Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the role of CH4 emissions from alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from two in situ measurements at 4758 and 4320 m above sea level

The alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) constitute 30% of China's wetlands, and previous studies have considered these wetlands to be important sources of CH4, based on several swamp measurements from the eastern edges of the plateau. However, the alpine wetlands consist of both swamps (9.5%) and swamp meadows (79.8%). In this study, the CH4 fluxes of a swamp meadow and a swamp were determined. The results showed that the swamp meadow emitted much less CH4 (130.8 ± 123.9 µg m−2 h−1) than the swamp (2795.2 ± 796.4 µg m−2 h−1). The CH4 fluxes within the swamp meadow showed distinct microscale spatial heterogeneity: the hollow terrain released CH4, while the hummocks absorbed CH4; this pattern was explained well by soil moisture. The CH4 emissions in the swamp meadow were highly sensitive to soil temperature variation (Q10 = 3.62), while they were more sensitive to soil moisture in the swamp. By summarizing existing measurements, and considering the differences in CH4 emissions from swamp meadows and swamps, the emissions of CH4 from alpine wetlands across the TP were recalculated to range from 0.215 to 0.412 Tg CH4 a−1, lower than previous studies. By comparison, the CH4 uptake by nonwetland ecosystems ranges from −0.68 to −0.53 Tg CH4 a−1. Therefore, this study conveys a notion that the alpine wetlands on the TP may not be significant CH4 sources. However, further studies are needed to reduce the uncertainty regarding CH4 emissions.
Modeling IEEE 802.11 DCF Using Parallel Space–Time Markov Chain

Many performance evaluations for the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) have been previously reported in the literature; most studies are based on saturation analysis, and a few models under a finite-load condition adopt an M/G/1 queuing system. However, using M/G/1 queuing only considers the first moment of the frame service time to derive the probability of the transmission queue being vacant. In this paper, we model the DCF using the parallel space-time Markov chain, where the frame arrivals are tracked by monitoring the transmission queue during transitions between successive states of the space-time Markov chain. The proposed framework provides the possibility of simultaneously modeling the contention phase, the backoff and post-backoff procedures, and the transmission queue status. The proposed framework is also validated by simulation results.
Transient airglow enhancements observed from the space shuttle Columbia during the MEIDEX sprite campaign

First results of observations of ELVES during the last mission of the space shuttle Columbia by the MEIDEX (Mediterranean Israeli Dust Experiment) instrument are reported. During the eclipse parts of 25 orbits, there were observations toward the Earth's limb above the areas of active thunderstorms. Strong enhancements of the brightness of the airglow layer above lightning flashes were observed, with lateral dimensions exceeding 400 km. This phenomenon, known as ELVES, is a clear manifestation of the interaction between the electromagnetic pulse from the lightning stroke and the lower ionosphere. The observed ELVES have been produced both by vertical and horizontal discharges.
5-Fluorouracil shell-enriched solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for effective skin carcinoma treatment

Abstract Context: The effective treatment of skin carcinoma is warranted for targeting the chemotherapeutic agents into tumor cells and avoiding unwanted systemic absorption. Objective: This work was dedicated to the purpose of engineering highly penetrating shell-enriched nanoparticles that were loaded with a hydrophilic chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Methods: Varying ratios of lecithin and poloxamer188 were used to produce shell-enriched nanoparticles by enabling the formation of reversed micelles within this region of the SLN. The localization of 5-FU within the shell region of the SLN, was confirmed using 5-FU nanogold particles as a tracer. SLN were introduced within sodium carboxy methylcellulose hydrogel, and then applied onto the skin of mice-bearing Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma. The mice were treated with the gel twice daily for 6 weeks. Results: The transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed the formation of uniform nanoparticles, which captured reversed micelles within their shell region. The SLNs’ had particle size that ranged from 137 ± 5.5 nm to 800 ± 53.6, zeta potential of −19.70 ± 0.40 mV and entrapment efficiency of 47.92 ± 2.34%. The diffusion of the drug-loaded SLN (269.37 ± 10.92 μg/cm2) was doubled when compared with the free drug (122 ± 3.09 μg/cm2) when both diffused through a hydrophobic membrane. SLN-treated mice exhibited reduced inflammatory reactions, with reduced degrees of keratosis, in addition to reduced symptoms of angiogenesis compared to 5-FU-treated mice. Conclusion: SLN possesses the capacity to be manipulated to entrap and release hydrophilic antitumor drugs with ease.
Acculturative Stress of Asian International Students before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Acculturative stress may hamper international students' ability to succeed in the United States of America. This study analyzed the impact of a range of factors noted in the literature and compared the levels of stress they were related to before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected three waves of data (total responses = 204) via an online survey from ten universities/colleges across different regions in the United States of America. The results indicated that English proficiency and sex predicted the overall acculturative stress of Asian international students, in which higher perceived English proficiency predicted a lower perceived acculturative stress, and female Asian international students experienced higher acculturative stress than males. Also, Asian international students are experiencing more sadness during the pandemic and their peers are more discriminated against during 2020. Thus, university administrators should promote English language programs and support services (e.g., gender specific student support) to effectively address Asian students’ concerns.
Variation in the vitreoretinal configuration of Stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity in photocoagulated and treatment naive eyes undergoing vitrectomy

Purpose: We sought to document the difference in the vitreoretinal configuration of Stage 4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in photocoagulated and treatment naive eyes undergoing vitrectomy and to correlate it with surgical complexity. Methods: Consecutive eyes posted for vitrectomy with Stage 4 ROP were documented preoperatively using a RetCam for the presence of peripheral traction (PT), presence of central traction just outside the arcades, and presence of traction extending to the lens. A note was made of the following intraoperative events: lensectomy, intraoperative bleeding, and iatrogenic breaks. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for analysis. Results: From a total of 46 eyes, 16 and 30 eyes were from the treated and treatment naive group, respectively. More eyes in the treated group had central (P < 0.0001) and lenticular traction (P = 0.022). More eyes in the untreated group had PT (P < 0.0001). A significant number of eyes without photocoagulation needed lensectomy (P = 0.042), and no difference in intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.94) was demonstrable. Iatrogenic retinotomy occurred in three eyes, all naive. Notably, age at surgery was more in the untreated group (P = 0.00008). Conclusion: Vasoproliferative activity in all retinopathies occurs at the junction of the ischemic and nonischemic retina. In the natural course of ROP, this takes place peripherally, at the ridge. In photocoagulated eyes, this junction is displaced posteriorly due to peripheral ablation. Treated eyes manifested with posterior proliferative changes and were more amenable to lens-sparing vitrectomy. Naive eyes were older when they underwent surgery to relieve PT with greater chances of lensectomy and iatrogenic breaks.
MUC1 and Nuclear β-Catenin Are Coexpressed at the Invasion Front of Colorectal Carcinomas and Are Both Correlated with Tumor Prognosis

Purpose: Overexpression of MUC1 and cytosolic interaction of the mucin with β-catenin are claimed to be involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. In vitro data published recently suggest that MUC1 overexpression results in an increase of steady state levels of nuclear β-catenin. We tried to elucidate the coexpression of both molecules in colorectal cancer to demonstrate possible correlations with clinical, pathological, and prognostic data. Experimental Design: An immunohistochemical double staining study was performed to characterize the expression and subcellular distribution of MUC1 and β-catenin in a series of 205 patients with colorectal carcinoma. The results were correlated with clinicopathological variables as well as overall survival. Results: MUC1 was strongly expressed in the tumor center and at the invasion front in ∼50% of the cases. Similar results were obtained with regard to nuclear accumulation of β-catenin at the invasive tumor parts. MUC1 protein expression in the tumor center correlated significantly with a low grade of differentiation, and nuclear β-catenin in the tumor periphery was more frequent in carcinomas of the left colon and rectum. Overexpression of MUC1 and β-catenin, as well as their nuclear coexpression at the invasion front correlated with a worse overall survival in an univariate analysis. However, only pathological tumor-node-metastasis staging and MUC1 at the invasion front revealed as independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: These results suggest that MUC1 and β-catenin are coexpressed at the invasion front of colorectal carcinomas and that this feature is associated with an accelerated course of disease and worse prognosis.
Hospital outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.

BACKGROUND In September 2012, the World Health Organization reported the first cases of pneumonia caused by the novel Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We describe a cluster of health care-acquired MERS-CoV infections. METHODS Medical records were reviewed for clinical and demographic information and determination of potential contacts and exposures. Case patients and contacts were interviewed. The incubation period and serial interval (the time between the successive onset of symptoms in a chain of transmission) were estimated. Viral RNA was sequenced. RESULTS Between April 1 and May 23, 2013, a total of 23 cases of MERS-CoV infection were reported in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Symptoms included fever in 20 patients (87%), cough in 20 (87%), shortness of breath in 11 (48%), and gastrointestinal symptoms in 8 (35%); 20 patients (87%) presented with abnormal chest radiographs. As of June 12, a total of 15 patients (65%) had died, 6 (26%) had recovered, and 2 (9%) remained hospitalized. The median incubation period was 5.2 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9 to 14.7), and the serial interval was 7.6 days (95% CI, 2.5 to 23.1). A total of 21 of the 23 cases were acquired by person-to-person transmission in hemodialysis units, intensive care units, or in-patient units in three different health care facilities. Sequencing data from four isolates revealed a single monophyletic clade. Among 217 household contacts and more than 200 health care worker contacts whom we identified, MERS-CoV infection developed in 5 family members (3 with laboratory-confirmed cases) and in 2 health care workers (both with laboratory-confirmed cases). CONCLUSIONS Person-to-person transmission of MERS-CoV can occur in health care settings and may be associated with considerable morbidity. Surveillance and infection-control measures are critical to a global public health response.
A Computational Modeling Approach for Investigating Soft Tissue Balancing in Bicruciate Retaining Knee Arthroplasty

Bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, although has shown improved functions and patient satisfaction compared to other designs of total knee replacement, remains a technically demanding option for treating severe cases of arthritic knees. One of the main challenges in bicruciate retaining arthroplasty is proper balancing of the soft tissue during the surgery. In this study biomechanics of soft tissue balancing was investigated using a validated computational model of the knee joint with high fidelity definitions of the soft tissue structures along with a Taguchi method for design of experiments. The model was used to simulate intraoperative balancing of soft tissue structures following the combinations suggested by an orthogonal array design. The results were used to quantify the corresponding effects on the laxity of the joint under anterior-posterior, internal-external, and varus-valgus loads. These effects were ranked for each ligament bundle to identify the components of laxity which were most sensitive to the corresponding surgical modifications. The resulting map of sensitivity for all the ligament bundles determined the components of laxity most suitable for examination during intraoperative balancing of the soft tissue. Ultimately, a sequence for intraoperative soft tissue balancing was suggested for a bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty.
Independent Association Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension Over a Period of 10 Years in a Large Inpatient Population

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) are common risk factors for heart disease in the population. The goal of this study was to evaluate independent association between type 2 DM and HTN using a very large database. We used ICD-9 codes for type 2 DM (250.00, 250.02) and HTN (401.0, 401.1, 401.9) from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. We randomly selected the years in the database between 1992 and 2002. We used uni- and multi-variate analysis to evaluate any association between type 2 DM and HTN adjusting for co-morbid conditions. The 1992 database contained a total of 6,195,744 patients. Type 2 DM was associated with 37.5% of patients with HTN vs. 11.4% of the control group (odds ratio (OR): 4.63, Confidence interval (CI) 4.61–4.693, p < 0.001). The 2002 database contained a total of 7,853,982 patients. Type 2 DM was associated with 57.2% of patients with HTN vs. 22.9% of the control group (OR: 4.49, CI 4.47–4.52, p < 0.001). Using multivariate analysis adjusting for age, gender, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, and chronic renal failure, type 2 DM remained independently associated with HTN in both years (for the year 1992: OR: 2.49, CI: 2.47–2.51, p < 0.001 and for the year 2002 OR: 2.19, CI: 2.18–2.20, p < 0.001). The same association was persistently found using samples for each year between 1992 and 2002. The presence of type 2 DM is strongly associated with HTN. This association is independent of co-morbid conditions and was persistent with similar odds ratio over a period of 10 years.
Networks, Routers and Transputers: Function, Performance and Applications

Part 1 Transputers and routers - components for concurrent machines: transputers routers message routing addressing universal routing. Part 2 The T9000 communications architecture: the IMS T9000 instruction set basics and processes implementation of communications alternative input shared channels and resources use of resources. Part 3 DS-links and C104 routers: using links between devices levels of link protocol channel communication errors on links network communications - the IMS C104. Part 4 Connecting DS-links: signal properties of transputer links PCB connections cable connections error rates optical interconnections standards. Part 5 Using links for system control: control networks system initialization debugging errors embedded applications control system commands. Part 6 Models of DS-link performance: performance of the DS-link protocol bandwidth effects of latency a model of contention in a single C104. Part 7 Performance of C104 networks: the C104 switch networks and routing algorithms the networks investigated the traffic patterns universal routing results performance predictability. Part 8 General purpose parallel computers: universal message passing machines networks for universal message passing machines building universal parallel computers from T9000s and C104s. Part 9 The implementation of large parallel database machines on T9000 and C104 networks: database machines review of the T8 design an interconnection strategy data storage interconnection strategy relational processing referential integrity processing concurrency management complex data types recovery resource allocation and scalability. Part 10 A generic architecture of ATM systems: an introduction to asynchronous transfer mode ATM systems mapping ATM onto DS-links. Part 11 An enabling infrastructure for a distributed multimedia industry: network requirements for multimedia integration and scaling directions in networking technology convergence of applications, communications and parallel processing a multimedia industry - the need for standard inferfaces outline of a multimedia architecture levels of conformance building stations from components mapping the architecture onto transputer technology. Appendices: new link cable connector link waveforms DS-link electrical specification an equivalent circuit for DS-link output pads.
Adenoviral transduction of TESTIN gene into breast and uterine cancer cell lines promotes apoptosis and tumor reduction in vivo.

PURPOSE The human TESTIN (TES) gene is a putative tumor suppressor gene in the fragile chromosomal region FRA7G at 7q31.1/2 that was reported to be altered in leukemia and lymphoma cell lines. In this report, we investigated the effect of TES gene expression in vivo to evaluate a possible role of TES gene in human cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We have analyzed the expression of TES gene in a panel of 25 breast tumors and 17 cell lines of breast, colon, and uterine cancers. Furthermore, to evaluate the potential of TES gene therapy, we studied the effects of adenoviral TES transduction (Ad-TES) in cell lines with undetectable TES expression (T47D and MES-SA) as well as in MCF-7 cell line where TES expression is normal. RESULTS Twenty-five percent of primary breast tumor samples as well as the breast cancer cell line T47D and the uterine sarcoma cell line MES-SA were negative or displayed low levels of TES. After TES restoration by Ad-TES transduction, T47D and MES-SA cell lines underwent apoptosis. Furthermore, TES expression significantly reduced the tumorigenic potential of both T47D and MES-SA in nude mice, whereas the untreated cells and Ad-GFP-infected cells showed tumor growth in vivo. The TES-positive cell line control (MCF-7) was not affected by TES expression and did not show a reduction of tumorigenicity in nude mice after infection with Ad-TES. CONCLUSIONS Ad-TES expression inhibit the growth of breast and uterine cancer cells lacking of TES expression through caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis, respectively, suggesting that Ad-TES infection should be explored as a therapeutic strategy.
Substrate Properties of Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Developmental Sites Associated with Round Bale Hay Feeding Sites in Eastern Nebraska

ABSTRACT Residues at sites where stationary feeders were used to provide hay as supplemental forage for cattle during the winter are developmental substrates for immature stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), in the central United States. Spatial patterns in physical (substrate depth, temperature, water content), chemical (pH, electrical conductivity [EClab], total nitrogen [N] and carbon [C], ammoniacal nitrogen [NH4-N], extractable phosphorus [P]), and biological (microbial respiration rate) substrate properties for two feeding sites were estimated and the correlations between these properties and adult emergence were characterized. Hay feeding sites had a circular footprint with residues extending ≈7 m from the feeder. With the exception of extractable P and total N, all substrate properties exhibited spatial patterns centered on the feeder location. Adult stable fly emergence densities were significantly correlated with substrate microbial respiration rate, NH4-N concentration, EClab, total C concentration, pH, and moisture content. Logistic regression indicated that EC best predicted the probability of stable flies emerging from a substrate and that the other properties did not provide additional information. A better understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological conditions needed for stable fly larval development may help in identifying previously unrecognized developmental habitats and management of this pest. Targeted implementation of management practices such as sanitation and chemical treatments can be applied to smaller areas reducing labor and improving cost effectiveness.
Calcineurin initiates smooth muscle differentiation in neural crest stem cells

The process of vascular smooth muscle cell (vSMC) differentiation is critical to embryonic angiogenesis. However, despite its importance, the vSMC differentiation program remains largely undefined. Murine gene disruption studies have identified several gene products that are necessary for vSMC differentiation, but these methodologies cannot establish whether or not a factor is sufficient to initiate the differentiation program. A gain-of-function system consisting of normal vSMC progenitor cells would serve as a useful complement to whole animal loss-of-function studies. We use such a system here, namely freshly isolated rat neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), to show that activation of the calcineurin signaling pathway is sufficient to drive these cells toward a smooth muscle fate. In addition, we present data suggesting that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, which also causes NCSCs to differentiate into smooth muscle, activates calcineurin signaling in NCSCs, leading to a model in which activation of calcineurin signaling is the mechanism by which TGF-β1 causes SMC differentiation in these cells.
International Journal for Equity in Health Open Access the Malawi National Tuberculosis Programme: an Equity Analysis

Background: Until 2005, the Malawi National Tuberculosis Control Programme had been implemented as a vertical programme. Working within the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) provides a new environment and new opportunities for monitoring the equity performance of the programme. This paper synthesizes what is known on equity and TB in Malawi and highlights areas for further action and advocacy.
Lateral inhibition in the somatosensory cortex during and between migraine without aura attacks: Correlations with thalamocortical activity and clinical features

Background We studied lateral inhibition in the somatosensory cortex of migraineurs during and between attacks, and searched for correlations with thalamocortical activity and clinical features. Participants and methods Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) were obtained by electrical stimulation of the right median (M) or ulnar (U) nerves at the wrist or by simultaneous stimulation of both nerves (MU) in 41 migraine without aura patients, 24 between (MO), 17 during attacks, and in 17 healthy volunteers (HVs). We determined the percentage of lateral inhibition of the N20–P25 component by using the formula [(100)–MU/(M + U)*100]. We also studied high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) reflecting thalamocortical activation. Results In migraine, both lateral inhibition (MO 27.9% vs HVs 40.2%; p = 0.009) and thalamocortical activity (MO 0.5 vs HVs 0.7; p = 0.02) were reduced between attacks, but not during. In MO patients, the percentage of lateral inhibition negatively correlated with days elapsed since the last migraine attack (r = −0.510, p = 0.01), monthly attack duration (r = −0.469, p = 0.02) and severity (r = −0.443, p = 0.03), but positively with thalamocortical activity (r = −0.463, p = 0.02). Conclusions We hypothesize that abnormal migraine cycle-dependent dynamics of connectivity between subcortical and cortical excitation/inhibition networks may contribute to clinical features of MO and recurrence of attacks.