Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calcium Is a Major Determinant of Xylem Vulnerability to Cavitation

Xylem vulnerability to cavitation is a key parameter in the drought tolerance of trees, but little is known about the control mechanisms involved. Cavitation is thought to occur when an air bubble penetrates through a pit wall, and would hence be influenced by the wall's porosity. We first tested the role of wall-bound calcium in vulnerability to cavitation in Fagus sylvatica. Stems perfused with solutions of oxalic acid, EGTA, or sodium phosphate (NaPO4) were found to be more vulnerable to cavitation. The NaPO4-induced increase in vulnerability to cavitation was linked to calcium removal from the wall. In contrast, xylem hydraulic conductance was unaffected by the chemical treatments, demonstrating that the mechanisms controlling vulnerability to cavitation and hydraulic resistance are uncoupled. The NaPO4 solution was then perfused into stems from 13 tree species possessing highly contrasted vulnerability to cavitation. Calcium was found to be a major determinant of between-species differences in vulnerability to cavitation. This was evidenced in angiosperms as well as conifer species, thus supporting the hypothesis of a common mechanism in drought-induced cavitation.
Carbon debt of field-scale conservation reserve program grasslands converted to annual and perennial bioenergy crops

Over 5 million ha of US Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands have been converted to annual crops since 2000, driven mainly by demand for corn grain ethanol. Much of the soil carbon sequestered under CRP is lost upon conversion, creating a ‘carbon debt’ that is presumed to be repaid by future greenhouse gas (GHG) savings from ethanol’s substitution for petroleum. Model simulations, extrapolations, and national statistics rather than direct measurements have been used thus far to estimate the long-term global warming impact (GWI) of such conversions. Here we report measured GWIs for three 22-year-old CRP grassland fields and three conventionally tilled agricultural (AGR) fields (11–17 ha) converted to either annual no-till corn or perennial cellulosic (switchgrass or restored prairie) bioenergy crops. We assessed GWIs for each field over eight years using whole-system life cycle analysis (LCA) by measuring: (a) GHG fluxes via eddy covariance and static chamber methodologies, (b) farming operations and agronomic inputs, and (c) the fossil fuel offset by ethanol use. Payback times were much longer than those estimated by prior modeling efforts. After 8 years, cumulative GWIs of switchgrass, restored prairie, and corn at the CRP grasslands were, respectively, −2.6 ± 4.0, 6.9 ± 3.6 and 85.2 ± 5.1 Mg CO2-equivalent ha−1. The switchgrass system had repaid its carbon debt by year eight and the restored prairie will have likely repaid by year ten; however, the no-till corn system appears likely to require >300 years. The same bioenergy crops grown on former agricultural lands, with no sequestered carbon lost on conversion, repaid their carbon debts within two years. Results indicate that GWI estimates and carbon debt payback times due to conversion of CRP lands to annual bioenergy crops have been substantially underestimated by current models.
Aesthetic Dermatology for Aging Ethnic Skin

BACKGROUND Dark‐skinned patients manifest the signs of skin aging differently than their fair‐skinned counterparts in that the former exhibit more intrinsic facial aging, whereas the later shows more photodamage. Nevertheless, common cosmetic procedures can be used in skin of color to treat the signs of aging. OBJECTIVE To provide updated clinical information on the use of cosmetic procedures for skin aging in darker phototypes for the safe treatment of this population. METHODS A Medline literature search was performed for publications on the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser and light‐based devices, and microdermabrasion for the treatment of skin aging specifically in ethnic populations. RESULTS Similarly to light‐skinned patients, botulinum toxin and dermal fillers provide fast, effective results in skin of color, with fewer complications than with traditional surgery and no downtime. More‐invasive procedures, such as chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, and microdermabrasion, can also be effective, but it is important to exercise caution and remain within certain parameters given the greater risk of dyschromias in this population. CONCLUSION With the proper knowledge of how to treat aging skin of color, these patients can experience the benefits of cosmetic procedures while minimizing the risks. Erica C. Davis, MD, has no conflicts of interests to disclose. Valerie D. Callender, MD, is a consultant and speaker for Allergan, Medicis, Galderma, and Stiefel and a researcher for Medicis, Merz, and Allergan.
Novel roles of galectin‐1 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell adhesion, polarization, and in vivo tumor growth

Galectin‐1 (Gal‐1), a widely expressed β‐galactoside–binding protein, exerts pleiotropic biological functions. Gal‐1 is up‐regulated in hepatocarcinoma cells, although its role in liver pathophysiology remains uncertain. We investigated the effects of Gal‐1 on HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell adhesion and polarization. Soluble and immobilized recombinant Gal‐1 (rGal‐1) promoted HepG2 cell adhesion to uncoated plates and also increased adhesion to laminin. Antibody‐mediated blockade experiments revealed the involvement of different integrins as critical mediators of these biological effects. In addition, exposure to rGal‐1 markedly accelerated the development of apical bile canaliculi as shown by TRITC‐phalloidin labeling and immunostaining for multidrug resistance associated‐protein 2 (MRP2). Notably, rGal‐1 did not interfere with multidrug resistance protein 1/P‐glycoprotein or MRP2 apical localization, neither with transfer nor secretion of 5‐chloromethylfluorescein diacetate through MRP2. Stimulation of cell adhesion and polarization by rGal‐1 was abrogated in the presence of thiodigalactoside, a galectin‐specific sugar, suggesting the involvement of protein–carbohydrate interactions in these effects. Additionally, Gal‐1 effects were abrogated in the presence of wortmmanin, PD98059 or H89, suggesting involvement of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), mitogen‐activated protein kinase and cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent protein kinase signaling pathways in these functions. Finally, expression levels of this endogenous lectin correlated with HCC cell adhesion and polarization and up‐regulation of Gal‐1–favored growth of hepatocarcinoma in vivo. Conclusion: Our results provide the first evidence of a role of Gal‐1 in modulating HCC cell adhesion, polarization, and in vivo tumor growth, with critical implications in liver pathophysiology. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Bacterioplankton Community Shifts in an Arctic Lake Correlate with Seasonal Changes in Organic Matter Source

ABSTRACT Seasonal shifts in bacterioplankton community composition in Toolik Lake, a tundra lake on the North Slope of Alaska, were related to shifts in the source (terrestrial versus phytoplankton) and lability of dissolved organic matter (DOM). A shift in community composition, measured by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA genes, occurred at 4°C in near-surface waters beneath seasonal ice and snow cover in spring. This shift was associated with an annual peak in bacterial productivity ([14C]leucine incorporation) driven by the large influx of labile terrestrial DOM associated with snow meltwater. A second shift occurred after the flux of terrestrial DOM had ended in early summer as ice left the lake and as the phytoplankton community developed. Bacterioplankton communities were composed of persistent populations present throughout the year and transient populations that appeared and disappeared. Most of the transient populations could be divided into those that were advected into the lake with terrestrial DOM in spring and those that grew up from low concentrations during the development of the phytoplankton community in early summer. Sequencing of DNA in DGGE bands demonstrated that most bands represented single ribotypes and that matching bands from different samples represented identical ribotypes. Bacteria were identified as members of globally distributed freshwater phylogenetic clusters within the α- and β-Proteobacteria, the Cytophaga-Flavobacteria-Bacteroides group, and the Actinobacteria.
Hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin neurons exert sex-specific effects on pair bonding, gregariousness, and aggression in finches

Significance Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) modulate numerous social behaviors, including aggression, grouping, and pair bonding, and many sites of action are known. However, the sources of peptide at those sites remains largely unknown. All sites of action likely receive VP and OT from multiple cell groups (of 20 or more), through either direct innervation or paracrine signaling; thus, experimental manipulations are required to determine functions of individual cell groups. Relevant data are scarce, however. Using RNA interference, we found that OT and VP neurons of the paraventricular hypothalamus modulate various diverse behaviors, including grouping, opposite-sex aggression, pair bonding, intrapair affiliation, and stress coping. Hence paraventricular neurons are major contributors to the effects of VP-OT on behavior. Antagonism of oxytocin (OT) receptors (OTRs) impairs the formation of pair bonds in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and zebra finches (Taenioypygia guttata), and also reduces the preference for the larger of two groups (“gregariousness”) in finches. These effects tend to be stronger in females. The contributions of specific peptide cell groups to these processes remain unknown, however. This issue is complicated by the fact that OTRs in finches and voles bind not only forms of OT, but also vasopressin (VP), and >10 cell groups produce each peptide in any given species. Using RNA interference, we found that knockdown of VP and OT production in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus exerts diverse behavioral effects in zebra finches, most of which are sexually differentiated. Our data show that knockdown of VP production significantly reduces gregariousness in both sexes and exerts sex-specific effects on aggression directed toward opposite-sex birds (increases in males; decreases in females), whereas OT knockdown produces female-specific deficits in gregariousness, pair bonding, and nest cup ownership; reduces side-by-side perching in both sexes; modulates stress coping; and induces hyperphagia in males. These findings demonstrate that paraventricular neurons are major contributors to the effects of VP-OT peptides on pair bonding and gregariousness; reveal previously unknown effects of sex-specific peptide on opposite-sex aggression; and demonstrate a surprising lack of effects on same-sex aggression. Finally, the observed effects of OT knockdown on feeding and stress coping parallel findings in mammals, suggesting that OT modulation of these processes is evolutionarily conserved across the amniote vertebrate classes.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM SOLVENT EXPOSURE ON BLOOD CYTOKINE LEVELS AND ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN HOUSE PAINTERS

The aim of this study was to examine solvent-associated effects on blood cytokine levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in house painters. Trace element (Cu and Zn) and nitrite and nitrate levels as well as protein concentrations in erythrocytes and serum were determined. Thirty male house painters and 30 male clerical workers were included in the study. There were 13 smokers and 17 nonsmokers in each group. Hemoglobin concentrations were significantly lower in housepainter blood compared to controls. House painters had significantly higher concentrations of erythrocyte protein (excluding hemoglobin), whereas no significant difference was observed between serum protein levels. Proinflammatory cytokine levels, such as tumor necrosis factor- f and interleukin-8, were significantly increased in house painters' sera. Interleukin-6 was below the detection limit of the assay in both groups. Interleukin-1 g and cytokine receptor interleukin 2R concentrations were not significantly affected. Furthermore, a three- to fourfold increase in nitrite and nitrate concentrations was found in house painters' sera. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities were significantly lower in house painters compared to controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, a measure of lipid peroxidation, was found to be significantly elevated. In house painters, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase and catalase activities were elevated approximately 11- fold and 2-fold, respectively. Zinc levels were significantly decreased in house painters' sera. Smoking was not found to be a major confounder for the association between solvent exposure and blood parameters.
THE IMPACT OF FEMINISATION ON GENERAL PRACTICE

Abstract For centuries the medical world was exclusively a male domain. This is gradually changing all over the world. The first part of the article provides figures demonstrating that the number of women in general practice has significantly increased. This part also provides the most recent figures for Belgium. The feminisation has an important impact on “service volume”. Female physicians will produce fewer medical services than men. Moreover, whilst many young physicians in different European countries leave the profession after some time, this phenomenon is more prevalent among female than male general practitioners. In the second part the impact of feminisation at the qualitative level is considered from three points of view : – at the level of care: are women changing primary health care? – at the level of attitudes: do women have different interaction styles ? – at the level of organisation: do women have an impact on the way medical practices/surgeries are organised ? We conclude that feminisation can play an important role in the shortage of general practitioners in the future. This is a serious problem because many countries have placed responsibility for primary care with general practitioners. For the qualitative aspects women contribute to the introduction of favourable developments in medicine. Finally a number of points of attention and recommendations are given in the framework of the faculties’ “emancipatory potential” and for making sound policy in the men/women power planning for health governments.
Tactics of attack of football teams in the Champions League knockout phase in seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017

The aim of this study is to find out characteristics of tactics of attack of teams which play in the finals of the Champions Leagule by analyzing competition activities and also to use comparative analysis for the same competition in two competition seasons and point to the potential tendencies in tactical preparation of teams for the very end of the competition. The analysis involved quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals in seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, i.e. 13 matches in each season. The tactical action was analyzed by monitoring variables that describe the ways of beginning, realization and completion of successful attacks, but also the overall characteristics of play when a team was in ball possession (scope, success and speed of passing the ball). Results of this study showed that that there are no significant differences in tactical demonstration of teams that play the final round of the competition in two competition seasons. The application of continuous attacks is dominant, beginning by cutting a pass and winning “the second ball” on the opponent’s half, while the final pass is in most cases the centre and back lateral passing. However, significand difference was discovered only in efficiency during the passing game, which was significantly greater in the 2016/2017 season (p=0.013) and partially in the longer ball possession also in the 2016/2017 season. The kind of analysis in the field of foodball tactics is valuable because it provides a possibility to define the criteria for achieving results on the highest level, but to predict potential tendencies in developing offensive foodball tactics.
Screening pharmaceutical preparations containing extracts of turmeric rhizome, artichoke leaf, devil's claw root and garlic or salmon oil for antioxidant capacity

Pharmaceutical preparations derived from natural sources such as vegetables often contain compounds that contribute to the antioxidant defence system and apparently play a role in the protection against degenerative diseases. In the present study, commercial preparations containing extracts of turmeric, artichoke, devil's claw and garlic or salmon oil were investigated. The products were divided into fractions of different polarity, and their antioxidant activity was determined using the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay. This test is based on the efficacy of the test material to scavenge 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) derived radicals. Total phenols were determined in all fractions as well as specific carotenoids in the most lipophilic fraction to assess their contribution to the antioxidant activity. For comparison, the radical scavenging effect of selected constituents of the extracts such as curcumin, luteolin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, harpagoside, β‐carotene and α‐tocopherol was investigated and compared with that of Trolox. Curcumin, luteolin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid and β‐carotene showed an antioxidant activity superior to Trolox in the TEAC assay; harpagoside was barely active. All fractions of the turmeric extract preparation exhibited pronounced antioxidant activity, which was assigned to the presence of curcumin and other polyphenols. The antioxidant activity corresponding to the artichoke leaf extract was higher in the aqueous fractions than in the lipophilic fractions. Similarly, devil's claw extract was particularly rich in water‐soluble antioxidants. Harpagoside, a major compound in devil's claw, did not contribute significantly to its antioxidant activity. The antioxidant capacity of the garlic preparation was poor in the TEAC assay. That of salmon oil was mainly attributed to vitamin E, which is added to the product for stabilization. In all test preparations, the antioxidant activity was significantly correlated with the content of total phenolic compounds.
Uncertainty quantification (UQ) in generic MonteCarlo simulations

We present results from a recently launched project to study computational issues related to the quantification of non statistical uncertainties in numerical (Monte Carlo) simulations: they derive from different areas of the process of simulation[1], like e.g. epistemic uncertainties[2], experimental errors in physical data, error propagation from the employed numerical algorithms, etc., This paper addresses the development of methods to predict the effects of a set of correlated, partially correlated or uncorrelated physical uncertainties on the observables produced in a Monte Carlo simulation. It also provides some insight on the computational effort needed and on the possible software solutions to be implemented in the kernel of Monte Carlo codes to facilitate the quantification of uncertainty in experimental use cases.
‘The old-fashioned way’: conception and sex in serodiscordant relationships after ART

This paper explores heterosexual women's accounts of conception and sex within serodiscordant relationships in the period after the advent of Anti-Retroviral Treatment in Australia. It utilises Goffman's theory of stigma and narrative identity theory as a framework for analysis. Six women had planned and conceived pregnancies, four had an unexpected pregnancy and one was attempting to conceive. Accounts of conception usually consisted of a story that involved unprotected sex, once, for the purpose of conceiving. This included what they perceived to be an acceptable risk; one they were willing to take for the desired outcome. Two women gave accounts of artificial insemination. The conception story was usually constructed for the benefit of family and friends aware of the women's status thereby reinforcing the woman's identity as responsible and moral. However, most women revealed their partner did not like condoms and used them sporadically or not at all, directly contradicting the ‘conception story’. To justify their actions as informed and responsible, women constructed accounts around low viral load and female-to-male transmission. But a consequence of limited or no condom use was that some women reported worrying about ensuing stigma from their partner's and their families if their partner did seroconvert.
Analytical approach to multiple memoryless backoff contention analysis

The paper addresses the performance analysis of the multiple memoryless backoff contention in slotted-CSMA protocols. By multiple memoryless backoff (MMB) system we define a heterogeneous random access protocol when the contending stations sample from different numbers of contention slots, and the sampled backoff times are cancelled when the transmission is detected in the channel. The MMB contention occurs in practice in many random access networks usually due to different history of collisions experienced by particular stations (e.g. in binary exponential backoff in CSMA/CD IEEE 802.3, or in linear backoff used in predictive p-CSMA in LonTalk (ISO/IEC 14908). The MMB provides unequal allocation of bandwidth among the stations, and thus introduces unfairness in channel access. The paper contains derivations of analytical formulae for probabilities of successful and successful transmissions needed to determine throughput and mean access delay. Finally, sample numerical results for multiple memoryless backoff network are presented.
A Critical Link Between Heart Failure Self-care and Intrathoracic Impedance

Background:Effective self-care is regarded as essential to the management of heart failure (HF). The influence of self-care on HF decompensation, however, is not well understood. Accordingly, we examined the relationship between self-care and fluid accumulation accompanying worsening HF as indexed by decreasing intrathoracic impedance (Z). Methods:Z data were collected from 58 HF patients with OptiVol enabled devices (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Heart failure self-care was measured with the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale. Regression modeling was used to describe the influence of HF self-care on the likelihood of a fluid index (FI) threshold crossing, the number of threshold crossings, and number of days spent above threshold. Results:Patients were elderly (74.98 [SD, 8.12] years), with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 26.21% (SD, 9.77%), and 63.7% had class New York Heart Association III HF. Patients were followed up for 317 (SD, 96) days; 65.5% had FI threshold crossings (mean 1.45 [SD, 1.56] crossings), spending an average of 33.8 (SD, 42.4) days above FI threshold. Controlling for age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, functional class, and duration of follow-up, each additional point on the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale was associated with an increase in the odds of having had an FI threshold crossing (adjusted odds ratio, 1.201; 95% confidence interval, 1.013-1.424; P < .05) and more days spent above FI threshold (incidence rate ratio, 1.051; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-1.102; P < .05). Conclusion:Intrathoracic impedance measurements obtained from implantable devices provide important information regarding the influence of self-care on fluid accumulation in patients with HF.