Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate affects embryonic development in a viviparous snake

Climatic conditions during embryonic development can exert profound and long-term effects on many types of organisms, but most previous research on this topic has focussed on endothermic vertebrates (birds and mammals). Although viviparity in ectothermic taxa allows the reproducing female to buffer ambient thermal variation for her developing offspring, even an actively thermoregulating female may be unable to provide optimal incubation regimes in severe weather conditions. We examined the extent to which fluctuations in natural thermal conditions during pregnancy affect reproduction in a temperate viviparous snake, the aspic viper (Vipera aspis). Data gathered from a long term field study demonstrated that ambient thermal conditions influenced (1) female body temperatures and (2) gestation length, embryo viability, and offspring phenotypes. Interestingly, thermal conditions during each of the three months of gestation affected different aspects of reproduction. Hotter weather early in gestation (June) increased ventral scale counts (=number of body segments) of neonates; hotter weather mid-gestation (July) hastened development and thus the date of parturition; and hotter weather late in gestation (August) reduced the incidence of stillborn neonates. The population that we studied is close to the northern limit of the species’ range, and embryonic thermal requirements may prevent Vipera aspis from extending into cooler conditions further north.
Geometric description of a discrete power function associated with the sixth Painlevé equation

In this paper, we consider the discrete power function associated with the sixth Painlevé equation. This function is a special solution of the so-called cross-ratio equation with a similarity constraint. We show in this paper that this system is embedded in a cubic lattice with W~(3A1(1)) symmetry. By constructing the action of W~(3A1(1)) as a subgroup of W~(D4(1)), i.e. the symmetry group of PVI, we show how to relate W~(D4(1)) to the symmetry group of the lattice. Moreover, by using translations in W~(3A1(1)), we explain the odd–even structure appearing in previously known explicit formulae in terms of the τ function.
Validation of the soil dielectric spectroscopic models with input parameters based on soil composition

In this paper, a comparative analysis of dielectric spectrum predictions for moist soils in the microwave band was carried out, regarding a well known and prevalent semiempirical dielectric model proposed in [1]-[3], on the one hand, and recently developed generalized refractive mixing dielectric model [5], on the other hand. The analysis is based on the measured dielectric data borrowed from [4], in which a set of soils measured includes all of grain-size distributions that are observed in nature, with measurements being performed over the range from 40 MHz to 17 GHz. In the case of the soil measured in [4] that has an intermediate position in terms of its texture parameters, input data for the semiempirical model were attained, using the texture and soil mineralogy data available in [4], and dielectric spectra predictions both for the dielectric constant and loss factor were calculated. Simultaneously, with the use of the dielectric data of [4], input parameters for the generalized refractive mixing dielectric model were derived, and dielectric predictions for the same moistures were calculated. Comparative analysis based on the measured data together with both predictions showed the semiempirical dielectric mixing model to generate dielectric constants and loss factors that have a noticeable bias relative to the measured ones, correlation coefficients being on the order of 0.93. At the same time, the GRMDM predictions appeared to correlate with the measured values with noticeably better accuracy both in the frequency and moisture domains. As a result, the ability to make accurate predictions for dielectric spectra with the use of the SDMM was shown to be doubted, regarding the moist soils, which falls out of the scope of soils measured and fitted to develop the SDMM in [1]-[3]. On the contrary, the GRMDM [5] has proved to be able to make predictions for the dielectric spectra of moist soils with the same error as that of initial dielectric measurements.
Age-related differences in parameters of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials

Conclusions. The statistically significant correlations between vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) parameters and age may be due to hair cell loss of the otolith organ and/or to degenerative changes of the vestibular neural pathway. These findings indicate that age should be taken into account when interpreting VEMP results. It is also important to determine a standard method for performing VEMP and a universal index for comparison among laboratories. Objectives. VEMP, which measures the surface electric potential from the cervical muscle evoked by sufficiently loud sounds, is a useful tool to evaluate vestibule-colic reflex function. We have assayed the effect of age on VEMP results. Subjects and methods. After excluding subjects with a previous history of dizziness, middle ear pathology, or other inner ear symptoms, a total of 97 healthy volunteers (194ears) were included. All VEMP parameters were analyzed to find differences related to side and gender, as well as the relationship between age and each VEMP parameter. Results. Age was correlated with all VEMP parameters. Latency of p13, n23 showed a negative correlation and amplitude of p13-n23 showed a positive correlation with age. Differences between the right and left sides were not significant.
Psychosocial functioning, self‐image, and quality of life in children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1

BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with neurocutaneus manifestations, as well as attention and learning problems. The aim of this study was to examine the psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and self-image of children with NF1. METHOD Two hundred forty participants were recruited, comprising 60 children and adolescents with NF1, 60 parents of children with NF1, 60 children and adolescents without NF1, and 60 parents of children without NF1. The children/adolescents completed the Self-administered Psychiatric Scales test for Children and Adolescents and the human figure drawing test, whereas parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Both children and parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. RESULTS Compared to healthy subjects, individuals with NF1 reported anxiety problems, poorer quality of life, and greater distortions in terms of self-image. When compared to healthy participants' parents, the parents of NF1 participants reported having more concerns about the quality of life, sociality, school performance, and attention span of their children. CONCLUSIONS Results show that the psychological functioning, behavior, self-image, and quality of life of children and adolescents with NF1 are compromised. Health services should take into account the psychosocial difficulties associated with NF1 and design rehabilitation programs aimed at increasing NF1 children's interpersonal skills, improving their social life and quality of life, and promoting more adaptive behaviors. In addition, health care interventions should also involve the parents of children with NF1.
Visualization of pinholin lesions in vivo

Significance How a virus schedules the termination of its infection cycle is a mystery. Here, we show that a small-membrane protein called a pinholin controls the infection cycle of a bacterial virus. By tagging the pinholin with a fluorescent marker, we show that, while the virus is replicating, the pinholin accumulates harmlessly and uniformly in the membrane until suddenly aggregating into foci (rafts), causing a fatal deenergization of the bacterial membrane and the onset of lysis. The entire temporal program of the virus may, thus, depend on achieving a critical concentration of a single protein. Lambdoid phage 21 uses a pinholin–signal anchor release endolysin strategy to effect temporally regulated host lysis. In this strategy, the pinholin S2168 accumulates harmlessly in the bilayer until suddenly triggering to form lethal membrane lesions, consisting of S2168 heptamers with central pores <2 nm in diameter. The membrane depolarization caused by these pores activates the muralytic endolysin, R21, leading immediately to peptidoglycan degradation. The lethal S2168 complexes have been designated as pinholes to distinguish from the micrometer-scale holes formed by canonical holins. Here, we used GFP fusions of WT and mutant forms of S2168 to show that the holin accumulates uniformly throughout the membrane until the time of triggering, when it suddenly redistributes into numerous small foci (rafts). Raft formation correlates with the depletion of the proton motive force, which is indicated by the potential-sensitive dye bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid)pentamethine oxonol. By contrast, GFP fusions of either antiholin variant irsS2168, which only forms inactive dimers, or nonlethal mutant S2168S44C, which is blocked at an activated dimer stage of the pinhole formation pathway, were both blocked in a state of uniform distribution. In addition, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching revealed that, although the antiholin irsS2168-GFP fusion was highly mobile in the membrane (even when the proton motive force was depleted), more than one-half of the S2168-GFP molecules were immobile, and the rest were in mobile states with a much lower diffusion rate than the rate of irsS2168-GFP. These results suggest a model in which, after transiting into an oligomeric state, S2168 migrates into rafts with heterogeneous sizes, within which the final pinholes form.
Real Time Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with PSMA-targeted Nanobubbles

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with microbubbles has shown promise in detection of prostate cancer (PCa), but sensitivity and specificity of detection remain challenging. Targeted nanoscale contrast agents with improved capability to accumulate in tumors may result in prolonged signal enhancement and improved detection of PCa with ultrasound. Here we report on a new nanobubble contrast agent that specifically targets prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) overexpressed in most prostate tumors. The PSMA-targeted bubbles (PSMA-NB) were utilized to simultaneously image dual flank PCa tumors (PSMA-positive PC3pip and PSMA-negative PC3flu) to examine whether the biomarker can be successfully detected and imaged using this probe in a mouse model. Results demonstrate that active targeting of NBs to PSMA rapidly and selectively enhances tumor accumulation and is critical for tumor retention of the contrast agent. Importantly, these processes could be visualized and quantified, in real time, with standard clinical ultrasound. Such demonstration of the immense yet underutilized potential of ultrasound in the area of molecular imaging can open the door to future opportunities for improving sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection using parametric NB-enhanced ultrasound imaging.
Common Wound Colonizers in Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa

Abstract: One of the major morbidities of patients with epidermolysis bullosa is the tendency to develop chronic wounds, which predisposes them to multiple complications including life‐threatening infections, failure to thrive, and squamous cell carcinomas. Chronic wounds frequently become colonized with bacteria, and we sought to identify the most common microorganisms isolated on cultures from patients with epidermolysis bullosa. We conducted a retrospective review of positive wound, nasal, and blood cultures, including bacterial, fungal and viral, in 30 patients with epidermolysis bullosa. Staphylococcus sp. , Streptococcus sp. , diptheroids, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida sp. were the most commonly isolated microorganisms in wound cultures from our epidermolysis bullosa patients. Two patients had viral cultures that grew herpes simplex virus type‐1. Bacterial colonization of chronic wounds can lead to infections and may also impact wound healing. Results from this study provide data on which to base empiric antibiotic choice in patients with epidermolysis bullosa when needed and may be useful in planning strategies for decolonization and improved wound healing in this population.
Histology and Cytometrics in Human Breast Cancers Assayed for the Presence of Prolactin Receptors

Histology and cytometrics were evaluated in 50 cases of human breast infiltrating carcinomas (44 ductal, 6 lobular) assayed for the presence of prolactin receptors (PR). The tumors were considered PR positive when the level of specific binding reached or exceeded 0.5 %. Twenty-six ductal infiltrating carcinomas and 4 lobular ones were PR positive. No strict correlation was found between PR and degree of histologic differentiation (expressed in grades) or menopausal status. Better differentiated (grade I) ductal carcinomas were, however, mostly PR negative. Evaluation of the mean nuclear diameter (MND) and of the maximal epithelial cellularity (MEC) revealed that in ductal carcinomas a high level of PR (> 3 % specific binding) was significantly correlated with a high MND. It is concluded that, contrary to that observed in estrogen receptor-positive tumors, PR-positive human ductal carcinomas are more likely to have large nuclei, i.e., cytologically anaplastic, whereas better differentiated (grade I) carcinomas are generally PR negative.
Perceptions of Web site design characteristics: a Malaysian/Australian comparison

Compares the perceptions of Malaysians (representing eastern, Asian culture) and Australians (representing western, European culture) for four Web site design characteristics – atmospherics, news stories, signs and products and services – as part of the integrated Internet marketing model. Under controlled laboratory conditions, two groupings of 30 subjects evaluated eight Web sites – four in Malaysia and four in Australia – in the retail and services sectors. Hypothesises that the predominant culture is not generalised to another culture. Some tentative support for the research premise is found since where a group’s perceptions for Web design characteristics and their effectiveness was significantly higher, it was for sites originating in that group’s country. Furthermore, perceptions both support and contradict previous research suggesting that Australians prefer an environment of low context and high explicit communications while Asians operate in an environment of high context that stresses implicit communications.
Classification and Clinical Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Recommendations of Recent Evidence-Based Interdisciplinary Guidelines

Objectives. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), characterized by subjective complaints without physical or biomarker abnormality, courts controversy. Recommendations in recent guidelines addressing classification and diagnosis were examined for consistencies or differences. Methods. Systematic searches from January 2008 to February 2013 of the US-American National Guideline Clearing House, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Guidelines International Network, and Medline for evidence-based guidelines for the management of FMS were conducted. Results. Three evidence-based interdisciplinary guidelines, independently developed in Canada, Germany, and Israel, recommended that FMS can be clinically diagnosed by a typical cluster of symptoms following a defined evaluation including history, physical examination, and selected laboratory tests, to exclude another somatic disease. Specialist referral is only recommended when some other physical or mental illness is reasonably suspected. The diagnosis can be based on the (modified) preliminary American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 diagnostic criteria. Discussion. Guidelines from three continents showed remarkable consistency regarding the clinical concept of FMS, acknowledging that FMS is neither a distinct rheumatic nor mental disorder, but rather a cluster of symptoms, not explained by another somatic disease. While FMS remains an integral part of rheumatology, it is not an exclusive rheumatic condition and spans a broad range of medical disciplines.
Bilateral connectivity in the brainstem respiratory networks of lampreys

This study examines the connectivity in the neural networks controlling respiration in the lampreys, a basal vertebrate. Previous studies have shown that the lamprey paratrigeminal respiratory group (pTRG) plays a crucial role in the generation of respiration. By using a combination of anatomical and physiological techniques, we characterized the bilateral connections between the pTRGs and descending projections to the motoneurons. Tracers were injected in the respiratory motoneuron pools to identify pre‐motor respiratory interneurons. Retrogradely labeled cell bodies were found in the pTRG on both sides. Whole‐cell recordings of the retrogradely labeled pTRG neurons showed rhythmical excitatory currents in tune with respiratory motoneuron activity. This confirmed that they were related to respiration. Intracellular labeling of individual pTRG neurons revealed axonal branches to the contralateral pTRG and bilateral projections to the respiratory motoneuronal columns. Stimulation of the pTRG induced excitatory postsynaptic potentials in ipsi‐ and contralateral respiratory motoneurons as well as in contralateral pTRG neurons. A lidocaine HCl (Xylocaine) injection on the midline at the rostrocaudal level of the pTRG diminished the contralateral motoneuronal EPSPs as well as a local injection of 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX) and (2R)‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (AP‐5) on the recorded respiratory motoneuron. Our data show that neurons in the pTRG send two sets of axonal projections: one to the contralateral pTRG and another to activate respiratory motoneurons on both sides through glutamatergic synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:1442–1456, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Targeting BCL‐2 family proteins to overcome drug resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer

Cytotoxic chemotherapies are standard of care for patients suffering from advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, objective responses are only achieved in 20% of cases and long‐term survival is rarely observed. Clinically applied anticancer drugs exert at least some of their activities by inducing apoptosis. A critical step in apoptotic signal transduction is the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM), which is regulated by the BCL‐2 family of proteins. Hence, therapeutic targeting of BCL‐2 proteins is a promising approach to increase the drug‐sensitivity of cancers. To this end we have assessed the impact of conditional expression of the proapoptotic multidomain (BH1‐2‐3) protein BAK, which directly permeabilizes the MOM, and the BH3‐mimetic ABT‐737, which acts indirectly by derepressing BH1‐2‐3 proteins, on apoptosis and drug sensitivity of NSCLC cells. Conditionally expressed BAK sensitized resistant NSCLC cells to drug‐induced apoptosis. In contrast, ABT‐737 was ineffective in those NSCLC cells expressing high levels of the anti‐apoptotic MCL‐1 protein. Tissue microarray analysis of tumor samples from 84 chemotherapy‐naïve NSCLC patients revealed MCL‐1 expression in 56% of cases, thus supporting the relevance of this resistance factor in a clinical setting. Enforced expression of the BH3‐only protein NOXA, which targets MCL‐1, overcame resistance to ABT‐737. Moreover, combining conditionally expressed BAK with ABT‐737 enhanced apoptosis in NSCLC cells independently of their MCL‐1 status. In conclusion, the heterogeneity of apoptosis defects observed in drug‐resistant NSCLC demands individually tailored molecular therapies. Targeting the MOM permeabilizer BAK appears to have a broader apoptogenic activity than the BH3‐only mimetic ABT‐737. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A 400 nW Single-Inductor Dual-Input–Tri-Output DC–DC Buck–Boost Converter With Maximum Power Point Tracking for Indoor Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting

This paper presents a single-inductor dual-input- tri-output buck-boost (DITOBB) converter that manages energy harvesting, energy storage, and power rail regulation of an indoor remote sensor system. The converter operates in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and regulates the outputs with a combination of pulse-skipping modulation (PSM) and constant-ON-time pulse-frequency modulation (PFM). To reduce the quiescent power, all the circuit blocks are turned OFF when the outputs are within regulation, except a system clock generator. A newly designed relaxation oscillator provides the main clock of the system, which requires neither reference voltages nor comparators. The frequency of the system clock doubles or halves based on the states of the sources and outputs following a proposed algorithm. The DITOBB converter has been designed and fabricated using 0.18 μm CMOS process. With a quiescent power of 400 nW, the designed DITOBB converter shows a measured peak efficiency of 83% at 100 μW output power.
Association between Developmental Defects of Enamel and Different Concentrations of Fluoride in the Public Water Supply

Objectives: To compare the prevalence and severity of developmental defects of enamel (DDE) among subjects whose maxillary incisors developed during periods with different concentrations of fluoride in the public water supply. Methods: Standardized intra-oral photographs of random samples of 12-year-old children were collected in 1983, 1991 and 2001 (n = 1,990) in Hong Kong and assessed for DDE by a trained masked examiner. The fluoride concentrations in the public water supply at the times when the enamel on their maxillary incisors developed were 1.0, 0.7 and 0.5 ppm, respectively. Results:The mouth prevalence of DDE for these children (based on the maxillary incisors) were 92.1, 55.8 and 35.2% in the years 1983, 1991 and 2001, respectively (p < 0.001). Most of these children were affected by diffuse opacities (89.3% in 1983, 48.5% in 1991 and 32.4% in 2001, p < 0.001). Marked differences in the mean number of teeth affected by DDE (p < 0.001) and in the maximum extent of DDE (p ≦ 0.002) between 1983, 1991 and 2001 were also observed. Conclusions: A decrease in the prevalence and severity of DDE among the maxillary incisor teeth of the children corresponded to the reductions in the concentration of fluoride in the water during the time of enamel development.