Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FACTORS INFLUENCING MOVEMENT DISTANCES OF TWO SPECIES OF SYMPATRIC VOLES

Abstract We studied factors influencing home-range size in fluctuating populations of Microtus ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus in alfalfa, bluegrass, and tallgrass habitats over a 25-year period in east-central Illinois. Preferred food availability for both species was greatest in alfalfa and least in tallgrass, lesser during winter than other seasons in all 3 habitats, and greater in alfalfa during winter than in the other 2 habitats. Vegetative cover was sparse, especially during winter, in alfalfa and dense year-round in bluegrass and tallgrass. Movement distances of M. ochrogaster tended to be smaller in alfalfa than in bluegrass and tallgrass; movement distances of neither vole species differed between bluegrass and tallgrass. Within alfalfa, movement distances of both species were smaller during winter, when cover was sparse and food availability low. No seasonal difference was found in movement distances of either species within bluegrass and tallgrass, where cover was dense year-round, but food availability was low during winter. Movement distances of M. ochrogaster were not affected by supplemental feeding in bluegrass and tallgrass; those of M. pennsylvanicus were smaller in supplementally fed tallgrass. We conclude that cover, as an indicator of risk of predation, influenced home-range sizes of both species more than did food availability.
TWO CASES OF VIRILIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH OVARIAN HILAR CELL ACTIVITY

VIRILIZING tumours of the ovary are rare and only a few cases have been described in the world literature. Most authorities divide these tumours nowadays under three groups (a) Arrhen oblastomata, (b) Masculinovoblastoinata and (c) Ovarian hilus tumours. The virilizing effect of these tumours is well established but the histogenesis is not settled. Recent laboratory aids make the differentiation of virilizing causes possible. In the hilus of the ovary one not infrequently finds small nests and occasionally rather large fields of ovoid or polyhedral cells, usually arranged in a mosaic fashion. These were originally described by Berger (1923) as sympathicotropic cells, but are now lookcd upon as the homologues of the interstitial or Leydig cells of the testis, which they resemble histologically. That this view is probably correct is indicated by the fact that all tumours so far described consisting of this type of cells, have had definite virilizing effects. The probable homology of the ovarian hilus cells with the interstitial cells of the testis is also indicated by the fact that they often contain the peculiar albuminoid crystals of Reincke, believed to be characteristic of the Leydig cells. Thirteen cases of hilar cell tumours have appeared in the medical literature since Berger’s original description in 1942. Recently we have had the opportunity to treat two cases, one of an ovarian hilus tumour, and one of hyperplasia of the ovarian hilar cells.
Tomography-based determination of transverse permeability in fibrous porous media

Precise characterization of nonwoven fabrics such as their transport properties are of paramount importance in development of advanced filtration processes. Currently majority of available knowledge on transport behavior of fibrous materials is based on macro-scale empirically researched phenomena. Thus, evaluation of transport behavior of nonwovens based on fundamental scientific principles at micro-scale still remains a challenge that has to be tackled by scientists. In this paper, an integrated approach employing high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography and finite volume method are presented to predict permeability of needled nonwoven fabrics. In order to achieve the objectives of this research, dimensionless permeability of needled nonwoven fabrics with various porosities was computed using CFD tools. Comparisons of simulated results with experimentally obtained data and the published empirical and analytical models were made. Considering solid volume fraction of the samples, acceptable agreement between the results and previously published findings was observed. It was also established that experimental samples ideally can be represented as a three-dimensional random structure.
Prevalence and Predictors of Psychotropic Use in Children with High-Functioning ASDs

This study examined (1) the prevalence of psychotropic medication use for a sample of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASDs), (2) the extent to which psychotropic agents were linked to targeted symptoms, and (3) predictors of psychotropic use. A total of 115 children, ages 6–13, with HFASDs who were enrolled in psychosocial treatment trials were included in this study. Parents completed extensive background and rating forms prior to treatment that included data on demographic characteristics, child health, child medication use, and child ASD-related symptoms. Results indicated that 33% (n = 38) of the sample was taking psychotropic medication with the most common being stimulants (25%; n = 29), antidepressants (10%; n = 12), and neuroleptics (6%; n = 7). All children taking stimulants had target symptoms that were appropriate for stimulant medication, whereas 57% of those taking neuroleptics and 42% of those taking antidepressants did not have targeted symptoms consistent with the medication. Logistic regression for the major psychotropic drug categories indicated that lower IQ was a significant predictor of increased antidepressant and neuroleptic use. A higher level of ASD-related symptoms was related to the likelihood of stimulant use.
Sol-Gel Behavior of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) in Ionic Media Including Drug Release

Sol-gel transformations in HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) are being increasingly studied because of their role in bio-related applications. The thermo-reversible behavior of HPMC is particularly affected by its properties and concentration in solvent media, nature of additives, and the thermal environment it is exposed to. This article contains investigations on the effects of salt additives in Hofmeister series on the HPMC gelation. Various findings regarding gelation with salt ions as well as with the ionic and non-ionic surfactants are presented. The gel formation in physiological salt fluids such as simulated gastric and intestine fluids is also examined with the interest in oral drug delivery systems. The processes of swelling, dissolution and dispersion of HPMC tablets in simulated bio-fluids are explored and the release of a drug from the tablet affected by such processes is studied. Explanations are provided based on the chemical structure and the molecular binding/association of HPMC in a media. The test results at the body or near-body temperature conditions helped in understanding the progress of the gelation process within the human body environment. The detailed interpretation of various molecule level interactions unfolded the sol-gel mechanisms and the influence of a few other factors. The obtained test data and the established mathematical models are expected to serve as a guide in customizing applications of HPMC hydrogels.
Stochastic Approximation for Nonexpansive Maps: Application to Q-Learning Algorithms

We discuss synchronous and asynchronous iterations of the form xk+1 = x^k + \gamma(k) (h(x^k)+w^k), where h is a suitable map and {wk} is a deterministic or stochastic sequence satisfying suitable conditions. In particular, in the stochastic case, these are stochastic approximation iterations that can be analyzed using the ODE approach based either on Kushner and Clark's lemma for the synchronous case or on Borkar's theorem for the asynchronous case. However, the analysis requires that the iterates {xk} be bounded, a fact which is usually hard to prove. We develop a novel framework for proving boundedness in the deterministic framework, which is also applicable to the stochastic case when the deterministic hypotheses can be verified in the almost sure sense. This is based on scaling ideas and on the properties of Lyapunov functions. We then combine the boundedness property with Borkar's stability analysis of ODEs involving nonexpansive mappings to prove convergence (with probability 1 in the stochastic case). We also apply our convergence analysis to Q-learning algorithms for stochastic shortest path problems and are able to relax some of the assumptions of the currently available results.
Concerted Perturbation Observed in a Hub Network in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the alteration of gene expression at the whole genome level. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling of AD has been conducted by many groups on several relevant brain regions. However, identifying the most critical dys-regulated genes has been challenging. In this work, we addressed this issue by deriving critical genes from perturbed subnetworks. Using a recent microarray dataset on six brain regions, we applied a heaviest induced subgraph algorithm with a modular scoring function to reveal the significantly perturbed subnetwork in each brain region. These perturbed subnetworks were found to be significantly overlapped with each other. Furthermore, the hub genes from these perturbed subnetworks formed a connected hub network consisting of 136 genes. Comparison between AD and several related diseases demonstrated that the hub network was robustly and specifically perturbed in AD. In addition, strong correlation between the expression level of these hub genes and indicators of AD severity suggested that this hub network can partially reflect AD progression. More importantly, this hub network reflected the adaptation of neurons to the AD-specific microenvironment through a variety of adjustments, including reduction of neuronal and synaptic activities and alteration of survival signaling. Therefore, it is potentially useful for the development of biomarkers and network medicine for AD.
Thematic and Spatial Resolutions Affect Model-Based Predictions of Tree Species Distribution

Subjective decisions of thematic and spatial resolutions in characterizing environmental heterogeneity may affect the characterizations of spatial pattern and the simulation of occurrence and rate of ecological processes, and in turn, model-based tree species distribution. Thus, this study quantified the importance of thematic and spatial resolutions, and their interaction in predictions of tree species distribution (quantified by species abundance). We investigated how model-predicted species abundances changed and whether tree species with different ecological traits (e.g., seed dispersal distance, competitive capacity) had different responses to varying thematic and spatial resolutions. We used the LANDIS forest landscape model to predict tree species distribution at the landscape scale and designed a series of scenarios with different thematic (different numbers of land types) and spatial resolutions combinations, and then statistically examined the differences of species abundance among these scenarios. Results showed that both thematic and spatial resolutions affected model-based predictions of species distribution, but thematic resolution had a greater effect. Species ecological traits affected the predictions. For species with moderate dispersal distance and relatively abundant seed sources, predicted abundance increased as thematic resolution increased. However, for species with long seeding distance or high shade tolerance, thematic resolution had an inverse effect on predicted abundance. When seed sources and dispersal distance were not limiting, the predicted species abundance increased with spatial resolution and vice versa. Results from this study may provide insights into the choice of thematic and spatial resolutions for model-based predictions of tree species distribution.
On Complete Spacelike Hypersurfaces in a Semi-Riemannian Warped Product

By applying Omori-Yau maximal principal theory and supposing an appropriate restriction on the norm of gradient of height function, we obtain some new Bernstein-type theorems for complete spacelike hypersurfaces with nonpositive constant mean curvature immersed in a semi-Riemannian warped product. Furthermore, some applications of our main theorems for entire vertical graphs in Robertson-Walker spacetime and for hypersurfaces in hyperbolic space are given.
Aortic Stenosis: Clinical Aspects of Diagnosis and Management, With 10 Illustrative Case Reports From a 25-Year Experience

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a chronic, progressive disease predominantly affecting individuals aged over 60 years. Symptoms are the result of progressive left ventricular outflow obstruction, and herald rapid clinical decline and high mortality. Medical therapies for AS remain ineffective; operative valve replacement remains the only effective long-term treatment. We review clinical aspects of diagnosis and management of AS in adults, with attention to the natural history before and after valve replacement, assessment of suspected and established AS, and recommended management in general and in difficult clinical scenarios. We conclude with a series of 10 cases illustrating management of common, uncommon, and challenging clinical scenarios encountered at the University of Washington. Abbreviations: A2 = aortic component of the second heart sound, ACC = American College of Cardiology, ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme, AHA = American Heart Association, AS = aortic stenosis, AVM = arteriovenous malformation, AVR = aortic valve replacement, BAV = bicuspid aortic valve, BNP = brain natriuretic peptide, bpm = beats per minute, CAVD = calcific aortic valve disease, CMR = cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, CT = computed tomography, ECG = electrocardiography, EuroSCORE = European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, INR = International Normalized Ratio, LDL = low-density lipoprotein, LV = left ventricle, LVEF = left ventricular ejection fraction, LVH = left ventricular hypertrophy, MRI = magnetic resonance imaging, NYHA = New York Heart Association, PPM = patient-prosthesis mismatch, S2 = second heart sound, STS = Society of Thoracic Surgeons, TEE = transesophageal echocardiography, TTE = transthoracic echocardiography
A Novel Role for SIRT-1 in L-Arginine Protection against STZ Induced Myocardial Fibrosis in Rats

Background L-arginine (L-ARG) effectively protects against diabetic impediments. In addition, silent information regulator (SIRT-1) activators are emerging as a new clinical concept in treating diabetic complications. Accordingly, this study aimed at delineating a role for SIRT-1 in mediating L-ARG protection against streptozotocin (STZ) induced myocardial fibrosis. Methods Male Wistar rats were allocated into five groups; (i) normal control rats received 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.5); (ii) STZ at the dose of 60 mg/kg dissolved in 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.5); (iii) STZ + sirtinol (Stnl; specific inhibitor of SIRT-1; 2 mg/Kg, i.p.); (iv) STZ + L-ARG given in drinking water (2.25%) or (v) STZ + L-ARG + Stnl. Results L-ARG increased myocardial SIRT-1 expression as well as its protein content. The former finding was paralleled by L-ARG induced reduction in myocardial fibrotic area compared to STZ animals evidenced histopathologically. The reduction in the fibrotic area was accompanied by a decline in fibrotic markers as evident by a decrease in expression of collagen-1 along with reductions in myocardial TGF-β, fibronectin, CTGF and BNP expression together with a decrease in TGF-β and hydroxyproline contents. Moreover, L-ARG increased MMP-2 expression in addition to its protein content while decreasing expression of PAI-1. Finally, L-ARG protected against myocardial cellular death by reduction in NFκ-B mRNA as well as TNF-α level in association with decline in Casp-3 and FAS expressions andCasp-3protein content in addition to reduction of FAS positive cells. However, co-administration of L-ARG and Stnl diminished the protective effect of L-ARG against STZ induced myocardial fibrosis. Conclusion Collectively, these findings associate a role for SIRT-1 in L-ARG defense against diabetic cardiac fibrosis via equilibrating the balance between profibrotic and antifibrotic mediators.
Visual modelling suggests a weak relationship between the evolution of ultraviolet vision and plumage coloration in birds

Birds have sophisticated colour vision mediated by four cone types that cover a wide visual spectrum including ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Many birds have modest UV sensitivity provided by violet‐sensitive (VS) cones with sensitivity maxima between 400 and 425 nm. However, some birds have evolved higher UV sensitivity and a larger visual spectrum given by UV‐sensitive (UVS) cones maximally sensitive at 360–370 nm. The reasons for VS–UVS transitions and their relationship to visual ecology remain unclear. It has been hypothesized that the evolution of UVS‐cone vision is linked to plumage colours so that visual sensitivity and feather coloration are ‘matched’. This leads to the specific prediction that UVS‐cone vision enhances the discrimination of plumage colours of UVS birds while such an advantage is absent or less pronounced for VS‐bird coloration. We test this hypothesis using knowledge of the complex distribution of UVS cones among birds combined with mathematical modelling of colour discrimination during different viewing conditions. We find no support for the hypothesis, which, combined with previous studies, suggests only a weak relationship between UVS‐cone vision and plumage colour evolution. Instead, we suggest that UVS‐cone vision generally favours colour discrimination, which creates a nonspecific selection pressure for the evolution of UVS cones.
Crucial Role of the CCL2/CCR2 Axis in Neointimal Hyperplasia After Arterial Injury in Hyperlipidemic Mice Involves Early Monocyte Recruitment and CCL2 Presentation on Platelets

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (also known as CC chemokine ligand 2 [CCL2]) and its receptor CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) play a central role in the inflammatory response and neointimal formation after vascular injury. In the context of hyperlipidemia, this appears to involve neointimal monocyte infiltration. Hence, we investigated the function of the CCL2/CCR2 axis in early monocyte recruitment to injured arteries. Wire-induced injury of the carotid artery in apoE−/− mice caused a rapid increase of JE/CCL2 protein in the vessel wall peaking at 24 hours after injury, whereas serum JE/CCL2 was increased solely at 6 hours and blood cell-associated levels were unaltered, as demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemistry revealed intense staining for JE/CCL2 in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and in association with platelets adherent to the denuded vessel wall 24 hours after injury. In vitro, exogenous or SMC-derived JE/CCL2 binds to the platelet surface and triggers monocyte arrest on adherent platelets but not on SMCs in flow assays. Accordingly, monocyte arrest in ex vivo perfused apoE−/− carotid arteries isolated 24 hours after injury was profoundly inhibited by pretreatment with a JE/CCL2 antibody. In CCR2−/−/apoE−/− mice, neointimal plaque area was reduced by 47% compared with CCR2+/+/apoE−/− mice. Moreover, CCR2 deletion markedly decreased neointimal macrophage content while expanding SMC content. Vascular JE/CCL2 expressed by SMCs and immobilized by adherent platelets after endothelial denudation is crucial for mediating early monocyte recruitment to injured arteries in hyperlipidemic mice. This mechanism may explain reduced neointimal macrophage infiltration and lesion formation in CCR2-deficient apoE−/− mice.
Type and screen policy in the blood bank: Is AHG cross-match still required? A study at a multispecialty corporate hospital in India

Background: Antibodies against only about 25–28 blood group antigens are known to cause hemolytic reactions (HTRs), and red cell antibody screening should detect such clinically significant antibodies. An extension of the antibody screening test is the ‘type and screen’ done to detect clinically significant antibodies, omiting the anti-human globulin (AHG) cross-match. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out if the type and screen procedure is a safe method for pre-transfusion testing when compared to the AHG cross-match currently in use in India. Materials and Methods: We evaluated data from 45373 patients for whom a total of 61668 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) were cross-matched in the AHG phase using DiaMed® ID cards. An antibody screen was carried out in all the patients using the DiaMed® ID-DiaCell I+II+III. The AHG cross-match was also carried out for all recipients, irrespective of the result of the antibody screen. The results were compared to see if there were any cases where the antibody screening was negative but the AHG cross-match showed incompatibility. Results: Not a single case was found where the antibody screen was negative and AHG cross-match showed incompatibility. In 68 cases the antibody screening was positive. Out of the 68 cases, AHG cross-match was incompatible with at least one unit of PRBC in 41 cases. Conclusion: The screening cell panel adequately detected the clinically significant antibodies in the Indian population in our study. The type and screen policy can be safe, efficient, cost-effective, and beneficial to the transfusion service in India.
The levels of expression of galectin‐1, galectin‐3, and the Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen and their binding sites decrease as clinical aggressiveness increases in head and neck cancers

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an increase in malignancy level is accompanied by significant modifications of the expression of galectin‐1, galectin‐3, and Thomsen–Friedenreich antigen (T antigen) as well as the expression of binding sites for these three markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs).
Bridging the genotype–phenotype gap: what does it take?

Abstract The genotype–phenotype map (GP map) concept applies to any time point in the ontogeny of a living system. It is the outcome of very complex dynamics that include environmental effects, and bridging the genotype–phenotype gap is synonymous with understanding these dynamics. The context for this understanding is physiology, and the disciplinary goals of physiology do indeed demand the physiological community to seek this understanding. We claim that this task is beyond reach without use of mathematical models that bind together genetic and phenotypic data in a causally cohesive way. We provide illustrations of such causally cohesive genotype–phenotype models where the phenotypes span from gene expression profiles to development of whole organs. Bridging the genotype–phenotype gap also demands that large‐scale biological (‘omics’) data and associated bioinformatics resources be more effectively integrated with computational physiology than is currently the case. A third major element is the need for developing a phenomics technology way beyond current state of the art, and we advocate the establishment of a Human Phenome Programme solidly grounded on biophysically based mathematical descriptions of human physiology.