Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Fagus sylvatica L. (Fagaceae)

Abstract The European beech (Fagus sylvatica) is one of the most important and widespread tree species in Central Europe and is widely managed for its valuable hard wood. We assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast genome of F. sylvatica to serve as a valuable resource in future genetic studies. The complete plastome sequence is 158,462 bp in length and contains 131 genes including 83 protein-coding genes, 40 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis of 21 Fagaceae plastome sequences shows that the three available Fagus sequences form a cluster, suggesting that the genus Fagus represents a monophyletic clade within the Fagaceae.
THE STAR FORMATION RATE EFFICIENCY OF NEUTRAL ATOMIC-DOMINATED HYDROGEN GAS IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF STAR-FORMING GALAXIES FROM z ∼ 1 TO z ∼ 3

Current observational evidence suggests that the star formation rate (SFR) efficiency of neutral atomic hydrogen gas measured in damped Lyα systems (DLAs) at is more than 10 times lower than predicted by the Kennicutt–Schmidt (KS) relation. To understand the origin of this deficit, and to investigate possible evolution with redshift and galaxy properties, we measure the SFR efficiency of atomic gas at 1, 2, and around star-forming galaxies. We use new robust photometric redshifts in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field to create galaxy stacks in these three redshift bins, and measure the SFR efficiency by combining DLA absorber statistics with the observed rest-frame UV emission in the galaxies’ outskirts. We find that the SFR efficiency of H i gas at is ∼1%–3% of that predicted by the KS relation. Contrary to simulations and models that predict a reduced SFR efficiency with decreasing metallicity and thus with increasing redshift, we find no significant evolution in the SFR efficiency with redshift. Our analysis instead suggests that the reduced SFR efficiency is driven by the low molecular content of this atomic-dominated phase, with metallicity playing a secondary effect in regulating the conversion between atomic and molecular gas. This interpretation is supported by the similarity between the observed SFR efficiency and that observed in local atomic-dominated gas, such as in the outskirts of local spiral galaxies and local dwarf galaxies.
Metabolomics of AS‐5 RBC supernatants following routine storage

The safety and efficacy of stored red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion has been long debated due to retrospective clinical evidence and laboratory results, indicating a potential correlation between increased morbidity and mortality following transfusion of RBC units stored longer than 14 days. We hypothesize that storage in Optisol additive solution‐5 leads to a unique metabolomics profile in the supernatant of stored RBCs.
Induction of Rat Hepatic Cytochrome P 450 2 B Subfamily by Azidophenobarbital , as a Possible Photoaffinity Probe for the Putative Phenobarbital Receptor Comparative Study with Modified Phenobarbitals with Different Functional Groups

To study the specific target to which phenobarbital (PB) binds, resulting in the induction of cytochrome P450, we prepared two azido-PBs (AZPBs) as photoaffinity ligands. The azido substituent was introduced at the paraor meta-position of the PB aromatic ring. In this study, we estimated the utility of these compounds by examining their inducing activities in vivo in rats. Induction was assessed by immunoblotting with anti-CYP2B1/2 antibody and measuring testosterone-metabolizing activity, using hepatic microsomes. Administration of p-AZPB to rats increased hepatic CYP2B1/2 protein and testosterone 16b-hydroxylase activity, although the effects were less than those of unmodified PB. m-AZPB showed no effect in the induction of CYP2B1/2. To assess the specificity of the effects of substituents, we compared the inducing activities of p/m-nitro-PBs, p/m-amino-PBs, and p/m-hydroxyPBs with those of AZPBs. The results showed that p-nitro-PB, m-amino-PB, and p-hydroxy-PB were also potent inducers for CYP2B1/2, with lower activity than that of unmodified PB, whereas the other three isomers had no effect. These results suggest that 1) the absence of any substituents on the aromatic ring of PB is needed for maximal inducing activity and 2) substitution at the meta-position of the PB aromatic ring tends to reduce effectiveness as an inducer more than does substitution at the para-position. Because p-amino-PB and p-acetylamino-PB, the minor and major metabolites of p-AZPB, respectively, were without effect in the induction of CYP2B1/2, the effect of p-AZPB was considered to be due to the unchanged compound itself. The present study demonstrates that, based on the weak but positive ability to induce CYP2B1/2, p-AZPB may be a useful tool for identifying the putative
(−)-Epicatechin in vitro ameliorates erythrocyte protein carbonyl content in hypertensive patients: comparison with L-ascorbic acid

Abstract Context: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the patho-physiology of hypertension. (−)-Epicatechin has many important biological properties. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate effect of (−)-epicatechin on protein carbonyl content in gender-based hypertensive patients and normal subjects. Methods: The study was carried out on 83 normal (male: 42; female: 41) and 62 hypertensive subjects (male: 32; female: 30). In vitro effect on (−)-epicatechin and L-ascorbic acid was estimated on protein carbonyl content. Results: Result showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in protein carbonyl content in hypertensive patients but no gender-based difference was observed. (−)-epicatechin shows significant (p < 0.001) dose-dependent effect as compared to L-ascorbic acid, which is manifested as decrease in protein carbonyl content. Conclusion: We hypothesizes that a higher intake of (−)-epicatechin may provide protection against hypertension in males and females.
Reactivity and Ignition Delay Measurements of Petroleum-based Fuels, Surrogate Fuels and Biofuels

Reactivity and Ignition Delay Measurements of Petroleum-based Fuels, Surrogate Fuels and Biofuels Mohammed Abdullah AlAbbad Energy demand is rapidly increasing due to the increase in population and rising living standards. Petroleum-based fuels account for the main source of energy consumed in the world. However, they are also considered to be the main source of the unwanted emissions to the atmosphere. In this context, chemical kinetic studies of combustion processes are essential for a better understanding of the underlying reactions and to achieve increased combustion efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions. In this study, ignition delay times, a global indicator of fuel reactivity, were measured for promising fuels for use in advanced combustion engines. Also, rate coefficients were measured for promising oxygenated hydrocarbons that can be used as additives to conventional fuels. Ignition delay time measurements of four primary reference fuel (PRF) blends, mixtures considered to be some of the simplest gasoline surrogates, were measured behind reflected shock waves to provide a large experimental dataset to validate PRF chemical kinetic models. The kinetic modeling predictions from four chemical kinetic models were compared with the experimental data. Ignition delay correlations were also developed to reduce the simulation cost of complicated models. Recently, naphtha, a low-octane distillate fuel, has been proposed as a low-cost refinery fuel. Likewise, a mid-octane blend which consists of low-octane (light and heavy naphtha) and high-octane (reformate) distillate fuels has been proposed to power gasoline
Armed conflict and human behavior: a case study of the environmental management process in North Lebanon

This paper examines the variation in the effects of individuals’ vulnerability and trust on human behavior within five geographical areas (Akkar, Menieh, Tripoli, Koura, Batroun) along the northern coastline of Lebanon in the context of recurring armed conflict. Lebanon has been subject to regular episodes of armed conflict since 1975, with severe impacts on the social, economic, and political levels as well as on the environment. We argue that the episodes of armed conflict have increased individuals’ vulnerability and negatively affected citizens’ trust among themselves and between them and the stakeholders in the public sector at the national level involved in the environmental management process. The findings are based on 499 questionnaire surveys among citizens in the study area, 24 structured interviews with heads or representatives of heads of the villages and cities in the study area, and secondary literature including previous studies and official documents. The findings show spatial variation of citizens’ vulnerability to environmental damage caused by armed conflict. Citizens of Akkar, Menieh, and Tripoli show higher levels of vulnerability compared with citizens of Batroun and Koura. In addition, distrust between citizens themselves and between them and public sector stakeholders was one of the results of recurring armed conflict. Lack of trust between citizens and stakeholders of public sector is particularly relevant in environmental management in Lebanon.
Proteasome activation occurs at an early, premitochondrial step of thymocyte apoptosis.

Proteasomes and mitochondrial membrane changes are involved in thymocyte apoptosis. The hierarchical relationship between protease activation and mitochondrial alterations has been elusive. Here we show that inhibition of proteasomes by two specific agents, lactacystin or MG132, prevents all manifestations of thymocyte apoptosis induced by the glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone or by the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide. Lactacystin and MG132 prevent the early disruption of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (delta psi(m)), which precedes caspase activation, exposure of phosphatidylserine, and nuclear DNA fragmentation. In contrast, stabilization of the delta psi(m) using the permeability transition pore inhibitor bongkrekic acid or inhibition of caspases by N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone does not prevent the activation of proteasomes, as determined with the fluorogenic substrate N-succinyl-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl-L-tyrosine-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin . Thus, proteasome activation occurs upstream from mitochondrial changes and caspase activation. Whereas the proteasome-specific agents lactacystin and MG132 truly maintain thymocyte viability, a number of protease inhibitors that inhibit nuclear DNA fragmentation (acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone; N-Boc-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone; N-tosyl-L-Phe-chloromethylketone) do not prevent the cytolysis induced by DEX or etoposide. These latter agents fail to interfere with the preapoptotic delta psi(m) disruption. Altogether, our data indicate that different proteases may be involved in the pre- or postmitochondrial phase of apoptosis. Only those protease inhibitors that interrupt the apoptotic process at the premitochondrial stage can actually preserve cell viability.
Efficiency and Costs of Medical Exercise Therapy, Conventional Physiotherapy, and Self‐Exercise in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pragmatic, Randomized, Single‐Blinded, Controlled Trial With 1‐Year Follow‐Up

Study Design. A multicenter, randomized, single‐blinded controlled trial with 1‐year follow‐up. Objectives. To evaluate the efficiency of progressively graded medical exercise therapy, conventional physiotherapy, and self‐exercise by walking in patients with chronic low back pain. Summary and Background Data. Varieties of medical exercise therapy and conventional physiotherapy are considered to reduce symptoms, improve function, and decrease sickness absence, but this opinion is controversial. Methods. Patients with chronic low back pain or radicular pain sick‐listed for more than 8 weeks and less than 52 weeks (Sickness Certificate II) were included. The treatment lasted 3 months (36 treatments). Pain intensity, functional ability, patient satisfaction, return to work, number of days on sick leave, and costs were recorded. Results. Of the 208 patients included in this study, 71 were randomly assigned to medical exercise therapy, 67 to conventional physiotherapy, and 70 to self‐exercise. Thirty‐three (15.8%) patients dropped out during the treatment period. No difference was observed between the medical exercise therapy and conventional physiotherapy groups, but both were significantly better than self‐exercise group. Patient satisfaction was highest for medical exercise therapy. Return to work rates were equal for all 3 intervention groups at assessment 15 months after therapy was started, with 123 patients were back to work. In terms of costs for days on sick leave, the medical exercise therapy group saved 906,732 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) ($122,531.00), and the conventional physiotherapy group saved NOK 1,882,560 ($254,200.00), compared with the self‐exercise group. Conclusions. The efficiency of medical exercise therapy and conventional physiotherapy is shown. Leaving patients with chronic low back pain untampered poses a risk of worsening the disability, resulting in longer periods of sick leave.
Insertion of Mono- vs. Bi- vs. Trivalent Atoms in Prospective Active Electrode Materials for Electrochemical Batteries: An ab Initio Perspective

Rational design of active electrode materials is important for the development of advanced lithium and post-lithium batteries. Ab initio modeling can provide mechanistic understanding of the performance of prospective materials and guide design. We review our recent comparative ab initio studies of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and aluminum interactions with different phases of several actively experimentally studied electrode materials, including monoelemental materials carbon, silicon, tin, and germanium, oxides TiO2 and VxOy as well as sulphur-based spinels MS2 (M = transition metal). These studies are unique in that they provided reliable comparisons, i.e., at the same level of theory and using the same computational parameters, among different materials and among Li, Na, K, Mg, and Al. Specifically, insertion energetics (related to the electrode voltage) and diffusion barriers (related to rate capability), as well as phononic effects, are compared. These studies facilitate identification of phases most suitable as anode or cathode for different types of batteries. We highlight the possibility of increasing the voltage, or enabling electrochemical activity, by amorphization and p-doping, of rational choice of phases of oxides to maximize the insertion potential of Li, Na, K, Mg, Al, as well as of rational choice of the optimum sulfur-based spinel for Mg and Al insertion, based on ab initio calculations. Some methodological issues are also addressed, including construction of effective localized basis sets, applications of Hubbard correction, generation of amorphous structures, and the use of a posteriori dispersion corrections.
Impact of bariatric surgery on health care costs of obese persons: a 6-year follow-up of surgical and comparison cohorts using health plan data.

IMPORTANCE Bariatric surgery is a well-documented treatment for obesity, but there are uncertainties about the degree to which such surgery is associated with health care cost reductions that are sustained over time. OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive, multiyear analysis of health care costs by type of procedure within a large cohort of privately insured persons who underwent bariatric surgery compared with a matched nonsurgical cohort. DESIGN Longitudinal analysis of 2002-2008 claims data comparing a bariatric surgery cohort with a matched nonsurgical cohort. SETTING Seven BlueCross BlueShield health insurance plans with a total enrollment of more than 18 million persons. PARTICIPANTS A total of 29 820 plan members who underwent bariatric surgery between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2008, and a 1:1 matched comparison group of persons not undergoing surgery but with diagnoses closely associated with obesity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Standardized costs (overall and by type of care) and adjusted ratios of the surgical group's costs relative to those of the comparison group. RESULTS Total costs were greater in the bariatric surgery group during the second and third years following surgery but were similar in the later years. However, the bariatric group's prescription and office visit costs were lower and their inpatient costs were higher. Those undergoing laparoscopic surgery had lower costs in the first few years after surgery, but these differences did not persist. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Bariatric surgery does not reduce overall health care costs in the long term. Also, there is no evidence that any one type of surgery is more likely to reduce long-term health care costs. To assess the value of bariatric surgery, future studies should focus on the potential benefit of improved health and well-being of persons undergoing the procedure rather than on cost savings.
Effect of convection on the summertime extratropical lower stratosphere

[1] Satellite and in situ water vapor and ozone observations near the base of the overworld (θ ≈ 380-K potential temperature) are examined in summertime northern midlatitudes, with a focus on how their horizontal variations are influenced by deep convection. We show that summertime convection has a significant effect on the water vapor budget here, but only a small effect on the ozone budget. Using a simple model, we estimate that convection increases model extratropical water vapor at 380 K by 40% but decreases model extratropical ozone by only a few percent, relative to what would occur without convection. In situ data show that this convective injection occurs up to at least ∼390 K. This raises the possibility that the convectively moistened air might travel isentropically to the tropics and ascend into the stratospheric overworld without passing through the cold point. We argue that trends in convective moistening should be examined as possible contributors to observed trends in lower stratospheric water vapor, at least during summer months.
Comparison of the rebound tonometer (TonoVet) with the applanation tonometer (TonoPen XL) in normal Eurasian Eagle owls (Bubo bubo).

OBJECTIVE To examine the feasibility and accuracy of a handheld rebound tonometer, TonoVet, and to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) readings of the TonoVet with those of an applanation tonometer, TonoPen XL, in normal Eurasian Eagle owls. ANIMALS STUDIED Ten clinically normal Eurasian Eagle owls (20 eyes). PROCEDURES Complete ocular examinations, using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy, were conducted on each raptor. The IOP was measured bilaterally using a rebound tonometer followed by a topical anesthetic agent after 1 min. The TonoPen XL tonometer was applied in both eyes 30 s following topical anesthesia. RESULTS The mean +/- SD IOP obtained by rebound tonometer was 10.45 +/- 1.64 mmHg (range 7-14 mmHg), and by applanation tonometer was 9.35 +/- 1.81 mmHg (range 6-12 mmHg). There was a significant difference (P = 0.001) in the IOP obtained from both tonometers. The linear regression equation describing the relationship between both devices was y = 0.669x + 4.194 (x = TonoPen XL and y = TonoVet). The determination coefficient (r(2)) was r(2) = 0.550. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that readings from the rebound tonometer significantly overestimated those from the applanation tonometer and that the rebound tonometer was tolerated well because of the rapid and minimal stress-inducing method of tonometry in the Eurasian Eagle owls, even without topical anesthesia. Further studies comparing TonoVet with manometric measurements may be necessary to employ rebound tonometer for routine clinical use in Eurasian Eagle owls.
Clinical Features, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiles, and Outcomes of Infectious Keratitis Caused by Achromobacter xylosoxidans

Purpose: Reports on Achromobacter xylosoxidans ocular infections are increasing, drawing attention to its emerging role in infectious keratitis. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical features, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes of infectious keratitis secondary to Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Methods: A microbiology database and clinical chart review was performed in all patients diagnosed with A. xylosoxidans keratitis at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between the years 1987 and 2014. Initial presentation, antimicrobial susceptibilities, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), treatment course, and outcomes were recorded. Results: Twenty-eight patients were identified. The main risk factors were corneal graft (n = 8, 28.6%) and contact lens wear (n = 8, 28.6%). On presentation, visual acuity was 20/100 or worse in 20 (71.2%) patients. Hypopyon was present in 7 (25.0%) patients. In most cases, topical fluoroquinolones or tobramycin were the initial treatment, often accompanied by vancomycin. High susceptibility rates were found for piperacillin [100%, minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of isolates (MIC90) = 8] and ticarcillin (100%, MIC90 = 16). Low susceptibility rates were documented for ciprofloxacin (46.7%, MIC90 = 8), tobramycin (26.7%, MIC90 = 16), and gentamicin (20%, MIC90 = 16). One (3.6%) patient suffered endophthalmitis. Six (21.4%) patients underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, and 2 (7.1%) patients had conjunctival flap surgery. Visual acuity at final follow-up was 20/100 or worse in 16 (57.1%) patients. Conclusions: Infectious keratitis caused by A. xylosoxidans is associated with poor visual outcomes. Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides are not appropriate treatments for these ocular infections. Further studies are needed to define the clinical application of compound piperacillin and ticarcillin eye drops.
Isolated systolic hypertension: ‘to treat or not to treat’ and the role of central haemodynamics

I n an article in the current issue of the Journal of Hypertension O’Rourke and Adji [1] touch upon one of the most challenging issues of modern hypertension that will dominate the field in the decades to come. They stress the need to develop new treatment strategies for the reduction of the cardiovascular risk associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) based on two fundamental parameters: aging (and arterial aging) and sex. This is a necessary and long awaited advance in the field of arterial hypertension. It would remain, however, incomplete without the modern concept of central haemodynamics, which has been clarified over the past 30 years, thanks to the work of Michael O’Rourke and his associates [2]. The phenotype of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is a classical paradigm, but not the only one. Recent data suggest that another equally important phenomenon, i.e. the interaction between insulin resistance and BP, cannot be dissected without considering age, gender and the role of central haemodynamics [3]. Isolated systolic hypertension is defined on the basis of brachial BP, as normal DBP with abnormal SBP. Data from epidemiological studies including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) show that both in the elderly (>60 years of age) [4] as well in the youth [5] (particularly in men around adulthood) ISH is the most prevalent hypertension phenotype. As pointed out by O’Rourke and Adji [1] the two assumingly identical hypertension phenotypes are indeed completely different in terms of central haemodynamics. When the two are compared, the ISH of the elderly (ISHe) is characterized by the triplet of: increased aortic stiffness, increased pressure wave reflections and low pulse pressure (PP) amplification [6] whereas the ISH of the youth (ISHy) is characterized by