Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking Italy and the Balkans. A Y-chromosome perspective from the Arbereshe of Calabria

Background: The Arbereshe are an Albanian-speaking ethno-linguistic minority who settled in Calabria (southern Italy) about five centuries ago. Aim: This study aims to clarify the genetic relationships between Italy and the Balkans through analysis of Y-chromosome variability in a peculiar case study, the Arbereshe. Subject and methods: Founder surnames were used as a means to identify a sample of individuals that might trace back to the Albanians at the time of their establishment in Italy. These results were compared with data of more than 1000 individuals from Italy and the Balkans. Results: The distributions of haplogroups (defined using 31 UEPs) and haplotypes (12 STRs) show that the Italian and Balkan populations are clearly divergent from each other. Within this genetic landscape, the Arbereshe are characterized by two peculiarities: (a) they are a clear outlier in the Italian genetic background, showing a strong genetic affinity with southern Balkans populations; and (b) they retain a high degree of genetic diversity. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that the surname-chosen Arbereshe are representative of the Y-chromosome genetic variability of the Albanian founder population. Accordingly, the Arbereshe genetic structure can contribute to the interpretation of the recent biological history of the southern Balkans. Intra-haplogroup analyses suggest that this area may have experienced important changes in the last five centuries, resulting in a marked increase in the frequency of haplogroups I2a and J2.
Neuronal Classes in the Isocortex of a Monotreme, the Australian Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

We have used Valverde-Golgi and Golgi-Colonnier techniques to analyze cortical neuronal morphology in four regions (frontal cortex, primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, primary visual cortex) of the isocortex of the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Eight classes of neurons could be identified – pyramidal, spinous bipolar, aspinous bipolar, spinous bitufted, aspinous bitufted, spinous multipolar, aspinous multipolar and neurogliaform. All except the pyramidal neurons were morphologically similar to neuronal classes seen in eutherian and metatherian isocortex. Pyramidal neurons made up a small proportion of all cortical neurons encountered in our preparations of echidna cortex (34% in visual cortex, 35% in somatosensory cortex, 41% in frontal cortex and 49% in motor cortex) compared to both reported values in eutherian cortex and values we found in rat cortex impregnations prepared in an identical fashion to the echidna material (75% in rat motor and 78% in rat somatosensory cortex). Many pyramidal neurons in the echidna isocortex were atypical (30–42% depending on region) with inverted somata, short or branching apical dendrites and/or few basal dendrites, very different from the usual pyramidal neuron morphology in eutherian cortex. Dendritic spine density on apical and basal dendrites of echidna pyramidal neurons in somatosensory cortex and apical dendrites of motor cortex pyramidal neurons was also lower than that found in the rat. The present findings are consistent with both pyramidal neurons and the many diverse types of non-pyramidal neurons having already emerged as discrete morphological entities very early in mammalian cortical evolution, at the time of divergence of the therian and prototherian lineage.
An Adenovirus Linked to Mortality and Disease in Long-Tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis) in Alaska

Abstract SUMMARY. An adenovirus was isolated from intestinal samples of two long-tailed ducks (Clangula hyemalis) collected during a die-off in the Beaufort Sea off the north coast of Alaska in 2000. The virus was not neutralized by reference antiserum against known group I, II, or III avian adenoviruses and may represent a new serotype. The prevalence of the virus was determined in live-trapped long-tailed ducks at the mortality site and at a reference site 100 km away where no mortality was observed. Prevalence of adenovirus antibodies in serum samples at the mortality site was 86% compared to 10% at the reference site. Furthermore, 50% of cloacal swabs collected at the mortality site and only 7% of swabs from the reference site were positive for adenoviruses. In 2001, no mortality was observed at either of the study areas, and virus prevalence in both serum and cloacal samples was low, providing further evidence that the adenovirus was linked to the mortality event in 2000. The virus was used to infect long-tailed ducks under experimental conditions and resulted in lesions previously described for avian adenovirus infections and similar to those observed in long-tailed duck carcasses from the Beaufort Sea. The status of long-tailed ducks has recently become a concern in Alaska due to precipitous declines in breeding populations there since the mid-1970s. Our findings suggest that the newly isolated adenovirus is a disease agent and source of mortality in long-tailed ducks, and thus could be a contributing factor in population declines.
Prostacyclin Prevents Murine Lung Cancer Independent of the Membrane Receptor by Activation of Peroxisomal Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ

Overexpression of prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) decreases lung tumor multiplicity in chemical- and cigarette-smoke–induced murine lung cancer models. Prostacyclin signals through a single G-protein–coupled receptor (IP), which signals through cyclic AMP. To determine the role of this receptor in lung cancer chemoprevention by prostacyclin, PGIS-overexpressing mice were crossed to mice that lack the IP receptor [IP(−/−)]. Carcinogen-induced lung tumor incidence was similar in IP(+/+), IP(+/−), and IP(−/−) mice, and overexpression of PGIS gave equal protection in all three groups, indicating that the protective effects of prostacyclin are not mediated through activation of IP. Because prostacyclin can activate members of the peroxisomal proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) family of nuclear receptors, we examined the role of PPARγ in the protection of prostacyclin against lung tumorigenesis. Iloprost, a stable prostacyclin analogue, activated PPARγ in nontransformed bronchial epithelial cells and in a subset of human non–small-cell lung cancer cell lines. Iloprost-impregnated chow fed to wild-type mice resulted in elevated lung macrophages and decreased lung tumor formation. Transgenic animals with lung-specific PPARγ overexpression also developed fewer lung tumors. This reduction was not enhanced by administration of supplemental iloprost. These studies indicate that PPARγ is a critical target for prostacyclin-mediated lung cancer chemoprevention and may also have therapeutic activity.
SPATIALLY RESOLVED STAR FORMATION MAIN SEQUENCE OF GALAXIES IN THE CALIFA SURVEY

The “main sequence of galaxies”—defined in terms of the total star formation rate ψ versus the total stellar mass M*—is a well-studied tight relation that has been observed at several wavelengths and at different redshifts. All earlier studies have derived this relation from integrated properties of galaxies. We recover the same relation from an analysis of spatially resolved properties, with integral field spectroscopic (IFS) observations of 306 galaxies from the CALIFA survey. We consider the SFR surface density in units of log(M⊙ yr−1 Kpc−2) and the stellar mass surface density in units of log(M⊙ Kpc−2) in individual spaxels that probe spatial scales of 0.5–1.5 Kpc. This local relation exhibits a high degree of correlation with small scatter (σ = 0.23 dex), irrespective of the dominant ionization source of the host galaxy or its integrated stellar mass. We highlight (i) the integrated star formation main sequence formed by galaxies whose dominant ionization process is related to star formation, for which we find a slope of 0.81 ± 0.02; (ii) for the spatially resolved relation obtained with the spaxel analysis, we find a slope of 0.72 ± 0.04; and (iii) for the integrated main sequence, we also identified a sequence formed by galaxies that are dominated by an old stellar population, which we have called the retired galaxies sequence.
Feedback Actigraphy and Sleep among Long-Haul Truck Drivers

This pilot intervention study evaluated the effect of feedback actigraphy on sleep and sleep-related variables in a group of long-haul truck drivers. Visual feedback from actigraphs provided cues to the truck drivers, alerting them to their accumulated sleep times. Exposure to the cues was hypothesized to lead truck drivers to modify their behavior and result in improvement in sleep and sleep-related variables. It was predicted that exposure to feedback actigraphy would be associated with more sleep (quantity), better sleep (quality), a more positive attitude toward sleep, less subjective sleepiness, and increased control over sleep behavior by the sample.
Inferred metagenomic comparison of mucosal and fecal microbiota from individuals undergoing routine screening colonoscopy reveals similar differences observed during active inflammation

The mucosal microbiota lives in close proximity with the intestinal epithelium and may interact more directly with the host immune system than the luminal/fecal bacteria. The availability of nutrients in the mucus layer of the epithelium is also very different from the gut lumen environment. Inferred metagenomic analysis for microbial function of the mucosal microbiota is possible by PICRUSt. We recently found that by using this approach, actively inflamed tissue of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients have mucosal communities enriched for genes involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, and reduced for carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism. Here, we find that the same bacterial taxa (e.g. Acinetobacter) and predicted microbial pathways enriched in actively inflamed colitis tissue are also enriched in the mucosa of subjects undergoing routine screening colonoscopies, when compared with paired samples of luminal/fecal bacteria. These results suggest that the mucosa of healthy individuals may be a reservoir of aerotolerant microbial communities expanded during colitis.
Distribution, abundance and conservation status of the eastern Taiwan Strait population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis

Abstract In 2002, a small population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Sousa chinensis, was discovered in the coastal waters of the eastern Taiwan Strait. Serious conservation concerns about this population led to a survey of most of the coastal waters of western Taiwan to better understand the status of this population. Surveys were conducted from boats (inshore waters) and a sea-kayak or land-based platforms (littoral waters inshore of large sandbars). Humpback dolphins were sighted 35 times, all within a stretch of inshore waters approximately 100 km (linear distance) and within 2 km from shore (none were observed in littoral waters). Including consideration of other records of this species, the main distribution of these dolphins was estimated to be approximately 515 km2 of water off central western Taiwan, where industrialization is a serious and rapidly increasing issue. The population's abundance and density were estimated to be 99 individuals (coefficient of variation 51.6%) and 19.3 individuals/100 km2, respectively, which is quite low when compared to the Pearl River estuary population. Assessing this population using the IUCN Red List criteria resulted in a “Critically Endangered” categorization, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
Method for Computing the Nonlinear Refractive Index via Keldysh Theory

A procedure for computation of the nonlinear refractive index of a gaseous medium from the intensity dependence of the ionization rate is reported. The ionization rate is calculated from Keldysh theory via a Kramers-Kronig transform. Peremolov-Popov-Terent'ev (PPT) theory is analyzed in the perturbative limit of multiphoton ionization for a completely analytical expression for the nonlinear refractive index. The method requires knowledge of only the particle density and the ionization energy of the gas. Example calculations are performed for the inert gases and compared to experimental data and atomic model calculations for the hyperpolarizability of the respective media. Excellent agreement between reference data and the computed values derived from the Kramers-Kronig transform is found in the visible and infrared spectral range. Additionally, higher-order nonlinear refraction is discussed.
Association between dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease: a cross‐sectional study in the middle‐aged and elderly Chinese population

Background Dyslipidemia, a well‐known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is common in patients with kidney disease. Recent studies discerned that dyslipidemias play a critical role in renal damage progression in renal diseases, but the association between dyslipidemias and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population remains unknown. Thus, we assessed whether the growing prevalence of dyslipidemia could increase the risk of CKD. Methods A total of 4779 middle‐aged and elderly participants participated in this study. Dyslipidemias were defined by the 2007 Guidelines in Chinese Adults. Incident CKD was defined as albuminuria and/or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, <60 ml•min‐1•1.73 m‐2). Regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between dyslipidemia and albuminuria/reduced eGFR. Results Participants with hypercholesterolemia exhibited a greater prevalence of albuminuria and reduced eGFR (10.0% vs. 6.1%, P=0.001; 4.0% vs. 2.4%, P=0.028, respectively). Both hypercholesterolemia and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were independently associated with albuminuria (odds ratio (OR) 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08‐2.07 and OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.13‐2.09, respectively). The multivariable adjusted OR of reduced eGFR in participants with hypercholesterolemia was 1.65 (95% CI 1.03‐2.65). As the number of dyslipidemia components increased, so did the OR of CKD: 0.87 (95% CI 0.65‐1.15), 1.29 (95% CI, 0.83‐2.01), and 7.87 (95% CI, 3.75‐16.50) for albuminuria, and 0.38 (95% CI 0.21‐0.69), 1.92 (95% CI 1.14‐3.25), and 5.85 (95% CI 2.36‐14.51) for reduced eGFR, respectively. Conclusions Our findings indicate that dyslipidemias increase the risk of CKD in the middle‐aged and elderly Chinese population. Hypercholesterolemia plays an important role in reducing total eGFR. Both low HDL‐C and hypercholesterolemia are associated with an increased risk for albuminuria.
Toluidine blue-containing polymers exhibit potent bactericidal activity when irradiated with red laser light

Toluidine blue and toluidine blue-nanogold mixtures were incorporated into polyurethane and silicone polymers by a swell-encapsulation-shrink method using acetone-water mixtures. The surface and mechanical properties of the polymers were changed by the swell-shrink process especially the Young's modulus, but not by the introduction of toluidine blue or nanogold. The antibacterial properties of the various polymers were assessed under laser irradiation at 634 nm against Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The toluidine blue-incorporated polymers showed kills of (>105 cfu/ml) for MRSA after just one minute of exposure. This is, to our knowledge, the most potent light-activated antimicrobial polymer combination reported to date.
Multiple Defects, Including Premature Apoptosis, Prevent Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Replication in Murine Cells

ABSTRACT The development of a mouse model for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection has been impeded by the limited host range of the virus. Here, we have examined the molecular basis of this host range restriction. KSHV efficiently enters murine cells and establishes latency. However, ectopic expression of the lytic switch protein RTA (replication and transcription activator) in these cells induces little viral gene expression and no virus production. Upon treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors, KSHV-infected murine cells display more extensive but aberrant viral transcription and do not support either viral DNA synthesis or the production of infectious virions. These aberrantly infected cells also display markedly enhanced apoptosis. Genetic ablation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in these cells prolongs their survival and permits viral DNA replication but does not rescue the generation of virions. We conclude that multiple defects, both prior to and following DNA synthesis, restrict lytic KSHV infection in murine cells.
Variables of patient‐controlled analgesia 2. concurrent infusion

The effectiveness of morphine after surgery by patient‐controlled analgesia alone or with a concurrent infusion was studied. The infusion did not reduce the dose of self‐administered analgesic and patients treated in this way received twice as much drug as those who used patient‐controlled analgesia alone. Pain control was similar in both groups. The practice of patient‐controlled analgesia plus infusion requires critical review.
Traumatic acute extradural haematoma – Indications for surgery revisited

Abstract Extradural haematomas (EDH) occur in approximately 2% of all head injuries but account for a significant proportion of fatal head injuries with mortality rates ranging from 1.2 to 33%. The expeditious surgical evacuation of EDH is associated with an excellent prognosis and is considered the most cost-effective operation performed by neurosurgeons. The Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF) has produced informative guidance on the management of EDH. The criteria laid out for conservative management comprises non-comatose patients with EDH less than 30 cm in volume, less than 15 mm thick and causing less than 5 mm midline shift. The BTF recommends that all patients with an EDH volume of greater than 30 cm3 should undergo surgical evacuation regardless of Glasgow Coma Scale. This recommendation was based upon early case series and cohort studies from two decades. Within an ageing population, we now see many older patients who may accommodate greater extra-axial blood volumes. With this in mind, we believe the indications for surgical evacuation of EDH merit renewed consideration.
Unravelling emotional viewpoints on a bio-based economy using Q methodology

A transition to a bio-based economy will affect society and requires collective action from a broad range of stakeholders. This includes the public, who are largely unaware of this transition. For meaningful public engagement people’s emotional viewpoints play an important role. However, what the public’s emotions about the transition are and how they can be taken into account is underexposed in public engagement literature and practice. This article aims to unravel the public’s emotional views of the bio-based economy as a starting point for public engagement. Using Q methodology with visual representations of a bio-based economy we found four emotional viewpoints: (1) compassionate environmentalist, (2) principled optimist, (3) hopeful motorist and (4) cynical environmentalist. These provide insight into the distinct and shared ways through which members of the public connect with the transition. Implications for public engagement are discussed.
The Wonderful World of Nonlinearity : A Distinguished Microwave Lecture on the Modeling and Characterization of RF and Microwave Circuits

This article summarizes my IEEE Distinguished Microwave Lecture "The Wonderful World of Nonlinearity: Modeling and Characterization of RF and Microwave Circuits. " Conceived for nonexperts, the lecture aims to catch the attention of an audience of either graduate students or practicing engineers, whose undergraduate preparation in nonlinear analysis typically is insufficient to help them deal with even the simplest nonlinear wireless RF subsystems. Rather than any current hot topics in microwave technology, the focus is on the varied roles nonlinearity plays in many microwave circuits.
Evidence for weak oceanic transform faults

We present the results of a series of 3‐D boundary element calculations to investigate the effects of oceanic transform faults on stress state and fault development at adjacent mid‐ocean ridge spreading centers. We find that the time‐averaged strength of transform faults is low, and that on time scales longer than a typical earthquake cycle transform faults behave as zones of significant weakness. Specifically, mechanical coupling of only ∼5% best explains the observed patterns of strike‐slip and oblique normal faulting near a ridge‐transform intersection. On time scales shorter than a typical earthquake cycle, transient “locked” periods can produce anomalous reverse faulting similar to that observed at the inside corner (IC) of several slow‐spreading ridge segments. Furthermore, we predict that extensional stresses will be suppressed at the IC due to the shear along the transform resisting ridge‐normal extension. This implies that an alternative mechanism is necessary to explain the preferential normal fault growth and enhanced microseismicity observed at many ICs.
Transient Airway Colonization Is Associated with Airway Inflammation After Lung Transplantation

Lower airway tract colonization may trigger neutrophil‐mediated airway inflammation. We investigated whether transient airway colonization influences airway inflammation and pulmonary function after lung transplantation (LTx). In this retrospective study, stable LTx patients with consecutive broncho‐alveolar lavages (BAL), the first colonized and the second noncolonized, were included to create a Pooled group (P, n = 32) and a Gram Negative (GN, n = 14), Gram Positive (GP, n = 9) and Fungi (F, n = 9) subgroup. Similarly, LTx patients with consecutive, noncolonized BAL samples were included as Control group (C, n = 19). BAL analysis (cell counts, IL6, IL8) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1) were compared between groups. In the P group and the GN subgroup, colonized BAL samples showed a significant increase in total cells, neutrophilia and IL8‐concentration and a significant decrease in FEV1, even when compared with the matched samples of the C group. A significant increase in neutrophilia was observed in the GP subgroup, but no other significant difference was found either in the GP and F subgroup or the C group. IL6 levels were not significantly different between groups. Transient airway colonization, especially with Pseudomonas‐like GN bacteria, in stable LTx patients may be associated with IL8‐dependent neutrophilic airway inflammation and a, albeit subtle, decrease in FEV1.
Invasive aspergillosis with polyarthritis

We report a case of septic arthritis of multiple joints in an 18‐year‐old male caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. His initial presentation was of low‐grade fever followed by involvement of both knee and ankle joints. Later, there was also involvement of metacarpophalangeal joints. Diagnosis was based on biopsy and culture of the skin and joint lesions. The symptoms resolved readily under administration of itraconazole. We recommend that clinicians should be alerted of potential fungal etiology in cases of fever and chronic arthritis, which is unresponsive to conventional medical therapy.