Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany Patterns in Evolution in Characters That Define Iris Subgenera and Patterns in Evolution in Characters That Define Iris Subgenera and

Subgeneric groups have been circumscribed in Iris based on a small number of morphological characters. Recent DNA sequence data has indicated that several of the subgenera, sections, and series that have previously been delineated are paraphyletic or polyphyletic. The evolution of characters that have traditionally been used to distinguish sub generic and sectional groups within Iris was investigated by mapping these characters on a phylogenetic tree based on matK sequence data. Results indicate that rhizomes are pleisomorphic for the genus and that three bulb types have arisen independently. My analysis shows that sepal beards, sepal crests, and seed arils show extensive homoplasy. Most of the homoplasy seen is associated with the circumscription of polyphyletic subgeneric groups such as the beardless subgenus Limniris. Some additional homoplasy is due to diversity within supported clades or the historical use of a single character in circumscribing more than one subgeneric group.
Health-related quality of life for patients with vasculitis and their spouses.

OBJECTIVE Chronic disease affects both patients and spouses, yet the effect of vasculitis on the spouses of patients has not been systematically examined. We addressed this research gap by describing 8 dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients and their spouses and compared patients and spouses with norms for the general US population. We also determined whether the impact of AAV on HRQOL differs by sex for patients or their spouses. METHODS Ninety-seven patients with AAV and their spouses completed a mailed questionnaire that included demographic information and a measure of HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36.) Using the RAND method, we calculated 8 HRQOL dimensions: general health, physical functioning, emotional role limitations, physical role limitations, social functioning, mental health, bodily pain, and energy/vitality. Using norm-based scores, we compared the HRQOL of patients and spouses with the general US population. We then used multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) test for sex differences in HRQOL for patients and spouses. RESULTS Patients with AAV scored lower than the US norm on all HRQOL subscales with the exception of bodily pain. In contrast, spouses scored similarly to national norms. When age, education, race, illness duration, and disease severity were controlled, there were no significant sex differences in HRQOL for patients or spouses. CONCLUSION AAV negatively impacts HRQOL for patients; whereas, spouses do not appear to be as negatively impacted. Long-term marriages may attenuate the effect of sex on HRQOL. Quality of life should be assessed throughout the disease course for both patients and spouses.
Exon Array Analyzer: a web interface for Affymetrix exon array analysis

SUMMARY The Exon Array Analyzer (EAA) is a web server, which provides a user-friendly interface to identify alternative splicing events analyzed with Affymetrix Exon Arrays. The EAA implements the Splice Index algorithm to identify differential expressed exons. The use of various filters allows reduction of the number of false positive hits. Results are presented with detailed annotation information and graphics to identify splice events and to facilitate biological validations. To demonstrate the versatility of the EAA, we analyzed exon arrays of 11 different murine tissues using sample data provided by Affymetrix (http://www.affymetrix.com). Data from the heart were compared with other tissues to identify exons that undergo heart-specific alternatively splicing, resulting in the identification of 885 differentially expressed probe sets in 649 genes. AVAILABILITY The web interface is available at http://EAA.mpi-bn.mpg. de/. Detailed documentation is available on the EAA web site (http://EAA.mpi-bn.mpg.de/supp.php) including screen shots, example analyzes and step by step instructions. CONTACT thomas.braun@mpi-bn.mpg. de SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Human deaths induced by dog bites, United States, 1974-75.

HEALTH ASPECTS of pet ownership have expanded in recent years beyond the classic concerns of rabies and larva migrans to problems such as the trauma associated with bites and the fecal pollution and even noise pollution attributed to pets (1). The scientific literature contains no data on the frequency or epidemiology of human deaths associated with pet bites. Since no specific surveillance of dog bites is maintained at the national level, probably neither health officials nor practicing physicians are aware of the frequency with which bites are fatal for the victim. The frequency of these fatalities should be examined to determine if the magnitude of the problem warrants the establishment of preventive programs and to ascertain if specific causative factors can be identified and eliminated, thereby reducing the number of deaths. This report describes 11 deaths from dog bites that occurred in the United States during the 2 years from January 1974 through December 1975. The data were acquired from news releases, personal communications with health and police officials, and newspaper morgues. Although the lack of comprehensive surveillance makes it impossible to ascertain how many persons actually die of the trauma associated with dog bites in this country each year, these 11 cases undoubtedly represent only a portion of the actual number that occurred during the reporting period.
CONTRIBUTION OF PROSTAGLANDINS AND THROMBOXANES TO THE ADENOSINE AND ATP‐INDUCED CONTRACTION OF GUINEA‐PIG ISOLATED TRACHEA

1 In in vitro experiments adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine were found to exert different effects on the guinea‐pig isolated trachea depending on whether the trachea had previously been contracted with acetylcholine (ACh) (6.6 × 10−6 m) or was at resting tone. 2 ATP and adenosine (10−5 and 10−3 m) were equipotent in relaxing the precontracted guinea‐pig trachea, since concentrations of 1.09 ± 0.35 and 0.39 ± 0.16 mm respectively reduced by 25% the ACh‐induced contraction. 3 ATP and adenosine (10−5 and 10−4 m) caused a moderate contraction of the guinea‐pig trachea under resting tone. This effect was antagonized by inhibitors of cyclo‐oxygenase (indomethacin 10−6m, aspirin 0.3 × 10−3m and 3 × 10−3m) and of thromboxane synthetase (nictindole 10−7m, imidazole 5 × 10−5 m), which suggests an indirect mechanism of action with release of arachidonic acid derivatives.
Parameters and Hemoparasites of Nonmigratory Canada Geese ( Branta canadensis ) From Greensboro , North Carolina , USA

Large flocks of wild, nonmigratory Canada geese (Branta canadensis) have established permanent residence throughout the eastern United States and have become a public concern. Few studies have assessed the hematologic parameters for these populations, which could provide useful information for monitoring individual and population health of Canada geese. This study measured the hematologic parameters and detected the presence of hemoparasites from 146 wild, nonmigratory Canada geese in central North Carolina, USA, during their annual molt. The age class, sex, and weight of each bird were recorded at capture. Values for packed cell volume (PCV), estimated white blood cell count, white blood cell differentials, and heterophil : lymphocyte ratios were calculated for each bird. Adults and female geese had higher estimated white blood cell counts compared with juveniles and males, respectively. The PCV increased with weight and age class. Adult geese had higher percentages of heterophils and heterophil : lymphocyte ratios, whereas juvenile geese had higher percentages of lymphocytes. Relative eosinophil counts in adults increased with decreasing bird weight, and relative monocyte counts in juveniles increased with increasing weight. Three percent of geese were infected with species of Hemoproteus blood parasites. Atypical lymphocyte morphology, including pseudopods, split nuclei, and cytoplasmic granules, was observed in 5% of the birds. The hematologic values reported for adult and juvenile nonmigratory Canada geese in this study may serve as reference intervals for ecological studies and veterinary care of wild and captive Canada geese.
How Places Shape Identity: The Origins of Distinctive LBQ Identities in Four Small U.S. Cities1

Tools from the study of neighborhood effects, place distinction, and regional identity are employed in an ethnography of four small cities with growing populations of lesbian, bisexual, and queer-identified (LBQ) women to explain why orientations to sexual identity are relatively constant within each site, despite informants’ within-city demographic heterogeneity, but vary substantially across the sites, despite common place-based attributes. The author introduces the concept of “sexual identity cultures”—and reveals the defining role of cities in shaping their contours. She finds that LBQ numbers and acceptance, place narratives, and newcomers’ encounters with local social attributes serve as touchstones. The article looks beyond major categorical differences (e.g., urban/rural) to understand how and why identities evolve and vary and to reveal the fundamental interplay of demographic, cultural, and other city features previously thought isolatable. The findings challenge notions of identity as fixed and emphasize the degree to which self-understanding and group understanding remain collective accomplishments.
Effect of isolated fractions of Harpagophytum procumbens D.C. (devil's claw) on COX‐1, COX‐2 activity and nitric oxide production on whole‐blood assay

The present study evaluates the effect of isolated fractions of Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw) on cyclooxygenase (COX‐1 and COX‐2) activities and NO production using a whole blood assay. The activity of COX‐1 was quantified as platelet thromboxane B2 production in blood clotting and COX‐2 as prostaglandin E2 production in LPS‐stimulated whole blood. Total NO2−/NO3− concentration was determined by Griess reaction in LPS stimulated blood. Assays were performed by incubation of isolated fractions obtained by flash chromatography monitored with HPLC, TLC and identified by 1HNMR, containing different amounts of harpagoside with blood from healthy donors. Indomethacin and etoricoxib were the positive controls of COX‐1 and COX‐2 Inhibition. Data shows that fraction containing the highest concentration of harpagoside inhibited indistinctively COX‐1 and COX‐2 (37.2 and 29.5% respectively) activity and greatly inhibited NO production (66%). In contrast the fraction including iridoid pool increased COX‐2 and did not alter NO and COX‐1 activities. The fraction containing cinnamic acid was able to reduce only NO production (67%). Our results demonstrated that the harpagoside fraction is the main responsible for the effect of devils claw on these enzyme activities. However, other components from devil's claw crude extract could antagonize or increase the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luseogliflozin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are expected to provide adequate glycemic control, and be safe and well tolerated, for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Luseogliflozin is a highly selective SGLT2 inhibitor that was recently approved for marketing and launched in Japan to treat T2DM. Areas covered: This review summarizes the published data regarding the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety of luseogliflozin for treating T2DM. Other potential benefits of luseogliflozin, including lowering body weight and blood pressure, beyond its glucose-lowering effects are also discussed. Expert opinion: Luseogliflozin lowers plasma glucose concentration and body weight, and has beneficial effects on other clinically relevant parameters, including blood pressure and uric acid, in patients with T2DM. Although it had a good safety profile in clinical trials, there may be some safety concerns, including a possible decrease in muscle mass and an increase in ketone bodies. Therefore, careful administration and consideration of its benefit–risk balance are necessary. When using luseogliflozin, it is important to select appropriate patients and to adhere to its guidelines for use. If used correctly, luseogliflozin is expected to be positioned as a new type of oral hypoglycemic drug for treating T2DM.
CNS-wide Sexually Dimorphic Induction of the Major Histocompatibility Complex 1 Pathway With Aging

The major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) pathway, which canonically functions in innate immune viral antigen presentation and detection, is functionally pleiotropic in the central nervous system (CNS). Alternative roles include developmental synapse pruning, regulation of synaptic plasticity, and inhibition of neuronal insulin signaling; all processes altered during brain aging. Upregulation of MHCI components with aging has been reported; however, no systematic examination of MHCI cellular localization, expression, and regulation across CNS regions, life span, and sexes has been reported. In the mouse, MHCI is expressed by neurons and microglia, and MHCI components and receptors (H2-K1, H2-D1, &bgr;2M, Lilrb3, Klra2, CD247) display markedly different expression profiles across the hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, and retina. MHCI components, receptors, associated inflammatory transcripts (IL1&agr;, IL1&bgr;, IL6, TNF&agr;), and TAP (transporter associated with antigen processing) components are induced with aging and to a greater degree in female than male mice across CNS regions. H2-K1 and H2-D1 expression is associated with differential CG and non-CG promoter methylation across CNS regions, ages, and between sexes, and concomitant increased expression of proinflammatory genes. Meta-analysis of human brain aging data also demonstrates age-related increases in MHCI. Induction of MHCI signaling could contribute to altered synapse regulation and impaired synaptic plasticity with aging.
Characteristics of a Bulk BPSCCO Magnetic Sensor Constructed by the Shock Compaction Method: Effect of the Shock Compaction Pressure on Magnetic Sensitivity

Recently, there has been an increased need for the development of a highly sensitive magnetic sensor for gathering new magnetic information. As one of the basic areas of research for the development of a highly sensitive magnetic sensor, the present authors have constructed a bulk Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (BPSCCO) magnetic sensor by the shock compaction method as a new fabrication technique of the bulk high-critical temperature superconductor (HTS). Values of the shock compaction pressure are systematically changed between 1 and 9 GPa to investigate the magnetic sensitivity of the sensor. It was found that the value of was related to the value of . The magnetic sensitivity reached optimum values when maintaining a pressure of 1 GPa, being approximately , and about 11 times that of a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor. The voltage fluctuation of a bulk BPSCCO sensor, when changing the value of , under a constant current density , was previously unknown. To help clarify this, systematic measurements were taken of the voltage noise power (VNP) spectrum of the sensor. The results lead to an important criterion for use in the design of a highly reliable and sensitive magnetic sensor.
Non‐Heart Beating Donor Kidneys with Delayed Graft Function Have Superior Graft Survival Compared with Conventional Heart‐Beating Donor Kidneys That Develop Delayed Graft Function

Delayed graft function may have an association with reduced graft survival, and nonheart‐beating donor (NHBD) kidneys have higher rates of delayed graft function (DGF) than heart‐beating donor (HBD) kidneys. This study compared outcome of renal transplants from HBDs who developed DGF, with NHBDs who developed DGF.
Incidence of Physical Disorders Among Psychiatric In-patients

he vomited and asked to be allowed to go fo bed. He complained of "noises in his head as if an engine were pumping away outside. " At 5 p.m. he became sleepy and refused a proffered cup of tea and a cigarette. At 5.40, 5.45, and 6 p.m. he again vomited and complained that the vomit tasted unusually acid. He also felt " icy cold " but otherwise better. At 8 p.m. he vomited for the Ihst time, and thereafter slept fitfully through the night. Next morning he '"felt a 'bit washed out" and "uneasy in the stomach," but he worked in the garden for two hours, morning and afternoon, as usual. Three days later, according to a previous arrangement, he travelled home (a long journey with two changes and waits, involving a three-days absence) to attend a meeting of directors, before, during, and after which he used on former occasions to indulge freely in drink. On this occasion he was primed with tetraethylthiuramdisulphide, 0.75 g. night and morning over the period. He did not experience any disagreeable sympto.ms and did not have any inclination to drink. His institutional treatment will shortly be terminated. Then, as an added precaution when in the outer world, a daily dose of 0.25 g. will be prescribed for a month or two with a view to giving him an added sense of security, as it has done to others. Comment
A mummified foetus from the tomb of Tutankhamun

One of the mummifid foetuses fiom the tomb of Tutankhamun displays what must be the earliest evidence of Sprengel’s deformity. The f m l e foetus is still-born, aged eight months or, at the most, nine months. There is radiographic evidence of dislocation at C5/6, tibia vara and increased metaphysial density. Serological investigation of tissue fiom the foetus suggests the presence of bloodgroup M and H substances. Possible rehtionships of this foetus to other pharaonic remains already investigated are discussed. R. G. Harrison is Derby Professor of Anatomy in the University of Liverpool. His collaborators are four : R. C. ConnolIy, Senior Lecturer in Physical Anthropology, University of Liverpool; A . B. Abdalla, Professor of Anatomy and Soheir Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Anatomy, University of Cairo; and M. El Ghawaby, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ein Shams University, Cairo.
Orthogonal Matching Pursuit From Noisy Random Measurements: A New Analysis

A well-known analysis of Tropp and Gilbert shows that orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) can recover a k-sparse n-dimensional real vector from m = 4k log(n) noise-free linear measurements obtained through a random Gaussian measurement matrix with a probability that approaches one as n → ∞. This work strengthens this result by showing that a lower number of measurements, m = 2k log(n - k), is in fact sufficient for asymptotic recovery. More generally, when the sparsity level satisfies kmin ≤ k ≤ kmax but is unknown, m = 2kmax log(n - kmin) measurements is sufficient. Furthermore, this number of measurements is also sufficient for detection of the sparsity pattern (support) of the vector with measurement errors provided the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) scales to infinity. The scaling m = 2k log(n - k) exactly matches the number of measurements required by the more complex lasso method for signal recovery in a similar SNR scaling.
Ploidy Determination of Candida albicans

The dimorphic yeast Candida albicans, as a member of the fungi imperfecti, has been assumed to be in the haploid, or imperfect, state. The deoxyribonucleic acid content of this species has been measured by flow microfluorometry, a technique capable of analyzing single cells. These results were compared with flow microfluorometric deoxyribonucleic acid determinations on a series of strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae of known ploidy (haploid, diploid, triploid, and tetraploid). These ploidy levels were readily distinguished by the flow microfluorometry procedure. By this criterion, C. albicans was found to contain a diploid amount of deoxyribonucleic acid. Ultraviolet radiation survival and chemical mutagenesis experiments support the conclusion that both clinically isolated and laboratory strains of C. albicans are diploid.
Specific immunotherapy with a standardized latex extract versus placebo in allergic healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of allergy to natural rubber latex proteins has increased over recent years among healthcare professionals but also in children undergoing multiple operations. Exposure to the antigen mainly occurs through the respiratory mucosa and the percutaneous route. Clinical manifestations range from urticaria to angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, bronchial asthma, or anaphylactic shock. Preventive measures have been proposed to reduce the risk of sensitization by using only powder-free or synthetic gloves and latex-free material in operating units, but this is not always possible. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy in sensitized workers. METHODS Seventeen patients with latex skin allergy and rhinitis (9 of whom also had asthma) were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (9 in the active group and 8 in the placebo group) for 1 year. Treatment started with a 2-day course of rush immunotherapy in hospital. Treatment efficacy was assessed after 6 and 12 months by means of symptom and medication scores recorded on diary cards. Conjunctival provocation tests were also performed. RESULTS Patients in the active treatment group had a significantly lower total rhinitis score after 6 (P <. 04) and 12 months (P <.05), conjunctivitis score after 6 months (P <. 02), and cutaneous score after 12 months (P <.03) than in the placebo group. Asthma symptoms after 6 or 12 months of treatment were not significantly different between the two groups after adjustment for baseline values. The global medication score was markedly decreased in the latex-treated group. A significant difference in conjunctival reactivity was observed in favor of the active group: the number of patients for whom the threshold dose was increased after 12 months of treatment was significantly greater in the active group than in the placebo group (P <.02). Most injections were well tolerated, but several adverse effects, including hypotension, urticaria, wheezing, and pharyngeal edema, were observed. CONCLUSION The clinical benefits observed during the present study included a significant improvement of rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and cutaneous symptoms. Immunotherapy also decreased allergen-specific conjunctival reactivity. Latex-specific immunotherapy may allow sensitized personnel to remain at work, but further trials need to be conducted in a larger number of patients.