Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robotic surgery for early stage cervical cancer: Evolution and current trends

The management of early stage cervical cancer often includes surgery in the form of radical hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy, or radical parametrectomy. Surgical techniques have evolved to include minimal invasive approaches, and more recently, to include robotic assisted techniques. This review highlights the evolution of surgical management of early cervical cancer and specifically explores robotic assisted radical hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy, radical parametrectomy, and the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:772–781. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time to undetectable viral load after highly active antiretroviral therapy initiation among HIV-infected pregnant women.

BACKGROUND There have been no clinical trials in resource-rich regions that have addressed the question of which highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens are more effective for optimal viral response in antiretroviral-naive, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women. METHODS Data on 240 HIV-1-infected women starting HAART during pregnancy who were enrolled in the prospective European Collaborative Study from 1997 through 2004 were analyzed. An interval-censored survival model was used to assess whether factors, including type of HAART regimen, race, region of birth, and baseline immunological and virological status, were associated with the duration of time necessary to suppress viral load below undetectable levels before delivery of a newborn. RESULTS Protease inhibitor-based HAART was initiated in 156 women (65%), 125 (80%) of whom received nelfinavir, and a nevirapine-based regimen was initiated in the remaining 84 women (35%). Undetectable viral loads were achieved by 73% of the women by the time of delivery. Relative hazards of time to achieving viral suppression were 1.54 (95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.26) for nevirapine-based HAART versus PI-based regimens and 1.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.16-3.12) for western African versus non-African women. The median duration of time from HAART initiation to achievement of an undetectable viral load was estimated to be 1.4 times greater in women receiving PI-based HAART, compared with women receiving nevirapine-based HAART. Baseline HIV RNA load was also a significant predictor of the rapidity of achieving viral suppression by delivery, but baseline immune status was not. CONCLUSIONS In this study, nevirapine-based HAART (compared with PI [mainly nelfinavir]-based HAART), western African origin, and lower baseline viral load were associated with shorter time to achieving viral suppression.
The effect of salts on the conformation and microstructure of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) in aqueous solution

We present an experimental investigation of the conformation and micro- structure of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) in aqueous solution in the presence of salts. As a model, a strong salting- out salt (Na2SO4) and a strong salting-in salt (NaSCN) were chosen. Light scattering measurements show that Na2SO4 decreases the radius of gyration of PNIPA compared to its value in water, whereas NaSCN increases it. Moreover, the NaSCN solution was found to be a better solvent for PNIPA compared to water, whereas Na2SO4 solution is worse. Small-angle neutron scattering measure- ments of semidilute PNIPA solutions, at temperatures well below the phase-transition temperature, exhibit the behavior predicted by the model of dynamic concentration fluctuations characterized by a single correlation length. Excess scattering at low angles is observed in salt solutions at temperatures that are near, yet below, the phase-transition temperature. This may indicate intrachain heterogeneities on the scale of 6 - 8 nm. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3713-3720,
The interface between P and NP: COL, XOR, NAE, 1-in-k, and Horn SAT

We study in detail the interface between P and NP by means of five new problem classes. Like the well known 2+<i>p</i>-SAT problem, these new problems smoothly interpolate between P and NP by mixing together a polynomial and a NP-complete problem. In many cases, the polynomial subproblem can dominate the problem's satisfiability and the search complexity. However, this is not always the case, and understanding why remains a very interesting open question. We identify phase transition behavior in each of these problem classes. Surprisingly we observe transitions with both smooth and sharp regions. Finally we show how these problem classes can help to understand algorithm behavior by considering search trajectories through the phase space.
Study of Hybrid Photovoltaic Materials with Poly(3-Hexylthiophene) and CdS Nanoparticles by Spectroscopic Techniques

Poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was synthesized via chemical oxidative reaction at room temperature with anhydrous ferric chloride as oxidant. The hybrid films of P3HT were prepared by doping inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles of CdS. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, UV-vis, fluorescence and resonance light scattering (RLS) spectra were applied to characterize the photophysical properties of P3HT and doped polymer. The results indicated that the infrared absorbance of hybrid films increased with the increase of doped CdS content. The intensity of UV absorption presented a slight increase, the blend spectra were simply the sum of the absorptions of the constituent parts of the composite solution. With the addition of CdS nanoparticles, the emission peak of P3HT was shifted to longer wavelengths. The shift from 543 to 567 nm was due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between CdS nanoparticles and P3HT, and then the red-shift from 567 to 573 nm was caused by the agglomeration of CdS nanoparticles. RLS spectra revealed that the maximum scattering wavelength of systems initially showed a blue-shift, and then exhibited a pronounced red-shift with the addition of CdS nanoparticles. These findings provided insights into the role of spectroscopic techniques in studying the photophysical properties of composites. Our further work is toward investigating the mechanism and dynamic process of exciton interaction between polymers and inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles.
Hybrid Technique of Lamellar Keratoplasty (DMEK-S)

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the hybrid technique of posterior lamellar keratoplasty (DMEK-S). Materials and Methods: 71 eyes of 55 patients enrolled in a single-center study underwent posterior lamellar keratoplasty with a hybrid lamella DMEK-S implanted using a solution implantation technique, owing to endothelial dysfunction. The outcome measures studied were visual acuity and endothelial cell density. Results: The rate of endothelial cell loss caused by surgery was 43.8%. During followups, we observed the stabilization of postoperative findings, or at minimum a very low rate of corneal endothelial cell loss. The UCDVA and BCDVA dramatically improved postoperatively. The rebubbling rate in our group of patients was 61.9%. We replaced the lamella due to its failure or malfunction in 17 patients (23.9%). Conclusion: In summary, DMEK-S combines the advantages of DSEK/DSAEK and DMEK. The central zone of bare Descemet's membrane and endothelium allows for very good visual outcomes, and the peripheral rim allows for better manipulation of the lamella during implantation. It is an effective method of treating the endothelial dysfunction of various etiologies, but the high complication rate needs to be addressed before widespread implementation of the technique in the future.
Phosphate Utilization Efficiency Correlates with Expression of Low-Affinity Phosphate Transporters and Noncoding RNA, IPS1, in Barley1[W]

Genetic variation in phosphorus (P) efficiency exists among wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) genotypes, but the underlying mechanisms for the variation remain elusive. High- and low-affinity phosphate (Pi) PHT1 transporters play an indispensable role in P acquisition and remobilization. However, little is known about genetic variation in PHT1 gene expression and association with P acquisition efficiency (PAE) and P utilization efficiency (PUE). Here, we present quantitative analyses of transcript levels of high- and low-affinity PHT1 Pi transporters in four barley genotypes differing in PAE. The results showed that there was no clear pattern in the expression of four paralogs of the high-affinity Pi transporter HvPHT1;1 among the four barley genotypes, but the expression of a low-affinity Pi transporter, HvPHT1;6, and its close homolog HvHPT1;3 was correlated with the genotypes differing in PUE. Interestingly, the expression of HvPHT1;6 and HvPHT1;3 was correlated with the expression of HvIPS1 (for P starvation inducible; noncoding RNA) but not with HvIPS2, suggesting that HvIPS1 plays a distinct role in the regulation of the low-affinity Pi transporters. In addition, high PUE was found to be associated with high root-shoot ratios in low-P conditions, indicating that high carbohydrate partitioning into roots occurs simultaneously with high PUE. However, high PUE accompanying high carbon partitioning into roots could result in low PAE. Therefore, the optimization of PUE through the modification of low-affinity Pi transporter expression may assist further improvement of PAE for low-input agriculture systems.
Influences of Process Parameters on MRR Improvement in Simple and Powder-Mixed EDM of AA6061/10%SiC Composite

In the present work, aluminum alloy 6061/10%SiC composite is machined using numerical controlled Z-axis (ZNC) electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. Improvement in material removal rate (MRR) is explored using tungsten powder suspended dielectric fluid in EDM process (powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM)). Peak current, pulse on time, pulse off time, and gap voltage are studied as process parameters. Mathematical relation between process parameters and MRR is established on basis of response surface methodology. The results obtained are further compared with MRR achieved from machining using simple EDM. The existence of tungsten particles in kerosene resulted in 48.43% improvement in MRR. The influence of tungsten powder-mixed dielectric fluid on machined surface is analyzed using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results revealed improvement in surface finish and reduction in recast layer thickness with PMEDM. EDS analysis reported presence of tungsten and carbon in recast layer deposited on machined surface.
Phylogenetic study of Class Armophorea (Alveolata, Ciliophora) based on 18S-rDNA data

The 18S rDNA phylogeny of Class Armophorea, a group of anaerobic ciliates, is proposed based on an analysis of 44 sequences (out of 195) retrieved from the NCBI/GenBank database. Emphasis was placed on the use of two nucleotide alignment criteria that involved variation in the gap-opening and gap-extension parameters and the use of rRNA secondary structure to orientate multiple-alignment. A sensitivity analysis of 76 data sets was run to assess the effect of variations in indel parameters on tree topologies. Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony phylogenetic analyses were used to explore how different analytic frameworks influenced the resulting hypotheses. A sensitivity analysis revealed that the relationships among higher taxa of the Intramacronucleata were dependent upon how indels were determined during multiple-alignment of nucleotides. The phylogenetic analyses rejected the monophyly of the Armophorea most of the time and consistently indicated that the Metopidae and Nyctotheridae were related to the Litostomatea. There was no consensus on the placement of the Caenomorphidae, which could be a sister group of the Metopidae + Nyctorheridae, or could have diverged at the base of the Spirotrichea branch or the Intramacronucleata tree.
Annexin IV reduces the rate of lateral lipid diffusion and changes the fluid phase structure of the lipid bilayer when it binds to negatively charged membranes in the presence of calcium.

Bovine annexin IV (endonexin) was bound to supported planar bilayers composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) in the first monolayer facing the substrate, and varying mole fractions of POPC, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylglycerol (POPG) and small amounts of the fluorescent lipid analogs NBD-PC or NBD-PG in the second monolayer facing the large aqueous compartment. Lateral diffusion coefficients and mobile fractions of these phospholipids were measured by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) as a function of protein concentration and lipid composition in the presence of 2 mM CaCl2 or 1 mM EDTA. In the absence of annexin IV, the lateral diffusion coefficients depended only little on the POPC:POPG ratios and were approximately 3.0 microns2/s for NBD-PG (no Ca2+), 2.5 microns2/s for NBD-PG (2 mM Ca2+), and 1.6 microns2/s for NBD-PC (with or without 2 mM Ca2+). In the presence of 2 mM Ca2+ these diffusion coefficients decreased as a function of the added annexin concentration. A transition from a state with "rapid" lipid diffusion to a state with "slow" lipid diffusion occurred at about 80 nM annexin IV and was independent of the POPC:POPG ratio. In addition to reducing the lipid lateral diffusion coefficients, annexin IV also gave rise to two-component lateral diffusion of the lipids in these mixed bilayers. The split of the single diffusion coefficient of NBD-PG into two components occurred at most POPC:POPG ratios upon binding of annexin IV, but required higher annexin concentrations at mole fractions of POPC between 66 and 82 mol % than at high mole fractions of POPG or 90 mol % POPC. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Influence of xylan on the enzymatic hydrolysis of steam‐pretreated corn stover and hybrid poplar

The focus of this study was to alter the xylan content of corn stover and poplar using SO2‐catalyzed steam pretreatment to determine the effect on subsequent hydrolysis by commercial cellulase preparations supplemented with or without xylanases. Steam pretreated solids with xylan contents ranging from ∼1 to 19% (w/w) were produced. Higher xylan contents and improved hemicellulose recoveries were obtained with solids pretreated at lower severities or without SO2‐addition prior to pretreatment. The pretreated solids with low xylan content (<4% (w/w)) were characterized by fast and complete cellulose to glucose conversion when utilizing cellulases. Commercial cellulases required xylanase supplementation for effective hydrolysis of pretreated substrates containing higher amounts of xylan. It was apparent that the xylan content influenced both the enzyme requirements for hydrolysis and the recovery of sugars during the pretreatment process. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 2009
A prospective study of cutaneous abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease

There are diverse ways in which the skin is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Various specific and nonspecific skin abnormalities are observed in patients with CKD. The aim of the study was to document the prevalence of skin diseases that commonly occur in patients with CKD on medical treatment and dialysis. A total of 99 patients with CKD were examined for evidence of skin diseases. Ninety-six had at least one cutaneous abnormality attributable to CKD. The most prevalent finding was xerosis (66.7%), followed by pallor (45.45%), pruritus (43.4%), and cutaneous pigmentation (32.3%). Other cutaneous manifestations included dermatitis (27.27%); Kyrle's disease (17.17%); fungal (8.08%), bacterial (11.1%), and viral (5.05%) infections; purpura (10.1%); gynecomastia (4.04%); and yellow skin (5.05%). The common nail changes were half and half nails (36.36%) and onycholysis (13.13%). CKD is associated with various cutaneous abnormalities caused either by the disease or by treatment, the most common being xerosis and pruritus. The dermatologic complications can significantly impair the quality of life in certain individuals; therefore, earlier diagnosis and treatment is important to improve their quality of life.
Transcriptome Analysis of Acetyl-Homoserine Lactone-Based Quorum Sensing Regulation in Yersinia pestis

The etiologic agent of bubonic plague, Yersinia pestis, senses self-produced, secreted chemical signals in a process named quorum sensing. Though the closely related enteric pathogen Y. pseudotuberculosis uses quorum sensing system to regulate motility, the role of quorum sensing in Y. pestis has been unclear. In this study we performed transcriptional profiling experiments to identify Y. pestis quorum sensing regulated functions. Our analysis revealed that acyl-homoserine lactone-based quorum sensing controls the expression of several metabolic functions. Maltose fermentation and the glyoxylate bypass are induced by acyl-homoserine lactone signaling. This effect was observed at 30°C, indicating a potential role for quorum sensing regulation of metabolism at temperatures below the normal mammalian temperature. It is proposed that utilization of alternative carbon sources may enhance growth and/or survival during prolonged periods in natural habitats with limited nutrient sources, contributing to maintenance of plague in nature.
Manipulations of the AVT System Shift Social Status and Related Courtship and Aggressive Behavior in the Bluehead Wrasse

Arginine vasotocin (AVT) and its mammalian homologoue arginine vasopressin (AVP) influence male sexual and aggressive behaviors in many species. We tested the effects of AVT and an AVP-V(1a) receptor antagonist on the display of alternative male tactics in a tropical coral reef fish, the bluehead wrasse Thalassoma bifasciatum. We gave AVT injections to territorial and nonterritorial males of the large and colorful phenotype (terminal phase) and an AVP-V(1a) receptor antagonist, Manning compound, to territorial males in the field. AVT increased courtship independent of status, while its effects on territoriality and aggression were dependent upon male status. In territorial males, AVT increased courtship and tended to decrease the number of chases toward initial phase individuals. In nonterritorial males, AVT increased courtship, chases toward initial phase individuals, and territorial behavior while decreasing feeding. These are all behaviors rarely seen in nonterritorial males, so AVT made these males act like territorial TP males. The AVP-V(1a) receptor antagonist had opposite effects. It decreased courtship and territorial defense, making these males act more like nonterritorial males. Manipulations of the AVT system shifted males within a single phenotype from the nonterritorial social status to the territorial social status and vice versa. Since the entire suite of behaviors related to territoriality was affected by AVT system manipulations, our results suggest that the AVT system may play a key role in motivation of behaviors related to mating.
Effect of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Antagonist, Losartan on Inflammatory Factor in Atherosclerotic Rabbits

Background: Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the large arteries which now has become the pre-eminent health problem worldwide. Objectives: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Losartan intervention on atherosclerosis in rabbits fed with high-cholesterol diet. Materials and Methods: 32 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control group, high-cholesterol group and Losartan group. The level of weights, serum lipid levels and inflammatory factors, such as IL-6 and hs C-reactive protein were detected before the Losartan intervention and two months after the Losartan intervention respectively. The content of AngII was detected on later stage of the experiment. Pathological examination of the iliac arteries was performed to measure the thickness of endothelium and media. Results: After the atherosclerosis model was established, the level of the serum lipids, hs CRP and IL-6 of rabbits in high-cholesterol group and Losartan group increased significantly in comparison with control group(P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the Losartan intervention, the levels of serum hs CRP and IL-6 were higher in high-cholesterol group and Losartan group in comparison with control group (P < 0.05), and they were significantly lower in Losartan group than high-cholesterol group (P < 0.05). Serum lipids levels of rabbits in high-cholesterol group and Losartan group also increased significantly in comparison with control group (P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference between them (P > 0.05). Ratio of endothelium thickness to the media thickness was higher in high-cholesterol group and Losartan group in comparison with control group (P < 0.05), and the ratio in Losartan group was significantly lower than high-cholesterol group (P < 0.05). Content of Angiotensin was higher in high-cholesterol group and Losartan group compared to control group, and there was no statistical difference between them. Conclusions: The effect of Losartan on atherosclerosis is to prevent the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting inflammatory process and may not be related to the lipid metabolism.
Quantitative genetics and sex-specific selection on sexually dimorphic traits in bighorn sheep

Sexual conflict at loci influencing traits shared between the sexes occurs when sex-specific selection pressures are antagonistic relative to the genetic correlation between the sexes. To assess whether there is sexual conflict over shared traits, we estimated heritability and intersexual genetic correlations for highly sexually dimorphic traits (horn volume and body mass) in a wild population of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and quantified sex-specific selection using estimates of longevity and lifetime reproductive success. Body mass and horn volume showed significant additive genetic variance in both sexes, and intersexual genetic correlations were 0.24±0.28 for horn volume and 0.63±0.30 for body mass. For horn volume, selection coefficients did not significantly differ from zero in either sex. For body weight, selection coefficients were positive in females but did not differ from zero in males. The absence of detectable sexually antagonistic selection suggests that currently there are no sexual conflicts at loci influencing horn volume and body mass.
Med12 is essential for early mouse development and for canonical Wnt and Wnt/PCP signaling

The Mediator complex is commonly seen as a molecular bridge that connects DNA-bound transcription factors to the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) machinery. It is a large complex of 30 subunits that is present in all eukaryotes. The Med12 subunit has been implicated not only in the regulation of Pol II activity, but also in the binding of transcription factors to the bulk of the Mediator complex. We targeted Med12 in mouse embryonic stem cells to investigate the in vivo function of this subunit. We report here the developmental defects of Med12 hypomorphic mutants that have a drastic reduction in Med12 protein levels. These mutants fail to develop beyond embryonic day 10 and have severe defects in neural tube closure, axis elongation, somitogenesis and heart formation. We show that in Med12 hypomorphic embryos, the Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway is disrupted and that canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is impaired. In agreement with this, embryos that are incapable of Med12 expression failed to establish the anterior visceral endoderm or activate brachyury expression, and did not complete gastrulation.