Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diet and endocrine effects on behavioral maturation-related gene expression in the pars intercerebralis of the honey bee brain

ABSTRACT Nervous and neuroendocrine systems mediate environmental conditions to control a variety of life history traits. Our goal was to provide mechanistic insights as to how neurosecretory signals mediate division of labor in the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Worker division of labor is based on a process of behavioral maturation by individual bees, which involves performing in-hive tasks early in adulthood, then transitioning to foraging for food outside the hive. Social and nutritional cues converge on endocrine factors to regulate behavioral maturation, but whether neurosecretory systems are central to this process is not known. To explore this, we performed transcriptomic profiling of a neurosecretory region of the brain, the pars intercerebralis (PI). We first compared PI transcriptional profiles for bees performing in-hive tasks and bees engaged in foraging. Using these results as a baseline, we then performed manipulative experiments to test whether the PI is responsive to dietary changes and/or changes in juvenile hormone (JH) levels. Results reveal a robust molecular signature of behavioral maturation in the PI, with a subset of gene expression changes consistent with changes elicited by JH treatment. In contrast, dietary changes did not induce transcriptomic changes in the PI consistent with behavioral maturation or JH treatment. Based on these results, we propose a new verbal model of the regulation of division of labor in honey bees in which the relationship between diet and nutritional physiology is attenuated, and in its place is a relationship between social signals and nutritional physiology that is mediated by JH. Summary: Transcriptomic profiling of the pars intercerebralis in the honey bee brain provides mechanistic insights into how neurosecretory signals mediate social behavior.
Observational Tests of Damping by Resonant Absorption in Coronal Loop Oscillations

One of the proposed damping mechanisms of coronal (transverse) loop oscillations in the kink mode is resonant absorption as a result of the Alfvén speed variation at the outer boundary of coronal loops. Analytical expressions for the period and damping time exist for loop models with thin nonuniform boundaries. They predict a linear dependency of the ratio of the damping time to the period on the thickness of the nonuniform boundary layer. Ruderman and Roberts used a sinusoidal variation of the density in the nonuniform boundary layer and obtained the corresponding analytical expression for the damping time. Here we measure the thickness of the nonuniform layer in oscillating loops for 11 events, by forward-fitting of the cross-sectional density profile ne(r) and line-of-sight integration to the cross-sectional fluxes F(r) observed with TRACE 171 Å. This way we model the internal (ni) and external electron density (ne) of the coronal plasma in oscillating loops. This allows us to test the theoretically predicted damping rates for thin boundaries as a function of the density ratio χ = ne/ni. Since the observations show that the loops have nonuniform density profiles, we also use numerical results for damping rates to determine the value of χ for the loops. We find that the density ratio predicted by the damping time, χLEDA = 0.53 ± 0.12, is a factor of ≈1.2-3.5 higher than the density ratio estimated from the background fluxes, χ = 0.30 ± 0.16. The lower densities modeled from the background fluxes are likely to be a consequence of the neglected hotter plasma that is not detected with the TRACE 171 Å filter. Taking these corrections into account, resonant absorption predicts damping times of kink-mode oscillations that are commensurable with the observed ones and provides a new diagnostic of the density contrast of oscillating loops.
Justice: A Deadline-Aware, Fair-Share Resource Allocator for Implementing Multi-Analytics

In this paper, we present Justice, a fair-share deadline-aware resource allocator for big data cluster managers. In resource constrained environments, where resource contention introduces significant execution delays, Justice outperforms the popular existing fair-share allocator that is implemented as part of Mesos and YARN. Justice uses deadline information supplied with each job and historical job execution logs to implement admission control. It automatically adapts to changing workload conditions to assign enough resources for each job to meet its deadline "just in time. " We use trace-based simulation of production YARN workloads to evaluate Justice under different deadline formulations. We compare Justice to the existing fair-share allocation policy deployed on cluster managers like YARN and Mesos and find that in resource-constrained settings, Justice improves fairness, satisfies significantly more deadlines, and utilizes resources more efficiently.
Effects of moniliformin on performance and immune function of broiler chicks.

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of moniliformin (M) on performance and immune function in chicks. Day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (0, 50, 75, or 100 mg M/kg diet). In Trial 1, chicks were placed on treatments for 3 wk and were injected intravenously with 4.6 x 10(6) Escherichia coli on Day 21. Blood samples were collected at 60, 120, and 180 min after inoculation, and liver, spleen, and lung were collected at 180 min postinjection. Compared with control chicks, chicks fed 75 and 100 mg M/ kg diet had higher (P < 0.05) numbers of E. coli colonies in the circulation, liver, and spleen. In Trial 2, chicks were placed on diets for 4 wk and were injected with 0.5 mL Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine intramuscularly on Weeks 2 and 3 of the experiment. The primary and secondary anti-NDV antibody titers were measured 7 d after each injection. Chicks fed 100 mg M/kg diet had lower (P < 0.05) secondary antibody titers than did control chicks. In Trial 3, lymphocyte proliferation in chicks exposed to M in vivo and in vitro was determined. Results of the in vivo study showed that cell proliferation in response to mitogens from control- and M-fed chicks did not differ (P > 0.05). For the in vitro study, lymphocyte proliferation decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increased concentrations of M. In all three trials, chicks fed 100 mg M/kg diet had lower (P < 0.05) feed intake and weight gain than did control chicks. Data from the current study suggested that M decreased performance and immune response in chicks at the level of 75 mg/kg diet.
Early Onset of Atherosclerosis of The Carotid Bifurcation in Newborn Cadavers.

INTRODUCTION The anatomy of arterial bifurcations affects blood flow and has a significant role in the development of vascular disease. Therefore, it is important to know the structural characteristics of the Common Carotid Artery (CCA) and its branches for early onset of atherosclerosis in newborns. AIM The present study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of CCA in newborn cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight carotid arteries obtained from newborn cadavers were used. The outflow to inflow area ratios was calculated to evaluate vessel diameters. Additionally, scanning electron and light microscopic investigations were conducted with tissue samples. The brachial artery of each cadaver was used as controls. Correlation between area ratios and atherosclerotic endothelial damage was determined. RESULTS Light microscopic investigations demonstrated that control group sections showed no positivity for Oil red O staining, while carotid bifurcation regions depicted widespread occurrence of intimal lipid accumulations. Scanning electron microscopic examination of control group sections presented regular endothelial topography, while carotid bifurcation region topography exhibited numerous blood cells and separated endothelial cells. Fibrin accumulation on endothelial surface in low area ratios was another important finding in the examination of its endothelial surface degeneration. The above-mentioned morphological findings seemed to be quite parallel to outflow to inflow area ratio data favouring low area and degeneration. CONCLUSION The correlation between area ratios and the histological characteristic of cerebral vessels of newborn cadavers indicate that early stages of atherosclerosis began in early embryologic life.
Linking Hemorrhage, Angiogenesis, Macrophages, and Iron Metabolism in Atherosclerotic Vascular Diseases

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a phenomenon observed in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Paterson1 was the first to propose vasa vasorum as the source of IPH. Barger et al2 described an abundance of plaque microvessels found in diseased coronary arteries compared with healthy ones and proposed that plaque neovascularization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. A postmortem study from our group established a critical relationship between erythrocyte extravasation in coronary atherosclerotic plaques (measured by the red blood cell membrane sialoglycoprotein glycophorin A) and necrotic core enlargement and plaque progression.3 In a different postmortem study, plaque macrophages were found to be 2- to 4-fold more abundant in patients with symptomatic cardiovascular disease, and the adjacent microvessel network was found to be denser.4 Kockx et al5 showed that perivascular foam cells in areas of high microvascular density within carotid plaques frequently contained platelets and erythrocytes. Phagocytosis of red blood cells was shown to be a trigger for macrophage activation in both in vitro and in vivo. It was also shown that macrophages were particularly abundant around newly formed leaky microvessels.5–7 This and other emerging data support the notion that IPH plays a causal role in promoting plaque progression via deposition of free cholesterol from red blood cells.8–10 The effect of plaque hemorrhage translates into higher plaque burden and vulnerability, which are demonstrable in imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, intravascular ultrasound, and near infrared spectroscopy.11,12 Here, we summarize recent progress made in our understanding of the collective role of IPH, angiogenesis, macrophages, and iron metabolism in atherosclerotic plaque progression. In a recent article, Sun et al13 examined the effect of the blood pressure on carotid plaque IPH diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging in an asymptomatic …
Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit stay after aortic arch surgery.

OBJECTIVE The present study was performed to evaluate preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay after aortic arch surgery. DESIGN A retrospective study. Prolonged ICU stay was defined as >5 days (120 hours). SETTING Cardiovascular operating rooms and the ICU. PARTICIPANTS Adults requiring aortic arch surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest plus antegrade selective cerebral perfusion. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS After 11 patients who underwent 1-stage total or subtotal aortic replacement were excluded, 298 patients were enrolled in the study. The average age of patients was 44.9 +/- 10.7 years with male predominance (74.8%). Sixty-one patients (20.5%) stayed longer than 5 days in the ICU. Univariate analyses found age, body mass index, New York Heart Association classification, preoperative serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, emergency, inotropes, cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemia time, and fresh-frozen plasma transfused intraoperatively were significantly associated with prolonged ICU stay (p < 0.05). Independent risk factors for prolonged ICU stay were found to be New York Heart Association classification (class III and IV), emergency, inotropes used intraoperatively, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The authors identified 4 preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for prolonged ICU stay. This is helpful to identify patients with increased risk for prolonged ICU stay, implement specific strategies, and allocate medical resources.
Improving our Knowledge on Small-Scale Fisheries: Data Needs and Methodologies. Workshop proceedings, 27–29 June 2017, Rome, Italy.

In 2012, the World Bank, FAO and WorldFish Center published a review of the economic importance of fisheries entitled Hidden Harvest: The Global Contribution of Capture Fisheries. While providing essential information and estimates that are still valid, the analyses would benefit from being refined and updated, and also by including additional dimensions of the contribution of small-scale fisheries to food security and nutrition, poverty reduction, and the three dimensions of sustainable development more broadly. The intention would be to draw the attention of policyand decision-makers to the sector’s importance and to promote the required engagement and support to realize the potential of sustainable small-scale fisheries. Such an analysis would also be an important contribution towards monitoring the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines), and of the progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a first step towards a new Hidden Harvest study, the “Workshop on improving our knowledge on small-scale fisheries: data needs and methodologies” was held at FAO in Rome, Italy on 27–29 June 2017. This expert workshop discussed: • the scope and main contents of the new study, including type of data (indicators) to be collected and subsector coverage; and • the methodologies for data collection and analyses, including key partners and information sources. About 40 external experts, as well as FAO staff from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and other relevant FAO departments, participated in the workshop. The workshop agreed on the need for a comprehensive new study to illuminate the hidden contributions of small-scale fisheries to the three dimensions of sustainable development, as well as identifying the key threats to these contributions. The study would be a collaborative effort, and the next steps envisaged include the development of a study design based on the workshop outcomes, to be completed by the end of 2017; continuation of ongoing communications and partnership development; and launch of the research in early 2018, with a target for completion in the first half of 2019. FAO. 2017. Workshop on improving our knowledge on small-scale fisheries: data needs and methodologies. Workshop proceedings, 27–29 June 2017, Rome, Italy. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Proceedings No. 55. Rome, Italy.
[Prevention of nosocomial infections in the pediatric ward - own experiences].

INTRODUCTION Patients pediatric wards are particularly at risk of nosocomial infections. Therefore, the newest principles of prevention of infections should be implemented and monitored. AIM 1) to determine the prevalence, etiology and clinical manifestations of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients; 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of procedures that aim at preventing hospital rotavirus infections and catheter-related bloodstream infections; 3) to analyse the incidence of flu among staff in two consecutive seasons of the epidemic influenza H1N1 (2009/2010 and 2010/2011); 4) to promote vaccinations of the medical staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 4432 children hospitalized from October 2007 to December 2009 and 57 medical staff (doctors, nurses, orderlies). The effectiveness was assessed of prevention procedures for nosocomial infections and morbidity, and of vaccination against influenza among the sta$, as dened by the Act on the prevention and suppression of infection and infectious diseases human and the criteria developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS Nosocomial infections were diagnosed in 2.2% of hospitalized children, where 96% were of acute gastroenteritis; 3% were bloodstream infections associated with peripheral vascular catheter. The 1% had respiratory infections (influenza). Hospital gastrointestinal infections were caused by the rotavirus (78%), norovirus (13%) and adenovirus (0.9%). In 1.1% of cases the etiology had not been determined. As a result of implementing prophylactic activities, a statistically significant reduction of the incidence of nosocomial infections by the rotavirus was achieved (from 7.1 to 1.5%). The occurrence catheter-related bloodstream infections was entirely eliminated. Influenza and influenza-like infections were reported in 7% of the medical staff in the season of 2009/2010 and 5% in the season of 2010/2011. 42% of the medical staff was immunized against the influenza (92% of doctors, 7% nurses, 0% orderlies). CONCLUSIONS The most common cause of nosocomial infections in the pediatric ward are rotaviruses. Rotavirus infections and catheter-related bloodstream infections are possible to be effectively prevented through regular, proactive preventive measures. Vaccinations of the medical sta$ against influenza medical staff against influenza still require implementing measures of a promotional and educational character.
Rigid Gas-Permeable Extended Wear: A Comparative Clinical Study

A 12-month clinical trial involving 88 subjects was undertaken to compare the clinical performance of rigid gas-permeable contact lens extended wear (EWRGP) with that of RGP daily wear (DWRGP) lenses and soft lens extended wear (SLEW) with medium water content lenses. Withdrawals from the EWRGP group tended to result from lens-related problems, whereas the SLEW withdrawals generally resulted from adverse effects on corneal physiology. Changes in spherical refractive error during the 1-year study were small (<1.00 D) and similar for both gas-permeable lens-wearing groups. Most of the SLEW group (58%) showed an increase in myopia and the mean increase was 0.38 D, which represented a significant difference from the EWRGP group. The EWRGP group showed a mean flattening in corneal curvature of 0.11 and 0.15 mm in the flattest and steepest corneal meridians, respectively. A positive correlation was noted between change in corneal curvature and baseline corneal astigmatism, which suggests corneal molding as a result of lid pressure as the most likely cause. The DWRGP and SLEW groups showed small, nonsignificant changes in corneal curvature. Most of the EWRGP subjects (69%) who completed the study showed increased corneal distortion. This compares with 30 and 17% with the DWRGP and SLEW groups, respectively. Likely corneal edema was a major contributory factor. For most of the slitlamp variables monitored, there were no significant differences between the groups. However, microcystic changes were detected in both EWRGP (35%) and SLEW subjects but not in the DWRGP group. Corneal staining was noted in all groups but was more prevalent among the EWRGP group. The findings of this study are discussed in relation to the clinical management of RGP extended wear.
Correlational selection does not explain the evolution of a behavioural syndrome

Correlated suites of behaviours, or behavioural syndromes, appear to be widespread, and yet few studies have explored how they arise and are maintained. One possibility holds that correlational selection can generate and maintain behavioural syndrome if certain behavioural combinations enjoy greater fitness than other combinations. Here we test this correlational selection hypothesis by comparing behavioural syndrome structure with a multivariate fitness surface based on reproductive success of male water striders. We measured the structure of a behavioural syndrome including dispersal ability, exploration behaviour, latency to remount and sex recognition sensitivity in males. We then measured the relationship between these behaviours and mating success in a range of sex ratio environments. Despite the presence of some significant correlational selection, behavioural syndrome structure was not associated with correlational selection on behaviours. Although we cannot conclusively reject the correlational selection hypothesis, our evidence suggests that correlational selection and resulting linkage disequilibrium might not be responsible for maintaining the strong correlations between behaviours. Instead, we suggest alternative ways in which this behavioural syndrome may have arisen and outline the need for physiological and quantitative genetic tests of these suggestions.
In vitro analysis of coronary atheromatous lesions by intravascular ultrasound; reproducibility and histological correlation of lesion morphology.

AIM To determine the reproducibility and histological correlation of qualitative intravascular ultrasound imaging of atheromatous coronary arteries using the recently proposed European Society of Cardiology classification of plaque composition in conditions approximating the clinical setting. METHODS Atheromatous lesions (n=21), identified from 30 post-mortem human coronary arteries, were imaged using intravascular ultrasound in a pulsatile flow system which simulates coronary flow. Fifty sites (21 x minimum lumen area and 29 x distal reference sites) were selected independently by two observers from continuous video recordings. Atheromatous plaque was classified as echodense, echolucent, heterogeneous or calcified by each observer and by one observer on separate occasions. Arterial specimens were histologically sectioned at these sites and similarly analysed by a third observer blinded to the intravascular ultrasound appearances. RESULTS Overall inter- and intra-observer reproducibility for plaque-type (Kappa 0.87[0.80-0.94] and 0.89[0. 85-0.93 respectively]) and focal calcification (0.78[0.74-0.82] and 0.88[0.84-0.92]) was high. Differences in site selection significantly influenced reproducibility particularly at reference sites. Agreement for overall plaque type between intravascular ultrasound and histology occurred in 89% of sites (Kappa 0.73[0.69-0. 77]). Specificity and positive predictive values for individual plaque types were greater than 90%. CONCLUSION Using modern intravascular ultrasound technology in an in vitro system which approximates the clinical setting the proposed ESC classification of plaque composition by intravascular ultrasound is reproducible and correlates well with histology. It should therefore perform reliably in diagnostic intravascular ultrasound examinations and in the guidance of percutaneous coronary interventions.
The emotional intelligence of medical students: An exploratory cross-sectional study

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) may be related to student characteristics (such as conscientiousness and empathy), and performance at medical school, although few studies have so far been conducted. Aim: To investigate the association of EI with students’ age, sex, ethnicity and stage of study at a London medical school. Methods: All medical students were invited to complete an online EI instrument, the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) version 2, a 141-item measure of the ability to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions. An additional questionnaire to gather demographic data was linked to the MSCEIT. Results: We analysed 263 responses from a population of 2114 medical students after three reminders (12.3% response rate). Aggregated EI scores were similar through the curriculum. Age, sex and ethnicity explained 9.2% of the variance in aggregated EI scores. In terms of managing emotions, 6.7% of the variance was explained by the stage of study, with significantly higher scores for students in their final year compared to those in the first two years. Conclusion: This exploratory study provides preliminary data on EI scores for UK medical students identifies factors associated with higher and lower scores and suggests that aggregated EI scores remain stable during medical training.