Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity does not explain variation in extra‐pair paternity in multiple populations of a songbird

Many songbirds are socially monogamous but genetically polyandrous, mating with individuals outside their pair bonds. Extra‐pair paternity (EPP) varies within and across species, but reasons for this variation remain unclear. One possible source of variation is population genetic diversity, which has been shown in interspecific meta‐analyses to correlate with EPP but which has limited support from intraspecific tests. Using eight populations of the genetically polyandrous red‐winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), including an island population, we investigated whether population‐level differences in genetic diversity led to differences in EPP. We first measured genetic diversity over 10 microsatellite loci and found, as predicted, low genetic diversity in the island population. Additional structure analyses with multilocus genotypes and mtDNA showed the island population to be distinct from the continental populations. However, the island population's EPP rate fell in the middle of the continental populations' distribution, whereas the continental populations themselves showed significant variation in EPP. This result suggests that genetic diversity by itself is not a predictor of EPP rate. We discuss reasons for the departure from previous results, including hypotheses for EPP that do not solely implicate female‐driven behaviour.
Light coupling in polymer nanofibers: from single-photon emission to random lasing

The understanding of the phenomena underlying the interaction of photons with dielectric, metallic and hybrid microand nano-structures and the development of advanced fabrication tools have paved the way to the realization of complex, nanostructured photonic structures, with tailored and exotic absorption and emission properties. Among such nanostructured materials, polymer nanofibers have intriguing and specific properties: they can embed molecular and quantum dot light sources, they can transport light among distant emitters and they can be arranged in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional architectures in a controlled fashion, forming complex networks of interacting light emitters. However, coupling of light with polymer nanofibers depends on many variables, being often limited by the arrangement and positioning of the nanoscale light-sources, and by the fiber geometry. Here we report on the fabrication of active polymer nanofibers with improved surface properties and controlled geometry by electrospinning. Polarization and momentum spectroscopy of light emitted by molecular compounds and single quantum dots embedded in electrospun polymer fibers, evidence that efficient, nanostructured photon sources with targeted polarization and coupling efficiency can be realized in nanofiber-based photonic environments.
Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia also treat fatigue, pain, and mood symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injury? - A multiple case report.

BACKGROUND Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often develop sleep disorders post-injury. The most common one is insomnia, which can exacerbate other post-injury symptoms, including fatigue, impaired cognition, depression, anxiety, and pain. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a manualized treatment that effectively treats insomnia with secondary effects on cognition, mood, and pain in various populations. OBJECTIVE This paper reviews the use of CBT-I for three participants with TBI of different severities. METHODS Pre- and post-treatment assessments of insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain were conducted. Mood was further assessed at follow-up. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores derived from the research literature were used to establish clinically meaningful symptom improvement on self-report questionnaires. RESULTS The reduction in insomnia severity scores for all three participants were not large enough to be considered a clinically significant improvement following CBT-I, although trends toward improvement were observed. However, all participants showed clinically significant reductions in anxiety at post-treatment; the effects persisted for 2 participants at follow-up. Reductions in depression symptoms were observed for 2 participants at post-treatment, and treatment effects persisted for 1 participant at follow-up. One participant endorsed clinically significant improvements in fatigue and pain severity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that CBT-I may provide secondary benefits for symptoms commonly experienced by individuals with TBI, especially mood disturbances.
Expression of active human C1 inhibitor serpin domain in Escherichia coli.

Human C1 inhibitor is a highly glycosylated serine protease inhibitor of the serpin family. The protein contains two disulfide bonds. In this study, an N-terminally truncated form of recombinant C1 inhibitor was overexpressed in Escherichia coli strains BL21(DE3) and AD494(DE3), the latter enabling the formation of disulfide bonds within the cytoplasm. With both strains, a major fraction of the recombinant protein produced appeared to be insoluble. However, the soluble fraction of lysates from strain AD494(DE3) inhibited the C1s target protease in functional assays. Recombinant C1 inhibitor produced in this strain also displayed the ability to complex with C1s in vitro. In contrast, lysates from strain BL21(DE3) displayed no C1 inhibitor activity. These data support the notion that glycosylation is not important, whereas disulfide bond formation appears to be essential for the production of an active recombinant C1 inhibitor. Thus, bacterial strains that permit the formation of disulfide bonds may represent a reliable system for the production of recombinant C1 inhibitor. However, a major obstacle to large-scale production will be to produce the protein in a soluble form. Attempts to increase the yield of soluble protein by coexpression of the GroEL/ES chaperonins resulted in an increase in solubility.
Optimizing Time to Exhaustion in Service Providers Using Information-centric Networking

Exponential traffic growth due to the increasing popularity of Over-The-Top Video services has put service providers under much pressure. By promoting in-network caching, Information-Centric Networking (ICN) is a promising paradigm to answer current challenges in the service provider's domain. This paper reports on a cache placement strategy for service providers to delay the onset of congestion (time-to-exhaustion) to the extent possible in order to optimize their capital expenditure for their limited capacity planning budget. We show that even a limited deployment of ICN provides a substantial increase in the time-to-exhaustion of the network and a decrease in the number of links with high utilization.
Src-Like Adaptor Protein Regulates B Cell Development and Function

The avidity of BCRs and TCRs influences signal strength during processes of lymphocyte development. Avidity is determined by both the intrinsic affinity for Ag and surface levels of the Ag receptor. The Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) is a regulator of TCR levels on thymocytes, and its deficiency alters thymocyte development. We hypothesized that SLAP, which is expressed in B cells, also is important in regulating BCR levels, signal strength, and B cell development. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the B cell compartment in SLAP-deficient mice. We found increased splenic B cell numbers and decreased surface IgM levels on mature, splenic B cells deficient in SLAP. Immature bone marrow and splenic B cells from BCR-transgenic, SLAP-deficient mice were found to express higher surface levels of IgM. In contrast, mature splenic B cells from BCR-transgenic mice expressed decreased levels of surface BCR associated with decreased calcium flux and activation-induced markers, compared with controls. These data suggest that SLAP regulates BCR levels and signal strength during lymphocyte development.
Immune Reconstitution following Stem Cell Transplantation

The period of immune deficiency following stem cell transplantation (SCT) results in significant morbidity and mortality. Whilst supportive therapies have partially improved the outcome of infective episodes, disease relapse remains a considerable obstacle to improvement in overall outcomes. An increased understanding of the importance of the immune system in preventing relapse has derived from studies in the allogeneic setting. Increasing awareness of autologous anti-tumor responses has also focused interest on enhancing such activity. Successful application of some of these newer therapies, such as tumor vaccination approaches, may depend critically on reconstitution of functional immune reactivity. Whilst early recovery of innate immunity (myeloid series and natural killer (NK) cells) results in reconstitution of protective immunity against many bacterial pathogens, both the absolute levels and function of T and B lymphocytes remain abnormal for many months or years. Incorporation of T-cell depletion, choice of graft type (both donor and source), development of graft-vs.-host disease and level of residual thymic activity can all influence aspects of the reconstitution process. Advances in immunological monitoring are providing new insights, particularly into the recovery of specific T-cell subsets. This review focuses mainly on recent advances in the understanding of immune reconstitution in the allogeneic setting.
Human duodenum responses to vitamin D metabolites of TRPV6 and other genes involved in calcium absorption

Calcium absorption by the intestine is necessary for bone mineralization. Much has been learned about this process and the role of vitamin D metabolites in gene transcription from animal studies, but the molecular mechanisms in humans are less well understood. We have used samples of normal human duodenal mucosa, obtained at endoscopy, to investigate the effects of the vitamin D metabolites, 1α-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD), on transcripts on genes involved in calcium absorption and vitamin D metabolism. TRPV6 transcripts were significantly higher after incubation for 6 h with 1,25(OH)2D3 (10−9 mol/l) than after control incubations (median difference 3.1-fold, P < 0.001). Unexpectedly, TRPV6 expression was also higher (2.4-fold, P < 0.02) after incubation with 25OHD (10−7 mol/l). Transcripts for the calcium-ATPase, PMCA1, were significantly higher with 1,25(OH)2D3; CYP24 transcripts were reliably detected after incubation with either metabolite, but calbindin-D9k transcripts were unaffected. The response of TRPV6 to 25OHD and the expression of transcripts for CYP27B1, the 25OHD-1α-hydroxylase, were significantly correlated (r = 0.82, P < 0.02). Basal duodenal expression of TRPV6 and CYP27B1 were significantly associated (r = 0.72, P < 0.001) in a separate previously reported series of subjects. Multiple regression analysis of the associations with basal duodenal TRPV6 expression identified CYP27B1 expression and serum 1,25(OH)2D as major factors. Expression of the CYP27B1 protein was demonstrated immunohistochemically in duodenal mucosa. This study has shown that human duodenal TRPV6, PMCA1, and CYP24 transcripts respond rapidly to 1,25(OH)2D3 and provides evidence suggesting that local duodenal production of 1,25(OH)2D3 by 25OHD-1α-hydroxylase may have a role in human calcium absorption.
Dynamic analysis of the Wenchuan Earthquake disaster and reconstruction with 3-year remote sensing data

Abstract Earth observation is an effective technique that plays an important role in earthquake damage reduction and reconstruction. This paper introduces the results of dynamic analysis on monitoring and assessing heavily impacted areas affected by the Wenchuan Earthquake using remote sensing data acquired in the past 3 years from 2008 to 2010. Immediately after the disaster on 12 May 2008, the Chinese Academy of Sciences launched a project entitled ‘Wenchuan Earthquake Disasters Monitoring and Assessment Using Remote Sensing Technology. ’ More than 400 images from 17 satellites and 20.2TB airborne remote sensing data were acquired to facilitate quick monitoring and evaluation of severely damaged areas in 14 counties. Results of the image analyses were forwarded on a timely basis to assist with consultative service and decision-making support. In subsequent years, in order to monitor the process of environmental restoration and reconstruction, airborne optical remote sensing images covering most of the severely damaged areas were again acquired in May 2009 and April 2010. These images were analyzed and compared along with images from 2008. Results were useful in support of further work on environmental protection and reconstruction in earthquake-damaged areas. Three typical areas were selected for illustrative purposes including Tangjiashan Barrier Lake, Beichuan County, and counties of Yingxiu and the new Beichuan. These results well demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of the utility of earth observation for disaster mitigation and reconstruction.
Canine ehrlichiosis: clinical, hematological, serological and molecular aspects

The aim of the present study was to compare the direct detection methods of Ehrlichia canis (blood smears and nested PCR), serological tests (Dot-ELISA and Immunofluorescent Antibody Test - IFAT), and demonstrate the most suitable test for the diagnosis of different stages of infection. Blood samples and clinical data were collected from 30 dogs examined at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The clinical signs most frequently observed were apathy, anorexia, pale mucous membrane, fever, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hemorrhages and uveitis. Evaluating the humoral immune response, 63.3% of the sera were IFAT positive, while 70% were Dot-ELISA positive. By nestedPCR 53.3% of the samples were positive. Comparing these techniques it was concluded that serology and nPCR are the most suitable tests to confirm the diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis, however it should be always treated as a complementary data to clinical and hematological evaluation. Serology has an important role in the subclinical and in the chronic phase, nPCR is recommended in the acute stage, and, especially, to identify the ehrlichia specie.
A stem injection of phosphite protects Banksia species and Eucalyptus marginata from Phytophthora cinnamomi for at least four years

Longevity of effectiveness of stem-injected phosphite against Phytophthora cinnamomi was determined in two ways. Injected and not injected Banksia grandis and Eucalyptus marginata were challenge inoculated with P. cinnamomi at different times over an 8-year period. The mortality of injected and not injected B. attenuata and B. grandis was monitored over a 16-year period on active disease fronts. Duration of phosphite effectiveness was determined from the time after stem injection to 50% inhibition of either lesion length or girdling following challenge inoculation with P. cinnamomi and time to 50% mortality following injection of trees in disease fronts. For both B. grandis and E. marginata, time to 50% inhibition of lesion length increased from 4–5 years for 50 g phosphite/L to at least 10 years for 200 g phosphite/L. Time to 50% inhibition of girdling was significantly less than that for lesion length. In B. grandis, time to 50% inhibition of girdling increased with phosphite concentration from 2.9 years for 50 g phosphite/L to 10 years for 200 g phosphite/L. Time to 50% inhibition of girdling in E. marginata was 4 years. Predicted response surfaces of the effect of phosphite concentration and time on inhibition of lesion length and girdling showed that there was a much more gradual decline in predicted inhibition in E. marginata than the more susceptible B. grandis. An injection of 100 g phosphite/L of Banksia trees on disease fronts delayed time to 50% mortality by 3 to 4.8 years (mean 4.1±0.6 years). At least 4 years of effectiveness of phosphite against P. cinnamomi in native communities is much greater than the ≲2 years found in agriculture. The effects of phosphate competition and adaptation to infertile environments on longevity of effectiveness of phosphite are discussed. Demonstration that the effectiveness of an injection of phosphite against P. cinnamomi will last at least 4 years in native flora confirms the practical utility of using phosphite injection for the control of P. cinnamomi in threatened communities. A greater understanding than available at present of the differences in phosphite uptake, within-plant distribution, loss and effectiveness between targeted plant species can optimise current phosphite prescriptions. Additional keywords: apparent mortality rate, host defence mechanisms, longevity, persistence, phosphonate, phytotoxicity.
Prevalence of Signs of Combination Syndrome : A Clinical Study

Combination syndrome when an edentulous maxilla is opposed by natural mandibular anterior teeth. The present article aims at recording the signs of combination syndrome in study population. This study was conducted in department of Prosthodontics in 2016. It included 160 patients having edentulous maxilla wearing maxillary denture and partially edentulous mandible wearing mandibular removable partial denture (Kennedy class I). They were assessed for various signs. 160 (30%) patients were found positive for combination syndrome out of 480 examined cases. Out of 160 patients, males were 75 and females were 85. Maximum cases were recorded for lack of maxillary denture adaptation (male13, female15). The need for replacement for maxillary denture was seen equally in 11 cases in males and females. Lack of mandibular denture adaptation was seen in males (9) and females (9). Growth of the tuberoisities was seen in 8 males and 10 females. Need for replacement for mandibular denture was seen in 10 males and 5 females. The difference was significant (0.02). Papillary hyperplasia was significantly higher in females (14) than males (7). Hypermobility of the anterior part of the maxilla was seen significantly higher in females (12) than males (6). 6 males and 2 females showed extrusion of lower anterior teeth. The difference was significant. Author concluded that the prevalence rate of combination syndrome was 30% with slight female predominance.
Bipolar I and II disorders in a random and representative Australian population.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of bipolar I and II disorders in an Australian population. METHOD The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was administered to 3015 respondents in a random and representative sample in South Australia. Health status, quality of life and demographic data were also collected. RESULTS There was a 2.5% lifetime prevalence of bipolar I and II disorders delineated by the MDQ. Those people had a significantly greater use of services and a poorer health status and quality of life than those who were MDQ-negative. CONCLUSIONS These results in an Australian population are consistent with other international studies showing a greater prevalence of bipolar disorders than hitherto appreciated.
Treatment with Fluvastatin Rapidly Modulates, via Different Pathways, and in Dependence on the Baseline Level, Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are frequently in an elevated inflammatory state which is correlated to the atherosclerosis-related and overall morbidity and mortality in this population. Statins, beyond their antilipidemic effects, are also considered to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and antioxidant properties. The individual response of HD patients to a short course of fluvastatin, the mechanisms involved in the immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects of this drug and the time interval to the appearance of these effects are investigated in this longitudinal study. Methods: In a group of 51 HD patients, fluvastatin 40 mg/day was administered for 4 weeks. Serial measurements of the lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and serum oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), were performed before, during, and after the treatment period. Results: Total cholesterol was significantly reduced after 14 days of treatment with fluvastatin (from mean ± SD 216.7 ± 34.3 to 179.2 ± 42.3 mg/dl, p < 0.001). IL-6 and ox-LDL were reduced on day 28 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively) and IL-10 was increased on day 14 (p = 0.05); CRP did not change significantly during the treatment period while sIL-6R was increased on day 28 of fluvastatin administration (p < 0.05). In a subgroup of patients with CRP, IL-6, sIL-6R, and ox-LDL baseline serum values ≧ the median and IL-10 ≤ the median, CRP was reduced on day 28 of fluvastatin treatment (p < 0.01), IL-6 and ox-LDL were reduced earlier, on day 14 (p = 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively) while sIL-6R did not change significantly during the treatment period. Conclusions: Treatment with fluvastatin rapidly modulates inflammation in HD patients. Enhancement of anti-inflammatory mechanisms and attenuation of the inflammatory and oxidative state contribute to this modulation. Patients in an elevated baseline inflammatory state respond more rapidly and effectively to the treatment. This immediate and multi-potent action of the statins could be clinically useful in acute atherosclerosis complications or in the treatment of chronic inflammation in HD patients.
Masculinity, femininity, and androgyny viewed and assessed as distinct concepts.

The objective of this study (N = 172) was to evaluate (a) the equivalence of the scales of the short Bern Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Extended Personal Attributes Questionnaire (EPAQ); (b) the construct validity of the short BSRI and EPAQ as measures of well-being; (c) the validity of the concept of androgyny as an intrinsically interactive (rather than simply additive) concept; and (d) the utility and meaning of two special EPAQ measures: unmitigated agency (M~) and unmitigated communion (Fc~). The short BSRI and EPAQ were found empirically interchangeable when placed in a multitrait-multimethod matrix and two extrinsic convergent validation rectangles. Results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis with interaction terms obtained with the Differential Personality Questionnaire (DPQ) provided only partial support for masculinity and femininity as measures of psychological well-being and no support for the significance of androgyny treated as an interaction of masculinity and femininity. Unmitigated agency and communion did not show the expected negative correlations with the mutual mitigation (interaction) of masculinity and femininity. Implications of this study for future investigations of androgyny and other integrative concepts denned by interactions are discussed.