Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECTIVE POPULATION NUMBERS IN THE SNAIL CEPAEA NEMORALIS

Population number is of considerable importance in evolutionary genetics. However, it is difficult for those working on natural populations to provide real data for inserting into the mathematical models of theoreticians. The reason for this is that the actual size of a population only corresponds to the "population number" used in such models if the population is "ideal," i.e., if the union of gametes within it is completely random, if the number of progeny per parent is random, and if the population number is constant. It is possible to work out an "effective population number" in situations where these conditions do not hold. This is the size of an ideal population that would have the same sampling variance or rate of inbreeding as the observed population. (The inbreeding and variance effective population number may not be identical, but this is not important in the context of this paper). Formulae relating effective to actual population number are given in standard works (e.g., Crow and Kimura, 1970; Wright, 1969). Unfortunately it is not always easy to estimate the necessary parameters to insert into these formulae.
Crystal structure of 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid 3,4‐dioxygenase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A special subgroup of the type III extradiol dioxygenases

3‐Hydroxyanthranilic acid 3,4‐dioxygenase (3HAO) is a non‐heme ferrous extradiol dioxygenase in the kynurenine pathway from tryptophan. It catalyzes the conversion of 3‐hydroxyanthranilate (HAA) to quinolinic acid (QUIN), an endogenous neurotoxin, via the activation of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and the precursor of NAD+ biosynthesis. The crystal structure of 3HAO from S. cerevisiae at 2.4 Å resolution shows it to be a member of the functionally diverse cupin superfamily. The structure represents the first eukaryotic 3HAO to be resolved. The enzyme forms homodimers, with two nickel binding sites per molecule. One of the bound nickel atoms occupies the proposed ferrous‐coordinated active site, which is located in a conserved double‐strand β‐helix domain. Examination of the structure reveals the participation of a series of residues in catalysis different from other extradiol dioxygenases. Together with two iron‐binding residues (His49 and Glu55), Asp120, Asn51, Glu111, and Arg114 form a hydrogen‐bonding network; this hydrogen‐bond network is key to the catalysis of 3HAO. Residues Arg101, Gln59, and the substrate‐binding hydrophobic pocket are crucial for substrate specificity. Structure comparison with 3HAO from Ralstonia metallidurans reveals similarities at the active site and suggests the same catalytic mechanism in prokaryotic and eukaryotic 3HAO. Based on sequence comparison, we suggest that bicupin of human 3HAO is the first example of evolution from a monocupin dimer to bicupin monomer in the diverse cupin superfamilies. Based on the model of the substrate HAA at the active site of Y3HAO, we propose a mechanism of catalysis for 3HAO.
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies in juvenile myasthenia gravis

We analyzed relationships among pubertal stage at disease onset, sex, disease severity, and acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR Ab) levels in 46 patients with autoimmune juvenile myasthenia gravis (JMG). Female predominance was least in children with prepubertal disease onset (F:M = 1.3:1) and increased in patients with peripubertal (F:M = 1.8:1) and postpubertal (F:M = 14:1) onset. Seronegative JMG was most common in children with early disease onset: 4 of 9 (44%) with prepubertal, 4 of 22 (18%) with peripubertal, and 0 of 15 (0%) with postpubertal onset were seronegative. The rapid therapeutic response to plasmapheresis was useful in distinguishing some patients with seronegative JMG from those with congenital myasthenia gravis (CMG). The high frequency of seronegative JMG in patients with prepubertal onset indicates that AChR Ab assays do not adequately discriminate between JMG and CMG in young children. Furthermore, the different sex distribution in patients with different pubertal stages at disease onset suggests that sex hormones play an important modulating role in JMG.
Recent population trends in amphetamine use in New Zealand: comparisons of findings from national household drug surveying in 1998, 2001, and 2003.

AIM To track recent trends in the population prevalence, availability, price, and harm of amphetamine in New Zealand. DESIGN National household drug surveys were conducted in 1998, 2001, and 2003 using the same Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) methodology. General population random digit dial samples of 15-45 year olds were compared between the three survey waves (n=5475 in 1998; n=5504 in 2001; n=3042 in 2003). FINDINGS The proportion of the sample who had ever used amphetamine increased in 2001 compared to 1998 (11.0% versus 7.6%, p<0.0001) and then decreased in 2003 compared to 2001 (9.0% versus 11.0%, p=0.0066). The last year use of amphetamine increased in 2001 compared to 1998 (5.0% versus 2.9%, p<0.0001) and then did not significantly change in 2003 compared to 2001 (4.0% versus 5.0%, p=0.0466). The proportion of last year amphetamine users who said that the availability of amphetamine had become 'harder' compared to 12 months ago was higher in 2003 compared to 2001 (24.5% versus 12.4%, p=0.0284). Approximately 3 out of 10 amphetamine users reported harm to at least one area of their life from amphetamine use in 2001 and 2003. Harm to 'energy and vitality', 'financial position', and 'health' were the areas of life most commonly reported harmed from amphetamine use in both 2001 and 2003. CONCLUSIONS Amphetamine remains a drug of serious concern in New Zealand. There is evidence of a levelling out in the prevalence of use and some evidence of a relative decline in availability. After 2001, wider public awareness of the health risks associated with methamphetamine use, and increasing law enforcement and legislative focus on methamphetamine, may have contributed to the stabilisation of the situation by 2003.
Recent developments in colorectal imaging

Purpose of review The aim of this review is to provide an update on important recent advances in radiologic colorectal imaging, with emphasis on detection, staging, and surveillance of colorectal neoplasia. Recent findings Colorectal imaging advances with magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography colonography (CTC), and positron emission tomography (PET) over the past year or so have been substantial. Progress in MRI for rectal cancer was most notable in terms of assessment of response to neoadjuvant therapy. Continued maturation and clinical validation of CTC was observed for the evaluation of advanced neoplasia, among other areas. Multimodality approaches to colorectal imaging that incorporate functional PET data have also made impressive strides forward. Summary Recent advances in cross-sectional and functional radiologic imaging of the colorectum will positively impact the clinical capabilities for noninvasive evaluation of colorectal neoplasia.
Summary and Comment: That Catheter is Going to Cost You!

Address correspondence to: Jeffrey S. Berns, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Medical Office Building #240, 51 North 39th St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, or e-mail: bernsj@uphs.upenn. edu. Clinical outcomes and costs due to Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia among patients receiving longterm hemodialysis. Engemann JJ, Friedman JY, Reed SD, Griffiths RI, Szczech LA, Kaye KS, Stryjewski ME, Reller LB, Schulman KA, Corey GR, Fowler VG Jr. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 26:534–539, 2005
The effect of uric acid on homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction in bovine aortic endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVES Elevated plasma uric acid indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction. However, the role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction is still a matter of debate. It is not clear whether uric acid is a real causative risk factor, an inert marker, or even a protective molecule with respect to its antioxidant properties. We have studied the effect of uric acid on intact endothelial cells as well as cells with homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction. DESIGN Bovine aortic endothelial cells were treated with uric acid (100 - 600 muM) and homocysteine (100 muM) or with uric acid only. After 24 hours, the cells were stimulated with 1 mug/ml of calcium ionophore A23187, and nitric oxide (NO) production was measured electrochemically with the use of a NO-sensitive microelectrode. The expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1179 was estimated with the use of Western blotting. Interaction between NO and uric acid was measured with a NO electrode. Superoxide generation was measured with the use of the fluorescence dye MitoSox Red. RESULTS Homocysteine strongly diminished A23187-induced NO release. 100 muM uric acid slightly restored NO production; higher concentrations were ineffective. Interestingly, a dose-dependent decrease of NO release was observed in the cells treated only with uric acid. Uric acid did not scavenge NO and did not change eNOS protein expression or phosphorylation at Ser1179, but dose-dependently increased superoxide production in A23187-stimulated cells. CONCLUSION In conclusion, uric acid decreased NO bioavailability and enhanced superoxide generation in A23187-stimulated bovine aortic endothelial cells.
To assess vascular calcification in the patients of hypoparathyroidism using multidetector computed tomography scan

Background: Our pilot data showed an increased intima media thickness in the patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (SIH). Alteration in homeostasis of calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) may predispose to increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The data on objective assessment of this increased risk is however lacking. Objective: To assess the effect of altered calcium, phosphate, and PTH homeostasis in the patients with SIH on coronary calcium score (a marker of increase vascular risk) by multidetector computed tomography scan (MDCT). Methods: In this case-control study, we measured coronary CT calcium score in 30 patients of SIH and compared with 40 age and sex matched healthy subjects. Correlation of coronary calcium score with biochemical parameters was evaluated. Results: Three of the 30 cases (10%) with SIH were found to have coronary artery calcification (CAC) of varying degree, whereas none of the control showed CAC (P = 0.07). The patients with CAC had significantly lower serum calcium levels (albumin corrected), as compared to the patients without CAC. Inverse correlation of CAC was found with serum calcium levels. No correlation was found with other biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The vascular risk is increased in the patients with SIH as assessed by coronary calcium score measured by MDCT. Low serum calcium levels might be a predisposing factor for this increased risk.
Reply to McCulley et al., reports to FDA of fatal anaphylaxis associated with intravenous iron products

AND PETER WALDRON* U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, Silver Spring, Maryland Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. Conflict of interest: Nothing to report. *Correspondence to: Peter Waldron, MD, Medical Officer, Division of Pharmacovigilance II, Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD. E-mail: peter.waldron@fda.hhs. gov Received for publication: 28 July 2016; Revised: 8 August 2016; Accepted: 8 August 2016 Published online: 10 August 2016 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24531
A hybrid approach to replica management in data grids

Data grids are current solutions suggested to meet the needs of large-scale systems. They provide a set of various resources which are geographically distributed. A data grid allows quick and efficient access to data, enhancement of availability, and fault tolerance. In large-scale systems, these advantages are possible only by the use of replication. The latter, however, poses the problem of the maintenance of the consistency of replicas of the same data set. In this paper, we propose a hybrid method combining the pessimistic and optimistic approaches conceived for data consistency maintenance. Our approach is based on a hierarchical representation model with two levels, which facilitates the management of replica consistency in the large-scale systems.
Effects of Ion Species on SEB Failure Voltage of Power DMOSFET

This paper presents and explains test results showing the effect of ion species on the single event burnout (SEB) failure voltage using a SEB sensitive engineering power double diffused metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (DMOSFET). The analyses show the determining factor of tested SEB failure voltage is the ion species itself rather than test or beam conditions such as initial beam energy, surface linear energy transfer (LET), ion range, or ionized charge. Also, results from five test facilities and five test setups are compared to determine if there will be differences in test results when different test setups or different heavy ion accelerator facilities were used.
Characterization of headache after traumatic brain injury

Background: Headache is a common and persistent symptom following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Headaches following TBI are defined primarily by their temporal association to injury, but have no defining clinical features. To provide a framework for treatment, primary headache symptoms were used to characterize headache. Methods: Three hundred and seventy-eight participants were prospectively enrolled during acute in-patient rehabilitation for TBI. Headaches were classified into migraine/probable migraine, tension-type, or cervicogenic headache at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months following TBI. Results: Migraine was the most frequent headache type occurring in up to 38% of participants who reported headaches. Probable migraine occurred in up to 25%, tension-type headache in up to 21%, then cervicogenic headache in up to 10%. Females were more likely to have endorsed pre-injury migraine than males, and had migraine or probable migraine at all time points after injury. Those classified with migraine were more likely to have frequent headaches. Conclusions: Our data show that most headache after TBI may be classified using primary headache criteria. Migraine/probable migraine described the majority of headache after TBI across one year post-injury. Using symptom-based criteria for headache following TBI can serve as a framework from which to provide evidence-based treatment for these frequent, severe, and persistent headaches.
Basal ganglia control of sleep–wake behavior and cortical activation

The basal ganglia (BG) are involved in numerous neurobiological processes that operate on the basis of wakefulness, including motor function, learning, emotion and addictive behaviors. We hypothesized that the BG might play an important role in the regulation of wakefulness. To test this prediction, we made cell body‐specific lesions in the striatum and globus pallidus (GP) using ibotenic acid. We found that rats with striatal (caudoputamen) lesions exhibited a 14.95% reduction in wakefulness and robust fragmentation of sleep–wake behavior, i.e. an increased number of state transitions and loss of ultra‐long wake bouts (> 120 min). These lesions also resulted in a reduction in the diurnal variation of sleep–wakefulness. On the other hand, lesions of the accumbens core resulted in a 26.72% increase in wakefulness and a reduction in non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep bout duration. In addition, rats with accumbens core lesions exhibited excessive digging and scratching. GP lesions also produced a robust increase in wakefulness (45.52%), and frequent sleep–wake transitions and a concomitant decrease in NREM sleep bout duration. Lesions of the subthalamic nucleus or the substantia nigra reticular nucleus produced only minor changes in the amount of sleep–wakefulness and did not alter sleep architecture. Finally, power spectral analysis revealed that lesions of the striatum, accumbens and GP slowed down the cortical electroencephalogram. Collectively, our results suggest that the BG, via a cortico‐striato‐pallidal loop, are important neural circuitry regulating sleep–wake behaviors and cortical activation.
Enhanced survival of vascular smooth muscle cells accounts for heightened elastin deposition in arteries of neonatal spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abnormal stiffening and narrowing of arteries are characteristic features of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In this strain, we have previously demonstrated an increased elastin content and abnormal organization of lamellae in conduit and resistance arteries from neonatal rats that preceded the impending inward remodelling, increased vascular stiffness and development of hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess the mechanism responsible for such excessive and aberrant elastin deposition in SHR vessels during perinatal development. We compared elastin, collagen and fibronectin production (inmunocytochemistry and quantitative assay of metabolically labelled insoluble elastin), DNA content as well as cell proliferation (proliferative cellular nuclear antigen, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation) and death rates (propidium iodide exclusion test, terminal transferase nick and labeling (TUNEL) assay) in cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) derived from neonatal SHR and Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) control rats. Cultures of VSMC derived from neonatal SHR exhibited hypertrophy, produced more elastin, collagen and fibronectin and contained more DNA than equally plated WKY counterparts. Further analysis revealed that the higher net DNA content in SHR‐derived cultures was due to increased diploidy, but not to a heightened cell multiplication. The SHR‐derived VSMC also exhibited lower rates of cell death and apoptosis, which were associated with increased levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein, survivin. We therefore conclude that the peculiar heightened survival of matrix‐producing VSMC in neonatal SHR is responsible for accumulation of hard‐wearing elastin and other extracellular matrix elements in the growing arteries, thereby contributing to the subsequent development of systemic hypertension.
EFFECT OF TRACE ELEMENTS ON THE INTERFACE REACTIONS BETWEEN TWO LEAD-FREE SOLDERS AND COPPER OR NICKEL SUBSTRATES

Traditional Sn-Pb solder alloys are being replaced, because of environmental and health concerns about lead toxicity. Among some alternative alloy systems, the Sn-Zn and Sn-Cu base alloy systems have been studied and reveal promising properties. The reliability of a solder joint is affected by the solder/substrate interaction and the nature of the layers formed at the interface. The solder/substrate reactions, for Sn-Zn and Sn-Cu base solder alloys, were evaluated in what concerns the morphology and chemical composition of the interface layers. The effect of the addition of P, at low levels, on the chemical composition of the layers present at the interface was studied. The phases formed at the interface between the Cu or Ni substrate and a molten lead-free solder at 250o C, were studied for different stage times and alloy compositions. The melting temperatures, of the studied alloys, were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Identification of equilibrium phases formed at the interface layer, and the evaluation of their chemical composition were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS). Different interface characteristics were obtained, namely for the alloys containing Zn. The obtained IML layer thickness was compared, for both types of alloy systems.
Synbiotic yogurt consumption by healthy adults and the elderly: the fate of bifidobacteria and LGG probiotic strain

Synbiotic dietary supplements are used to modulate the intestinal microbiota in adults; however, studies regarding elderly people are limited. The aim of this work is to determine the effect of regular consumption of yogurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and the fructooligosaccharide (FOS) Actilight® both in healthy adults and the elderly suffering from constipation. Yogurt was administered daily for 4 weeks; faecal samples were collected before starting, after 4-week administration and a 15-day wash out period, and analyzed for LGG and bifidobacteria counts. Constipation status in the elderly was recorded by a standardized questionnaire. Bifidobacteria did not increase in either groups; at the end of the intervention trial, LGG was detected in significantly different amount in the faeces of the elderly and adults, being higher in adults (95% vs. 30%). An increased evacuation number in the elderly was evidenced, probably due to the presence of FOS in yogurt.
Non‐16/18 high‐risk HPV infection predicts disease persistence and progression in women with an initial interpretation of LSIL

The current management strategy for women with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) is inefficient and expensive because of the inability to identify patients at high risk for disease progression. The current study was designed to determine the genotypic patterns of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with the persistence and progression of cervical lesions in women with an initial interpretation of LSIL.
RED IMPORTED FIRE ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE) INCREASE THE ABUNDANCE OF APHIDS IN TOMATO

Abstract Red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta (Buren) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), are abundant in many agroecosystems in the southern United States and can affect the abundance of arthropods in these systems. We determined the effects of red imported fire ants on the abundance of aphids, other herbivorous insects, and beneficial arthropods in Alabama tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) by manipulating the density of red imported fire ants in plots of tomato plants and by sampling fresh market tomato farms for two years (2003 and 2004). In both years of our study, aphid abundance was significantly greater in tomato plots with high densities of fire ants than in plots where fire ant densities were suppressed. Further, the abundance of fire ants was positively correlated with the abundance of aphids on intensely managed tomato farms in both years. These aphids included many species that are the primary vectors of economically-important plant viruses of tomato and other vegetable crops. The positive effect of fire ants on aphid abundance was likely due to facultative fire ant--aphid mutualisms. Other studies have demonstrated that fire ants protect honeydew-producing insects from natural enemies, and we found that fire ants reduced the abundance of beneficial arthropods in the second year of our field experiment. However, red imported fire ants did not significantly reduce the abundance of non-aphid herbivores in either year of our field experiment, suggesting that fire ants are not important biological control agents of these insects in tomato. Fire ants may disrupt biological control of aphids in tomato fields and suppression of fire ants on tomato farms may decrease the abundance of aphids.