Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Varronia curassavica: A Medicinal Polyploid Species in a Threatened Ecosystem

Varronia curassavica is an important medicinal species associated with the restinga, one of the most threatened coastal ecosystems of the Atlantic Forest. These circumstances call for studies aimed at estimating effective population size and gene flow to improve conservation efforts. Hence, the present study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity, ploidy level, and population structure of this species in different areas of restinga using microsatellites. Varronia curassavica was characterized as an autotetraploid, with high genetic variability, low divergence, and no significant fixation indices, indicating the absence of, or reduced, inbreeding and genetic drift in the study area. About 44% of the alleles occurred at low frequency in adults of all populations and 41% in the progenies evaluated. Gene flow was high, consistent with outcrossing species with high dispersal capacity (Nm = 4.87). The results showed no tendency toward isolation by distance. The estimated effective size indicates that the populations studied have the potential to ensure conservation of the species in the long term. The genetic variability and population structure of V. curassavica, as determined in this study, could form the foundation for activities directed toward the sustainable use of this resource and its conservation. Even though the restinga ecosystem has suffered dramatic reductions in area, this study provides evidence that this species is resilient to anthropogenic threats to its genetic integrity, since it is a polyploid with self-incompatibility mechanisms that contribute to maintaining high genetic diversity in an panmictic meta-population along the coast of Santa Catarina.
Mechanical energy expenditure while maintaining postural stability in shipboard motion environments Pt II: Results

The aim of this study was to examine the mechanical work performed by different joints in the human body and to correlate it with metabolic energy expenditure. The motivation for this was to better understand human performance at sea. Long-duration ship activities aggravate the chances of various motion disorders including motioninduced fatigue, motion sickness, sopite syndrome, and nausea. These disorders are major biodynamic barriers that reduce the efficiency of crew members and ship operators during operational tasks. The methodology of this research included developing a mathematical model of the human body to calculate the mechanical work expended while maintaining balance. This will aid in understanding the performance of humans during shipboard tasks and also help in formulating strategies to improve the efficiency of human performance. Experimental data from human subjects were collected on a ship motion simulator for twelve different deck motion conditions representing a typical frigate operating in four sea states with three ship headings relative to the principal wave direction. Data were collected using a motion capture system, foot pressure sensors, a load cell, and a metabolic analyzer. The mechanical work performed by the human body and individual body joints was calculated by developing a ninety-six degree of freedom mathematical model. This paper presents the results on variation of metabolic levels with sea severity, variation of metabolism demands with gender, correlation between mechanical work and metabolism, direct comparison of mechanical work with metabolic energy, and distribution of mechanical work among 14 body joints as a function of deck motion. The results of this research provide significant information towards understanding the impact of ship motion on human performance which can contribute to improvements in operational planning and ultimately safety of shipboard personnel.
MIMO MC-CDMA communications for future cellular systems

We propose an efficient multiple-input multiple-output concept based on space-time turbo coded modulation and layered spatial multiplexing architectures for cellular multicarrier code-division multiple access systems. We design appropriate receiver algorithms, and compare their performance to competing schemes in a single-cell system. We then evaluate the performance of the scheme in a seven-cell system with universal frequency reuse. The proposed MIMO scheme improves throughput significantly compared to the corresponding single-antenna communications even in the presence of spatial correlation
Building the mammalian testis: origins, differentiation, and assembly of the component cell populations

Testis development in the mammalian embryo requires the formation and assembly of several cell types that allow these organs to achieve their roles in male reproduction and endocrine regulation. In this review, Svingen and Koopman focus on the issues of cell differentiation and development of the testis architecture and highlight the questions that remain to be explored.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus M013, a pvl-Positive, ST59-SCCmec Type V Strain Isolated in Taiwan

ABSTRACT We report the complete genome sequence of M013, a representative strain of a pvl-positive, sequence type 59-staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type V (ST59-SCCmec type V) community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) clone in Taiwan. Comparison of M013 with the genomes of two CA-MRSA strains in the United States revealed major differences in the regions covering several genomic islands and prophages.
The association of reading disability, behavioral disorders, and language impairment among second-grade children.

Children with language impairment (LI) have been shown to be at risk for reading disability (RD) and behavior disorder (BD). Previous research has not determined the specific pattern of these conditions associated with LI. This study sought to determine if the behavior disorder and reading problems represented different outcomes or if these conditions occurred together when found with LI. A group of 581 second-grade children, including 164 children with LI, were examined for spoken language, reading, and behavior disorder. The data for each of these areas were examined as dimensional traits and as clinical categorical traits. Reading and spoken language were found to be strongly correlated (r = .68); RD was found in 52 % of the children with LI and in only 9 % of the controls. Scores of parent ratings for BD were also significantly correlated with spoken language scores (r = .29). Clinical levels of BD were found in 29% of the children with LI and 19% of the controls. An examination of the co-occurrence of clinical levels of BD, RD, and LI showed BD in children with LI to be conditioned by the child's reading status. The data indicated that whereas RD was directly associated with BD, the association of LI with BD required the mediation of RD.
Positive academic emotions moderate the relationship between self-regulation and academic achievement.

BACKGROUND Research has shown how academic emotions are related to achievement and to cognitive/motivational variables that promote achievement. Mediated models have been proposed to account for the relationships among academic emotions, cognitive/motivational variables, and achievement, and research has supported such mediated models, particularly with negative emotions. AIMS The study tested the hypotheses: (1) self-regulation and the positive academic emotions of enjoyment and pride are positive predictors of achievement; and (2) enjoyment and pride both moderate the relationship between self-regulation and achievement. SAMPLE Participants were 1,345 students enrolled in various trigonometry classes in one university. METHODS Participants answered the Academic Emotions Questionnaire-Math (Pekrun, Goetz, & Frenzel, 2005) and a self-regulation scale (Pintrich, Smith, Garcia, & McKeachie, 1991) halfway through their trigonometry class. The students' final grades in the course were regressed to self-regulation, positive emotions, and the interaction terms to test the moderation effects. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Enjoyment and pride were both positive predictors of grades; more importantly, both moderated the relationship between self-regulation and grades. For students who report higher levels of both positive emotions, self-regulation was positively associated with grades. However, for those who report lower levels of pride, self-regulation was not related to grades; and, for those who reported lower levels of enjoyment, self-regulation was negatively related to grades. The results are discussed in terms of how positive emotions indicate positive appraisals of task/outcome value, and thus enhance the positive links between cognitive/motivational variables and learning.
Usefulness of a test for slime production as a marker for clinically significant infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci.

The usefulness of a test for slime production as a marker for clinically significant infections with coagulase-negative staphylococci and its implications for therapy were examined. Hospital records were reviewed for 59 patients from each of whom more than one isolate of coagulase-negative staphylococci was obtained. In patients with a prosthetic device, 81% of 59 infectious episodes were due to a slime-positive coagulase-negative staphylococci. In contrast, 22 noninfectious episodes (in which the organisms were contaminants) were equally distributed between episodes due to slime-positive or slime-negative isolates (P = .005). Only 32% of infections caused by slime-positive organisms, in contrast to 100% of infections caused by slime-negative organisms, were improved by treatment with antibiotics alone (P = .02). Prosthetic device removal in addition to antibiotic treatment significantly improved the outcome in patients with infections due to slime-positive organisms when compared with treatment with antibiotics alone (93% vs. 32% improvement; P = .00025).
Attenuation of Intestinal Absorption by Major Efflux Transporters: Quantitative Tools and Strategies Using a Caco-2 Model

Efflux transporters expressed in the apical membrane of intestinal enterocytes have been implicated in drug oral absorption. The current study presents a strategy and tools to quantitatively predict the impact of efflux on oral absorption for new chemical entities (NCEs) in early drug discovery. Sixty-three marketed drugs with human absorption data were evaluated in the Caco-2 bidirectional permeability assay and subjected to specific transporter inhibition. A four-zone graphical model was developed from apparent permeability and efflux ratios to quickly identify compounds whose efflux activity may distinctly influence human absorption. NCEs in “zone 4” will probably have efflux as a barrier for oral absorption and further mechanistic studies are required. To interpret mechanistic results, we introduced a new quantitative substrate classification parameter, transporter substrate index (TSI). TSI allowed more flexibility and considered both in vitro and in vivo outcomes. Its application ranged from addressing the challenge of overlapping substrate specificity to projecting the role of transporter(s) on exposure or potential drug-drug interaction risk. The potential impact of efflux transporters associated with physicochemical properties on drug absorption is discussed in the context of TSI and also the previously reported absorption quotient. In this way, the chemistry strategy may be differentially focused on passive permeability or efflux activity or both.
Familial (Idiopathic) Paroxysmal Dyskinesias: An Update

The clinical, pathophysiological and genetic features of some of the familial (idiopathic) paroxysmal movement disorders are reviewed. The paroxysmal dyskinesias share features and therefore may have the same pathophysiological mechanisms as other episodic neurological disorders which are known to be channelopathies. Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis/dyskinesias (PKC/PKD) is a condition in which brief and frequent dyskinetic attacks are provoked by sudden movement. Antiepileptics particularly carbamazepine are very helpful for this condition. PKC has similarities to episodic ataxia type 1 which is caused by mutations of the KCNA1 gene. PKC and a related disorder in which infantile convulsions are associated (ICCA syndrome) have recently been linked to the pericentromic region of chromososme 16 in the vicinity of some ion channel genes. Paroxysmal exercise-induced dystonia (PED) is a rare disorder manifesting as episodes of dystonia mostly affecting the feet induced by continuous exercise like walking or running. The pathophysiology of PED is unknown and antiepileptic drugs are generally unhelpful. In paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis/nonkinesigenic dyskinesias (PDC/PNKD) the attacks are of long duration and induced by a variety of factors including coffee, tea, alcohol and fatigue but not by sudden movement. The gene for familial PDC has been linked to chromosome 2q close to a cluster of ion channel genes. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyskinesia is now known to be a form of frontal lobe epilepsy in some cases which may be familial with an autosomal dominant inheritance and has been given the eponym ADNFLE. ADNFLE is a genetically heterogenous condition. Mutations of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene that have chromosome 20q have been reported in some families with ADNFLE. However, another family with ADNFLE has been linked to chromosome 15 in the area of another nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene. Thus the familial paroxysmal dyskinesias appear to be clinically and genetically heterogeneous.
What did grinding stones grind? New light on Early Neolithic subsistence economy in the Middle Yellow River Valley, China

Grinding stones have provided a convenient proxy for the arrival of agriculture in Neolithic China. Not any more. Thanks to high-precision analyses of use-wear and starch residue, the authors show that early Neolithic people were mainly using these stones to process acorns. This defines a new stage in the long transition of food production from hunter-gatherer to farmer.
Growth changes in bighand thornyhead Sebastolobus macrochir off the Pacific coast of northern Honshu, Japan

The biomass of bighand thornyhead Sebastolobus macrochir was increased by the high recruitment success of the 1999–2002 year classes off the Pacific coast of northern Honshu, Japan. In this study, the growth of bighand thornyhead was examined over a 9-year period from 1996 to 2004 in this area. The growth of the 1999 year class and the 2000–2002 year classes was reduced at 3 and 2 years old, respectively, while the 1999–2002 year classes were smaller than the 1993–1998 year classes. In 2-, 3- and 4-year-old fish, the relationship between abundance and mean standard length was expressed by negative linear regressions, while fish became smaller when abundance of the year class was larger. Mean bottom temperatures were stable at depths of 350–900 m; variations in water temperature were small in the main distribution area of bighand thornyhead. We discuss the factors affecting the growth of bighand thornyhead via changes in the demersal fish community and feeding habits.
Role of Laparoscopy in Patients With Abdominal Trauma at Level-I Trauma Center

Introduction: Abdominal trauma is one of the preventable causes of death in polytrauma patients. Decision and timing of laparotomy is a major challenge. Rate of nontherapeutic laparotomy is still high. Laparoscopy can avoid nontherapeutic laparotomy and also provide a reliable and accurate diagnosis of injury. Materials and Methods: This ambispective observational study was conducted in the division of Trauma Surgery and Critical Care, JPN Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data of cases from January 1, 2008 through April 30, 2013 and prospective analysis of cases from May 1, 2013 through March 31, 2015 was done using appropriate measures. Hemodynamically stable or responders fulfilling inclusion criteria were included. Selected patients underwent the laparoscopic procedure and if required converted to laparotomy. Results: Of the 3610 patients of abdominal trauma, laparotomy was done in 1666 (46.14%) patients and laparoscopy was done in 119 (3.29%) patients. Rate of reduction of nontherapeutic laparotomy in patients with abdominal trauma using diagnostic laparoscopy was 55.4%. However laparotomy could be avoided in 59.7%. Laparoscopy was 100% accurate in identifying injuries in our study. No injuries were missed in these patients. Fever and wound infection were significantly higher in laparotomy group. Chest infection and sepsis were also higher in laparotomy group but the difference was not statistically significant. Median length of hospital stay in laparoscopy group was 4 days (range: 1 to 28 d) and in laparotomy group was 9.5 days (range: 2 to 55 d) with P-value of 0.001. Conclusions: Laparoscopy has a role in management of hemodynamically stable patients with suspected abdominal injury to prevent nontherapeutic laparotomies, and thereby decreasing postoperative complications.
Scene break detection: a comparison

The automatic organization of video databases according to the semantic content of data is a key aspect for efficient indexing and fast retrieval of audio-visual material. In order to generate indices that can be used to access a video database, a description of each video sequence is necessary. The identification of objects present in a frame and the track of their motion and interaction in space and time, is attractive but not yet very robust. For this reason, since the early 90's, attempts have been applied in trying to segment a video in shots. For each shot a representative frame of the shot, called k-frame, is usually chosen and the video can be analyzed through its k-frames. Even if abrupt scene changes are relatively easy to detect, it is more difficult to identify special effects, such as dissolve, that were operated in the editing stage to merge two shots. Unfortunately, these special effects are normally used to stress the importance of the scene change (from a content point of view), so they are extremely relevant, therefore they should not be missed. It is very important to determine precisely the beginning and the end of the transition in the case of dissolves and fades. In this work, two new parameters are proposed. These characterize the precision of boundaries of special effects when the scene change involves more than two frames. They are combined with the common recall and precision parameters. Three types of algorithms for cut detection are considered: histogram-based, motion-based and contour-based. These algorithms are tested and compared on several video sequences. Results show that the best performance is achieved by the global histogram-based method which uses color information.
Intravenous flumazenil following acute and repeated exposure to lorazepam in healthy volunteers: antagonism and precipitated withdrawal.

The effects of i.v. administered flumazenil (3.0 mg) were studied in healthy male subjects who received pretreatment with p.o. placebo or lorazepam. The duration of placebo or lorazepam (3.0 mg single p.o. daily dose) pretreatment before a flumazenil or placebo injection was 1, 3, 7 or 14 days in four sequential groups of subjects. Initial administration of lorazepam produced a classic sedative profile of effects on various psychomotor/behavioral performance, observer-rated and subject-rated measures. Tolerance to repeated daily administration of lorazepam was suggested by a progressive diminution of performance disrupting effects. In subjects pretreated with placebo, flumazenil increased subject-ratings of dizziness over preinjection ratings. Flumazenil produced an immediate reversal of lorazepam effects in subjects who were not tolerant to lorazepam (1- and 3-day pretreatment groups). Flumazenil did not precipitate withdrawal symptoms in subjects who received a single administration of lorazepam. Precipitated withdrawal symptoms were evident after 3 and 7 days of lorazepam pretreatment, and there was a tendency toward precipitated withdrawal symptoms (that included one panic attack) after 14 days of lorazepam pretreatment. Precipitated withdrawal was characterized by an elevation in subject-rated symptoms including dizziness, tenseness, tachycardia, perceptual disturbance and sweating. Symptoms were maximal immediately after injection, usually mild in severity and usually resolved within 1 hr. There was no evidence of precipitated withdrawal on psychomotor/behavioral performance or observer ratings. The present study provides the strongest human experimental evidence to date that flumazenil can precipitate withdrawal symptoms after a history of repeated benzodiazepine exposure.
Caloric beverage intake among adult supplemental nutrition assistance program participants.

OBJECTIVES We compared sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), alcohol, and other caloric beverage (juice and milk) consumption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants with that of low-income nonparticipants. METHODS We used 1 day of dietary intake data from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 4594 adults aged 20 years and older with household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. We used bivariate and multivariate methods to compare the probability of consuming and the amount of calories consumed for each beverage type across 3 groups: current SNAP participants, former participants, and nonparticipants. We used instrumental variable methods to control for unobservable differences in participant groups. RESULTS After controlling for observable characteristics, SNAP participants were no more likely to consume SSBs than were nonparticipants. Instrumental variable estimates showed that current participants consumed fewer calories from SSBs than did similar nonparticipants. We found no differences in alcoholic beverage consumption, which cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. CONCLUSIONS SNAP participants are not unique in their consumption of SSBs or alcoholic beverages. Purchase restrictions may have little effect on SSB consumption.
Particle production during out-of-equilibrium phase transitions.

Techniques are developed to calculate the energy production in quantum fields which obtain a mass through the spontaneous symmetry breaking of a second field which is undergoing a phase transition. All fields are assumed to be out of thermal equilibrium and weakly coupled. The energy produced in a field, which is initially in its ground state, is computed for two generic types of time-dependent masses: a roughly monotonic turn on of the mass and an oscillatory mass. The formalism is applied to the questions of particle production and reheating in inflationary universe models. Requirements are found which the couplings in new-inflation-type models must satisfy for efficient reheating to occur.