Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seed dispersal syndromes in the rain forest of Chiloé: evidence for the importance of biotic dispersal in a temperate rain forest

TFhe dispersal syndromes of seventy-two species from the temperate rain forest of Chilo6 (42030' S) were analysed and compared with data for other temperate for- ests in New Zealand and New Jersey (eastern U.S.A.), and for dry, moist and wet neotropical forests. In Chiloe, ornithochory was the predominant dispersal syndrome for species of each growth form (70% of trees, 59% of shrubs, and 72% of vines and epiphytes). Only among the emergent trees anemochory was the most frequent syndrome. The overall distrubutions of dispersal syndromes were similar in Chiloe and New Zealand. In these forests, ornithochory was found in c. 70% and anemochory in 20-25% of the species. Mammalochory was rare in Chilo6 and absent in New Zealand. In contrast, mammalochory was more pro- minent in all neotropical sites (22-34% of the species). In proportion, avian-disseminated propagules were more represented among forest taxa in Chilo6 and New Zealand (67-70% of the species) than in the neotropics (35-53%). Deciduous forests of New Jersey, U.S.A. , showed similar proportions (-33%) of mammalochory, anemochory and ornithochory, having a distribution of syndromes that resembles that of dry neotropical forests. The contrasting array of dispersal syndromes in North and South temperate forests might be related to (1) the different ancestral pools for temperate forest taxa in each hemisphere, (2) the different relative isolati-on (past and present) of the areas compared, and (3) the different abundances of fruit-eating mammal species in each area. In all forests compared, with the exception of Chilo6, shrubs had the highest frequency of fleshy-fruited species. The higher incidence of ornithochory among shrubs seems to be related to the grea- ter bird activity in forest clearings and margins, which would act to reinforce the association of ornithochorous shrubs with such habitats. Mutual dependence between fleshy-fruited plants and fruit-eating animals may be well developed in the temperate forests of Chilo6.
Temporal changes in abundance of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) inhabiting the inland waters of Southeast Alaska

The views and opinions expressed or implied in this article are those of the author (or authors) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA. Abstract—Abundance of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) was estimated from data collected during vessel surveys conducted throughout the inland waters of Southeast Alaska. Line-transect methods were used during 18 seasonal surveys spanning 22 years (1991–2012). Estimates were derived from summer surveys only because of the broader spatial coverage and greater number of surveys during this season than during other seasons. Porpoise abundance varied when different periods were compared (i.e., 1991–1993, 2006–2007, and 2010–2012); however, persistent areas of high porpoise densities occurred in Glacier Bay and Icy Strait, and off the town of Wrangell and Zarembo Island. Overall abundance of harbor porpoise significantly declined from the early 1990s (N=1076, 95% confidence interval [CI]=910–1272) to the mid2000s (N=604, 95% CI=468–780). This downward trend was followed by a significant increase in the early 2010s (N=975, 95% CI=857–1109) when abundance rose to levels similar to those observed 20 years earlier. Potential factors that could contribute to the downward trend were examined. The 2 regions with high densities of harbor porpoise (i.e., Glacier Bay and Icy Strait as well as Wrangell and Zarembo islands), that were consistently occupied by this species, and the different trend values of these 2 regions indicate that some fine-scale population structuring may exist for harbor porpoise inhabiting the inland waters of Southeast Alaska. Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) are distributed throughout Alaska waters (Fiscus et al.1; Leatherwood and Reeves, 1978; Leatherwood et al.2; Lowry et al.3,4; Dahlheim et al., 2000, 2009; Hobbs and Waite, 2010), commonly inhabiting waters less than 100 m deep (Barlow, 1988; Carretta et al., 2001; Hobbs and Waite, 2010). Currently, 3 stocks of harbor porpoise are recognized in Alaska: 1) the Southeast Alaska stock—occurring from Dixon Entrance (54°30′N; 134°00′W) to Cape Suckling (60°00′N; 144°00′W), 2) the Gulf of Alaska stock—occurring from Cape Suckling to Unimak Pass, and 3) the Bering Sea stock—occurring throughout the Aleutian Islands and all waters north of Unimak Pass (Allen and Angliss, 2012). The boundaries of these 3 stocks are based on geography and
Effects of fatty liver on the size and composition of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol subpopulations in adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an emerging disease in the pediatric population. The association between T2DM and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been described. Recent evidence suggests that sizes and composition of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) may be more important that HDL‐C levels in predicting coronary heart disease. There is not data regarding the HDL subclasses distribution and composition in T2DM youths with NAFLD.
Expressional Regulation of Bombyx mori Fibroin Heavy-chain Gene by Bmo-miR-2739

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are a class of endogenous non-protein coding small RNAs that regulate expression of target genes at post-transcriptional levels by base pairing with target mRNAs. Silk fibroin heavy chain(Fib-H) is an important component of the silk protein in silkworm( Bombyx mori). To study the regulatory function of miRNAs on Fib-H gene will provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of high efficiency synthesis of silk protein in silk gland. We analyzed the 3'-UTR of Fib-H gene and the known miRNAs of silkworm by using target gene prediction software RNA22 and RNAhybrid,and found a target site of Bmo-miR-2739 in the 3'-UTR of Fib-H gene. To verify the regulatory function of Bmo-miR-2739 on the expression of Fib-H gene,Fib-H 3'-UTR was fused with firefly luciferase gene to construct the reporter plasmid. Then,BmN cells were co-transfected with artificially synthesized Bmo-miR-2739 mimics and the reporter plasmid. The result indicated that luciferase expression was up-regulated by 13% at 48 h after transfection,suggesting that Bmo-miR-2739 has positive regulatory function on Fib-H.
Critical Appraisal on the Quality of Reporting on Safety and Efficacy of Transcarotid Artery Stenting With Flow Reversal

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Transcarotid revascularization is an alternative to transfemoral carotid artery stenting, designed to avoid aortic arch manipulation and concomitant periprocedural stroke. This article aims to perform a detailed analysis on the quality of the currently available evidence on safety and efficacy of transcarotid artery revascularization. Although current evidence is promising, independent randomized controlled studies comparing transcarotid artery revascularization with carotid endarterectomy in recently symptomatic patients are lacking and will be necessary to establish the true value of transcarotid artery revascularization in carotid artery revascularization.
Effects of narrow row spacing and uniform sowing on canopy environment, individual plant traits and biomass production in late-sowing winter wheat

In order to investigate the effect of row spacing and seed distribution patterns on canopy environment and biomass production of late鄄sowing winter wheat in the North China Plain, the high鄄yield cultivar, Jimai 22, was sown in late October 2011—2012 and 2012—2013,with three row spacings (10, 15, and 20 cm) and two seed distribution patterns ( random and uniform distribution) within the row. Canopy structure and environment, individual plant traits, biomass accumulation, and yield components were measured. The results showed higher total leaf area and canopy relative humidity, lower canopy temperature, and canopy light leakage in narrow row spacing and uniform seed distribution than in wide row spacing and random seed distribution respectively, under the same sowing rates. With reducing row spacing or improving seed uniformity within the rows, individual plant trait variability decreased, ear distribution uniformity, post鄄anthesis biomass accumulation, grain weight per ear, and finally grain yield increased. Grain yield in 10鄄cm row spacing was higher than that in 15鄄cm row spacing and significantly higher than that in 20鄄cm row spacing; the yield in uniform seed distribution was significantly higher than that in random seed distribution in 15鄄cm or 20鄄cm row spacing. Based on the comprehensive study, it is concluded that combining narrow row spacing and uniform sowing is an effective approach to increase grain yield
Birds from the Miocene of Sharktooth Hill, California

For nearly half a century a small eminence just north of the Kern River, where it emerges from the mountains in Kern County, California, has borne the local name of Sharktooth Hill. Unrecorded thousands of beautifully preserved shark teeth have been taken from the loose sands along its eroded flanks. Whales, sea lions and several species of maritime birds have likewise been recovered from the deposit that is assigned to the Temblor phase of Upper Middle Miocene age. Mr. Edward Mitchell of the University of California, during a search for mammalian remains, retrieved a small number of bird bones which he most generously presented to me. They constitute the basis for this study. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Karyosystematics of Plecotine Bats: a Reevaluation of Chromosomal Data

Chromosomal characteristics seem to play a crucial role for the analysis of the phylogenetic relationships within the plecotine bats, as shown by a comparison of results obtained from morphological and chromosomal data with those from morphology only. Published descriptions of karyotypes of the genera involved, however, are based on different chromosome-banding qualities and even contain several errors. We compare the different results using our own published chromosomal data and present a revised scheme of the chromosomal complements of the plecotine genera.
Multicenter Clinical Investigation of a New Active Osseointegrated Steady-State Implant System

Objective: A new active transcutaneous bone conduction hearing implant system that uses piezoelectric technology has been developed: an active osseointegrated steady-state implant system (OSI). This was the first clinical investigation undertaken to demonstrate clinical performance, safety, and benefit of the new implant system. Study Design and Setting: A multicenter prospective within-subject clinical investigation was conducted. Patients: Fifty-one adult subjects with mixed and conductive hearing loss (MHL/CHL, n = 37) and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD, n = 14) were included. Main Outcome Measure: Audiological evaluations included audiometric thresholds, speech recognition in noise, and quiet. Hearing and health-related patient-reported outcomes (PROs; health utilities index [HUI], abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit [APHAB], and speech, spatial of qualities of hearing scale [SSQ]), daily use, surgical and safety parameters were collected. Results: Intra- and postoperative complications were few. One implant was removed before activation due to post-surgical infection. Compared with the preoperative softband tests, a significant improvement in speech recognition-in-noise was observed in the MHL/CHL group (–7.3 dB, p ≤ 0.0001) and the SSD group (–8.1 dB, p = 0.0008). In quiet, word recognition improved in the MHL/CHL group, most markedly at lower intensity input of 50 dB SPL (26.7%, p ≤ 0.0001). The results of all PROs showed a significant improvement with the new device compared with preoperative softband in the MHL/CHL group. In the SSD group significant improvements were observed in the APHAB and SSQ questionnaires. Discussion: The results confirmed the clinical safety, performance, and benefit of this new treatment modality for subjects with CHL, MHL, and SSD.
CB1-Antibody Modified Liposomes for Targeted Modulation of Epileptiform Activities Synchronously Detected by Micro-Electrode Arrays.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a focal, recurrent, and refractory neurological disorder. Therefore, precisely targeted treatments for TLE are greatly needed. We designed anti-CB1 liposomes that can bind to CB1 receptors in the hippocampus to deliver photocaged compounds (ruthenium bipyridine triphenylphosphine γ-aminobutyric acid, RuBi-GABA) in the TLE rats. A 16-channel silicon micro-electrode array (MEA) was implanted for simultaneously monitoring electrophysiological signals of neurons. The results showed that anti-CB1 liposomes were larger in size and remained in the hippocampus longer than unmodified liposomes. Following the blue light stimulation, the neural firing rates and the local field potentials of hippocampal neurons were significantly reduced. It is indicated that RuBi-GABA was enriched near hippocampal neurons due to anti-CB1 liposome delivery and photolyzed by optical stimulation, resulting dissociation of GABA to exert inhibitory actions. Furthermore, K-means cluster analysis revealed that the firing rates of interneurons were decreased to a greater extent than those of pyramidal neurons, which may have been a result of the uneven diffusion of RuBi-GABA due to liposomes binding to CB1. In this study, we developed a novel, targeted method to regulate neural electrophysiology in the hippocampus of the TLE rat using antibody-modified nanoliposomes, implantable MEA, and photocaged compounds. This method effectively suppressed hippocampal activities during seizure ictus with high spatiotemporal resolution, which is a crucial exploration of targeted therapy for epilepsy.
Variants in the Enteric Smooth Muscle Actin γ-2 Cause Pediatric Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction in Chinese Patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Objectives: Pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO) is a severe gastrointestinal disorder occurring in children, leading to failure to thrive, malnutrition, and long-term parenteral nutrition dependence. Enteric smooth muscle actin γ-2 (ACTG2) variants have been reported to be related to the pathogenesis of PIPO. This study aimed to determine the presence of ACTG2 variants in Chinese PIPO patients. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed using samples from 39 recruited patients, whereas whole ACTG2 Sanger sequencing was performed using samples from 2 patients. Published data was reviewed to determine the number of pathogenic variants and the genotype related to ACTG2 variants in the Chinese population. Results: A total of 21 Chinese probands were found to carry heterozygous missense variants of ACTG2, among which 20 were de novo. Fifteen probands had p.Arg257 variants (c.770G>A and c.769C>T), and the other 2 probands had c.533G>A (p.Arg178His) and c.443G>T (p.Arg148Leu) variants. Four probands had novel variants c.337C>T (p.Pro113Ser), c.588G>C (p.Glu196Asp), c.734A>G (p.Asp245Gly), and c.553G>T (p.Asp185Tyr). Conclusions: Variants affecting codon 257 of ACTG2 protein sequence appeared to be frequent in both Chinese and Caucasian PIPO patients, whereas p.Arg178 variants were less common in Chinese patients compared with Caucasian patients. The 4 novel variants in ACTG2 were also found to be related to Chinese PIPO.
A Case of Exophytic Type 2A Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma with Massive Necrosis

Most renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are clear cell RCCs, the second most common being papillary RCCs (PRCCs). PRCCs are sub classified as type 1, type 2A, type 2B and mixed type. Pure type 2A PRCCs are estimated to account for only approximately 1-2% of malignant tumors of the kidney. In this paper, we show a case of an exophytic type 2A PRCC with massive necrosis arising in an 80-year-old male. The tumor, which measured 45mm in diameter and showed exophytic growth, was in the left kidney. The tumor was resected by a partial resection of the kidney and was found to be mainly necrotic, while the viable part showed papillary growth. There were small cuboidal cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm covering thin papillae with a single line of uniform small-to-medium sized nuclei and small nucleoli. The tumor was also positive for cytokeratin 7. Following Yang et al, we diagnosed the tumor as a type 2A PRCC. Conclusion: Type 2 PRCCs should be clearly differentially diagnosed into type 2A or 2B, since the prognosis is different between these two types.
Long Noncoding RNA LUCAT1 Promotes Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth by Regulating the TGF-β Signaling Pathway

Objective: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential biomarkers for cancers. Nevertheless, the ability of long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 in patients with multiple myeloma remains unknown. The purpose of this current study was to figure out its function in multiple myeloma. Methods: Firstly, the expression of long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 in cancer or normal tissues and serum from patients with multiple myeloma and normal donors was detected. Secondly, the expression of long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 was overexpressed or silenced in U266 and H929 cells, respectively to detect changes of proliferation and apoptosis in multiple myeloma in vitro. Subsequently, the expression of transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway-related proteins was detected by western blot analysis. Finally, the effect of long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 on the growth of multiple myeloma cells in vivo was evaluated by tumor xenograft in nude mice. Results: Long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 was increased in cancer tissues and serum of patients with multiple myeloma as well as multiple myeloma cells, which was correlated with dismal prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. Overexpression of long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 promoted the activity of U266 and H929 cells, while inhibition of long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 suppressed the activity of U266 and H929 cells. In addition, long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 was found to promote activation of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway. Furthermore, long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 knockdown restricted the growth of multiple myeloma cells in vivo. Conclusion: This study suggests that suppression of long noncoding RNA lung cancer-associated transcript 1 inhibits the activation of transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the growth of multiple myeloma cells.
Acute Myocarditis in Children: a 10-year Nationwide Study (2007–2016) based on the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Database in Korea

Background and Objectives We performed a nationwide study to assess the incidence, treatment patterns, and outcomes of acute myocarditis in Korean children. Methods The nationwide incidence, treatment patterns, and outcomes of acute myocarditis in Korean children were assessed using data between 2007 and 2016 from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database. Results We investigated 1,627 children during the study period. The overall incidence of acute myocarditis was 1.4 per 100,000 children in 2007 and 2.1 per 100,000 children in 2016, which indicates a significant increase in the trend over time. A bimodal age distribution was observed with a larger peak in infancy and a smaller peak in the mid-teenage years. No sex difference was observed in the incidence rate of acute myocarditis in children aged ≤5 years (373 boys vs. 366 girls); however, the incidence rate of acute myocarditis in adolescents aged ≥13 years showed significant male preponderance (482 boys vs. 152 girls). Acute fulminant myocarditis occurred in 371 children (22.8%) who needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and/or mechanical ventilator support. Of the 371 children with acute fulminant myocarditis, 258 (69.5%) survived. The survival rate of children with acute fulminant myocarditis remained nearly identical over the 10-year study period. Conclusions This was the first nationwide epidemiological study to investigate acute myocarditis in Korean children. In our view, this study would help clinicians in decision-making and planning for optimal management of acute myocarditis in children.
Vascular actions of peripheral CGRP in migraine-like photophobia in mice

Background Calcitonin gene-related peptide is recognized as a key player in migraine, yet the mechanisms and sites of calcitonin gene-related peptide action remain unknown. The efficacy of calcitonin gene-related peptide-blocking antibodies as preventative migraine drugs supports a peripheral site of action, such as the trigeminovasculature. Given the apparent disconnect between the importance of vasodilatory peptides in migraine and the prevailing opinion that vasodilation is an epiphenomenon, the goal of this study was to test whether vasodilation plays a role in calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced light aversive behavior in mice. Methods Systemic mean arterial pressure and light aversive behavior were measured after intraperitoneal administration of calcitonin gene-related peptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide in wild-type CD1 mice. The functional significance of vasodilation was tested by co-administration of a vasoconstrictor (phenylephrine, endothelin-1, or caffeine) with calcitonin gene-related peptide to normalize blood pressure during the light aversion assay. Results Both calcitonin gene-related peptide and vasoactive intestinal peptide induced light aversion that was associated with their effect on mean arterial pressure. Notably, vasoactive intestinal peptide caused relatively transient vasodilation and light aversion. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced light aversion was still observed even with normalized blood pressure. However, two of the agents, endothelin-1 and caffeine, did reduce the magnitude of light aversion. Conclusion We propose that perivascular calcitonin gene-related peptide causes light-aversive behavior in mice by both vasomotor and non-vasomotor mechanisms.
Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Chinese Ischemic Stroke Patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), potentially associated with poor prognosis, is a major complication of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for ischemic stroke patients. We aimed to develop and validate a risk model for predicting sICH after EVT in Chinese patients due to large-artery occlusions in the anterior circulation. Methods: The derivation cohort recruited patients with EVT from the Endovascular Treatment for Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke Registry in China. sICH was diagnosed according to the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification within 24 hours of EVT. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to derive the predictive model. The discrimination and calibration of the risk model were assessed using the C index and the calibration plot. An additional cohort of 503 patients from 2 stroke centers was prospectively enrolled to validate the new model. Results: We enrolled 629 patients who underwent EVT as the derivation cohort, among whom 87 developed sICH (13.8%). In the multivariate adjustment, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; P=0.005), baseline glucose (OR, 1.13; P=0.001), poor collateral circulation (OR, 3.06; P=0.001), passes with retriever (OR, 1.52; P=0.001), and onset-to-groin puncture time (OR, 1.79; P=0.024) were independent factors of sICH and were incorporated as the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, Baseline Glucose, Poor Collateral Circulation, Passes With Retriever, and Onset-to-Groin Puncture Time (ASIAN) score. The ASIAN score demonstrated good discrimination in the derivation cohort (C index, 0.771 [95% CI, 0.716–0.826]), as well as the validation cohort (C index, 0.758 [95% CI, 0.691–0.825]). Conclusions: The ASIAN score reliably predicts the risk of sICH in Chinese ischemic stroke patients treated by EVT.