Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Mediterranean ocean biogeochemistry of the Last Glacial Maximum

We present results of simulations with a physical-biogeochemical ocean model of the Mediterranean Sea for the last glacial maximum (LGM) and analyse the difference in physical and biochemical states between the present day and the past. Long-term simulations with an Earth system model based on ice sheet reconstructions provide the necessary atmospheric forcing data, oceanic boundary conditions at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, and river discharge to the entire basin. Our regional model accounts for changes in bathymetry due to ice-sheet volume changes, reduction in atmospheric carbon content, 5 and an adjusted aeolian dust and iron deposition. The physical ocean state of the Mediterranean during the LGM shows a reduced baroclinic water exchange at the Strait of Gibraltar, a more sluggish zonal overturning circulation, and the relocation of intermediate and deep water formation areas - all in line with estimates from paleo sediment records or previous modelling efforts. Most striking features of the biogeochemical realm are a reduction of net primary production, an accumulation of nutrients below the euphotic zone, and an increase of organic matter deposition at the sea ﬂoor. This seeming contradiction of 10 increased organic matter deposition and decreased net primary production challenges our view of possible changes in surface biological processes during the LGM. We attribute the origin of a reduced net primary production to the interplay of increased stability of the upper water column, changed zonal water transport at intermediate depths, and colder water temperatures, which slow down all biological processes during the LGM. The cold water temperatures also affect the remineralisation rates of organic material which explains the simulated increase of organic matter deposition, in good agreement with sediment proxy 15 records. In addition, we discuss changes of an artiﬁcial tracer which captures the surface ocean temperature signal during organic matter production. A shifted seasonality of biological production in the LGM leads to a difference in the recording of the climate signal by this artiﬁcial tracer of up to 1 K. This could be of relevance for the interpretation of proxy records like e
Two Distinct Mechanisms of Augmented Antitumor Activity by Modulation of Immunostimulatory/Inhibitory Signals

Purpose: Blockade of CTL-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), an inhibitory immunomodulatory molecule on T cells, has been shown to enhance T-cell responses and induce tumor rejection, and a number of clinical trials with anti-CTLA-4 blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) are under way. However, accumulating evidence indicates that anti-CTLA-4 mAb increases the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and that anti-CTLA4 mAb alone is often insufficient to reject established tumors in mice and humans. Thus, finding maneuvers to control Tregs and other immunosuppressive mechanisms remains a critical challenge. Experimental Design: The potential to enhance antitumor immune responses by combining anti-CTLA-4 mAb with anti–glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family related gene (GITR) mAb, a costimulatory molecule that abrogates directly/indirectly Treg-mediated immune suppression or anti-CD25 mAb that depletes Tregs was analyzed with two tumor models, CT26 (a murine colon carcinoma cell line) and CMS5a (a murine fibrosarcoma cell line). Results: Anti-CTLA-4/anti-GITR mAb combination treatment exhibited far stronger antitumor effects compared with either antibody alone. This strong antitumor effect was attributed to (a) increased numbers of CD8+ T cells infiltrating tumor sites in anti-CTLA-4 mAb–treated mice and (b) increased cytokine secretion and Treg resistance of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells with strongly upregulated CD25 expression in anti-GITR mAb–treated mice, indicating distinct quantitative/qualitative changes induced by modulating CTLA-4 and GITR signaling. Conclusions: This study shows that combined treatment with different immune modulators can augment antitumor immune responses and provides justification for exploring anti-CTLA-4/anti-GITR mAb combination treatment in the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 16(10); 2781–91. ©2010 AACR.
Journal of International Women

Narcissistic relationships manifest as nonreciprocal affiliations that allow no room for genuine partnership or cooperation. The trait of narcissism is more prevalent in men than in women. However, Egypt’s powerful patriarchal culture has prevented adequate scholarly examination of narcissistic relationships. The current study intends to bridge this gap in knowledge by examining two objectives: a) to investigate the nature of experiences of Egyptian women in narcissistic relationships and b) to elucidate how Egyptian women remain resilient in the aftermath of narcissistic relationships. Data were collected via qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted with 27 literate women aged 24–54 years who had experienced narcissistic relationships for at least a year. Four main themes emerged: a) the abusive experiences suffered by the women, b) perception of the narcissist as abusive partner, c) the negative impact of the narcissistic relationship on the women socially and psychologically, and d) women’s sources of resilience after leaving this relationship. For the abusive experiences, women suffered from different types of aggressive behaviors (e.g. physical, psychological, and verbal) and they tended to doubt their rationality which is called “the gaslighting effect. ” The findings indicated that narcissists were perceived by respondents as dominators, vampires, non-empathetic, aggressive, manipulative, and deceiving actors. Accordingly, their relationships with narcissists were detrimental to the psychological and social wellbeing of the women. The results suggest that women need long-term social and emotional support to fully recover from the after-effects of their narcissistic relationships. Social networks and spirituality were the most frequent sources of resilience. The present paper contributes new understandings of narcissistic relationships as a common type of toxic relationship in Egypt.
Unexpected results from large-scale cryptosporidiosis screening study in calves in Tanzania

Abstract A study was undertaken to investigate Cryptosporidium infection in crossbreed dairy calves in two districts in Tanzania. A total of 943 fecal samples from 601 dairy calves were included in the study, with calves from both smallholder dairy farms and from large-scale and medium-scale dairy farms. The modified Ziehl–Neelsen (mZN) technique was used to examine 710 samples, and 13 of these were considered to be positive for Cryptosporidium. These 13 samples considered positive by mZN, along with the remaining 233 samples, were analysed by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of these 246 samples examined by IFAT, 15 samples, 10 of which were considered positive by mZN, were also examined by the auramine phenol technique, and 5 samples, all of which were considered positive by mZN, were analysed by PCR. The results from the IFAT, auramine phenol and PCR analyses demonstrated that none of the samples contained Cryptosporidium oocysts, indicating that, cryptosporidiosis is currently not a problem in dairy calves in these regions of Tanzania. These unexpected results are discussed with respect to other reports on cryptosporidiosis in calves that suggest that this parasite is a serious calf disease globally, and particularly in relation to studies from Tanzania. We suggest that results from studies of cattle in Tanzania, in which mZN has been used as the sole analytical method, should be treated with caution.
of Temporal Artery Ultrasonography Examinations for Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis: Analysis of 77 Subjects

Objective. Use of TA-US for diagnostic investigation of giant cell arteritis (GCA) has been proposed but remains a matter of debate because of the heterogeneous findings. We retrospectively evaluated operating characteristics of temporal artery ultrasonography (TA-US) in a single teaching hospital. Methods. All subjects with suspected GCA had been seen between 2002 and 2008 and had undergone TA-US with continuous-wave Doppler (until 2004) or color duplex ultrasonography (after 2004), followed within 30 days by a temporal artery biopsy (TAB). TA-US findings were compared with TAB-proven GCA and clinically diagnosed GCA. Results are expressed as sensitivities, specificities, and positive (LR+) and negative likelihood ratios (LR–) of stenoses, occlusions, and the halo sign; for the latter, only color duplex TA-US was considered. Results. Seventy-seven patients fulfilled the selection criteria; 13 had TAB-proven and 19 had clinically defined GCA. Stenoses/occlusions were seen on 45.5% of TA-US and the halo sign was seen only once (3.2%) in 31 duplex TA-US. Respective sensitivities, specificities, LR+, and LR– for GCA diagnosis (using TAB-proven/clinically defined GCA as reference standards) were 69%/53%, 59%/57%, 1.7/1.2, and 0.5/0.8 for stenoses and/or occlusions, and 17%/10%, 100
Decay Theory of Immediate Memory: From Brown (1958) to Today (2014)

This work takes a historical approach to discussing Brown's (1958) paper, “Some Tests of the Decay Theory of Immediate Memory”. This work was and continues to be extremely influential in the field of forgetting over the short term. Its primary importance is in establishing a theoretical basis to consider a process of fundamental importance: memory decay. Brown (1958) established that time-based explanations of forgetting can account for both memory capacity and forgetting of information over short periods of time. We discuss this view both in the context of the intellectual climate at the time of the paper's publication and in the context of the modern intellectual climate. The overarching theme we observe is that decay is as controversial now as it was in the 1950s and 1960s.
Construction of Eukaryotic Expression Vector of Main B. Melitensis S19 Outer Membrane Proteins

To evaluate in vitro the mechanism of function of Brucella major outer membrane proteins and the interaction with cells. The Brucella outer membrane proteins Omp10, Omp16, Omp19, Omp25, Omp28, Omp31, Omp2a genes were cloned to pMD18-T simple carrier; Liked them to the carrier pefgp - n1 for eukaryotic expression; Examined the carrier on HEK 293 cell and detected the transfection efficiency. Cloned Brucella main outer membrane proteins and constructed their eukaryotic expression vectors, further examined the transfection efficiency on HEK 293 cells. Built carriers have happened expression in HEK 293 cells. This study provided the necessary materials for later research on relationships between cells and Brucella main outer membrane proteins.
Density Effects on Soil Gas Diffusivity in Agricultural Soils

—Accurate prediction of soil-gas diffusivity (D p /D o : where D p and D o are gas diffusion coefficients in soil and free air, respectively) and its variation with soil physical conditions (e.g., soil type/texture, soil density, soil moisture status) are important prerequisites for simulating subsurface gas migration and emission of greenhouse gases across soil-atmosphere continuum. Literature is abundant with studies using repacked soils for estimating soil-gas diffusivity, however they are unlikely to mimic realistic conditions in the subsurface, thereby leading to a marked mischaracterization of subsurface gas transport. In this study, measured soil-gas diffusivity in undisturbed soils sampled from differently characterized Danish soil profiles (total of 150 undisturbed soil samples) were used to investigate soil density effects on diffusive gas migration. The selected soils represent a wide range of natural and anthropogenic origins, including agricultural soils, forest soils, urban soils, landfill cover soils, etc. The measurements were within a selected range of matric potentials (−10 to −500 cm H 2 O) typically representing natural field conditions in subsurface soil. The soils used for this study subjected to five different density categories (1.0-1.2, 1.2-1.4, 1.4-1.6, 1.6.-1.8, 1.8-2.0 g cm -3 ) and showed peak diffusivity within the range of 1.4-1.6 g cm -3 as critical density window at a given suction. A series of predictive and descriptive gas diffusivity models were tested against the measured data for a model comparison. Results clearly distinguished the effect of soil structure status due to the accurate performance of SWLR model on measured diffusivity data.
Low clonogenic potential of circulating angiogenic cells is associated with lower density of capillaries in skeletal muscle in patients with impaired glucose tolerance

Reduced density of capillaries in skeletal muscle can limit insulin, glucose, and oxygen supply to the muscle, thereby contributing to worsening metabolism in older adults. The lower skeletal muscle capillarization in impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) may partially be due to circulating angiogenic cell dysfunction. Circulating angiogenic cells maintain the vasculature and promote angiogenesis, but circulating angiogenic cell number and function may be reduced in IGT. The goal of this study was to determine whether the clonogenic potential of circulating angiogenic cells is lower in IGT compared with normal‐glucose‐tolerant (NGT) controls and is associated with skeletal muscle capillarization.
Inherited MST1 Deficiency Underlies Susceptibility to EV-HPV Infections

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is characterized by persistent cutaneous lesions caused by a specific group of related human papillomavirus genotypes (EV-HPVs) in otherwise healthy individuals. Autosomal recessive (AR) EVER1 and EVER2 deficiencies account for two thirds of known cases of EV. AR RHOH deficiency has recently been described in two siblings with EV-HPV infections as well as other infectious and tumoral manifestations. We report here the whole-exome based discovery of AR MST1 deficiency in a 19-year-old patient with a T-cell deficiency associated with EV-HPV, bacterial and fungal infections. MST1 deficiency has recently been described in seven patients from three unrelated kindreds with profound T-cell deficiency and various viral and bacterial infections. The patient was also homozygous for a rare ERCC3 variation. Our findings broaden the clinical range of infections seen in MST1 deficiency and provide a new genetic etiology of susceptibility to EV-HPV infections. Together with the recent discovery of RHOH deficiency, they suggest that T cells are involved in the control of EV-HPVs, at least in some individuals.
The Bacterial Histone-like Protein HU Specifically Recognizes Similar Structures in All Nucleic Acids

HU, a major component of the bacterial nucleoid, shares properties with histones, high mobility group proteins (HMGs), and other eukaryotic proteins. HU, which participates in many major pathways of the bacterial cell, binds without sequence specificity to duplex DNA but recognizes with high affinity DNA repair intermediates. Here we demonstrate that HU binds to double-stranded DNA, double-stranded RNA, and linear DNA-RNA duplexes with a similar low affinity. In contrast to this nonspecific binding to total cellular RNA and to supercoiled DNA, HU specifically recognizes defined structures common to both DNA and RNA. In particular HU binds specifically to nicked or gapped DNA-RNA hybrids and to composite RNA molecules such as DsrA, a small non-coding RNA. HU, which modulates DNA architecture, may play additional key functions in the bacterial machinery via its RNA binding capacity. The simple, straightforward structure of its binding domain with two highly flexible β-ribbon arms and an α-helical platform is an alternative model for the elaborate binding domains of the eukaryotic proteins that display dual DNA- and RNA-specific binding capacities.
Characterization of a > 900,000-M(r) Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite glycoprotein recognized by protective hyperimmune bovine colostral immunoglobulin

Cryptosporidium parvum, a zoonotic Apicomplexan pathogen, causes profound diarrhea, malnutrition, and dehydration in patients with AIDS. A less severe, self-limited disease occurs in immunocompetent individuals, particularly children, animal handlers, and residents of the developing world. Very little is known about the biology of the organism, the pathophysiology of the disease process, or the mechanism of protective immunity. There is no effective therapy for cryptosporidiosis, but hyperimmune bovine colostrum raised against Cryptosporidium oocysts and sporozoites has ameliorated infection and disease in some patients with AIDS, and a variety of monoclonal antibodies, as well as hyperimmune bovine colostrum, have significantly reduced cryptosporidial infection of mice and calves. We report here the identification and initial characterization of a > 900,000-M(r) Cryptosporodium sporozoite glycoprotein (GP900) that is a prominent antigen recognized by protective hyperimmune bovine colostral immunoglobulin. Three of six murine anticryptosporidial monoclonal antibodies reacted with GP900, indicating that the molecule is highly immunogenic in mice as well as in cows. GP900 is Triton X-100 soluble and N glycosylated. Western blotting of the N-deglycosylated protein, detected with antibodies eluted from recombinant clones expressing a partial GP900 fusion protein, suggested that the polypeptide backbone of the glycoprotein has an M(r) of < 190,000. GP900 is encoded by a single-copy gene that resides on the largest Cryptosporidium chromosome.
Bed rest in singleton pregnancies for preventing preterm birth.

BACKGROUND Bed rest in hospital or at home is widely recommended for the prevention of preterm birth. This advice is based on the observation that hard work and hard physical activity during pregnancy could be associated with preterm birth and with the idea that bed rest could reduce uterine activity. However, bed rest may have some adverse effects on other outcomes. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of prescription of bed rest in hospital or at home for preventing preterm birth in pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (18 December 2014), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, 2014, Issue 12), MEDLINE (December 2014), EMBASE (December 2014), LILACS (December 2014), and bibliographies of relevant papers. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomized, cluster-randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials with reported data that assess clinical outcomes in women at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth who were prescribed bed rest in hospital or at home for preventing preterm birth, and their babies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS Two studies met the inclusion criteria. One study was not considered for the meta-analysis, since data combined singleton and multiple pregnancies. No differences in any maternal and perinatal outcomes were reported by the authors. This study was at low risk of selection, performance, detection and attrition bias. Only data from one study were included in the meta-analysis (1266 women). This study was at unclear risk of bias for most domains due to lack of reporting. Four hundred and thirty-two women were prescribed bed rest at home and a total of 834 women received a placebo (412) or no intervention (422). Preterm birth before 37 weeks was similar in both groups (7.9% in the intervention group versus 8.5% in the control group; risk ratio (RR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.37). No other results were reported for any of the other primary or secondary outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence, either supporting or refuting the use of bed rest at home or in hospital, to prevent preterm birth. Although bed rest in hospital or at home is widely used as the first step of treatment, there is no evidence that this practice could be beneficial. Due to the potential adverse effects that bed rest could have on women and their families, and the increased costs for the healthcare system, clinicians should discuss the pros and cons of bed rest to prevent preterm birth. Potential benefits and harms should be discussed with women facing an increased risk of preterm birth. Appropriate research is mandatory. Future trials should evaluate both the effectiveness of bed rest, and the effectiveness of the prescription of bed rest, to prevent preterm birth.
Analysis of RET, ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF Genomic Rearrangements in 80 Patients with Hirschsprung Disease (Using multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification)

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is transmitted in a complex pattern of inheritance and is mostly associated with variants in the RET proto‐oncogene. However, RET mutations are only identified in 15–20% of sporadic HSCR cases and solely in 50% of the familial cases. Since genomic rearrangements in particularly sensitive areas of the RET proto‐oncogene and/or associated genes may account for the HSCR phenotype in patients without other detectable RET variants, the aim of the present study was to identify rearrangements in the coding sequence of RET as well as in three HSCR‐associated genes (ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF) in HSCR patients by using Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). We have screened 80 HSCR patients for genomic rearrangements in RET, ZEB2, EDN3 and GDNF and did not identify any deletion or amplification in these four genes in all patients. We conclude that genomic rearrangements in RET are rare and were not responsible for the HSCR phenotype in individuals without identifiable germline RET variants in our group of patients, yet this possibility cannot be excluded altogether because the confidence to identify variation in at least two percent of the individuals was only 95%.
Robust Information Fusion on Social Networks

This paper introduces the general framework of statistical information fusion on social network, which plays an important role on understanding the human interaction and cooperation in the society. On many existing information platforms on the social network, people's relationship affects their decision on both static and dynamic way. We consider the scenario that agents refer others decisions which are made earlier as an information for taking any action. Thus how agents on the information platform connect to each other has great impact on the information fusion. With the help of percolation theory, we provide a minimax robust decision scheme for information fusion due to often the lack of complete information of social network structure. The simulations demonstrate that our proposed information fusion rule retains fine performance compared with classical one on different network structures, and thus great potential for social network applications.
The Wage and Employment Impact of Minimum-Wage Laws in Three Cities

This report analyzes the wage and employment effects of the first three city-specific minimum wages in the United States –San Francisco (2004), Santa Fe (2004), and Washington, DC (1993). We use data from a virtual census of employment in each of the three cities, surrounding suburbs, and nearby metropolitan areas, to estimate the impact of minimum-wage laws on wages and employment in fast food restaurants, food services, retail trade, and other low-wage and small establishments.