Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY EARLY IN LIFE CONSTRAINS DEVELOPMENTAL RESPONSES LATER

Abstract Plastic stem-elongation responses to the ratio of red:far-red (R:FR) wavelengths enable plants to match their phenotype to local competitive conditions. However, elongation responses early in the life history may occur at the cost of reduced plasticity later in the life history, because elongation influences both allocation patterns and structural integrity. A common-garden experiment was performed to test whether seedling responses to R:FR affect biomass allocation, biomass accumulation, and subsequent plasticity to the cue. Seedlings of Abutilon theophrasti were stimulated to elongate by low R:FR treatments, and subsequent growth and plasticity was compared with nonelongated individuals. Elongated seedlings were less responsive than nonelongated ones to a second bout of low R:FR. Thus, seedling plasticity to R:FR reduces subsequent responsiveness to this cue. This negative association across life-history stages suggests an important constraint on the evolution of plastic stem responses, because selection in A. theophrasti has previously been shown to favor increases in early elongation in combination with increased later elongation. The reduced responsiveness of elongated seedlings to R:FR appeared to result from a structural feedback mechanism, indicating that the opportunity cost of early responses may be lower in environments providing structural support. Corresponding Editor: D. Waller
Loss of Highly Branched Arabinans and Debranching of Rhamnogalacturonan I Accompany Loss of Firm Texture and Cell Separation during Prolonged Storage of Apple1

Growth and maturation of the edible cortical cells of apples (Malus domestica Borkh) are accompanied by a selective loss of pectin-associated (1→4)-β-d-galactan from the cell walls, whereas a selective loss of highly branched (1→5)-α-l-arabinans occurs after ripening and in advance of the loss of firm texture. The selective loss of highly branched arabinans occurs during the overripening of apples of four cultivars (Gala, Red Delicious, Firm Gold, and Gold Rush) that varied markedly in storage life, but, in all instances, the loss prestages the loss of firm texture, measured by both breaking strength and compression resistance. The unbranched (1→5)-linked arabinans remain associated with the major pectic polymer, rhamnogalacturonan I, and their content remains essentially unchanged during overripening. However, the degree of rhamnogalacturonan I branching at the rhamnosyl residues also decreases, but only after extensive loss of the highly branched arabinans. In contrast to the decrease in arabinan content, the loss of the rhamnogalacturonan I branching is tightly correlated with loss of firm texture in all cultivars, regardless of storage time. In vitro cell separation assays show that structural proteins, perhaps via their phenolic residues, and homogalacturonans also contribute to cell adhesion. Implications of these cell wall modifications in the mechanisms of apple cortex textural changes and cell separation are discussed.
Morbidity in surgery: impact of the 50-hour work-week limitation in Switzerland.

PRINCIPLES Work-hour regulations for residency programmes in Switzerland, including a 50-hour weekly limit, were set in on 1 January 2005. Patient safety was one of the major arguments for the implementation. As the effect of the restriction of residency work hours on patient care in Switzerland has not yet been evaluated on objective data, the aim of the present study was to assess its impact by comparing the patients' morbidity and mortality before (2001-2004) and after (2005-2008) the implementation. METHODS Retrospective analysis of records of the Spitalzentrum Biel AG, a large referral center classified according to the Swiss Medical Association, collected in the database of the Association for Quality Assurance in Surgery (AQC), a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing surgical procedures in Switzerland. A selection of 2,686 patients with common surgeries, operated on by residents, was performed. RESULTS There were 1,259 (46.9%) patients meeting our inclusion criteria who were admitted during the period before introduction of work-hour limitation and 1,427 (53.1%) patients after introduction. The in-hospital mortality and postoperative surgical complication rate were significantly higher after the reform (p <0.05 and p <0.01, respectively). No significant differences could be found concerning the overall intraoperative (p = 0.61) and postoperative medical complication frequencies (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS The work-hour limitation implemented in Switzerland was not associated with surgical patient safety measure improvement for common surgeries (i.e., morbidity and mortality rate). Further research on a nationwide basis is needed to assess the value of the higher surgical complication and mortality rate.
An Osteoblast-Derived Proteinase Controls Tumor Cell Survival via TGF-beta Activation in the Bone Microenvironment

Background Breast to bone metastases frequently induce a “vicious cycle” in which osteoclast mediated bone resorption and proteolysis results in the release of bone matrix sequestered factors that drive tumor growth. While osteoclasts express numerous proteinases, analysis of human breast to bone metastases unexpectedly revealed that bone forming osteoblasts were consistently positive for the proteinase, MMP-2. Given the role of MMP-2 in extracellular matrix degradation and growth factor/cytokine processing, we tested whether osteoblast derived MMP-2 contributed to the vicious cycle of tumor progression in the bone microenvironment. Methodology/Principal Findings To test our hypothesis, we utilized murine models of the osteolytic tumor-bone microenvironment in immunocompetent wild type and MMP-2 null mice. In longitudinal studies, we found that host MMP-2 significantly contributed to tumor progression in bone by protecting against apoptosis and promoting cancer cell survival (caspase-3; immunohistochemistry). Our data also indicate that host MMP-2 contributes to tumor induced osteolysis (μCT, histomorphometry). Further ex vivo/in vitro experiments with wild type and MMP-2 null osteoclast and osteoblast cultures identified that 1) the absence of MMP-2 did not have a deleterious effect on osteoclast function (cd11B isolation, osteoclast differentiation, transwell migration and dentin resorption assay); and 2) that osteoblast derived MMP-2 promoted tumor survival by regulating the bioavailability of TGFβ, a factor critical for cell-cell communication in the bone (ELISA, immunoblot assay, clonal and soft agar assays). Conclusion/Significance Collectively, these studies identify a novel “mini-vicious cycle” between the osteoblast and metastatic cancer cells that is key for initial tumor survival in the bone microenvironment. In conclusion, the findings of our study suggest that the targeted inhibition of MMP-2 and/or TGFβ would be beneficial for the treatment of bone metastases.
Implant-supported overdentures with different bar designs: A retrospective evaluation after 5-19 years of clinical function

PURPOSE This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of implant-retained overdentures (IODs) after 5-19 years of clinical function. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of patient files was performed referring to 27 patients who received 36 IODs with 3 different bar designs (group A=prefabricated round bars, n=7; group B=one-piece anterior milled bars, n=20; and group C=two bilaterally placed milled bars, n=9) in the mandible (n=24) and/or in the maxilla (n=12). The analysis focused on the survival and success rates (according to Kaplan-Meier) of the implants and prostheses. Technical complication rates for each type of restoration were analyzed and compared via one-way ANOVA and the Chi-squared test. The prevalence of peri-implantitis (radiographic bone loss ≥3.5 mm) was evaluated by digital analysis of panoramic radiographs taken post-operative (baseline) and after 5-19 years of clinical function (follow-up). RESULTS The mean observational time was 7.3 years. The survival rates of the prostheses and implants were 100% and 97.7%, respectively. Technical complications occurred more frequently in group A (mean: 3.5 during observational time) than in the other two groups (B: 0.8; C: 1.0). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.58). Peri-implantitis was diagnosed for 12.4% of the implants in 37% of the patients. CONCLUSION Bar-retained IODs are an adequate treatment option for edentulous jaws. These restorations may exhibit high implant/prosthesis survival rates (>97%), and a limited incidence of technical complications after a mean observational period of >7 years. Nevertheless, peri-implantitis was identified as a frequent and serious biological complication for this type of reconstruction.
Physiological Effects of Superoxide Dismutase on Altered Visual Function of Retinal Ganglion Cells in db/db Mice

Background The C57BLKS/J db/db (db/db) mouse is a widely used type 2 diabetic animal model, and this model develops early inner retinal neuronal dysfunction beginning at 24 weeks. The neural mechanisms that mediate early stage retinal dysfunction in this model are unknown. We evaluated visual response properties of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) during the early stage of diabetic insult (8, 12, and 20 wk) in db/db mice and determined if increased oxidative stress plays a role in impaired visual functions of RGCs in 20 wk old db/db mice. Methodology/Principal Findings In vitro extracellular single-unit recordings from RGCs in wholemount retinas were performed. The receptive field size, luminance threshold, and contrast gain of the RGCs were investigated. Although ON- and OFF-RGCs showed a different time course of RF size reduction, by 20 wk, the RF of ON- and OFF-RGCs were similarly affected. The LT of ON-RGCs was significantly elevated in 12 and 20 wk db/db mice compared to the LT of OFF-RGCs. The diabetic injury also affected contrast gains of ON- and OFF-RGCs differently. The generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in fresh retina was estimated by dihydroethidium. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (300 unit/ml) was applied in Ames medium to the retina, and visual responses of RGCs were recorded for five hours. ROS generation in the retinas of db/db mice increased at 8wk and continued to progress at 20 wk of ages. In vitro application of SOD improved visual functions in 20 wk db/db mice but the SOD treatment affected ON- and OFF-RGCs differently in db/m retina. Conclusions/Significance The altered visual functions of RGCs were characterized by the reduced RF center size, elevated LT, and attenuated contrast gain in 12 and 20 wk db/db mice, respectively. These altered visual functions could, at least partly, be due to oxidative stress since in vitro application of SOD effectively improves visual functions.
Optimal presentation of imagery with focus cues on multi-plane displays

We present a technique for displaying three-dimensional imagery of general scenes with nearly correct focus cues on multi-plane displays. These displays present an additive combination of images at a discrete set of optical distances, allowing the viewer to focus at different distances in the simulated scene. Our proposed technique extends the capabilities of multi-plane displays to general scenes with occlusions and non-Lambertian effects by using a model of defocus in the eye of the viewer. Requiring no explicit knowledge of the scene geometry, our technique uses an optimization algorithm to compute the images to be displayed on the presentation planes so that the retinal images when accommodating to different distances match the corresponding retinal images of the input scene as closely as possible. We demonstrate the utility of the technique using imagery acquired from both synthetic and real-world scenes, and analyze the system's characteristics including bounds on achievable resolution.
Is The Weber Fraction a Function of Physical or Perceived Input?

It is well known that a given physical input (e.g. intensity of light or sound, length or weight of an object) does not always give rise to the same sensation. For example, arrow heads affect the perceived length of lines (Muller-Lyer illusion) and size affects the apparent weight of an object (size-weight illusion). It is generally assumed that the differential threshold is a simple function of the physical intensity of the stimulus. We may however ask whether the differential threshold is affected by illusions. To try to answer this question we estimate differential thresholds under a pair of conditions in which the relevant input is the same but appears different. Using the size-weight illusion, we have found that the differential threshold for weight is greater for a set of small weights than for a set of larger and apparently lighter weights.
Persistence of posttraumatic stress in violently injured youth seen in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE To determine if symptoms of posttraumatic stress, initially evaluated in the emergency department (ED) setting, persist over time. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Two urban, academic medical center EDs. PATIENTS Sixty-nine injured patients, aged 12 to 24 years, were assessed for acute posttraumatic stress symptoms at the time of their enrollment in an ongoing ED-based study of intentional youth violence, and assessed for posttraumatic stress symptoms up to 5 months later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The Immediate Stress Reaction Checklist, administered during the ED visit, and the Symptom Checklist of the Child and Adolescent Trauma Survey, administered during routine telephone follow-up. RESULTS Patients in the emergency department reported a range of acute stress symptoms on the Immediate Stress Reaction Checklist, with 25% reporting clinically significant distress. On follow-up assessment, 15% reported significant posttraumatic stress symptoms. The severity of acute stress symptoms was strongly associated with the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms at follow-up (r = 0.55, P<.005). Age, sex, injury type, and time from injury to follow-up were not associated with the degree of acute stress or posttraumatic stress symptom severity at initial or follow-up assessment. CONCLUSION This study provides preliminary evidence that acute stress symptoms, assessed in the ED in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic injury, are useful indicators of risk for later posttraumatic stress.
Exploring the normative influences of social norms on individual environmental behavior

This study examines how social environmental norms (injunctive and descriptive norms) affect individuals' environmental behavior. The sample consists of adults over 18 years of age, and a total of 267 valid questionnaires were used for data analysis. SPSS v.18. 0 and AMOS v.5. 0 were used for the analyses. The results of the study are as follows. First, the study finds that both injunctive and descriptive environmental norms have a positive impact on personal environmental norms. However, it shows no significant differences between injunctive and descriptive norms. Second, personal environmental norms play a significant mediating role and affect environmental behavior positively. Third, self-monitoring does not play a moderating role in the relationships between social environmental norms and personal environmental norms. However, self-monitoring has a significant moderating effect on the relationships between personal environmental norms and environmental behavior.
Criminality Theories and Behavioral Images

Theories of criminality are derived from distinct images of human behavior. A theory's scientific value is a function of the validity of these images. Six types of "monistic" criminality theory are distinguishable on the basis of their imagery. "Integrative" theories, which evoke a complex image to unite data underlying diverse monistic theories, are more useful than "pluralistic" theories, which preserve images. Criticisms of "differential association" as an integrative theory are avoided by a "differential identification" theory of criminality.
Multidrug resistance gene (MDR‐1) expression as a useful prognostic factor in patients with human hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection

Multidrug resistance gene (MDR‐1) overexpression has been correlated with tumor aggressiveness and worse prognosis in some human neoplasms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of MDR‐1 mRNA expression as a prognostic factor after surgical resection in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
A Human Experimental Bone Pain Model

The aim of this study was to develop a human experimental bone pain model. Fourteen healthy men were included in two study sessions. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was estimated using probes of different sizes. Computer‐controlled and hand‐held algometry were applied to the skin area covering right and left medial tibia before and after local anaesthesia (LA) of the skin and reproducibility was evaluated. Pain experience (McGill questionnaire) was compared between healthy volunteers and 12 patients with vertebral fractures. Computer‐controlled algometer: No differences in PPT between study sessions for 6 and 8‐mm probes (p = 0.43 and 0.32) were seen. There was a difference in PPT before and after LA for the 6‐mm probe (p = 0.008), but not for the 8‐mm probe (p = 0.26). Hand‐held algometer: A difference in PPT between study sessions was observed for 4‐ and 8‐mm probes (p = 0.03 and 0.007), but not for 2, 6 and 10‐mm probes (p = 0.19, 0.05 and 0.25). No differences in PPT were seen before and after LA for 2, 4, 8 and 10‐mm probes (p = 0.35, 0.15, 0.08 and 0.53), but LA significantly influenced PPT with the 6‐mm probe (p = 0.01). Similar words were chosen in the McGill pain questionnaire by healthy volunteers and patients, qualitatively describing the deep pain sensation. The pain evoked by hand‐held algometer and the 2‐mm probe was not influenced by LA, and PPT was reproducible between sessions and is recommended for studies of experimentally evoked bone‐associated pain.
The Impact of Norms and Assumed Consequences on Recycling Behavior

Given the aim to motivate consumers to behave in an environmentally friendly manner, there is a need to understand how consumers’ environmental behavior can be influenced and what variables predict environmental behavior. This article applies structural equation models (path analyses) to investigate these issues, with experienced social norm, assumed consequences of behavior and personal norm as independent variables of recycling behavior. The study is based on a Norwegian survey. As predicted, the social norm revealed no direct link to behavior. Rather, the effect of the social norm seemed to depend on an intervening personal norm. The possible social pressure exercised by family members was investigated. Assumed environmental consequences of behavior and reported behavior were found to be only loosely connected. Furthermore, assumed consequences of behavior revealed no mediating effect on the link between personal norm and behavior, which is contrary to what Schwartz’s theory on altruistic behavior would imply.
Cellular Infiltration of the Human Arterial Adventitia Associated with Atheromatous Plaques

Homogeneous collections of cells resembling small lymphocytes have been found in the adventitia of atheromatous arteries, and the prevalence and degree of cellular infiltration have been shown to correlate closely with the severity of the plaques. The cells are found in the aorta, coronary, iliac, and carotid arteries; but in the carotid arteries the infiltration is less marked. Arterial blocks containing recent thrombus show more cellular infiltration than blocks without thrombus and with recanalizing thrombus. The location and significance of the adventitial cellular infiltration is unknown, but it may play a part in the etiology or pathogenesis of arterial plaques.
Clinicopathologic study of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the salivary gland.

OBJECTIVE To study the histopathologic features and pathogenesis of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT-oma) of salivary glands. METHODS Clinical data, paraffin-embedded sections, immunohistochemical slides (SP method) and electron microscopic features of surgical specimens of 32 cases of salivary gland MALT-oma were studied. RESULTS The patients were 27 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 54.76 years. The lesions were located in the parotid area in 17 cases, and in the submandibular gland in the remaining 15 cases. Much of the MALT-oma was replaced by infiltration of a great amount of centrocyte-like cells (CCL) as background and occasional large cells (centroblast- or immunoblast-like). In MALT-omas "lymphoepithelial lesions" were present. Immunohistochemically, CD20 expression was found to be positive and CD45RO expression was negative in all MALT-omas. CONCLUSION Most of the MALT-omas are low grade malignant tumors and have a "homing back" phenomenon. The cases were managed by surgery and chemotherapy. In a few MALT-omas which turned into high grade malignant tumors, the prognosis was poor. Acquired MALT may develop as a reaction to autoimmune disease and infection. Hyper-immune reaction and MALT hyperplasia under stimulation may result in myoepithelial sialadenitis and lead to MALT-oma of the salivary gland.
A robust CMOS miller OpAmp with high EMI-immunity

This paper presents a robust CMOS Miller operational amplifier (OpAmp) that has high immunity to electro-magnetic interference (EMI). The proposed robust CMOS Miller operational amplifier uses the modified replica Miller OpAmp concept with the source-buffered Miller OpAmp with source degeneration resistance in order to achieve high EMI immunity across a wide range of frequencies (10 MHz to 1 GHz). Simulation results show that the maximum EMI-induced input offset voltage for the proposed robust CMOS Miller OpAmp is less than 5 mV over a wide range of frequencies (10 MHz to 1 GHz) when a 1 Vpp EMI signal is injected into the non-inverting input. In contrast, the classic Miller OpAmp generates a maximum output offset voltage of 216 mV at 1 GHz under the same operating conditions.
Set2-Catalyzed Methylation of Histone H3 Represses Basal Expression of GAL4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT Recent work has shown that histone methylation is an important regulator of transcription. While much is known about the roles of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in the establishment of heterochromatin, little is known of their roles in the regulation of actively transcribed genes. We describe an in vivo role of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HMT, Set2. We identified SET2 as a gene necessary for repression of GAL4 basal expression and show that the evolutionarily conserved SACI, SACII, and SET domains of Set2 are necessary for this repression. We confirm that Set2 catalyzes methylation of lysine 36 on the N-terminal tail of histone H3. Conversion of lysine 36 to an unmethylatable arginine causes a decrease in the repression of GAL4 transcription, as does a Δset2 mutation. We further show that lysine 36 of histone H3 at GAL4 is methylated and that this methylation is dependent upon the presence of SET2.