Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Facilitation May Buffer Competitive Effects: Indirect and Diffuse Interactions among Salt Marsh Plants

Direct interactions among plant species may be highly modified by indirect or diffuse effects within a multispecies community. We investigated the direct and diffuse effects of two salt marsh perennials, Monanthechloe littoralis and Arthrocnemum subterminale, on winter annuals and the perennial herb Limonium californicum in a salt marsh in central California. In permanent plots, Monanthechloe had expanded substantially in the upper marsh over the past 13 yr, while Arthrocnemum and all annual species had decreased. These dynamics suggest that Monanthechloe may directly outcompete most other species in the upper marsh. In contrast, Arthrocnemum is known to facilitate some annual species. In our field experiments, Monanthechloe strongly suppressed Arthrocnemum, all four common annual species, and Limonium in direct interactions. In contrast, Arthrocnemum directly facilitated the winter annuals Parapholis incurva and Lasthenia glabrata, competed with Spergularia marina, and did not have a significant effect on Limonium. However, when the combined effects of Monanthechloe and Arthrocnemum were tested, Arthrocnemum ameliorated the negative effect of Monanthechloe on all four species. Although isolated Arthrocnemum competed with Spergularia and had no direct effects on Limonium, Arthrocnemum in the presence of Monanthechloe facilitated both species. We hypothesize that Arthrocnemum buffered the strong competitive effects of Monanthechloe on Lasthenia and Parapholis via direct positive effects and benefited Spergularia and Limonium through its competitive effect on Monanthechloe. These findings add to the growing body of literature emphasizing the importance of diversity and interdependence in the functioning of plant communities.
Characterizing the effects of sertraline in post-traumatic stress disorder

Background. Sertraline has a proved efficacy in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is unknown which symptoms respond or in what sequence this occurs. Such information might be useful clinically and heuristically. Method. The study examined the effects of sertraline on the individual symptoms of PTSD. It also examined whether early changes in anger explained drug-induced change in other symptoms over time. Mixed models analysis was applied to datasets from two 12-week placebo-controlled trials of sertraline. A validated self-rating scale (DTS) was used to assess treatment efficacy. Results. Sertraline was superior to placebo on 15 of 17 symptoms, especially in the numbing and hyperarousal clusters. A strong effect was found on anger from week 1, which partly explained the subsequent effects of sertraline on other symptoms, some of which began to show significantly greater response to drug than to placebo at week 6 (emotional upset at reminders, anhedonia, detachment, numbness, hypervigilance) and week 10 (avoidance of activities, foreshortened future). Conclusions. Sertraline exercises a broad spectrum effect in PTSD. Effects are more apparent on the psychological rather than somatic symptoms of PTSD, with an early modulation of anger and, perhaps, other affects, preceding improvement in other symptoms.
Voltage-dependent slowing of K channel closing kinetics by Rb+

We have studied the effect of Rb+ on K channel closing kinetics in toadfish pancreatic islet cells. These channels are voltage dependent, activating at voltages positive to -10 mV. The channels also inactivate upon prolonged depolarizations, and the inactivation time course is best fit by the sum of two exponentials. Instantaneous current-voltage relationships show that external Rb+ enters the channel as easily as K+, but carries less current. In the voltage range from -140 to -50 mV, the closing time course of the channels can be fit with a single exponential. When Rb+ is present in the external solution the channels close more slowly. The magnitude of this Rb+ effect is voltage dependent, decreasing at more negative voltages. Similarly, when the internal solution contains Rb+ instead of K+ the closing time constants are increased. The effect of internal Rb+ is also voltage dependent; at voltages positive to -80 mV the closing time constant in internal Rb+ is slower than in K+, whereas at more negative voltages the difference is negligible. With internal Rb+, the relationship between the closing time constant and voltage is best fit with two exponential components, suggesting the presence of two distinct voltage-dependent processes. The results are discussed in terms of a model of the K channel with two internal binding sites, and we conclude that Rb+ produces its effects on channel gating by binding to a site in the pore.
The Immune Syntax Revisited: Opening New Windows on Language Evolution

Recent research has added new dimensions to our understanding of classical evolution, according to which evolutionary novelties result from gene mutations inherited from parents to offspring. Language is surely one such novelty. Together with specific changes in our genome and epigenome, we suggest that two other (related) mechanisms may have contributed to the brain rewiring underlying human cognitive evolution and, specifically, the changes in brain connectivity that prompted the emergence of our species-specific linguistic abilities: the horizontal transfer of genetic material by viral and non-viral vectors and the brain/immune system crosstalk (more generally, the dialogue between the microbiota, the immune system, and the brain).
Generating Sentences from a Continuous Space

The standard recurrent neural network language model (RNNLM) generates sentences one word at a time and does not work from an explicit global sentence representation. In this work, we introduce and study an RNN-based variational autoencoder generative model that incorporates distributed latent representations of entire sentences. This factorization allows it to explicitly model holistic properties of sentences such as style, topic, and high-level syntactic features. Samples from the prior over these sentence representations remarkably produce diverse and well-formed sentences through simple deterministic decoding. By examining paths through this latent space, we are able to generate coherent novel sentences that interpolate between known sentences. We present techniques for solving the difficult learning problem presented by this model, demonstrate its effectiveness in imputing missing words, explore many interesting properties of the model's latent sentence space, and present negative results on the use of the model in language modeling.
The foster care crisis: What caused caseloads to grow

Foster care caseloads more than doubled from 1985 to 2000. This article provides the first comprehensive study of this growth by relating state-level foster care caseloads to state-specific characteristics and policies. We present evidence that increases in female incarcerations and reductions in cash welfare benefits played dominant roles in explaining the growth in foster care caseloads over this period. Our results highlight the need for child welfare policies designed specifically for the children of incarcerated parents and parents who are facing less generous welfare programs.
Genetic structure and diversity of the endangered growling grass frog in a rapidly urbanizing region

Two pervasive and fundamental impacts of urbanization are the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. From a genetic perspective, these impacts manifest as reduced genetic diversity and ultimately reduced genetic viability. The growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis) is listed as vulnerable to extinction in Australia, and endangered in the state of Victoria. Remaining populations of this species in and around the city of Melbourne are threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation due to urban expansion. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites to study the genetic structure and diversity of L. raniformis across Melbourne's urban fringe, and also screened four nuclear gene regions (POMC, RAG-1, Rhod and CRYBA1). The mtDNA and nuclear DNA sequences revealed low levels of genetic diversity throughout remnant populations of L. raniformis. However, one of the four regions studied, Cardinia, exhibited relatively high genetic diversity and several unique haplotypes, suggesting this region should be recognized as a separate Management Unit. We discuss the implications of these results for the conservation of L. raniformis in urbanizing landscapes, particularly the potential risks and benefits of translocation, which remains a contentious management approach for this species.
An Analysis of Relationship between Technological Gap and Socio-economic Characteristics of Arecanut Growers in Uttara Kannada District

The areca nut is not a true nut, but rather a fruit categorized as a berry. It is commercially available in dried, cured, and fresh forms. There is around five lakh tonnes production recorded by arecanut in Karnataka. Demand for arecanut products has increased steadily in India. Consumption of arecanut in India has increased from 2.50 lakh tonnes during 199192 to around 5.2 lakh tonnes in 2009-10 with an annual growth rate of around five per cent. Considering the importance and growing demand for arecanut, there is a lot of scope for increasing the production of arecanut by increasing the productivity through adoption of improved technologies. In the process of horticultural development new farming technologies are considered as the prime mover. The horticultural technology is not accepted by the farmers completely in all aspects. As such there always appear to be a gap between the recommended technology by the scientists and its modified form at the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 02 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Interferons Increase Cell Resistance to Staphylococcal Alpha-Toxin

ABSTRACT Many bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, use a variety of pore-forming toxins as important virulence factors. Staphylococcal alpha-toxin, a prototype β-barrel pore-forming toxin, triggers the release of proinflammatory mediators and induces primarily necrotic death in susceptible cells. However, whether host factors released in response to staphylococcal infections may increase cell resistance to alpha-toxin is not known. Here we show that prior exposure to interferons (IFNs) prevents alpha-toxin-induced membrane permeabilization, the depletion of ATP, and cell death. Moreover, pretreatment with IFN-α decreases alpha-toxin-induced secretion of interleukin 1β (IL-1β). IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ specifically protect cells from alpha-toxin, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-4 have no effects. Furthermore, we show that IFN-α-induced protection from alpha-toxin is not dependent on caspase-1 or mitogen-activated protein kinases, but requires protein synthesis and fatty acid synthase activity. Our results demonstrate that IFNs may increase cell resistance to staphylococcal alpha-toxin via the regulation of lipid metabolism and suggest that interferons play a protective role during staphylococcal infections.
Ten percent of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have variations in the number of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae.

BACKGROUND Surveys have demonstrated that wrong-site surgery of the spine is performed by up to 50% of spine surgeons over the course of a career. Inaccurate identification of appropriate vertebral levels is a common reason for wrong-site spine surgery. The present study examined the prevalence of variations in the number of vertebrae in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS A retrospective review of radiographs and reports of 364 consecutive patients undergoing operative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at a single center was performed. The study included eighty-eight male patients (24%) and 276 female patients (76%) with a mean age of fourteen years (range, ten to twenty years). Radiographs were reviewed to assess the number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and the presence of a lumbosacral transitional vertebra. RESULTS Ten percent of the patients (thirty-eight) had an atypical number of vertebrae in the thoracic and/or lumbar spine. Twenty-one patients (5.8%) had an atypical number of thoracic vertebrae, with fourteen having eleven thoracic vertebrae and seven patients having thirteen. Twenty-four patients (6.6%) had an atypical number of lumbar vertebrae, with four having four lumbar vertebrae and twenty patients having six. A lumbosacral transitional vertebra was present in 6.3% (twenty-three) of the patients. Multilevel vertebral anomalies were present in 1.9% of the patients (seven of 364). A variation in the number of vertebrae had been identified in 0.5% (two) of the reports by the radiologist. CONCLUSIONS Variations in the number of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae were found in 10% of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis but had been identified in only 0.5% of the radiology reports.
Lateral Eye-Movements and Indices of Nonanalytic Attending in Right-Handed Females

24 right-handed females were assessed on left-moving after participating in a study wherein they were pretested on hypnotic susceptibility and absorption and then attended “nonanalytically” for 20 sessions. Although no significant correlations were found between left-moving and other variables, further analyses indicated a non-linear relationship between left-moving and susceptibility, absorption and self-rated “depth” of attending.
Using a 3D Shape Model for Video Coding

In this work, we present a model-aided coder that incorporates 3-D shape and motion information to improve the performance of a video coding system. The 3-D shape model of a rigid body is estimated from the video sequence directly. Using the shape model, the 3-D motion of the rigid body and the background global motion are also estimated for video coding. Experimental results show that bit-rate savings of 30%-40% are achieved at equal PSNR compared to the H.26L test model TML8.0. This corresponds to 2-3 dB improvements in PSNR when encoding at the same bit-rate.
Hexagonal Global Parameterization of Arbitrary Surfaces

We introduce hexagonal global parameterization, a new type of surface parameterization in which parameter lines respect sixfold rotational symmetries (6-RoSy). Such parameterizations enable the tiling of surfaces with nearly regular hexagonal or triangular patterns, and can be used for triangular remeshing. Our framework to construct a hexagonal parameterization, referred to as HEXCOVER, extends the QUADCOVER algorithm and formulates necessary conditions for hexagonal parameterization. We also provide an algorithm to automatically generate a 6-RoSy field that respects directional and singularity features in the surface. We demonstrate the usefulness of our geometry-aware global parameterization with applications such as surface tiling with nearly regular textures and geometry patterns, as well as triangular and hexagonal remeshing.
Maintenance Outsourcing Contracts for New Technology Adoptions

An external contractor receives a payment from a manufacturer for periodically performing preventive maintenance and for performing minimal repairs whenever process failures occur. Suppose a new technology will be available in the future, but the timing is uncertain. We propose specifying one or multiple time points in a maintenance contract, at which the manufacturer can adopt (switch to) the new technology, if it becomes available, and change the preventive maintenance schedule for the remaining time in the contract period. A model is developed to determine the value of using these (switch) points in a maintenance contract to the manufacturer. The numerical results show that, with a higher arrival rate of the new technology, the value becomes greater, and thus, the optimal switch point should be set earlier. Furthermore, if the new technology reduces maintenance costs, using switch points adds more value to a cost-plus-margin method than either the fixed payment or cost-plus-fixed-fee methods. On the other hand, if adopting the new technology results in higher maintenance costs, the value using switch points is higher for the fixed payment method.
Intra-individual Right-left Comparative Study of Medium Depth Peels in Superficial Nail Abnormalities

Background: Superficial nail abnormalities include conditions which produce nail surface changes such as trachyonychia, pitting and ridging. Mostly, this is a neglected area due to the dearth of treatment options. Glycolic acid peeling has been reported to be effective in such cases. Aim: This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of medium depth peels (70% glycolic acid versus phenol combination peel [8% phenol with 15% trichloroacetic acid]) in patients with superficial nail abnormalities. Materials and Methods: A right-left comparative study in patients with superficial nail abnormalities was done. On the right finger or toenails phenol combination peels and on the left side 70% glycolic acid was used in a predefined protocol over 12 weeks. The severity was assessed objectively by a new devised index (Nail Surface abnormality Index (NSI]). Patient's subjective perception of severity was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and that of the physician was assessed by Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) scores. Results: A total of 17 patients were enrolled, two dropped out and 15 patients were included in the final analysis (mean age 19.2 years, total 120 nails treated). The mean NSI score declined from 7.88 % 0.45 to 4.02 % 0.45 on the right side; and from 8.0 % 0.45 to 4.32 % 0.44 on left side, at the end of 12 weeks. The VAS declined from 6.57 % 0.26 to 3.87 % 0.33 on right side and from 6.32 % 0.28 to 3.78 % 0.32 on left side. According to PGA score, five patients showed good improvement, seven showed moderate improvement and three responded poorly. Conclusion: Both the medium depth peels were found to be safe and equally efficacious modalities for treatment of superficial nail abnormalities.
Vegetable, fruit and meat consumption and potential risk modifying genes in relation to colorectal cancer

Epidemiological evidence shows high red meat consumption to increase the risk of colorectal cancer, while the consumption of fruit and vegetables has been shown to be protective. Many genes have been identified that encode for enzymes involved in the metabolism of dietary carcinogens or anti‐carcinogens. A study of 500 incident colorectal cancer cases and population controls, matched for age, sex and general practitioner, was conducted in the United Kingdom to investigate whether 6 such genes (CYP1A1, GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1, EPHX1 and NQO1) modify the relationship between diet and disease risk. Usual diet was estimated using a detailed questionnaire administered by interview. Fruit and vegetable consumption were both found to protect against colorectal cancer, while overall meat and red meat consumption were found to increase risk. There was some evidence of interaction between GSTT1 and vegetable consumption (p=0.006, not adjusted for multiple tests) but no evidence of interaction with GSTM1. The protective effect of vegetables was only seen in those with deficient or intermediate GSTT1 predicted phenotype [OR 0.3, 95% confidence interval (0.1, 0.6), and OR 0.6 (0.4, 0.96), OR 1.4 (0.3, 2.4) for those with fast phenotype], and a similar result was observed for cruciferous vegetables. There was also weak evidence of interaction between red meat intake and GSTT1 (p=0.06), GSTP1 (p=0.16, with p=0.02 after adjustment for potential confounders) and NQO1 predicted phenotype (p=0.01). Because of the multiple hypotheses tested in our study, these findings require independent confirmation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Team Management of Patients With Heart Failure: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Cardiovascular Nursing Council of the American Heart Association

Heart failure is estimated to affect 4 to 5 million Americans, with 550 000 new cases reported annually.1 In the past 3 decades, both the incidence and prevalence of heart failure have increased.1 2 3 Factors that have contributed to this increase are the aging US population and improved survival rates in patients with cardiovascular disease due to advancements in diagnostic techniques and medical and surgical therapies.2 4 5 6 Heart failure is a chronic, progressive disease that is characterized by frequent hospital admissions and ultimately high mortality rates. Because of its high medical resource consumption, heart failure is the most costly cardiovascular illness in the United States.7 Advances in the treatment of heart failure and early intervention to prevent decompensation may delay disease progression and improve survival. After initial evaluation, further diagnostic testing, and implementation of standard medical therapy, outpatient management strategies focus on maintenance of patient stability. Patient counseling/education, promotion of compliance, and discharge planning may further contribute to clinical stability and improved patient outcomes. A variety of outpatient heart failure management programs have been implemented during the past decade. These programs may also contribute to improved heart failure patient outcomes, including decreased symptoms, improved quality of life, reduced rates of hospital admission, and decreased healthcare costs. The purpose of the present report was to examine current heart failure management strategies and programs and to provide recommendations regarding (1) the use of an integrated approach to care through systematic assessment and management, (2) counseling and education of patients, (3) promotion of patient compliance with the treatment regimen, and (4) facilitation of hospital discharge/implementation of outpatient models of healthcare delivery. ### Pathophysiology and Definition of Heart Failure The syndrome of heart failure is a result of complex interactions among molecular, endocrine, and biodynamic systems. There are several pathophysiological mechanisms that are involved …
Soybeans Ameliolate Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most frequent and serious complications of diabetes mellitus. Soybeans have been shown to reduce urinary albumin excretion and total cholesterol in non-diabetic patients with nephrotic syndrome. However, reports focusing specifically on diabetic nephropathy are scarce and the available results are inconsistent. It was reported that soybean consumption reduced urinary protein excretion in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy, whereas it was found to elicit an increase in urinary protein excretion when soybeans were consumed by type 2 diabetic patients. This study aims to investigate the effects of soybean in diabetic nephropathy, particularly the effects of consuming soybeans on the histopathology of diabetic nephropathy, using aquaporin (AQP) and osteopontin (OPN) expression as diagnostic markers. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three groups: control, diabetic with red chow diet and diabetic with soybean diet. For histological examination, the expression of OPN and AQP, renal function and hemoglobin A1c were evaluated at the end of the study. Improvements in glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were demonstrated in the diabetic rat group given a soybean diet. OPN and AQP expression were suppressed in the kidney specimens of diabetic rats with the soybean diet. In conclusion, soybeans may prevent the weight loss and morphological disruption of the kidney associated with diabetes mellitus. Soybeans also may improve glycemic control. It seems likely that long-term control of blood glucose levels using a soybean diet could prevent the progression of diabetes mellitus, and therefore, nephropathy could be prevented.