Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stepwise evolution of floral pigmentation predicted by biochemical pathway structure

Developmental pathways play a major role in influencing the distribution of naturally occurring phenotypes. For example, pathway structure and regulation could make some phenotypes inaccessible or restrict the routes through which phenotypes evolve. In this study, we examine floral anthocyanin pigments across the Solanaceae family and test whether patterns of phenotypic variation are consistent with predicted constraints based on the structure of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. We find that anthocyanin evolution occurs in a stepwise manner whereby transitions between the production of red mono hydroxylated pelargonidin pigments and blue trihydroxylated delphinidin pigments first passes through an intermediate step of producing purple dihydroxylated cyanidin pigments. Although the transitions between these three pigment types differ in frequency, we infer that these shifts are often reversible, suggesting that the functionality of the underlying biochemical pathway is generally conserved. Furthermore, our study finds that some pigment combinations are never observed, pointing to additional constraints on naturally occurring phenotypes. Overall, our findings provide insights into how the structure of an angiosperm‐wide biochemical pathway has shaped macroevolutionary variation in floral pigmentation.
A Family of an Automatic Interleaved Dickson Switched-Capacitor Converter and Its ZVS Resonant Configuration

In this paper, a family of automatic interleaved Dickson switched-capacitor converters (AIDSCC) and its zero-voltage switching (ZVS) resonant configuration are proposed. Different from the traditional Dickson switched-capacitor converter, the AIDSCC has symmetrical configuration with the features of automatic interleaved input current, small output voltage ripple, and lower peak capacitor voltage stress. To improve the line regulation capability, one small resonant inductor is inserted and two bulky capacitor banks are replaced by two much smaller resonant capacitors, forming the resonant AIDSCC. The transistors are ZVS turned on and diodes are zero-current switching turned off by operating above the resonance. With frequency modulation within a reasonable range, the voltage-gain range of the resonant AIDSCC is expanded significantly, while sacrificing the maximum efficiency due to the higher conduction loss. A 3X AIDSCC and a 3X resonant AIDSCC below 140 W were built to verify the analysis.
Centrifugation‐free washing reduces buildup of potassium and free hemoglobin in washed red blood cells after the procedure

Maria Chiara Tisi Rossella Paolini Francesco Piazza Erika Ravelli Cristina Tecchio Roberto Sartori Barbara Famengo Emanuele Stefano Giovanni D'Amore Giuseppe Carli Omar Perbellini Eros Di Bona Marco Ruggeri Carlo Visco Cell Therapy and Hematology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy Oncohematology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Rovigo, Italy Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy Hematology, Valduce Hospital, Como, Italy Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy Hematology Department, San Giacomo Hospital, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy Pathology Department, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
Diversity and evolution of the endosymbionts of Bemisia tabaci in China

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex, including members that are pests of global importance. This study presents a screening of B. tabaci species in China for infection by the primary endosymbiont, Portiera aleyrodidarum, and two secondary endosymbionts, Arsenophonus and Cardinium. The results showed that P. aleyrodidarum was detected in all B. tabaci individuals, while Arsenophonus was abundant in indigenous species of B. tabaci Asia II 1, Asia II 3, and China 1 but absent in the invasive species, Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1); Cardinium presented in the Mediterranean (MED), Asia II 1 and Asia II 3 species but was rarely detected in the MEAM1 and China 1 species. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses revealed that the P. aleyrodidarum and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (mtCO1) phylograms were similar and corresponding with the five distinct cryptic species clades to some extent, probably indicating an ancient infection followed by vertical transmission and subsequent co-evolutionary diversification. In contrast, the phylogenetic trees of Arsenophonus and Cardinium were incongruent with the mtCO1 phylogram, potentially indicating horizontal transmission in B. tabaci cryptic species complex. Taken together, our study showed the distinct infection status of endosymbionts in invasive and indigenous whiteflies; we also most likely indicated the co-evolution of primary endosymbiont and its host as well as the potential horizontal transfer of secondary endosymbionts.
Coarticulatory dynamics in Greek disyllables produced by young adults with and without hearing loss

ABSTRACT Hearing loss affects both speech perception and production with detrimental effects on various speech characteristics including coarticulatory dynamics. The aim of the present study is to explore consonant-to-vowel (C-to-V) and vowel-to-vowel (V-to-V) coarticulation in magnitude, direction and temporal extent in the speech of young adult male and female speakers of Greek with normal hearing (NH) and hearing impairment (HI). Nine intelligible speakers with profound HI, using conventional hearing aids, and five speakers with NH produced /pV1CV2/ disyllables, with the point vowels /i, a, u/ and the consonants /p, t, s/, stressed either on the first or the second syllable. Formant frequencies F1 and F2 were measured in order to examine C-to-V effects at vowel midpoint and V-to-V effects at vowel onset, midpoint and offset. The acoustic and statistical analyses revealed similarities but also significant differences regarding coarticulatory patterns of the two groups. Interestingly, prevalence of anticipatory coarticulation effects in alveolar contexts was observed for speakers with HI. Findings are interpreted on account of possible differences in articulation strategies between the two groups and with reference to current coarticulatory models.
The impact of emotional intelligence on conflict management styles used by jordanian nurse managers.

BACKGROUND Emotional intelligence can help managers to effectively deal with conflicts in the workplace. However, the correlation between conflict management styles and emotional intelligence has not been fully conceptualized. AIM To examine the impact of demographic variables and emotional intelligence on conflict management styles among nurse managers from Jordan. METHOD A descriptive correlational design was used. A sample of 248 nurse managers completed the study. RESULTS The integrating style was the most commonly used style among Jordanian nursing managers, while the least frequently used style was the dominating style. Conflict management styles significantly differed according to hospital type and years of experience. There were significant relationships between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles, but the direction of this relationship is not fully consistent with previous literature. CONCLUSION Educating nursing managers about emotional intelligence may improve their abilities to manage conflicts in the workplace. However, cultural factors might have a role in determining the conflict management style used by managers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT An analysis of the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict management styles can assist management in initiating a tailor-training program to improve abilities to manage conflict.
Berberine inhibits cardiac remodeling of heart failure after myocardial infarction by reducing myocardial cell apoptosis in rats

The effects of berberine on cardiac function of heart failure after myocardial infarction and its possible mechanism were investigated. The anterior descending branches of 50 female Wistar rats were ligatured to establish the model of heart failure after myocardial infarction. At 4 weeks after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into two groups receiving 4-week gavage with saline (Sal group) and berberine (Ber group), while the sham-operation group (Sham group) was set up. After 4 weeks, the hemodynamics and serum BNP in rats were measured. The hearts of rats were taken to detect the degree of myocardial fibrosis. The myocardial cell apoptosis was detected. The expressions and changes in myocardial apoptosis-related proteins, including Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3, were detected. The expression and changes in GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12 in myocardial tissue were detected. The results showed that Berberine improved the cardiac function of rats after myocardial infarction. After myocardial infarction, myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis were observed around the infarction area, berberine improved the myocardial fibrosis and reduced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, berberine alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) after myocardial infarction. In conclusion, Berberine can inhibit the myocardium cell apoptosis of heart failure after myocardial infarction, and its mechanism may be realized by affecting the ERS in myocardial tissue of heart failure after myocardial infarction and CHOP and caspase-12 apoptotic signaling pathway, upregulating Bcl-2/Bax expression and downregulating caspase-3 expression, thus inhibiting the cardiac remodeling and protecting the cardiac function.
Fourteen‐month‐old infants track the language comprehension of communicative partners

Abstract Infants employ sophisticated mechanisms to acquire their first language, including some that rely on taking the perspective of adults as speakers or listeners. When do infants first show awareness of what other people understand? We tested 14‐month‐old infants in two experiments measuring event‐related potentials. In Experiment 1, we established that infants produce the N400 effect, a brain signature of semantic violations, in a live object naming paradigm in the presence of an adult observer. In Experiment 2, we induced false beliefs about the labeled objects in the adult observer to test whether infants keep track of the other person's comprehension. The results revealed that infants reacted to the semantic incongruity heard by the other as if they encountered it themselves: they exhibited an N400‐like response, even though labels were congruous from their perspective. This finding demonstrates that infants track the linguistic understanding of social partners.
Long-term sleep habits and the risk of breast cancer among Chinese women: a case–control study

Previous observational studies have inconsistently suggested that poor sleep is a novel risk factor for breast cancer (BC). However, these studies mainly focused on sleep duration; other sleep domains were rarely reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of a broad range of sleep domains with the risk of BC incidence. We used a community-based 1 : 1 individual matched case–control design that included 401 female patients with incident BC and 401 age-matched and area-matched female controls in Jiujiang, China. Long-term sleep habits were assessed comprehensively using a validated 17-item Sleep Factors Questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using conditional logistic regression. Light exposure at night (highest vs. lowest level, aOR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.06–2.68), habitual timing of sleep (after 12 a.m. midnight vs. before 22 p.m., aOR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.03–2.62), night/shift work (yes vs. no, aOR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.04–2.71), and frequency of night-time wakings (>2 per night vs. never, aOR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.10–2.96) were associated with an increased risk of BC after mutually adjusting for other sleep parameters. These positive associations remained irrespective of menopausal status and tumor estrogen receptor status. There was no association between sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep medication use, insomnia frequency, daytime nap, and the risk of BC. Our results indicate that sleep problems including light exposure at night, night/shift work, late sleeping, and frequent night waking could increase the risk of BC development, independent of other sleep factors.
Combined antitumor effects of P-5m octapeptide and 5-fluorouracil on a murine model of H22 hepatoma ascites

The present study has demonstrated that P-5m octapeptide (P-5m) has therapeutic potential in metastatic human hepatocarcinoma, possibly through the modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antitumor effect of P-5m combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) on the treatment of hepatoma 22 (H22) hepatocarcinoma malignant ascites in a mouse model. The inhibitory effect on the growth of mouse ascites tumors was monitored by measuring body weight gain, survival time, ascites volume, numbers of tumor cells, DNA synthesis and peritoneal capillary permeability analysis. The present data revealed a significant reduction in ascites volume and cell count in mice that were treated with P-5m plus 5-Fu. Furthermore, the median survival time in mice in the combination group was prolonged compared with the disease control group. Moreover, a significant reduction in the total H22 ascites cell count in mice from the combination group was observed when compared with the disease control group. P-5m plus 5-Fu was able to induce the cell cycle arrest and inhibit the peritoneal capillary permeability of the mice. To conclude, the present study indicated that P-5m may have therapeutic potential in ascites caused by hepatocellular carcinoma.
Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine-Induced Pulmonary Toxicity: A Single-Institution Retrospective Review

Purpose: T-DM1 is an antibody drug conjugate with proven efficacy in metastatic breast cancer for progressive disease refractory to trastuzumab. Drug-induced pneumonitis is a rare serious potential adverse effect. The purpose of this review was to estimate the incidence of pulmonary toxicity at our institution. Methods: A retrospective analysis of electronic medical record data inclusive of all women and men aged 18 years and older treated with T-DM1 at out institution was undertaken. The records were reviewed for clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence concerning for pneumonitis. We identified variables of interest with regard to potential risk factors for toxicity. Results: A total of 50 patients were included, 6 (12%) of whom had radiographic and/or clinical symptoms concerning for T-DM1-induced pneumonitis. All 6 patients had metastatic or unresectable breast cancer. Of the 6 patients, 5 (83%) had suspected pulmonary metastases, 1 (17%) had a history of underlying lung disease, and 5 (83%) had a history of prior taxane therapy. Pulmonary metastases (p = 0.38), the median number of treatment cycles (p = 0.29), prior taxane therapy (p = 0.99), underlying lung disease (p = 0.99), and hormone receptor positivity (p = 0.66) did not have any statistical significance for an association with pneumonitis. Conclusion: Pneumonitis is a recognized toxic effect of T-DM1. While our sample size was small, the number of events was higher than described in the literature, which may be an artifact of referral bias. Future studies with a larger sample population may detect potential risk factors for toxicity.
A dose‐ranging study of ticagrelor in children aged 3‐17 years with sickle cell disease: A 2‐part phase 2 study

Antiplatelet treatment is a potential therapeutic approach for sickle cell disease (SCD). Ticagrelor inhibits platelet aggregation and is approved for adults with acute coronary syndrome and following myocardial infarction. HESTIA1 (NCT02214121) was a 2‐part, phase 2 dose‐finding study generating ticagrelor exposure, platelet inhibition, and safety data in children with SCD (3‐17 years). In part A (n = 45), patients received 2 ticagrelor single doses, 0.125‐2.25 mg/kg (washout ≥7 days), then 7 days of twice‐daily (bid) dosing with 0.125, 0.563, or 0.75 mg/kg. In the 4‐week blinded Part B extension (optional), patients received ticagrelor (0.125, 0.563, or 0.75 mg/kg bid; n = 16) or placebo (n = 7). Platelet reactivity decreased from baseline to 2 hours postdosing, and returned to near baseline after 6 hours postdosing. Dose‐dependent platelet inhibition was seen with ticagrelor; mean relative P2Y12 reaction unit inhibition 2 hours after a single dose ranged from 6% (0.125 mg/kg) to 73% (2.25 mg/kg). Ticagrelor plasma exposure increased approximately dose proportionally. No patients experienced a hemorrhagic event during treatment. No differences were seen between groups in pain ratings and analgesic use during Part B. Ticagrelor was well tolerated with no safety concerns, no discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs), and reported AEs were mainly due to SCD. In conclusion, a dose‐exposure‐response relationship for ticagrelor was demonstrated in children with SCD for the first time. These data are important for future pediatric studies of the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor in SCD.
Lattice-Based Group Signatures and Zero-Knowledge Proofs of Automorphism Stability

We present a group signature scheme, based on the hardness of lattice problems, whose outputs are more than an order of magnitude smaller than the currently most efficient schemes in the literature. Since lattice-based schemes are also usually non-trivial to efficiently implement, we additionally provide the first experimental implementation of lattice-based group signatures demonstrating that our construction is indeed practical -- all operations take less than half a second on a standard laptop. A key component of our construction is a new zero-knowledge proof system for proving that a committed value belongs to a particular set of small size. The sets for which our proofs are applicable are exactly those that contain elements that remain stable under Galois automorphisms of the underlying cyclotomic number field of our lattice-based protocol. We believe that these proofs will find applications in other settings as well. The motivation of the new zero-knowledge proof in our construction is to allow the efficient use of the selectively-secure signature scheme (i.e. a signature scheme in which the adversary declares the forgery message before seeing the public key) of Agrawal et al. (Eurocrypt 2010) in constructions of lattice-based group signatures and other privacy protocols. For selectively-secure schemes to be meaningfully converted to standard signature schemes, it is crucial that the size of the message space is not too large. Using our zero-knowledge proofs, we can strategically pick small sets for which we can provide efficient zero-knowledge proofs of membership.
A Compact CRLH Circularly Polarized Leaky-Wave Antenna Based on Substrate-Integrated Waveguide

A compact single-radiator circularly polarized (CP) leaky-wave antenna (LWA) based on composite right/left-handed (CRLH) transmission line is presented. The proposed antenna is based on substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW), and its unit cell consists of a T-shaped interdigital slot, which provides a CRLH property, a proper CP, and also effective compactness for the full-length LWA. The proposed LWA provides beam scanning from −19° to +84° over the frequency range of 7.35–10.15 GHz, while maintaining a good CP. By providing the balanced condition for the CRLH unit cell, a continuous backward-to-forward scanning including broadside is achieved. The maximum gain of the LWA is 8.95 dB which is satisfactory, considering the compactness of the antenna. Moreover, the radiation efficiency has an average of 85.7% over the operating frequency band. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation ones and show considerable advantages over the SIW-based CP LWAs proposed in the recent literature.
The efficiency of topical anesthetics as antimicrobial agents: A review of use in dentistry

Topical anesthetics are commonly used in oral & maxillofacial surgery to control pain in the oral cavity mucosa before local anesthetic injection. These anesthetic agents come in many forms, developed for different usages, to minimize adverse reactions, and for optimal anesthetic efficiency. Earlier studies have revealed that these agents may also limit the growth of microorganisms in the area of anesthetic application. Many topical anesthetic agents show different levels of antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains and Candida. The dosage of local anesthetic agent used in some clinical preparations is too low to show a significant effect on microbial activity. Efficiency of antimicrobial activity depends on the local anesthetic agent's properties of diffusion within the bloodstream and binding efficiency with cytoplasmic membrane, which is followed by disruption of the bacterial cell membrane. The antimicrobial properties of these agents may extend their usage in patients to both control pain and infection. To develop the topical local anesthetic optimal usage and antimicrobial effect, a collaborating antiseptic agent may be used to benefit the local anesthetic. However, more research is required regarding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of topical local anesthetic agents with drug interaction between anesthetics and antiseptic agents.
Motion Artifact Reduction in Ambulatory Electrocardiography Using Inertial Measurement Units and Kalman Filtering

Electrocardiography (ECG) using lightweight and inexpensive ambulatory ECG devices makes it possible to monitor patients during their daily activities and can give important insight in arrhythmias and other cardiac diseases. However, everyday activities cause several kinds of motion artifacts which deteriorate the ECG quality and thus complicate both automated and manual ECG analysis. In this paper, we discuss some of the challenges associated with long-term ambulatory ECG and propose a baseline wander compensation algorithm based on inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to each ECG electrode. The IMUs are used for estimating the local electrode motion which in turn is used as the reference signal for baseline wander reduction. We evaluate the proposed algorithm on data gathered in clinical trials and show that the baseline wander is successfully removed, without compromising the ECG's morphology.
Burnout among Occupational Therapists in Portugal: A Study of Specific Factors

Abstract This pilot study was conducted using a sample of 374 Portuguese occupational therapists to evaluate burnout levels and prevalence among occupational therapists as well as to relate those levels to practitioner age, gender, client age, years of professional activity, and area of practice. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory questionnaire (Portuguese version) and a sociodemographic questionnaire was used. Results showed that ∼23%, 44%, and 45% of occupational therapists presented with client-related burnout, personal burnout (PB), and work-related burnout, respectively. Higher rates of burnout were observed across all dimensions as the age of the professionals increased, with more years of working increased the client-rated rate, and client age increased the PB rate. Outcomes suggest a need to implement intervention programs to promote personal and organizational strategies to prevent burnout.