Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth Light Environment Changes the Sensitivity of Photosystem I Photoinhibition Depending on Common Wheat Cultivars

Light is an important factor for determining photosynthetic performance in land plants. At high light intensity, land plants develop photosynthetic activity by increasing electron sinks, such as the Calvin cycle and photorespiration and photoprotective mechanisms in photosystem II (PSII), to effectively utilize light and protect them from photoinhibition. In addition to PSII, photosystem I (PSI) has a risk of undergoing photoinhibition under high light intensity because of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced within PSI. However, the acclimation response has hardly been evaluated in the relationship of PSI photoprotection to growth light. In this study, we studied the effect of growth light intensity on the photoprotective mechanisms in PSI using six wheat cultivars. To evaluate the susceptibility of PSI to its photoinhibition, we used the repetitive short-pulse (rSP) illumination method to cause O2-dependent PSI photoinhibition. We found that PSI photoinhibition induced by rSP illumination was much more alleviated in wheat cultivars grown under high-light conditions compared to those grown under low-light conditions. Here, we observed that wheat plant grown under high-light conditions lowered the susceptibility of PSI to its photoinhibition compared to those grown under low-light conditions. Furthermore, the acclimation response toward PSI photoinhibition was significantly different among the studied wheat cultivars, although the quantum yields both of PSII and PSI were increased by high-light acclimation in all wheat cultivars as reported previously. Interestingly, we observed that total chlorophyll content in leaves correlated with the susceptibility of PSI to its photoinhibition. On the basis of these results, we suggest that high-light acclimation induces protection mechanisms against PSI photoinhibition in land plants, and the increase in the leaf chlorophyll content relates to the susceptibility of PSI photoinhibition in wheat plants.
Simultaneous Cycle Optimization and Fluid Selection for ORC Systems Accounting for the Effect of the Operating Conditions on Turbine Efficiency

The design of optimal organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems requires the simultaneous identification of the optimal cycle architecture, operating conditions and working fluid, whilst accounting for the effect of these parameters on expander performance. In this paper, a novel method for predicting the design-point efficiency of a radial turbine is developed, which can predict the achievable efficiency based only on the thermodynamic conditions. This model is integrated into an optimization framework in which the working fluid is modeled using the Peng-Robinson equation of state and the fluid parameters (i.e., critical temperature) are simultaneously optimized alongside the cycle conditions. This framework can evaluate recuperated and transcritical cycles, whilst heat-transfer area requirements are estimated based on representative overall heat-transfer coefficients. For a range of heat sources, a single-objective optimization is first completed in which power output is maximized, which is then followed by a multi-objective optimization in which the trade-off between power output and total heat-transfer area is investigated. It is demonstrated that the optimization framework can simultaneously optimize the working fluid and cycle parameters, and identify whether a subcritical or transcritical cycle, with or without a recuperator, is best suited for a particular application, whilst accounting for the effect of these variables on the expander performance. This information is critical to identify optimal cycle configurations and working fluids that result in the best thermodynamic performance, yet exist in the design space in which feasible turbines can be designed. It is found that the optimal critical temperature does not vary significantly between different cycle architectures, and is not affected by whether a single or multi-objective optimization is completed. However, including the expander performance model results in significantly different cycles to optimal thermodynamic cycles.
Randomized, single blind trial of intravenous versus oral steroid monotherapy in Graves' orbitopathy.

CONTEXT Glucocorticoids are effective for severe Graves' orbitopathy (GO), which causes substantial morbidity. The question at issue is how best to use them. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to optimize glucocorticoid application in GO. DESIGN The study design was a randomized trial over 12 wk with 6-month follow-up. SETTING The study was performed at university joint thyroid and ophthalmic clinics. PATIENTS Seventy euthyroid out-patients with untreated, active, and severe GO were studied. INTERVENTION Patients received either once weekly iv methylprednisolone (0.5 g, then 0.25 g, 6 wk each) or oral prednisolone starting with 0.1 g/d, then tapering the dose by 0.01 g/wk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES At 3 months, the primary end point was a composite of improvements in proptosis, lid fissure width, and rate of diplopia in primary gaze, visual acuity, eye muscle thickness, and patient's quality of life. RESULTS Intravenous glucocorticoid therapy resulted in rapid, significant, and sustained improvement. At 3 months, 27 of 35 patients (77%) in the iv group had a treatment response compared with 18 of 35 (51%) in the oral group (P < 0.01). Improvements over baseline values for disease severity (e.g. visual acuity; P = 0.01) and activity (e.g. chemosis; P < 0.01) and for quality of life (P < 0.001) were greater in the iv group. TSH receptor antibody titers decreased during iv steroid administration (P < 0.001), and smoking had a strong impact on the therapy response (P < 0.001). Additional treatment was required less frequently in the iv group. Intravenous steroids were safe, with different rates of adverse events between the two groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with active and severe GO, iv glucocorticoids were more effective and better tolerated than oral steroids.
Glutamate Imaging Reveals Multiple Sites of Stochastic Release in the CA3 Giant Mossy Fiber Boutons

One of the most studied central synapses which have provided fundamental insights into cellular mechanisms of neural connectivity is the “giant” excitatory connection between hippocampal mossy fibers (MFs) and CA3 pyramidal cells. Its large presynaptic bouton features multiple release sites and is densely packed with thousands of synaptic vesicles, to sustain a highly facilitating “detonator” transmission. However, whether glutamate release sites at this synapse act independently, in a stochastic manner, or rather synchronously, remains poorly understood. This knowledge is critical for a better understanding of mechanisms underpinning presynaptic plasticity and postsynaptic signal integration rules. Here, we use the optical glutamate sensor SF-iGluSnFR and the intracellular Ca2+ indicator Cal-590 to monitor spike-evoked glutamate release and presynaptic calcium entry in MF boutons. Multiplexed imaging reveals that distinct sites in individual MF giant boutons release glutamate in a probabilistic fashion, also showing use-dependent short-term facilitation. The present approach provides novel insights into the basic mechanisms of neurotransmitter release at excitatory synapses.
Lignin biosynthesis genes play critical roles in the adaptation of Arabidopsis plants to high-salt stress

ABSTRACT Salinity is a major abiotic stressor that limits the growth, development, and reproduction of plants. Our previous metabolic analysis of high salt-adapted callus suspension cell cultures from Arabidopsis roots indicated that physical reinforcement of the cell wall is an important step in adaptation to saline conditions. Compared to normal cells, salt-adapted cells exhibit an increased lignin content and thickened cell wall. In this study, we investigated not only the lignin biosynthesis gene expression patterns in salt-adapted cells, but also the effects of a loss-of-function of CCoAOMT1, which plays a critical role in the lignin biosynthesis pathway, on plant responses to high-salt stress. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed higher mRNA levels of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, including CCoAOMT1, 4CL1, 4CL2, COMT, PAL1, PAL2, and AtPrx52, in salt-adapted cells relative to normal cells, which suggests activation of the lignin biosynthesis pathway in salt-adapted cells. Moreover, plants harboring the CCoAOMT1 mutants, ccoaomt1-1 and ccoaomt1-2, were phenotypically hypersensitive to salt stress. Our study has provided molecular and genetic evidence indicating the importance of enhanced lignin accumulation in the plant cell wall during the responses to salt stress.
Positive experience with treatment is associated with better surgical outcome in trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between patients’ experiences with trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty and treatment outcomes in terms of patient-reported outcome measures, grip and pinch strength. We included 233 patients who received a Weilby procedure for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Before surgery and 12 months after surgery, patients completed the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, and their pinch and grip strengths were measured. At 3 months after surgery, a patient-reported experience measure was completed. Using regression analysis, significantly positive associations were found between the Michigan Hand questionnaire and the patient-reported experience measure, with the strongest significant associations being for patients’ experiences with information provision. No significant associations were found between the patients’ experience and strength outcomes. The results highlight the potential importance of positive experience with the treatment process to improve treatment outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Level of evidence: IV
High-density diffuse optical tomography for imaging human brain function

This review describes the unique opportunities and challenges for noninvasive optical mapping of human brain function. Diffuse optical methods offer safe, portable, and radiation free alternatives to traditional technologies like positron emission tomography or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Recent developments in high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) have demonstrated capabilities for mapping human cortical brain function over an extended field of view with image quality approaching that of fMRI. In this review, we cover fundamental principles of the diffusion of near infrared light in biological tissue. We discuss the challenges involved in the HD-DOT system design and implementation that must be overcome to acquire the signal-to-noise necessary to measure and locate brain function at the depth of the cortex. We discuss strategies for validation of the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of HD-DOT acquired maps of cortical brain function. We then provide a brief overview of some clinical applications of HD-DOT. Though diffuse optical measurements of neurophysiology have existed for several decades, tremendous opportunity remains to advance optical imaging of brain function to address a crucial niche in basic and clinical neuroscience: that of bedside and minimally constrained high fidelity imaging of brain function.
Expert consensus on best evaluative practices in community-based rehabilitation

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to generate expert consensus on best evaluative practices for community-based rehabilitation (CBR). This consensus includes key features of the evaluation process and methods, and discussion of whether a shared framework should be used to report findings and, if so, which framework should play this role. Method: A Delphi study with two predefined rounds was conducted. Experts in CBR from a wide range of geographical areas and disciplinary backgrounds were recruited to complete the questionnaires. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to generate the recommendations for best practices in CBR evaluation. Results: A panel of 42 experts reached consensus on 13 recommendations for best evaluative practices in CBR. In regard to the critical qualities of sound CBR evaluation processes, panellists emphasized that these processes should be inclusive, participatory, empowering and respectful of local cultures and languages. The group agreed that evaluators should consider the use of mixed methods and participatory tools, and should combine indicators from a universal list of CBR indicators with locally generated ones. The group also agreed that a common framework should guide CBR evaluations, and that this framework should be a flexible combination between the CBR Matrix and the CBR Principles. Conclusions: An expert panel reached consensus on key features of best evaluative practices in CBR. Knowledge transfer initiatives are now required to develop guidelines, tools and training opportunities to facilitate CBR program evaluations. Implications for Rehabilitation CBR evaluation processes should strive to be inclusive, participatory, empowering and respectful of local cultures and languages. CBR evaluators should strongly consider using mixed methods, participatory tools, a combination of indicators generated with the local community and with others from a bank of CBR indicators. CBR evaluations should be situated within a shared, but flexible, framework. This shared framework could combine the CBR Matrix and the CBR Principles.
Brpf1 Haploinsufficiency Impairs Dendritic Arborization and Spine Formation, Leading to Cognitive Deficits

Haploinsufficiency of the bromodomain and PHD finger-containing protein 1 (BRPF1) gene causes intellectual disability (ID), which is characterized by impaired intellectual and cognitive function; however, the neurological basis for ID and the neurological function of BRPF1 dosage in the brain remain unclear. Here, by crossing Emx1-cre mice with Brpf1fl/fl mice, we generated Brpf1 heterozygous mice to model BRPF1-related ID. Brpf1 heterozygotes showed reduced dendritic complexity in both hippocampal granule cells and cortical pyramidal neurons, accompanied by reduced spine density and altered spine and synapse morphology. An in vitro study of Brpf1 haploinsufficiency also demonstrated decreased frequency and amplitude of miniature EPSCs that may subsequently contribute to abnormal behaviors, including decreased anxiety levels and defective learning and memory. Our results demonstrate a critical role for Brpf1 dosage in neuron dendrite arborization, spine morphogenesis and behavior and provide insight into the pathogenesis of BRPF1-related ID.
Equivalent allocation mechanisms ? A field experiment in Malawi

Targeting public spending on difficult-to-observe characteristics often relies on self selection, which may be sensitive to the mechanism used for allocation. This paper directly compares two incentive compatible allocation mechanisms for tree cultivation subsidies in Malawi: a sealed bid, uniform price procurement auction and a take it or leave it price offer. At the contract price, the price offer elicits a higher supply of contracts, but of average lower quality: after six months, significantly fewer trees are alive under the posted price treatment. In spite of its relative complexity, the auction reveals more private information and results in superior self selection. ∗Helpful comments were received from Hunt Allcott, Nava Ashraf, Christopher Avery, Abhijit Banerjee, Rajeev Dehejia, Esther Duflo, Rema Hanna, Darby Jack, Seema Jayachandran, Steve Polasky, Joseph Shapiro, Robert Stavins, Tristan Zajonc, Richard Zeckhauser, and seminar participants at Harvard University, MIT, Tufts University, UC Santa Barbara, University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Colorado, NEUDC and the 2010 ASSA meetings. Field work was facilitated by Brent Swallow, Olu Ajayi, Festus Akinnifesi, Stanley Mvula and Christopher Katema. Financial support was provided by the Sustainability Science Program, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Crump Fellowship, USAID, the EU, ICRAF and Ecobank Malawi. †Department of Economics, Tufts University, Braker Hall, Medford, MA 02155. Tel: (617) 595 3094. Fax: (617) 627 3917. Email: Kelsey.Jack@tufts.edu. Financial support was provided by the Sustainability Science Program at Harvard University, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Crump Fellowship, USAID, ICRAF and Ecobank Malawi.
Longterm Drug Survival of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective. To evaluate longterm drug survival (proportion of patients still receiving treatment) and discontinuation of etanercept (ETN), infliximab (IFX), adalimumab (ADA), certolizumab pegol (CZP), and golimumab (GOL) using observational data from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Following a systematic literature review, drug survival at 12 and 12–24 months of followup was estimated by summing proportions of patients continuing treatment and dividing by number of studies. Drug survival at ≥ 36 months of followup was estimated through Metaprop. Results. There were 170 publications included. In the first-line setting, drug survival at 12 months with ETN, IFX, or ADA was 71%, 69%, and 70%, respectively, while at 12–24 months the corresponding rates were 63%, 57%, and 59%. In the second-line setting, drug survival at 12 months with ETN, IFX, or ADA was 61%, 69%, and 55%, respectively, while at 12–24 months the corresponding rates were 53%, 39%, and 43%. Drug survival at ≥ 36 months with ETN, IFX, or ADA in the first-line setting was 59% (95% CI 46–72%), 49% (95% CI 43–54%), and 51% (95% CI 41–60%), respectively, while in the second-line setting the corresponding rates were 56% (95% CI 52–61%), 48% (95% CI 40–55%), and 41% (95% CI 36–47%). Discontinuation of ETN, IFX, and ADA at 36 months of followup was 38–48%, 42–62%, and 38–59%, respectively. Data on CZP and GOL were scarce. Conclusion. After > 12 months of followup, more patients with RA receiving ETN remain on treatment compared with other tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.
Association Between Dietary Selenium Intake and the Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: The aim was to examine the association between dietary selenium intake and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a large group of middle-aged and elderly Chinese persons. Method: The data included in this analysis were from a population-based study, the Xiangya Hospital Health Management Center Study. NAFLD was diagnosed by (1) imaging or histological evidence of hepatic steatosis; (2) absence of specific etiologies of NAFLD; and (3) no heavy consumption of alcohol. Dietary selenium intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between dietary selenium intake and the prevalence of NAFLD was evaluated using logistic and spline regression in a cross-sectional study of 5436 subjects. Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was 36.8%. Compared with the lowest quintile, the energy-adjusted odds ratios for NAFLD were 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.52), 1.30 (95% CI, 1.09–1.55), and 1.58 (95% CI, 1.33–1.89) for the third, fourth, and fifth quintiles of selenium intake, respectively, and there was a positive dose–response relationship (r = 0.88, p for trend = 0.008). Similar results were observed for men and women separately. The findings were not materially altered by adjustment for potential confounders (i.e., age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, activity level, nutritional supplements, energy intake, fat intake, fiber intake, cholesterol and saturated fatty acid intake). Conclusions: In this middle-aged and elderly population, subjects with higher dietary selenium intake, even below the recommended nutrient intake in China, had higher prevalence of NAFLD in a dose–response relationship manner.
Protective Effects of Phyllanthus amarus Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in Rats

Background: Phyllanthus amarus (PA) is widely studied for its hepatoprotective properties but has recently received increasing attention due to its diverse anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of PA in modulating immune responses in the central nervous system leading to protection against functional changes remain unexplored. Therefore, we sought to examine the protective effects of 80% v/v ethanol extract of PA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced non-spatial memory impairment and neuroinflammation. Methods: Selected major phytoconstituents of PA extract were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography. Subchronic neurotoxicity was performed in male Wistar rats given daily oral administration of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the PA extract. Their neurobehavioral activities (functional observation battery and locomotor activity) were scored, and the extracted brains were examined for neuropathological changes. Rats were treated orally with vehicle (5% Tween 20), PA extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), or ibuprofen (IBF; 40 mg/kg) for 14 and 28 days before being subjected to novel object discrimination test. All groups were challenged with LPS (1 mg/kg) given intraperitoneally a day prior to the behavioral tests except for the negative control group. At the end of the behavioral tests, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD11b/c integrin expression, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were determined in the brain tissues. Results: Gallic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, geraniin, niranthin, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, phyltetralin, and isonirtetralin were identified in the PA extract. Subchronic administration of PA extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) showed no abnormalities in neurobehavior and brain histology. PA extract administered at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 14 and 28 days effectively protected the rodents from LPS-induced memory impairment. Similar doses significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the release of proteins like TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS in the brain tissue. NO levels, CD11b/c integrin expression, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity were also reduced as compared with those in the LPS-challenged group. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with PA extract for 14 and 28 days was comparable with pre-treatment with IBF in prevention of memory impairment and alleviation of neuroinflammatory responses induced by LPS. Further studies are essential to identify the bioactive phytochemicals and the precise underlying mechanisms.
Effects of Implicit Prosody and Semantic Bias on the Resolution of Ambiguous Chinese Phrases

By manipulating the location of prosodic boundary and the semantic bias of the ambiguous “V+N1+de+N2” phrase, which is composed of one verb (V), one noun (N1), one functional word (de), and another noun (N2), this study investigated how prosodic boundary and the semantic bias affect the processing of temporary ambiguous sentences formed by the ambiguous phrase “V+N1+de+N2” through an eye movement experiment. We found the effect of prosodic boundary in the late processing stage and observed an interaction between prosodic boundary and the semantic bias of ambiguous phrases as well. The participants required more time for fixation and more regressions occurred when the meaning of the ambiguous phrase guided by prosodic boundary was inconsistent with context, especially when the ambiguous phrase was biased to the narrative-object phrase. This result suggests that prosodic boundary affects the processing of temporal ambiguous sentences and is influenced by the semantic bias of the ambiguous phrase. These findings provide further evidence from Chinese that indicate that implicit prosody plays a general role in language comprehension.