Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RBR: a region-based routing protocol for mobile nodes in hybrid ad hoc networks

In hybrid ad hoc networks, mobile nodes can communicate not only with each other in a self-organizing manner, but also with nodes on wired networks for extensive information retrieval and dissemination. In this article we consider efficient routing operations between any two nodes in an ad hoc network that is linked to wired networks by an access point. To build routes with low routing overhead efficiently, we develop a new routing scheme of region-based routing (RBR), which utilizes hop counts between mobile nodes and the access point to localize a route discovery within a limited topological region. Limiting the region of route discovery results in fewer routing messages and therefore reduces routing overhead. Simulation results show that the RBR scheme greatly reduces routing overhead while preserving a high rate of success for route discovery to the destination
Clonal diversity and genetic differentiation in Ilex leucoclada M. patches in an old‐growth beech forest

We investigated clonal diversity within patches of Ilex leucoclada and genetic variation within and among patches using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in a 1‐ha plot within an old‐growth beech forest. We found 38 patches that exhibited a clumped distribution in the middle of the plot. We identified a total of 166 RAPD phenotypes among the 215 stems sampled from 27 patches that were completely within the plot. The population showed high clonal diversity within patches (mean number of genets relative to number of stems = 0.79; mean Simpson's D= 0.89). Variation in RAPD phenotypes among patches was highly significant (ΦST in the molecular variance analysis = 0.316, P < 0.001), indicating genetic differentiation among patches. Pairwise genetic distances, ΦST, among patches did not correlate with geographical distances among patches. The cluster analysis based on the genetic distances showed few clear clusters of patches, indicating no spatial genetic structure among patches. High levels of clonal diversity both within patches and within the population may be explained by multiple founders, seedling recruitment during patch‐formation, and somatic mutation. The significant genetic differentiation among patches may be caused by separate founding events and/or kin structuring within patches.
Origin and maintenance of the intestinal cancer stem cell

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the western world and its incidence is steadily increasing. Understanding the basic biology of both the normal intestine and of intestinal tumorigenesis is vital for developing appropriate and effective cancer therapies. However, relatively little is known about the normal intestinal stem cell or the hypothetical intestinal cancer stem cell, and there is much debate surrounding these areas. This review briefly describes our current understanding of the properties of both the intestinal stem cell and the intestinal cancer stem cell. We also discuss recent theories regarding the origin of the intestinal cancer stem cell, and the signals required for its maintenance and proliferation. Finally, we place the relevance of cancer stem cell research into context by discussing potential clinical applications of targeting the intestinal cancer stem cell. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meningioma and hormonal influences

Meningiomas are slow-growing benign brain tumors. The etiology of meningioma is largely unknown, and exposure to high-dose ionizing radiation and coexistence with certain rare genetic conditions explain only a small fraction of the incidence of the disease. The evidence that implicates gender-specific hormones in the pathogenesis of meningioma emanates from data showing increased growth of meningiomas during pregnancy and change in size during menses. Observational data have identified the menopause and oophorectomy as conferring protection against the risk of developing meningiomas, while adiposity is positively associated with the disease. These tumors are also positively associated with breast cancer, although they express a different gonadal steroid receptor repertoire. About 70% of meningiomas express progesterone receptors, while fewer than 31% express estrogen receptors. These observations suggest that progesterone influences tumor growth. A progesterone antagonist such as mifepristone therefore may inhibit tumor growth. The use of hormone replacement therapy in symptomatic postmenopausal women either with previously treated disease or with dormant tumors is discussed, but remains controversial.
Selling or Leasing? Pricing Information Goods with Depreciation of Consumer Valuation

Should a monopolistic vendor adopt the selling model or the leasing model for information goods or services? We study this question in the context of consumer valuation depreciation. Using a two-period game-theoretic model, we consider two types of consumer valuation depreciation for information goods or services: vintage depreciation and individual depreciation. Vintage depreciation assumes that a good or service loses some of its appeal to consumers as it becomes dated, and this effect persists independent of usage. Individual depreciation instead assumes that valuation depreciation happens only for consumers who have consumed or experienced the good or service. We identify conditions under which each pricing model is preferred. For vintage depreciation information goods, the leasing model dominates the selling model in vendor profit. For individual depreciation information goods, the selling model dominates the leasing model as long as the magnitude of individual depreciation exceeds a certain threshol.
Antibodies Against Deamidated Gliadin Peptides in Early-stage Celiac Disease

Background and Goals The widely used serum endomysial (EmA) and transglutaminase 2 (TG2-ab) antibodies predict forthcoming villous damage and celiac disease when the small-bowel mucosa structure is still normal. However, these autoantibodies may remain negative in this early stage of the disease. We hypothesized that the antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP-AGA) might appear before the other antibodies and would thus be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with early-stage celiac disease. Study Serum DGP-AGA, TG2-ab, and EmA were measured at baseline and after 1 year on a gluten-free diet in 42 adults proven to have early-stage celiac disease despite normal small-bowel mucosal morphology (Marsh I-II), and in 20 celiac subjects evincing villous atrophy (Marsh III). Thirty-nine subjects with no signs of celiac disease served as nonceliac controls. Results Sensitivity to detect early-stage celiac disease was 79% for DGP-AGA, 64% for TG2-ab, and 81% for EmA. Specificities were 95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The corresponding efficiencies of the tests were 89% for DGP-AGA, 81% for TG2-ab, and 91% for EmA. All 3 antibodies were significantly decreased on a gluten-free diet. Conclusions This study showed that the sensitivity of DGP-AGA was superior to TG2-ab and comparable to EmA in celiac patients having early-stage celiac disease with normal villous morphology. On the basis of these results, DGP-AGA would seem to offer a promising new method for case-finding and follow-up in this entity.
A decade of occupational accidents due to direct or indirect electrical contact in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors in Spain (2003–2012)

Occupational accidents caused by electrical contact are a major concern worldwide due to their severe consequences. The study conducted is based on an analysis of the evolution of incidence rates and dependence between variables for 14,022 electrical accidents occurring in Spain between 2003 and 2012. The results show that electrical accidents as a whole are 3.6 times more likely to have severe consequences than the rest of the accidents in the country. This proportion is even nine times greater in the case of fatal accidents. They also confirm a significant relationship between the severity of this type of accidents and the economic sector in which they occur. On the other hand, there is a positive trend in the reduction of the incidence rate, especially in relation to direct contact, although unexpectedly the rate of accidents due to indirect contact is on the rise. Thus, preventing electrical occupational accidents requires efforts to guarantee adequate training adapted to the needs of workers in the various economic sectors. Furthermore, those responsible for safety should work to implement mechanisms to monitor and control compliance with efficient protective measures against electrical contact.
Anatomical Changes Induced by Punctodera chalcoensis in Corn Roots.

Punctodera chalcoensis Stone et al. is a cyst nematode parasitizing corn (Zea mays L.) and teosinte (Zea mexicana (Schrad.) Kuntz) in Mexico (7). This nematode damages corn severely in Tlaxcala and Puebla states of Mexico (7). Pathogenic studies of P. chalcoensis on corn have been conducted in the greenhouse (2). Mundo-Ocampo and Baldwin (6) reported that P. chalcoensis induces a syncytium in roots. These authors suggested that Globodera, Heterodera, and Punctodera evolved from a common ancestor, in part because species in these genera induce similar syncytia. However, no description is given of the anatomical changes induced by P. chalcoensis, nor is the plant host mentioned. We studied the anatomical alterations induced by P. chalcoensis on corn (Zea mays cv. Criollo Chalquefio) roots. Corn roots infected with P. chalcoensis were collected from a field in Amecameca, Mexico. Roots were gently washed free of soil, cut in 4
Human lymphocyte subpopulations. Effect of corticosteroids.

Normal subjects given 60 mg of prednisone orally at 8:00 a.m. developed a transient lymphopenia at 2:00 p.m. To define the populations of lymphocytes affected the number and type of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were assayed. "Late" and "early" spontaneous sheep red blood cell rosettes were used as markers for thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes and one of its subpopulations, respectively. Receptors for aggregated gammaglobulin and complement identified bursal-equivalent or bone marrow-derived (B) lymphocytes and one of its subpopulations, respectively. 6 h after administration of 60 mg of prednisone, the blood samples showed a decrease in proportion of T cells from 69.2 +/- 2.1% to 55.9 +/- 2.8% (average +/- SE) and an increase in B-cell proportion from 21.3 +/- 2.0% to 44.8 +/- 4.1%. The changes of "early" rosettes and complement receptor lymphocytes also paralleled these. In all cases the absolute numbers of T cells and of B cells were decreased by prednisone. The density gradient distribution of the lymphocytes did not change after prednisone. These data indicate that both T and B lymphocytes are affected by the prednisone but that the T cell lymphopenia was more pronounced. The lymphopenia might reflect either sequestration in the marrow and/or transient arrest of recirculation.
The Oxford companion to British railway history : from 1603 to the 1990s

LIST OF EDITORIAL ADVISERS AND CONTRIBUTORS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INTRODUCTION NOTE ON THE MAPS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS NOTES FOR THE READER A-Z TEXT APPENDIX OF RAILWAYS ACT, FIRST SCHEDULE 1921 APPENDIX OF IMPERIAL AND METRIC MEASURES APPENDIX OF HISTORICAL MONEY VALUES SECTIONAL MAPS OF THE RAILWAY NETWORK IN 1922.
Human natural killer cell deficiencies

Purpose of review Human natural killer cell deficiencies are a relevant clinical entity that provides insight into the role of natural killer cells in host defense, as well as the basic biology of natural killer cells. Since previously reviewing these disorders, significant developments warrant their reconsideration. Recent findings Human natural killer cell deficiencies can occur as part of a more pervasive immunodeficiency syndrome or, rarely, in isolation. The most informative examples of the former are in the context of a known genetic defect, because the deficiency of natural killer cell development or activity can be attributed to the specific gene function. Since last reviewed, there are five human gene mutations that are now appreciated to affect natural killer cells, and additional new insights into natural killer cell biology have been obtained through seven others. Six new reports of isolated natural killer cell deficiencies, as well as a suggested classification scheme, are also reviewed. Summary Appreciation of human genetic syndromes that include natural killer cell deficiencies, as well as new cases of isolated natural killer cell deficiencies, continue to advance the understanding of natural killer cell biology and solidify the role of natural killer cells in defense against human herpesviral infection.
Tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids of Agrobacterium share extensive regions of DNA homology

Labeled Ti plasmid DNAs from diverse Agrobacterium strains were hybridized to Southern blots of pTi-B6-806 plasmid DNA digest fragments of known map order. The map location of DNA sequences common to all Ti plasmids was found to be extensive, consistent with the view that Ti plasmids have evolved from a common ancestral plasmid.
Designing Social Interventions to Improve Newcomer Adjustment: Insights from the Indian Sex Worker Community

Nonprofit organizations use social interventions to improve the negative circumstances of marginalized people in subsistence markets. Unfortunately, such intervention efforts are frequently characterized by poor outcomes. Aiming to identify characteristics of effective social interventions, the authors examine the impact of contact intensity and cohort size, in conjunction with external and internal peer influence, on the newcomer adjustment (i.e., socialization) of marginalized people in subsistence markets to social interventions. The authors test the framework using data from members of the sex worker community in India who completed a vocational training program intended to improve their employability outside the sex trade. The findings indicate that the effects of social intervention characteristics, contact intensity, and cohort size on newcomer adjustment to the intervention are positively and negatively affected by the influence of external and internal peers; newcomer adjustment, in turn, influences employment outcomes. The authors conclude with a discussion of the importance of considering social intervention characteristics and social-related factors to help marginalized people in subsistence markets adjust to the interventions' proposed behavioral changes.
Phagosome dynamics during phagocytosis by neutrophils

The neutrophil is a key player in immunity, and its activities are essential for the resolution of infections. Neutrophil‐pathogen interactions usually trigger a large arsenal of antimicrobial measures that leads to the highly efficient killing of pathogens. In neutrophils, the phagocytic process, including the formation and maturation of the phagosome, is in many respects very different from that in other phagocytes. Although the complex mechanisms that coordinate the membrane traffic, oxidative burst, and release of granule contents required for the microbicidal activities of neutrophils are not completely understood, it is evident that they are unique and differ from those in macrophages. Neutrophils exhibit more rapid rates of phagocytosis and higher intensity of oxidative respiratory response than do macrophages. The phagosome maturation pathway in macrophages, which is linked to the endocytic pathway, is replaced in neutrophils by the rapid delivery of preformed granules to nonacidic phagosomes. This review describes the plasticity and dynamics of the phagocytic process with a special focus on neutrophil phagosome maturation.
The Association between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Gut Microbiota Composition in Premenopausal Women

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and gut microbiota composition in premenopausal women. The participants consisted of 71 premenopausal Finnish women (aged 19–49 years). Gut microbiota were analyzed using flow cytometry, 16S rRNA gene hybridization and DNA-staining. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was assessed by respiratory gas analyzer and body composition by Bioimpdance. We found that participants with low VO2max had lower Bacteroides, but higher Eubacterium rectale-Clostridium coccoides than the high VO2max group (p < 0.05 for all). VO2max was inversely associated with EreC (r = −0.309, p = 0.01) but not with other bacteria. VO2max also negatively correlated with fat% (r = −0.755, p < 0.001), triglycerides (r = −0.274, p = 0.021) and leptin (r = −0.574, p < 0.001). By contrast, EreC was positively associated with fat% (r = 0.382, p = 0.002), dietary fat intake (r = 0.258, p = 0.034), triglycerides (r = 0.390, p = 0.002) and leptin (r = 0.424, p = 0.001), but negatively with carbohydrate intake (r = −0.252, p = 0.034) and HDL (r = −0.26, p = 0.028). After adjusting for age and dietary intake, all the significant associations remained. However, after adjusting for fat%, the associations between VO2max and EreC disappeared. Our results suggest that cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with gut microbiota composition, independent of age and carbohydrate or fat intake. The association between VO2max and EreC, however, appears to be mediated by body fatness.
Reliability, availability and maintenance aspects of large-scale offshore wind farms, a concepts study

The DOWEC projects aims at implementation of large wind turbines in large scale wind farms. part of the DOWEC project a concepts study was performed regarding the achievable reliability and availability levels. A reduction with a factor of 2 with regard to the present state of the art seems fairly easy achievable. This is however not sufficient for application at more exposed sites. Availability levels are lower than targeted, but moreover the O&M cost turn out to be substantially higher than initially anticipated. The main cause for the high O&M costs is the rather frequent need for an expensive external crane vessel. A second design round is necessary to reconsider the reliability levels adopted for almost all concepts. Furthermore a more "farm like design approach" is needed to reduce major maintenance cost and increase availability.
Ambulatory Labor Epidural Analgesia: Bupivacaine Versus Ropivacaine

Dilute concentrations of bupivacaine combined with fentanyl have recently been used to initiate labor epidural analgesia in an attempt to balance adequate analgesia and minimal maternal motor blockade. Similar concentrations of ropivacaine have not been evaluated. This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study was designed to compare the efficacy of 20 mL of either 0.08% bupivacaine plus 2 &mgr;g/mL fentanyl or 0.08% ropivacaine plus 2 &mgr;g/mL fentanyl to initiate ambulatory labor epidural analgesia. Forty nulliparous women in early (≤5 cm) established labor received either 20 mL of 0.08% bupivacaine plus 2 &mgr;g/mL fentanyl (BF) or 0.08% ropivacaine plus 2 &mgr;g/mL fentanyl (RF) to initiate epidural analgesia. One woman (BF) required supplemental analgesia, and two (one BF and one RF) had visual analog scale scores > 0 but < 20 at 20 min. The time (mean ± sd) to visual analog scale score = 0 was BF (n = 18): 12.0 ± 4.5 min and RF (n = 19): 12.4 ± 4.0 min (P > 0.05). Spontaneous micturition was observed in 65% (13 of 20) BF compared with 100% (20 of 20) RF (P < 0.01), and ambulation was demonstrated in 75% (15 of 20) BF compared with 100% (20 of 20) RF (P < 0.03). The incidence of forceps delivery was 35% (7 of 20) BF compared with 10% (2 of 20) RF (P < 0.04). The results of this study indicate that dilute ropivacaine combined with fentanyl effectively initiates epidural analgesia while concurrently preserving maternal ability to void and ambulate. Implications As compared with a similar dilute concentration of bupivacaine, 20 mL of dilute (0.08%) ropivacaine combined with fentanyl (2 &mgr;g/mL) effectively initiates epidural analgesia in nulliparous women in early, established labor while preserving their ability to micturate and ambulate. Of importance, it appears that a true ambulatory epidural analgesic for women in labor is now possible.
Suppression of corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension in sheep by anecortave.

OBJECTIVE To confirm the ocular hypotensive effects of anecortave acetate on an ovine model for steroid-induced ocular hypertension. Eyes of normal sheep exhibit a robust steroid-induced ocular hypertensive response. Recent observations in an uncontrolled, interventional case series indicated that anecortave elicited hypotensive effects when administered as a sub-Tenon depot in the eyes of a small sample of patients with glaucoma. METHODS Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored by Perkins applanation tonometry in 16 normal sheep receiving topically administered prednisolone acetate, 0.5%, in both eyes, 3 times daily, a protocol that doubled IOP within 12 days. Half of the sheep had received a unilateral sub-Tenon injection of anecortave in 1 eye prior to the initiation of the bilateral prednisolone instillations, while the 8 remaining sheep received the unilateral anecortave sub-Tenon depot after the IOP was maximally elevated by the prednisolone instillations. RESULTS In these 2 sets of experiments, the presence of the anecortave depot suppressed the steroid-induced IOP elevation and reverted the elevated IOP to baseline levels. Measurements of aqueous outflow facility indicated that eyes treated with prednisolone plus anecortave exhibited a 5.8-fold higher outflow facility than the fellow eyes solely exposed to prednisolone, indicating that anecortave prevented the increase in outflow resistance produced by the corticosteroid. CONCLUSION Elucidation of the mechanisms of action of anecortave in animal models may prove relevant to the design of novel interventions for the management of primary open-angle glaucoma.
Novel export control of a Legionella Dot/Icm substrate is mediated by dual, independent signal sequences

The Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm T4SS injects ∼ 300 protein effector proteins into host cells. Dot/Icm substrates have been proposed to contain a carboxy‐terminal signal sequence that is necessary and sufficient for export, although both traits have been demonstrated for only a small fraction of these proteins. In this study, we discovered that export of the substrate SidJ is mediated by dual signal sequences that include a conventional C‐terminal domain and a novel internal motif. The C‐terminal signal sequence facilitates secretion of SidJ into host cells at early points of infection, whereas the internal signal sequence mediates secretion at later time points. Interestingly, only the internal signal sequence is necessary for complementation of the intracellular growth defect of a ΔsidJ mutant. Although this is the first report of a Dot/Icm substrate being secreted by an internal signal sequence, many other substrates may be exported in a similar manner. In addition, efficient translocation of SidJ is dependent on the chaperone‐like type IV adaptors IcmS/IcmW. Five IcmS/IcmW binding domains that are distinct from both signal sequences were elucidated and, interestingly, only secretion mediated by the internal signal sequence requires IcmS/IcmW. Thus, Legionella employs multiple sophisticated molecular mechanisms to regulate the export of SidJ.