Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary relationships of a plant-pathogenic mycoplasmalike organism and Acholeplasma laidlawii deduced from two ribosomal protein gene sequences

The families within the class Mollicutes are distinguished by their morphologies, nutritional requirements, and abilities to metabolize certain compounds. Biosystematic classification of the plant-pathogenic mycoplasmalike organisms (MLOs) has been difficult because these organisms have not been cultured in vitro, and hence their nutritional requirements have not been determined nor have physiological characterizations been possible. To investigate the evolutionary relationship of the MLOs to other members of the class Mollicutes, a segment of a ribosomal protein operon was cloned and sequenced from an aster yellows-type MLO which is pathogenic for members of the genus Oenothera and from Acholeplasma laidlawii. The deduced amino acid sequence data from the rpl22 and rps3 genes indicate that the MLOs are more closely related to A. laidlawii than to animal mycoplasmas, confirming previous results from 16S rRNA sequence comparisons. This conclusion is also supported by the finding that the UGA codon is not read as a tryptophan codon in the MLO and A. laidlawii, in contrast to its usage in Mycoplasma capricolum.
Male Roles in Families “at Risk”: The Ecology of Child Maltreatment

Research on child development has increasingly emphasized the complexity of developmental processes, and this reconceptualization is reflected in recent research on the effects of child maltreatment as well. The articles in this special issue illustrate the value of studying maltreatment in the context of children's relationships, not only with their biological mothers, but with biological fathers and father figures as well. Ambiguities remain, however, suggesting that we need to know much more about the quality and longevity of the relationships between these men and both their partners and surrogate children to understand their roles and impact more fully.
Meiotic arrest as an alternative to increase the production of bovine embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer

Summary This study aimed to evaluate the effect of meiotic arrest using phosphodiesterase type 3A (PDE 3A) inhibitors, cilostamide and C-type natriuretic peptide (NPPC), on pre-maturation (PM) of oocytes to be used in the production of cloned embryos. Nuclear maturation, in vitro embryo production (IVP), somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and parthenogenetic activation (PA), and total cells number of cloned embryos were evaluated. The results were analysed by chi-squared and Kruskal–Wallis test with a P-value <0.05 considered to be significant. Approximately 87.8% of the oocytes remained at germinal vesicle stage (GV) after 6 h of PM with 5 μM of cilostamide, confirming the meiotic block. Embryo development in IVP was similar (P > 0.05) between control and PM, both for cleavage (78.2% and 76.9%) and blastocyst (35.5% and 29.3%) rates. After SCNT, cleavage rate was also similar (P > 0.05) between control and PM (66% and 51.9%) however, blastocyst rate was lower (P < 0.05) in the PM group than in the control group (7.4% and 30.2%). After 6 h of PM with 100 nM of NPPC, approximately 84.9% of the oocytes remained at GV. No difference was found between control and PM in cleavage (69.2% and 76.1%) and blastocyst rates (37,4% and 35%) after IVP. Similarly, no differences between PM and control groups were observed for cleavage (69.2% and 68.4%) and blastocyst (24.4% and 21.5%) rates. SCNT and PA embryos from control or PM oocytes had similar total cell number. It can be concluded that PM for 6 h with 100 nM NPPC is feasible for cloned embryo production without affecting embryo outcome.
A 50-MHz Fully Integrated Low-Swing Buck Converter Using Packaging Inductors

Implementation of on-chip passive elements and efficient regulation schemes are key aspects of fully integrated dc-dc converter design. This paper presents a 50-MHz fully integrated buck converter equipped with packaging inductors. These inductors include parasitic inductances of the bonding wires and lead frames in the package. They have significantly better Q factors than the best on-chip inductors implemented on silicon. This paper also presents full-swing and low-swing gate drivers for efficient regulation of high-frequency switching converters. The low-swing driver uses the drop voltage of a diode-connected transistor and is applied in a fabricated converter to reduce the gate driving loss caused by the high switching operation. The proposed converter is designed and fabricated using a 0.13-μm 1-poly 6-metal CMOS process. The fully integrated buck converter achieves 68.7% and 76.8 % efficiency for 3.3 V/2.0 V and 2.5 V/1.8 V conversions, respectively, while providing a load current of 250 mA.
Excellent outcome of renal transplantation in patients with Fabry's disease.

INTRODUCTION Fabry's disease is an X-linked error of glycosphingolipid metabolism. Clinical manifestations of the disease are secondary to accumulation of glycosphingolipids in various tissues. Renal failure and vascular complications are common. There are conflicting reports regarding the outcomes of patients with Fabry's disease after renal transplantation. METHODS We reviewed the United States Renal Data System Registry database from 1988 and 1998, and found 93 patients with Fabry's disease who had received a renal transplant. Case-matched patients were identified to serve as controls. RESULTS Patients with Fabry's disease demonstrated equivalent 5-year patient and graft survival, compared with controls (83% and 75%, respectively, for those with Fabry's disease vs. 82% and 67% for controls). CONCLUSION Despite their high risk for cardiovascular complications, patients with Fabry's disease have excellent outcomes after renal transplantation.
Outlier robust model‐assisted small area estimation

Small area estimation with M‐quantile models was proposed by Chambers and Tzavidis ( ). The key target of this approach to small area estimation is to obtain reliable and outlier robust estimates avoiding at the same time the need for strong parametric assumptions. This approach, however, does not allow for the use of unit level survey weights, making questionable the design consistency of the estimators unless the sampling design is self‐weighting within small areas. In this paper, we adopt a model‐assisted approach and construct design consistent small area estimators that are based on the M‐quantile small area model. Analytic and bootstrap estimators of the design‐based variance are discussed. The proposed estimators are empirically evaluated in the presence of complex sampling designs.
Prediction of the effect of atrasentan on renal and heart failure outcomes based on short-term changes in multiple risk markers

Background A recent phase II clinical trial (Reducing Residual Albuminuria in Subjects with Diabetes and Nephropathy with AtRasentan trial and an identical trial in Japan (RADAR/JAPAN)) showed that the endothelin A receptor antagonist atrasentan lowers albuminuria, blood pressure, cholesterol, hemoglobin, and increases body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. We previously developed an algorithm, the Parameter Response Efficacy (PRE) score, which translates short-term drug effects into predictions of long-term effects on clinical outcomes. Design We used the PRE score on data from the RADAR/JAPAN study to predict the effect of atrasentan on renal and heart failure outcomes. Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of the RADAR/JAPAN randomized clinical trials in which 211 patients with type-2 diabetes and nephropathy were randomly assigned to atrasentan 0.75 mg/day, 1.25 mg/day, or placebo. A PRE score was developed in a background set of completed clinical trials using multivariate Cox models. The score was applied to baseline and week-12 risk marker levels of RADAR/JAPAN participants, to predict atrasentan effects on clinical outcomes. Outcomes were defined as doubling serum creatinine or end-stage renal disease and hospitalization for heart failure. Results The PRE score predicted renal risk changes of −23% and −30% for atrasentan 0.75 and 1.25 mg/day, respectively. PRE scores also predicted a small non-significant increase in heart failure risk for atrasentan 0.75 and 1.25 mg/day (+2% vs. +7%). Selecting patients with >30% albuminuria reduction from baseline (responders) improved renal outcome to almost 50% risk reduction, whereas non-responders showed no renal benefit. Conclusions Based on the RADAR/JAPAN study, with short-term changes in risk markers, atrasentan is expected to decrease renal risk without increased risk of heart failure. Within this population albuminuria responders appear to contribute to the predicted improvements, whereas non-responders showed no benefit. The ongoing hard outcome trial (SONAR) in type 2 diabetic patients with >30% albuminuria reduction to atrasentan will allow us to assess the validity of these predictions.
Effect of atypical antipsychotics on phencyclidine‐induced expression of arc in rat brain

The effect of atypical antipsychotics on the immediate-early gene, arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated gene), expression was investigated in phencyclidine (PCP)-treated rats using RT-PCR. Administration of PCP (10 mg/kg) increased arc mRNA levels in the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and posterior cingulate cortex. Pretreatment with clozapine (20 mg/kg), olanzapine (10 mg/kg) and risperidone (2 mg/kg), but not haloperidol (2 mg/kg), prevented PCP-induced arc expression in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Pretreatment of haloperidol increased the striatal arc mRNA levels. Clozapine, olanzapine and haloperidol inhibited the PCP-induced arc expression in the posterior cingulate cortex. These results suggest that the effects of antipsychotic drugs on PCP-induced arc expression in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens are useful for distinguishing atypical antipsychotic properties of the drugs.
[Results of a series of deltoid flaps for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears with an average follow-up of 3.5 years].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY We report a series of 14 patients with a massive rotator cuff tear operated on with a deltoid flap according to Augereau's technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of this technique using Constant's scoring system. The follow up is 40 months. MATERIAL AND METHOD 14 patients, mean age 59 years, with a total rotator cuff tear type III according to Gerber's classification were included. There was 13 total ruptures of the supra and infra spinatus tendon and one infraspinatus and subscapularis lesion. All the patients had shoulder pain, and the preoperative, Constant's score was 24.1/100. The diagnosis of the rotator cuff rupture was confirmed by X-rays, arthrography and ultra-sonography. 8 patients had a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) evaluation. The surgical procedure was the technique described by Augereau, and three patients had a resection of the distal clavicle. One patient had a small piece of dacron to reinforce the suture of a very thin deltoid flap. All the patients had a immobilization in abduction and the rehabilitation programm began immediately. RESULTS Results on pain were good: +11.4 points according to Constant's score, but improvement strength (+0.7 point) or motion (+1 point) was not significative. Postoperative Constant's score was 46.9, ponderated score increased from 29.5 per cent to 57.5 per cent. Ten patients were very satisfied, 2 were satisfied and two were disappointed. One of them neaded shoulder arthrodesis; the other needed a new surgery to remove the piece of dacron, and was allayed with NSAI drugs. External rotation was slightly increased: +2 point. DISCUSSION These results are similar to others series on pain relief, but the results are poor on strength restauration and on shoulder motion. This technique is a heavy surgical procedure and results are not better than arthroscopic sub acromial decompression for massive rotator cuff tear.
Unrearable litters and prenatal reduction of litter size in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Abstract: It is widely believed that common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) typically give birth to twins under natural conditions. In captivity, however, births of triplets or even larger litters are common, although parents rarely succeed in rearing more than two offspring. The traditional interpretation is that captive conditions, notably the ready availability of food, have led to increased reproductive output, perhaps involving a higher ovulation rate. The present paper provides evidence, combined from ultrasound examinations between ovulation and birth and hysterotomies conducted during the late embryonic and early fetal phase, that the litter size can be progressively reduced during pregnancy without spontaneous abortion. There is an unusually long lag phase prior to the onset of embryonic growth in common marmosets; the fetal stage does not begin until day 80 of the 144‐day pregnancy. Reduction in litter size occurs during embryonic stages (up to day 80), and continues into the fetal stages. These results indicate that the common marmoset is adapted for flexible modification of litter size between ovulation and birth. The high incidence of triplet births in captive colonies may therefore be an expression of an adapted natural developmental process under artificial circumstances.
Genital warts: need to screen for coinfection.

BrMedj 1990;300:459 The incidence of genital warts has increased rapidly over the past 10 to 12 years. Data from genitourinary medicine clinics show that rates per 100 000 population have increased from 84-3 in 1977 to 260-1 in 1987. ' In 1987, 74 542 people attended genitourinary medicine clinics with a new diagnosis of genital warts. ' Most interest in the condition has concerned the link between the aetiologic agent of warts, human papillomavirus, and the development of cervical cancer.2 The link between the virus and other sexually transmitted diseases, however, is also of major importance. The most recently published comprehensive survey of the incidence of associated genital infections in patients with genital warts was performed in 1976 without the benefit of screening for chlamydia.3
Model for the fingering instability of spreading surfactant drops.

We show that the Marangoni effect drives the fingering instability observed at the edge of an aqueous surfactant drop spreading on a thin film of water. A calculation of the unperturbed flow profile demonstrates that the spreading of the drop is controlled by the dynamics of a thin layer which develops in front of the drop. The surface-tension gradient in this region leads to the fingering instability via a mechanism mathematically similar to that in Hele-Shaw flow despite the very different underlying physics.
Growth dynamics of a Bose-Einstein condensate in a dimple trap without cooling

quantitative analysis of the thermodynamic transformation in both the sudden and adiabatic regimes for a range of dimple widths and depths. We find good agreement with equilibrium calculations based on self-consistent semiclassical Hartree-Fock theory describing the condensate and thermal cloud. We observe that there is an optimal dimple depth that results in a maximum in the condensate fraction. We also study the nonequilibrium dynamics of condensate formation in the sudden turn-on regime, finding good agreement for the observed time dependence of the condensate fraction with calculations based on quantum kinetic theory.
Periodontal Disease and Prematurity among Non-smoking Sri Lankan Women

The hypothesis that periodontal disease is associated with pre-term low birthweight was tested in a prospective follow-up study of rural prima-gravida women (N = 227) who were free of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Women with 3rd trimester mean probing pocket depths, plaque, and bleeding scores that were greater than the median value in the cohort were defined as ‘exposed’. There were 17 (7.5%) preterm low birthweight singleton deliveries in the cohort (among ‘exposed’ = 12%; among ‘unexposed’ = 5.6%; Odds Ratio = 2.3; 95% CI = 0.9−6.3). After adjustment for the independent variables, the OR for preterm low birthweight in relation to ‘exposure’ was 1.9 (95% CI = 0.7−5.4). Our results are only suggestive of an association between periodontal disease and preterm low birthweight, perhaps indicating that previously reported associations may have been subjected to residual confounding due to tobacco, alcohol, and drug use.
ON THE MECHANISM OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEATE INTEGRATION IN PNEUMOCOCCAL TRANSFORMATION.

Experimental. -Transforming DNA carrying the density labels deuterium and nitrogen-15 was isolated from a streptomycin-resistant, p-nitrobenzoic acid-sensitive strain of pneumococcus,5 RF6S. The bacteria were allowed many generations of growth in a heavy-isotope-labeled medium containing p32 in the form of phosphate. The nutrients in the medium were in the form of sugar and amino acid extracts from algae that had been grown in a deuterium, nitrogen-15-substituted medium. The algal
A systematic review of behavioural weight-loss interventions involving primary-care physicians in overweight and obese primary-care patients (1999–2011)

Abstract Objective The present review aimed to examine the effectiveness of behavioural weight-loss interventions involving primary-care physicians in producing weight loss in overweight and obese primary-care patients. Design A systematic review was conducted by searching online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO and SCOPUS) from January 1999 to December 2011. All abstracts were screened and coded for eligibility. The Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group quality criteria were used to assess the methodological adequacy of included studies. Information related to study design, population characteristics and intervention details was extracted. Setting Primary care. Subjects Overweight or obese (defined as having a BMI ≥ 25·0 kg/m2) primary-care patients. Results Sixteen different studies were included. Of these, six assessed primary-care physicians’ delivery of weight-loss counselling; nine assessed weight-loss counselling delivered by non-physician personnel with monitoring by primary-care physicians; and one assessed a multi-component intervention. Overall, high-intensity weight-loss counselling by primary-care physicians resulted in moderate but not clinically significant weight loss. High-intensity weight-loss counselling delivered by non-physicians, meal replacements delivered in conjunction with dietitian counselling and referral to commercial weight-loss centre programmes accompanied by regular monitoring by a primary-care physician were effective in producing clinically significant weight loss. Dietitian-delivered care appeared effective in producing weight loss regardless of level of intervention intensity. Conclusions Overall, there were few studies on this topic and the methodological rigour of some included studies was poor. Additional studies assessing the effectiveness and acceptability of potential interventions are needed to confirm these findings.
Identification and characterization of CS20, a new putative colonization factor of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

An enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strain producing a previously undescribed putative colonization factor was isolated from a child with diarrhea in India. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of bacterial heat extracts revealed a polypeptide band of 20.8 kDa when the bacteria were grown at 37 degrees C which was absent after growth at 22 degrees C. A specific rabbit antiserum raised against the purified 20.8-kDa protein bound specifically to the fimbriae, as shown by immunoelectron microscopy, and inhibited bacterial adhesion to tissue-cultured Caco-2 cells. Transformation with a recombinant plasmid harboring the cfaD gene, which encodes a positive regulator for several ETEC fimbriae, induced hyperexpression of the 20.8-kDa fimbrial subunit and a substantial increase in the proportion of bacterial cells that were fimbriated. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the polypeptide showed 65 and 60% identity to the PCFO20 and 987P fimbriae of human and porcine ETEC, respectively. We propose the term CS20 for this new putative colonization factor of human ETEC.
Increasing AV Fistulae and Decreasing Dialysis Catheters: Two Aspects of Improving Patient Outcomes

Maximizing arteriovenous (AV) fistula prevalence and minimizing catheter use have become the dominant issues in hemodialysis vascular access management and offer the promise of improved patient outcomes with decreased overall expenditures. Recent efforts have increased AV fistula prevalence in the US to 42.9% with regional rates as high as 59.5% and with complementary declines in AV grafts. This should decrease access procedures but may not fully realize the potential reductions in mortality and cost possible if combined with catheter reduction. Successful catheter reduction requires similar approaches to those utilized in the Fistula First Program. Educating patients, the use of clearly defined protocols and updating payment systems to include chronic kidney disease care are crucial to continued progress. Expansion of the Fistula First Program to include a focus on decreasing catheter prevalence and complications should be considered as a requirement in the push toward the breakthrough targets of 66% AV fistula prevalence.
Influence of dry period bacterial intramammary infection on clinical mastitis in dairy cows.

Milk samples were taken from 1920 quarters (480 cows, six herds) on four occasions to examine the relationship between quarter level intramammary infection (IMI) during the dry period and clinical mastitis in the next lactation. All quarters were sampled at drying off and within 1 wk of calving, and two quarters from each cow were sampled both 0 to 7 and 8 to 14 d before calving. Milk samples were collected from all cases of clinical mastitis during the following lactation. Logistic regression models were developed to investigate the associations between IMI present during the sampling period and clinical mastitis. The probability of a quarter succumbing to clinical mastitis increased when Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, or Enterobacter spp. were cultured at drying off and when Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococcus, Serratia spp. , or Streptococcus faecalis were cultured in two out of three late dry and post-calving samples. Quarters from which Corynebacterium spp. were isolated at drying off were at an increased risk of clinical mastitis, whereas the presence of Corynebacterium spp. in the late dry and post-calving samples was associated with a reduction in the risk of clinical mastitis. The risk of mastitis for specific pathogens increased if the same species of bacteria that had caused mastitis was isolated at least twice in the late dry and post-calving samples. Kaplan-Meier survival plots indicated that clinical mastitis associated with dry period infections was more likely to occur earlier in lactation than clinical mastitis not associated with dry period infections. There was evidence of quarter susceptibility to IMI or the possibility that infection with one organism led to clinical mastitis with another.