip was harvested, introduced into the TFCC, sutured to the remnant of the TFCC, and pulled out through a 2.5-mm bone tunnel at the center of the fovea. The ECU half-slip was subsequently anchored to the ulnar fovea with a small titanium interference screw. Results At the final follow-up, 21 wrists had no pain, 3 wrists indicated mild pain, and 1 wrist severe pain. One patient had a loss of supination by 30 degrees. The DRUJ was stable in 22 wrists, moderately unstable in 2 wrists, and severely unstable in 1 wrist. There were 21 excellent, 2 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor results. Conclusions Anatomic reattachment of the TFCC to the ulnar fovea using an ECU half-slip tendon is a promising procedure. This technique is effective for severe DRUJ instability due to chronic foveal avulsion of the TFCC.
The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Organ Tropism of Breast Cancer Metastasis: A Mechanistic Balance between the “Seed” and the “Soil”?

Breast cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide, and the majority of deaths occur due to metastatic disease. Clinical studies have identified a specific pattern for the metastatic spread of breast cancer, termed organ tropism; where preferential secondary sites include lymph node, bone, brain, lung, and liver. A rare subpopulation of tumor cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs), has been hypothesized to be responsible for metastatic disease and therapy resistance. Current treatments are highly ineffective against metastatic breast cancer, likely due to the innate therapy resistance of CSCs and the complex interactions that occur between cancer cells and their metastatic microenvironments. A better understanding of these interactions is essential for the development of novel therapeutic targets for metastatic disease. This paper summarizes the characteristics of breast CSCs and their potential metastatic microenvironments. Furthermore, it raises the question of the existence of a CSC niche and highlights areas for future investigation.
Offender Rehabilitation as a Value-Laden Process

This article investigates some of the primary assumptions and values that underpin correctional practice in the area of offender rehabilitation. It is suggested that values are reflected in offenders’ and clinicians’ fundamental beliefs about the rehabilitative process and as such underlie their various actions. This article identifies three areas in which values may be important (organisational values about crime and punishment, professional values, and personal values) and discusses each in relation to its relevance for rehabilitative practice. It is concluded that despite the apparent role of values in the correctional domain, very little is known about the values of those who deliver rehabilitative programs and how these might influence rehabilitative outcomes.
Knowledge and Awareness on Food Fortification among Mother/Child Caretakers of Kinondoni Municipality, Tanzania

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the success of social mobilization and capacity building efforts done to educate the Mother/Child Caretakers and the general public regarding food fortification and the importance of consuming fortified food products in Kinondoni municipality. Methodology: The study involved Mother/Child Caretakers with children aged 6-59 months who were present during the period of the interview at Sinza hospital (n = 26), Magomeni hospital (n = 39), Manzese dispensary (n = 81) and Tandale health centre (n = 54). The knowledge and Original Research Article Kasankala et al.; AFSJ, 2(2): 1-13, 2018; Article no.AFSJ. 41103 2 awareness information regarding food fortification were collected through face to face interview with the consent of interviewee using structured questionnaires. The data were analysed by using the descriptive statistics. Results: The study findings showed 64% of the Mother/Child Caretakers have heard the term micronutrients from various sources and only 7.9 % of Mother/Child Caretakers were able to define the term micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Meanwhile, 29% Mother/Child Caretakers have heard the term food fortification and 79% don’t know types of foods being fortified with micronutrients. The main source of information regarding food fortification mentioned by Mother/Child Caretakers was health workers (41.7 %) and the most underutilized source of information was posters (0.1%). The study further noted more than 50% of the Mother/Child Caretakers were not aware of the health benefits of the micronutrients (vitamin A, folic acid, iodine and iron) being added in food. The findings further revealed that knowledge and awareness on food fortification were not influenced with income, level of education and age of the Mother/Child Caretakers. Conclusion: Generally, the knowledge and awareness regarding food fortification are very low among Mother/Child Caretakers in Kinondoni municipality prompting a need to conduct intensive social mobilization towards promoting awareness among the Mother/Child Caretakers as well as the general public to improve child nutrition.