Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Moment Equations for Plant Competition: Understanding Spatial Strategies and the Advantages of Short Dispersal

A plant lineage can compete for resources in a spatially variable environment by colonizing new areas, exploiting resources in those areas quickly before other plants arrive to compete with it, or tolerating competition once other plants do arrive. These specializations are ubiquitous in plant communities, but all three have never been derived from a spatial model of community dynamics—instead, the possibility of rapid exploitation has been either overlooked or confounded with colonization. We use moment equations, equations for the mean densities and spatial covariance of competing plant populations, to characterize these strategies in a fully spatial stochastic model. The moment equations predict endogenous spatial pattern formation and the efficacy of spatial strategies under different conditions. The model shows that specializations for colonization, exploitation, and tolerance are all possible, and these are the only possible spatial strategies; among them, they partition all of the endogenous spatial structure in the environment. The model predicts two distinct short‐dispersal specializations where parents disperse their offspring locally, either to exploit empty patches quickly or to fill patches to exclude competitors.
Limb ischemia preconditions the heart against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia.

We investigated the hypothesis that a cardioprotective, antiarrhythmic effect might be obtained by brief ischemia of a remote part of the body before ischemia of the heart. Regional ischemia (RI) was induced in isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts: group I, 30-min RI and reperfusion (control hearts; n = 18); group II, 5-min RI before 30-min RI (a reference group of "classic" ischemic preconditioning; n = 12); and group III, ischemic preconditioning with in vivo 10-min limb ischemia (LI) before 30-min RI in the perfused heart ( n = 20). A significant decrease in reperfusion arrhythmia was found in groups II and III compared with group I ( P < 0.02). Release of norepinephrine (NE) and prostacyclin was higher in hearts from animals pretreated with LI ( P < 0.05). Prostacyclin increased in all groups at minute 1 of reperfusion, but there was no correlation to the antiarrhythmic effect. NE increased at the beginning of reperfusion after 30 min of ischemia; this release was significantly diminished after preconditioning with LI ( P < 0.05). We further investigated the role of NE in preconditioning with LI using drug interventions. Pretreatment with exogenous NE protected against tachyarrhythmia. Reserpine given 24 h before LI partially abolished the antiarrhythmic effect of LI preconditioning. However, the α1-adrenoreceptor blocker prazosin did not prevent the effect of LI preconditioning on either ischemic or reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. Therefore, brief ischemia of an extremity protects against reperfusion tachyarrhythmia. One of the humoral mediators involved in this response appears to be NE; others remain to be identified.
Microbial communities exhibit host species distinguishability and phylosymbiosis along the length of the gastrointestinal tract

Host‐associated microbial communities consist of stable and transient members that can assemble through purely stochastic processes associated with the environment or by interactions with the host. Phylosymbiosis predicts that if host–microbiota interactions impact assembly patterns, then one conceivable outcome is concordance between host evolutionary histories (phylogeny) and the ecological similarities in microbial community structures (microbiota dendrogram). This assembly pattern has been demonstrated in several clades of animal hosts in laboratory and natural populations, but in vertebrates, it has only been investigated using samples from faeces or the distal colon. Here, we collected the contents of five gut regions from seven rodent species and inventoried the bacterial communities by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. We investigated how community structures varied across gut regions and whether the pattern of phylosymbiosis was present along the length of the gut. Gut communities varied by host species and gut region, with Oscillospira and Ruminococcus being more abundant in the stomach and hindgut regions. Gut microbial communities were highly distinguishable by host species across all gut regions, with the strength of the discrimination increasing along the length of the gut. Last, the pattern of phylosymbiosis was found in all five gut regions, as well as faeces. Aspects of the gut environment, such as oxygen levels, production of antimicrobials or other factors, may shift microbial communities across gut regions. However, regardless of these differences, host species maintain distinguishable, phylosymbiotic assemblages of microbes that may have functional impacts for the host.
Coal Based Direct Reduction of Preoxidized Chromite Ore at High Temperature

Reduction of preoxidized chromite ore composite pellets using coal reductant is investigated at high temperature (1500 C). Chromite ore oxidized in air at 900 C for 2h duration is used as base material for carrying out the reduction studies. During preoxidation of chromite ore, the FeO present in chromite spinel oxidizes to Fe2O3 (sequioxide) in the form of exholved precipitate on the surface of chromite grains and generates cation vacancies. The preoxidized ore is reduced using coal reductant and fluxes (lime, quartz). The effect reductant coal, fluxes and degree of preoxidation of initial chromite on Fe and Cr metallization is studied. About 80% of iron and 77% of chromium metallization is observed in the reduced product. Clear slag and metal separation is achieved during reduction. It is also observed that preoxidation of chromite ore improves the degree of Fe and Cr metallization during reduction process. The aim of this research is to develop a pre-reduction process using oxidized chromite ore which will help to minimize the energy and coke consumption in ferrochrome production process.
Curaxin CBL0100 Blocks HIV-1 Replication and Reactivation through Inhibition of Viral Transcriptional Elongation

Despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), predominantly caused by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), remains incurable. The barrier to a cure lies in the virus' ability to establish a latent infection in HIV/AIDS patients. Unsurprisingly, efforts for a sterilizing cure have focused on the “shock and kill” strategy using latency-reversing agents (LRAs) to complement cART in order to eliminate these latent reservoirs. However, this method faces numerous challenges. Recently, the “block and lock” strategy has been proposed. It aims to reinforce a deep state of latency and prevent sporadic reactivation (“blip”) of HIV-1 using latency-promoting agents (LPAs) for a functional cure. Our studies of curaxin 100 (CBL0100), a small-molecule targeting the facilitates chromatin transcription (FACT) complex, show that it blocks both HIV-1 replication and reactivation in in vitro and ex vivo models of HIV-1. Mechanistic investigation elucidated that CBL0100 preferentially targets HIV-1 transcriptional elongation and decreases the occupancy of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) and FACT at the HIV-1 promoter region. In conclusion, CBL0100 is a newly identified inhibitor of HIV-1 transcription that can be used as an LPA in the “block and lock” cure strategy.
Motives underlying smoking in college students with ADHD

ABSTRACT Background. The positive association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and smoking in youth has been well documented. Less research has examined why individuals with ADHD, particularly college students, are at increased risk for smoking. Objectives. This longitudinal study examined whether smoking motives [cognitive enhancement, tolerance, negative reinforcement (smoking to reduce negative affect or stress), craving, social influences, and weight control] helped to explain the relation between ADHD symptoms (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) and cigarette smoking among college students. Methods. Participants were 889 undergraduates (21% men) and their parents who completed online surveys at the beginning and end of the Fall semester regarding their smoking behaviors, ADHD symptoms, and smoking motives. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data and answer research questions. Results. Nineteen percent of students reported smoking, while 20% reported one or more inattentive symptoms, 35% reported one or more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, and 3.3% met criteria for ADHD. All smoking motives significantly moderated the relation between inattentive symptoms and smoking, while most smoking motives (negative reinforcement, tolerance, craving, cognitive enhancement, and weight control) moderated the link between hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and smoking. Results remained significant after controlling for stimulant medication use and conduct disorder symptoms. Conclusions/Importance. Addressing negative reinforcement, craving, social influences, and tolerance in prevention and intervention efforts on college campuses may reduce smoking. Results also highlight the importance of assessing a range of ADHD symptoms in college students as ADHD symptoms, even at subthreshold levels, were associated with increased smoking rates among college students.
Multifaceted Interpretation of Colon Cancer Stem Cells

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, despite recent advances in clinical oncology. Accumulating evidence sheds light on the existence of cancer stem cells and their role in conferring therapeutic resistance. Cancer stem cells are a minor fraction of cancer cells, which enable tumor heterogeneity and initiate tumor formation. In addition, these cells are resistant to various cytotoxic factors. Therefore, elimination of cancer stem cells is difficult but essential to cure the malignant foci completely. Herein, we review the recent evidence for intestinal stem cells and colon cancer stem cells, methods to detect the tumor-initiating cells, and clinical significance of cancer stem cell markers. We also describe the emerging problems of cancer stem cell theory, including bidirectional conversion and intertumoral heterogeneity of stem cell phenotype.
A Hadamard Product Based Method for DOA Estimation and Gain-Phase Error Calibration

In the work presented here we consider the problem of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation and gain-phase errors calibration. We propose a new method which is based on the eigendecomposition of the Hadamard product of the covariance matrix and its conjugate. This method requires neither the presence of calibration sources nor previous calibration information as initialization. Moreover, it performs independent of the phase errors. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Thyroid hormone analogs for the treatment of dyslipidemia: past, present, and future

Abstract Objective: Treatment of dyslipidemia is a major burden for public health. Thyroid hormone regulates lipid metabolism by binding the thyroid hormone receptor (TR), but the use of thyroid hormone to treat dyslipidemia is not indicated due to its deleterious effects on heart, bone, and muscle. Thyroid hormone analogs have been conceived to selectively activate TR in the liver, thus reducing potential side-effects. Methods: The authors searched the PubMed database to review TR and the action of thyromimetics in vitro and in animal models. Then, all double-blind, placebo controlled trials that analyzed the use of thyroid hormone analog for the treatment of dyslipidemia in humans were included. Finally, the ongoing research on the use of TR agonists was searched, searching the US National Institutes of Health Registry and the WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP). Results: Thyromimetics were tested in humans for the treatment of dyslipidemia, as a single therapeutic agent or as an add-on therapy to the traditional lipid-lowering drugs. In most trials, thyromimetics lowered total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, but their use has been associated with adverse side-effects, both in pre-clinical studies and in humans. Conclusions: The use of thyromimetics for the treatment of dyslipidemia is not presently recommended. Future possible clinical applications might include their use to promote weight reduction. Thyromimetics might also represent an interesting alternative, both for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and type 2 diabetes due to their positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Finally, additional experimental and clinical studies are needed for a better comprehension of the effect(s) of a long-term therapy.
Evaluation of bioabsorbable poly-L/D-lactide implant for scleral buckling : an experimental study

Bioabsorbable materials enable temporary implantation without the need for subsequent implant removal. The aim of the present experimental study was to evaluate the suitability of a fibrous bioabsorbable implant made of poly-L/D-lactide (PLDLA) 96/4 fibres as an episcleral implant. The general tissue reactions were evaluated in subcutaneous tissues in rats in follow-up periods ranging from 3 days to 48 weeks. The episcleral tissue reactions were studied in rabbits with follow-up periods of one, three, five and 48 weeks. A silicone sponge implant was used as a control material and operations were performed using similar technique with both implants. Tissue reactions were located just around the implant area and consisted of an acute inflammatory reaction in the early follow-up periods, continuing as a foreign body inflammatory reaction. With episcleral implants there were no inflammatory cells seen within the sclera or in the retinal layers, and the structure of the retina and the cornea was also normal. The biocompatibility was good in the 48 week follow-up despite the relatively high surface area of the fibrous implant. The material had not degraded by 48 weeks. The indentation effect by the PLDLA implant (diameter of 3–3.5mm) was lower than that achieved with the silicone sponge implant (diameter 4mm). The depth of indentation decreased over time in both groups with comparable rates over the follow-up period of 5 months. The duration of the indentation effect was sufficient to be used for scleral buckling in retinal detachment surgery. In conclusion, the biocompatibility of a fibrous implant made of PLDLA 96/4 placed subcutaneously and episclerally was good in the follow-up lasting 48 weeks despite the relatively high surface area of the implant. The fibrous implant made of PLDLA 96/4 seemed to be welltolerated by ocular tissues and the indentation effect was sufficiently long.
Human papillomavirus detection with genotyping by the cobas and Aptima assays: Significant differences in HPV 16 detection?

The primary high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) assays in the United States are the cobas (Roche) and the Aptima (Hologic). The cobas assay detects hrHPV by DNA analysis while the Aptima detects messenger RNA (mRNA) oncogenic transcripts. As the Aptima assay identifies oncogenic expression, it should have a lower rate of hrHPV and genotype detection.
Coverage of Emotion Recognition for Common Wearable Biosensors

The present research proposes a novel emotion recognition framework for the computer prediction of human emotions using common wearable biosensors. Emotional perception promotes specific patterns of biological responses in the human body, and this can be sensed and used to predict emotions using only biomedical measurements. Based on theoretical and empirical psychophysiological research, the foundation of autonomic specificity facilitates the establishment of a strong background for recognising human emotions using machine learning on physiological patterning. However, a systematic way of choosing the physiological data covering the elicited emotional responses for recognising the target emotions is not obvious. The current study demonstrates through experimental measurements the coverage of emotion recognition using common off-the-shelf wearable biosensors based on the synchronisation between audiovisual stimuli and the corresponding physiological responses. The work forms the basis of validating the hypothesis for emotional state recognition in the literature and presents coverage of the use of common wearable biosensors coupled with a novel preprocessing algorithm to demonstrate the practical prediction of the emotional states of wearers.
The Effects of Cannabinoids on Executive Functions: Evidence from Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids—A Systematic Review

Background—Cannabis is the most popular illicit drug in the Western world. Repeated cannabis use has been associated with short and long-term range of adverse effects. Recently, new types of designer-drugs containing synthetic cannabinoids have been widespread. These synthetic cannabinoid drugs are associated with undesired adverse effects similar to those seen with cannabis use, yet, in more severe and long-lasting forms. Method—A literature search was conducted using electronic bibliographic databases up to 31 December 2017. Specific search strategies were employed using multiple keywords (e.g., “synthetic cannabinoids AND cognition,” “cannabis AND cognition” and “cannabinoids AND cognition”). Results—The search has yielded 160 eligible studies including 37 preclinical studies (5 attention, 25 short-term memory, 7 cognitive flexibility) and 44 human studies (16 attention, 15 working memory, 13 cognitive flexibility). Both pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrated an association between synthetic cannabinoids and executive-function impairment either after acute or repeated consumptions. These deficits differ in severity depending on several factors including the type of drug, dose of use, quantity, age of onset and duration of use. Conclusions—Understanding the nature of the impaired executive function following consumption of synthetic cannabinoids is crucial in view of the increasing use of these drugs.
Advancing the quality of environmental microplastic research

Investigations into the environmental fate and effects of microplastics have been gaining momentum. Small, insoluble polymeric particles are implicated by scientists in a wide variety of studies that are used to suggest a potential for widespread impacts in freshwater and marine pelagic and sediment environments. An exponential growth in scientific publications and an increase in regulatory attention have occurred. However, despite these efforts, the environmental hazard of these particles is still unknown. To evaluate the hazard of microplastics within a risk assessment context, we need a way to evaluate the quality of experimental studies. We performed a thorough review of the quality and focus of environmental microplastic research, to understand the methodologies employed and how this may assist or distract from the ability of environmental risk assessors to evaluate microplastics. We provide guidance to improve the reliability and relevance of ecotoxicological studies for regulatory and broader environmental assessments. Nine areas of needed improvement are identified and discussed. Important data gaps and experimental limitations are highlighted. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1697–1703. © 2017 SETAC
Anxious attachment and excessive acquisition: The mediating roles of anthropomorphism and distress intolerance

Background and aims Most individuals with hoarding disorder (HD) are prone to excessively acquiring new possessions. Understanding the factors that contribute to this collecting behavior will allow us to develop better treatment approaches for HD. The aim of this study was to test our assumption that an anxious attachment style is associated with a tendency to anthropomorphize comforting objects and an inability to tolerate distress, which in turn leads to excessive acquisition. Methods A total of 361 participants with subclinical to clinical acquisition problems (77.8% female) completed a series of self-report measures. Results As expected, greater anxious attachment was related to greater distress intolerance and stronger tendencies to anthropomorphize inanimate objects. In turn, greater distress intolerance and anthropomorphism were related to more excessive buying and greater acquisition of free items. Examination of the pathways and indirect effects showed support for double mediation rather than serial mediation, as distress intolerance did not predict anthropomorphism. Discussion and conclusion These novel findings, if replicated, suggest that adding treatment modules that target improving distress tolerance and reducing anthropomorphism to standard treatment for HD may lead to further reductions in excessive acquiring.
Aldehyde dehydrogenases and the hypothesis of a glycolaldehyde shunt pathway of photorespiration

ABSTRACT Aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes (ALDHs) catalyse the oxidation of a broad range of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids using NAD+ or NADP+ as cofactors. In our article published in Scientific Reports, we demonstrated that mutations in Arabidopsis ALDH3I1 and ALDH7B4 genes altered the cellular contents of NAD(P)H, the total as well as the reduction state of glutathione; and decreased the efficiency of photosynthesis, thus placing ALDH activity as an important source of reducing power for cellular redox homeostasis. Our results also revealed that the ALDHs contribute to the reducing power required for the nitrate assimilation. Here, we discussed and elucidated the innovative hypothesis of the glycolaldehyde shunt pathway of photorespiration that would involve ALDHs generating in contrast to the known core photorespiration reactions, a net gain of two moles of NAD(P)H to support nitrate assimilation, glutathione homeostasis and ROS detoxification.
Open‐water and under‐ice seasonal variations in trace element content and physicochemical associations in fluvial bed sediment

Across the circumpolar world, intensive anthropogenic activities in the southern reaches of many large, northward‐flowing rivers can cause sediment contamination in the downstream depositional environment. The influence of ice cover on concentrations of inorganic contaminants in bed sediment (i.e., sediment quality) is unknown in these rivers, where winter is the dominant season. A geomorphic response unit approach was used to select hydraulically diverse sampling sites across a northern test‐case system, the Slave River and delta (Northwest Territories, Canada). Surface sediment samples (top 1 cm) were collected from 6 predefined geomorphic response units (12 sites) to assess the relationships between bed sediment physicochemistry (particle size distribution and total organic carbon content) and trace element content (mercury and 18 other trace elements) during open‐water conditions. A subset of sites was resampled under‐ice to assess the influence of season on these relationships and on total trace element content. Concentrations of the majority of trace elements were strongly correlated with percent fines and proxies for grain size (aluminum and iron), with similar trace element grain size/grain size proxy relationships between seasons. However, finer materials were deposited under ice with associated increases in sediment total organic carbon content and the concentrations of most trace elements investigated. The geomorphic response unit approach was effective at identifying diverse hydrological environments for sampling prior to field operations. Our data demonstrate the need for under‐ice sampling to confirm year‐round consistency in trace element–geochemical relationships in fluvial systems and to define the upper extremes of these relationships. Whether contaminated or not, under‐ice bed sediment can represent a “worst‐case” scenario in terms of trace element concentrations and exposure for sediment‐associated organisms in northern fluvial systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2916–2924. © 2017 SETAC